Journey to Persia

16 days
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Small Group Tour
Iran is a country of dramatic contrasts. Its scenery ranges from snow-clad mountains to vast, inhospitable deserts punctuated by attractive oasis towns, and its cities and ancient sites reveal a deep and rich history. Some of the most exquisite examples of Middle Eastern design and architecture are to be found in Iran, including the magnificent ruins of P...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Explore Shiraz, the city of poets, roses and nightingales
    • Visit the heart of the Achaemenian Empire, Persepolis
    • Discover Isfahan, the old capital and the 'Jewel of Islamic Iran'
    • Get lost in the bazaars of Yazd, home to the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence
    • Be immersed in Persian culture

What's this trip about?

    Iran is a country of dramatic contrasts. Its scenery ranges from snow-clad mountains to vast, inhospitable deserts punctuated by attractive oasis towns, and its cities and ancient sites reveal a deep and rich history. Some of the most exquisite examples of Middle Eastern design and architecture are to be found in Iran, including the magnificent ruins of Persepolis, the dazzling Islamic centres at Isfahan and Shiraz, and beautifully-crafted gardens set in desert wastes. The rich bazaars and the ancient tradition of hospitality never fail to impress in a country which sees few tourists.Discover Iran's ancient Persian sites, Zoroastrian heritage and desert citadels 

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 18 people
Age range18 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityTehran
End CityTehran

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Asia

Attractions

  • Isfahan
  • Persepolis
  • Shiraz
  • Tehran

Activities

  • Culture

Trip includes

    • All accommodation (see below)
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • All breakfasts included
    • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

Itinerary

Travel Map
Flight Inclusive

Day 1 Fly to Tehran.

Fly to Tehran, flights normally arrive either late at night or very early the following morning.

Day 2 Start Tehran.

Those on the group flights arrive very early this morning (or late the previous night) and will be transferred to the hotel. Land only passengers should arrive at the hotel this morning though we do recommend arriving the night before if not on the group flights (...

Day 3 Full day sightseeing in Tehran

We see more of Tehran today with full day visits including the Golestan Palace Museum Complex, built by Fath-Ali Shah of the Qajar Dynasty and dating from the 18th to the early 20th century. We continue to the Shams-ol-Emareh (Sun) Palace and the Ethnographic Muse...

Day 4 Visit Kashan en route to the traditional village of Abyaneh.

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 favourite of Shah Abbas who was buried here. Visit the historical garden of Fin which was first planted during the Safavid period a...

Day 5 Drive to Yazd making stops in Na'in and Mohamadiye en route.

After touring Abyaneh, 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 delicate monochrome painted p...

Day 6 Visit Ateshkade Fire Temple, mausoleum, mosque and bazaars of Yazd.

We enjoy a full day sightseeing in historic Yazd, the centre for Iran’s small Zoroastrian community. Visit one of the two Zoroastrian abandoned Towers of Silence (Dakhma). Dating back to the 18th Century, until some 70-odd years ago the bodies of the dead were car...

Day 7 Stop in the troglodyte village of Meymand en route to Kerman.

Leaving Yazd, our first stop is the troglodyte village of Maymand. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, villagers still live in cave dwellings today. We explore the village and visit some of these cave dwellings which have been transformed as show-houses. A...

Day 8 Day trip of Arg-e-Rayen citadel (a miniature version of Bam), Mahan and Kerman

We head towards the village of Rayan to visit the Arg (Citadel) of Rayan, a miniature version of the Bam Citadel which was destroyed by an earthquake in 2003. Arg-e-Rayan has all the typical architectural features of a desert citadel with ramparts, towers, covered...

Day 9 Drive to Shiraz

Today is the longest travel day. This is mitigated, however, by the stunning scenery as we cross over the Zagros Mountains and into Iran’s fertile Fars region to the city of gardens and poets which is Shiraz. On the way, we visit the remains of the Sassanian Palac...

Day 10 Explore Shiraz, its mausoleums and monumental gardens.

Shiraz, the city of ‘roses and nightingales’ is the centre of Persian culture, known for its poets, gardens and, at one time, wine which was produced in the fertile valley the city is located in. We spend the day exploring Shiraz’s main sites, visiting the expansi...

Day 11 Visit the ancient ruins of Persepolis.

We spend today exploring the heritage of the Achaemenid dynasty in Persepolis and the royal tombs of Naghsh-e-Rostam. Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid kings with remains of the palaces of Darius the Great, Xerxes and Artaxerxes, is famous for i...

Day 12 Drive to Iran's architectural gem, Isfahan visiting Pasargadae en route.

We head to Iran’s greatest city, Isfahan. En route we visit Pasargadae, the site of the simple, but impressive tomb and remains of the palaces of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire (Total drive time 6-7hrs plus visits). * Hotel Sheikh-Bahaee or sim...

Day 13-14 Explore Iran's greatest jewel, Isfahan

Isfahan nesf-e jahan, 'Isfahan is half the world', the magnificent capital of Shah Abbas I, architecturally, is one of the most important cities of the world. At its centre is the Maidan-e Imam (Imam Square), one of the finest city squares in the world containing ...

Day 15 Drive to Tehran stopping in Natanz en route

We drive to Tehran, and en-route stop at the charming desert town of Natanz to visit the beautiful Islamic Complex of Mosque, Monastery and Tomb of Sheikh Abdol-Samad Isfahani. We have a tea-break under the shade of a 500-year old plain tree. Our last night is spent in a hotel by the airport ready for the early flights (total drive time 6hrs plus visits) * Hotel Ibis or similar*

Day 16 Fly to London.

The tour ends after breakfast.  From the Hotel Ibis, it is a short walk to the departure terminal via the sky bridge - please make your own way there to catch your flight.

Land Only

Day 1 Start Tehran.

Those on the group flights arrive very early this morning (or late the previous night) and will be transferred to the hotel. Land only passengers should arrive at the hotel this morning though we do recommend arriving the night before if not on the group flights (...

Day 2 Full day sightseeing in Tehran

We see more of Tehran today with full day visits including the Golestan Palace Museum Complex, built by Fath-Ali Shah of the Qajar Dynasty and dating from the 18th to the early 20th century. We continue to the Shams-ol-Emareh (Sun) Palace and the Ethnographic Muse...

Day 3 Visit Kashan en route to the traditional village of Abyaneh.

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 favourite of Shah Abbas who was buried here. Visit the historical garden of Fin which was first planted during the Safavid period a...

Day 4 Drive to Yazd making stops in Na'in and Mohamadiye en route.

After touring Abyaneh, 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 delicate monochrome painted p...

Day 5 Visit Ateshkade Fire Temple, mausoleum, mosque and bazaars of Yazd.

We enjoy a full day sightseeing in historic Yazd, the centre for Iran’s small Zoroastrian community. Visit one of the two Zoroastrian abandoned Towers of Silence (Dakhma). Dating back to the 18th Century, until some 70-odd years ago the bodies of the dead were car...

Day 6 Stop in the troglodyte village of Meymand en route to Kerman.

Leaving Yazd, our first stop is the troglodyte village of Maymand. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, villagers still live in cave dwellings today. We explore the village and visit some of these cave dwellings which have been transformed as show-houses. A...

Day 7 Day trip of Arg-e-Rayen citadel (a miniature version of Bam), Mahan and Kerman

We head towards the village of Rayan to visit the Arg (Citadel) of Rayan, a miniature version of the Bam Citadel which was destroyed by an earthquake in 2003. Arg-e-Rayan has all the typical architectural features of a desert citadel with ramparts, towers, covered...

Day 8 Drive to Shiraz

Today is the longest travel day. This is mitigated, however, by the stunning scenery as we cross over the Zagros Mountains and into Iran’s fertile Fars region to the city of gardens and poets which is Shiraz. On the way, we visit the remains of the Sassanian Palac...

Day 9 Explore Shiraz, its mausoleums and monumental gardens.

Shiraz, the city of ‘roses and nightingales’ is the centre of Persian culture, known for its poets, gardens and, at one time, wine which was produced in the fertile valley the city is located in. We spend the day exploring Shiraz’s main sites, visiting the expansi...

Day 10 Visit the ancient ruins of Persepolis.

We spend today exploring the heritage of the Achaemenid dynasty in Persepolis and the royal tombs of Naghsh-e-Rostam. Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid kings with remains of the palaces of Darius the Great, Xerxes and Artaxerxes, is famous for i...

Day 11 Drive to Iran's architectural gem, Isfahan visiting Pasargadae en route.

We head to Iran’s greatest city, Isfahan. En route we visit Pasargadae, the site of the simple, but impressive tomb and remains of the palaces of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire (Total drive time 6-7hrs plus visits). * Hotel Sheikh-Bahaee or sim...

Day 12-13 Explore Iran's greatest jewel, Isfahan

Isfahan nesf-e jahan, 'Isfahan is half the world', the magnificent capital of Shah Abbas I, architecturally, is one of the most important cities of the world. At its centre is the Maidan-e Imam (Imam Square), one of the finest city squares in the world containing ...

Day 14 Drive to Tehran stopping in Natanz en route

We drive to Tehran, and en-route stop at the charming desert town of Natanz to visit the beautiful Islamic Complex of Mosque, Monastery and Tomb of Sheikh Abdol-Samad Isfahani. We have a tea-break under the shade of a 500-year old plain tree. Our last night is spent in a hotel by the airport ready for the early flights (total drive time 6hrs plus visits) * Hotel Ibis or similar*

Day 15 End Tehran

The tour ends after breakfast. From the Hotel Ibis, it is a short walk to the departure terminal via the sky bridge - please make your own way there to catch your flight. If you have booked post tour accommodation in Tehran Proper you will have to change hotels.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,825
Price per day$239
Last Updated: 12/12/2018

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,151
Great
3,276
Average
615
Disappointing
145
Terrible
186
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A cultural trip celebrating the rich and diverse history of Iran - a country much misunderstood.

Iran is a much misunderstood country and well worth the effort to see if you are interested in the rich and diverse history. The architecture of the country in pla...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A breathless trip around a fascinating country

Iran has a lot of bad publicity yet it is the cradle of civilization and ancient history. This trip did what it said on the tin.. it was a journey around Persia ...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A thought provoking journey

Iran was an amazing trip– a real eye-opener. it is a country with a long and complicated history. The people are very friendly and the food is out of this world. W...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Hannah's trip

I loved my time in Iran! It was a good mix of history, natural beauty, gardens, mosques, palaces, cities. People are extremely friendly and welcoming. I felt compl...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

My journey to Persia

a busy but interesting tour. visiting Persepolis Our tour leader/guide and our driver were both excellent with a couple of reservations. The guide, Navid, was so ...

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R

Ruth Long

Aug 2024

Written on

great activities perfectly planned

great activities perfectly planned, good support and guiding.

C

Catherine Newbold

Aug 2024

Written on

Very easy process.

Very easy process.

A

Annabel Church Smith

Aug 2024

Written on

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...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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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.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request) GBP590
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

15 nights hotel, all en suite Travel by air-conditioned bus Islamic dress code applies A grand journey taking in major Persian centres,
Cancellation policy

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
Dinner: Persian cuisine has always been highly rated, but standards in some restaurants have dropped since the revolution, due to a restricted choice and variety of ingredients. However, the restaurants we use are mostly good. Breakfast usually consists of Iranian flat bread (nan-e-lavash) jam, yoghurt, goat's cheese, eggs, olives and lots of tea or coffee. The usual main meal is rice (excellent quality), served with kebabs, mild curries, fish (particularly in Shiraz and in the North), salads and yoghurt. Dessert usually consists of fresh fruit, particularly melon, or ice-cream. Iranian cuisine does not cater for vegetarians particularly well. Most restaurants will do their best to oblige but it will sometimes mean simply having the prepared meal but without the meat.
Age Requirements
18 years and up
Additional Information
  • 15 nights hotel, all en suite
  • Travel by air-conditioned bus
  • Islamic dress code applies
Trip ID
exodus-AXP

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