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THE LOST EDEN
IRAQI KURDISTAN, 8 days
Discover a hidden gem of the Middle East — a land of dramatic mountains, ancient cultures, and resilient people.
Iraqi Kurdistan is an autonomous region in northern Iraq known for its safety, diversity, and breathtaking nature. It has its own government and military, and is home to Kurds, Arabs, Yazidis, Assyrians, and other minorities. Locals are friendly and respectful towards visitors.
Dress code: Women are not required to cover their heads (except at religious sites like Lalish). Modest clothing is recommended; shorts are allowed but not too short.
Currency: Iraqi Dinar (IQD), but USD is widely accepted. Bring small denominations in cash. Bank cards are accepted in major cities, but cash is essential for most places, especially in rural areas.
SIM Cards: Available at airports and city shops (Zain, Korek, Asiacell), besides that e-SIM for this region are available.
Time Zone: GMT+3
Visa: E-visa available for many nationalities (including citizens of EU, US, Canada and etc.)
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and blooming nature.
Arrival to Erbil
Welcome to Kurdistan! Depending on your arrival time, we will greet you in Erbil, the beating heart of the region. After checking into our hotel, the evening is yours to rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 1 Arrival Day
Our journey begins in the city of contrasts, where ancient history blends with modern life. We start with the breathtaking Jalil Khayat Mosque, its domes and mosaics echoing Ottoman and Andalusian styles.
From there, we climb into time itself: the Erbil Citadel, a fortress that has watched over humanity for more than 7,000 years. Within its walls, we’ll step into the Textile & Heritage Museum, where Kurdish craftsmanship tells centuries of stories.
Descending into the lively Qaysari Bazaar, we’ll wander among spices, copperware, and fabrics, before pausing at the historic Choli Minaret. As the day softens, we drive to Khanzad Castle, where sunset paints the landscape golden. Dinner will be in a local restaurant, rich with Kurdish flavors.
Overnight in Erbil
Day 2 Koya & Slemani
At sunrise, we depart Erbil, driving toward Koya, where the old caravanserai still whispers of merchants and caravans. Higher in the mountains, we pause for tea at Klka Smaqa, overlooking the serene Lake Dukan.
By midday, we reach Sulaymaniyah. Here, the walls of the Amnasuraka War Museum tell the painful truths of Saddam Hussein’s regime and the Anfal campaign—a sobering reminder of resilience.
We continue to the city’s beating heart: the Slemani Bazaar, the Grand Mosque, and the Saray, where the echoes of the British Empire and the first Kurdish kingdom linger. As evening falls, we ascend Goizha Mountain, watching the city flicker to life beneath us. The day closes with a traditional Kurdish dinner.
Overnight in Sulaymaniyah
Day 3 Slemani to Rawandiz
We begin at the Slemani Archaeological Museum, then head toward Qyzqapan Cave, the ancient tomb of a Median king. Deeper in the mountains lies Jasana Cave, tied to the story of Sheikh Mahmud Barznji, the first Kurdish king under British rule.
By the shimmering Lake Dukan, we pause for tea, and—if water allows—venture by boat into the romantic Bride and Groom Valley (Buk u Zawa).
The road ahead is legendary: the Hamilton Road, carved into the mountains by the British. At every turn, the landscape offers breathtaking views, perfect for photos. By evening, we reach Rawanduz, once the capital of the Soran Emirate. We will see the first Kurdish cannon, watch the sun sink into the vast Rawandiz Canyon, and share a homely dinner in our guide’s house. Overnight on the edge of the canyon.
Overnight in Rawandiz
Day 4 Rawandiz to Barzan
Breakfast with a canyon view sets the tone for the day. We journey to Ali Bag Waterfall, hearing the stories that cascade with its waters. Our path then leads to Shanidar Cave, where Neanderthal remains revealed the earliest hints of human ritual and compassion.
We continue to Barzan, where the Anfal Monument and Barzani National Museum honor the Kurdish struggle. The night will be spent in the mountain town of Amedi, a citadel in the clouds.
Overnight in Amedi
Day 5 Amedi to Duhok
Amedi welcomes us with history at every turn. We will pass through the Behdinan Gate, explore its mosque, synagogue, and church, and visit the grave of a remarkable woman rabbi.
Later, we’ll step into tradition with a tahini-making experience, watching sesame seeds transform into rich paste as they have for centuries. Before departing, we’ll stop at the elegant Qubahan Madrasa, then continue to Duhok for the night.
Overnight in Duhok
Day 6 Duhok
The day begins at Shahid Café, where breakfast is served among memories of Peshmerga who fought ISIS.
Afterwards, we visit the Maltai Cave, with its grand Neo-Assyrian rock reliefs.
We then journey to the Charsteen Zoroastrian Temple, one of the oldest places of worship in the region, before ending the day at the vast Mosul Dam, standing across the mighty Tigris.
Overnight in Duhok
Day 7 Alqosh and Lalish
Northward, we reach Alqosh, an ancient Assyrian town. High in the cliffs lies the Rabban Hormizd Monastery, carved from rock in the 7th century, where monks once wrote manuscripts that traveled across the Christian world.
Later, we will enter the valley of Lalish, the sacred home of the Yazidi faith. Walking barefoot along its stone paths, we will hear the stories of this ancient mystic religion and its resilience after the ISIS genocide.
Overnight in Duhok
Day 8 Khinnis, Jerwan & Akre
After breakfast, we set off to Khinnis, where Assyrian kings carved monumental reliefs and even pressed wine centuries ago. Nearby, the Jerwan Aqueduct awaits, the oldest known aqueduct in the world, built of limestone blocks inscribed with cuneiform.
Our final stop is Akre. Here, we hike through winding alleys, stone houses, and climb to the ruins of Mart Maryam Cathedral and the ancient Akre Castle, where caves hold forgotten secrets. From the summit, we watch the sun set over the Nineveh Plains—a perfect farewell to our journey.
We return to town for a celebratory dinner of local Kurdish rice from the Zab River and qalya, Akre’s famed lamb dish. Overnight in Erbil.
Departure
November is an ideal time to explore Kurdistan. The summer heat has passed, and temperatures are mild, averaging 15–20°C, perfect for sightseeing. Autumn colors paint the hills and valleys, and tourist sites are less crowded, offering a relaxed experience. Crisp mornings and cool evenings create a refreshing atmosphere, making November comfortable and enjoyable for a study tour in the region.
STUDY TOUR TO IRAQI KURDISTAN
November 1 - 8, 2025
€1,312
Number of Participants: 15 persons
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Accommodation in 3 & 4-star hotels for 8 nights
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Daily breakfast and dinner.
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Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
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Private transportation during the tour
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English/Polish-speaking local guide throughout the program
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Entrance fees to all scheduled sites and museums
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Group activities, workshops, or cultural experiences as listed in the itinerary
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Bottled water during excursions
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Travel permits (if required within the region)
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International airfare to/from Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
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E-visa fee (for more information visit e-visa web)
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Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
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Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, minibar, souvenirs, etc.)
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Meals and drinks that are not included in the itinerary
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Tips and gratuities for guide, driver, or hotel staff
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Optional tours or activities not listed in the program
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Any costs arising from unforeseen circumstances (flight delays, political events, natural disasters, etc.)
When you are planning a trip to Erbil, you have several options when it comes to direct flights with both international and regional airlines. Below is a list of airlines and the main cities they connect to Erbil:
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Austrian Airlines – Vienna
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Eurowings – Berlin, Cologne/Bonn, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, Stuttgart
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FlyErbil – Amsterdam, Athens, Berlin, Cologne, Copenhagen, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hannover, Istanbul, London–Gatwick, Munich, Stuttgart
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Pegasus Airlines – Istanbul (Sabiha Gökçen)
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Turkish Airlines – Istanbul
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Aegean Airlines – Athens
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Qatar Airways – Doha
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FlyDubai – Dubai
A deposit of €350 is required to secure a place on the tour before October 20, 2025. The remaining balance of €962 is to be paid in person upon arrival in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
To join the tour and receive an invoice by an email, please fill the form bellow.
Fill the form or contact us directly
3, Nina Khubulava Street
Tbilisi, 0190 Georgia
+995 544 44 65 43