A Tour in the North, exploring ancient sites, heritage sites, cultural places, natural attractions, and landmarks

Day 1: Baghdad - Samarra - Mosul

• In the morning, we set out for Mosul with a stop at Samarra city to explore the UNESCO Heritage Sites, including the spiral Malwiya Minaret of the Great Mosque of Samarra.

• Visit the Abbasid Pond Palace, and Abu Dalaf mini spiral minaret.

• Upon reaching Mosul, our evening unfolds with a night tour at Bytna cultural center. Our stay for the night will be in Mosul.

Day 2: A full day in Mosul

• In the morning, 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'll explore mesmerizing temples and buildings featuring a distinctive blend of Roman-Greco and Eastern architectural elements.

• Al-Nouri Mosque and its famed Leaning Minaret.

• Nineveh archaeological site and its gates.

• One of Mosul old churches, al-Tahira.

• Al-Mosul unfinished Grand Mosque.

• Mosul Heritage Center.

• Walk in the fish market, and witness the destruction on the Right Side of Mosul, which experienced intense battles. We will stay there for another night.

Day 3: Duhok

• In the morning, we will drive to Duhok and visit Lalish temple, the most sacred site to the believers in Yazidism.

• 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.

• In Duhok, we will rest and then drive to the top of Zawa Mountain, gazing at the view of the whole city while sipping a cup of coffee.

• Then we will head to Dam Lake Duhok and enjoy the picturesque view.

• A night tour in the city local market.

• End the tour at Akre Restaurant that serves superb Iraqi dishes. An overnight in Duhok.

Day 4: Akre - Erbil

• Next day, we drive to Erbil.

• On the way to Erbil, we will make a stop and tour Akre beautiful nature.

• Once 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'll stroll through roofed market lanes, explore diverse shops.

• Pause for tea in a historic cafe adorned with portraits of local figures.

• Later, we'll visit the Choli Minaret and the impressive Jalil Khayat Mosque.

• During the night, we will walk in Eskan Food Street. An overnight in Erbil.

Day 5: Ancient Cave & Waterfalls

• We will drive to Shanidar Cave, famous for its Neanderthal remains — 10 skeletons that date back over 50,000 years.

• Then we will head to Rawanduz to enjoy its picturesque nature.

• Relax in Bekhal & Geli Ali Beg waterfalls.

• Seeing the beauty of Rawanduz Canyon.

• Return to Erbil.

Day 6: Sulaymaniyah

• A morning departure to Suli.

• In there, we will first visit the Roman Theater.

• Red Security Museum, notorious for Saddam’s regime harsh treatment of prisoners. A former headquarters of the Iraqi Intelligence Service in Sulaymaniyah.

• Drive to Halabja town, to visit Halabja Monument, a memorial to Kurdish victims under the former regime.

• Relax in a resort.

• Visit the city’s market.

• Walk in the famed Salim food street.

• Drive to Azmir mountain to sip a cup of coffee and enjoy the incredible view on the city.

• An overnight in Sulaymaniyah.

Day 7: Return to Erbil or Baghdad

We can either drive to Erbil Airport or Baghdad Airport

The Tour includes:

• Experienced tour guide with a deep interest in Iraq’s history.

• Modern car and a private driver for transportation.

• Airport Pick-up and Drop-off.

• 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:

• Accommodation.

• Entry fees.

• Meals.