On this trip we explore the fascinating region of Iraqi Kurdistan, a place of stark beauty, warm friendly people and a rich and challenging history. Travel through the provinces of Erbil, Dohuk and Sulaymaniya, visiting the beautiful mosques, impressive citadels and traditional covered markets of some of the oldest continually inhabited cites in the world. Enjoy people-watching from chaikhanas - traditional tea houses - and picnic with the locals on a Friday afternoon.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
1
Join Tour Erbil
Join tour in Erbil. After an initial meeting with the tour leader the rest of the day is free to relax or explore at your leisure.
Overnight Standard Hotel
2
Explore Erbil
We formally begin our adventure by exploring on foot the capital city of Erbil, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and in our opinion becoming one of the new hot spots of the Middle East. We visit the Erbil Civilisation Museum and the historic Citadel (Qalat Hawler), as well as the Kurdish Textile Museum, Grand Mosque and Citadel Bath. After lunch we continue on to the Christian suburb of Ainkawa visiting St Joseph's Church before returning in the afternoon to the Qaysari Bazaar, a labyrinth of streets and alleys selling everything from facinating antiques to sweet delights.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3
Ain Sifni, Lalish and Dohuk
After breakfast we depart for Ain Sifni and nearby Lalish, home to the followers of the Yazidi faith where we walk barfoot through the Sanctuary and according to some, the resting place of Noah's Arc. We also visit the White Spring, an underground spring and baptismal pool. We continue exploring by heading to Dohuk and visiting the oldest church in the region, the Church of St Ith Llaha and sampling the fresh fruit juice over lunch that Dohuk is well known for. After lunch, we spend some time at the Dohuk Art Gallery, and the Kurdish College of Art which is popular with local Kurdish artists. In the early evening we enjoy a stroll through the corniche promenade for a spot of people watching before settling in for dinner and drinks.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4
Dohuk and Zakho
Today we make our way to explore the Dohuk Bazaar and Grand Mosque located in the heart of the Bazaar. Our journey continues as we head north of Dohuk to the Dohku Dam for a traditional Kurdish picnic lunch. After lunch, we head towards the smaller border town of Zakho to see the Delal Bridge, a stunning stone arch bridge over the Khabur River and orient ourselves with a walk through town. Later in the afternoon we return to Dohuk where we have some free time to explore, take tea in one of the many chaikhanas (traditional tea houses) or even visit an internet cafe before we settle in for dinner.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5
Amadiya, Gali Ali Beg Canyon, Shaqlawa and Erbil
We have a long but interesting day today. Firstly we head to the nearby mountian town of Amadiya. The town of Amadiya, like a village in the clouds, where we visit the 400 year old Amadiya Mosque and see the minaret. The Mineret was not spared from attack, with bullet holes from the Kurdish Civil War still visible. We continue south east and anticipation is surely building as we retrace the steps of Sir Hamilton and the breathtaking landscape of the 12km wide Gali Ali Beg Canyon towards the famous Hamilton Road and waterfalls where we take lunch. In the afternoon we stop at the picturesque and Assyrian/Christian town of Shaqlawa (at an elevation of 960m), looking back at the Safeen mountains. Shaqlawa is well known for its organic food products such as honey and nuts, as we explore the main street and take tea here. We finally finish our day arriving back to Erbil.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6
To Sulaymaniya
Leaving Erbil after breakfast, we pass through Koya in the mountains and down through Dukan (Lake Dukan being the largest man-made lake in Iraq), arriving into Sulaymaniya, the second largest city in Iraqi Kurdistan, and possibly the most relaxed and cosmopolitan, being a university town. We witness first hand the terrible legacy of Saddam Hussein as we visit the Amna Suraka (Red Security) buildings including the many prison cells and torture chambers where thousands of people, mostly Kurds were imprisioned, tortured or killed. We continue our Journey with a visit to the historical Slemani Museum and an excursion to Azmar Mountian for some photos of 'million dinar' views of Sulaymaniya.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7
Ahmad Awa and Halabja
After breakfast, we are fortunate to head to the resort village of Ahmad Awa on a Friday. Ahmad Awa is near the Iranian border and surrounded by a deep and green gorge. Friday is the start if the weekend for Kurdish poeple and is also the time when many families head to the mountians for picnics and dancing, where we also enjoy a traditional; Kurdish picnic and perhaps some dancing! We spend time here before visiting the nearby village of Halabja, a place of almost unspeakable horror at the sands of Saddam Hussein's military forces. We pay our respects to the many Kurds who lost their lives here at the Monument of Halabja Martyrs and the Halabja Cemetery before returning to Sulaymaniya.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8
Tour ends Erbil
After breakfast we drive to Erbil airport where the tour ends.
Included meals: Breakfast
