Erbil Family Adventure - 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Erbil

Erbil, Iraq on June 30, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Al-Saa'a Restaurant

Start your day with a traditional Kurdish breakfast at Al-Saa'a Restaurant, known for its delicious kebabs and fresh bread.
Al-Saa'a Restaurant is located in the city center, easily accessible by taxi. It takes about 15 minutes to get there.
15 USD, 1 hour

11:00AM

Erbil Citadel

Visit the UNESCO-listed Erbil Citadel, one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world, offering stunning views of the city.
The Erbil Citadel is within walking distance from the restaurant, just a 5-minute walk.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shanadar Park

Enjoy a picnic lunch at Shanadar Park, a peaceful green space perfect for families to relax and unwind.
Shanadar Park is a short taxi ride away from the Citadel, taking about 10 minutes.
20 USD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Family Fun at Family Mall

Spend the afternoon at Family Mall, where kids can enjoy various entertainment options like a bowling alley, cinema, and arcade games.
Family Mall is located in the city, around 15 minutes by taxi from Shanadar Park.
30 USD, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mati City Restaurant

Indulge in a delightful dinner at Mati City Restaurant, offering a mix of Kurdish and international cuisine in a cozy setting.
Mati City Restaurant is a short taxi ride from Family Mall, taking about 10 minutes.
25 USD, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Exploring Nature

Barzan, Iraq on July 1, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel in Erbil.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading out to Barzan. It's included in your accommodation.
Complimentary, 1 hour

10:00AM

Barzan Region

Explore the picturesque Barzan region known for its beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, and hiking trails ideal for a family adventure.
Take a rental car from Erbil to Barzan, which is approximately a 2-hour drive.
50 USD (car rental), 4 hours

2:00PM

Picnic at Barzan Waterfall

Have a picnic lunch by the stunning Barzan Waterfall, a perfect spot for relaxation and enjoying nature's beauty.
The waterfall is a short walk from the parking area in Barzan region.
10 USD, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Hiking in Barzan Mountains

Embark on a family-friendly hike in the Barzan Mountains, offering panoramic views and a chance to connect with nature.
Begin the hike from the waterfall area, following the marked trails.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Barzan Resort

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at Barzan Resort, savoring local Kurdish cuisine amidst the serene mountain setting.
Barzan Resort is a short drive from the hiking area, taking about 15 minutes.
30 USD, 2 hours
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Day 3: Historical Exploration

Kirkuk, Iraq on July 2, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel in Barzan.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before departing for Kirkuk.
Complimentary, 1 hour

9:00AM

Kirkuk Citadel

Explore the ancient Kirkuk Citadel, a historical site dating back thousands of years with intricate architecture and cultural significance.
Take a rental car from Barzan to Kirkuk, approximately a 3-hour drive.
70 USD (car rental), 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Al-Fakhr Restaurant

Savor a delicious lunch at Al-Fakhr Restaurant, offering a mix of Arabic and Kurdish dishes in a cozy setting.
Al-Fakhr Restaurant is located near the Kirkuk Citadel, just a short walk away.
20 USD, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Kirkuk Museum

Visit the Kirkuk Museum to learn about the rich history and culture of the region through its impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits.
The museum is a short distance from Al-Fakhr Restaurant, easily accessible by foot.
10 USD, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Kirkuk Bazaar

Explore the vibrant Kirkuk Bazaar, a bustling market offering a variety of local goods, souvenirs, and traditional crafts.
The bazaar is located within walking distance from the museum, providing a perfect shopping experience.
50 USD, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Qaysari Bazaar

End your day with a delightful dinner at Qaysari Bazaar, known for its lively atmosphere and diverse culinary options.
Qaysari Bazaar is a short walk from Kirkuk Bazaar, offering a range of dining choices for the whole family.
25 USD, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Immersion

Sulaymaniyah, Iraq on July 3, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel in Kirkuk before heading to Sulaymaniyah.
Indulge in a hotel breakfast spread before departing for Sulaymaniyah.
Complimentary, 1 hour

9:00AM

Sulaymaniyah Grand Mosque

Visit the majestic Sulaymaniyah Grand Mosque, a symbol of Islamic architecture and a place for peaceful reflection.
Take a rental car from Kirkuk to Sulaymaniyah, approximately a 2-hour drive.
60 USD (car rental), 2 hours

11:00AM

Sulaymaniyah City Center

Explore the vibrant Sulaymaniyah City Center, known for its bustling markets, historical sites, and cultural landmarks.
The city center is easily accessible from the Grand Mosque, providing a rich cultural experience.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Chalak's Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Chalak's Restaurant, offering traditional Kurdish cuisine with a modern twist.
Chalak's Restaurant is located in the city center, a short walk from the main attractions.
20 USD, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Slemani Park

Spend the afternoon at Slemani Park, a beautiful green space perfect for family picnics, leisurely walks, and outdoor activities.
Slemani Park is a short distance from the city center, providing a relaxing retreat for all ages.
10 USD, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Handary Restaurant

Indulge in a delightful dinner at Handary Restaurant, offering a mix of Kurdish and Middle Eastern flavors in a cozy setting.
Handary Restaurant is a short drive from Slemani Park, providing a perfect dining experience to end the day.
30 USD, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Adventure in Rawanduz

Rawanduz, Iraq on July 4, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel in Sulaymaniyah before departing for Rawanduz.
Start your day with a hotel breakfast in Sulaymaniyah before heading to Rawanduz.
Complimentary, 1 hour

9:00AM

Saddam Hussein's Palace

Explore the ruins of Saddam Hussein's Palace, offering a glimpse into the region's turbulent history and political legacy.
Take a rental car from Sulaymaniyah to Rawanduz, approximately a 1.5-hour drive.
40 USD (car rental), 2 hours

11:00AM

Rawanduz Canyon

Discover the breathtaking Rawanduz Canyon, a natural wonder with steep cliffs and stunning views, perfect for hiking and photography.
The canyon is a short drive from the palace ruins, providing an adventurous experience for the whole family.
10 USD, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Canyon Restaurant

Enjoy a scenic lunch at Canyon Restaurant, overlooking the majestic canyon and serving delicious Kurdish specialties.
Canyon Restaurant is located near the canyon viewpoint, offering a perfect dining spot with panoramic views.
25 USD, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Rawanduz Bazaar

Explore the vibrant Rawanduz Bazaar, a traditional market selling local handicrafts, souvenirs, and fresh produce.
The bazaar is a short walk from the restaurant, allowing for a leisurely shopping experience.
40 USD, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Lalo Restaurant

End your day with a delicious dinner at Lalo Restaurant, known for its authentic Kurdish cuisine and warm hospitality.
Lalo Restaurant is a short drive from the bazaar, offering a cozy setting for a family meal.
30 USD, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Relaxation in Dukan

Dukan, Iraq on July 5, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel in Rawanduz before traveling to Dukan.
Start your day with a hotel breakfast in Rawanduz before heading to Dukan.
Complimentary, 1 hour

9:00AM

Dukan Lake

Relax by the tranquil Dukan Lake, surrounded by picturesque mountains and offering boat rides and water activities for the family.
Take a rental car from Rawanduz to Dukan, approximately a 2-hour drive.
50 USD (car rental), 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Lakeside Restaurant

Enjoy a lakeside lunch at a local restaurant, savoring fresh seafood and traditional Kurdish dishes with a view of the lake.
The restaurant is located near Dukan Lake, providing a perfect dining spot with scenic surroundings.
30 USD, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Boat Ride on Dukan Lake

Embark on a relaxing boat ride on Dukan Lake, exploring the crystal-clear waters and enjoying the serenity of the surroundings.
Boat rides are available at the lakefront, offering a peaceful experience for the whole family.
20 USD, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relaxation at Dukan Spa

Unwind at Dukan Spa, where you can enjoy rejuvenating treatments, hot springs, and wellness activities amidst nature.
Dukan Spa is located near the lake, providing a perfect retreat for relaxation and pampering.
50 USD, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Shanidar Cave Restaurant

Indulge in a memorable dinner at Shanidar Cave Restaurant, offering a unique dining experience in a cave-like setting with traditional Kurdish cuisine.
Shanidar Cave Restaurant is a short drive from Dukan Spa, providing an unforgettable culinary journey.
35 USD, 2 hours
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Day 7: Farewell to Erbil

Erbil, Iraq on July 6, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel in Dukan before returning to Erbil.
Start your day with a hotel breakfast in Dukan before departing for Erbil.
Complimentary, 1 hour

9:00AM

Return to Erbil

Travel back to Erbil, enjoying the scenic views along the way and reminiscing about the wonderful experiences from your trip.
Take a rental car from Dukan to Erbil, approximately a 3-hour drive.
60 USD (car rental), 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Al-Khaima Restaurant

Have a farewell lunch at Al-Khaima Restaurant, known for its authentic Kurdish hospitality and flavors.
Al-Khaima Restaurant is located in Erbil, offering a perfect spot for your last meal in Iraq.
25 USD, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Shopping at Majidi Mall

Explore the vibrant Majidi Mall for some last-minute shopping, souvenirs, and local Kurdish products.
Majidi Mall is a popular shopping destination in Erbil, providing a variety of stores and entertainment options.
50 USD, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Sami Abdulrahman Park

Take a leisurely stroll at Sami Abdulrahman Park, a green oasis in the city ideal for relaxing and enjoying the natural surroundings.
The park is a short distance from Majidi Mall, offering a peaceful escape before your departure.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Tav Restaurant

End your trip with a farewell dinner at Tav Restaurant, known for its panoramic views of Erbil and delicious Kurdish cuisine.
Tav Restaurant is located near the park, providing a scenic dining experience to conclude your family adventure.
30 USD, 2 hours
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