Back due to popular demand, I’m organising another Iraq (Baghdad and Babylon 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?
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 Iraqi Kurdistan 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.
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!
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 (they're generally the flights you'd be coming in on anyway!)
Boarding the plane on October 14th:
*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:
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.
The most difficult part, but we've got you!
(we essentially get your visa for you ahead of time, and you collect at the airport)
(Me!)
I'll be flying in from Beirut personally, you can fly there and we can fly to Baghdad together if you're more comfortable doing that :)
It's compulsory. I have 2 recommended providers who include Iraq on their travel list.
For our local team
Not expensive, we generally keep it local
Payable at the airport in cash, $80
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!).
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.
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.
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.