Day 1: Samarra and Hatra
Stop at Samarra to explore its UNESCO Heritage Sites, including the 9th-century spiral Malwiya Minaret of the Great Mosque and Abu Delaf Mosque’s 30-meter spiral minaret, built in 859 AD by Al-Mutawakkil.
Drive to Hatra, one of the first Arab kingdoms in Iraq, reaching its zenith in the 2nd century AD. Explore its Roman-Greco and Eastern architectural elements. Arrive in Mosul, enjoy dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Mosul
Walk through Bab Al-Saray bazaar, seeing coppersmiths, spice and fish markets.
Visit the fifth oldest mosque in the Islamic world and second oldest in Iraq. Walk its narrow alleyways and see al-Nouri Mosque and its famed Leaning Hadba’ Minaret, rebuilt by UNESCO from the original bricks.
Visit al-Tahira and Clock Catholic churches, Bytna Cultural Center and Museum-Cafe, and Mar Mattai monastery, dating to the 4th century AD, atop Mount Maqlub. Visit ancient Nineveh and Adad Gate. See Mosul’s unfinished Grand Mosque and Mosul Heritage Center. End at an authentic Mosuli restaurant.
Day 3: Duhok
Drive to Duhok, stopping at Lalish temple, the most sacred site to Yazidism, and Jerwan Aqueduct, built around 700 BC by Sennacherib. Explore Khinnis canal, dating to the 7th century BC, with ancient reliefs and inscriptions. Rest in Duhok, then drive to Zawa Mountain for coffee and panoramic views. Take a night tour of the local market. End at a Kurdish restaurant. Overnight in Duhok.
Day 4: Amedi
Drive to Amedi, stopping at King Faisal II summer palace, Enishke cave, one of northern Iraq’s largest, and Qubahani school ruins, dating to 1534 AD.
In Amedi, enjoy mountain and valley views. Visit al-Amadiyah Mosque and its 9-centuries-old minaret, old gates and princes cemetery. Stroll in town. Overnight near Amedi.
Day 5: Barzan and Shanidar Cave
Visit Shanidar Cave, famous for 10 Neanderthal skeletons dating back over 50,000 years. Stop at Dore Canyon, Barzan and Gali Dalash. Arrive in Rawanduz and overnight.
Day 6: Rawanduz and Sulaymaniyah
Tour Rawanduz’s famed canyons and see Bekhal Waterfalls. Stop at Dukan Lake for views and a boat tour. In Sulaymaniyah, explore the market and Salim night food street. Overnight.
Day 7: Sulaymaniyah and Kirkuk
Tour Kurd’s Heritage Museum and see the Roman Theatre. Drive to Azmir Mountain for coffee and city views. Drive to Kirkuk. Visit the Ottoman Kishla barrack, built in 1863, and Kirkuk Citadel, dating to the 9th century BC. Explore old mosques, tombs and houses. Arrive in Erbil and overnight.
Day 8: Erbil
Begin at Erbil Citadel, a World Heritage Site and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements. Explore the Grand Bazaar and pause for tea in a historic cafe.
Visit Choli Minaret and Jalil Khayat Mosque. Explore the Syriac Heritage Museum and learn about the Aramaic-speaking Christian community in Iraq. Overnight in Erbil.
