8-Day Kurdistan Iraq Tour

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival in Erbil

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Erbil.

Overnight in Erbil.

Day 2 | Discovering Erbil

Start your journey by exploring the historic heart of Erbil.

Visit the Citadel of Erbil, one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. The Citadel is currently closed for maintenance, but you will have the opportunity to view it from outside.

Continue to the Qaysari Bazaar and Erbil’s traditional food market. Walk through the covered market streets filled with jewelry, gold and silver shops, carpets, antiques, local products, sweets, and traditional delicacies.

Enjoy lunch at one of Erbil’s best local restaurants.

Later, visit Choli Minaret, one of Erbil’s most important historical landmarks dating back to the Atabag period in the 12th century. Built from burnt bricks and decorated with imported tiles from Egypt, the leaning minaret is the last remaining part of a once-famous historical mosque. The surrounding park also features statues of important poets and writers, including Ibn Al-Mustawfi, Kurdistan’s renowned historian.

Overnight in Erbil.

Day 3 | Erbil – Duhok

Visit Dayro d-Mor Matay Monastery (St. Matthew’s Monastery), one of Eastern Christianity’s most significant monasteries. Dating back to the 4th century, it has remained active for nearly 2,000 years. The visit will be guided by the monastery’s monks, providing insight into its history and traditions.

Continue to Jirwana (weather permitting), where you will see the remains of the oldest known aqueduct and bridge, built during the reign of King Sennacherib around 690 BC. Once part of an advanced water system supplying the gardens of Nineveh, the site reveals the impressive engineering achievements of the Assyrian Empire.

Visit Lalish, the sacred pilgrimage site of the Yazidi people. Discover their ancient traditions, rituals, and beliefs while experiencing one of the most unique cultural and spiritual sites in Kurdistan.

Continue to Khinnis Reliefs, an important Assyrian archaeological site featuring remarkable rock carvings commissioned by King Sennacherib.

Visit Alqosh and explore its outdoor museum, showcasing traditional village life and the customs of the region.

Continue to Duhok.

Overnight in Duhok.

Day 4 | Duhok – Zakho

After breakfast, drive from Duhok to Zakho, a historic town near the Turkish border with a rich cultural heritage.

Begin the day at Delal Old Bridge, one of Zakho’s most recognizable landmarks. Spanning the Khabur River, this historic stone bridge is known for its distinctive asymmetrical arches and traditional construction. It is believed to have origins dating back to the Roman period and was once an important crossing along regional trade routes.

Continue to the Church of Our Lady of the Harvest, a peaceful site reflecting the long-standing Christian heritage of the region. The church offers an insight into the cultural and religious diversity of northern Iraq and the communities that have shaped Zakho’s history.

After the visits, drive back to Duhok and spend the afternoon exploring the Duhok Bazaar. Walk through its lively streets and traditional shops, where you can experience the local atmosphere and discover regional products and everyday life.

Overnight in Duhok

Day 5 | Amadiya – Barzan – Soran

Visit Amadiya, an ancient city dating back to the Assyrian era. Built on a high mountain plateau, the city offers breathtaking views and is known for its historic architecture, including its 30-meter-high minaret decorated with Islamic arabesque designs.

Continue through the scenic landscapes of Kurdistan to Barzan, the traditional homeland of the Barzani tribe. Visit the Mullah Mustafa Barzani Memorial, dedicated to the father of modern Kurdistan.

Continue to Shanidar Cave, one of the world’s most important Neanderthal discoveries. Found in the 1950s by archaeologist Ralph Solecki, the site changed our understanding of Neanderthals after evidence revealed burial rituals involving flowers and medicinal plants.

Continue to Soran.

Overnight in Soran.

Day 5 | Soran – Sulaymaniyah

Continue your journey as you travel from Soran to Sulaymaniyah, passing through some of the region’s most spectacular mountain scenery.

The route takes you through Rawanduz, a historic town surrounded by dramatic valleys and towering mountains. Known for its stunning natural setting, Rawanduz sits within one of Kurdistan’s most impressive landscapes, where deep canyons and rugged cliffs showcase the beauty of the Zagros Mountains.

Continue along the famous Hamilton Road, one of the most remarkable engineering projects in the region. Built in the early 20th century by New Zealand engineer Alexander Hamilton, the road connected the remote mountain regions of Kurdistan with Iran. Constructed through challenging terrain and steep mountain passes, it remains a remarkable example of human determination and engineering achievement.

Continue to Bekhal Waterfall, one of the most popular natural attractions in the Kurdistan Region. Surrounded by lush greenery and mountain scenery, the waterfall offers a peaceful setting to enjoy the beauty of Kurdistan’s nature.

Visit Geli Ali Beg Waterfall, another spectacular natural landmark located between the mountains. With its flowing waters, dramatic cliffs, and refreshing atmosphere, it is considered one of the most beautiful spots along the Hamilton Road.

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

Continue to Sulaymaniyah.

Overnight in Sulaymaniyah.

Day 7 | Exploring Sulaymaniyah

Visit the lively Sulaymaniyah Bazaar and the famous Sha’ab Teahouse, experiencing the daily life and traditions of the city.

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

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

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

Travel to Halabja and visit the Halabja Museum and Memorial Cemetery, which commemorate the victims of the 1988 chemical attack and preserve the memory of one of the most tragic events in Kurdish history.

Return to Sulaymaniyah.

Overnight in Sulaymaniyah.

Day 8 | Sulaymaniyah – Erbil

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Erbil.

Visit Qz Qapan Cave, a fascinating rock-cut tomb located near the Paleolithic cave of Zarzi. The site reflects the long history of human presence in the region, where ancient communities left behind evidence of their beliefs, traditions, and connection with the surrounding landscape. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Kurdistan’s mountains, the cave offers a unique glimpse into the region’s ancient past.

Continue to Chami Rezan, a group of caves located approximately one kilometer from Pavel Waterfall. The caves are hidden within the mountainous landscape and are notable for their impressive natural formations. The largest cave faces west, with an entrance similar in appearance to Shanidar Cave, and expands significantly as you move deeper inside. The peaceful surroundings and untouched atmosphere make it a remarkable stop for those interested in Kurdistan’s prehistoric heritage and natural landscapes.

After the visits, drive back to Erbil.

Overnight in Erbil.

Departure

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.