Iraqi Kurdistan New Year Tour

Saturday 26th December – Erbil

• Arrive at your convenience into Erbil – the capital and most populated city in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq which is well connected from many countries within the Middle East and most of Europe.
• Those who arrive early can use this time to check out Erbil’s bazaar or visit the Erbil citadel, one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the whole world, with an opportunity to shop for souvenirs.
• Pre-tour meeting will be held at the lobby of Sky Nova Hotel at 6:00pm to meet your fellow travellers and YPT guide.
• Dinner and drinks, overnight in Erbil.

Sunday 27th December – Erbil – Zarzi Cave – Sulaymaniyah

Morning

• The day starts with breakfast at the hotel, followed by early morning departure to Sulaymaniyah
• On the way, we’ll stop by The rock-cut tombs of Qyzqapan or also known as Zarzi cave which dates back to 8,000 BCE, it’s one of the rarest sites in the world.
• Then we head for Sulaymaniyah or “Suly”, as it is affectionately known to residents, which was founded in the late 18th century, and so compared to Erbil is a very young city.

Afternoon

• We will stop for pictures and breaks along the way, including a stop for lunch on the way!
• On arrival to Sulaymaniyah will walk in the Bazaar and interact with locals – here you can find your Kurdistan souveniers and check out what’s on offer at the largest bazaar!
• Head to Goizha Mountain to see the stunning view of Sulaymaniyah below as the sun sets with an option to drink tea and listen to the local musicians playing Kurdish music. Depending on the weather, paragliding is optional on your way down.
• We will check into our hotel before heading out for some street food. Sulaymaniyah has several streets that are extremely popular with locals where you can find shawarma, falafel, Kurdish food and much more!
• Optional evening endeavor, we’ll head to one of the many Amusement Parks in Sulaymaniyah to enjoy the rides and games!
• Overnight in Sulaymaniyah

Monday 28th December – Sulaymaniyah – Rawanduz

Morning

• After breakfast, we’ll depart Sulaymaniyah on the way to Rawanduz. This is one of the most scenic parts of our journey!
• If time and weather permits, we’ll head to Dukan lake for a short boat ride towards the dam (optional cost). The Dam was built in 1959 to provide water storage, irrigation and hydroelectricity for nearby townships. For a long time, this dam was nonoperational because the Iraqi army stole a crucial computer chip used for monitoring the dam as they left.

Afternoon

• We will enjopy lunch nearby the lake and feast on the delicious local fish and other local dishes for lunch.
• Drive the famously scenic Hamilton Road. The road was built by AM Hamilton in the early 1930s for what he hoped would unify the peoples of the region. In fact, the road has been fought over many times, especially during the 1980s war with Iran.
• You’ll have the opportunity to walk along one of the oldest parts of Hamilton Road.
• Afterwards we stop off at Bekhal Waterfall, a popular Summer spot for domestic tourism because of how cool it can be.
• We then visit the deepest gorge in the Middle East – Kharand gorge.
• In the evening, we will arrive to Shingelbana resort – a popular mountain top theme park! We will stay overnight in cabins and can enjoy some rides if open- including a mountain-side toboggan that shows incredible views but is not for the faint hearted!
• Overnight at Shingelbana resort.

Tuesday 29^th of December – Rawanduz – Barzan – Amadiya – Dohuk

Morning

• Early morning and breakfast at hotel
• Continue onto the town of Barzan – home to the Barzani tribe, whose members have a lot of political influence in Iraqi Kurdistan today.
• You’ll visit the Barzani Memorial Center – built to honor the 8,000 members of the Barzani tribe killed in a genocide led by Saddam Hussein, it is a somber look at the violence experienced by the Kurdish people.

Afternoon

• After lunch, we will stop by the Shanidar cave and partake in a short hike to the top – here is an important archaeological site where the remains of 10 Neanderthals were found between 1957 and 1961. This cave is featured on the hit Netflix documentary: Secrets of the Neanderthals!
• We’ll then head to the ancient city of Amadiya which is located on a high promontory above a breathtaking landscape. It was once an almost impenetrable fortress. The city Gate (Bab Zebar) is on the eastern side of the city of Amadiya built by Imaduddin Al-Zanki 600AD. A minaret 30 meters high stands in the middle of Amadiya.
• Head to Duhok and have dinner as well as a walk through the busy markets.
• Overnight in Dohuk

Wednesday 30^th December – Dohuk – Lalish – Erbil

Morning

• In the morning, we will enjoy buffet breakfast before departing Duhok. Before we leave we will visit the Peshmerga Cafe for some chai. The Peshmerga are the Kurdish military and have kept this region safe from the likes of ISIS. The cafe has started to honor the martyred Peshmerga and to raise money for the deceased’s families.
• We will visit Lalish – a pilgrimage site of the mysterious and fascinating Yazidi people. This is the most sacred town for the Yazidi people and is extremely interesting. We sometimes encounter Peshmerga along the trip and may have the opportunity to engage them in an interesting conversation about the war with ISIS. The Yazidi people are historically one of the most persecuted groups on earth, yet still welcome strangers into their holy site. We will have a long exploration and learn about the Yazidi faith and traditions.

Afternoon

• Lunch at local restaurant and begin the drive back to Erbil via the scenic landscape!
• We then drive to St. Matthew Monastery (Mar Mattei) – the oldest Christian monastery in all Iraq and one of the oldest still in existence. Built into the side of Mt. Alfaf in 363AD, it has a long and storied history of war and turmoil, yet somehow it has survived to the modern day.
• Overnight in Erbil and get ready for a big following day

Thursday 31^st December – Erbil

Morning

• Breakfast at the hotel and get ready for a big final day of the year!
• Our first stop is at the 7000-year-old Citadel of Erbil the oldest continuously inhabited city on earth (There are other cities perhaps as old but not continuously inhabited!).
• Explore the food market and covered Qayasari Bazaar – said to be one of the oldest covered markets in the world. We encourage you to get lost as you follow the maze of narrow lanes further into the abyss where countless designs of jewellery, carpets, antiques and street food are sold.
• Visit ‘Shexallah’ Bazaar, one of the oldest bazar in Erbil and food markets. Here you’ll be able to experience the traditional way of browsing and haggling in Erbil.

Afternoon

• We will visit Sami Abdulrahman Park – Erbils largest park with many statues and memorials throughout.
• Join a rooftop party in Erbil to welcome the New Year. Watch an amazing fireworks display from our rooftop bar while we party 2025 away!
• Overnight in hotel

Friday 1st January – Erbil

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Tour concludes – YPT is also able to arrange post-tour accommodation or advice for flights out.