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Published: 2022/12/27

RAQ Announce Two-Night Stand at The Stone Church in New Hampshire

RAQ has announced a pair of forthcoming concerts. The Burlington, Vt.-bred jam quartet will perform at The Stone Church in Newmarket, N.H., on March 24 and 25. The first night is set to include special guests, the Swimmers, followed by Squeaky Feet on night two.

New of the shows comes after the band recently made a return to touring after a prolonged hiatus, which began in 2018. Their official comeback occurred with a pair of shows on August 26 and 27 at Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke, Mass. 

In continuation of their highly anticipated return, RAQ performed at the acclaimed Green Mountain State venue, Nectar’s, on Oct. 14 and 15, where they welcomed Marble Eyes, who were featured special guests during the two-night affair. Watch here . 

The impending spring concerts were announced this morning. Tickets are on sale now for shows slated for Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25 . 

See the band’s post below.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by RAQ (@raqmusic)

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• October 14, 2022 Setlist

RAQ Setlist at Nectar's, Burlington, VT, USA

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RAQ Gig Timeline

• Jun 10 2016 Beanstalk Festival 2016 Westcliffe, CO, USA Add time Add time
• Jun 24 2016 Metro Chicago, IL, USA Add time Add time
• Oct 14 2022 Nectar's This Setlist Burlington, VT, USA Add time Add time
• Jul 01 2023 Peach Festival 2023 Scranton, PA, USA Start time: 5:00 PM 5:00 PM

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RAQ announces spring dates and new live release

* Pnuma Trio Opens Both NYC shows and the Pnuma PA set during set break each night.   

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RAQ Announces Rare 5-Night Halloween Mini-Tour

RAQ  is BAQ! The Burlington-native jam-rock quartet have announced that they will officially hit the road starting on October 31st for a five-night east coast Halloween Run supported by up-and-coming CT jammers Goose . The band, comprised of keyboardist  Todd Stoops , bassist Jay Burwick , guitarist  Chris Michetti , and recently-added drummer  Scotty  Zwang  will kick off the run with an All Hallows Eve performance at Washington, D.C.’s Gypsy Sally’s before traveling to Harrisburg, PA, Stanhope, NJ, Albany, NY and, finally, Hartford, CT.

RAQ has been touring as a four piece band for over a decade, though RAQ tour dates have been few and far between in recent years as the band members focused on a variety of other projects. Late last year, ahead of a rare three-night reunion run in the Northeast, the band announced the addition of Zwang on drums , a veteran of a variety of acts including Greenhouse Lounge, Sonic Spank, Dopapod . Since then, the band has played a handful of shows, but busy band member schedules have restricted the scope of the band’s touring.

Their first reunion shows last year left little doubt that the band still delivers tremendously, prompting older fans wishing the band was still full time and the younger generation wondering what they have missed. RAQ is currently working on a new album (their first since 2006’s Ton These ), and their 5-night Halloween jaunt matches their longest run in years, sparking excitement among fans for what many hope to be a renewed focus on the project from its ever-busy members.

You can see the full list of RAQ’s Halloween Run shows below. You can purchase tickets to each of the shows, through the venue websites .

RAQ 2017 Halloween Run Tour Dates October 31 Washington, DC – Gypsy Sally’s November 1 Stanhope, NJ – Stanhope House November 2 Harrisburg, PA – Appalachian Brewing Co. November 3 Albany, NY – The Hollow November 4 Hartford, CT – Arch Street Tavern

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The Best Iraq Travel Itinerary for 2024 (Map included)

This post may contain affiliate links. This just means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you for helping them promote their product or service. I don’t endorse any services I don’t personally use or recommend.

Iraq is not a country that requires a month-long stay. With the southern 3/4s of the country covered in barren flat desert your time in “federal” Iraq or the non-Kurdish region can be accomplished rather quickly. We decided, albeit a little ambitiously, to traverse the entire country (including Iraqi Kurdistan) in a little over 2 weeks. Unfortunately, that left little room for weather deviation, food poisoning, or just general exhaustion— but it can be done. If you’re short on time but want to experience the very best Iraq has to offer, here’s my 2-week Iraq travel guide complete with add-ons for travelers with more time. 

Obviously, the more time you have the better…but I know a lot of you are working with a two-week vacation time window. So I’m here to help.

Your Complete Iraq Travel Itinerary

If you’re planning on visiting all of Iraq in one visit, you should stay for no less than 2 weeks. This Iraq travel itinerary will assume you have 2 weeks (maybe more) in Iraq. If you have less consider sticking to either Federal Iraq or Iraqi Kurdistan. Not both.

Before you dig into this Iraq itinerary be sure to browse my other guides covering budget travel in Iraq, everything you need to know before you go, + tips for staying safe as a solo woman.

Is Iraq Safe? Tips From an American Woman Traveling Iraq

Is Iraq safe? For Americans? For solo women? Well, honestly, it’s a little complicated.…

Everything You NEED to Know Before Visiting Iraq (+ Iraq Travel Tips)

Iraq can give even full-time travelers/travel experts a run for their money. These are…

Overview of Our Iraq Itinerary

• Baghdad – 3 Days
• Samarra – 1 Day
• Karbala + Babylon – 1 Day
• Basra – 1 Day
• Iraqi Marshes – 1 Day
• Najaf – 1 Day
• Mosul – 1 Day
• Iraqi Kurdistan – 5 to 6 Days

Iraq Travel Itinerary Map

I’ve gone ahead and created a map for you all with my favorite Iraq sights, hotels, and eats.

For the Kurdistan attractions (outside of Erbil) check out my Iraqi Kurdistan Road Trip map .

Baghdad (Day 1 + 2)

If you’re planning on visiting Federal Iraq as an American or European this is where you’ll want to fly for visa purposes. 

 Baghdad reminds me a lot of Cairo . Dusty, polluted, filled with crowded outdoor street markets, and studded with colorful domed mosques. It’s not a particularly good walking city so you’ll have to rely on taxis to get around. My favorite days in Baghdad were spent sipping sweet Iraqi tea in cafes surrounded by shisha smoking men & wandering random street markets. Also, be sure to try both the Raisin & Apricot juice.  

What to see in Baghdad

It’s good to have a few things in mind that you want to see. But Baghdad is best when you just pop into mosques and markets. 

Martyrs Monument or Al-Shaheed Monument

These dramatic blue bell-shaped structures are great for iconic Iraq photos. The entrance fee is 3k IQD or $2 per person. It’s a little outside of town so I recommend getting a Careem.

Al Rashid Street, Al Mutanabi Street or Book Street , Abu Nawas Street

These are the three main walking streets. Al- Mutanabi is by far the most interesting. Known as “Book Street” it really comes alive at night as all the vendors display their wares.

“Cairo Writes, Beirut Prints, but Baghdad Reads”

Haji Zbala Juice Shop.  

They have been serving fresh made juice for well over 100 years. The grape is the staple (or raisin). But sour apricot is also great.

Shebandar Cafe.  

This cafe is special. At first, it looks just like the rest of the tea shops in Baghdad. But the tea here is great + it’s been around for generations. The owner actually lost all 3 sons and 2 grandsons in a car bombing during the war.

Darbunah Restaurant.

If you’re looking for high-quality traditional Iraqi food…this is it. It’s a little on the higher end of the food spectrum but that does not mean small portions. If you walk here be prepared to show your passport at various street checkpoints.

Al-Kadhimiyah Mosque, Ramadan Mosque, Mustansiriya Madrasa

The mosques in Baghdad are incredible. In all of Iraq really. Explore any + all that you can.

Copper Market

A love a good market. The copper market holds far more than simply copper. This market is your traditional Middle Eastern market filled with spices, housewares, food, and yes, hand-made copper goods.

Where to Stay in Baghdad: Royal Garden Hotel 

60,000 IQD or $41 for a double suite. Tell them you’re a member of Iraqi Travelers Cafe to get this discounted price. Breakfast is included. There are some cheaper places to stay in Baghdad on the outskirts of town but since you’ll have to deal with taxis and finding your own breakfast (not super easy in Iraq) I recommend splurging on this one instead. 

WhatsApp Number: +964 751 155 8090 (Shaima)

Another Cheaper Option: Kwestaan Hotel

This was recommended by a friend and fellow traveler. It should cost only 35,000 IQD for two people.

All hotels in Iraq are super expensive online. Don’t bother booking anything ahead of time either. You can arrange things via WhatsApp or just show up for a room.

Budget Travel Tip:  Getting to/from Iraq is expensive. Pegasus is a low-cost Turkish airline that flies from Istanbul & Ankara to Iraq for super cheap. Consider combining your Iraq visit with a long stay in Istanbul to enjoy its incredible cafes. Check out my blog post filled with more Iraq budget traveler tips! 

Add on Samarra (Day 3)

If you hate Baghdad (some people do) and are ready to leave after a single day or you have an extra day in Iraq you can visit the ancient city of Samarra and climb the spiraling minaret on a day trip. It takes about 2 hours one-way via minibus or shared taxi. Entrance tickets are about $17 pp. 

Karbala + Babylon (Day 4) 

Karbala. The holiest city for Shia/sunny Muslims in all of Iraq. You 100% cannot miss visiting the two shrines of Karbala. There are two holy cities in Iraq (Karbala + Najaf) & if you’re short on time and can only choose one…Karbala is the way to go.

Babylon is only a 40-minute bus ride from Karbala so the two destinations can easily be combined in a single day. Be sure to visit Saddams Palace while you’re in Babylon. It’s only a short taxi ride from the main gate.

For this Iraq travel itinerary, I recommend…

You leave early from your Baghdad hotel + head to the South Garage. Garage Allawi. From there, get on a bus to Hillah. This is the closest station to Babylon. From here, you’ll get a taxi to Ancient Babylon. It should cost you around $6. The main office or one of the guards at Ishtar Gate can watch your bags for an hour or two while you explore the city. Then take another taxi back to the Hillah Bus station (to Karbala). Grab a minibus to Karbala for $1.50 per person.

UPDATE: I’ve been told by a fellow traveler that while on the bus to Hillah you can inform the driver that you plan to go to Babylon and they will drop you off at a slightly closer point than Hillah station. You’ll still need to grab a taxi to the gate but it will be cheaper.

You could also take a minibus straight from Baghdad to Karbala, drop off your stuff at your hotel, & then head to Babylon and back to Karbala all in one day with no problem. 

What to see in Karbala: 

Imam hussein’s shrine + holy shrine of al abbas.

It’s best to visit these attractions late at night when they are fully lit. That’s what really makes them incredibly impressive. They are both open 24/7 and will be filled with other visitors at all times of the day. We went at 10 PM. But you could go as late as 3 AM if you’re inclined.

If you’re visiting during Ramadan, Eid, or another Muslim holiday Karbala is going to be packed. Book your accommodation way in advance. 

Eat fatty coconut sweets + fresh juice.

All around the area of the shrines are dessert shops. Find the busiest one and try a few things. Desserts are a big deal in Iraq (all of the Middle East really) + you should sample all kinds of things you don’t recognize.

Where to stay: Jennet Al- Kawther

This place is a great budget option and should be $20 or less for a couple.

WhatsApp Number: +964 783 419 3970

Or Burg Karbala. This place is a good backup if it’s a holiday and everywhere else is full. Or if you are looking for something a little fancier. Due to its close proximity to the shrine, you must wear an abaya at all times if you’re a woman.

Women Visiting Karbala?  To enter the shrine as a woman you’ll need to be dressed in a full abaya, not just a headscarf. You also can’t wear makeup, can’t bring in makeup (chapstick included), no nail polish, must wear socks, & must enter from the female inspection entrance. No cameras, bags, or phone power banks are allowed inside. Being a woman traveling independently in Iraq can be complicated. Read my whole blog post on tips for female travelers to Iraq for more information. 

Add Najaf (Day 5) 

If you have extra time catch a bus to the other holy city of Iraq. In a single day, you can visit the incredible shrine, the world’s largest cemetery (the second largest is in Peru ), & get a good feel for the small town. 

Where to Stay: Hotel Al-Maqam

I did not stay overnight in Najaf. But this place was recommended to me by many other travelers as a solid budget-friendly option.

I’ve been told that Najaf + Kufa are both excellent places to visit (specifically the mosque in Kufa) so be sure to fit them into your itinerary if you can!

Mesopotamian Marshes (Day 6) 

This is without a doubt the most unique & soon-to-be-famous attraction in all of Iraq. A must for your Iraq travel itinerary. If you visit Federal Iraq you must make it all the way south to the marshes. 

Depending on how long you want to stay, visiting can be a little bit complicated, however. You essentially have two options. 

Option 1: Day Trip w/ 1 Night stay in Nasiriyah 

Nasiriyah isn’t much in itself but it’s the closest town with lodging to the marshes. From here you can arrange a marsh tour with a street vendor or with Bilweekend (a company we used & highly recommend). A day visit should run about $30 for two and last 4-5 hours. 

Option 2: Overnight stay in the Marshes. 

This is the route we chose + have no regrets. Instead of staying in Nasiriyah, we arranged to go straight to the marshes with Bilweekend. You’ll get a sunset cruise, dinner, campfire, breakfast, & a morning tour of the marshes. Bilweekend is a well-known name in Iraq travel and they are super well-connected so expect to pay more than from other vendors. But I think the experience is worth it.  I’ve been told that other vendors will take you into the marshes overnight for around $75 for two.

Should you stay overnight in the marshes? This is not for everyone. The marshes are remote, swampy, & you’ll have primitive sleeping conditions at best. I detailed the entire experience in another blog post you can read here to help you decide if this is your kind of adventure. 

If you prefer to contact them via WhatsApp instead of Instagram… Bilweekend WhatsApp: +964 790 431 0853

Add Ziggurat of Ur

If you find yourself with a little extra time in Nasiriyah hire a taxi out to the Ziggurat of Ur! This massive structure is 4,500 years old and you can climb atop it for panoramic views. You only need an hour at the site itself. 

2024 Update: You can no longer walk on top of the Ziggurat! This is likely due to increased tourism in Iraq and in an attempt to preserve the life of the Ziggurat for centuries to come.

You could also have seen this sight on your way to the marshes if you took a private taxi or guide.

Why you *should* consider a tour of Federal Iraq.  Many of these ancient sites (like Samarra or the Ziggurat of Ur) are far from modern cities which makes getting to them without the help of a tour complicated & expensive. Companies like Bilweekend can also ensure you get through all the necessary military checkpoints & get you access to places other tourists CAN’T go (like the famously destroyed mosque of Al-Nuri in Mosul). I rarely recommend tours but in Iraq’s case…the benefits are high and the relative cost increase is reasonable.  

Add Basra (Day 7) 

We skipped Basra so I don’t have a lot to say about things to do in the port city. Basra has loads of fish markets, a unique seafaring vibe, & is home to the only functional train in Iraq. It only runs certain days of the week (weekends I believe) & connects with Baghdad. This is a good option to get back to the city before entering Kurdistan if the dates line up for you. 

Baghdad (Day 8) 

Otherwise, it’s too much travel time for one day.

Whether you are coming from Basra or from Nasiriyah as we did, you have a 6+ hour journey ahead of you to get to Baghdad. I recommend spending the night here before you continue on to Mosul tomorrow. It’s another long stretch.

Mosul (Day 9) 

Your last stop in Federal Iraq and perhaps the most infamous city in the country. From 2014 to 2017 the town was under ISIS’s control. From your first glance of the West side of the city, the destruction is apparent. Mosul is rebuilding quickly but this side of the river is absolutely decimated. Mosques, homes, and roadways lay in mountains of rubble. Bullet holes and bomb craters riddle every visible structure. Many buildings are just hollowed-out shells. But Mosul is undergoing a revival. Thanks to UNESCO, US, & UAE funds, historic buildings like the famous Al-Nuri mosque in Mosul are being restored. 

Mosul is an important piece of the Iraq picture & an absolute must-visit on any Iraq travel itinerary. 

You should also walk through the Old Market and the areas around the Al-Nuri mosque to get a look at the remains of Mosul’s Old City. 

Where to Stay: Alsfer Hotel

$15 for a two-person room. And it’s on the West side of the city which is infinitely more interesting.

Bilweekend Tour. We visited on a tour with Bilweekend and were granted access to the Al-Nuri Mosque, Syrian Catholic Church, and inside buildings still being cleared of land mines and explosives. I highly recommend at the very least, hiring a guide to get a little perspective on the horrors the people of Mosul endured for 3 years under the reign of ISIS. 

Getting to Mosul

There is public transport that runs regularly from Baghdad. No checkpoints and it only takes about 4 hours.

Erbil (Day 10 + 11) 

Welcome to Kurdistan. Although still technically a piece of Iraq this region could not be more different. For starters, it’s mountainous. Erbil is a lively little circular city with a massive central bazaar + park to wander, good food, and my favorite mosque in the Kurdistan region. 

Road trip!! Iraqi Kurdistan is also one of the easiest, safest, & most spectacular road trip destinations in the Middle East. Think snow-covered mountain peaks, green hillsides dotted with wildflowers, winding cattle-filled roads, and countless scenic overlooks. The landscape here could not be more different from the deserts of federal Iraq. We did a 4-day road trip in Kurdistan & laid out everything you need to know in this separate blog post. 

Where to Stay: Lord City Hotel 

40,000 IQD or $27 for a double room. All the rooms here have squat toilets instead of European. They also have huge windows overlooking the main bazaar and park fountains. Parking here is horrendous but the location couldn’t be better for those traveling on foot.

What to See + Eat in Erbil

Citadel castle, grand bazaar, + main square.

This is the main tourist plaza. The market here is filled with worry beads, turquoise rings, and all kinds of other unique goods. The Citadel Castle is especially good for sunset.

Fancy Coffee Shop, Tea Shops, + The BEST Breakfast Place in Iraq

Unfortunately, you can’t locate these exact places on google maps. But I estimated on the map I provided for you. Walk the perimeter of the main bazaar and you’ll find lots of coffee and tea shops, world-class shawarma + falafel, tasty soft-serve (get the pistachio kind), and lots of street food.

My favorite place is an outdoor alleyway breakfast spot. It has the best tea in town + you can order eggs with soft fresh bread. Super cheap and very authentic. I put the rough location on the map I provided.

Hummus + Fuul (Syrian Cuisine)

If I had to pick one meal to re-eat from Iraq…it would be this one. Unfortunately, it’s super far outside of town. But it’s worth a cab ride. We ate there before returning our car rental after our Kurdistan road trip.

Jalil Khayat Mosque

Foreigners are only allowed inside the mosque from 9-11 AM. Come prepared with an abaya or headdress. It’s just as impressive inside as it is outside.

Tamdar Restaurant (Kurdish Cuisine)

Finding traditional Kurdish food done well is difficult. This place does it. Be warned it’s kinda expensive but the portions are large enough to share.

Iraqi Kurdistan Road Trip (Days 12-15)

Now scoot on over to my Iraqi Kurdistan Road Trip Itinerary for your last 4 days in Iraq.

If you are against renting a car or don’t have a license, continue reading. These next stops can all be reached via public transport. Or hitchhike if you’re feeling adventurous! It’s very common in Kurdistan.

Akre (Alternative Day 12) 

Perched on a mountainside Akre is both accessible by public transport and perfectly picturesque. As far as “attractions” go there are none specifically worth noting but these are my favorite viewpoints & overlooks to walk to in the city. Visiting here also gives you the opportunity to enjoy the Kurdish countryside & if you’re feeling up to it— go on a hike. 

Why Akre instead of Amedi?  Amedi is a photo-worthy town sitting on the top of a lone mesa. The only problem is without a car you won’t be able to easily get the dramatic sweeping views this town is known for. If you’re relying on public transit or hitchhiking (perfectly safe in Kurdistan) I would recommend visiting Akre instead. 

Sulaymaniyah (Alternative Day 13 + 14)

The most blasphemous thing we did on our Iraq trip was to skip visiting Suli. This city is in the east corner of Kurdistan and is universally loved by travelers. Possibly because it’s the only city with a hostel in all of Iraq. Here you can visit the harrowing museums depicting the atrocities Saddam Hussein committed against the Kurdish people & also after, unwind with some panoramic Zagros mountain views. 

Where to Stay: Dolphin Hostel

The only hostel in all of Iraq. The owner here is super helpful and kind. Be sure to book in person or via WhatsApp for the best price. And don’t forget to drop that you’re a member of the Iraqi Travellers Cafe on Facebook.

WhatsApp: +964 770 184 6332

If you’re like me you’ll probably end your trip through Iraq with a flight out of Erbil (known for its cheap flights to Turkey). And that’s a wrap. This is a jam-packed 2-week itinerary in Iraq. Personally, I think that just under 3 weeks is the perfect amount of time for the road trip + all the extra add-ons without completely burning the candle at both ends. 

Let me know in the comments if you have any questions about Iraq or if you have any thoughts on other destinations to add to our Iraq travel itinerary! 

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Further Reading...

Guns, Methane Marshes, & Abou Haidar: Our Night Spent in the Heart of Ancient Mesopotamia

13 Beautiful + Famous Places in Iraq You MUST Visit

Very helpful post! Thank you so much for this! Is it easy to get shared taxis from one place to the other or you can get only obe or two per day? I am really between relying on public transportation and car rental!

Thank you for reading 🙂 It was very easy to get shared taxis between cities! I would recommend relying on public transit for federal Iraq and only renting a car in the Northern Iraqi Kurdistan region.

Very helpfull and inspirative 👍. Thank you

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How to Plan an Epic Iraqi Kurdistan Road Trip (Full Itinerary)

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Explore incredible Iraq and Kurdistan

Travel to Iraq, the cradle of civilization. The country proudly bears this honorary title. Former Mesopotamia is in the same historical list as Egypt, Italy, Greece, Mexico and China. Today, the country roughly consists of two main regions: The Autonomous Region of Kurdistan and Arab (Southern) Iraq. After a turbulent time, to say the least, the country is getting ready to move on. And that’s good news, because tourists are also increasingly seen in Iraq. The Kurdish part of Iraq is highly developed and easy to visit. For Southern Iraq you need a visa that is difficult to obtain and you are partly limited in your freedom of movement.

Name: Republic of Iraq Capital: Baghdad Population: 39 million Surface area: 435,052 km² Language: Arabic, Kurdish Neighbouring countries: Turkey, Iran , Kuwait, Saudi Arabia , Jordan, Syria

Incredible to experience a country like Iraq. Everything was well organised and perfectly taken care of. shane (ireland)

Kurdistan: a state within a state

It is good to realize that you have roughly two travel areas in Iraq. In the Northeast you have Kurdistan. This autonomous region has its own visa (upon arrival at the airport) and also has its own border posts within which you must stay. The area feels very Turkish / Iranian and very safe. Most trips start in Erbil, the largest city in the region. From there you travel to, for example, Lalesh, the sacred place for the Yazedis, the mountainous region of Rawandas, where you can ski in winter, or Sulaymaniyah, the second city of the region, which includes the infamous Amna Suraka museum .

Unique world heritage

Iraq is full of ancient (UNESCO) monuments, buildings and ruins that tell more about the rich history of the country. Some of the places are for example the Minaret of Samarra, the Ctestiphone, the Ziggurat of Ur, the Ziggurat of Dur-Kurigalzu and of course, the mythical place Babylon. All these places are definitely still worth a visit and it is absurd to realize that you have most places only for yourself.

Karbala & Najaf

Iraq has two very holy cities for Shia Muslims. The cities of Karbala and Najaf receive millions of pilgrims every year, for whom these cities are very special. The most important spots are in Najaf the Imam Ali Shrine and in Karbala the Imam Hussein Shrine. These places are among the most holy places for Shia Muslims. As a non-Muslim you can visit both cities and you will soon be impressed by the intensity of both cities.

Few cities in the world have such an exotic name as Baghdad. However, those who travel to Baghdad today see little of the rich history. Located on the Tigris River, Baghdad is a giant in the Iraqi desert. Baghdad is not only a city for tourist attractions (such as the National Museum), but also a place to get to know the Iraqis and their culture: old tea houses, delicious falafel and monuments reminiscent of Alibaba and the 40 Thieves, the Flying Carpet and the Magic Lamp.

The history of the area now called Iraq dates back to the origins of civilization. Writing was invented here. Literature, science and philosophy have their origins here. The area around the Euphrates and the Tigris was the beginning of Mesopotamia. Iraq is at the basis of important eras in the history of humanity. After the fall of the Neo-Babylonia Empire in the 7th to 3rd centuries BC , Mesopotamia fell under the rule of the Persians and Greeks successively. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the region became an Arab region, with Baghdad taking on an increasingly central role.

From the Ottomans via the American occupation to IS

After the fall of the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century, Iraq came under British rule. The Republic of Iraq was proclaimed in 1958, after which Saddam Hussein seized power in 1979. He ruled the country harshly. Moreover, he brought the country to war with Iran and Kuwait, among others. In 2003 he was chased away by the Americans, who seized power. The country was in chaos and there was little to no federal authority. Groups such as IS took advantage of this by taking over large parts of the country. IS was finally defeated in 2017. Since then, the country seems to be focusing somewhat on the future again.

I am interested in group tours to Iraq

I am interested in individual tours to iraq, already know what you are looking for, blog posts about iraq.

Baghdad in Iraq

Baghdad’s long and complicated history can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia. Baghdad has been home to empires, caliphates, and monuments of culture through the…

Malwiya Minaret in Samarra Mosque, Iraq: the Babel Tower in Real Life

Hatra, also known as Al-Hadr or Al-Hatrah, is an ancient fortified city and archaeological site located in modern-day Iraq. The city of Hatra was strategically…

Hatra Temple in Iraq: the Past and Present Life of a Lost Capital

UNESCO sites in Iraq

The cradle of civilization. Iraq’s famous nickname. And rightly so, the country is full of historic constructions that are reminiscent of a bygone era. Ancient Mesopotamia has always played a…

UPDATE: We explain everything here about visas for Iraq and Kurdistan

Do you have the cradle of civilization high on your travel list? Have you always wanted to set foot in legendary Babylon? Or are you…

Federal Iraq Tours

Join one of our tours in iraq.

After several decades of being isolated from the rest of the world, Iraq is finally gaining much-needed peace and stability, allowing travelers to discover the remains of Ancient Mesopotamia, as well as mesmerizing religious sites such as Karbala, or to experience a real cultural immersion in the Arab Marshes.

From Samarra to Babylon and Ur, our tours in Iraq are heavily focused on both historical and cultural Iraq but what makes us unique is that they also emphasize Iraq’s unfortunate contemporary history and the legacy of ISIS, which is still visible in the northern part of the country.

We have scheduled group expeditions for Iraq all year long, plus we can also organize any sort of private, tailored adventure.

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Need to know for your Iraq tour

How to get a visa.

There is a visa on arrival available at Baghdad International Airport. It costs $75.

Is it safe?

The situation is getting better by the day, plus we will be traveling with a group of local experts who know the latest security updates.

Which nationalities can join our Iraq tours?

Basically, all nationalities which are eligible to the visa on arrival. See FAQ.

Our scheduled group tours for Iraq

From Basra to Erbil, our Iraq tours cover the entire country, including the region of Kurdistan.

Most of our scheduled tours in Iraq are 8 or 9-day trips, usually composed of 12 people.

Our tours for Iraqi Kurdistan are also 1-week long, and we tend to schedule them, so you can combine both Iraq and Kurdistan in a 2-week long tour!

Upcoming Iraq Tours

These are all our upcoming tours to Iraq (including Kurdistan region)

Iraqi Kurdistan Budget Tour

Highlights of Iraqi Kurdistan during the blossoming month of April

Federal Iraq classic itinerary

From Mesopotamian Marshes to Karbala, Babylon, Baghdad and Mosul, this is one of the most sought tours we offer

Full Iraq Round 2: Federal Iraq + Kurdistan

Here’s an extended version of our Iraq tour, which also includes Kurdistan

Full Iraq with Fallujah

Here’s an extended version of our Iraq tour, which also includes Fallujah, Basra and Kurdistan

Full Iraq in Spanish

Here’s an extended version of our Iraq tour for Spanish-speaking people. This also includes Kurdistan.

Full Iraq before Ramadan

Our last tour to Iraq before the beginning of Ramadan

Iraq Kurdistan for Nowruz

Our regular Kurdistan tour during Kurdish New Year celebration

All our Federal Iraq Group Tours include

Accommodation

Private transportation and driver around Iraq

Breakfast and lunch

Clearance for all checkpoints

English-speaking Iraq tour guide

Entrance fees to all sites listed in the itinerary

Airport transfer in Baghdad

Fast-track visa service upon arrival in Baghdad

Private, tailored trips for Federal Iraq

Do you want to travel solo, or with a group of friends?

From city tours around Baghdad to compelling multi-day itineraries, we are able to design any sort of adventure based on your needs, 365 days a year, almost anywhere in Iraq.

If you can’t afford a private, solo trip, we can also help you find other partners to travel with.

Tell us your dates

When do you want to travel to Iraq

Which places do you want to visit

We will design the perfect itinerary based on your needs

Where do you want to start from

Erbil or Baghdad?

Sample itinerary for our Iraq tours

Here’s the standard 8-day tour we offer on most of our expeditions.

Day 1 – Arrival in Baghdad

• The first day is a day to take things easy.
• We will be welcoming you throughout the day, picking you up at the airport, and checking in at the hotel.
• Once everybody is settled, in the evening we can all go for a drink or dinner but officially, the sightseeing tour starts on day 2.
• Overnight in Baghdad.

Day 2 – Full day in Baghdad

• The guided tour starts on the second day, a day which we will spend exploring the city of Baghdad.
• We will discover the old book market, the leather and copper bazaars, the historical Shabandar café, and all the old city highlights. We will also visit the Martyr’s Monument and, depending on the political situation, we might also try to get into the Green Zone, let’s see.
• If open, we will also visit the National Museum of Iraq.
• In the evening, we will all go to Dar Al Atraqchi Heritage Cafe, a traditional but pretty modern café and restaurant.

Day 3 – Ancient Babylon and Karbala

• Ancient Babylon was the first great civilization in the world, believed to be the first city to ever reach a population of more than 200,000.
• World wonders such as the Hanging Gardens and the Tower of Babel used to be within these walls.
• Today, Babylon is an archaeological site, featuring a mind-blowing replica of the Ishtar Gate and an actual Lion of Babylon.
• We will also visit the former Saddam Hussein Palace, today overlooking the ancient city of Babylon.
• After lunch, we will head to Karbala, the holiest city in the world for Shia Muslims, a surprisingly touristic city visited every year by, literally, millions and millions of pilgrims.
• We will check out the two jaw-dropping shrines, and spend the night wandering around the lively streets of Karbala.
• Overnight in Karbala.

Day 4 – Karbala & Nasiriya

• There’s so much going on in Karbala that, in the morning, we will take things slowly, wandering around town, checking the places which we probably missed the night before, and then, we will head for Nasiriya, a good 4 to 5-hour drive, with checkpoints included.
• Nasiriya is the largest city in southern Iraq, a high-security city, home to the American-built Al-Hoot prison, a maximum-security prison today filled with ISIS fighters. Nasiriya is also the gateway to The Mesopotamian Marshes.
• Overnight in Nasiriya.

Day 5 – The Mesopotamian Marshes

• This is going to be one of the most exciting days of our trip, since we will head for Chibayish, home to the Arab Marshes, a wetland ecosystem in south Iraq, an aquatic landscape in the middle of the desert, home to a distinct cultural group called the Marsh Arabs.
• We will spend the entire day getting immersed into their culture by visiting their villages, islands and eating masgouf with them, an old Mesopotamian dish consisting of a giant grilled fish.
• In the evening, we will head back to Nasiriyah.

Day 6 – The Ziggurat of Ur and Back to Baghdad

• In the morning, we will visit Ur, one of the oldest cities in the world (3800BC) – even older than Babylon – and believed to be the birthplace of Abraham.
• Then, we will take the long ride to Baghdad.
• In the evening, we can all go for dinner or drinks, and discover the modern part of Baghdad.

Day 7 – Samarra, Hatra and Mosul

• Samarra is a city controlled by a Shia Militia, a city practically impossible to visit for independent travelers but thanks to our expert local guides, hopefully, we won’t run into any issues.
• The city is famous for the spiral minaret of Malwiya, a UNESCO Heritage Site and one of the most famous landmarks in Iraq , absolutely stunning.
• Then, on our way to Mosul, we will stop in Hatra, a very well-preserved ancient Mesopotamian city, located in the middle of nowhere, and also a former ISIS training camp. We will have the chance to see actual ISIS graffiti.
• Overnight in Mosul .

Day 8 – Mosul

• Mosul is the second most important city in Iraq and one of the oldest cities in the world, the place where ancient Nineveh was found.
• In 2017, the city was liberated from ISIS, and people have already started to come back.
• Yes, we will explore the war-torn old city and all its destroyed buildings, but we will also discover Mosul’s most human side by witnessing the reconstruction, getting to know kind-hearted locals, and also checking out all the lively bazaars.
• Overnight in Mosul.

A visa is available on arrival at Baghdad International Airport. It costs 75USD.

This visa is valid for all of Iraq, including Kurdistan.

Which nationalities can join these tours?

Basically, all nationalities which are eligible to the visa on arrival:

All European Union passport holders, and also the United States (yes, Americans can travel to Iraq ), United Kingdom, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland

The situation is getting better and better by the day, plus we will be traveling with a group of local experts who know the latest security updates. Moreover, we will always stick to the stable areas of Iraq.

For more information, check my Iraq safety guide .

How can I get to Iraq?

Both Baghdad and Erbil have an international airport with plenty of connections from Istanbul (Pegasus and Turkish), Doha (Qatar), or Dubai (Emirates).

Are there ATMs in Iraq?

Yes, unlike Iran or Syria, Iraq is not subjected to all those sanctions and some of their banks do accept foreign debit or credit cards.

However, Iraq is a cash economy, so it’s recommended to also bring cash. Both euros and US dollars can be easily exchanged everywhere.

Do you recommend a specific travel insurance?

Either you are joining one of our trips, or you are traveling by yourself, you might want to look for proper travel insurance. Against the Compass has been a partner with IATI for several years already, recommending it to all readers, as well as covering all Joan Torres’ personal trips.

We like it because It covers all the countries where the FCDO advises against all travel, it offers budget plans and covers all sorts of adventure activities.

Against the Compass readers can benefit from a 5% discount .

Get a quote here to claim your discount

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