Travel to the Great Mosque of Samarra

Post published:July 12, 2021
Post category:Iraq
Reading time:6 mins read

How To Travel to the Great Mosque of Samarra The Great Mosque of Samarra is not the easiest place to get to in Iraq - but with the right paperwork…

Martyr Monument

Al Shaheed Monument Baghdad

Post published:July 7, 2021
Post category:Iraq
Reading time:4 mins read

Visiting the Al Shaheed Monument Baghdad The Al Shaheed Monument, Baghdad has fast become one of our most favorite Baghdad landmarks. What exactly is it and what does it represent?…

How To Get An Iraq Visa On Arrival

Post published:April 2, 2021
Post category:Iraq
Reading time:3 mins read

How to Apply For New The Iraq Visa On Arrival With the newly initiated Iraq visa on arrival system now in place, we'll explain how it works and who's entitled…

Exploring The Mesopotamian Marshes of Iraq

Post published:October 24, 2020
Post category:Iraq
Reading time:9 mins read

Historical Marshes of Iraq Nestled in the flood plains between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, the Mesopotamian (literally meaning "land between two rivers") Marshes of Iraq are the largest wetlands…

Southern Iraqi Marshlands

How to Travel to Iraq

Post published:October 11, 2020
Post category:Iraq
Reading time:6 mins read

The Fastest Way to Travel to Iraq Did you know that's it's possible to travel to Iraq even without a visa? The northern region of Iraqi Kurdistan is visa free…

How To Travel to Babylon, Iraq

Post published:August 24, 2020
Post category:Iraq
Reading time:9 mins read

What is Babylon, Iraq? Babylon was once one of the most important cities in the ancient world. It served as the capital city of Babylonia, a kingdom in ancient Mesopotamia,…

Kurdish Peshmerga Soldiers

A Narrow Escape From Iraq

Post published:August 11, 2020
Post category:Iraq
Reading time:9 mins read

Rocky Road Travel Founder Shane tells the story of that time he was forced to go on the run in Northern Iraq. How to Dodge an Invading Army “The Iraqi…

Palace’s of Saddam Hussein

Post published:July 16, 2020
Post category:Iraq
Reading time:11 mins read

Inside a Saddam Hussein Palace It's estimated that Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein built 8o - 100 palaces during his 24 year reign. Billions of dollars were spent on lavish structures…

Essential Baghdad Travel Guide

Post published:June 5, 2020
Post category:Iraq
Reading time:11 mins read

Top 5 Baghdad Tourist Attractions One of the most important cities in human history, Baghdad has a long and illustrious past. As a center for prestigious learning and culture, it…

Iraq Tours From The UK

Post published:June 3, 2020
Post category:Iraq
Reading time:5 mins read

There are now many options for Iraq Tours from the UK. Since the fall of ISIS in Iraq, Rocky Road Travel conducted numerous research trips and concluded that many places…

Rocky Road Travel

5.0

Based on 81 reviews

Car Car

20:32 09 May 22

I spent 6 days in Syria in May 2022.I have visited incredible places, met nice people and eaten incredible food.... 😀Shane and Ayoub have organized everything perfectly and my guide, Shamel, was the real added-value of the tour, always kind and giving interesting insights.I strongly recommend Rocky Road Travel!read more

Kate Maher

06:21 27 Apr 22

Travelled to Socotra with Rocky Road travel and had an amazing trip! Had to change flights and Shane was so... accommodating. I had lots of questions before the trip and he answered them with ease, and always replied promptly. Highly recommend them for your next adventure! Already looking up other trips to do with Rocky Road!read more

Timo Liu

09:23 22 Apr 22

Great tour to Socotra! From Transit, food to tents everything was very well organized.Shane and the local guides were... fun and professional.Over all very nice experienceread more

Stefano Bodello

09:14 22 Apr 22

Great once in a lifetime Socotra experience with Rocky Road Travel. Beautiful shore and sea excursion in the alien... Socotra environment. The whole island is stunning and the organization is perfect, good food and fun with people from all over the world!Stefanoread more

Simon Wong

18:17 13 Apr 22

Went on a wonderful Iraq tour with Shane. Coordination & logistics are essential for travelling in this part of the... world, Shane and his team definitely did a splendid job. The guides are resourceful, react to unexpected situations with ease, all with a smile & loads of energy. Highly recommended for your next adventure to wherever Shane & his team can bring you.read more

Nafeesa Khan

15:53 13 Apr 22

An epic Iraq tour not to be missed! Action packed, all inclusive, giving you the historical, cultural, religious and... everyday life experience in Iraq. This trip created memories beyond my imagination! Well done Rocky Road Travel!read more

Clare Maraist

17:43 28 Mar 22

Just returned from one of the most wonderful adventures through Iraq with Rocky Road Travel. Shane and his team make... sure to not only show you the historic sights but also fabulously interweave experiences with the locals. I’ve been around a lot but this easily made my top 3 and that has almost all to do with Rocky Road. Thanks, Shane!read more

Benjamin Justin

07:23 26 Mar 22

Never being a person for tours but gave rockyroad for Syria a go, I was super worried about doing a tour in case I got... stuck with a group I didn’t like or if the tour was bad in generalBut from day one of the tour everyone in the group became great mates and the flexibility of the tour from the guides was unbelievable. I had always heard the stories of “you can’t walk around Syria alone” but with Rockyroad if you want free time to go walk anywhere you want you have it and any time a person on the tour asked to see something that wasn’t in the tour the guides did their best to make it happenAbsolutely would recommend Rockyroad anyone wanting to do a off the beaten trail country!read more

Hans Eichstetter

14:40 25 Mar 22

I have been on the March Syria tour. The group was wonderful, the experiences intense and the tour guide very... professional. Highly recommended, Hansread more

Michelle Zammit

17:13 17 Mar 22

Travelled to Socotra with Rocky Road and practically everything about the tour exceeded my expectations. Fantastic... organisation in a destination which is difficult to reach, but so rewarding. Highly recommended.read more

Pissed Off Pixie

09:33 03 Mar 22

We've just returned from our trip to Socotra with Rocky Road Travel. Needless to say that travel during the covid... restrictions has been rather 'testing' as we needed to time everything to actually get on our flights to the island. Shane was extremely prompt with responding to my huge number of queries especially since our flights were 'up in the air' due to cancellations and offered a variety of solutions for a variety of scenarios. He made everything feel smooth and easy despite things on the ground being just the opposite.Socotra is an amazingly beautiful place. Our itinerary was brilliant, we had fantastic guides, fabulous food and a unique experience! The entire Rocky Road Travel team enhanced the trip by making it all run super smoothly and we have had such fun being able to enjoy the experience with our lovely fellow travellers and now have memories for a lifetime!This was our first trip with Rocky Road Travel and we will definitely be travelling with them again soon!read more

Lance Goddard

03:50 24 Jan 22

Our family of four did the full Iraq tour in December 2021/January 2022. The trip was fantastic, and since it was low... season - we had most of the historic sites to ourselves! Shane customized the tour for us (we booked it as a private tour) and the additions were perfect. The itinerary was extensive and we had very full days that took in many historic sites, important religious shrines, and a nice taste of Iraqi culture. The hotels were better than expected (most were 3-4 star establishments) and wifi was readily available at all of them. Our guides were very good, and the sites were awesome. Favourite places? Uruk, Babylon, Ur, Hatra, Mosul, Acre...too many to list. What a great opportunity to see Iraq in the early days of its tourism industry! If historic sites are your interest, you cannot select a better destination. Rocky Road Travel/Shane arranged everything and was highly responsive to all of my questions ahead of time. Highly recommended!read more

Katie Macleod

20:10 18 Jan 22

I'm so glad I chose Rocky Road to guide me through Iraqi Kurdistan! Shane's responses were spot-on; there were no... stresses or concerns before the trip. Every part of the itinerary felt smooth and organised, from the airport pick-up to taking off. The best part?.. The local guide was a legend! I would not hesitate to recommend this trip, and any others that Rocky Road provide, to my friends, family and even strangers I haven't met yet. I hope to travel with them again! And as for Iraqi Kurdistan, what are you waiting for? It's beautiful out there!read more

Alex Kostich

18:58 05 Jan 22

I just returned from a 2-week trip throughout all of Iraq/Kurdistan (south and north, respectively) and I was so... pleased with the entire nature of the tour, from guides to hotels to the variety of sights, ruins, shrines, restaurants, cafes, landscapes and museums we visited.I had heard great things about Rocky Road travel before, but had never used them for a trip of my own...but I am certainly intending to work with them again in planning future trips.Shane was always responsive and patient with my many questions and emails leading up to the trip, and answered them quickly with all the information I needed.An additional bonus was going from 3-star hotels to 4-star accommodations, a slight difference but one that can really impact your restful nights which are important (e.g. reliable power, consistent hot water in the showers, cleanliness, security). I would make sure to specify you would like the 4-star hotels if you're planning a trip to Iraq, it may not be a huge price increase and Shane will work with your budget to accommodate if possible.The guides in both Iraq and Kurdistan were terrific. Madhi and Balin were knowledgeable, patient, full of information and most importantly, well connected in making sure our journey ran smoothly and efficiently without incident (it helps to have well known guides when navigating the multiple checkpoints on the road, or having access to a museum which might be closed for a national holiday!).I am really pleased with the economy of the tour too--the overall quality and service (the experience altogether) seemed like a great 'bang for your buck' deal-and I have traveled extensively. Will definitely be going back to Rocky Road Travel and I appreciate their commitment to impactful travel too!read more

Carol McLean

03:47 07 Dec 21

My Iraq trip was amazing, everything I hoped it would be and way more. It touched on the highlights, which for me where... historical sites like Ur and Babylon. The Shanigar Cave was extraordinary. Kurdistan was a huge geographical surprise.As a solo female traveler I never felt unsafe, quite the opposite. I’ve never met kinder people. Iraqs were curious but respectful and genuinely happy to see a tourist. Security was everywhere with multiple checkpoints in both north and south Iraq but courteous and efficient.My guides were exceptional. The agenda was covered but they all added unexpected surprises, like a spontaneous picnic at the Euphrates.I would not have changed anything and can only encourage more people to visit.read more

Chip Beck

00:50 17 Nov 21

Traveling with Rocky Road Travel was a blast doing their full Iraq tour! Shane is prompt and knowledgeable answering... pre-trip questions and arranged amazing local guides. Traveling with them opened up so many doors to sites we otherwise wouldn’t have had access to. Already booked for my next trip!read more

Alison Sherwen

19:54 16 Nov 21

I had an amazing week in Socotra with Rocky Road. Every day was a new adventure with a fun and diverse group of people.... Highly recommend!!read more

Una Cuffe

20:35 13 Nov 21

I traveled to Iraq (southern Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan) with Rocky Road Travel in Oct/Nov 2021. I had an amazing time... and really felt it was one of those special once in a lifetime experiences.The trip booking process was easy and straight forward, with Shane available by email or WhatsApp. Payment was simple and all the necessary visa information etc was provided promptly.The local guides were incredible, warm and welcoming, knowledgeable and informative, and alot of fun. You never forget how someone makes you feel and the Iraqi and Kurdish people are what really make this a special experience. Their warm welcoming hospitality will make you want to return for more.The trip itinerary was well planned and covered alot of ground. There is a large variety of sites to see and experience and never too much of any one thing. It's a great mix.The accommodation was better than expected with clean modern hotels for the most part. The food is worth visiting for alone. Absolutely delicious ( I'm still dreaming of the chicken liver sandwich in Sulaymaniyah 🤤). The many tea houses we visited were beautiful and unique and always came just when we needed to rest and refresh.Overall I highly recommend Rocky Road Travel and will travel with them again. As for Iraq, it a beautiful and special place that will capture your heart.read more

Jeen Low

10:33 05 Nov 21

I had an incredible time in Socotra with Rocky Road Travel. The guides were fantastic, great people, great... conversations, and the fresh seafood was delicious- definitely the best camping food I have had! Shane made planning and booking the trip so easy. Our itinerary for the week went above and beyond my expectations, we were able to do and see everything, and more, while still having time to enjoy it all. I look forward to checking out their other tours!read more

Faye DiZario

11:29 29 Oct 21

If you like Popcorn and old coins, Socotra is the place. Everybody is happy to help with whatever weird request you... have. Best peas for dinner I‘ve ever had. Tour leader is a bit sloppy with his sunglasses though and doesn’t really grasp the concept of time.Would highly recommend it all.read more

desmond knox

12:38 10 Sep 21

Freewheeling grand tour of Southern Iraqi & Kurdistan. 27th Aug 8th September 2021.In a nutshell, if you want the... best experience before it becomes more popular, a place in which you can still find, empty sights, together with amazing foods, ancient and modern history, remaining in tact. Iraqi has it covered. Its people make it special. You discover that only by going.Iraqi is a very relaxed and enjoyable must see location a discovery that is overlooked by the modern traveller, yet it was once a hot destination and you can see why after you arrive.Is Mesopotamia on your Radar. Do we come from a alien race? Have you a interest in a post conflict country, or ongoing one ? Does the name Saddam Hussain mean anything.Do you enjoy foods and not worried about the diet, be willing to try all that presents itself. How about a live visit to a wonderful Shia Mosques, followed by a motorised trip into the wildlife wet lands with the Mash Arabs. Eating bread & honey drinking tea as the sun rises.Had enough of the heat, how about heading North to the Mountains of the Kurd region. Here you find the ancient Yazidi religion together with Christianity still holding onto to its traditions.Mixing that up, you discovery cool lakes, with old and modern shopping experience. Dont overlook your local guide Balin who can complete the landscapes with his remarkable story matching it.Grand tour is possible just dont tell the others.read more

Aaron Everitt

12:13 21 Jun 21

I travelled with Rocky Road to Iraq in June 2021. The tour was fabulously organised, enjoyable and safe. All... accommodation was comfortable and the itinerary was top notch. I’ve tried several independent travel companies and this ranks amongst the best.read more

Ginger Herrick

21:55 13 Jun 21

Awesome tour of Southern Iraq with Rocky Road Travel! Great communication regarding the new visa on arrival. The... itinerary was well planned including historic sites with knowledgeable local guides. I hope to do another trip with them soon.read more

Nasim Fakhri

13:14 21 Apr 21

Great experience traveling throughout East Africa for 3 weeks. Shane was a great help in organizing this trip for me.... Highly Recommend!read more

Арсений Петров

21:36 07 Apr 21

The best choice possible. Our trip to Somalia was great. Highly recommended!

michael dwane

17:06 05 Feb 21

Great service, everything worked out perfectly. I would definitely recommend for swift communication and helpful advice

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Travel to the Great Mosque of Samarra

Al Shaheed Monument Baghdad

How To Get An Iraq Visa On Arrival

Exploring The Mesopotamian Marshes of Iraq

How to Travel to Iraq

How To Travel to Babylon, Iraq

A Narrow Escape From Iraq

Palace’s of Saddam Hussein

Essential Baghdad Travel Guide

Iraq Tours From The UK

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