Following the fall of ISIS in 2017, YPT conducted our first research trip to Baghdad in April of 2018. The trip proved to be not only safe but incredibly informative and fascinating. This particular region has an abundance of ancient and modern historical sites completely unspoilt by tourism and ready for you to explore it with us.
The tour starts in Baghdad – the capital city of Iraq, where you’ll visit some of the world’s most unique monuments including Firdos Square – the very square where the Coalition forces toppled Saddam’s statue in 2003, and visit the unique Al Shaheed Monument – the most iconic structure in Baghdad commemorating all the wars held in Iraq.
You’ll explore the ancient site of Babylon, the Mesopotamian marshes, visit the holy city of Karbala and the southern city of Basra.
One of the absolute highlights is exploring Mosul – Iraq’s second largest city. Mosul was captured by ISIS in 2014 after the Iraqi troops withdrew. Over half a million locals escaped on foot or by car during within the first few days. Those who wanted to leave were forced to pay a “departure tax” giving up their homes, valuables or family members. In October 2016 Iraqi forces, alongside US and French forces fought back to reclaim Mosul which is in full control by the Iraqi government and people today.
You then begin your grand adventure of Iraqi Kurdistan – a prospective new nation protected by the Peshmerga which were at the forefront of the fight with ISIS. Despite its significance and proximity to probably the tensest area in the world, Kurdistan offers not only safety, but beautiful scenery, famed in Middle Eastern literature as a paradise on earth, with more than 3500 archaeological sites, and some of the most friendly and welcoming people on earth.
The trip takes you further into the world’s only Yazidi shrine at Lalish, before heading north to Duhok, the Saddam palace, Amadiya, and then looping around and heading south to Sulamaniyah, and back to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Erbil, checking out lots of cool sights in between.
We cover a huge amount of ground with our expert local guide explaining all as we go and taking us on the safest route. You’ll be walking on the street and meeting people who are extremely eager to meet foreigners after their country was off limit for years! Prepare for all your preconceived ideas to be challenged but also to have a lot of fun.
Friday 10th May – Baghdad Arrival
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Saturday 11th May – Baghdad – Ctesiphon – Agargouf Ziggurat – Karbala
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Sunday 12th May – Karbala – Babylon – Najaf
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Monday 13th May – Najaf – Ur – Marshes – Basra
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Tuesday 14th May – Basra – Baghdad
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Wednesday 15th May – Baghdad – Samarra – Mosul
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Thursday 16th May – Mosul – Bakhdida – Erbil
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Friday 17th May – Erbil – Duhok
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Saturday 18th May – Duhok – Rawanduz
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Sunday 19th May – Rawanduz – Sulaymaniyah
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Monday 20th May – Sulaymaniyah – Halabja – Sulaymaniyah
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Tuesday 21st May – Sulaymaniyah – Erbil
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Wednesday 22nd May – Erbil
Want to extend your YPT adventure? Join one of our great tour extensions
• Visa support
• Accommodation on twin share basis
• Domestic flight on Iraqi Airways from Baghdad to Erbil
• Breakfasts
• Transport to complete the itinerary
• English speaking local guide and YPT guide at all times
• Entrance fees unless otherwise specified
• Iraqi visa on arrival $75 – covers both regions
• Single Supplement ($600)
• International flights to Baghdad and departing Erbil
• Lunches, dinners and personal spending
• Tips for the local guide and drivers
We have expert guides ready to help answer any questions you may have.
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