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Iran Adventure

14 Days | Be mesmerised by the richness of Iranian culture and scenery

5 out of 5 based on 3 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
USD $4,285
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Conservative and unconventional, deeply religious and deeply surprising, Iran doesn’t fit into any easy pigeonhole. Spend two weeks following the ancient Silk Road through this under-touristed country to discover refined Islamic cities, colourful bazaars, ancient ruins, fascinating nomadic cultures and shimmering deserts. Whether you're relaxing in a teahouse in Tehran, enjoying guided tours of ancient cultural sites, or breaking bread with locals on the harsh Iranian plateau, the warmth and hospitality of the Iranian people is endearing, and the profound beauty of their land is mesmerising.

Trip overview

Map of Iran Adventure including Iran, Islamic Republic Of
Start
Tehran, Iran
Finish
Tehran, Iran
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Iran
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
HPSN
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Discover an Iran beyond the media portrayals of a repressive and dour regime – this is a country full of warm, lively and friendly people.
  • Explore the rich history told in the ancient ruins that lie across the country, many of which sit in remote and isolated landscapes that only add to their magic.
  • Experience the wondrous remains of the ancient capital of Persepolis – the scale and grandeur will leave you in no doubt that this was once the centre of the known world.
  • Immerse yourself in rural nomadic life with a remote homestay with the Qashqai people in Fars Province, enjoying meals, stories and songs.
  • Slip into the heeled-sandals of a Silk Road merchant with an overnight stay in a classic 16th-century caravanserai, located in the vast salt desert of Zein-o-din.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Part of travelling with Intrepid means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments. It is very important that before you sign up for this tour you are committed to following a strict dress code (particularly for women) in what may be quite warm weather. Women must wear a headscarf and must also have their arms and legs covered. Men must also be conservatively dressed with arms and legs covered.
  • Alcohol is strictly forbidden in Iran and severe penalties will be incurred by anyone attempting to bring it into the country. Drug laws are also extremely strict, and travellers face lengthy jail terms if caught. As a foreigner, you will likely be whisked through customs but note that random bag checks do occur.
  • This trip has some wonderful accommodations experiences that really immerse you in the culture of Iran. For this reason, on three nights there is no single supplement available, as we stay in unique accommodations like a restored caravanserai, the home of a nomadic family and an eco-lodge. These are all basic with limited or shared facilities
  • You’ll find many of the spectacular ruins and sites in Iran are not managed as tightly as you may be used to. The pathways around some of the sites may be uneven, rocky or dusty. Some of the guided trips may involve quite a lot of walking in remote locations where you will be exposed to the elements. Please bring comfortable walking shoes and be prepared with hats, sunscreen, water or layers for cooler weather.
  • Iran is a big country and this trip covers a lot in two weeks. Be prepared to sit back in your private vehicle (or on a train) and watch the scenery go by on some long travel days.
  • Please note that we use a local supplier for your arrival transfer. As tourism is a developing industry in Iran, it is possible your driver will not speak English.
  • Getting a visa for Iran can be a frustrating and time-consuming process. It may take a couple of weeks to get your authorisation code, and then it can take up to 30 days to receive your visa back from the embassy or consulate. Rules can and do change often – this is the nature of the destination. We are here to help you through it.

Itinerary

Map of Iran Adventure including Iran, Islamic Republic Of

Inclusions

Meals

13 breakfasts, 5 dinners

Transport

Train, Private Vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (10 nights), Guest House (1 night) Eco Lodge(1 night), Home Stay (1 night)

Activities
  • Tehran - Golestan Palace Entrance
  • Tehran - Leader-led walking tour
  • Tehran - Iran National Museum
  • Yazd - Leader-led walking tour
  • Yazd - Fire Temple and Towers of Silence visit
  • Yazd - Amir Chakhmaq Complex
  • Yazd - Kharanaq-Chak-Cahk Excursion
  • Abarkooh - Cypress of Abarkooh
  • Abarkooh - Ice Houses
  • Shiraz - Leader-led walking tour
  • Shiraz - Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque
  • Shiraz - Aramgah-e Shah-e Cheragh
  • Shiraz - Bagh-e Eram Gardens
  • Shiraz - Home cooked meal
  • Persepolis - Entrance and guided tour
  • Izadkhast - Complex including castle and Caravanserai
  • Esfahan - Khaju & Si-o-seh Pol Bridges
  • Esfahan - Sheik Lotfallah Mosque
  • Esfahan - Iman Mosque entrance and guided tour
  • Esfahan - City Tour
  • Esfahan - Ali Qapu Palace
  • Esfahan - Qeysarie Bazaar
  • Esfahan - Manar Jomban (Shaking Minarets)
  • Esfahan - Vank Cathedral
  • Kashan - Meal with local family
  • Kashan -Tabatabaei Historical House
  • Kashan - Bazaar
  • Kashan - Fin Gardens (entrance fee and guide)
Add on activities
  • Tehran - Carpet Museum of Iran - IRR300000
  • Tehran -Treasury of National Jewels - IRR3000000
  • Shiraz - Tomb of Hafez - IRR500000
  • Yazd - Jameh Mosque - IRR500000
  • Esfahan - Chehel Sotun Palace - IRR500000
  • Esfahan - Esfahan Music Museum - Free

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 4 (Guesthouse), Day 7 (Homestay) and Day 8 (Eco-lodge) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability.
2. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in Tehran. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.
3. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
4. US, British and Canadian passport holders will need to book this trip at least 3 months before departure as this is the length of time it takes to process a visa for these nationalities. The application for the visa should be made at the time of booking or at least 3 months prior to the departure date. There may also be further travel restrictions that apply to these nationalities including restrictions for when you can arrive and depart. Please see the visa section in this essential trip information below for more details and ensure you discuss options with your booking agent before confirming non-refundable airfares. Please see our online visa information for more details. Simply select the relevant nationality in the drop-down list to access detailed visa information http://www.intrepidtravel.com/iran-visa-application-form
5. Travelers cannot use debit or credit cards while in Iran. You will need to bring all the money you will need for your entire trip with you. Please read through the money matters section of your essential trip information for further details
6. This itinerary has many included activities and free time for you to rest, relax or discover. Please keep in mind that under the regulations of the Iranian Ministry for Foreign Affairs, US, UK and Canadian travelers must be accompanied by a local host (Intrepid's local Operator) on all activities. For this reason, your Tour Leader may suggest optional activities during this free time that are organized by our Operator at your own expense. Alternately this free time is the perfect opportunity to relax in your hotel.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 3 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Ryan · Traveled November 2019
I loved Iran! Our leader Reyhaneh Ghoroghchian (Reina) was amazing! she was fun, engaging, professional and knowledgeable. The people were so kind saying "welcome to my country" "where are you from?... is it true baby Kangaroos sit in the belly" very funny :-) The homestay was so much fun!, the overnight train was very comfortable! the Caravansarah was very cool! Loved the Safron Ice Cream and the food :-) I'll say it again I loved Iran!
Review submitted 21 Nov 2019

Faye · Traveled October 2019
Iran is a fabulous country and there really is nothing to fear from going there. Customs were friendly on arrival, dress code and attitudes are more liberal than we are led to believe and the people are so welcoming and friendly. It is truly one of the safest places to travel I have ever been. Don’t be put off my the media!
Review submitted 14 Nov 2019

Julia · Traveled September 2019
Iran was a special country and I enjoyed my trip beyond measure. Iran truely has it all- great food, amazing architecture, beautiful scenery and some of the loveliest people I have ever met on my travels.
Review submitted 10 Dec 2019
Iran Adventure
From
USD $4,285