Why we like Iraqi Kurdistan
Iraqi Kurdistan epitomises our quest for travel beyond the ordinary. With incredibly welcoming people, fascinating ancient sites, a rich culture and history plus some stunning scenery, Kurdistan is not yet on the tourist trail and we believe now is the perfect time to explore this hidden gem. You will be one of the very few to have been there.
What to expect on your Iraqi Kurdistan tour
This is a land where you will explore the legacy of the Assyrians, visit underground monasteries and 3rd century synagogues. However, what you will notice is how this tiny mountain country, which was so ravaged by war, has changed in such a very short time. The capital, Erbil, now boasts a number of international hotels catering to the influx of foreign investors with a suitable array of restaurants to boot.
Move outside the city and you enter a land of traditional fiefdoms, fiercely proud of their Kurdish traditions and culture. Here the hotels become rather more functional than modern but remain clean and comfortable with wonderfully friendly staff.
The Kurdish people could not offer a warmer welcome and are extremely proud of their culture and history, so it is not uncommon to find yourself sharing a cup of tea and a conversation with the locals whilst on holiday in Kurdistan.
Some ideas for a Iraqi Kurdistan holiday
- Explore Erbil, the religious centre of the Assyrian empire which dates from the 6th C BC.
- In Jirwana you will find the world’s oldest aqueduct built by Sennacherib, King of Assyria.
- Explore Rabban Hormizd Monastery, once home to 600 cave-dwelling monks.
- Travel to the sculpted caves at Qizqapan for their ancient engravings and funerary chambers.
- Discover the 400 year old mosque at Amadiya, set above a breath-taking landscape.
- See Kurdistan’s largest display of antiquities at Suleimaniyah’s museum.
- Stroll along the remains of the Hamilton Road, a feat of significant British engineering.
Beyond the ordinary
Combine your time in Kurdistan with a visit to Iran.
Our Iraqi Kurdistan expertise
Paul recently added Iraqi Kurdistan to his already encyclopedic knowledge of the Middle East and Central Asia and has been extolling its virtues to the office ever since. At the risk of being clichéd, in all his travels – and Paul has travelled a fair bit – he has never met friendlier people.