Compare Highlights of Kurdistan by Undiscovered Destination vs Greece: Ancient Ruins & Iconic Islands by G Adventures
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 3,726 | $ 3,484 |
| Price Per Day | $ 466 | $ 290 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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N/A |
| Countries Visited | N/A | |
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 11 breakfasts, 1 dinner |
| Description |
Iraqi Kurdistan is a fascinating place of sheer beauty, warm and friendly people and a rich and challenging history. Although situated in the northern part of Iraq, it is in many ways a world apart. Largely unknown or traditionally avoided by Western tourists, we believe this region is an absolute gem in the making and that now is the time to visit before the crowds discover this hidden world. This tour starts in the ancient city of Erbil, brimming with history and monuments that stand as testament to the numerous influences on the region. From here we head to Dohuk, with its fascinating bazaar before visiting the small town of Zakho with its stunning bridge, and in Suleimaniyah and Halabja we learn about the brutal legacy of Saddam Hussein’s regime upon the Kurdish homelands. But Kurdistan is not simply about ticking off the sights; tourists are virtually unknown here so it is not uncommon to be asked to join people for tea or food, or to simply talk or pose for a photo. The Kurds are a proud people and eager to show Kurdistan to the world, and your encounters with these resilient people will undoubtedly be your enduring memory of this trip. |
Step back in time on a journey to Greece, where iconic ruins bring ancient history to life. Explore the awe-inspiring monuments of Athens and the stunning Cyclades islands; and run and jump in the footsteps of ancient Greek athletes at the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Then venture to the olive-covered hills and rugged coasts of the Peloponnese, where some of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey played out; and savour the delightfully fresh flavours of Greek cuisine. |
Day 1 – Erbil
Arrive and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore. Overnight Darin Plaza Hotel or similar.
Day 2 - Erbil
We begin our adventure by exploring on foot the capital city of Erbil, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and in our opinion, becoming one of the new hotspots of the Middle East. We visit the historic Citadel (Qalat Hawler), as well as the Kurdish Textile Museum, and time permitting explore the Qaysari Bazaar, a labyrinth of streets and alleys selling everything from fascinating antiques to sweet delights. Overnight Darin Plaza Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Erbil
Erbil is known locally as Hewler, meaning ‘seat of the gods’ and lays claim to be one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, dating back to at least the 23rd century BC. Throughout history, it has been ruled by a succession of invaders, including Turcomans, the Persian Safavids, Ottomans and the British. More recently it became the seat of the Kurdish parliament. Erbil is most famous for its ancient citadel, a vast fortress situated on top of a steep earthen mound that has been accorded World Heritage Status by UNESCO. The city also contains some impressive old houses dating from the 19th century.
Day 3 - Gaugamela – Lalish - Dohuk
After breakfast, we depart for the third century St Matthew’s Monastery and take a tour guided by the local monks, then head to Gaugamela, the site of the famous battle between King Darius and Alexander the Great. Continuing we drive to Lalish, home to the followers of the Yazidi faith, before continuing to Dohuk where we visit a cave used for worship by Zoroastrians. Overnight Dohuk Motel or similar. (BLD)
When we visit the village of Lalish, outer footwear must be removed. It is advisable to take a pair of very thick black socks, especially for this purpose. (Socks are allowed).
Dohuk
Close to the border with Turkey, Dohuk is a picturesque town situated in a valley surrounded by mountains. Traditionally the region has been associated with agriculture and is locally famous for its grapes – other crops grown here include rice, tobacco, wheat and all manner of fruit and vegetables. Once known for its colorful houses, Dohuk grew in importance during the period of sanctions imposed on Iraq – its proximity to the border meant that it was a hub for smuggling goods.
Day 4 - Dohuk - Zakho
Visit the churches and monasteries of Al Qush, including the third century Hurmiz monastery, once home to around six hundred monks. Then head to the ancient Jewish town of Zakho to see the Delal Bridge, a stunning stone arch bridge over the Khabur river and take a walk through the town. Later in the afternoon, we return to Dohuk and time permitting can explore the bazaar. Overnight Dohuk Motel or similar (BLD)
Day 5 – Amadiya – Barzan - Rawanduz
Head to the nearby mountain town of Amadiya where we visit the 400-year-old mosque and see the minaret, with bullet holes from the Kurdish Civil War still visible. We continue south-east to the town of Barzan, the ancestral home of the Barzani family who are central to Kurdish politics in this part of the region and then reach Rawanduz. Overnight Pank Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Please note that the Pank accommodation is very basic as is the food supplied in the restaurant.
Amadiya
Amadiya (dating from the Assyrian era) is located on a high promontory above a breathtaking landscape and fed by a geothermal spring originating far below the mountain. 90km northeast of Dohuk, about 1400m above sea level and surrounded by heights it was once an almost impenetrable fortress. The city Gate (Bab Zebra) is located in the eastern side of the City of Amadiya. Its width was 4 meters, built by Imaduddin Al- Zanki in 5-600 AD. A minaret is located in the middle of Amadiya. It is 30 meters high. The Islamic ornamentation (arabesque) is clearly seen on the minaret. It is said that it was built in the time of Sultan Hussein Wali Amadiya as part of an already existing ancient city.
Day 6 – Dukan - Suleimaniyah
Leaving Rawanduz we pass through the mountains and down through Dukan, arriving into Suleimaniyah, the second largest city in Iraqi Kurdistan, and possibly the most relaxed and cosmopolitan. We witness first-hand the terrible legacy of Saddam Hussein as we visit the Amna Suraka (Red Security) buildings including the many prison cells and torture chambers where thousands of people, mostly Kurds were imprisoned, tortured or killed. Overnight Hotel Dawa or similar. (BLD)
Suleimaniyah
Suleimaniyah takes it names from Suleiman Baba, the ruler of the emirate of Baban who founded the city in the late 18th century. The city plays an important role today in the promotion of Kurdish culture, and since the war has grown in importance, with numerous factories established here – tourism is also an important part of its economy with people from Iran traveling here. It is home to a couple of fascinating museums – the Amna Suraka which provides an important insight into the horrific treatment of the Kurds under Saddam Hussein, and the Slemani Museum which houses Kurdish and Persian artifacts.
Day 7 – Halabja
We travel to the nearby village of Halabja, a place of almost unspeakable horror at the hands of Saddam Hussein’s military forces, and visit the Monument of Halabja Martyrs and the Halabja Cemetery before returning to Suleimaniyah. The afternoon is free to explore the city. Overnight Hotel Dawa or similar. (BLD)
Day 8 – Suleimaniyah - Erbil
Visit Suleimaniyah’s museum to see Kurdistan’s largest display of antiquities, dating back thousands of years. Afterward drive back to Erbil via the ancient Qizqapan cave and the old Jewish city of Koisinjak. After lunch in Suleimaniyah, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (BL)
Day 1 Athens
Arrive at any time.
Day 2 Athens
Considered the cradle of Western civilization, Athens is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Explore the iconic Acropolis with an archaeologist guide and wander among the columns of the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena. Continue to the ancient Agora—where Athenians gathered to discuss the affairs of the day—and listen to our guide bring these timeless ruins to life. Afterwards, be enriched and refreshed with drinks and a tour of local non-profit cafe, Shedia Home.
Day 3 Athens/Delphi
Take free time to explore Athens on your own, or choose to visit the National Garden. Afterward, journey to Delphi, home to the Temple of Apollo—seat of the fabled oracle of Delphi and considered the center of the world by the ancients.
Day 4 Delphi/Olympia
Explore mystical Delphi on a guided tour, then continue discovering the ruins on your own and visit the Archaeological Museum of Delphi to admire the many artifacts discovered at the site. Travel along the breathtaking Gulf of Corinth, crossing into the Peloponnese via the Rio-Antirrio bridge, an impressively long multi-span cable-stay bridge. Wind your way to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and channel your inner champion as you discover this remarkable site, where ancient Greek athletes would gather every four years to compete in a series of sporting events honoring Zeus.
Day 5 Olympia/Náfplio
Browse the Olympia Museum this morning, then travel to Náfplio, a charming port town and the first capital of modern Greece. In Náfplio, lose yourself in the winding lanes of the old town, and take in glimpses of the sapphire-hued Aegean Sea from the hilltops.
Day 6 Náfplio
Embark on an excursion to the Bronze Age city of Mycenae, where the legendary king Agamemnon ruled. Take a guided tour of the ruins, enclosed within Cyclopean walls, and enter the citadel through the famed Lion Gate—one of Europe’s oldest monumental sculptures. Return to Náfplio and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Opt to climb up to the Akronafplia fortress, or hit the beach.
Day 7 Athens/Náxos
Drive back to Athens, stopping en route at the ancient site of Epidaurus and the ruins of Corinth, where the Christian apostle Paul is said to have visited in the first century A.D. From Athens, board a ferry to the Cyclades islands. Relax on board, enjoying sparkling views of the sea, and disembark at Náxos, the largest island in the archipelago.
Day 8 Náxos
The Cyclades are known around the word for their dazzling white villages and golden beaches. On Naxos, while away your time exploring the storybook old town; opt to walk to the emblematic Temple of Apollo, overlooking the sea; or stretch out on a sandy beach.
Day 9 Santorini
Catch a ferry to postcard-perfect Santorini. Get to know this much-photographed isle at your own pace, discovering candy-colored doorways and sugar-cube buildings; and take in a spectacular sunset from the village of Oía. Savor the taste of local produce—marked by the island’s volcanic soil—or unwind at the beach.
Day 10 Santorini
This morning, sail Santorini’s breathtaking sunken caldera, and learn about the volcanic origins of the surrounding crescent-shaped ring of islands. Later, enjoy free time to explore Santorini.
Day 11 Santorini/Athens
Fly back to Athens for an adventure in Greek cookery. Head out with a local expert to a teaching kitchen and learn how to craft mezze, a platter of appetizers commonly served in southeast Europe and the Middle East. Wash down these tasty snacks with a glass of ouzo, an anise-flavored liqueur, and cheer our journey with your best “opa!”
Due to strict weight restrictions, plan on packing light for your flight. Because of current weight limits and the inability to add on more weight, checked baggage should be no heavier than 15kg, and hand luggage should weigh no more than 6kg.
Day 12 Athens
Depart at any time.
