Kurdistan – The Other Iraq

Kurdistan – The Other Iraq

147 Views
9 Days From

$7223

Kurdistan – The Other Iraq

9 Days Starting and ending in Erbil, Iraq

Visiting: Erbil, Duhok, Rawanduz, Sulaymaniyah, Halabja

Tour operator:

Crooked Compass

Tour code:

3973

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $7223

NB: Prices correct on 23-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview


  • Explore the oldest inhabited city in the world, Erbil

  • Discover remote monasteries

  • Stand on the site of Alexander the Great's historic battle with the Ruler of Persia, Darius III


Kurdistan - the cradle of civilisation and home to more archaeological and historic sites, including the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, than any other region on earth.

Countless citadels, shrines, churches mosques and ancient temples dot its landscape, not to mention the oldest known bridge, ancient aqueduct ruins and there are even Neanderthal caves!

Stand on the site of Alexander the Great's historic battle with the Ruler of Persia, Darius III. Let your imagination run wild as you learn of this site that has never been excavated - what wondrous artefacts lie beneath this battlefield where as many as a million men fought for the future of the known world and the title Lord of the Earth. This is truly a fresh and largely unexplored region - perfect for those with an adventurous soul.

Highlights

  • Explore the oldest inhabited city in the world, Erbil, and its 7000-year-old Citadel.

  • Discover remote monasteries, including the 3rd century Dayro d-Mor Mattai Monastery.

  • Stand on the site of Alexander the Great’s historic battle with the Ruler of Persia, Darius III, at Gaugemela.

  • Visit Lalish, the pilgrimage site of the Yezidis, descendants of the Zoroastrians.

  • Explore the ancient city of Amadiya, dating from the Assyrian era, with its breathtaking landscape.

  • Visit the Halabja Museum and Memorial Cemetery, a testimony to the resilience of the Kurdish people.

  • Travel along the renowned Hamilton Road, an engineering feat of the last century.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 - Arrive Erbil

Location: Erbil

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Divan Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Kurdistan! Upon arrival at Erbil International Airport in the capital of Kurdistan, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After checking in you will be given a briefing on your stay in Kurdistan while enjoying a complimentary welcome drink in the hotel lounge.Dinner tonight is at the hotel’s main restaurant where you can often find local live entertainment. (D)Overnight – Divan Hotel or similar

Day 2 - Erbil

Location: Erbil

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Divan Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning after breakfast you will depart for the Civilization Museum and the 7000-year-old Citadel of Erbil – the oldest continuously inhabited city on earth. Once a Sumerian City, called Urbellum or Arbella (meaning 4 gods), it is believed that Abraham passed through this city on one of his journeys. Originally home to the Temple of the Goddess Ishtar, it is also the city Darius III fled to after facing defeat by Alexander the Great on the nearby plains of Gaugemela. UNESCO is currently undertaking a complete restoration project of the massive site.Here you will have the opportunity to learn about this fascinating city as you tour the famous Textile Museum in the Citadel. Housed in a restored 220-year-old residence, it features ancient Kurdish fighting tools, traditional dresses, handmade rugs from different regions and eras of Kurdish history, jewellery and photos depicting days gone by. You will also find several pieces from Iran and Turkey in addition to Kurdish antiquities. Witness nomadic elder women carry out traditional style weaving, their age-old techniques being handed down to the younger generations, with a goal to preserving the ancient arts of the land. The fascinating art of felt making and embroidery is also practised on site, and you will have the opportunity to contribute to the program by purchasing a unique handmade piece at the Museums’ shop. If you’re in the mood for some shopping, there is also a large antique shop across from the Museum where you might like to purchase your own piece of Kurdistan’s history or an example of more modern crafts.Then, continue to explore the local food market and the alleys of the covered bazaar. Time permitting, you will take a brief stop at Choli Minaret, one of Erbil’s most famous landmarks. Dating to the Atabag period (12th century), the structure was built from burnt bricks and tiles imported from Egypt – a nation linked to Kurdistan in Antiquity. Due to the long-term effect of deterioration, much of the architecture has disappeared and thus the leaning minaret is the last surviving piece of Erbil’s most famous historical mosque.Following lunch at a local Erbil restaurant, you will depart for Dwin Castle and the surrounding ancient graveyard in the area known as the hometown of Saladin Ayoubi. Saladin was a Kurdish Muslim, who became the first sultan of Egypt & Syria, & founded the Ayoubi Dynasty. He led Muslim & Arab opposition to the Franks & other European Crusaders in the Levant. At the height of his power, his sultanate included Egypt, Syria, Mesopotamia, Hijaz, & Yemen. Under his leadership, his forces defeated the Crusaders at the Battle of Hattin, leading the way to the capture of Palestine & Jerusalem. Many have seen famous and better-preserved examples of Salahadin fortresses – few have visited the place that gave birth to this incredible historic figure. (B,L,D)Overnight – Divan Hotel or similar

Day 3 - Duhok

Location: Duhok

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Rixos Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning you will depart for the 3rd century Dayro d-Mor Mattai Monastery (St. Matthew’s Monastery). Guided by one of the Monastery’s Monks, you will learn about the monastery’s history, as well as the life of the Monks. The Monastery is one of eastern Christendom’s most famous sites and apart from a few forced closures has been in continuous use for nearly 2000 years.Continuing, you will head for Gaugemela – the site of the famous battle between King Darius III and Alexander the Great. While standing on a hill overlooking the vast plain below you can imagine the clash of arms that made Alexander King of Persia and undisputed ruler of the civilised world. Here you will be joined by Colonel (ret) Harry Schute, a graduate of West Point with a degree in history, for a fascinating lecture offering an insight into this epic battle.Afterwards, visit Jirwana, the site of the oldest aqueduct and bridge ruin in the world. Built in the time of Sennacharib (690 BC), it was once part of a vast complex that was designed to water the gardens of Nineveh. Huge stones transported by hand from quarries hundreds of miles away are in scripted with the story of this amazing feat. Here you will find the secret of the ‘hidden message of Sennacharib’ known by only a few living scholars in the world – join them in this amazing revelation.For lunch today, you will dine at Xaringeha Niruj restaurant where you will enjoy simple traditional Kurdish fare. Following lunch, you will visit Lalish, the pilgrimage site of the Yezidis who are descendants of the Zoroastrians – one of the most mysterious people in the world. Learn about the ancient rituals of these people who are considered by many to be the remnant of the original religion of Kurdistan. From here you will travel to Dohuk where you will check into your hotel. (B,L,D)Overnight – Rixos Hotel or similar

Day 4 - Duhok

Location: Duhok

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Rixos Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you will make your way to Al Qush, where you will visit the tomb of Nahum, and the 7th Century BC Old Testament Prophet, which are situated next to the 3rd century AD Mar Gorgis Monastery and Mar Mekha Church. You will also explore the Rabban Hormizd Monastery. Carved out of the mountains about 5km from Alqosh, Iraq, 55km north of Mosul (ancient Nineveh prophesied against by Nahum), some 600 monks once inhabited the caves around the Monastery. Founded in 640 AD, it is a place of great importance, acting as the official residence of the patriarchs of the Eliya line of the Church of the East from 1551 to the 18th century, and after the union with Rome in the early 19th century, it became a prominent monastery of the Chaldean Church. It is named after Rabban Hormizd (Rabban is Syriac for monk) who founded it in the seventh century and is buried within the sanctuary.After, return to Dohuk and enjoy lunch at the famous Malta Restaurant serving traditional Kurdish fare as well as other dishes. Following lunch, travel to scenic Gara Mountain and visit the ruins of one of Saddam Hussein’s palaces. In total there were 10 palaces built in the region – all of which were opulent complexes where meals were prepared in each three times a day in anticipation that Saddam ‘might’ visit at any moment. One of the palaces was a venue to extravagant parties hosting the world’s glitterati and a nearby stadium and pool was under construction where Saddam hoped to one-day host the Olympics. Almost nothing remains of the palaces as the people of Kurdistan tore them all down when liberated in 1991.This evening, enjoy dinner at the local Geverke Restaurant where you will dine on the finest local, regional and international cuisine. (B,L,D)Overnight – Rixos Hotel or similar

Day 5 - Rawanduz

Location: Rawanduz

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Pank Resort Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning after breakfast, depart for the ancient city of Amadiya, dating from the Assyrian era (approx. 90km). Located at about 1400m above sea level, high up on a promontory above a breathtaking landscape and fed by a geothermal spring originating far below the mountain, Amadiya was once an almost impenetrable fortress. See the city Gate (Bab Zebar) built by Imaduddin Al- Zanki in 5-600 AD, and the 30m high minaret in the middle of town, with its Islamic ornamentation (arabesque) clearly visible. It was built in the time of Sultan Hussein Wali and was part of an already existing ancient city. Pass by a third Century Synagogue and at the base of the mountain visit an ancient Egyptian Madrasa reportedly founded by the University of Cairo centuries ago.After breaking for lunch, depart for Rawanduz through breathtaking scenery in the region of Barzan where you will meet a local official and see the Mullah Mustapha Memorial (Father of modern Kurdistan) and continue through Soran passing by Shanidar Cave where some of the world’s first pre-historic remains were discovered.Travel on one of the greatest engineering feats of the last century, the renowned Hamilton Road as you make your way to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure and dinner this evening will be in the hotel’s Pasha Restaurant. (B,L,D)Overnight – Pank Resort Hotel or similar

Day 6 - Sulymania

Location: Sulaymaniyah

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Grand Millennium Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following breakfast, depart for Sulymania via the beautiful town of Dokan. Upon arrival in Sulymania, you will visit the Amna Suraka or ‘Red Security’ Complex, also known as the ‘Red House’, the main building being built of red and brown bricks. Once the northern headquarters of the Ba ‘ath regime’s notorious Iraqi Intelligence Service, this site has an horrific past, with thousands of innocent Kurds, Iraqis and Syrians tortured and murdered under Saddam Hussien’s evil regime. It was liberated in 1991 during the Gulf War, when the Kurdish Peshmerge stormed the grounds and took control, setting those inside free. In 2003 the site was turned into a museum, where people can witness the atrocities of war in the hope that they will never be repeated.Continue and explore Suli’s bazaar and then visit the famous Shaab teahouse and learn of its fascinating past.Tonight, you will stay in style as you check in to Sulymania’s best hotel – the Grand Millennium, which towers over the skyline. Enjoy dinner in the revolving restaurant on the top floor. (B,L,D)Overnight – Grand Millennium Hotel or similar

Day 7 - Halabja

Location: Halabja

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Grand Millennium Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning you will depart for Halabja where on March 16, 1988, Saddam Hussein ordered the use of chemical weapons in attacking 24 villages in the Kurdish region, beginning with Halabja. At least 5,000 people died as an immediate result of the chemical attack, and it is estimated that a further 7,000 people were injured or suffered long term illness. Before the war ended the Iraqis moved in on the ground and destroyed the town. In March 2010, the Iraqi High Criminal Court recognised the Halabja massacre as genocide, but Saddam was executed for other crimes before he was to be tried in Kurdistan for his acts of atrocity. Today the city lives again – testimony to the Kurds amazing resilience and ability to survive the most brutal assault on their people and culture. Visit the Halabja Museum and Memorial Cemetery, both are fascinating and moving.Next, visit the beautiful Ahmed Awa waterfall where the ‘Three Hikers’ crossed to Iran and were arrested. Don’t worry – we know the way and will not let you stray from the path! Enjoy a picnic lunch in the lush green valley near the waterfall.Return to Sulymaniain in the late afternoon. (B,L,D)Overnight – Grand Millennium Hotel or similar

Day 8 - Erbil

Location: Erbil

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Divan Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you will visit Sulaymania Museum, home to Kurdistan’s largest collection and Iraq’s second largest collection of antiquities.Depart for the old Jewish town of Koisinjak and visit the ancient Caravanserai (a hostel on the ancient Silk Road) as you make your way back to Erbil. Upon arrival, check into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours at leisure.This evening you will enjoy a farewell dinner joined by Col. Harry Schute for a fascinating Q & A. Harry is the Senior Security Advisor to the Kurdish Regional Government and a West Point Graduate with a major in History. (B,L,D)Overnight – Divan Hotel or similar

Day 9 - Departure

Location: Erbil

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning is yours at leisure to make the most of any last-minute shopping before you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

What's Included

  • Return airport transfers

  • 8 nights accommodation

  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners

  • Services of an English speaking local guide

  • Private transportation in an air conditioned vehicle

  • Entrance fees and permits as per the itinerary

What's Not Included

  • International and domestic flights

  • Visas

  • Travel and medical insurance

  • All services, meals other than those indicated above

  • Any changes to the proposed and confirmed program.

  • All items of a personal nature e.g. drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips etc

  • Earchy check-in/ Late check-out

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a comfortable journey across the captivating landscapes of Kurdistan.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    You will enjoy comfortable stays at the Divan Hotel, Rixos Hotel, Pank Resort Hotel, and Grand Millennium Hotel or similar, which offer a blend of local charm and modern amenities throughout your journey in Kurdistan.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package includes 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners.

  • Will there be a guide during the tour?

    Yes, the services of an English-speaking local guide will be available throughout the tour.

  • Are entrance fees included in the tour package?

    Yes, entrance fees and permits as per the itinerary are included in the tour package.

  • What historical sites will be visited during the tour?

    The tour includes visits to several historical sites such as the 7000-year-old Citadel of Erbil, the 3rd century Dayro d-Mor Mattai Monastery, the site of the Battle of Gaugemela, and the ancient city of Amadiya.

  • What cultural experiences are included in the tour?

    Cultural experiences include visiting the Textile Museum in Erbil, exploring the local food market and covered bazaar, and learning about the Yezidis at the pilgrimage site of Lalish.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes. Focusing on providing authentic experiences where ever you are in the world, Crooked Compass has access to a vast array of accommodation styles. From boutique properties in larger cities to local guest houses and home stays within small villages. Crooked Compass ensures that local authenticity flows through your accommodation throughout your tour without compromising standard.

  • What sort of transportation is used for your tours?

    Transportation utilised on a Crooked Compass escorted small group tour is a combination of a private air conditioned vehicle and local transport where appropriate. This may include a local bus ride, use of the cities metro system, a domestic flight to another city or overnight train ride.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Crooked Compass strives to be a leader in sustainable tourism. Crooked Compass is firmly committed to the principles of ethical travel. Our comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Practices policy summarises our commitments and actions. Although the very basis of our ground operations lends itself to the ethos of sustainable tourism, this policy re-iterates our commitment to: Use locally owned hotels Use locally owned ground agents Use local guides and drivers Promote community tourism projects from homestays to craft shops Support charities that work within the destinations that we travel to Carbon offset our travels

  • Who runs your tours and are they experts in their fields?

    Crooked Compass works with the worlds best operators who are specialists in their country, region and cities providing you with in depth local knowledge. We use local guides who live and breathe the areas they work in, making sure you experience their region, their way. We believe it is far better to have a local guide who knows a lot about a little than a text book trained Western tour guide who knows a little about a lot. Using local guides also ensures that money stays within local communities and supports the regions we visit.

  • What can I expect from a Crooked Compass tour that I wouldn't get from travelling with an alternative company?

    Crooked Compass provides a sensory way to understand the world – we help you live like a local, eat like a local, do what the locals do and seek the faces behind the places whilst discovering untouched lands and natural beauty. Crooked Compass tours delve deep into the heart and soul of a destination ensuring you get out of your journey all you intended and much, much more. Our intriguing itineraries have been created by travellers for travellers. Steering travellers to follow a different path, Crooked Compass’ itineraries allow you to experience the world’s most fascinating destinations in ways you never dreamed possible. It brings to life those ‘bucket list’ experiences you have yearned to do and separates the travellers from the tourists. Crooked Compass tours are culturally rich, reward travellers with unexpected encounters and uncommon rendezvous, creating truly unique, authentic travel experiences.

  • Who do your tours cater for?

    Crooked Compass escorted small group tours cater for those who are well travelled seeking the what’s next and what’s new. Our travellers are curious minded soft adventurers who want to uncover something more than the mainstream tourist trail. Crooked Compass tours draw travellers with an interest in sustainable tourism and conservation for the areas they visit. A Crooked Compass traveller is someone who is seeking something fresh and unique, who has a yearning for authenticity and discovery, with an appreciation for cultures, tradition and the natural world. We call them Cultural Purists.

  • I am concerned about my impact on travelling through untouched regions. Can I offset?

    Yes. All travellers on Crooked Compass tours have the option to offset their part of their tour’s carbon footprint by donating $4AUD (tax-deductible) at time of booking. 100% of these funds are donated to Greenfleet, an environmental non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting our climate by restoring our forests. By partnering with Greenfleet, we are confident that our carbon offset program provides genuine and lasting environmental benefits. Your offset donation funds plant trees and restore permanent native forests in Australia and New Zealand. As they grow, these forests provide many community and environmental benefits by absorbing carbon emissions, protecting our unique biodiversity, restoring habitat for native wildlife, preventing soil salinity and erosion, improving water quality and much more. If you’d like to find out more and offset the rest of your carbon emissions, visit www.greenfleet.org.au

Reviews of this operator

Jeff Rehn  

A wonderful trip to Saudi Arabia organised by Crooked Compass

07-Apr-2022

A wonderful trip to Saudi Arabia organised by Crooked Compass. Considering the country is just opening up to tourism everything went very well - flights, trips, transfers, guides and accommodation - thank you CC - highly recommended

Tripadvisor
Pauline Mavis Rusby  

We were kept safe at all times.

09-May-2022

We were kept safe at all times. When unexpected hurdles appeared they were handled without fuss. Our tour was informative, picturesque and comfortable.

Tripadvisor
Tina Watts-Seale  

Family holiday to Vietnam

01-Aug-2022

We booked a family holiday to Vietnam with Crooked Compass and it was perfect. The booking process was easy and Lisa took all of our requests on board so that the trip was exactly what we wanted. All flights, transfers, accommodations, guides and activities were fantastic, with great communication throughout the whole trip. Would highly recommend, we will be booking again soon!

Tripadvisor

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Friday

Nov 12, 2026 - Nov 20, 2026
$7223

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Crooked Compass requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of crooked compass charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Similar Tours