50 days in Iraq Itinerary

Sitting on flat land between two chains of scenic mountains and close to the Tigris River, Duhok has experienced a growth in tourism in recent years.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Rabban Hormizd Monastery and Lalish Temple. Change things up with these side-trips from Duhok: Zakho Bridge. (in Zakho) and Paroket Akre (in Akre). There's much more to do: take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Zawa Mountain, delve into the distant past at Halamata Cave, browse the different shops at Duhok Mall, and walk around Zari Park.

For more things to do, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Duhok route planning site.

Paderborn, Germany to Duhok is an approximately 17.5-hour combination of flight and car. You'll lose 2 hours traveling from Paderborn to Duhok due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Paderborn in March, expect nights in Duhok to be somewhat warmer, around 9°C, while days are warmer, around 23°C. You'll set off for Erbil on the 18th (Sat).

The capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, Erbil occupies perhaps the longest-inhabited land in the world, with the earliest human settlement here possibly dating back to 5000 BCE. Centered on its ancient and World Heritage-listed citadel, the city blends old and new, retaining some of its long-established architectural and cultural charm in its grand bazaars and minarets, while adding a number of modern malls and nightlife haunts.

Erbil Citadel and Jalil Khayat and his Children's Mosque will appeal to history buffs. Get in touch with nature at Bekhal Waterfall and Gali Ali Bag. Change things up with these side-trips from Erbil: Kirkuk (Bawa Gurgur Park & Kirkuk Citadel) and Mar Matti Monastery (in Mosul). And it doesn't end there: take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at The Korek Mountain Resort & Spa By Hama Khafur, stop by Bazaar, take an in-depth tour of Syriac Heritage Museum, and walk around Shanadar Park.

Find out how to plan Erbil trip without stress by asking Inspirock to help create an itinerary.

Drive from Duhok to Erbil in 2.5 hours. In March in Erbil, expect temperatures between 22°C during the day and 9°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Sulaymaniyah.

Considered one of the most cosmopolitan and westernized cities in Iraq, vibrant Sulaymaniyah boasts a strong cultural scene with a good selection of museums and educational institutions.

Take a break from the city and head to Dukan lake and Goizha And Azmar Mountains. Spend the 27th (Mon) exploring nature at Hawary Shar Park. There's much more to do: take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Piramagrun Mountain, see the interesting displays at Amnasuraka Museum, walk around Sarchnar Park, and get in on the family fun at Chavi Land.

For reviews, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, read our Sulaymaniyah day trip planner.

Getting from Erbil to Sulaymaniyah by car takes about 3 hours. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 1st (Sat) so you can catch the flight to Karbala.

Karbala is a city in central Iraq, located about 100km southwest of Baghdad, and a few miles east of Lake Milh. Babylon and Al Abbas Holy Shrine will appeal to history buffs. Explore Karbala's surroundings by going to Najaf (Wadi Al-Salaam Cemetery & Shrine Amir al-mo'menin Ali bin Abi Talib peace be upon him). The adventure continues: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at The Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain and don't miss a visit to Shrine of the two sons of Muslim Ibn Aqeel.

For reviews, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Karbala online route builder.

Traveling by flight from Sulaymaniyah to Karbala takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. In April, daytime highs in Karbala are 36°C, while nighttime lows are 19°C. You will leave for Kufa on the 8th (Sat).

Kufa is a city in Iraq, about 170km south of Baghdad, and 10km northeast of Najaf. Get some historical perspective at Al Sahlah Great Mosque and Maytham al-Tammar Shrine. There's still lots to do: make a trip to Great Mosque of Kufa and take an in-depth tour of House of Imam Ali Ibn Abi Taleb.

To find more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Kufa online trip itinerary builder.

Traveling by car from Karbala to Kufa takes 1.5 hours. In April, plan for daily highs up to 37°C, and evening lows to 20°C. On the 15th (Sat), you're off to Nasiriyah.

Nasiriyah is a city in Iraq. Nasiriyah is known for sightseeing. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: don't miss a visit to Ziggurat of UR.

To find other places to visit, more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Nasiriyah trip itinerary maker website.

Getting from Kufa to Nasiriyah by car takes about 3 hours. On the 22nd (Sat), you'll travel to Baghdad.

It's quite possible that a Baghdad holiday isn't on your list of things to do, but despite the city's reputation for turmoil, it still has plenty to offer to a daring traveler.

Al Yassin Mosque and Umm Al-Qura Mosque will appeal to history buffs. Pack the 26th (Wed) with family-friendly diversions at Zawraa Park. There's lots more to do: see the interesting displays at Iraqi Museum, don't miss a visit to Baghdadi Museum, appreciate the history behind Al-Mutanabbi Statue, and browse the different shops at Al Mansur Mall.

To see reviews, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Baghdad trip planner.

You can fly from Nasiriyah to Baghdad in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Expect a daytime high around 36°C in April, and nighttime lows around 19°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.