Northern Iraq Tour: An 8-day trip through northern Iraq, exploring ancient ruins, natural wonders, cultural and heritage landmarks, religious sites, and experiencing daily life along the way

Day 1: Baghdad - Samarra - Hatra

In the morning, we set out for Mosul with a stop at Samarra city to explore the UNESCO Heritage Sites, including the 9th-century spiral Malwiya Minaret of the Great Mosque of Samarra.
Another spiral minaret of Abu Delaf Mosque, standing at a height of around 30 meters, built in 859 AD of baked bricks by the Abbasid caliph Al-Mutawakkil.
Next, we will drive to Hatra ancient ruins. This was one of the first Arab kingdoms in Iraq, reaching its zenith in the 2nd century AD. Here, we will explore mesmerizing temples and buildings featuring a distinctive blend of Roman-Greco and Eastern architectural elements.
Upon reaching Mosul, our evening unfolds with dinner in Mosul. Our stay for the night will be in Mosul.

Day 2: A Full Day Tour in Mosul

Morning walk in the old Bab Al-Saray bazaar, seeing a variety of several markets, including coppersmiths and spices markets.
Walk in the fish market and see the different types of fish.
Witness the tragic destruction in the old town of Mosul, which experienced intense battles. We will see old houses decorated with ornamented facades.
Visit the fifth oldest mosque in the Islamic world and the second oldest in Iraq.
Walk in the narrow alleyways of the old town.
See the historical al-Nouri Mosque and its famed Leaning Hadba’ Minaret, which was destroyed by the terrorist group ISIS but has been rebuilt by UNESCO from the original bricks.
Visit al-Tahira and the Clock catholic churches.
Relax at Bytna Cultural Center and Museum-Cafe.
Visit the capital of ancient Assyria, Nineveh, and see Adad Gate, one of the fifteen gateways of the ancient city.
Marvel at Mosul unfinished Grand Mosque.
Explore Mosul Heritage Center.
End at a Mosuli authentic restaurant.

Day 3: Duhok

In the morning, we will drive to Duhok, and stop en route to see several sites, including:
Visit Lalish temple, the most sacred site to the believers in Yazidism. Situated in a valley where the founder of the faith is buried.
Then we will explore Khinnis canal, which dates back to the 7th century BC and was carved out of rock by the Assyrian monarch Sennacherib, whose ancient reliefs and inscriptions we will see on the cliffs.
See the impressive Chaldean monastery of Rabban Hormizd, built upon a mountain ridge northeast of Alqosh in northern Iraq, it dates back to the 7th century.
In Duhok, we will take a moment to rest before driving to the summit of Zawa Mountain, where we will sip coffee while enjoying the panoramic view of the city.
A night tour in the city local market.
End the tour at Akre Restaurant that serves Iraqi dishes. An overnight in Duhok.

Day 4: Amedi

In the morning, we will drive to Amedi town, situated on top of a high plateau.
Making a stop on the way at King Faisal II summer palace, Iraq last king in monarchy time.
Exploring Enishke cave, one of the largest in northern Iraq.
Just before arriving to Amedi, we will stop at the ruins of Qubahani school, one of the oldest schools in northern Iraq, dating back to 1534 AD.
In Amedi, we will enjoy the spectacular view on the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Visit al-Amadiyah Mosque and its 9-centuries-old minaret.
Explore the old gates of the town.
Visit the old princes cemetery.
Stroll in the town.
Overnight at a hotel near Amedi.

Day 5: Barzan - Shanidar Cave

Our highlight on this day is Shanidar Cave, famous for its Neanderthal remains — 10 skeletons that date back over 50,000 years.
Making several stops to marvel at natural wonders all the way from Amedi to our destination in Shanadir cave, including: Gali Sherana, Barzan and Gali Dalash.
Arrive to Erbil and overnight there.

Day 6: A Full Day Tour in Erbil

Our tour kicks off at Erbil Citadel, a World Heritage Site and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements.
Within the Grand Bazaar surrounding the castle, we will stroll through roofed market lanes, explore diverse shops.
Pause for tea in a historic cafe adorned with portraits of local figures.
Visit the historical Choli Minaret.
See Jalil Khayat Mosque, an architectural masterpiece.
Explore the Syriac Heritage Museum. The Syriacs are an Aramaic-speaking Christian people, with a significant community in Iraq.
Stroll in the abandoned old Arab quarter.
During the night, we will walk in Eskan Food Street.
An overnight in Erbil.

Day 7: Kirkuk - Sulaymaniyah

A morning drive to Kirkuk, Iraq’s northern oil-rich city.
Visit the Ottoman Kishla barrack, built in 1863.
See Baba Gurgur, the Eternal Fire, burning for over 4,000 years.
Take a look at Kirkuk Citadel, dating back around 5,000 years.
Continue the ride to Sulaymaniyah, once in there, we will rest and then visit the Roman Theater.
Explore the city’s market and walk along the famed Salim night food street.
Drive to Azmir Mountain to sip a cup of coffee and enjoy the incredible view on the city.
Overnight in Sulaymaniyah.

Day 8: A Full Day Tour in Sulaymaniyah

Visit Red Security Museum, notorious for Saddam’s regime harsh treatment of prisoners. A former headquarters of the Iraqi Intelligence Service in Sulaymaniyah.
Drive to the town of Halabja to visit Halabja Monument, a memorial to Kurdish civilians killed in the chemical attack during the final days of the Iran–Iraq War in 1988.
Enjoy Halabja natural surroundings.
Drive to Byara, a town near the Iraqi-Iranian frontier, and enjoy the resort that straddles the border.
End at Ahmed Awa waterfall and resort.
Back to Sulaymaniyah.

Day 9: End of the Northern Trip

Drive to Erbil Airport or to Baghdad Airport.

The Tour includes:

Experienced tour guide with a deep interest in Iraq’s history.
Modern car with a private driver for transportation.
Airport pickup and drop-off.
Entry fees and special access to all of the mentioned sites in the itinerary.
A pre-trip video call to explain the details of the trip and to learn basic Iraqi phrases and cultural practices.

It doesn’t include: