Iran: Persian Explorer

Iran: Persian Explorer

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10 Days From

$3719

$3533

Iran: Persian Explorer

10 Days Starting in SHIRAZ and ending in TEHRAN

Visiting: Shiraz, Shīrāz Kūh, Persepolis, Pasargadae World Heritage Site, Yazd, Isfahan, Kashan, Tehran

Tour operator:

Wild Frontiers

Tour code:

IPE

Recommended For:

Couples, Singles

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 12

Physical rating:

Low, Low

Age range:

1-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English
Private Available:

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From:
$3719
$3533 (USD) The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$186

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

With a cultural and historical legacy dating back millennia, the lands occupied by modern day Iran have witnessed the rise and fall of many notable empires.This short but insightful trip takes us on a journey through the heartland of these empires and ‘behind the veil’ of this much misunderstood country. From the beautiful gardens and shrines of Shiraz, we’ll travel via the atmospheric and timeless remains of the ancient Persian capital of Persepolis to the town of Yazd, with its well-preserved traditional houses and Zoroastrian burial towers. From here we will continue to one of the Middle East’s most spectacular destinations – the C17th and C18th capital of Isfahan. Home not only to some of the region’s finest Islamic architecture and the world’s second largest square, the Mayden-e Imam, this is also a great place to wander through the narrow corridors of the extensive souks with their handicrafts and carpets. But perhaps more memorable than any of this is the warm hospitality of the people we’ll meet along the way. Most Iranians are incredibly well-educated and widely read and will enjoy nothing more than putting the world to rights with passers-by, and for many visitors such interactions will remain their most enduring memories of the country.This is a varied and rewarding trip which will very much appeal to anyone who has ever wanted to see the treasures of ancient Persia or has ever wondered what life in Iran is really like.

Highlights

  • Explore the timeless remains of Darius the Great’s Persepolis and Pasargadae, the resting place of the founder of the Persian Empire

  • Discover the heart of Persian culture in Shiraz, from famous gardens to beautiful teahouses

  • Watch the sunset from Yazd’s Zoroastrian burial towers, known as the Towers of Silence

  • See the impressive dome of Kashan’s mosque and one of the city’s restored merchant houses for which it is famed

  • Wander through the backstreets and bazaars of picturesque Isfahan, stopping at Nasqh Jahan Square and the surrounding mosques

  • Visit Golestan Palace and the Royal family’s extraordinary crown jewels in Tehran

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Tour Begins In Shiraz

Location: Shiraz

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Pars International or similar

Meals Included: No Meals

Accommodation for this night is included due to the arrival times of our suggested flights, in the early hours of Day 2.

Day 2 : Shiraz

Location: Shiraz

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Pars International or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our late morning walking tour includes a visit to the imposing Arg-e Karim Khan Fortress, with its 14-metre high circular towers which dominate the city centre. There will also be time to explore the bazaar and some of Shiraz’s famous gardens and teahouses before soaking up the atmosphere at the tomb of the great Persian poet Hafez.

Day 3 : Shiraz - Persepolis - Shiraz

Location: Shīrāz Kūh, Persepolis, Shīrāz Kūh

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Pars International or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we have the whole day to enjoy what must surely be a highlight of Iran, if not of the entire Middle East: Darius the Great’s fabulous Persepolis. We will also visit the magnificent Achaemenid tombs at Nagsh e Rostam, cut high into cliffs above the ground and facing respectfully towards Persepolis. After ample time exploring the site we will then make our way back to Shiraz for the opportunity to discover more of this beautiful city.

Day 4 : Shiraz - Pasargadae - Yazd

Location: Shīrāz Kūh, Pasargadae World Heritage Site, Yazd

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Moshir Garden or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving Shiraz today, we head for Pasargadae with its six-tiered tomb of Cyrus the Great, founder of the great Persian Empire. Later we’ll continue to Yazd in time to watch an eerie sunset from the Towers of Silence, the unique Zoroastrian burial towers.

Day 5 : Yazd

Location: Yazd

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Moshir Garden or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our first port of call is the Bagh-e-Doulat Abad Gardens, which were once a residence of the former ruler Karim Khan Zand. They consist of small pavilions set in peaceful gardens and the tallest Badgir - wind-tower - in town. We'll also visit the magnificent Jameh - Friday - Mosque and the informative Water Museum. There'll then be time to wander the winding old city streets and bazaar, before trying to visit a Zurkhaneh - House of Strength - a mix of Sufism, nationalism, music and sport into this ancient spectacle.

Day 6 : Yazd - Isfahan

Location: Yazd, Isfahan

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Safir or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We depart for the old Persian capital of Isfahan today. Once known as 'half the world' this is a truly fascinating city and it will be our base for the next three nights. Upon arrival we will check into our hotel, relax and take a leisurely walk to orientate ourselves in this most memorable of cities.

Day 7 : Isfahan

Location: Isfahan

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Safir or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our sightseeing today will include visits to the Chehel Sotun Palace and Museum, and the magnificent Nasqh Jahan Square. Here we will explore some of the world’s most beautiful mosques, the Imam - Shah - Mosque and the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque. We will also visit the magnificent six-storey Ali Qapu Palace, built in the 16th century to serve as a gateway to the royal palaces that are situated in the parklands beyond.

Day 8 : Isfahan

Location: Isfahan

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Safir or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today offers us another opportunity to explore this fascinating city. We'll visit the Jameh Mosque, the Armenian Quarter and the many bridges that cross the Zayandeh River. There's plenty of time to explore the local culture, shop in the bazaars or simply relax and people watch.

Day 9 : Isfahan - Kashan - Tehran

Location: Isfahan, Kashan, Tehran

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Howeyzeh or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We depart Isfahan this morning to make our way to Iran’s cosmopolitan capital, Tehran. En route we’ll stop in Kashan where we visit the Royal Gardens of Fin and the Agha Bozorg Mosque, which was built in the 18th century. The mosque is famous for its imposing dome and large sunken Madrassah, and the large wooden door that guards the entrance is said to have as many studs as there are verses of the Quran. We will also have a chance to visit one of the restored merchant houses for which Kashan is famed. Continuing on to Tehran, we should arrive late this afternoon ahead of our final dinner together - over which we can reminisce about our travels from Shiraz.

Day 10 : Tour Ends In Tehran

Location: Tehran

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we should have time to visit the sumptuous Golestan Palace, the oldest of Tehran’s historic monuments. A World Heritage Site, this stunning complex of palaces and manicured gardens encompasses more than two centuries of Qajar rule. The tour ends late this morning, when those on the suggested group flights are transferred to the airport.

What's Included

  • TRANSPORT

    On this tour we will travel by bus.

  • MEALS

    9 x Breakfasts, 8 x Lunches, 8 x Dinners

  • GROUP SIZE

    Maximum: 12

  • CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS

    Contributions to carbon offset & tree planting projects for all bookings

  • ACCOMMODATION

    5 nights x Premium4 nights x Superior

  • EXPERT TEAM

    The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate

  • ENTRANCE FEES

    All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary

  • FITNESS RATING

    Low

What's Not Included

We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs

Visas

Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com 

For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for Iran. For those resident in the UK, please note that this will need to be applied for in person through the Iranian Consulate in London.

Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements. 

It should also be noted that anyone with a passport showing evidence of having visited Israel within the last year (including having entered or left Jordan/ Egypt from posts which are known to border Israel) are likely to be denied a visa for Iran.

Moreover as of January 2016 US policy (subject to change) has stated that anyone wishing to travel to or via the USA is required to apply for a US visa (rather than an ESTA) if they have travelled to Iran since March 2011. The process is fairly straightforward and you can read more about it here – www.wildfrontierstravel.com/us-visa  - but this is just something you will need to aware of if you have future plans to travel to or via the US.

Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
 

Key Aspects to Consider

Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour. However, please bear in mind that there is a reasonable amount of walking involved with the sightseeing.

Please note that if you are a British, USA or Canadian passport holder in order to comply with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) visa regulations it is a mandatory requirement for us to book an airport transfer and a guide to accompany you for any additional time spent in Iran separately to the group.

Some clients feel that the variety of food available in Iranian restaurants can get a bit monotonous, but our tour leaders will do their best to vary the menu as much as is possible. Please be advised that on this trip vegetarians and those with special dietary requirements can be catered for, but the selection and variety is likely to be limited. It should also be noted that Iran is a 'dry' country and it is forbidden to take alcohol into the country.

Women should be aware that it will be necessary to follow Iranian dress code whenever in public places, which means being fully covered and wearing a headscarf.

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the maximum group size?

    12

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for Iran. For those resident in the UK, please note that this will need to be applied for in person through the Iranian Consulate in London.
    Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2002

  • Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?

    In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

Sarah Worth  

Sarah Worth

I honestly had no expectations and I have never be

I honestly had no expectations and I have never been part of a group tour before all I knew is that John Simpson years ago had spoken of a magical place called Esfahan and I decided one day I would go too. It is more than you can imagine - the architectur

John Bains  

John Bains

The Persian Explorer is a good introduction to Ira

The Persian Explorer is a good introduction to Iran, covering the key highlights, with atmospheric hotels, varied, plentiful and good food and good company. Although I was doubtful about visiting Iran in winter, the temperature was perfect for visiting and we had no weather issues. The guide was superb, very knowledgeable and also very good company.

David Stripp  

David Stripp

Fantastic trip and brilliant guides. And I think I

Fantastic trip and brilliant guides. And I think I have discovered paradise!

Tim Tawney  

Tim Tawney

The Persian Odyssey September trip was outstanding

The Persian Odyssey September trip was outstanding for its organisation, variety and interest. Its tour leader was exceptionally talented, and it is to be strongly recommended.

Debra Hoe  

Debra Hoe

I was blown away by the stunning architecture, the

I was blown away by the stunning architecture, the beautiful Persian art and the super friendly locals who were coming up to us to say hello all the time! I feel so privileged to have visited Iran when I did and I would highly encourage others to visit b

Sonya Taylor  

Sonya Taylor

It all ran like clockwork, thanks to the hard work

It all ran like clockwork, thanks to the hard work and commitment of our leader and local guide. Altogether a wonderful trip.

Rachael Rowe  

Rachael Rowe

What makes Iran special are the local people who w

What makes Iran special are the local people who were without doubt the highlight of this tour.

Alex Brown  

Alex Brown

Book now you won't go wrong....

Book now you won't go wrong....

David Stripp  

David Stripp

Fantastic trip and brilliant guides. And I think I

Fantastic trip and brilliant guides. And I think I have discovered paradise!

Debra Hoe  

Debra Hoe

Stunning architecture, beautiful Persian art and s

Stunning architecture, beautiful Persian art and super friendly locals.

Read all 12 reviews

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Dates & Availability

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Thursday - Saturday

Sep 25, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025
$3719 $3533 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$186 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.

    Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

  • Wild Frontiers' COVID Promise

    You will have the right to transfer without any transfer fee, from any of our trips at ANY time if your trip is not Covid Viable (see below).*
    We will not ask you to pay your final balance if your trip is not yet Covid Viable.
    If your trip is not Covid Viable, by 30 days prior to departure at the latest, we will cancel your holiday and you can either transfer your funds to another departure or have a refund.**


    We will only consider a trip Covid Viable*** if pre-departure it meets all of the following criteria:

    There is no national lockdown or ban on foreign travel for the period when your trip is due to depart.
    Destinations on the tour must not be on the UK’s Red List. ****
    No destinations visited on the tour have in place any significant COVID-19 restrictions for travellers.
    Tourist visas (if required) are available.
    There is reliable airline access to/from the start/end of the trip.
    Following an assessment by both Wild Frontiers and our local partners we are confident that your trip is able to run in both a safe and enjoyable manner.*****




    ** If you were originally booked to travel before 30 April 2020 and transferred to a later date, or if you have a tailor-made booking, there may be some irrecoverable costs which we cannot refund. Please speak to us and we will be able to advise you if this is the case for your booking.
    ***Since our HQ is in London, Covid Viable status for our Group Tours will be assessed on UK-based travellers. However we are fully aware that many of our clients live in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. As such, when we deem a trip to now be Covid Viable, everyone booked will have a chance to review their own personal situation before deciding whether or not to remain booked on the trip. Anyone wishing to, will have the option to transfer without fees to another trip at this time. For tailor made bookings, we may also able to consider additional countries’ travel advice when deciding if a trip is Viable. Please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
    **** This relates to bookings from UK clients only. We may operate trips to destinations which the British FCDO advise against travel for Covid reasons. If this is the case, anyone wishing to will have the option to cancel with a refund or transfer to another trip. In some cases we may choose to offer a tour to a Red destination but these will be at both clients’ and Wild Frontiers’ discretion and will be subject to alternative conditions to be discussed on an ad hoc basis.
    *****If a destination, that we have deemed to be Covid Viable, subsequently fails any aspect of the criteria for two consecutive weeks, you will have the right under our Covid Promise to transfer without any fees.

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