From Basra to Erbil: Iraq Tour Operators Who Go the Distance

As Iraq reopens to travellers, there are a handful of pioneering tour operators leading the way. With an agency like Rocky Road Travel, you won’t have to deal with standard itineraries. 

While many still focus only on the safer, more developed north, we’re one of the few experienced operators who take it further (literally). We offer journeys across the country, from the southern port city of Basra to the Kurdish capital of Erbil.

Among them, Rocky Road Travel stands out as one of the few Iraq tour operators truly going the distance.

Why Overland Matters

There’s no better way to understand Iraq than to cross it overland. A journey from south to north stitches together vastly different regions — Sunni, Shia, Kurdish — each with its own history, culture, and rhythm. 

You go from the Shatt al-Arab waterways in Basra, past the golden domes of Najaf and Karbala, through the ancient ruins of Babylon and Samarra, and into the modernising highlands of Iraqi Kurdistan.

This isn’t a trip built for postcards. It’s real travel: immersive, challenging, and deeply rewarding. Few tour operators attempt this route, and even fewer offer it as a confirmed departure. That’s what makes Rocky Road’s Basra to Erbil tour so unique.

The Rocky Road Difference

Rocky Road Travel is widely regarded as one of the leading travel specialists for Iraq and ideal if you’re after more ambitious, eye-opening expeditions. 

Our overland Iraq itinerary is a two-week journey that takes you to unforgettable locations. That includes sacred Shia cities, UNESCO heritage sites, and lesser-known gems along the way. 

Importantly, the route is fully guided by experts with deep knowledge of both southern and northern Iraq, ensuring you can safely experience its culture and challenge preconceptions of this fascinating country. 

What’s more, all tours are confirmed departures: there’s no waiting around for minimum numbers. And if the published dates don’t suit, Rocky Road offers private custom itineraries, letting you explore Iraq on your own terms.

Not Just a Tour: A Rare Opportunity

With Iraq only recently reopened for tourists, this kind of tour is still rare. Although flights connect Basra to Erbil in under two hours, it’s the road in between is where Iraq reveals its soul.

Travelling with experts who know how to navigate Iraq, politically, logistically and culturally, makes all the difference. Our reputation and unbeatable knowledge of this country ensure you’re not just passing through Iraq, you get to know it intimately. 

For travellers serious about seeing the real Iraq, from Basra to Erbil, there’s no better time, and few better guides, than Rocky Road Travel. 

For more information on our tours in Iraq, simply contact us today.