I’m planning my next escorted tour of Iran (tentatively for March/April 2024), assuming that conditions remain stable enough to make it possible to travel safely. I can also help arrange a private tour for groups of any size, any time you want – this option is surprisingly affordable. (All tours for Americans must be escorted by an Iranian guide, with an itinerary approved in advance. )
We’ll see some spectacular scenery, striking archaeological sites and beautiful mosques and palaces. Among the highlights: the ancient ruins of Persepolis; the glorious mosques and palaces of Isfahan’s Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the magnificent Fin Gardens of Kashan, and the Eram Gardens in Shiraz. Additionally, we will spend a few days in a region that few foreign tourists visit: Iran’s lush green north, along the Caspian sea.
This tour will also explore Iran’s culinary riches. We’ll visit top-rated restaurants, truck stops and neighborhood eateries, where you’ll have a chance to sample regional and national specialties ranging from kebabs and stews to vegetarian dishes and desserts, and we’ll try to schedule at least one dinner in the home of an Iranian family. All meals are included in the tour price, and participants will be free to order anything on the menu.
But the greatest attraction of this trip is going to be the opportunity to get to know the Iranian people. In the bazaars and on the streets, we can expect to be approached everywhere we go by Iranians who are curious about where we are from, and eager to meet us and practice their English. If arrangements can be made, we may also have the opportunity to have dinner in the home of a local family, and join the members of a hiking club on a not-too-rigorous walk in the hills near Shiraz.
One of the most important keys to a successful tour is having the right guide. Our guide, Amir, is smart, funny, patient, and masterful at navigating and explaining the nuances and complexities of living in and visiting Iran.
These are very uncertain times in Iran, so we are going to take things one step at a time. You’ll have lots of time to monitor events and decide whether the trip is right for you. Most of the cost of the tour isn’t payable until you arrive in Iran, and if you decide to cancel at the last minute, a “Cancel for Any Reason” travel insurance policy can cover most of the costs of a non-refundable airfare.
This much is certain: the Iranian people want you to visit. “I have never felt more welcome as an American anywhere, ever,” Diane Richard of Minneapolis told me after our tour.
The exact price of the spring 2024 tour will depend on a number of factors, including the size of the group and the exchange rate, but for a group of 8-10, it should be approximately $2500 for a 14 day tour, including mostly 4* hotels where available (double room occupancy), all transportation in Iran, and all meals. Not included are airfare from Minneapolis ($1200-$1500), travel insurance (optional, price varies) single room occupancy (+$250), visa ($120), entrance fees, gratuities for our driver and guide, and any optional unscheduled opportunities that may present themselves. It may also be possible to arrange a shorter tour (earlier return) for participants who can’t go for the full 14 days.
This is a tentative itinerary. All details subject to change. Hotels subject to availability.
Day 1 -. Depart Minneapolis
Day 2 -. Late night arrival at Shiraz Airport. O/N Shiraz Forough House traditional hotel.
Day 3 -. Shiraz landmarks: the Nasir Al_Molk Mosque, the Vakil Mosque, and the Vakil Traditional Bazaar. In the evening: a family dinner, visit to Zurkhaneh if possible. O/N Shiraz.
Day 4 -. Hike in the morning with Doost-e Tabiat hiking club. Qavam House and Naranjestan Gardens, tomb of Hafez. In the evening, an exhibition of contemporary Iranian art at the Pirsook Art Gallery (currently closed). O/N Shiraz.
Day 5 -. Early in the morning drive to Isfahan. On the way, stop at Persepolis, Pasargad (Tomb of Cyrus the great) and the Necropolis at Naghsh-e Rostam. In the evening: the Khaju and Si-o-se Pol bridges. O/N Isfahan Bekhradi House traditional hotel.
Day 6 – . Naghsh-e Jahan Square – (UNESCO world heritage site.) . At the Sheikh Lotfallah mosque, stop for a chat with a Muslim cleric. In the afternoon, visit Vank Cathedral, Isfahan Music Museum and live traditional music. In the evening: Mount Sofeh and Isfahan City Center. O/N Isfahan
Day 7 – drive to Tehran. Lunch in Kashan, with visit to Fin Gardens, Drive on to Tehran. Evening dinner in Darband. O/N Tehran
Day 8 – Tehran.Golestan Palace and Grand Bazaar. Lunch in Moslem traditional restaurant. Afternoon visits: Iranian Artists Forum and the award- winning Tabiat Pol pedestrian bridge & adjoining parks. O/N Tehran.
Day 9:. drive to Lahijan.Lunch in Qazvin. Dinner at Nardang restaurant in Siahkal. O/N Hotel Swan Farm.
Day 10. Lunch at Darbon Ecolodge. Afternoon visit to Saravan Forest and Gilan Rural Heritage Museum. Cooking class and dinner at Nardang restaurant in Siahkal. O/N Hotel Swan Farm.
Day 11.. Visit outdoor market in Lahijan, Morning drive to Rudkhan Castle. Dinner in Rasht, O/N Swans Farm.
Day 12. Visit the Rasht Bazaar. Lunch at a top Rasht restaurant. Afternoon exploring local sights. Overnight at Swans Farm.
Day 13. Drive back to Tehran IKA airport with lunch in Siahkal, stop at Lounak waterfall. Farewell dinner in Qazvin. Short stay at IKA Ibis hotel before early morning departure for Minneapolis.
DAY 14: . Early morning departure for MSP.