INTRODUCTORY PRICE: £1,490 ( REGULARY PRICE £1,590- SAVE £100)

• After breakfast, You'll be pick up from your hotel and  drive toward Rawanduz, a scenic drive approximately 1-1.5 hours through the rolling hills and beautiful landscapes of the Zagros Mountain.
• Upon arrival, take a short break for tea before continuing to the breathtaking Gali Ali beg, one of the most famous canyons in the region, known for its dramatic cliffs and flowing streams- an ideal stop for photography. 
• From there, drive about 20 minutes to the picturesque Bekhal Waterfalls, where water cascades over rocks sorrounded by greenery, offering a refreshing and relaxing atmosphere.
• Continue on the Pank Resort for lunch, where you can enjoy traditional Kurdish dishes. 
• After lunch, stop briefly stop at  Hamilton Park for a short stroll and to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
• In the afternoon, make your way to Korek Mountain, where you can take panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and, if available enjoy a cable car ride for spectacular mountain vistas.
• later,  visit the charming town of Shaqlawa and explore the historic Khazan Castle, which offers scenic views and a glimpse into the region's past.
• Conclude your day with a relaxing drive back to Erbil in the evening.
• Overnight in Erbil
• MEALS: Breakfast

• Begin your journey   heading west toward Lalish ( Approximately 2-2.5 hours). 
• Your first stop is the sacred valley of Lalish, the spiritual center of Yazidi faith. nestled between quiet mountain slopes, Lalish is a peaceful sanctuary marked by its distinctive conical temple roofs and stone pathways. Take time to walk through the courtyards, visit the main Temple of Sheik Adi, and learn about the ancient Yazidi traditions and beliefs that are still practiced today.
• Continue north toward Alqosh to visit the historic Rabban Hormazd Monastery, dramatically carved into the mountainside. Founded in the 7th century, this monastery once served as a major center of the church of the East. the Uphill walk rewards you with sweeping views of the Nineveh Plains and a chance to explore ancient caves once inhabited by monks seeking solitude and devotion.
• After your visit, stop in Alqosh or nearby for lunch at a local restaurant.
• In the afternoon, drive east toward the impressive Mar Mattai Monastery, one of the oldest  Christian monastery in existence, dating back tot eh 4th century. Perched high on Mount Alfaf, the monastery offers panoramic views across the plains and peaceful spiritual atmosphere. Explore its ancient chapels, courtyards, and stone walls while learning about its  long history of resilience.
• From there, continue your journey to Duhok ( approximately 1-1.5 hours). Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening in the city.
• Overnight in Duhok
• MEALS: Breakfast

• Begin your morning with a visit to the scenic Duhok Dam, where calm waters are frames by surrounding mountains, offering a peaceful setting for a short walk and morning photos.
• Continue to the lively Duhok bazaar in the city center, where you can explore local shops selling spices, Kurdish sweets and other stuff giving you a glimpse into everyday local life.
• From there, drive toward the hill to view Saddam Heussein Palace from below- the large former presidential palace sits prominently on the mountain overlooking the city, a reminder of Iraq's recent history and offering a striking photo backdrop.
• Next, head out of the city toward Inishke Cave, an ancient cave site believed to contain archaeological and historical significance. The cave area provides scenic natural surroundings and a sense of exploration as you walk through the rocky landscape. if time allows, continue toward the border region near Ibrahim Khalil often informally referred to locally as the "American are" due to its proximity to international crossing and former coalition presence, where you can briefly stop for photos of the mountainous frontier landscape before beginning your drive back to Erbil ( approximately 2-3 hours). 
• Arrive in Erbil in the evening.
• Overnight in Erbil
• MEALS: Breakfast.

• Begin your journey  from Erbil with an early morning departure  heading toward Koya  (Approximately 1-1.5 hours), Koya is a historic Kurdish town known for its intellectual  and cultural heritage.
• from Koya, continue your  journey  to the beautiful Dokan Lake, one of the most scenic lakes in Kurdistan region. Sorrounded by rolling mountains, the turquoise waters create a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation and photography. 
• After lunch, proceed  to Sulaymaniyah  (approximately 1.5-2 hoirs from Dokan). Upon arrival, visit the powerful and moving Amna Suraka, also known as the Red prison, a former Ba'ath regime detention center that now serves as a museum documenting Kurdish struggle and history. Allow time to explore the exhibits, memorial spaces, and preserved prison cells to gain deeper insight into the region's past.
• later, head to the vibrant Sulaymaniyah bazaar, where you can wander through traditional markets filled with spices, textiles , sweets. etc.
• As the afternoon cools, drive up to Goyje Mountain for panoramic views of the city below. the mountain is popular for local gathering spot, especially at sunset, offering breathtaking views over Sulaymaniyah and the surrounding landscape.
• In the evening, check into your hotel for an overnight stay.
• MEALS: Breakfast

• After breakfast, drive toward the north-eastern mountains near the Iranian border. After approximately 1.5-2 hours of scenic driving through the winding mountain roads, arrive in Byara, a quiet border town known for its dramatic landscapes and conservative religious heritage. the surrounding mountains and valleys offer breathtaking views, and excellent photo opportunities. 
• Take a short walk through the village, observe traditional stone houses.
• Continue your journey to Halabja ( approximately 30-45 minutes from Byara). Halabja holds deep historical importance due to the tragic chemical attack in 1988. Visit the Halabja Memorial Monument, which commemorates the victims and provides educational exhibits detailing the events and their impact on Kurdish people.
•  Allow sufficient time to respectfully explore the museum and memorial grounds, gaining deeper in modern history. 
• In the afternoon, begin the drive back to Erbil, a journey of Approximately 3-4 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. The route offers scenic views of mountains, plains, and rural villages along the way,
• Arrive in Erbil in the evening.
• Overnight in Erbil
• MEALS: Breakfast

• After breakfast, depart from Erbil heading toward Akre  (Approxiamtely 2-2.5 hours). The drive takes you through scenic countryside and mountain landscapes as you approach one of the most picturesque in Kurdistan Region. 
• Upon arrival in Akre, explore its charming old town built into the mountainside. Walk through the narrow stone alleys, admire the traditional houses stacked along the slopes, and enjoy the panoramic views from the hillside.
• Akre is especially famous for its Newroz celebrations, and the surrounding mountains provide a stunning backdrop for photography.
• Continue your journey toward Shanidar Cave located in the Bradost Mountains. Shanidar cave is one of the world's famous important archaeological sites, where Neanderthal remains dating back around 60,000 years were discovered, offering significant insight into early human history.
• A short uphill walk leads to the cave entrance, and from there you can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and rugged mountain terrain.
• After your visit, stop for lunch at a local roadside restaurant near the mountain area or back in Akre.
• In the afternoon, begin your drive back to Erbil arriving in the evening.
• Overnight in Erbil
• MEALS: Breakfast

• After breakfast, your first stop is to visit the historic Dween Castle . Perched high above the surrounding valleys, the ruins offer panoramic views and glimpse into the region's medieval defensive architecture. Explore the remains of stone walls and foundations while enjoying the fresh mountain air and dramatic scenery. After exploring, return to Erbil for the remainder of the city tour.
• Continue to the iconic Erbil Citadel, one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the world and a UNESCO  World heritage Site. Walk through its narrow alleys, visit small museums and restored houses, and enjoy sweeping views of the city from the citadel walls.
• At the base of the citadel, explore the vibrant  Erbil Bazaar, where you can browse traditional Kurdish products.
• next, visit the impressive Jalil Khayat Mosque, one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the Kurdistan  Region, Known for its grand Ottoman-inspired architecture, elegant domes, and intricate interior decoration.
• If time allows, Conclude your cultural exploration with visit to the Erbil Civilization museum, where artifacts from ancient Mesopotamia to the Islamic era provide insight into the rich history of the region.
• In the evening, we will gather for a special farewell dinner to celebrate the journey and share our final moments together. 
• After dinner, you will be transferred either to your chosen hotel or to the airport depending on your departure plans. 
• MEALS: Breakfast

How do you allocate our  room?

• We make every effort to allocate rooms based on same gender, unless you are a couple or travelling with friends, in which case we are happy to accommodate shared rooms if notified in advance.
•  In the event of odd numbers of travellers and where triple rooms are not available, one guest may be assigned a single room. In such cases, room allocation will be  made random.
• Single rooms are available if you prefer your own privacy; however, a single supplement applies.

What type of accommodation do you offer?

• We offer carefully selected range of accommodation, from comfortable 3-star hotels and charming guest houses to premium 5-star properties.
• Please keep in mind that the star rating in this regions may differ from European standards; however, we personally vet every property in our itineraries to ensure excellent comfort, cleanliness, and service, so you can travel with confidence and peace of mind.

We are unmarried couple Non-Muslim visitors, are we allowed to sleep in one room in Iraq- Kurdistan?

• Technically, Hotels may allow foreigners to share a room, particularly in larger cities or more tourist -friendly areas but it is at the discretion of the hotel management.

Why does one tour offer different meal plans, such as breakfast only, breakfast and lunch, or full board?

• Meal plans vary within a tour to accommodate different daily schedules and meal preference. On days with early departures or extensive sightseeing, breakfast is usually included for convenience, while lunch may be left flexible due to varying tour times and locations. 
• On some days, lunch or dinner may be included when the group returns to the hotel together or visit a location where dining is limited.
• Full board typically offered on days with limited dining options 
• Offering different meal plans also allows travellers the freedom to choose meals based on personal taste, dietary needs, or energy levels, while helping to manage overall tour costs. 

Why are there optional tours instead of including everything in the package

• Optional tours are offered because not all travellers want to participate in the same activities. Including everything in the main package would increase the overall price for everyone, even for those who may not be interested.
• By keeping certain tours optional, travellers have the flexibility to choose activities based on their own interests and preferences. This way, those who wish to join can do so at an additional cost, while others are not required to pay for expenses they do not want.
• The optional tours are not part of the main itinerary which is why they are  offered separate at an additional cost.

 .Why travel insurance is a MUST? 

• Travel insurance is a MUST to keep you protected and give you peace of mind. It ensures you can enjoy your trip  safely, knowing you're covered for emergencies, medical needs, or unexpected changes.

Can I join the tour if I don't have travel insurance?

• As per Go Beyond Borders Travel terms and conditions, travel insurance is a MUST. You are required to have it and submit proof to us before the start of your trip to ensure your safety and smooth experience.

Can you recommend a travel insurance company that covers the trip?

• Yes, If your travel insurance ( for example, through your bank) does not cover this trip, please let us know. We can recommend a few trusted providers to ensure you're fully protected during your trip.

*** For  full details,  please  check the Terms and Conditions section.

Why some of the domestic flight(s) are NOT included in the tour price?

• To give you greater flexibility. By not including the flight in the package, travellers have the freedom to choose flight times and prices that best suit their budget and schedule, and to book as soon as the flights become available or when fares are most favourable. This approach help keep the tour price flexible and avoids potential changes due to flight availability.

What if I request you to book my flight?

• We will be happy to assist you with arranging your domestic flight(s) once you confirm your decision to book. Please note that fares are subject to availability and will reflect the price on the day of purchase. Kindly be advised that a small service fee will be applied to cover the booking and processing arrangements.

• Once the flight option is confirmed , the full flight cost must be paid in advance. All tickets are subject to airline's terms, conditions, and cancellation policies. We will always share the airline's terms, conditions, and cancellation policy., and also We will always share the flight details and total price for your approval before issuing the ticket.

Am I able to arrive earlier or depart later than the scheduled dates?

• YES, you are  welcome to arrive earlier or depart later if you wish. International flights are not included in the package specifically to give you flexibility with your travel.

How safe is it to visit -Kurdistan Region?

• Despite common misconceptions and inaccurate media portrayals, currently considered Iraq-Kurdistan is known for its very warm hospitality, and incidents involving tourists are rare. All destinations included in guided visits are carefully evaluated and approved for security, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience for travellers. Go Beyond Borders Travel provides full assurances that visiting  Ethiopia  safe and well-organized.

Do safety conditions in Kurdistan Region  apply everywhere?

• Safety conditions in Kurdistan Region, which includes cities such as the Erbil, Duhok, and Sulaymaniyah, is generally considered more stable and secure due to its autonomous administration and its own regional security forces. However, still be cautious.

Can I cross the border to Federal of Iraq?

• If you hold a visa issued for the Kurdistan Region, you generally cannot legally cross into federal areas of Iraq using only that visa.
• A Kurdistan Region Visa is valid only within the Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Duhok, Sulaymaniyah)

If I have a visa of the Federation of Iraq, Can I  visit The Kurdistan Region?

• Yes, if  you hold a federation Iraq visa, you can enter the Kurdistan Region because federal visas are generally valid throughout the entire country, including both federal Iraq and the autonomous Kurdistan Region.

What happens if the tour must be cancelled due to safety issues?

• In the event of significant security risk, tour operations maybe cancelled. All decisions are made with traveller safety as primary consideration, and necessary precautionary actions will be implemented accordingly.  (Please check the Terms and Conditions  for more details).

Are tour guides equipped to deal with emergencies?

• Yes, our guides receive thorough training in emergency response and crisis management to ensure they can handle unexpected situations effectively.  Their primary responsibility is the  safety and well-being of our guests, and they are fully prepared to respond calmly and appropriately to any challenges that may arise during the tour.

What kind of security measures, like military checkpoints, should travellers anticipate?

• Visitors should expect routine security checks while travelling in  Kurdistan Region , As they are standard across the country. Theses checkpoints are managed smoothly by out local guides, allowing  the  journey to continue without unnecessary interruptions. Their presence is a normal aspect of daily life and contributes to overall security.

Are  there safety concerns for gays and lesbians travelling to Iraq-Kurdistan?

• Iraq-Kurdistan like many  countries in the Middle East, has conservative social norms. It is important for LGBTQ+ travellers to respect local laws  and customs. Public display of affection  should be avoided, and discretion is strongly advised when discussing sexual orientation. By being mindful of cultural sensitivities, travellers can enjoy  safe and respectful  visit.     

What resources are recommended for staying informed about travel conditions in Kurdistan?

• It's important for travellers to stay informed about the latest travel alerts and safety updates when visiting Kurdistan. Official sources, such as government travel advisory website, provide up-to-date information on security conditions, restricted areas and emergency contacts. Subscribing alert or checking regularly can help you plan your itinerary safely and avoid unexpected  risks. 

Can visitors travel freely in Iraq-Kurdistan without organized tours?

• Yes, tourists can travel freely .
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3. Emergency contact numbers in  Kurdistan Region ?

• Police: 104
• Ambulance / Medical Emergency: 122
• Fire Service:  115
• Ambulance Service:  +964 750 444 2222
• Traffic/ Road assistance 130
• Tourist Police: +251 11 5 51 33 55

Where Can I apply for my Visa?  

• Visitors to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq generally need a visa before they travel, and there's now an official e-visa system managed by the Kurdistan Regional Government that allows foreign nationals to apply online via the government's portal.. 

 E-VISA :

• To qualify you need a passport that is valid for al least six months.
• Clear Passport copy(bio page)
• Recent passport-size photo ( white background)
• Valid email address
• Visa fee payment by Credit or debit card
• You may also provide about your travel plans, including accommodation and itinerary.

 Can I extend my visa?  

• The e-visa typically valid for 90 days from issuance, allowing a saty of up to 30 days.
• The visa is valid only within the Kurdistan Region ( Erbil, Duhok, Sulaymaniyah) 
• You could extend by applying in person at the regional residency directorate in  Erbil, Sulaymaniyah or Duhok while you are in Kurdistan.

How much it cost of the visa?

• The visa fee for the Kurdistan Region e-visa is typically 70-80 USD for most nationalities when applying through the official Kurdistan e-visa portal.

What form of payment is required for Kurdistan visa?

• Payment for e-Visa is made online during the application process using a credit or debit card. The fee is charged in US dollars (USD).

How long can a tourist remain in Kurdistan region?

• A tourist e-visa  can stay up to 30 days from the date of entry. The visa itself is usually valid for 90 days from the date of issue, meaning you must enter within that period, but once you enter, you can remain for 30 days.