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JOIN MY IRAQ TRIP; October 2023

Back due to popular demand, I’m organising another Iraq trip. This time in October 2023. It’s short, and sweet. I have great contacts in Iraq, and I can manage everyone’s visa in advance (yes including Americans!) without having to send your passport off or visit an embassy. Pretty cool huh? So if you have a dream to visit every country in the world, or you just want to see a place that most tourists never venture, then join me. And besides, who doesn’t want to sit in Saddam Hussein’s bathtub for a quick photo huh?

Why Visit Iraq?

Good question. For me personally, originally it was two things, one was to see the real side of a place that I’ve heard about in the news since I was a kid. I’m fed up hearing about Baghdad and not truly understand what’s happening. So I want to check it out for myself. Secondly, I had visited Erbil in ‘Northern Iraq’ as part of my ‘every country in the world’ thing’, and I knew that wasn’t the ‘real’ Iraq. So I wanted to put that right.

Of course, Iraq is a beautiful country too. Misunderstood for sure, but full of so much history, culture and warmth. The Iraqi people are so grateful to see tourists, to share their food, their traditions. It’s truly a magical experience. And to know you’re one of just a handful of tourists each year makes it all the more special.

Is it Safe to visit Iraq?

Safer than you think. That’s for sure. There is no need to travel with a security detail, Baghdad and Babylon are in the ‘safe’ areas of Iraq under full control of the new Iraqi government.

It’s much, much safer than my trip to Mogadishu, Somalia, or that stupid time I took my mum to Afghanistan! Our guides are local, trustworthy professionals who work with all the large multinationals when they send people to Baghdad. You’re in safe hands.

Also, the last time I took my mum! So that should vouch for how safe I think it is 🙂

IRAQ TRIP DATES

4 Days/3 Nights.

October 14-17, 2023.

IRAQ TRIP COST

$2299USD

Price based on per person sharing. Don’t worry, you can book and come alone, I’ll pair people up based on gender. Also, if you prefer your own room, a single supplement option is available.

What’s Included

• Iraqi Letter of Invitation
• Iraqi Visa Assistance (we essentially get your visa for you ahead of time, and you collect at the airport)
• All accommodation
• 3 Breakfasts
• Local guide
• Western Guide (me!)
• All entrance fees
• All transport
• Airport transfers

What’s not included

• International flights in and out of Baghdad, Iraq (I’m flying from Beirut, cost me about $150 one-way).
• Travel Insurance (I recommend THESE GUYS)
• Tips for the local staff
• Lunches and Dinners
• Iraqi Visa fee ($80 cash payable at the airport)

IRAQ ITINERARY

DAY 1:

Arrive into Baghdad airport where my team will pick us up and transfer us to the hotel. We’ll have an evening tour of the Karadda district and a group dinner.

I’ll be flying in from Beirut, Lebanon. We can all meet there and take the same flight if that makes you feel more comfortable (and Beirut is a super cool city anyway!).

DAY 2:

Time to explore Baghdad properly! We’ll hop in our private transfer with our lovely Iraqi guide and head to down town Baghdad for our city tour. We’ll hit up the the copper market, the bustling Almutanabi street, chill in some of the old Sheeshah coffee shops. And take a stroll through the alleys of Baghdad. This is what travel is all about.

DAY 3:

One of the Ancient wonders of the world beckons us today, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. We’ll make our way south of Baghdad, towards Hilla. Where we will explore the old historical city of Babylon, the base of the hanging gardens. We’ll also get to explore Saddam Hussain ransacked palace. A real sight to behold. We’ll head back to Baghdad for dinner and overnight there.

DAY 4:

Our flights leave Baghdad today, but depending on your personal flight time, we’ll see a different site of Iraq this morning and head to the new, modern Baghdad. Including the shiny Baghdad mall. It’s important to see how Baghdad is transforming, with a new hope for a new future. I find this day fascinating.

NOTE: I’ll be in Beirut a day or two before the trip. I’ll then fly into Baghdad from Beirut. You can join me there in advance if you want (I’ll be working and excercising too though, still probably time for a few Lebanese beers though!).

HOW TO JOIN THE IRAQ TRIP!

As always, you can contact me and pay directly if you’d like. I can take bank transfers to my UK, Revolut or Thai accounts. Or Paypal.

Or, you can click through and pay via credit card HERE

CAN ANYONE JOIN?!

In theory, yes. However, if you’re from a country other than the 38 countries listed below, then you’ll have to get separate permits AND visit an Iraqi embassy. Possible, but expensive (and time consuming!). Message me if you’d like to discuss.

Also, with arrivals, visas and airport transfers in Baghdad being a sensitive issue, we need people to arrive in Baghdad on one of these flights:

Boarding the plane on October 14th:

• Via Beirut: ME322 12.30-15.00 (THIS IS THE FLIGHT I’M ON)
• Via Istanbul: TK7692 @ 23.55 or TK302 @ 21.55 (the second one will require a wait in Baghdad airport, no probs there though)
• Via Doha (boarding the flights on October 15th): QR458, 01.15 to 03.15

*Note, if you fly via Istanbul or Doha you’ll miss the briefing, dinner, and city walk on Day 1. Not the end of the world, but please be aware.

And then depart on one of these flights on October 17:

• To Beirut: ME323, 15.00 TO 16.35
• To Istanbul:TK7693 @ 04.30 or TK803 @ 05.50
• To Doha: QR459 @ 04.15

If you really need to fly on a different airline, or at a different time, please message me. We can possibly facilitate it at an additional cost.

Applicable Countries:

1. Bahrain
2. Kuwait
3. Lebanon
4. Oman
5. Qatar
6. Saudi Arabia
7. United Arab Emirates Citizens
8. European Union European Union citizens
9. United States
10. United Kingdom
11. Russia
12. China
13. Japan
14. South Korea
15. New Zealand
16. Canada
17. Australia
18. Switzerland
19. Kuwait