Ancient Citadels, Sweeping Landscapes & Deep Encounters
Temporary Suspension of Iraq Departures
Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of our travelers, staff, and the communities we visit. Due to the current situation in Iraq, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend all our departures to Iraq.
This decision comes in light of the continuing tensions and uncertainties in the area, which could potentially impact the safety and seamless experience we promise to our adventurers. We understand that this news may be disappointing to many of you who were looking forward to exploring the rich cultures and stunning landscapes of Iraq with us. Please know that this decision was not made lightly but with the best interests of our travelers and partners at heart.
Looking Ahead: We will continue to monitor the situation closely, in consultation with global security experts and local partners. Our goal is to resume our Iraq adventures as soon as it is safe and viable to do so. Updates will be provided on our website and through direct communication with interested travelers.
Iraqi Kurdistan is a historically and culturally rich region with a turbulent legacy, but opportunities for travel here do exist. Join MT Sobek on an exploratory adventure through this minimally touristed area, experiencing first-hand its past glories and present struggles. Behold ancient Erbil - the world's oldest continuously inhabited city, tour third-century monasteries, the world's oldest-known bridge and aqueduct ruin, a biblical prophet's tomb, a mysterious Yazidi Pilgrimage site, explore Neanderthal Shanidar Cave, and learn about the moving history of Halabja. With expert guides leading you every step of the way, this is a unique chance to explore a spellbinding region of Iraq.
Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of our travelers, staff, and the communities we visit. Due to the current situation in Iraq, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend all our departures to Iraq.
This decision comes in light of the continuing tensions and uncertainties in the area, which could potentially impact the safety and seamless experience we promise to our adventurers. We understand that this news may be disappointing to many of you who were looking forward to exploring the rich cultures and stunning landscapes of Iraq with us. Please know that this decision was not made lightly but with the best interests of our travelers and partners at heart.
Looking Ahead: We will continue to monitor the situation closely, in consultation with global security experts and local partners. Our goal is to resume our Iraq adventures as soon as it is safe and viable to do so. Updates will be provided on our website and through direct communication with interested travelers.
Iraqi Kurdistan is a historically and culturally rich region with a turbulent legacy, but opportunities for travel here do exist. Join MT Sobek on an exploratory adventure through this minimally touristed area, experiencing first-hand its past glories and present struggles. Behold ancient Erbil - the world's oldest continuously inhabited city, tour third-century monasteries, the world's oldest-known bridge and aqueduct ruin, a biblical prophet's tomb, a mysterious Yazidi Pilgrimage site, explore Neanderthal Shanidar Cave, and learn about the moving history of Halabja. With expert guides leading you every step of the way, this is a unique chance to explore a spellbinding region of Iraq.
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
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
Journey through untouristed regions and experience the mystery - and warmth - of the local people
Via hiking, kayaking, and caving, immerse yourself in Kurdistan's incredible landscapes and unspoiled beauty
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.
Accommodation: Erbil International Hotel-Erbil, Iraq
Meals: Dinner
Explore the Cultural Treasures of Erbil
Day 2
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.
Accommodation: Erbil International Hotel-Erbil, Iraq
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Lalish & Ancient Sites En Route to Duhok
Day 3
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.
Accommodation: Rixos Hotel-Duhok, Iraq
Transportation: 2.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Day Trip to Alqosh
Day 4
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.
Accommodation: Rixos Hotel-Duhok, Iraq
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head East to Rawanduz & Korek Mountain Via Amadiya
Day 5
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.
Accommodation: Rubar Resort
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike in Rawanduz Gorge
Day 6
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.
Accommodation: Rubar Resort
Activity: 3 hours/3 miles hiking with negligible elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Sulymaniya & the Amna Suraka
Day 7
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.
Accommodation: Grand Millennium-Sulymaniya, Iraq
Transportation: 3.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Sulymaniya Museum & Halabja
Day 8
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.
Accommodation: Grand Millennium-Sulymaniya, Iraq
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kayak on Dokan Lake & Return to Erbil
Day 9
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.
Accommodation: Erbil International Hotel-Erbil, Iraq
Activity: 2 hours kayaking
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from Iraq
Day 10
After breakfast at the hotel, have one final opportunity for a Q&A before departing for the airport and your flight home.
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
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.
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.
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.
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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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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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.
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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.
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.
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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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.
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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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 2. 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. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 6
3 hours/3 miles hiking with negligible elevation gain and loss
Day 9
2 hours kayaking
Accommodations
Elegant resorts with spacious rooms and modern amenities. Includes two nights at the stunning Korek Mountain Resort.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Weather
It's temperate and dry. Temperatures range from the low 50's to mid-70's F in March and from the mid-70's to low 100's F in September.
Mar
May
Sep
Erbil
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Erbil
66
45
90
63
98
70
Rawanduz
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Rawanduz
53
38
75
54
88
61
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
Our MT Sobek representative at the Erbil International Airport.
Is it safe for Americans to travel to Iraq?
Yes. In 2019 we operated our first commercial group tour to this area. Prior to that, we sent our MT Sobek Middle East Program Director to scout, assess and familiarize for safety and quality.
Do I need a visa for Iraqi Kurdistan?
Americans can get a free, 30-day visa on arrival at the airport in Erbil.
Will we be entering a war zone traveling to Iraq?
No, as you will be traveling to the semi-independent Kurdistan region of Iraq (KRI), where there is a blossoming tourism industry and functioning economy.
Do I have to fly to Baghdad to get to Erbil, where the trip starts?
No! Numerous European and Middle Eastern airlines have direct flights to Erbil. No need to connect in Baghdad.
What additional safety precautions do you take?
We register each trip departure with the State Department and the US Consulate in Erbil for added safety.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our private trip options for families and groups with younger guests.
"Wow, I had a wonderful time in Iraqi Kurdistan and Balin is a fantastic guide! The mountain scenery is really exquisite, but it was the local people who drove this trip for me."
Marilyn A. MT Sobek Guest, Iraqi Kurdistan Cultural Discovery
"Iraqi Kurdistan is an amazing country with a fascinating and ancient history. Balin Zrar is an extraordinary guide with excellent knowledge of his country's stories and customs."
Mary G. MT Sobek Guest, Iraqi Kurdistan Cultural Discovery