Iraqi-Kurdistan

Overview

Start: Erbil, Iraq

Finish: Erbil, Iraq

Duration: 7 Days

Max. Group Size: 10

This 7-day trip explores the Northern area of Iraq, Kurdistan, taking in the cultural, geographical and historical highlights as well as getting a greater understanding of life in this semi-autonomous region of Iraq. We start in Erbil with its famous citadel. At 6,500 years old, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Departing the city, the trip encompasses many natural sights: from blue waterfalls to steep gorges, deep caves and spectacular mountains between Dohuk and Soran. We explore the regions cultural and ethnic diversity by taking in Christian monasteries, and the spiritual home of the Yazidi people as well as places that give us an understanding of modern Iraq including visiting the notorious Red Prison in Sulaymaniyah.

Highlights:

Lalish – spiritual home of the Yazidi people
Explore Rawanduz canyon and the Hamilton Road
Visit the Amna Saraka or Red Prison – the museum dedicated to the terrors of Saddam

Combine Kurdistan with our Cradle of Civilisation trip!
If you are travelling in March, don’t miss out on the Kurdish Newroz festival!

Route

Itinerary

Arrive in Erbil.
Transfer from airport to the hotel for briefing.
Visit the main square and the bazaar in the evening.

Overnight in Erbil.

Drive from Erbil to Dohuk.
En route we will stop and have lunch in Lalish, the spiritual home of the Yazidi people.
Visit the church in Alqosh and the nearby Raban Hormizd monastery (closed at the time of writing)

Overnight in Dohuk.

Spend the morning exploring Dohuk and its surrounding area, including Duhok dam and Chwarstoon Cave. Continue the drive to the walled town of Amedi and see the mosque ruins in the valley.

Overnight in Amedi.

Drive between Amedi and Soran through the mountains of Kurdistan. Stop in Barzan and see the Barzani Memorial Centre.
There will be a chance to visit the Shanidar cave as well as passing through the Korek Mountains.

Overnight in Soran.

A day visiting the mountains of Kurdistan including Rawanduz canyon, Bekhal and Gali Ali Bag waterfalls. Part of this day includes driving the famous Hamilton Road before arriving in Sulaymaniyah. Enjoy an evening walk in the city centre in Iraq’s most liberal city.

Overnight in Sulaymaniyah.

You will have time to walk the busy streets and visit the Amna Saraka – the museum dedicated to the terrors of Saddam located in the Ba’ath parties old intelligence headquarters. Stop by the Goizha viewpoint before driving back to Erbil.

Overnight in Erbil.

Morning in Erbil with your guide.
Transfer to airport.
End of trip.

All accommodation – 6 nights
Breakfast
All ground transports
Guide/driver
International guide*
Entrance fees
Internal flight from Basra to Erbil (if also booked on Cradle of Civilisation trip)

Insurance
International flights to and from Iraq
Lunch & Dinner
Visa
Drinks
Tips for guides / drivers

Dates & Prices

Package Confirmed Dates

Trip Status Current Status

Tour Price in USD

Booking

18th Oct

24th Oct, 2025

Available

$ 1950

Book

Information

We do not directly arrange international flights to Iraqi Kurdistan. We can suggest routes and operators.

For most nationalities, a visa is available on arrival in Erbil airport. The visa is valid for Iraqi Kurdistan only and NOT for southern Iraq.
If you have an Iraq visa in advance, then it is valid for all of Iraq.

We provide breakfast everyday. We know plenty of places in Erbil & Sulaymaniyah for lunch and dinner. From traditional kebab houses to International Restaurants at International prices. When there is an option, we let you make the choice of how much you want to spend.
This trip is based on twin share accommodation.
An optional single supplement is available upon request.

When we choose our vehicles and drivers we take into consideration the road conditions, the length of journey and the competence of the man behind the wheel. Your comfort, enjoyment and safety of the journey is top priority.

You will be accompanied by a local English-speaking guide/driver for the length of the trip.

Trips to Iraq do create dangers of their own and whilst we want you to have as much freedom as possible we must state that the tour guide has the final word with regards to changes in the itinerary for safety reasons. Whilst the route we have chosen passes through areas which we consider to be relatively stable things can change and we may have to alter the route or cancel sections of the trip at short notice.