Available spots: 7
Short description
After several journeys through Iraqi Kurdistan, we’ve gained deep insight into this remarkable region. That experience has allowed us to design a well-balanced, comprehensive itinerary that covers all the key sights—making it one of the most thorough ways to explore this fascinating area.
Our Kurdish adventure begins in Erbil, the regional capital. We’ll visit the lively central square and the impressive Jalil Hayat Mosque, then explore the ancient Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO-listed site with more than 7,000 years of history. Our tour continues through the maze-like central bazaar—one of the Middle East’s largest marketplaces—along with many other highlights of this colorful, still relatively undiscovered city.
Next, we travel inland, starting in Shaqlawa, a resort town famous for its pastry shops and sweets. We’ll visit the beautiful Bekhal Waterfalls before ascending Korek Mountain, where an elevator takes us to a charming vacation village with a pleasant restaurant and breathtaking views. At Pank Resort, we’ll ride the canyon roller coaster for spectacular vistas of the surrounding landscape. We’ll then explore the picturesque mountain town of Rawanduz and enjoy the refreshing Gali Ali Bag waterfalls. The day ends with a return to Erbil via the scenic “Hamilton” road, including a stop at Khanzad Fortress, which feels truly magical at sunset.
The following day, we’ll visit St. Matthew’s Monastery, located along the former front line of areas once controlled by the Islamic State. We’ll then explore the Yazidi village of Lalish and its distinctive temple. Our journey continues to Khinnis, an Assyrian archaeological site with remarkable rock reliefs carved by King Sennacherib around 690 BC. The day’s highlight is the magnificent Rabban Hermizd Chaldean Monastery, followed by a spectacular sunset over the Tigris River.
Next, we visit the city of Dohuk to explore its vibrant markets, the impressive Dohuk Dam, the mysterious Blackstone Cave, and one of Saddam Hussein’s former summer palaces. We’ll also stop at Inishke Cave, creatively converted into a restaurant. The day concludes in the ancient city of Amedi, where we’ll sample the local tahini for which the town is renowned.
On our way to Sulaymaniyah, we’ll visit the town of Koya and the artificial Dukan Lake. In Sulaymaniyah, we’ll tour the “Red Prison,” a memorial honoring victims of Saddam Hussein’s regime and the Islamic State. As evening approaches, we’ll ascend the Goizha Mountains for panoramic views and a stunning sunset over the city. We’ll also visit the Sulaymaniyah Museum, home to the largest collection in Kurdistan and the second-largest antiquities collection in Iraq.
Our next stop is the small Kurdish town of Halabja, known for the devastating chemical attack ordered by Saddam Hussein’s regime that killed more than 5,000 residents. We’ll then visit the village of Byara, on the Iran–Iraq border, where you’ll have time to buy souvenirs and enjoy a late lunch in a charming local pub before our return flight from Erbil to Istanbul or your home country.
Basic information
Dates: 7–14 October 2026; 3–10 April 2027;
Duration: 7 nights/8 days;
Group: 7–8 people;
Price for the program in Iraqi Kurdistan (excluding air tickets): 1,890 euros/person (group of 7–8 people). For smaller groups, the price increases slightly.
Included in the Price:
Guiding: Company tour leader, local guide, and driver;
Transportation: Minibus for all route travel; airport transfers;
Accommodation: 7 nights in quality hotels, double-occupancy rooms with breakfast;
Not Included in the Price: International airfares; lunches and dinners (food is inexpensive); entrance tickets (totaling about $20–$30); travel insurance (we can arrange it if you don't have it); visa ($70, available at Erbil airport); and personal expenses.
(1) Flights with Turkish Airlines
Note: The group will travel from Istanbul, Turkey, to Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan. We can book flights from your home country to Erbil via Istanbul, so you can meet the group at Istanbul Airport. If you prefer to travel directly from your home country to Erbil, we’ll arrange a hotel transfer in Erbil and meet you there. Please contact us to discuss your travel options.
Departure: Istanbul 00:20 - Erbil (Iraqi Kurdistan) 02:45;
Return flight: Erbil 03:35 - Istanbul 06:25;
Visa: Visa is issued at Erbil airport and costs $70.
This program provides an overview of the trip’s key details. If you need a solution tailored to your specific circumstances, please contact us via email. We can arrange flights from anywhere in the world to the trip’s starting point, as well as airport/hotel transfers and any required documents. Our team will support you throughout the entire planning process. Feel free to reach out via email!
Program
Day 1 Arrival in Erbil and City Tour
We’ll arrive early in the morning at Erbil Airport, the administrative capital of Iraqi Kurdistan. After transferring to the hotel and resting until about 10:00 am, we’ll have breakfast before beginning our city tour.
Historians say Erbil has been continuously inhabited since the 28th century BC, making it one of the world’s oldest cities (UNESCO). Our tour includes a visit to the central square—the heart of the city’s vibrant social and cultural life—where locals gather to drink tea and socialize.
We’ll also visit the Jalil Khayat Mosque, inaugurated in Erbil on January 19, 2007, after years of construction. Its architectural style resembles both the Muhammad Ali Mosque in Cairo and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.
The Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts a history of more than 7,000 years. In Erbil, we’ll wander through the vast bazaar, enjoy tea at a distinctive teahouse, and savor kebabs at the city’s most celebrated restaurant. We’ll also explore the fascinating abandoned Arab/Jewish quarter before returning to our hotel in Erbil for the night.
Day 2 Shaqlawa, Bekhal Falls, Mount Korek, Pank Resort, Rawanduz Town, and Hamilton Road
After breakfast, we’ll travel to Shaqlawa, known for its delicious sweets and fruit. Our next stop is the Bekhal waterfalls, a popular destination for Arab tourists. We’ll then ascend the Korek Mountains by elevator to a charming vacation village with a picturesque café and ski-resort facilities.
At Pank Resort, we’ll ride the thrilling canyon roller coaster and take in breathtaking views. Our journey continues to the picturesque town of Rawanduz, whose name comes from Raun, a celebrated local poet, and Douz, meaning “citadel” or “tower.” Nestled among mountains, the town offers a truly captivating sight.
We’ll then travel along the Hamilton Road, which winds through a scenic gorge. We’ll take time to appreciate the stunning landscapes as we navigate the canyon. Construction of this road began in 1928, after Iraq came under British control following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. Named after its chief engineer, Archibald Hamilton, the route serves as both a vital transport link and a remarkable engineering achievement. Hamilton later documented the project in his book, "The Road through Kurdistan".
We’ll make a brief stop at the Gali Ali Bag waterfalls, the highest in the Middle East. Then we’ll visit Khanzad Castle, located between Shaqlawa and Erbil. Built in the 16th century during the Soran Emirate under Princess Khanzad and her brother, Prince Suleiman Beg, this well-preserved citadel rises 40 meters above a small hill. It retains its original structure, with four round towers at each corner. In the evening, we’ll return to our hotel in Erbil.
Day 3 St. Matthew's Monastery, the Yezidi village of Lalish, Hanis - the cradle of Kurdish civilization, Raban Hormiz Monastery, Dohuk.
Today, we’ll visit St. Matthew's Monastery, one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world. Founded in 363 by St. Matthew himself, it is renowned for its magnificent library and extensive collection of Syriac Christian manuscripts.
Next, we’ll explore the ancient village of Lalish, which dates back thousands of years. The village is home to a temple once used by the ancient Sumerians and other early Mesopotamian civilizations. Its distinctive cone-shaped shrine is believed to contain the tomb of Sheikh Adi ibn Musafir, a revered Yazidi saint. Lalish holds immense spiritual significance for Yazidis, who strive to make at least one pilgrimage here during their lifetime. While the village itself is now uninhabited, many houses remain unlocked to accommodate pilgrims.
We’ll also visit Khinnis, an Assyrian archaeological site with remarkable rock reliefs carved by King Sennacherib around 690 BC.
Throughout our journey, we’ll pass through villages inhabited exclusively by Yazidi and Syriac (Christian) communities, where settlement is restricted to these groups.
Our next stop is the Rabban Hermizd Chaldean Monastery, a magnificent sanctuary founded around 640 AD. Located 2 km northeast of Alkosh at an altitude of 815 meters, this remarkable structure is carved into the mountains. Hermits once lived in its network of caves and rock-hewn cells—more than 40 in total. Some are still difficult to access, while others have been incorporated into the monastery buildings. Like many Middle Eastern monasteries, this intricate system of interconnected caves served both as a refuge from intruders and as secure storage for valuables and provisions.
As evening falls, we’ll witness a breathtaking sunset on the banks of the Tigris River—a truly magical experience—before retiring for the night in the city of Dohuk.
Dohuk is a Kurdish city with a population of around 250,000. During our visit, we’ll explore the lively local market and a nearby ancient mosque before returning to our hotel for the night.
Day 4 Dohuk Reservoir, Blackstone Cave, One of Saddam's Summer Palaces, Inishky Cave, Amedi Ancient City, Erbil
In the morning, we’ll drive north of Dohuk to the reservoir, completed in 1988 to provide irrigation water for the region.
Near the dam, we’ll visit the Zoroastrian Charsteen Cave. Zoroastrianism, which originated in the 6th century BC, was once widespread in this area. Inside, we’ll see religious carvings on the walls. The cave’s ceiling remains blackened with hardened soot from centuries of fires.
In the nearby mountains, we’ll also explore one of Saddam Hussein’s summer palaces. The Iraqi dictator built nearly 60 residences during the 24 years of his rule. Of the two palaces in the Dohuk area, we’ll visit the most impressive one, perched on the mountainside.
Next, we’ll discover Inishky Cave, which has a fascinating history—first inhabited by Neanderthals and later repurposed as a field hospital. Today, it functions as a restaurant.
Our next destination is the ancient city of Amedi, perched atop a high hill. Dating back to 2500 BC, this former part of ancient Assyria offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Thanks to its natural water sources, Amedi has remained an almost impregnable fortress throughout history. It’s one of the most fascinating places in Iraqi Kurdistan and is also renowned for its exceptional tahini. In the evening, we’ll return to Erbil for our overnight stay.
Day 5 Koya, Lake Dukan, Sulaymaniyah
In the town of Koya, we’ll visit the 18th-century caravanserai. Next, we’ll stop at Lake Dukan—Iraq’s largest artificial lake—known for fishing, boating, and a range of summer activities.
Our journey continues to Sulaymaniyah, once the capital of the historic Kurdish principality of Baban. The city is both an important economic center of Iraqi Kurdistan and a cultural hub for Sorani-speaking Kurds. Since its founding, Sulaymaniyah has produced many poets, writers, historians, politicians, scholars, and singers, making it one of Kurdistan’s most culturally significant cities.
Our final stop is the “Red Prison,” now a museum. This former facility stands as a powerful symbol of Saddam Hussein’s campaign against the Kurds. Today, it houses a moving collection of photos and artifacts commemorating the Peshmerga fighters who defended against the Islamic State.
During our visit, we’ll also explore the vibrant local market.
One of the trip’s highlights will be the breathtaking panoramic view over Sulaymaniyah from the Goizha Mountains. We’ll drive up at sunset to see the city bathed in golden light. Overnight in Sulaymaniyah.
Day 6 Sulaymaniyah - Museum, Halabja, and Byara village on the Iran-Iraq border
Before lunch, we’ll visit the Sulaymaniyah Museum, which houses Kurdistan’s largest collection and Iraq’s second-largest antiquities collection. The museum showcases numerous Kurdish and ancient Persian artifacts dating from 1792 to 1750 BC.
Next, we’ll travel to Halabja, a city near the Iranian border. Halabja is tragically known for the 1988 chemical attack ordered by Saddam Hussein’s regime, which claimed more than 5,000 lives. We’ll explore the city and pay our respects at the memorial honoring the victims. The main perpetrator of this atrocity, General Ali Hassan al-Majid—infamously known as "Chemical Ali"—was executed in 2010.
Our final stop will be the Kurdish village of Byara, located right on the Iran–Iraq border. This remote village has a small market selling souvenirs, primarily for Arab tourists. As a rare destination for foreign visitors, it offers a unique glimpse into border life.
As evening falls, we’ll make our way back to Erbil.
Day 7 Departure from Erbil
We’ll fly back to Istanbul or your home country from Erbil International Airport.
A map of the tour
How to join us
Please email us for more information about this trip or to sign up. We’ll respond promptly and keep you updated on all organizational details. If you’re a group of 5–8 people, we can discuss dates that work for you. You can also join the list for future trips—just send us your names. That’s it!
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