Photo credit: Jake Smith

Diversity and Adversity in the Cradle of Civilization

Iraq is a uniquely fascinating country, even by the high standards set by its neighbors. Given the ceaseless conflicts of the past half century and the ensuing intense media coverage, many outsiders know it only as war-town desert. That perception, however, does the country and its people a great disservice. Iraq is so much more than those fragments of its recent history. It is incredibly diverse – Kurds, Shia and Sunni Arabs, Turkmens, Assyrian Christians, Yazidis, Armenians, and many more call the country’s cities, deserts, mountains, plains, and marshes home. Iraq is exceedingly rich in history and historical sights. UNESCO-listed ancient cities dating back thousands of years dot the countryside. Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, Achaemenids, Alexander the Great, Sassanians, Parthians, Romans, Abbasids, and Ottomans all governed here. And now Iraq is open for travel and tourism once more, so that visitors from abroad can experience this history and these cultures firsthand. With the fall of the Islamic State, the establishment of an autonomous Kurdistan, and a more representative government than it has seen before, the nation is poised to enter a long-awaited and much-deserved period of stability and prosperity.

Why travel to Iraq with MIR

Iraq is a welcoming and open destination, but given the nascent travel industry and lingering security concerns, having a trusted and expert travel planner is key. MIR’s guides and logisticians know the nuances of exploring here. Beyond knowing the ins and outs of arranging a journey through Iraq, they’re ambassadors to the culture, dedicated to ensuring that you have the rich travel experience that you are seeking. Join us!

  • 35 years of travel experience
  • Twice named one of National Geographic Adventure’s “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth”
  • Personalized travel planning from start to finish
  • On-the-ground support
  • Guides and tour managers that clients rave about
  • Quality you can trust
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Chat with one of our destination specialists by email or by phone at 1-800-424-7289 to start planning your travels today.
Locals gathered atop the Erbil Citadel. Photo credit: Michel Behar
The UNESCO-listed citadel at Ur. Photo credit: Explore Mesopotamia
A Syriac Orthodox Monk at St. Matthew's Monastery. Photo credit: Michel Behar
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  • Locals gathered atop the Erbil Citadel. Photo credit: Michel Behar Locals gathered atop the Erbil Citadel. Michel Behar
  • A replica of the Ishtar Gate, leading travelers towards Ancient Babylon. Jake Smith
  • The UNESCO-listed citadel at Ur. Photo credit: Explore Mesopotamia The UNESCO-listed citadel at Ur. Explore Mesopotamia
  • A Syriac Orthodox Monk at St. Matthew's Monastery. Photo credit: Michel Behar A Syriac Orthodox Monk at St. Matthew's Monastery. Michel Behar
  • A mural within Saddam's Palace at the site of Ancient Babylon. Jake Smith
  • Riding through the reedy marshes of southern Iraq. Photo credit: Explore Mesopotamia Riding through the reedy marshes of southern Iraq. Explore Mesopotamia
  • Inside the Yazidi temple at Lalish, the religion's most sacred site. Photo credit: Michel Behar Inside the Yazidi temple at Lalish, the religion's most sacred site. Michel Behar
  • The Kurish Textiles Museum in Erbil. Jake Smith
  • Rawanduz Gorge, one of Kurdistan's most beautiful sights. Photo credit: Michel Behar Rawanduz Gorge, one of Kurdistan's most beautiful sights. Michel Behar
  • The Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf. Photo credit: Explore Mesopotamia The Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf. Explore Mesopotamia
  • The Erbil Citadel seen from the air. Photo credit: Explore Mesopotamia The Erbil Citadel seen from the air. Explore Mesopotamia
  • Amna Suraka Museum in Sulaymaniyah. Photo credit: Explore Mesopotamia Amna Suraka Museum in Sulaymaniyah. Explore Mesopotamia
  • The ruins of ancient Babylon. Photo credit: Explore Mesopotamia The ruins of ancient Babylon. Explore Mesopotamia
  • The Yazidi Lalish Temple. Photo credit: Explore Mesopotamia The Yazidi Lalish Temple. Explore Mesopotamia
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