"David crafted a once-in-a-lifetime safari for us. Every detail, from the lodges to the guides, was flawless."
Emma & James Wilson
From Australia · Travelled to Kenya
September 2024
Best Time to Travel: Spring (March–May) & Autumn (September–November)
Tailor-made Iraq Tours 2026, 2027 & 2028
Iraq is where the story of humanity began. Between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, the first cities rose and the first laws were written. Journey from the neon-lit riverfronts of Baghdad to the towering Ziggurat of Ur, a 4,000-year-old monument to the moon god. Explore the sprawling ruins of Babylon, wander through the labyrinthine mud-brick alleys of Erbil’s Citadel, and witness the golden-domed splendour of the holy shrines in Karbala and Najaf.
Iraq
Why Travel to Iraq?
Ancient City of Babylon
South of Baghdad, the cobalt-tiled Ishtar Gate and the towering walls of Nebuchadnezzar II’s Southern Palace mark the epicentre of Mesopotamia. Here, the mud-brick ruins of the Etemenanki ziggurat and the Processional Way reveal the precise origins of urban planning, cuneiform law, and imperial power.
Baghdad’s Old & New Faces
On Mutanabbi Street, the scent of old paper and tea fills the Shabandar Café, the historic heart of Baghdad’s intellectual revival. Nearby, the Iraq Museum showcases the treasures of Nimrud and Sumerian masterpieces, while the Abbasid Palace stands as a rare survivor of the city’s 12th-century golden age.
Southern Pilgrimage Routes
The gold-leafed domes of the Imam Ali Holy Shrine in Najaf and Imam Husayn in Karbala anchor two of Islam’s most important spiritual centres. In nearby Kufa, the Great Mosque’s 7th-century foundations and sand-coloured arcades mark the site where the Arabic Kufic script was perfected over a millennium ago.
Iraq at a Glance
- Capital
Baghdad
- Population
47.2 million
- People
Arabs, Kurds, Turks, Armenians, Afro-Arabs, Assyrians, Doms, Iraqiranians
- Religions
Shia Islam, Sunni Islam, Christianity
- Languages
Mesopotamian Arabic, Kurdish, Persian, Turkmen, Aramaic, Syriac, Armenian, Domari
- Currency
Iraqi dinar (IQD)
- Phone Code
+964
- Time Zone
UTC+3
- Power Plug
Types C, D & G
- Peak Season
Spring (March–May) & autumn (September–November)
- Dishes
Masgouf (grilled river fish), dolma (stuffed vegetables), kebabs, kubba (fried bulgur dumplings), biryani, samoon bread
- Neighbours
Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to the south, and Jordan and Syria to the west
- E-sim
Get an Iraq e-sim from Airalo or Holafly, or locally from Korek, Asiacell, or Zain outlets in Baghdad or Erbil.
- Visa
Iraq tourist visa information is available on the e-visa portal. Contact us for visa assistance.
Iraq Tour Packages
Prefer something entirely bespoke? Design a private Iraq journey.
What makes us different from the rest
Compare how Forward Travel stacks up against traditional travel agents and large tour operators.
| Feature | Forward Travel | Travel Agents | Tour Operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personalised itineraries built around your interests | |||
| Direct access to a dedicated travel expert (David) | |||
| Handpicked local guides in every destination | |||
| Flexible dates, pace, and on-trip adjustments | |||
| Transparent, ethical pricing with no hidden margins | |||
| 24/7 in-destination support | |||
| Exclusive small-group experiences (max 15) | |||
| Responsible travel & community give-back |
Iraq Travel Guide
Stories from the road
Traveller Testimonials
Real journeys, real words — hear from explorers who've travelled the world with Forward Travel.
"Our Patagonia trek exceeded every expectation. Forward Travel's local connections opened doors we never imagined."
Marcus Chen
From Singapore · Travelled to Argentina
March 2024
"The cultural immersion in Japan was extraordinary. We felt like welcomed guests, not tourists."
Priya Sharma
From United Kingdom · Travelled to Japan
April 2024
"From the Galápagos to Machu Picchu, every moment was thoughtfully curated. Truly bespoke luxury travel."
Sophie Laurent
From France · Travelled to Peru & Ecuador
November 2023
"Our family Antarctic expedition was the trip of a lifetime. David's expertise made all the difference."
The Patel Family
From Canada · Travelled to Antarctica
January 2024
"Morocco came alive through Forward Travel's guides. Every souk, riad, and dune was magical."
Olivia Bennett
From United States · Travelled to Morocco
October 2024
"The Bhutan itinerary was spiritual and breathtaking. We returned transformed and grateful."
Hiroshi Tanaka
From Japan · Travelled to Bhutan
May 2024
"An Iceland adventure beyond compare — glaciers, waterfalls, and northern lights, all seamlessly arranged."
Lukas Müller
From Germany · Travelled to Iceland
February 2024
"David crafted a once-in-a-lifetime safari for us. Every detail, from the lodges to the guides, was flawless."
Emma & James Wilson
From Australia · Travelled to Kenya
September 2024
"Our Patagonia trek exceeded every expectation. Forward Travel's local connections opened doors we never imagined."
Marcus Chen
From Singapore · Travelled to Argentina
March 2024
"The cultural immersion in Japan was extraordinary. We felt like welcomed guests, not tourists."
Priya Sharma
From United Kingdom · Travelled to Japan
April 2024
"From the Galápagos to Machu Picchu, every moment was thoughtfully curated. Truly bespoke luxury travel."
Sophie Laurent
From France · Travelled to Peru & Ecuador
November 2023
"Our family Antarctic expedition was the trip of a lifetime. David's expertise made all the difference."
The Patel Family
From Canada · Travelled to Antarctica
January 2024
"Morocco came alive through Forward Travel's guides. Every souk, riad, and dune was magical."
Olivia Bennett
From United States · Travelled to Morocco
October 2024
"The Bhutan itinerary was spiritual and breathtaking. We returned transformed and grateful."
Hiroshi Tanaka
From Japan · Travelled to Bhutan
May 2024
"An Iceland adventure beyond compare — glaciers, waterfalls, and northern lights, all seamlessly arranged."
Lukas Müller
From Germany · Travelled to Iceland
February 2024
Tailor-made journeys
Want to See Iraq on Your Own Terms?
Let's bring your dreams to reality. Whether you know exactly what you want or need inspiration, we'll design a journey as unique as you are.
Our Destinations in Middle East
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