Iran Tours & Tailormade Holidays

Discover the beauty and splendour of the ancient Persian capital of Persepolis, walk the classical city of Hamadan, discover the ancient mud architecture of Yazd, and marvel at the history of Susa and carvings of Bisotun. Iran is a country with a profound and intriguing history, a vibrant culture and a warm and welcoming people. Explore the architectural wonders of ancient Persia and uncover the layers of history at the heart of modern Iran.

Western and Northern Iran boast ancient and medieval architecture, littered with churches, mosques, ancient temples and early Persian art. Discover the bygone temple relics at the Throne of Solomon and marvel at the mystical Sassassian rock relief carvings in Kemashah. See the mighty base belief of Darius I at Bisotun, with its inscriptions in lost languages, and the Temple of Anahita, with its serene lake pool. Explore the crumbling city of Sultaneih, 'The Land of the Sultans' and its rich cultural heritage, and witness the lost civilisation of Hamadan. See the idyllic Armenian St Stephano's Church, the mountain-set Babak Castle and admire the Blue Mosque at Tabriz. By the coast, delight in scenery and culture of Ramsar and explore the serene mountain village of Masuleh with its authentic rust-red houses.

Take a fascinating journey through Iran's history and enigmatic architecture as you enter a world of dramatic fortresses, ornate palaces with stunning gardens, and archaeological and cultural gems. Travel the lost land of Ancient Persia and learn about the rich cultural history at the heart of modern Iran. Surrender to the chaotic energy of the Tehran Bazaar, and marvel at the circle-shaped fortress city of Firuz Abad. Discover the remains of the Zoroastrian community in Yazd, and witness the dramatic Towers of Silence and the eternal flame burning at the Fire Temple. Uncover legend at Persepolis, home of the Archaemenid Kings, and explore the stunning gardens at Kashan. Walk in the footsteps of Isfahan's ancestors by crossing Shiraz's spectacular river bridges, and enter a poetic maze of stunning palace gardens and boulevards. Uncover tradition in the 1000 year old mud-brick towns at Meybod and the Kharanagagh Village, and succumb to folktales at the cliff-town of Chak Chak. Admire architectural triumphs like the Islamic complex at the small town of Natanz and the mausoleum of Imam Khomeini in the traditional village of Niasar.

Trekking, hiking & walking

Iran offers a multitude of excellent trekking and walking routes to suit all levels. Mount Damavand at 5,671 metres is the highest mountain in the Middle East and offers an excellent challenge to more experienced trekkers and climbers; likewise Alam Kuh in the Takht-e-Soleiman region. For village-based walking tours, the Valley of the Assassins, the Zagros region and the area South and West of the Caspian Sea afford numerous possibilities to experience Iran's nature as well as gaining a real insight into its culture, heritage and hospitality. Desert hikes can also be arranged. Kish island, in the Persian Gulf, offers excellent diving opportunities with an abundance of sea life, colourful corals and a multitude of sea wrecks of varying ages to explore.

Mount Damavand

Climb to the peaks of the Middle East's highest mountain with a beautiful trek through the Alborz mountain range. Gain fantastic views of the Caspian Sea and its ivory cliffs, as you get closer and closer to the summit. Take in the thrills of an environment shrouded by myth and folklore, and stand on the mountain known as the symbol of resistance in Persian literature. Feel the mystique that surrounds the mountain legend as you relax in its thermal springs.

Skiing

Iran boasts numerous excellent ski resorts including many within a short distance of Tehran. Due to the high altitude of many resorts the ski season is longer than in Europe - from mid- November until May typically. Dizin, the largest resort, also offers grass skiing in summer.

Meet Iran's Nomads

Iran is home to over one million nomads from dozens of tribes. The most distinctive and thus most famous are the Bakhtiaris and the Qashqais. The Bakhtiaris summer in the high Zard Kuh Mountains, South and West of Isfahan, and winter in Khuzestan, near the Persian Gulf. They wear a distinctive dress of wide trousers, a short tunic and a round hat, and are known for their unique style of music. Qashqais summer in the highland pastures North of Shiraz and winter almost 500km further South, nearer the Persian Gulf. They are renowned for their pile carpets. Meet and share a meal with these gentle pastoral people, and get an insight into their daily lives.

Iran's Deserts

There are two extensive deserts in Iran, Kavir-e-Lut, and Kavir-e-Markazi, covering an area of over 360,000 square kilometres, in central Iran. These vast expanses of sand dunes, salt lakes, steppe-like plains, and wadis of date palms and camel flocks are some of the most interesting, yet unknown areas in Iran. A vast network of Caravansaries follow ancient, camel-trodden trade routes and through the scorched salt flats of Kavir-e-Markazi.

Birding in Iran

With huge variation in habitat and climate Iran makes a perfect haven for wild birds. With 517 known species, the Pleske's Ground Jay is nonetheless the only truly endemic species, though the Caspian tit, Red-tailed wheatear, Sind-Pied woodpecker, and Caspian snowcock are near endemic and there are more than 50 endangered or critically endangered species. A sample itinerary covers the semi-arid lands inside Touran National Park to see Pleske's Ground Jay and Desert warbler, and a few days in Parvar to see Caspian tit and Caspian snowcock.

Culinary Iran

A variety of regional options including some cooking classes, tastings, meeting with passionate food producers, and market tours mixed with cultural experiences and sightseeing.

Women-only tours

Meet Iran's women, and find out who they are, learn about their experiences. From artists to sportswomen, fashion designers to weavers, singers and dancers. Visit Iran's classical sites along the way.

Special interest

- Literature tours
- Music tours
- Jewish tours
- Christian tours
- Sufi tours