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Iran Tours & Travel Packages 2025/2026
0 Iran trips. Compare tour itineraries from 6 tour companies. 57 reviews. 4.9/5 avg rating.
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Top Iran Attractions
- Viewing the marble ruins of ancient Persepolis, dating back to the 6th century BC
- Gazing in awe at the intricate tilework in the mosques and monuments of Isfahan and Shiraz
- Being invited to share a cup of tea or a meal with an Iranian family
- Shopping in the bazaars for jewelry, scarves, carpets, and souvenirs
- Touring lavish palaces in Teheran and Isfahan
- Learning about the rich history and artistic legacy of the Persian culture
- Gaining people-to-people understanding of a country often misrepresented in the popular media
Iran Tours & Travel Guide
Iran Attractions & Landmarks Guide
Iran, formerly Persia, has some of the most friendly, welcoming people in the Middle East – and despite the strained relations between the United States and Iranian governments, that welcome extends to Americans. Those who visit will find masterpieces of intricate Islamic art and architecture, ruins from ancient empires, palaces, mosques, teeming bazaars, and other sites from the country’s long, rich cultural heritage. Guided tours offer a safe way to visit this extraordinary land, whose roots stem back to the dawn of modern civilization.
The Islamic Republica of Iran and the United States have been on poor diplomatic terms for decades, but this shouldn’t dissuade Americans from traveling there.
Americans (along with Canadians, British, and some other nationalities) are subject to more restrictions than other travelers – namely having to go through an extended visa process and not being able to travel solo – but the tourist infrastructure is such that guided tours are the most efficient route to go anyway. You’ll see much more of Iran in a shorter amount of time when traveling with a knowledgeable guide, and it is possible to break away from the group from time to time to wander a city on your own.
You may be surprised by some of the cultural differences between Iran and most other Middle Eastern countries. While Iran does have a dress code for women – headscarves and modest, loose-fitting clothing for the most part – Iranian woman still dress fashionably and most do not wear burkas.
Iranians are not Arabs and do not speak Arabic; their language is Farsi. And despite official tensions, most Iranians tend to be very welcoming to American travelers, and are proud to show off their country. While Americans make up a small percentage of visitors to Iran, you’re likely to encounter a good many Western European tourists there, most of whom are not subject to the same travel restrictions.
Touring Teheran
Most tours of Iran begin in Teheran, the capital – a big, bustling city with lots of traffic, but also much to see.
High on the list is the lavish Golestan Palace (“Palace of Flowers”), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was the seat of the royal Qajar dynasty in the 18th and 19th centuries. It combines traditional Persian craftsmanship with Western influences, and features pools, gardens, and rich ornamentation.
You can get a panoramic view of the city and surrounding countryside from atop the 1,427-foot-high Milad Tower, and, on ground level, visit Teheran’s museums, bazaars, and tea houses.
Visiting Shiraz, Gateway to Persepolis
Shiraz, in central Iran, is a city of gardens, mosques, museums, poets, tombs, and tombs of poets with gardens. Best known are the tiled, garden-filled Mausoleum of Sa’di (a 13th century poet) and the Tomb of Hafez, a 14th century poet and perhaps the country’s most beloved literary figure.
Touring Ancient Persepolis
About an hour’s drive away from Shiraz, Persepolis thrived as one of the world’s richest cities some 2,500 years ago, when it was the capital of the Archaemenid Empire, only to be reduced to ruins by Alexander the Great. But the ruins are impressive – marble columns, walls, tombs, and monuments, all set against a mountain backdrop. The site is still being restored, and will be under restoration for some time.
Visiting Isfahan
Isfahan is one of the best places to view the remarkable traditional Persian architecture and intricate tile work that mark many of the country’s older mosques and monuments and render them among the world’s most beautiful buildings.
The Shah Mosque, whose minarets and dome are laden with mosaic tiles and calligraphy, and Sheik Lotfollah Mosque, also known for its tile work, are two not to miss. Isfahan also has covered bazaars, palaces, an impressive public square, gardens, and a river with arched bridges.
A Journey to Mashhad
Mashhad, Iran’s second largest and holiest city, is a prime pilgrimage spot for Iran’s predominate Shiite Muslim population. The Shrine of Imam Reza, martyred in the 9th century, draws as many as 20 million pilgrims per year.
Relaxing on Kish Island
Kish Island, a Persian Gulf beach resort, is a place to relax after touring the sites in mainland Iran. Restrictions and dress codes are more relaxed here, the beaches are nice, and you’ll see a different side of Iran and its people.
Iran Reviews & Ratings
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Cecilia Hermsdorfer
Nov 2023
Written on
Tastes of Southern Australia
I would call it "once in a lifetime," but am convinced I will go back!
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Joan Freesh
Nov 2023
Written on
Tastes of Southern Australia
A view of some of Australia’s large cities and countryside. Travel the Great Ocean Road visiting beautiful natural rock formations, wine tasting at 2 wineries, beer ...
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Deborah Stevens
Nov 2023
Written on
Tastes of Southern Australia
Just right for our group, keep up the great work
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Carol Mundy
Nov 2022
Written on
Tastes of Southern Australia
While the Taste of Australia tour did not have any optional experiences the tour covered many sites and provided a lot of information negating the need for optional ...
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John Mundy
Nov 2022
Written on
Tastes of Southern Australia
This is the tour to experience Australia for the first time.
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