Middle East

Iraq

Iraq is the cradle of civilisation itself, home to the ancient cities of Babylon, Ur and Nineveh, the remarkable marshlands of the south, the Kurdish mountain regions of the north and a cultural heritage stretching back over seven thousand years. Those who visit find an experience of profound historical depth and genuine discovery.

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Iraq

Baranan Basra Kurdistan Region Sulaimani

Elect's take

"Iraq carries a weight of history that few destinations can match. The opportunity to visit the places where writing, agriculture and urban civilisation were first developed creates a travel experience that is genuinely unlike any other."

The ancient site of Babylon near Hillah is one of the most significant archaeological sites on Earth. Ur, near Nasiriyah, is the ancient Sumerian city from which Abraham is believed to have departed and its ziggurat is remarkably well preserved. The southern marshlands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site of extraordinary ecological value. Iraqi Kurdistan offers the modern city of Erbil, ancient citadels and mountain landscapes with a level of tourist infrastructure that makes it among the most accessible parts of the country.

Best time to visit

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How to get there

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Airports

Baghdad (BGW), Erbil (EBL), Najaf (NJF), Basra (BSR)

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Rail

Baghdad Station, Basra Station

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Cruise ports

Basra Port, Umm Qasr Port

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Iraq is reached by direct flights from Istanbul, Amman, Dubai, Beirut and other regional hubs. Iraqi Kurdistan is accessible with direct flights from several European cities into Erbil.