7-Day Iraqi Kurdistan Newroz Festival Tour

Take part in one of the most popular excursions as we go to Iraqi Kurdistan to observe the Newroz festival! The Newroz holiday, which marks the start of spring, symbolizes fresh beginnings, and is regarded as the most significant Kurdish festival of the year, will be celebrated in Akre, and we will be fortunate enough to be there to enjoy all the celebrations surrounding it. During this holiday, Iraqi Kurdistan has a wonderful ambiance with delightful local specialties available for sampling, magnificent fireworks displays, entertaining live music, fun dancing, and pottery smashing for good luck. Take this incredible cultural trip of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, which will take you to both the region's well-known sites and its hidden gems that no one else ever gets to see, to explore places beyond the traditional tourist hotspots. This trip is 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 time to freshen up before heading out to explore the city at your own leisure. 

Day 2 - Erbil - Sulaymaniyah

Travel to Sulaymaniyah in the morning, the most modern and Westernized city in all of Kurdistan. Visit Saddam Hussein's House of Horrors, commonly known as the Red Prison, located in Sulaymaniyah. After that, proceed to Sulaymaniyah Museum, one of Iraq's biggest museums, to see its collection of artifacts, which spans time periods from the prehistoric to the Ottoman, and includes a tablet from the ancient Epic of Gilgamesh. You will then spend the rest of the day strolling through the market, visiting its mosques, and watching the sunset over Goyje Mountain.

Day 3 - Sulaymaniyah - Rawanduz

Enjoy the stunning valleys, beautiful meadows, rocky gorges, and conventional Kurdish villages of Rawanduz! Spend the day exploring Rawanduz's natural splendors. This charming village is surrounded by some of the most beautiful and breathtaking landscapes in the area. Rawanduz, one of the most gorgeous areas in the Kurdistan Region, is well-known throughout Iraq for its lush vegetation and breathtaking canyons. Make a quick stop at Dokan Lake, a well-liked summer vacation destination and fantastic place to unwind. This is a trip for those who enjoy the great outdoors, mountains, and spectacular scenery. Along the way, pass the legendary Hamilton Road, which the British built in the 1930s and is famous all over the world, as well as the town of Shaqlawa, which is known for its world-famous locally produced Kurdish wine.

Day 4 - Rawanduz - Amadiya - Duhok

Take a drive to Amadiya, which is sitting atop a flat mountain and provides breathtaking views of the valley. The Three Wise Men are said to have stayed in this 5,000-year-old medieval village when they came to Bethlehem to visit Jesus after his birth. Stop along the way at one of Iraq's many (yet most stunning) deserted palaces built by Saddam Hussein. Before continuing on to Duhok, you will have a traditional Kurdish lunch at a well-known seafood restaurant in the area.

Day 5 - Duhok - Lalish - Akre - Erbil

Travel to Lalish early in the morning. One of their holiest destinations is the small, charming village of Lalish, home to an incredible Yazidi temple. Discover the Yazidi culture by visiting the temple. Continue on and tour one of the most significant historic locations at the Dayro d-Mor Matay Monastery (St. Matthew's Monastery). After that, travel to Aqrah (Akre), a city famous for its Newroz festival celebrations and surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. Kurds celebrate Newroz as their most significant festival of the year, and participate in festivities whenever it is possible and acceptable. Navigate the swarming masses in the early afternoon to find the ideal vantage point to observe the Newroz celebrations in the evening. For this festival, thousands of people travel to Akre from all across Kurdistan. Observe a lengthy procession ascending the mountain across a valley to start the customary fire atop the peak. You will then head back to Erbil after the festivities.

Day 6 - Erbil

Spend some time exploring the magnificent city of Erbil! Discover the ancient Citadel of Erbil, a UNESCO monument that is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited locations, and learn about its fascinating history. You will also go to the renowned Textile Museum in the Citadel, which features a wide variety of hand-made rugs from different Kurdish regions and ages along with traditional Kurdish apparel. Explore the food market and Qaysai Bazaar thereafter to see a variety of intriguing local products and delicious local treats.

Day 7 - Erbil

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

Inclusions

• Airport Pick Up and Drop Off

• 6 Nights Accommodation in High International Standard Hotel 

• Breakfast (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

• 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.