Our Iran vacations & tours
Our Iran vacations show that what we see in the news ignores the warm welcome travelers get here, and that this beguiling country is still wide open to Westerners. Our small group and tailor made vacations in Iran explore the country’s rich cultural heritage, via Tehran, Yazd, Shiraz, and Persepolis, with entrance fees helping to preserve ancient sites. Tours trace the history of the Silk Road, and immerse you into the flavours of Iranian cuisine by visiting local restaurants. Travel overland between peaceful tea gardens, historic mosques decorated with magnificent mosaics, and ruined palaces, led by Iranian guides who are thrilled to show you their country behind the headlines.
Our top Iran vacations
Iran in depth tour, 2 weeks
From
2030
15 days
ex flights
Join us, we show you the secrets of this fascinating country
Small group2026: 15 Aug, 19 Sep, 24 Oct, 5 Dec, 26 Dec
Iran tour, the best of Persia
From
1155
7 days
ex flights
Join us to discover Iran's rich culture and history
Small group2026: 13 Sep, 5 Oct, 22 Nov, 19 Dec
Iran culture vacation on a budget
From
790 to 890
9 days
ex flights
Budget friendly but rich in culture
Tailor made
Tailor made
Iran vacation for women
From
995 to 1095
7 days
ex flights
Iran's highlights and women-only spaces
Tailor made
Tailor made
Iran 2 week vacation
From
1695 to 1955
14 days
ex flights
Discover Iran's culture, food and history
Tailor made
Mesr desert tour in Iran
From
790 to 890
7 days
ex flights
A relaxing week discovering Iran's desert wonders
Tailor made
Tailor made
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About our Iran vacations
History & culture in Iran
Iran is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. The vast Persian Empire may be no more, overthrown in the Iranian Revolution of 1979, but Iran remains a powerful influence in the region, often viewed malignly by Western powers. Yet Iran is not its government, and everywhere you go you will encounter friendly welcomes from open-minded people eager to show you the truth of life in Iran. Our vacations join the cultural dots, and by seeking out local hotels, restaurants and guides they ensure that your stay also financially benefits the communities you visit.
Where to go on vacation in Iran
If you’re low on time then there are three key cities to explore. Our vacations often follow a route linking the secular, liberal capital Tehran with Esfahan to the south, adding in Shiraz (from where you can continue to the ruins of Persepolis). Esfahan is the most beautiful city in Iran, where you can visit small workshops turning out ceramics, woodwork and carpets and find exquisite souvenirs made by local artists. Shiraz, once the capital, may not have produced any wine since the Iranian Revolution in 1979, but its gardens, poets’ tombs and intricate Islamic architecture are just as intoxicating.
Ancient civilisations in Iran
Iran’s history is measured not in centuries but in millennia. Once the center of the vast Persian Empire, it was also a key link in the spidering trade routes that made up the Silk Road that helped civilisations and cultures spread their art, architecture and ideas. Their presence is still felt today, with key sites forming parts of modern cities, rather than being fenced off or buried beneath the sands of time. The knowledgeable local guides on our vacations are the best people to show you around these sites, as well as some of the Islamic world’s most magnificent mosques, including the Pink Mosque of Shiraz and Shah Mosque of Esfahan.
Responsible tourism in Iran
Independent travel in Iran is difficult, as all visitors require a guide and visa restrictions are complex. Yet visiting Iran is in itself an act of responsible tourism – choosing to discover the country, its people and culture for yourself rather than simply accepting the limited picture recognised by the West. Our vacations, led by brilliant Iranian guides, ensure that you know the rules regarding dress and behaviour, and can provide opportunities to meet local people. It is in these instances – whether bumping into a group of students in a park or being invited to a family home for mint tea – that you will encounter the real Iran beyond the headlines.
Types of tours & vacations in Iran
From women-only tours to foodie-focused trips showcasing the finest Iranian cuisine, our small group tours in Iran are perfect if you like to go with the flow in the company of likeminded travelers. On our tailor made vacations the logistics, guides, and visas are still taken care of for you, but you'll have more flexibility with your itinerary and travel dates. You’ll be accompanied by expert local guides at all times, ensuring that our cultural vacations in Iran something to really treasure – illuminating ancient civilisations, introducing you to locals, and ensuring that you pay a fair price for your rugs in the bazaars.
Our Iran vacations reviews
5
2Iran vacations reviews
Philip Hunt27 May 2024
One of the best vacations I have ever taken! Interesting, enlightening and endlessly fascinating. read more
Rada Tuntasood14 Jan 2020
I really enjoyed visiting all the sites, meeting locals, and even driving through the country and being able to see the Iranian countryside.read more
