Kurdistan Explorer
A 7-day journey through the landscapes and cultural sites of Kurdistan
Duration
7 Days
Route
Erbil → Duhok → Rawanduz → Sulaymaniyah
From
$1,299 per person
Itinerary
Day 1 – Erbil
Airport pickup and city tour of Erbil
Airport Pickup & Hotel Check-in
Airport pickup in Erbil and check in Van Royal Hotel to discuss itinerary
Money Exchange
Exchange money on the local market (if necessary)
Civilization Museum
Visit the Civilization Museum to learn about the region's history
Erbil Citadel
Highlight: Tour the Citadel of Erbil, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back at least 6,000 years. This is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Textile Museum
Visit the Textile Museum to explore traditional Kurdish crafts
Kurdish Antique Shop
Kurdish antique shop, a good place for unique souvenirs
Qaysari Bazaar
Walk through the Qaysari Bazaar, here you can buy everything
Minaret of Choli (Mudhafaria Minaret)
The minaret of Choli (also known as the Mudhafaria Minaret). The minaret was built between 1190 and 1232
Accommodation: Overnight stay in Erbil
Day 2 – Erbil - Dwin Castle - Khanzad Castle - Raban Boya
Day trip to historic castles and religious sites
Khanzad Castle
Leave Erbil from the hotel to Khanzad Castle 16th century was constructed during the time of the Kurdish Soran Emirate in the 16th century under the rule of Princess Khanzad and her brother Prince Suleiman Beg
Dwin Castle
A visit to Dwin Castle which we delve into the secrets of Saladin Ayoubi's heritage by exploring the wonders of Dwin
Shrine of Raban BoyaOptional
The shrine of Raban Boya in Shaqlawa place for pilgrimage, especially for women, both Christian and Muslim, who appeal to Saint Boya to grant their fertility wishes. (Optional Choice - Reason 30 mins to 1 hr easy hike)
Accommodation: Return to Erbil for overnight stay
Day 3 – Erbil to Duhok
Journey to Duhok via historic monasteries and sacred sites
Dayro d-Mor Monastery
Highlight: Dayro d-Mor Monastery, with a guided tour by a monk
Jirwana Aqueduct
Jirwana, one of the oldest aqueducts in the world
Lalish Temple
Drive to Lalesh. Highlight: Guided tour of Lalesh, the holy place for the Yazidis. The holiest site for the Yazidi community, located in a picturesque valley
Al Qush Village
Visit to the village of Al Qush with the tomb of the prophet Nahum
Mar Gorgis Monastery
Mar Gorgis Monastery with the Mar Mekha Churches. This Christian place is still very active
Rabban Hormizd Monastery
Rabban Hormizd Monastery, a monastery more than a thousand years old and carved into the rocks
Travel Info: Erbil to Duhok with multiple stops
Accommodation: Overnight stay in Duhok
Day 4 – Duhok to Amadiya to Rawanduz
Mountain towns and natural wonders
Drive to Amadiya
Drive to Amadiya, scenic ancient town perched on a mountain plateau
Bab Zebar Gate
The famous city gate Bab Zebar
Minaret of Amadiya
Minaret of Amadiya. The minaret is 30m high and has been there since the 15th century
Former Saddam Hussein Palace
Former Saddam Hussein Palace. Nowadays there are only a few walls left
Drive to Rawanduz
Highlight: Drive to Rawanduz, with a regular stop along the way for photos
Mullah Mustapha Memorial
Mullah Mustapha Memorial (Father of present-day Kurdistan), a very important place for the Kurds
Shanidar Cave
Shanidar Cave, here the remains of some Neanderthals are found
Hamilton Road
Highlight: Walk along the famous Hamilton Road
Rawanduz Park
Walk through the park of Rawanduz
Travel Info: Duhok to Amadiya, then to Rawanduz
Accommodation: Overnight stay in Rawanduz
Day 5 – Rawanduz to Dokan to Sulaymaniyah
Journey to Sulaymaniyah via Dokan
Drive to Sulaymaniyah
Drive to Sulaymaniyah via Dokan
Red Prison (Amna Suraka)
Visit to the Red Prison, where Kurds were locked up and tortured in the time of Saddam Hussein. Former Ba'ath intelligence headquarters turned museum documenting Kurdish suffering
Sulaymaniyah Bazaar
Highlight: Walk over the busy bazaar of Sulaymaniyah
Sha'ab Teahouse
Sha'ab Teahouse, an icon in the city
Goizha Mountain View
View over the city from the Goizha mountain
Travel Info: Rawanduz to Sulaymaniyah via Dokan
Accommodation: Overnight stay in Sulaymaniyah
Day 6 – Sulaymaniyah to Halabja to Tawela
Museums and memorial sites
Sulaymaniyah Museum
Sulaymaniyah Museum - Kurdistan's largest museum with artifacts dating back thousands of years
Drive to Halabja
Drive to Halabja
Halabja Genocide Museum
Genocide Museum with the equally impressive cemetery. Memorial commemorating the victims of the 1988 chemical attack
Tawela Waterfall
Waterfall on the border with Iran in Tawela
Return to Sulaymaniyah
Drive back to Sulaymaniyah
Travel Info: Sulaymaniyah to Halabja to Tawela and back
Accommodation: Overnight stay in Sulaymaniyah
Day 7 – Sulaymaniyah to Erbil and Departure
Final day - return to Erbil
Drive to Erbil
Drive to Erbil through Koya district
Zarzi Cave and Dokan LakeOptional
Zarzi Cave and Dokan Lake. A place to relax and stretch your legs. (Optional) time permitting, boat ride, to visit bukuzawa meaning the groom and the bride mountain look alike, know the legend behind it
Old Caravanserai
Highlight: Stop at an old caravanserai. Here you'll feel like you're traveling back in time
Airport Drop-off
Airport drop-off
End of Tour
End of tour
Travel Info: Sulaymaniyah to Erbil via Koya district
Tour Details
Inclusions
- ✓Professional guide with deep knowledge of the region
- ✓Comfortable accommodations
- ✓Transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
- ✓Entrance fees to listed attractions
- ✓Airport pickup and drop-off
- ✓Daily breakfast
Exclusions
- ✕International flights
- ✕Visa fees
- ✕Travel insurance
- ✕Lunches and dinners
- ✕Personal expenses
- ✕Optional activities not specified in the itinerary
Pricing
All-inclusive package
per person (shared room)
Prices vary based on group size, season, and specific customizations.
Your Tour Guide
Your tour guide will be the founder of WanderIraq, Twana Burhan, who has extensive knowledge of Iraqi history, culture and traditions.
Contact Twana →Important Information
Health & Safety
This tour involves moderate walking, sometimes on uneven terrain. Travelers should be in good physical condition. Always follow your guide's safety instructions at historical sites.
Cultural Respect
When visiting religious sites, modest dress is required. Women should cover their heads when entering mosques. Always ask permission before taking photos of local people.
Travel Documents
Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity. Iraqi visa must be obtained in advance. We can provide assistance with visa application documentation.
Custom Itinerary
Custom itinerary can be designed based on the locations that you wish to visit. Contact us to discuss your preferences.
For more detailed information, please visit our Facts & Information page or Booking & Refund Policy page.
Ready to Experience Kurdistan?
Embark on this unforgettable journey through Kurdistan's rich history and culture. Spaces are limited to ensure the best experience.
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