9-Day Highlights of Iraqi Kurdistan Tour

Take a trip for nine incredible days across the beautiful cities of Northern Iraq, including Erbil, Lalesh, Duhok, Sulaymaniyah, and Rawanduz! This Kurdistan tour begins in the historic city of Erbil, which is rich in history and home to various monuments that serve as reminders of the many influences that have shaped the area. From there, we travel to Dohuk, which has a fascinating bazaar, before stopping in at the small town of Zakho and its magnificent bridge. In Suleimaniyah and Halabja, we hear about the devastating impact of Saddam Hussein's regime on the Kurdish homelands.

As you embark on this comprehensive tour of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, learn about the remarkable cultural and historical history of the Kurds. Along the way, you'll visit both the region's well-known attractions and its undiscovered gems. 

This trip will take you farther than the typical tourist sites, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking for adventure, cultural insights, and breathtaking 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 - Erbil

Spend some time discovering the wonderful city of Erbil! Learn about the interesting history of the historic Citadel of Erbil, a UNESCO landmark and one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. You will also visit the renowned Textile Museum in the Citadel, which showcases a huge selection of hand-made rugs from various Kurdish locations and eras as well as traditional Kurdish clothing. Afterwards, wander through the food market and Qaysai Bazaar to see a range of fascinating local goods and delectable local snacks. Additionally, you will observe the charred remains of the once-dominant Choli Minaret.

Day 3 - Erbil - Gaugamela - Jirwana - Lalish - Dohuk

Begin the day with a monk-led tour of the 4th century St. Matthew’s Monastery before heading to Guagamela, the site of King Darius and Alexander the Great's renowned battle. Next, head towards the small village of Lalish, one of the sacred places of the Yazidi faith, and get an insight into the ancient culture and traditions of the local community. Stop at Jirwana, the oldest aqueduct and bridge ruin in the world, en route to Duhok, where you will spend the night.

Day 4 - Duhok - Al Qush - Gara - Dohuk

Go on a tour of Al Qush's churches and monasteries in the morning, including the Hurmiz monastery, which housed some 600 monks in the third century. Continue on to the fascinating village of Gara to see the remnants of Saddam Hussein's palace. You will also have the chance to interact and chat with the Peshmerga who guard it (subject to availability for the guards). Then, head back to Dohuk and spend the rest of the day exploring the bazaar. 

Day 5 - Dohuk - Amadiya - Barzan - Rawanduz

Take a trip to the nearby mountain village of Amadiya, where you will visit the 400-year-old mosque and observe the minaret's bullet-pocked structure from the Kurdish Civil War. 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. Next, stop by a synagogue from the 3rd century and head to an ancient Egyptian madrasa that was allegedly founded by the University of Cairo long ago. Continue on to Barzan, the Barzani tribe's ancestral town, after lunch. Take a break at the Mullah Mustapha Memorial to have a cup of chai while learning about the life of Kurdistan's most illustrious leader. If time permits, visit Shanidar Cave, a Neanderthal Cave found in the 1950s, as we continue down the breathtaking Hamilton Road to Rawanduz.

Day 6 - Rawanduz - Dokan - Sulaymaniyah

Depart from Rawanduz, traveling over the mountains via Dokan, to reach Sulaymaniyah, the second-largest city in Iraqi Kurdistan. Upon arrival, stroll through the bustling Sulaymaniyah bazaar and a stop at the iconic Sha’ab Teahouse before ending the day with a breathtaking view of the city from the Goizha Mountain. 

Day 7 - Sulaymaniyah - Halabja - Sulaymaniyah

Check out the impressive Sulaymaniyah Museum, one of Iraq's biggest archeological museums before heading to Halabja, which was the site of nearly unfathomable tragedy at the hands of Saddam Hussein's military forces. Visit the Genocide Museum and its equally impressive cemetery to learn more about Iraqi history before heading back to Sulaymaniyah. You will stop for a picnic lunch at the Ahmed Awa Waterfall on the way back. Afterwards, leisurely explore the city of Sulaymaniyah for the remainder of the afternoon.

Day 8 - Sulaymaniyah - Erbil

Tour the notorious Amna Suraka (Red House) buildings first thing in the morning, which include the numerous jail cells and torture chambers where thousands of individuals, primarily Kurds, were imprisoned, tortured, or killed, and get a firsthand view of Saddam Hussein's tragic legacy. Then, head back to Erbil while making a stop at the historic Zarzi Cave. Upon arrival in the city, spend the rest of the day at your own leisure.

Day 9 - Erbil

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

Inclusions

• Airport Pick Up and Drop Off

• 8 Nights Accommodation in High International Standard Hotel 

• Breakfast (8)

• Lunch (7)

• Dinner (8)

• 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 city of Lalish, there are strict rules of faith. Please be informed that outer footwear must be removed. It is advisable to bring a pair of thick black socks especially for this purpose. Please also avoid wearing blue garments as Yezidis usually do not wear this color.

• 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.