Iraqi Kurdistan

Iraqi Kurdistan, often referred to as South Kurdistan, is situated in the rugged, mountainous north of Iraq. Along with portions of Turkey (Northern Kurdistan), Syria (Western Kurdistan) and Iran (Eastern Kurdistan) it is considered part of Greater Kurdistan, the regional home of the Kurdish people. Despite not being a recognised country, the semi-autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan is recognised by the Iraqi constitution and home to the Kurd’s unique mix of culture, history and language.

Starting with a tour of the Iraqi Kurdish capital of Erbil, we’ll head for the famous Hamilton Road, named for the Kiwi who engineered its remarkable bridge. We’ll stop at Bekhal and Gali Ali Bag Waterfalls and pass through the towns of Shaqlawa, Harir and Soran before heading to the Pank Resort, a holiday destination for Kurds and Arab Iraqis. The village of Lalish will provide the chance to experience the spiritual heartland of the Yazidi people whilst The Red Prison provides a sobering reminder and place of remembrance for those swept up in Saddam Hussein’s barbaric regime.