Iraqi Kurdistan Private Adventure Tour

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Experience ancient citadels, sacred monasteries, and holy villages, including mysteries of the Yazidi village of Lalish where visitors must remove their shoes to tread on the sacred ground
            [Description] => Experience ancient citadels, sacred monasteries, and holy villages, including mysteries of the Yazidi village of Lalish where visitors must remove their shoes to tread on the sacred ground
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Journey through untouristed regions and experience the mystery - and warmth - of the local people
            [Description] => Journey through untouristed regions and experience the mystery - and warmth - of the local people
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Via hiking, kayaking, and caving, immerse yourself in Kurdistan's incredible landscapes and unspoiled beauty
            [Description] => Via hiking, kayaking, and caving, immerse yourself in Kurdistan's incredible landscapes and unspoiled beauty
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            [Description] => conical temple
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            [Description] => citadel statue
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            [Description] => bazaar
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            [Description] => flower
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            [Description] => valley
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            [Description] => city scenic
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            [Description] => food
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            [Description] => bridge
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            [Description] => sheep
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            [Description] => tea
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            [Description] => palace at night
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            [Description] => mountain scenic
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Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Balin Z.

Balin is a highly experienced tour guide and an Iraqi native with expert regional knowledge. As both a Kurdish and British citizen, he possesses a unique ability to blend local flavor with International standards. After his studies, he went to London where he opened a restaurant in Soho (1997-2005), giving him an exceptional window into the hospitality industry. He has traveled extensively in Europe, China, and the Middle East. Several years ago, Balin returned to his homeland to take an active role in building what he believes will become one of Kurdistan's largest economic sectors-tourism.

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                    [Headline] => Arrive in Erbil, Iraq
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Upon arrival at Erbil International Airport, in the capital of Kurdistan, meet your guide outside of customs and transfer to the hotel. Have a drink in the lounge while receiving a briefing on your stay in Kurdistan, then enjoy a welcome dinner with the group.
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                    [Latitude] => 36.2063 N
                    [Longitude] => 44.0089 E
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                    [Headline] => Explore the Cultural Treasures of Erbil
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After breakfast, tour the 7,000-year-old Erbil Citadel - the oldest continuously inhabited city on earth, currently under UNESCO-funded restoration. Once a Sumerian city, journeying Abraham allegedly passed through here, and Darius III fled here after facing defeat by Alexander the Great. Explore the citadel\'s famous Kurdish Textile Museum, then browse the food market and Qaysari Bazaar for jewelry, carpets, antiques, and delicacies. After a lunch of local cuisine, briefly visit 12th-century Choli Minaret, one of Erbil\'s most famous landmarks. Dinner is at the hotel\'s fine restaurant.
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                    [Latitude] => 36.2063 N
                    [Longitude] => 44.0089 E 
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                    [Headline] => Visit Lalish & Ancient Sites En Route to Duhok
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Depart Erbil for fourth-century Dayro d-Mor Matay Monastery (St. Matthew\'s Monastery) and a tour conducted by the monastery\'s monks, then continue to Gaugamela, site of the famous battle between King Darius III and Alexander the Great. Behold amazing Jirwana, the world\'s oldest-known bridge and aqueduct (from 690 BC). After lunch of traditional Kurdish fare, visit holy Lalish - pilgrimage site of the mysterious and fascinating Yazidi people - for a unique cultural experience amidst its famous shrines and welcoming residents. Arrive in Duhok in time for dinner.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 2.5-hour private van transfer 
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                    [Latitude] => 36.8679 N
                    [Longitude] => 42.9489 E
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                    [Headline] => Take a Day Trip to Alqosh
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Today visit Alqosh, the tomb of Old Testament prophet Nahum (7th-century BC), and ancient monasteries and churches carved into the mountains, including Rabban Hormizd Monastery, founded around 640. After lunch, in the beautiful region of Sarsinc near Gara Mountain, explore the ruins of Saddam Hussein\'s ten palaces, replete with man-made lakes and miles of sandstone steps alongside streams that led into the mountains where rocket emplacements guarded the valley. Return to hotel for dinner and an evening of local entertainment at one of Duhok\'s finest restaurants.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 1-hour private van transfer 
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                    [Latitude] => 36.7321 N
                    [Longitude] => 43.0951 E
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                    [Headline] => Head East to Rawanduz & Korek Mountain Via Amadiya
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Leave for the ancient fortress city of Amadiya and its 100-foot-high minaret, pass by a third-century synagogue, and visit an ancient Egyptian madrassa reportedly founded by the University of Cairo centuries ago. Continue to Barzan, stopping at the Mullah Mustapha Memorial to learn about Kurdistan\'s most famous leader. Pass - and, if you choose, climb to - the famous Shanidar Cave, where Neanderthal remains were discovered in the 1950s. Travel the incredibly engineered Hamilton Road to Rawanduz, where one of the world\'s longest cable-car lifts carries you to the famed Korek Mountain Resort.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
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                    [Travel_Type] => 3-hour private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 36.6078 N
                    [Longitude] => 44.4931 E
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                    [Headline] => Hike in Rawanduz Gorge
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3 hours/3 miles hiking with negligible elevation gain and loss
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Today enjoy hiking in the stunning Rawanduz Gorge. Walk along a trail that borders the gorge, through a rocky valley crouched between the Korek and Bradost mountains. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. In the afternoon, return to Korek Mountain Resort to relax or explore the area. Enjoy dinner at the resort\'s restaurant, an incredible blend of culture and cuisine.
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                    [Latitude] => 36.9263 N
                    [Longitude] => 44.0408 E
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                    [Headline] => Travel to Sulymaniya & the Amna Suraka
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Travel to Sulymaniya, stopping in the beautiful town of Dokan for lunch. Upon arriving in Sulymaniya, visit the infamous Sulaymaniyah\'s Amna Suraka, or Red House. The cavern-like entrance of this prison turned museum is covered with tiny mirrors representing the more than 185,000 Kurds who Saddam Hussein "disappeared" during his bloody reign of terror. Visit Sulymaniya\'s bazaar, famous Sha\'ab teahouse, and, time permitting, Goizha Mountain to enjoy a spectacular view for hundreds of miles to the Iranian border.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
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                    [Travel_Type] => 3.5-hour private van transfer 
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                    [Latitude] => 35.5570 N
                    [Longitude] => 45.4359 E
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                    [Headline] => Visit Sulymaniya Museum & Halabja
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Visit the Sulymaniya Museum, Kurdistan\'s largest and Iraq\'s second-largest antiquities collection. Learn about the issues around preserving Kurdistan\'s antiquities. Depart for Halabja, one of the Kurdish villages attacked by Saddam\'s chemical weapons in 1988 that killed at least 5,000 people and injured an estimated 10,000. Today the city lives again - testimony to the Kurds\' amazing resilience - and the Halabja Museum and Memorial Cemetery is both fascinating and moving. Gaze on the beautiful Ahmed Awa waterfall where we\'ll have a simple picnic lunch. Return to Sulaymaniya and freshen up in your hotel. A festive farewell dinner will be taken in one of Suly\'s fine dining establishments in the city.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 1.5-hour private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 35.5570 N
                    [Longitude] => 45.4359 E
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                    [Headline] => Kayak on Dokan Lake & Return to Erbil
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After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Dokan Lake for some pleasant kayaking. Enjoy lunch around the lake. On the way back to Erbil, visit Koi Senjaq, an ancient caravanserai (hostel on the ancient Silk Road), and old Jewish silver bazaar. Upon arriving in Erbil, check into the hotel and get ready for a wonderful farewell dinner.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 2-hour private van transfer 
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                    [Latitude] => 36.1393 N
                    [Longitude] => 44.9239 E
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                    [Headline] => Depart from Iraq
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After breakfast at the hotel, have one final opportunity for a Q&A before departing for the airport and your flight home.
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                    [Latitude] => 36.2063 N
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    [ActivityHighlight] => You will be walking up to 3-4 hours each day touring cities and villages, exploring monasteries, archaeological sites, and visiting museums, caves and nature reserves. There is one hike of 6 miles and 2 hours of kayaking.
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Accommodations

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Elegant resorts with spacious rooms and modern amenities. Includes two nights at the stunning Korek Mountain Resort.

Erbil International Hotel-Erbil, Iraq

Luxury Hotel

The first hotel in Erbil, the Erbil International Hotel is deserving of its luxury status. From its elegant lobby to its contemporary rooms, details of design and practicality are paid close attention to. Its acclaimed level of personal attention is a place of pride, ensuring guests a most welcoming and comfortable experience. There are two pools, fitness center, and spa.

Grand Millennium-Sulymaniya, Iraq

Luxury Hotel

Enjoy luxurious comfort at the Grand Millennium, one of Sulymaniya's most elegant properties. The beautifully appointed rooms offer sweeping views of the city and surrounds, and the spacious bathrooms offer added comfort. Free Wi-Fi, various eateries — including a sky-high revolving restaurant — and its pool, spa, and gym help ensure an unforgettable stay.

Rixos Hotel-Duhok, Iraq

Luxury Hotel

Consistently considered the best hotel in Duhok, the Rixos hosts everyone from business travelers to newlyweds. Guest rooms are very comfortable and spacious, and those on the upper floors offer lovely views. Free Wi-Fi, various restaurants (serving regional and international fare), pool, gym, spa, and other amenities make the Rixos a solid choice.

Rubar Resort

Comfortable Hotel

Located on the banks of the impressive Zab River, the Rubar Resort offers guests incredible wildlife, stunning green landscapes and modern amenities. Guests will enjoy spacious rooms with mountain and river views, a mini bar, multi-channel satellite TV, air conditioner, a gym and Wi-Fi.

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