Iran: Ancient cities and Damavand
Overview
Highlights
- Summit a classic snow-capped volcano
- Trek in the Alborz Mountains
- Climb the highest peak in western Asia
- Uncover Iran's rich history and fascinating culture
- Discover for yourself the legendary Iranian hospitality
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Trip includes
- All accommodation
- All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 76 dinners included
- London flights (if booking incl. flights)
- Airport transfers
Itinerary
Depart London. **
This morning we visit some of Tehran’s most interesting sites. We wander around the grand Golestan Palace with its exquisite gardens and royal buildings. Next, we visit the National Museum to get an overview of the rich history and culture of Iran. As Tehran sits...
Our trek today takes us up to Tochal Peak situated above the ski resort of the same name at 3,961m. The trail offers great views over the Albroz mountains. From the top of Tochal Peak there are stunning views both of Tehran below and of Mt. Damavand. This portion ...
We continue our descent from yesterday and make our way to the waterfall at Abshar Dogholo and on to Pasqaleh Village and Darband (1,700m). The hike should take about 3hrs. From here transfer to Raineh at the southern base of Mt. Damavand (about 3hrs drive). *Homestay*
Our day starts with a 1hr drive to Gosfandsara (3,200m) where its photogenic mosque stands with Mt. Damavand in the background. This is also the start of our two-day trek up to the summit of the highest mountain in western Asia. From here we start our gradual cli...
Today is the day we head for the summit of Mt. Damavand, the tallest volcano in the northern hemisphere and the highest mountain west of the Hindu Kush. Setting off before sunrise we make our way up the path slowly. The trail is not particularly demanding but the ...
We retrace our steps down the mountain to Gosfandsara. From here it’s a short 1hr drive back to Raineh where we can relax for the rest of the day. If the weather made summiting yesterday impossible we may be able to have a 2nd attempt today. *Homestay*
This morning we drive back to Tehran (about 3hrs). The rest of the day is free to relax, explore more of the Iranian capital or just enjoy a nice, cool, alcohol-free beer. If we ended spending an extra night in Bargah-e-Sevom due to delays in summiting Mt. Damavand we will arrive later in Tehran. *Hotel Mashad or similar*
After having spent the past week exploring the Albroz mountains, the time has come for us to explore Iran’s cultural delights. As we leave the hustle and bustle of the Iranian capital behind we make our way, through the desert, to Kashan. This oasis town was a fav...
It was once said of Isfahan that it is half the world (“Isfahan nesf-e jahan”). The capital city of Shah Abbas I is full of gems including some of the most spectacular examples of Islamic architecture found anywhere. We spend the next 1.5 days exploring some of th...
After the Vank Cathedral in the Armenian quarter, we drive to Yazd. En route we stop in the town of Na’in to visit the early Islamic period Friday Mosque and the Pirnia House /Ethnographic Museum, a beautiful example of a late Safavid period private house with del...
We spend all day exploring Yazd. We learn about Zoroastrianism as we visit the 18th century Towers of Silence which were still in use as burial towers until about 70 years ago. Here bodies would be brought to decompose and be devoured by birds. We also visit the F...
We continue our journey through central Iran by driving to Faragheh. This village is home to nomadic Bakhtiari and Quashquai people and we spend the rest of the day here gaining a glimpse or Iranian rural life. There is also the option of taking a walk in the surrounding countryside. *Faragheh Hotel or similar*
Today we combine transferring with sightseeing. As we make our way towards the eternal Spring city of Shiraz our first stop is Pasargad, best known as the location of the tomb of the founder of the Persian Empire: Cyrus the Great. From here we continue to Persepol...
We spend the day exploring the sites of Shiraz, the city of ‘roses and nightingales’. The university city is known for its gardens such as Eram and Narenjestan and its poets including the great Persian poets Hafez and Saadi, both of whom have tombs here. Another f...
Those on the group flights depart in the very early hours of this morning. Those not on the group flights, the trip ends after breakfast.
Land Only
Those on the group flights are scheduled to arrive in the morning. After a rest at the hotel we will head out on a tour of some of Tehran’s sites including the National Museum with its collection of prehistoric, ancient and Islamic artefacts, the Golestan Palace and the blingtastic National Jewel Museum. *Hotel Mashad*
This morning we visit some of Tehran’s most interesting sites. We wander around the grand Golestan Palace with its exquisite gardens and royal buildings. Next, we visit the National Museum to get an overview of the rich history and culture of Iran. As Tehran sits...
Our trek today takes us up to Tochal Peak situated above the ski resort of the same name at 3,961m. The trail offers great views over the Albroz mountains. From the top of Tochal Peak there are stunning views both of Tehran below and of Mt. Damavand. This portion ...
We continue our descent from yesterday and make our way to the waterfall at Abshar Dogholo and on to Pasqaleh Village and Darband (1,700m). The hike should take about 3hrs. From here transfer to Raineh at the southern base of Mt. Damavand (about 3hrs drive). *Homestay*
Our day starts with a 1hr drive to Gosfandsara (3,200m) where its photogenic mosque stands with Mt. Damavand in the background. This is also the start of our two-day trek up to the summit of the highest mountain in western Asia. From here we start our gradual cli...
Today is the day we head for the summit of Mt. Damavand, the tallest volcano in the northern hemisphere and the highest mountain west of the Hindu Kush. Setting off before sunrise we make our way up the path slowly. The trail is not particularly demanding but the ...
We retrace our steps down the mountain to Gosfandsara. From here it’s a short 1hr drive back to Raineh where we can relax for the rest of the day. If the weather made summiting yesterday impossible we may be able to have a 2nd attempt today. *Homestay*
This morning we drive back to Tehran (about 3hrs). The rest of the day is free to relax, explore more of the Iranian capital or just enjoy a nice, cool, alcohol-free beer. If we ended spending an extra night in Bargah-e-Sevom due to delays in summiting Mt. Damavand we will arrive later in Tehran. *Hotel Mashad or similar*
After having spent the past week exploring the Albroz mountains, the time has come for us to explore Iran’s cultural delights. As we leave the hustle and bustle of the Iranian capital behind we make our way, through the desert, to Kashan. This oasis town was a fav...
It was once said of Isfahan that it is half the world (“Isfahan nesf-e jahan”). The capital city of Shah Abbas I is full of gems including some of the most spectacular examples of Islamic architecture found anywhere. We spend the next 1.5 days exploring some of th...
After the Vank Cathedral in the Armenian quarter, we drive to Yazd. En route we stop in the town of Na’in to visit the early Islamic period Friday Mosque and the Pirnia House /Ethnographic Museum, a beautiful example of a late Safavid period private house with del...
We spend all day exploring Yazd. We learn about Zoroastrianism as we visit the 18th century Towers of Silence which were still in use as burial towers until about 70 years ago. Here bodies would be brought to decompose and be devoured by birds. We also visit the F...
We continue our journey through central Iran by driving to Faragheh. This village is home to nomadic Bakhtiari and Quashquai people and we spend the rest of the day here gaining a glimpse or Iranian rural life. There is also the option of taking a walk in the surrounding countryside. *Faragheh Hotel or similar*
Today we combine transferring with sightseeing. As we make our way towards the eternal Spring city of Shiraz our first stop is Pasargad, best known as the location of the tomb of the founder of the Persian Empire: Cyrus the Great. From here we continue to Persepol...
We spend the day exploring the sites of Shiraz, the city of ‘roses and nightingales’. The university city is known for its gardens such as Eram and Narenjestan and its poets including the great Persian poets Hafez and Saadi, both of whom have tombs here. Another f...
Those on the group flights depart in the very early hours of this morning. Those not on the group flights, the trip ends after breakfast.
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great activities perfectly planned
great activities perfectly planned, good support and guiding.
Very easy process.
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Helpful alternative choice
We had to cancel our trip to Jordon due to the troubles in the Middle East. The person at Exodus was very helpful in suggesting an alternative holiday for us. Howeve...
Tour Operator
It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.
At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.
This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.
Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.
All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.
Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.
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Logistics
What's excluded
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request from GBP120)
- Visas or vaccinations
Accommodation
The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.
If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.
If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices.
Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below):
- More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
- Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
- Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
- 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost
Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us:
Cancelation charge
- More than 133 days - Deposit only
- 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost
Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.
If You Change Your Booking
If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking). You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.
If We Cancel Your Booking
Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.
If We Change Your Booking
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Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.
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Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.
2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.
2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason
Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances.
Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.
Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.
If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.
Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.
For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.
- 6 days trekking with full porterage
- Good fitness required
- Altitude maximum 5671m, average 3400m
- 9 nights en suite hotels, 4 nights tent or shelter and 1 night local house
- All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners included
- Group normally 4 to 12, plus leader. Min age 18yrs
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