Heading North: A Journey into the Heart of Kurdistan
| Duration: 9 days / 8 nights | Price: 2,350 €/person in a shared double room, full board. | Group size: Min. 6 persons |
Travel dates for 2025:
- 9 October to 17 October
- 4 November to 12 November
- 9 December to 17 December
The published prices are calculated for groups of at least 6 travellers. However, Viajes a Irak ensures that outings can be organised for smaller groups. In these cases the price will vary, being higher due to the smaller number of people in the group.
Get ready for one of our tours to northern Iraqa fascinating route where history, culture and breathtaking landscapes intertwine. We begin in Baghdad, exploring its majestic palaces and historic monuments, before continuing on to Samarra and Mosul, two key cities steeped in heritage. In the Iraqi KurdistanWe will discover Duhok, the iconic Barzan Mountain, the historic Hamilton Road and the imposing citadel of Erbil. In addition, we will visit the ancient city of Hatra, a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site. A cultural trip within our tours and trips to IraqThe city is the ideal place to discover both the vibrant present and the glorious past of this region.
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN BAGHDAD
Early arrival at Baghdad International Airport. Upon completion of visa formalities we head to the National Museum of Iraq. The Museum of Iraq, one of the most important museums in the country. Here you can admire a vast collection of historical pieces from ancient Mesopotamia to the Islamic period, offering a fascinating insight into Iraq's rich history and cultural heritage.
We continue towards the old city center, starting at the Street Al-Mutanabbi, famous for being the literary heart of the city. In this street, we can visit a series of bookshops and book markets, a tradition that has lasted for many generations.
We makea pause in the historic cafeteria Tetería Al-Shabander which has been in operation since 1904. This is a Baghdad landmark known for the traditional atmosphere, its tea and coffee and where writers, intellectuals and citizens gather to chat and share ideas.
We then head to the Mustansiriya University, one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in the 13th century.
we will visit the Abbasid Palace. The impressive building reflects the splendour of the Abbasid dynasty that ruled during the Middle Ages. Lunch in a traditional restaurant.
After lunch we make a short visit to the Martyrs' Monument (visit of the exterior only).
We ended the day with a delicious dinner and regained our strength for our second day at Baghdad.
Day 2: BAGHDAD
We start the day with a delicious breakfast. Then we head to the Arch of Ctesiphon. The Sasanian Arch, one of the largest brick arches in the world, testifies the greatness of the Sassanid Empire.
We then return to Baghdad for a panoramic tour of its emblematic squares. We start with the Liberation Square. The historic venue has been the scene of important national events. The Firdous Square and that of Kahramana and the monuments of Shahrazad and Shahriyar, whose "Arabian Nights" stories still resonate in popular culture.
We will have a typical Iraqi food in a local restaurant to taste traditional dishes such as kebab, hummus, kibbeh and many others.
In the afternoon we will visit the Ziggurat of Kuregalzu (Akarkouf), one of the most significant structures of the ancient Mesopotamian civilisation. This impressive brick ziggurat, dating from around the 12th century BC, was a religious centre dedicated to the god Nabu, the god of wisdom and writing.
We then head to the Kadhimiya Mausoleum. This is a place of great religious significance where the Imams Musa al-Kadhim and Ali al-Ridha are buried.
Finally we return to the hotel to rest and enjoy a typical dinner while we prepare for the next day.
Day 3: SAMARRA-MOSUL
We start the day with a breakfast filled with Iraqi flavours and then we go to Samarra to see the famous Al-Askari spiral minaret. A jewel of Islamic architecture which, although it does not allow access to the top, remains an important historical symbol of the Abbasid period.
We then will enjoy a lunch box as we head to Hatra. An ancient city of great historical and cultural value. It is famous for its well-preserved architecture which mixes Roman, Parthian and Mesopotamian influences.
Hatra was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 because of its historical and architectural value. Hatra, known for its well-preserved architecture, suffered severely during the Islamic State (ISIS) occupation that destroyed many of its structures, but it still retains traces of its splendour. Its history as a thriving commercial and religious center is reflected in every corner of its ruins.
We then head to Mosul. We will visit a city that, after being devastated by the recent conflicts, is in the process of recovery, upon arrival we will enjoy a typical Iraqi dinner and head to the hotel to rest.
Day 4: MOSUL-DER MAR MATTIAS
We start the day with a breakfast full of traditional flavours. We then head to the Mosul fish market, a vibrant place where you can experience the daily life of the city, with a wide variety of fresh fish from the Tigris River.
We will then visit the historic Al-Nuri Mosque, famous for its leaning minaret which was a symbol of the city. The mosque was destroyed in 2017 during the occupation of Mosul by ISIS, a devastating act that affected many of the city's historic monuments. It is currently in the process of reconstruction with the support of UNESCO and the international community, seeking to restore it to its former glory.
We continue our tour to the Mosul area which suffered extensive damage during the conflicts and is now being rebuilt thanks to the joint efforts of international organizations such as UNESCO. Here we will see the traces of destruction and the hard work to restore the city while preserving its historical heritage.
We then will go to the Yunus mosque, a site of great religious significance in Mosul, which houses the tomb of the prophet Jonah (Yunus).
After a delicious typical lunch, we move on to the Der Mar Mattia Monastery. The monastery is located in a mountainous area near Mosul. This ancient monastery which dates back to the 4th century, is one of the most important Christian monasteries in Iraq.
Finally we returned to Mosul to enjoy a typical dinner of the region, savouring the traditional dishes, after which we retire to the hotel to rest.
Day 5: LALISH-DUHOK
We start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Our first stop will be at Khans to contemplate the beauty of the sculptures of the Assyrian period.
We continue towards the Temple of Lalish, a sacred site for the Yazidis. The temple is surrounded by a stunning natural environment and is a spiritual center of great significance to this community.
We then will visit the Abbasi Bridge. A historic structure dating back to the Abbasid period. This bridge across the river is a symbol of medieval Islamic architecture and the importance of the region's trade routes at that time.
We then will hed to the Duhok market where we can enjoy the vibrant local life and learn more about the traditions and products of the region. It is the ideal place to sample some traditional sweets and see the local handicrafts.
Along the route we will stop for a lunch break, traditional Iraqi lunch and later a typical dinner to taste the flavours of the region.
At the end of the day we will head back to the hotel in Duhok to rest and prepare for the next day in this fascinating region of Iraq.
Day 6: SULEYMANIA AND SURROUNDINGS
We start the day early as we have a long journey ahead of us to the beautiful town of Suleymania in the heart of the Iraqi Kurdistan. Along the way we will enjoy the mountain scenery and the breathtaking views of the region, full of nature and beauty.
Upon reaching Dukan we will visit its famous dam, a place surrounded by spectacular scenery. Here we will have time to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. Afterwards we will head to a local restaurant to enjoy a delicious traditional fish prepared according to the customs of the region, a delicacy that captures the fresh flavours of the area.
After lunch we will head to the city of Suleymania known for its vibrant culture and friendly atmosphere. We will take a tour of its traditional market where we can learn about local life, artisan products and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the place.
At the end of the day we will head to a local restaurant to enjoy a typical dinner tasting some of the most representative dishes of Kurdish cuisine, while immersing ourselves in the atmosphere of the city.
This will be a day full of nature, culture and feeling the warmth of Kurdish hospitality before returning to rest and prepare ourselves for more adventures for next day.
Day 7: SULEYMANIA
The following day we start with an early breakfast and head off to explore some of the most representative museums of the region. First we will visit the Halabja Museum. The museum is a reminder of the tragic massacre that took place in 1988, when Saddam Hussein's regime attacked the city with chemical weapons. This museum offers an insight into this historic event and its impact on the Kurdish community.
We then head to the Suleymania History Museum where we can learn more about the rich history of the region from ancient times to the modern era. The museum houses an impressive collection of archaeological and cultural pieces that will help us to better understand the identity and heritage of Kurdistan.
After our cultural visits, we will head to a picturesque Kurdish village. A place that captures the essence of traditional Kurdish life. Here we will enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of the area by exploring its market. We will have the opportunity to taste typical Kurdish food and experience the warmth of Kurdish hospitality in a local restaurant.
At the end of the tour we return to Suleymania where we will enjoy a traditional dinner before going back to the hotel to rest.
Day 8: ERBIL
After a delicious breakfast we head towards Erbil. The capital of Iraqi Kurdistan. On arrival we will visit the Erbil Citadel, an impressive historical site towering over the city. The citadel, considered to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world, has more than 6,000 years of history.
Next to the citadel we will explore the vibrant Erbil Bazaar, it is a traditional market offering a fascinating variety of local products, from spices and carpets to handicrafts and jewellery. It is the perfect place to experience the hustle and bustle of local life and take home unique souvenirs of the region.
We will then visit the Choli Minaret, a majestic tower of more than 30 metres high dating from the Ottoman period. This minaret is one of Erbil's landmarks and its architecture can be admired from its base.
At the end of the day we will walk along the lively Eskan Street known for its traditional and vibrant atmosphere. Here we can enjoy the street food offerings and immerse ourselves in authentic Kurdish culture as we stroll through the streets to experience daily life in Erbil, savour local dishes and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere that characterises the city.
We will end the day with a traditional dinner and return to the hotel to rest and prepare for our return journey.
Day 9: RETURN HOME
Depending on the time of your flight, transport will be available to take you to the airport for your return journey.
The trip includes
- 8 nights in bed and breakfast plan, in 4 and 5 star hotels, in shared double rooms.
- All transfers according to the programme.
- All tickets according to the programme.
- Lunches and dinners.
- Official, experienced, English-speaking local guide.
- Bilingual Tour Leader (Spanish and Arabic) for groups of 10 or more people, who will accompany the group throughout the tour, guaranteeing a more fluid and personalised experience.
- Private transport by bus, minibus, minivan or car (depending on the number of passengers).
The trip does not include
- Visa Fees to Iraq.
- Flights are not included, but we will be happy to help you get the best connections and prices.
- Travel insurance, it is advisable to have one with maximum coverage.
- Personal expenses.
- Tipping.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Any other service requested or used during your stay (spa, gym, room service, mini bar, laundry, fridge and others).
- The standard supplement for a single room is 650 €, but a reduced price of 450 € to the first group to be formed for this tour.
Planned establishments or similar
. Baghdad: Rasheed 5*.
. Mosul: Baron 4*.
. Duhok: Sofia 4*.
. Sulaimaniyah: Grand Millennium 5*.
. Erbil: Van Royal 5*.
Travel dates for 2025:
- 9 October to 17 October
- 4 November to 12 November
- 9 December to 17 December
