Iran Unveiled

Iran Unveiled

82 Views
15 Days
From

$5619

Iran Unveiled

15 Days Starting and ending in TEHRAN

Visiting: Tehran Province, Kashan, Matin Abad, Yazd, Faraghe, Persepolis, Shiraz, Yasuj, Isfahan, Abyaneh, Qom, Tehran

Tour operator:

Wild Frontiers

Tour code:

LPT1

Recommended For:

Couples, Singles

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 12

Physical rating:

Low, Low / Moderate

Age range:

1-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English
Private Available:

Request A Private Tour

From:
$5619 (USD)

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour 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 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

  • Follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo as you head to the desert city of Yazd, an important stop along the old Silk Road and home to some of the world’s most beautiful silk

  • Immerse yourself in rural traditions and enjoy local hospitality as you stay in a remote village with a local family

  • Wander through the backstreets and bazaars of picturesque Isfahan

  • Visit one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites at the ancient capital of Persepolis

  • Explore Tehran’s numerous highlights, including the UNESCO Golestan Palace and the Royal family’s extraordinary crown jewels

  • Discover the heart of Persian culture in Shiraz, from beautiful tea gardens and tombs of poets long-gone, to mesmerizing mirror mosaics

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 : Tour Begins In Tehran
Location: Tehran Province
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Howeyzeh or similar
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

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
Location: Tehran Province
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Howeyzeh or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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. We will also see Iran’s imperial crown jewels this afternoon, one of the largest collections in the world. Housed in the vaults of Iran’s Central Bank, this magnificent display includes several elaborate crowns and a vast quantity of precious gems, including the glorious Peacock Throne. This evening, we will enjoy a cookery demo in a local home - sampling the results for dinner.

Day 3 : Tehran - Kashan - Matin Abad
Location: Tehran Province, Kashan, Matin Abad
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Matin Abad Desert Eco-Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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
Location: Matin Abad, Yazd
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Moshir Garden or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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
Location: Yazd
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Moshir Garden or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 - Faraghe
Location: Yazd, Faraghe
Accommodation: Family-run Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we will drive through a number of rural villages before reaching Faraghe, home to our host family for the night. The afternoon will be spent in and around the village, seeing the old qanat water system, visiting the local farms and exploring the peaceful countryside. If we’re lucky, our host will entertain us with some traditional music tonight.

Day 7 : Faraghe - Persepolis - Shiraz
Location: Faraghe, Persepolis, Shiraz
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pars International or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we drive over a high mountain pass and through picturesque valleys to reach Pasagade. Here 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 to spend the night.

Day 8 : Shiraz
Location: Shiraz
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pars International or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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
Location: Shiraz, Yasuj
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Azadi or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we drive north out of Shiraz, heading to the mountain town of Yasuj. Arriving around lunchtime we will continue our drive through Sisakht into the Golkuh Lake region, passing through a wonderful acorn forested area up to an altitude of 2200m. From the nearby Abzardu Spring, weather permitting, we plan to walk up to Gulkuh Lake at 2600m. There, it is possible to enjoy the scenery in the shadows of the stunning 4000m peaks of the Dena range of the Zagros Mountains. Later, we return to Yasuj to spend the night.

Day 10 : Yasuj - Isfahan
Location: Yasuj, Isfahan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Safir or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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
Location: Isfahan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Safir or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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
Location: Isfahan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Safir or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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
Location: Isfahan, Abyaneh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Abyaneh or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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
Location: Abyaneh, Qom, Tehran
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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
Meals Included: Breakfast

What's Included

  • MEALS

    14 x Breakfasts, 14 x Lunches, 14 x Dinners

  • TRANSPORT

    On this tour we will use a bus and our feet!

  • GROUP SIZE

    Maximum: 12

  • FITNESS RATING

    Low / Moderate

  • ACCOMMODATION

    All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary

  • CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS

    Contributions to carbon offset & tree planting projects for all bookings

  • ENTRANCE FEES

    All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary

  • EXPERT TEAM

    The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate

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
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .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

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 our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com 

For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for Iran.

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 within the last year (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 be aware of if you have future plans to travel to or via the US.

Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.

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.

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.

Check out our Q&As

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for Iran.

    Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights

  • What is the maximum group size?

    12

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2002

  • Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?

    In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

Catherine Wilkinson  

Catherine Wilkinson

My first Wild Frontiers trip blew my expectations

My first Wild Frontiers trip blew my expectations away - I'm not sure I'll be able to cope travelling with other companies now!

Want a private tour?

  • Personalise your trip

    Make changes to the itinerary, accommodation, or transport method

  • Travel more exclusively

    Your tour guide can focus all their attention on your group

  • Travel for a special occasion

    Celebrate an important event by only travelling with your friends or family

Dates & Availability

Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Sunday

Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025
$5619 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.

    Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

  • Wild Frontiers' COVID Promise

    You will have the right to transfer without any transfer fee, from any of our trips at ANY time if your trip is not Covid Viable (see below).*
    We will not ask you to pay your final balance if your trip is not yet Covid Viable.
    If your trip is not Covid Viable, by 30 days prior to departure at the latest, we will cancel your holiday and you can either transfer your funds to another departure or have a refund.**


    We will only consider a trip Covid Viable*** if pre-departure it meets all of the following criteria:

    There is no national lockdown or ban on foreign travel for the period when your trip is due to depart.
    Destinations on the tour must not be on the UK’s Red List. ****
    No destinations visited on the tour have in place any significant COVID-19 restrictions for travellers.
    Tourist visas (if required) are available.
    There is reliable airline access to/from the start/end of the trip.
    Following an assessment by both Wild Frontiers and our local partners we are confident that your trip is able to run in both a safe and enjoyable manner.*****




    ** If you were originally booked to travel before 30 April 2020 and transferred to a later date, or if you have a tailor-made booking, there may be some irrecoverable costs which we cannot refund. Please speak to us and we will be able to advise you if this is the case for your booking.
    ***Since our HQ is in London, Covid Viable status for our Group Tours will be assessed on UK-based travellers. However we are fully aware that many of our clients live in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. As such, when we deem a trip to now be Covid Viable, everyone booked will have a chance to review their own personal situation before deciding whether or not to remain booked on the trip. Anyone wishing to, will have the option to transfer without fees to another trip at this time. For tailor made bookings, we may also able to consider additional countries’ travel advice when deciding if a trip is Viable. Please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
    **** This relates to bookings from UK clients only. We may operate trips to destinations which the British FCDO advise against travel for Covid reasons. If this is the case, anyone wishing to will have the option to cancel with a refund or transfer to another trip. In some cases we may choose to offer a tour to a Red destination but these will be at both clients’ and Wild Frontiers’ discretion and will be subject to alternative conditions to be discussed on an ad hoc basis.
    *****If a destination, that we have deemed to be Covid Viable, subsequently fails any aspect of the criteria for two consecutive weeks, you will have the right under our Covid Promise to transfer without any fees.

Similar Tours