Iran Unveiled
Group Tour
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Overview
From our experience, Iran is one of the most misunderstood countries on earth and it is our mission to dispel many of the clichéd preconceptions as we travel through this fascinating country – from the splendours of Shiraz to the nomadic tribes of the Zagros Mountains – enjoying the fabled Iranian hospitality along the way.
Throughout history Iran, or Persia as it was once called, has loomed large in world history, as indeed it does today. For some, highlights of this ...
From our experience, Iran is one of the most misunderstood countries on earth and it is our mission to dispel many of the clichéd preconceptions as we travel through this fascinating country – from the splendours of Shiraz to the nomadic tribes of the Zagros Mountains – enjoying the fabled Iranian hospitality along the way.
Throughout history Iran, or Persia as it was once called, has loomed large in world history, as indeed it does today. For some, highlights of this trip may include the ancient ruins of Persepolis, the magnificent tile-work of Isfahan’s mosques or the medieval wind-towers of Yazd; for others it may be the quiet vehicle-free village streets of Abyaneh, the rural tranquillity of Faraghe or the Grand Bazaar of Tehran. However, for all an undoubted highlight will be having the chance to meet and chat with local Iranians who, as a people, rank amongst the most well-educated and outward-looking on the planet.
This is an outstanding trip which offers a great insight into the country with a perfect blend of both culture and adventure.
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use a bus and our feet!
GROUP SIZE
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
ENTRANCE FEES
FITNESS RATING
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night. This can obviously vary dramatically from country to country and from trip to trip.
On this particular trip accommodation varies hugely, from comfortable 4* hotels to a family-run guesthouse with shared bathroom facilities, where it may be necessary to share with more than two people to a room. Most hotels in Iran tend to be functional rather than characterful though! Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability.
FITNESS RATING
LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).LOW/MODERATE: May be of a long duration and/or involve numerous border-crossings. May include easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-3hrs/day). You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle.
MODERATE: May include several easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-5hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle. Previous experience of similar trips helpful.
MODERATE/HIGH: May involve several days of moderate hiking (up to 3-6 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
HIGH: May involve several days of moderate/strenuous trekking (up to 4-7 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a very fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
Map & Itinerary
Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below
Day 1 Tour begins in Tehran
Day 1 Tour begins in Tehran
The tour begins at our hotel today around lunchtime. This afternoon we will visit the Archaeological Museum, giving us an introduction to this ancient country, and possibly visit some more of Tehran’s sights, time permitting.
Day 2 In Tehran
Day 2 In Tehran
A full day’s sightseeing in the Iranian capital today includes a visit to the bazaar and a chance to explore the sumptuous Golestan Palace, the oldest of Tehran’s historic monuments. A World Heritage Site, this stunning complex of palaces and manicured gardens encompasses more than two centuries of Qajar rule. Heading further north, we will visit Niavaran Historical Garden. Set within 11 hectares of land, it was said to be commissioned by a Qajar King named Fathali Shah who wanted a retreat within the city.
Day 3 Tehran - Kashan - Matin Abad
Day 3 Tehran - Kashan - Matin Abad
This morning we drive south into Iran’s mountainous and desert interior. We stop in Kashan for lunch where we visit the Royal Gardens of Fin, and the Agha Bozorg Mosque, which was built in the 18th century. The mosque is famous for its imposing dome and large sunken Madrassah, and the large wooden door that guards the entrance is said to have as many studs as there are verses of the Quran. We will also have a chance to visit one of the restored merchant houses for which Kashan is famed, before continuing on to Matin Abad, our desert stop for the night.
Day 4 Matin Abad - Yazd
Day 4 Matin Abad - Yazd
After exploring our desert surrounds, we drive on towards Yazd. We plan to stop for lunch in the small town of Na’in, where we can also visit one of the oldest mosques in Iran. In the afternoon we continue our drive through the desert, hopefully arriving in Yazd in time to watch an eerie sunset from the Towers of Silence, the unique Zoroastrian burial towers.
Day 5 Yazd
Day 5 Yazd
Our first port of call is the Bagh-e-Doulat Abad Gardens, which were once a residence of the former ruler Karim Khan Zand. They consist of small pavilions set in peaceful gardens and the tallest Badgir - wind-tower - in town. We'll also visit the magnificent Jameh - Friday - Mosque and the informative Water Museum. There'll then be time to wander the winding old city streets and bazaar, before trying to visit a Zurkhaneh - House of Strength - a mix of Sufism, nationalism, music and sport into this ancient spectacle.
Day 6 Yazd - Abarkuh - Pasargadae
Day 6 Yazd - Abarkuh - Pasargadae
Today we will drive through picturesque valleys and rural villages before reaching Abarkuh. This delightful desert town is home to one of the oldest living trees in the world, Sarv-e Abarqu, which is over 4,000 years of age. Our final destination is Pasargadae where we will spend the night ahead of a big day tomorrow.
Day 7 Pasargadae - Persepolis - Shiraz
Day 7 Pasargadae - Persepolis - Shiraz
This morning, we will visit the six-tiered tomb of Cyrus the Great - founder of the great Persian Empire. We then visit the magnificent Achaemenid tombs at Nagsh e Rostam, cut high in cliffs above the ground, facing respectfully towards Persepolis. After lunch we continue on to the highlight of any visit to Iran: Darius the Great’s fabulous Persepolis. After a few hours exploring the site we finally make our way to our hotel in Shiraz.
Day 8 Shiraz
Day 8 Shiraz
A morning walking tour includes a visit to the imposing Arg-e Karim Khan fortress, with its 14-metre high circular towers which dominate the city centre. There will also be time to explore the bazaar and some of Shiraz’s famous gardens and teahouses before soaking up the atmosphere at the tomb of the great Persian poet Hafez.
Day 9 Shiraz - Yasuj
Day 9 Shiraz - Yasuj
Today we drive north out of Shiraz, heading to the town of Yasuj. Arriving around lunchtime, we will continue on to Margun Waterfall. This is one of the country’s largest and most visually stunning waterfalls, situated in the mountains at an altitude of 2200m. This is the perfect place to stretch our legs and take in the beautiful scenery, before returning to Yasuj to spend the night.
Day 10 Yasuj - Isfahan
Day 10 Yasuj - Isfahan
We depart Yasuj today and drive on to Isfahan. Upon arrival we will check into our hotel, relax and take a leisurely walk to orientate ourselves in this fascinating city.
Day 11 Isfahan
Day 11 Isfahan
During our sightseeing today we will visit the Chehel Sotun Palace and Museum, and the magnificent Naqsh-e Jahan Square. Here we will explore some of the world’s most beautiful mosques, the Imam - Shah - Mosque and the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque. We will also visit the magnificent six-storey Ali Qapu Palace, built in the 16th century to serve as a gateway to the royal palaces that are situated in the parklands beyond.
Day 12 Isfahan
Day 12 Isfahan
Another day to explore this fascinating city. Visit the Jameh Mosque, the Armenian Quarter and the many bridges that cross the Zayandeh River. There will be plenty of time to explore and shop in the famous bazaar, or just to chill out and people watch.
Day 13 Isfahan - Abyaneh
Day 13 Isfahan - Abyaneh
We depart Isfahan this morning and drive on to one of the most fascinating villages in the country, Abyaneh. Abyaneh is one of the last surviving Zoroastrian villages, located in a valley in the Karkas Mountains, and has some magnificent views of the surrounding red mountains. The ancient village is a muddle of narrow and sloped lanes, and crumbling mud-brick houses with lattice windows and fragile wooden balconies that cling to the slope.
Day 14 Abyaneh - Qom - Tehran
Day 14 Abyaneh - Qom - Tehran
After exploring the sleepy village of Abyaneh we will make our way slowly back to Tehran, stopping en route in Qom. Iran’s second-holiest city, it is the golden dome and twin minarets of Fatima's shrine that dominate the city skyline and although part of the shrine is closed off to tourists, we will be able to visit. Continuing to Tehran, our final night will be spent at an airport hotel, conveniently located for onward flights tomorrow.
Day 15 Tour ends in Tehran
Day 15 Tour ends in Tehran
The tour ends this morning after breakfast.
ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR
Matinabad Desert Eco Resort, Matin Abad
Located 60km southeast of Kashan in the desert, the Matinabad Desert Eco-Resort is surrounded by natural beauty and wilderness. Vehicles are left in the village 1.5km away and guests stroll through the desert to the resort. The accommodation is spread between traditional Iranian nomad style tents with mosquito nets for the summer and heating for the winter, as well as en suite rooms built in a low impact building in a traditional design. A restaurant and bar serve the guests with traditional home cooked food, activities of cycling and camel riding are available in the morning and afternoon and should be booked in advance. The desert is of course a wonderful place to watch the night sky as well.
Moshir Ol Mamalek Garden Hotel, Yazd
Set in a lovely landscaped Persian garden from the Qajar era, featuring flowing water systems and fountains, the traditional Moshir Al Mamalek Garden Hotel compliments ancient Iranian architecture found in the beautiful desert city of Yazd. With vaulted and domed ceilings, murals and tile work the hotel is thoughtfully decorated in keeping with the traditional style and history of the building. Rooms are styled in a local design with traditional, antique furniture. The gardens offer plenty of isolated areas in which to relax, including a café and the restaurant’s outdoor seating and daybeds, dotted around the surrounding greenery.
Karimkhan Hotel, Shiraz
The Karimkhan is a three star hotel strategically located in the centre of the beautiful city of Shiraz. Stain glass windows adorn the exterior and interior creating a warm and welcoming glow. You are spoilt for choice with multiple dining options such as the restaurant serving delicious, traditional Iranian cuisine and the Karim Khan Tea Trail offering a variety of traditional teas and sweet treats. Additionally, the Fallad Shirazi plays vibrant traditional music and has a high-speed Internet connection, ideal for sharing stories of Shiraz with guests and your family at home. The hotel also has well-appointed wellness facilities including a Spa, Sauna, hot tub, pool and fitness centre.
Abyaneh Hotel, Abyaneh
Set atop a hill overlooking the historic Abyaneh village, near the city of Kashan, is the family run Abyaneh Hotel. Be welcomed into the small yet characterful hotel providing fantastic views of the surrounding valley and traditional Iranian hospitality. Constructed of local materials, the hotels red stone appearance reflects the precious red clay of the mountains used to create the mud houses of Abyaneh, the “Red Village”. The hotel has 25 rooms in total featuring a simple décor and plenty of natural light, with some rooms offering panoramic views. In the foyer is an excellent coffee bar for mingling with guests and a colourful souvenir shop for buying handicrafts. The spacious restaurant serves a taste of traditional Iranian cuisine whilst the green balcony is perfect for soaking in the stunning scarlet mountain landscape, beautifully merging with buildings of the same colour. Wi-Fi is available.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?
All group tours can be taken on a private basis.
Additional Details
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Challenging Perceptions of Iran
When discussing Responsible Travel with our local suppliers in Iran, the conclusion was that simply travelling to this largely misunderstood country was in fact responsible. That way, you see the beauty of the country for yourself, meet its welcoming locals and taste their delicious cuisine. In addition, all our Iran tours are locally-led – investing in the people that form a part of the communities we visit, opening up conversations and sharing stories with new friends.
Reducing Single Use Plastic
We recognise the environmental issues and challenges around single-use plastic in many countries we visit and are actively working with our partners on the ground to reduce plastic waste on our tours and within the hotels and restaurants we visit. You can help to reduce your personal plastic waste by taking a refillable, filtered water bottle with you on your trip. Filtered water bottles can be refilled from water sources including your hotel room and restaurant taps, drinking fountains and refill stations. Every time you refill your bottle without the use of single-use plastic, you will be helping to reduce waste and protect the environment. Filtered Water Bottles | Wild Frontiers (wildfrontierstravel.com)
Getting There
If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, noting that for our US clients, we will most likely refer you to one of our preferred partners. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below.
If you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. However please note that if you are planning on making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
|---|---|---|
| TK 1984 | London Heathrow (LHR) 22:15 | Istanbul (IST) 04:05 |
| TK 880 | Istanbul (IST) 07:50 | Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA) 11:30 |
| TK 881 | Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA) 12:25 | Istanbul (IST) 15:25 |
| TK 1983 | Istanbul (IST) 18:45 | London Heathrow (LHR) 20:50 |
Visas & Vaccinations
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders currently require require a visa for Iran. For those resident in the UK, please note that this will need to be applied for in person through the Iranian Consulate in London.
Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
It should also be noted that anyone with a passport showing evidence of having visited Israel (including having entered or left Jordan/Egypt from posts which are known to border Israel) are likely to be denied a visa for Iran.
Moreover as of January 2016 US policy (subject to change) has stated that anyone wishing to travel to or via the USA is required to apply for a US visa (rather than an ESTA) if they have travelled to Iran since March 2011. The process is fairly straightforward and you can read more about it here – www.wildfrontierstravel.com/us-visa- but this is just something you will need to aware of if you have future plans to travel to or via the US.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Vaccinations: There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for
travellers to Iran.
Malaria is present in
some parts of Iran and precautions are essential.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Extensions
If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Alternatively, you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.
The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries*. Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your requirements.
*Please note bespoke, tailor-made itineraries need to be a minimum of 7 days and we can only offer them in countries where we have a tailor-made expert
Governmental Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Warning
The FCDO sometimes advises against certain parts of this itinerary.
Wild Frontiers has many years’ experience of running trips which contravene FCDO advice but these decisions that are never taken lightly and are always taken in conjunction with our local partners after extensive consultation. As part of the booking process, you will need to sign a disclaimer to confirm you have read the advice, that you are still happy to travel and that you will obtain travel insurance which is not invalidated by the FCDO advice.
For more information, please see the Insurance section or contact us. Non-UK clients should be sure to check the travel advice of their own governments as well as the small print of their insurance policies. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Key Information
CLIMATE
The weather conditions can be extremely varied in Iran, however, spring and autumn are the best times to visit when the days are mainly warm and sunny. On average during these times you can expect daytime temperatures between the mid-20s to late-30s (C) and warm nights. During the winter months (December to March tours) you can typically expect daytime temperatures from 10C to 18C along with cold nights, and there is a higher possibility of rain.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
It may sound obvious but Wild Frontiers tours are not always for everyone and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. All our tours have a fitness rating as a guideline but you should check the day-by-day itinerary carefully. In certain instances we may ask you to complete a travel questionnaire before confirming your booking in order to ensure your suitability. Should you have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour then please contact the office.
KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional. However, please bear in mind that there is a reasonable amount of walking involved with the sightseeing. Iran is a large country so please be aware that some of the distances we drive between cities on this tour can take a considerable portion of the day.
Please note that if you are a British, USA or Canadian passport holder in order to comply with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) visa regulations it is a mandatory requirement for us to book an airport transfer and a guide to accompany you for any additional time spent in Iran separately to the group.
You should be aware that securing adequate insurance for travel to Iran can be challenging, especially for clients of certain nationalities and/or age groups. As such before booking a trip to Iran we would strongly suggest that you fully investigate your insurance options to ensure you are both able to secure suitable insurance and are happy with the level of cover available to you. For more information, please refer to the Insurance section below.
Some clients feel that the variety of food available in Iranian restaurants can get a bit monotonous, but our tour leaders will do their best to vary the menu as much as is possible. Please be advised that on this trip vegetarians and those with special dietary requirements can be catered for, but the selection and variety is likely to be limited. It should also be noted that Iran is a 'dry' country and it is forbidden to take alcohol into the country.
Women should be aware that it will be necessary to follow Iranian dress code whenever they are out in public, which means being fully covered and wearing a headscarf.
THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL
We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.
TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation, but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except for in Pasargadae, where it is likely you will have to share with others due to limited room availability.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
INSURANCE
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. In addition, you should be aware that securing adequate insurance for travel to Iran can be challenging, especially for clients of certain nationalities and/or age groups. As such before booking a trip to Iran we would strongly suggest that you fully investigate your insurance options to ensure you are both able to secure suitable insurance and are happy with the level of cover available to you. Please see the Insurance section for more details or feel free to contact us for more information.
General Information
TOUR PRICE
All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.
DEPOSIT
A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY
For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page
WILD MILES
This tour will earn you 5476 Wild Miles
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.