Iran: Women's Expedition
Iran: Women's Expedition
Iran: Women's Expedition
12 Days Starting and ending in Tehran
Visiting: Tehran, Yazd, Shiraz, Persepolis, Bishapur , Isfahan, Kashan, Iran Islamic Republic Of
Tour operator:
Tour code:
HPSF
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
15-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover culture and camaraderie in Iran through the lives of the women who live there on a female-only expedition. Spend 12 days exploring with a local female leader and a group of female travellers and partake in a range of experiences otherwise off limits to mixed gender groups. Step inside the hidden world of an Iranian beauty salon, wander through a women-only park, and travel by public transport in the women-only carriage of the metro, local buses and an overnight train. Experience rural nomadic life with Qashqai people, meet female entrepreneurs and hear secret recipes from those in the know. Learn from inspiring Iranian women – young and old, religious and secular, conservative and liberal.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tehran
Location: Tehran
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: dinner
Salam! Welcome to Iran. You will be met on arrival at Tehran International Airport and transferred to your hotel for an important welcome meeting at 6pm, where you will meet your female leader and fellow travellers joining you on this adventure. Many people have a preconceived idea on the appearance of Iranian women; however, once you start exploring the country, you’ll notice a diverse range of clothing, facial coverings and styles on display. Enjoy your first taste of Iranian cuisine as you get to know your new travel companions over an included welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Tehran
Location: Tehran
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfastdinner
Head out on a leader-led orientation walk this morning, checking out the Imam Khomeini Mosque and the labyrinthine maze of the Grand Bazaar. A real highlight of this morning is gazing at the 182-carat pink diamond of Darya-ye-Noor and the sparkling 26,733 jewels of the Naderi Throne at the Treasury of National Jewels. Afterwards, pass by a small fashion boutique where you can check out the various styles, colours and patterns on offer and learn the different techniques of tying a headscarf. For dinner this evening you’ll take a look behind closed doors as you’re invited into a local home for dinner with the family’s women. Enjoy the famously warm Iranian hospitality as you tuck into a tasty meal and chat to the ladies about their daily lives.
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Day 3: Yazd
Location: Yazd
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Say goodbye to Tehran as you board a late morning train bound for Yazd (approximately 5–6 hours). Do not fear – the train is very comfortable and there will be time to rest on your way, if you can keep your eyes off the magic desert landscapes! Arrive in the early evening and get exploring with your leader, perhaps stopping off for a sweet snack as you walk – Yazd is well-known for its range of confectionery featuring plenty of nuts, rosewater and flaky pastry. Continue to the Jameh Mosque, notable for its fine mosaics and beautiful exterior. Visit the Amir Chakmaq complex, then walk through the narrow kuches (lanes) past simple courtyards and the ornate doors of local mud brick buildings. Explore the local bazaar with your leader, then the rest of the evening is free.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Yazd
Location: Yazd
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfastlunch
Start your day with an exploration of Zoroastrian culture, visiting the Fire Temple and the Tower of Silence. Zoroastrianism, dating back over 4000 years, was the state religion of Iran before the arrival of Islam. The fire in the Atashkadeh Fire Temple is said to have been continuously burning since AD470, while the Tower of Silence provides fascinating insight into Zoroastrian burial techniques. Then, pay a visit to Yazd’s celebrated sweet shop, where confectionary is made with traditional techniques passed down through generations. Once you’ve had your sugar fix, make the short journey to the village of Taft where you’ll be welcomed into the home of a Zoroastrian family for a homecooked lunch. After learning about the history of Zoroastrianism this morning, you’ll now have the special opportunity to speak to your hosts about their religion, culture and customs while learning how they prepare a traditional meal.
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Day 5: Shiraz
Location: Shiraz
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast, get on the road and head towards Shiraz (approximately 5.5 hours). An hour into the journey, stop by the town of Abarkooh in the Zagros Mountains to explore its historic sights, including an ancient ice house, the 11th-century Gonbad Ali Dome, the Qajar-era mansion Khan-e Aghazadeh and a 4000-year-old cypress tree. Continue to the historic village of Aqda where you’ll have the chance to stretch your legs as you explore its buildings, many of which have stood for almost a thousand years. Get back on the road, stopping one more time to grab some lunch, then arrive in Shiraz mid-afternoon. After checking in to your hotel, head out with your leader to get your bearings, then make a very special visit to the Aramgah-e Shah-e Cheragh, one of the holiest sites in Shiraz. This glittering mosque and funerary monument is a popular pilgrimage site and impresses with its beauty and grandeur. Ladies will need to wear a Chador for visiting the shrine (provided). Tonight, perhaps ask your leader for tips on where to pick up the best street food.
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Day 6: Shiraz
Location: Shiraz
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning, take to the streets on a walking tour and discover the alleys and lanes of the popular Vakil Bazaar, a great spot to sit and chat and enjoy a glass of orange blossom tea. Then, pop into a local bakery where you can pick up some lunch, which you’ll enjoy during a visit to one of the female-only parks that are popping up to allow women to exercise, picnic or just enjoy the sun without a hijab. After lunch, head out to the vast complex of Bagh-e Eram, known as the Garden of Paradise, where you’ll have the chance to wander through its beautifully manicured gardens. Then, pay a visit to the ornately decorated tomb dedicated to the poet Saadi, and the tomb built to commemorate the poet Hafez. Later in the day, spend time with some very talented local women at a carpet weaving workshop to learn about their craft.
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Day 7: Shiraz
Location: Shiraz, Persepolis, Shiraz
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfastdinner
Today make the short journey to Persepolis (approximately 1 hour). Once the centre of the Achaemenid Empire and one of the great cities of the ancient world, Persepolis took more than 150 years to build. Designed as a centre for events of the kings and their empire, its grandiosity and architectural marvel is still on show today. Afterwards, head back to Shiraz and step inside the hidden world of an Iranian hair salon. The hijab comes off, the conversation is lively, and the music is blaring. Treat yourself to a manicure, or perhaps a wash and blow wave. In post-revolution Iran, opening a beauty salon was one of the most conventional ways for Iranian women to have financial independence. Often the basement of a building, or an extra room in the house was used, and off limits to men, these salons have become oases for many. In the evening, take part in a hands-on cooking class where a local female cook will teach you how to create some of the most delectable Persian dishes. This class may include tahchin (Iranian savoury rice cake), morasa polo (jewelled rice), mirza qasemi (grilled eggplant), and the Iranian dessert of Sholeh Zard (saffron rice pudding). Take in the flavours and aromas of these delicious meals as the wafts fill the kitchen, then set the table and gather for a huge Persian feast as you chat and exchange stories.
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Day 8: Bishapur
Location: Bishapur
Accommodation: Eco Lodge - Home Stay
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Wake early and visit the colourfully decorated Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, where sunlight streaming through stained glass windows fills the interior with kaleidoscopic colours. Then depart for Bishapur – located 130 kilometres from Shiraz, Bishapur was once the centre of one of the five ancient provinces of Fars. Take a guided tour of the fortified structures and palaces, dating back to the earliest and latest times of the Sassanian Empire, which stretched across the region from 224 to 658 CE. This archaeological landscape was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2018. Bishapur has also acted as the summer home of migrating nomadic tribes over the centuries, and although most nomads are more settled in villages nowadays, many of the customs and traditions live on. Spend the evening in Tang-e-Chogan, a simple village of settled Qashqai nomads where you can discover traditional costumes and share a meal, some stories, a song or two and perhaps even learn how to make local bread with your host.
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Day 9: Esfahan
Location: Isfahan
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today is a long travel day (approximately 6 hours) but will be broken up with some stops along the way. You’ll get to enjoy the natural surroundings and perhaps stop off for a picnic lunch, before cruising into Esfahan in the late afternoon. Simply put, Esfahan is one of the finest places in the Islamic world. There's an abundance of fine Islamic buildings, most of which are covered with the blue mosaic tiles Iran is renowned for. There's also an enormous bazaar – an ideal place to shop for exquisite Persian carpets, or you can relax by the tranquil gardens, picturesque bridges and superb palaces around town. This evening, take a stroll down to the Zayandeh River and have a look at its historic bridges, which appear to have been lifted straight out of a fairy tale. At several of the bridges, local people gather to talk, drink tea and sing beautiful folk songs. It's a magical place to while away some time, and one of the most atmospheric places in all of Iran.
Included Activities:
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Day 10: Esfahan
Location: Isfahan
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Embark on a half-day tour of the city, visiting the World Heritage-listed Imam (or Naqsh-e Jahan) Square. Here, your guide will you give you an insight into life under Persia's greatest ruler, Shah Abbas. Surrounding the square are several grand buildings, such as the Ali Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Qeysarieh Portal and the majestic Imam Mosque. Located in the west of Imam Square, the Ali Qapu Palace covers six floors and was originally built as the main palace of Shah Abbas. In the Armenian quarter of the city, visit the intricately decorated Vank Cathedral and learn its story. This afternoon, explore the bazaar with its wonderful scents and spices, musical merchants' cries and, of course, thousands of locals bargaining for their goods. Walk the covered lanes and browse for fabrics, spices, jewellery and other treasures. Stop by the Music Museum – a privately-run space showcasing over 300 traditional Iranian musical instruments.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 11: Tehran
Location: Kashan, Tehran
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfastdinner
This morning, drive around 2 hours to Kashan, a merchant town known for its high-quality ceramics, silks, carpets and fine houses. On arrival, pay a visit to the Tabatabaei Historical House, built in 1880 for a wealthy local family. Continue to Fin Garden, the oldest surviving garden in Iran – be sure to ask your leader about the assassination plot that unfolded here. After some time exploring these beautiful and tranquil sites, hit the road and make the drive back to Tehran (approximately 2 hours). Arrive in the evening and join your fellow travellers and leader for a final dinner, the perfect chance to reminisce on all you’ve seen and done on your journey.
Included Activities:
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Day 12: Tehran
Location: Tehran
Meals Included: breaksfast
With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation at any time, provided you comply with the hotel’s internal check-out policies (usually 12 pm). An airport transfer back to Tehran airport is included so please get in touch at least 14 days before your trip with your flight details.
Included Activities:
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What's Included
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Esfahan - Ali Qapu Palace
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Tehran - Welcome Dinner
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Tehran -Treasury of National Jewels
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Tehran - Market shopping & Persian cooking class
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Tehran - Orientation walk
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Yazd - Water Museum
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Yazd - Amir Chakmaq
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Yazd - Jameh Mosque of Yazd
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Yazd - Fire Temple and Towers of Silence visit
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Yazd -Zoroastrian Lunch and Village Visit
Included Activities
- Tehran - Welcome Dinner
- Tehran -Treasury of National Jewels
- Tehran - Market shopping & Persian cooking class
- Tehran - Orientation walk
- Yazd - Jameh Mosque of Yazd
- Yazd - Amir Chakmaq
- Yazd - Water Museum
- Yazd -Zoroastrian Lunch and Village Visit
- Yazd - Fire Temple and Towers of Silence visit
- Abarkouh - Ice Houses
- Shiraz - Shahcheragh guided tour
- Shiraz - Women's only park
- Shiraz - Women's only Yoga Class
- Shiraz - Bakery visit
- Shiraz - Nasir al Molk Mosque
- Shiraz - Vakil Bazaar
- Shiraz -Carpet Work Shop
- Persepolis - Entrance and Guided tour
- Shiraz - Home cooked meal
- Shiraz - Women's only Beauty Salon
- Esfahan - Khaju & Si-o-seh Pol Bridges
- Esfahan - Esfahan Music Museum
- Esfahan - Imam Square
- Esfahan - Shah Mosque
- Esfahan - Sheik Lotfallah Mosque
- Esfahan - Ali Qapu Palace
Transport
- Metro , Train , Private Vehicle
Accommodation
- Hotel (10 nights), Homestay (1 night)
Check out our Q&As
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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 you adhere to a strict dress code regardless of the weather. Upon arrival in Iran, all women must wear a headscarf and must also have their arms and legs covered.
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. Please read the ‘Passports, visas and entry requirements’ section of the Essential Trip Information
The village homestay is a wonderful opportunity to witness everyday life outside the city. Facilities are simple and multi-share but comfortable. Please see Day 8 of the Itinerary for more details.
In 2023, Ramadan will take place from 22 March to 02 April. Travelling during this holy month can be a rewarding cultural experience. However, some regular services may not be available during the daytime, such as restaurants or coffee bars, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider your travel arrangements carefully before booking travel for this period. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details.