8-Day Best of Kurdistan Cultural Heritage Tour

Travel across Northern Iraq's stunning cities, such as Erbil, Lalesh, Duhok, Sulaymaniyah, and Rawanduz, for 8 incredible days! Learn about the amazing Kurdish cultural and historical heritage as you take on this ultimate tour of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, bringing you to both the region's well-known sights and its hidden gems that no one else ever gets to see. This journey will take you beyond the normal tourist hotspots -  ideal for those seeking adventure, cultural insights, and spectacular natural beauty!

Itinerary

Day 1 - Erbil

Arrive at Erbil International Airport. Your local guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel. Take a short break, then meet your local guide for a short orientation and introduction to the city. 

Day 2 - Lalish - Alqosh - Duhok

Head to Lalish early in the morning. Lalish, a little quaint village with an amazing Yazidi temple, is one of their holiest locations. Visit the temple and get to know the Yazidi people. Continue on to the Mar Mattai Monastery, situated near Mosul, then make your way to Alqosh, a stunning Christian monastery carved out of the rock. You will also stop by other archeological sites and monasteries including Khanis and Raban Hormizd traveling to Dohuk, one of the main cities in Kurdistan.

Day 3 - Duhok - Amadiya - Erbil

Drive to Amadiya, which is situated at the summit of a flat mountain and offers stunning views of the valley. It is a 5,000-year-old historic settlement and is thought to have been the Three Wise Men's house when they traveled to Bethlehem to meet Jesus after his birth. Stop along the road at one of Saddam Hussein's numerous (yet most impressive) abandoned palaces spread out around Iraq. Then, head back to Erbil where you will spend the night. 

*Sadam's Hussein Palace was recently converted into a Peshmerga base, which resulted in its closure to tourists. We will go to one of Saddam's guest houses instead, which is close to Amadiya. 

Day 4 - Dohan Lake - Koya - Sulaimaniya

Journey to Sulaymaniyah in the morning, the most contemporary and Westernized city in all of Kurdistan. View the town of Koya along the road, which is home to an old caravanserai and some odd old buildings. We will also make a stop at Dokan Lake, a popular local summer vacation spot and a great spot to unwind. Continue on to the Red Security Museum in Sulaimaniyah, also known as Saddam Hussein's House of Horrors, which is housed in the former regime's administrative center. The afternoon and evening will be spent exploring the bazaar, going to its mosques, and taking in the Goyje Mountain sunset. 

Day 5 - Halabja - Tawela - Ahmad Awa

Begin the day with a drive to Halabja, a small town where Saddam Hussein staged a massive attack with the use of chemical weapons that instantly killed thousands of people, and visit a solemn museum and memorial. Then, travel to the traditional Kurdish stepped village of Tawela near the Iranian border before heading back to Erbil for the night. 

Day 6 - Akre - Dween Castle

Discover the most picturesque town in Iraqi Kurdistan as you make your way through Aqrah (Akre), which is surrounded by lovely scenery and has a beautiful historic city and residences. 

First, stop at Dween Castle, a 4000-year-old fortification ruin situated in a strategic, breathtaking site, before spending the day wandering its winding lanes and enjoying tea with the locals.

Day 7 - Rawanduz - Hamilton Road

Enjoy the breathtaking canyons, enchanted meadows, steep gorges, and traditional Kurdish villages! Spend the day experiencing the natural beauties of Rawanduz, a lovely town surrounded by some of the best and most stunning scenery in the region. You will also travel along Hamilton Road, a road that the British constructed in the 1930s and is well-known across the world. 

Day 8 - Erbil

Check out from the hotel after a Kurdish-style breakfast, then transfer to Erbil International Airport for your journey back home.

Inclusions

• Airport Pick Up and Drop Off

• 7 Nights Accommodation in High International Standard Hotel 

• Breakfast (7)

• Lunch (6)

• English-Speaking Local Guide

• Transportation as Per Itinerary

• Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary

Exclusions

• Local and International Flights

• Meals Not Mentioned

• Drinks

• Visas

• Travel Insurance

• PCR Test

• Personal Expenses

• Gratuities (Optional)

Additional Information

• A visa or stamp to Israel or the self-ruled territories, used or unused/valid or invalid, will lead to an immediate entry refusal at all Iraqi ports of entry, even if the traveler is carrying a valid entry visa, and even if traveling on a group visa.

• The tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.

• When visiting the holy cities of Karbala and Najaf, there are strict rules of faith. Men need a pair of trousers and t-shirt to wear and women will need long sleeves and a scarf. Please also be advised that alcohol is prohibited in these cities. 

• A moderate amount of walking is involved; Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• Depending on the political situation, the length of the tour and the order of visited places may change. In a situation of a serious threat to travelers’ safety, the tour may be canceled. 

• Itinerary is subject to change and the attractions may be closed due to traffic, weather, and force majeure. An alternative itinerary may also be omitted depending on the situation.

• Delays, shortening of the tours, or omissions to the itinerary due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances are not subject to refund.