Private Tours in Iraq With a Local Guide

Yes — for the regions I take visitors to. Baghdad, the south, and Kurdistan have been stable for years and are welcoming to tourists. Tourism has grown significantly since 2017, and in 2021 Pope Francis visited Ur, Baghdad, Erbil, and Mosul. I know the security landscape better than any travel advisory written from abroad, and I’ve guided over 200 visitors without a single incident. Read my full guide to safety in Iraq.

For federal Iraq (Baghdad, Babylon, the south): yes, most nationalities need an eVisa (~$160), applied for online before arrival. I provide all supporting documentation as part of every tour. For Kurdistan only: most Western nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Erbil airport or apply for an e-visa online — much simpler. I’ll confirm the exact requirements for your nationality and help you through the process. Read the complete Iraq visa guide.

October through April is ideal for southern and central Iraq — mild temperatures, clear skies, and hardly any other tourists. Winter months (December–February) are the sweet spot. Kurdistan is best in spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when the mountains are green. Avoid June–September for the south unless you enjoy 45°C+ heat. Read the month-by-month guide.

My tours range from $120 per person for a day trip (such as Baghdad to Babylon) to $1,400 per person for the 10-12 day Complete Iraq, based on 2 travellers. Solo travellers pay a supplement; groups of 3+ get a discount. My prices are lower than most operators because I keep things simple — no heavy markups, no commissions, no inflated overhead. The exact price depends on your duration, group size, and any custom requests.

Absolutely — that’s the whole point. Every tour I run is tailored to you. Change the duration, add or remove destinations, adjust the pace, focus on specific interests (archaeology, food, photography, religion). My example itineraries are starting points — I build the final plan around your dates, budget, and what excites you most.

Yes — that’s the Complete Iraq Tour (10-12 days). You arrive in Baghdad, travel south through Babylon and the marshes, then head north through Samarra, Mosul, and into Kurdistan. You fly out of Erbil — no backtracking. One Iraq eVisa covers both regions. I handle all the paperwork and the border crossing between federal Iraq and Kurdistan.

In Baghdad, you stay at my guesthouse — a traditional Iraqi house on the Tigris with a terrace view of the Green Zone. It’s rustic and authentic, not a polished hotel, and guests love it. If you prefer a hotel, I can arrange that instead. Outside Baghdad, I book clean, comfortable hotels (3-4 star) with breakfast. In the marshes, there’s an option to stay overnight with local families.

Yes. I regularly guide solo female travellers and they consistently say they felt safe and welcomed throughout. Modest dress is needed at religious sites — I’ll advise you exactly what’s required before you arrive. Kurdistan is more relaxed in terms of dress codes. Many of my guests are solo travellers, both men and women, and since every tour is private, you get the exact same experience regardless of group size.

Get in touch via the contact form or WhatsApp. I’ll ask about your dates, interests, and group size, then send you a custom itinerary with pricing within 24 hours. No commitment until you’re happy with the plan. A deposit via bank transfer secures your dates, with the balance in cash (USD) when you arrive.