A Northern Tour: Discovering Ancient Sites, Cultural Treasures, Natural Wonders, and Historic 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, a recreational palace named after the pond at its center.
• Another spiral minaret of Abu Delaf Mosque, standing at a height of 32 meters, built in 859 AD of baked bricks by the Abbasid caliph Al-Mutawakkil.
• Walk in Qaser al-Ashiq, the Lover’s Palace, situated on the western side of Samarra. Built in the 9th century when Samarra was the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate.
• 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
• Morning walk in Bab Al-Saray bazaar.
• 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'll explore mesmerizing temples and buildings featuring a distinctive blend of Roman-Greco and Eastern architectural elements.
• Al-Nouri Mosque and its famed Leaning Hadba' Minaret.
• Visit the fifth oldest mosque in the Islamic world and the second oldest in Iraq.
• Visit Nineveh archaeological site and see Adad Gate, one of the fifteen gateways of ancient Nineveh.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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’ll take a moment to rest before driving to the summit of Zawa Mountain, where we’ll 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 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 historic 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.
• Enjoy the scenic landscape surrounding the ancient cave.
• 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.
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:
Accommodation.
Meals.