7-Day Kurdistan Iraq Tour

7-Day Kurdistan Iraq Tour Itinerary

Day 1 | Erbil

Arrive at Erbil International Airport, where our team will welcome you before transferring you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and settle in before beginning your journey through Iraqi Kurdistan.

Overnight in Erbil

Day 2 | Erbil

Begin your exploration with a visit to the Erbil Citadel (viewed from the outside), one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements and the city’s most iconic landmark. Admire its commanding hilltop position, discover its remarkable history, and enjoy panoramic views over the historic center.

Continue to the vibrant Qaysari Bazaar, where narrow passageways are filled with traditional shops selling spices, textiles, handicrafts, and local specialties. Experience the lively atmosphere while discovering the authentic character of Erbil’s oldest marketplace.

Enjoy lunch at one of Erbil’s renowned local restaurants, where you can sample traditional Kurdish cuisine.

Later, visit Choli Minaret, one of Erbil’s most significant historical monuments dating back to the 12th-century Atabeg era. Built from baked bricks and decorated with imported Egyptian tiles, the leaning minaret is the last surviving structure of a once-prominent mosque. The surrounding park is also home to statues honoring notable poets and scholars, including the celebrated Kurdish historian Ibn Al-Mustawfi.

Overnight in Erbil

Day 3 | Erbil – Duhok

Depart Erbil and travel to Mar Mattai Monastery, one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world. Perched high on Mount Alfaf, the monastery offers spectacular views while preserving centuries of religious history and tradition.

Continue to the historic Gaugamela Battlefield, where Alexander the Great secured his decisive victory over the Persian Empire. Stand on the plains where one of history’s most influential battles changed the course of the ancient world.

Next, visit Jerwan, home to the remarkable Assyrian aqueduct commissioned by King Sennacherib. This impressive engineering achievement highlights the advanced hydraulic knowledge of the ancient Assyrian civilization.

Proceed to Khinis, where magnificent Assyrian rock reliefs carved into the mountainside depict kings, deities, and royal processions, offering a fascinating glimpse into Mesopotamia’s ancient past.

Continue to Lalish, the spiritual heart and holiest pilgrimage site of the Yazidi faith. Explore its sacred temples and peaceful courtyards while learning about one of Iraq’s oldest living religious traditions.

Visit the historic town of Al Qosh, renowned for its traditional stone architecture, rich Christian heritage, and peaceful atmosphere.

Continue to Rabban Hormizd Monastery, a historic monastery dramatically built into the mountainside. Although much of the monastery is closed to visitors, its remarkable setting and historical significance make it an unforgettable stop.

Arrive in Duhok, where modern city life blends seamlessly with Kurdish culture and history. Enjoy the welcoming atmosphere before checking into your hotel.

Overnight in Duhok

Day 4 | Duhok – Rawanduz (Soran)

Travel to the ancient hilltop town of Amadiya, celebrated for its dramatic mountain setting and centuries of history. Wander through its historic streets while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views across the surrounding valleys.

Continue to Barzan, where you will visit the Barzani tombs and monuments, an important site reflecting the modern history and cultural heritage of the Kurdish people.

Continue to Shanidar Cave, one of the most important Neanderthal archaeological sites in the world. Discovered in the 1950s by archaeologist Ralph Solecki, the cave provided important evidence of Neanderthal burial practices, including remains associated with flowers and medicinal plants.

Overnight in Soran

Day 5 | Rawanduz (Soran) – Sulaymaniyah

After breakfast, continue from Soran toward Sulaymaniyah, traveling through the spectacular mountain landscapes of Iraqi Kurdistan.

Pass through Rawanduz, a historic town surrounded by dramatic valleys and towering mountains. Take in the impressive scenery of the Zagros Mountains before continuing along the famous Hamilton Road.

Built in the early 20th century by New Zealand engineer Alexander Hamilton, the road was constructed through some of the most challenging mountain terrain in the region. It connected the remote areas of Kurdistan with Iran and remains one of the most scenic routes in the region.

Visit Bekhal Waterfall, surrounded by green landscapes and mountain scenery. Continue to Geli Ali Beg Waterfall, another beautiful natural attraction along the Hamilton Road, known for its flowing water and dramatic mountain setting.

Enjoy lunch in Shaqlawa, a charming mountain town known for its pleasant climate, beautiful surroundings, and traditional atmosphere.

Continue to Sulaymaniyah.

Overnight in Sulaymaniyah

Day 6 | Sulaymaniyah – Erbil

Begin the day with a visit to Sulaymaniyah Bazaar, the city’s lively traditional market. Walk through its busy streets and continue to the famous Sha’ab Teahouse, a popular local meeting place and an important part of Sulaymaniyah’s social life.

If time permits, visit Goizha Mountain for panoramic views over Sulaymaniyah and, on clear days, toward the Iranian border.

Continue to the Red House, a former prison used during Saddam Hussein’s regime. The site documents the suffering of thousands of Kurds who were tortured and killed there. A former inmate is normally available to guide visitors through the prison and share personal experiences. Thousands of small mirrors at the entrance represent those who disappeared during this period.

Visit the Sulaymaniyah Museum, home to Kurdistan’s largest collection of artifacts and Iraq’s second-largest collection of antiquities.

Continue to Halabja and visit the Halabja Museum and Memorial Cemetery, dedicated to the victims of the 1988 chemical attack and preserving the memory of this tragic chapter in Kurdish history.

Return to Sulaymaniyah.

Overnight in Sulaymaniyah.

Day 7 | Sulaymaniyah – Erbil

After breakfast, begin the journey back to Erbil.

Visit Qz Qapan Cave, a fascinating rock-cut tomb located near the Paleolithic cave of Zarzi. Surrounded by the mountains of Kurdistan, the site offers a glimpse into the region’s long human history and ancient traditions.

Continue to Chami Rezan, a group of caves located approximately one kilometer from Pavel Waterfall. Hidden within the mountainous landscape, the caves are known for their impressive natural formations. The largest cave faces west, with an entrance resembling Shanidar Cave, and becomes significantly larger further inside.

After the visits, drive back to Erbil.

Overnight in Erbil.

Departure

Transfer to Erbil International Airport for your departure, concluding your journey through the history, culture, and spectacular landscapes of Iraqi Kurdistan.