Pure Persia
Pure Persia
Pure Persia
13 Days Starting in Tehran, Tehran Province, Iran and ending in Tehran
Visiting: Tehran, Lar National Park, Tar Lake, Shiraz, Yasuj, Yazd, Isfahan, Kashan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
5317
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 12
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$5602
$5350 (USD)
Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$252
NB: Prices correct on 16-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Trek through Lar National ParkCamp with a nomad familyExplore the impressive PersepolisDiscover the mudbrick town of Yazd & Zoroastrian cultureExperience a traditional Iranian teahouseVenture through a lesser known side of Iran as you explore Lar National Park on foot. This protected area of natural beauty is home to a spread of wildflowers and array of wildlife.
Local nomads who still retain their time old traditions call this stunning region home as Mt Damavand towers overhead. Enjoy camping with nomads as you learn how they live off the land before taking a step from natural Iran into ancient Persia.
Explore the cradle of Persian civilisation, Shiraz, as you follow the path through Persia's history through Yazd, Esfahan and Kashan. This gentle tour is suitable for all nature lovers who are looking to embrace the great outdoors as well as learn and understand about Persia's fascinating history turquoise domes and welcoming people.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival
Location: Tehran
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Escan Alvand Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Tehran! You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure.
Tehran is quite often smoggy and manic. Many travellers do not spend much time here at all. Although it is a concrete jungle, there is a fascinating side to this hectic city. Expect bold fashion statements, a range of ethnic and international restaurants, chic cafes and plenty of museums and art galleries.
What Tehran lacks in history, it makes up for it with impressive museums.
Day 2 : Lar National Park
Location: Lar National Park
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning following breakfast, depart Tehran at 8am and head to Eera. The drive is approx 2 hours.
Changing vehicles in the village, before venturing up into the hills, once reaching our starting point, it is time to then start walking tour down the hill and alongside the flowing river. Lunch today is a barbecue of kebabs which will fuel you as you continue our walk through the lush fields of this protected area of outstanding natural beauty.
This national park is an important ecosystem of lakes, mountains and grasslands. Due to its diverse ecology, many species of birds, mammals including brown bears, reptiles, amphibians and fish call Lar National Park home. For centuries local people who have adopted a nomadic way of life have explored the riches of the land and its seasonal offerings.
Later afternoon, you will arrive to your first camp site where you will mingle with the nomads and taste their cuisine and learn their traditional baking skills.
Day 3 : Lar Lake
Location: Tar Lake
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An early start this morning as you observe the start of the daily life of the nomads and the movement of their cattle. Feel free to join in and help as they herd and shuffle their animals along.
Following an early breakfast, it is time to continue your walk. Walking for around 4 hours before stopping for lunch, later this afternoon we will reach our next camp site which is not too far from the beautiful Lar Lake.
Heavy rainfall and snowfall in the area result in pure natural fresh water which forms permanent springs, streams and river to this lake. This area is well known in for its natural poppy fields which cover a vast area around the lake in the spring and also for its exclusive red dotted trout fish. If the weather is warm, feel free to take a swim.
Day 4 : Shiraz
Location: Tehran, Shiraz
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Elysee Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
At dawn and after breakfast, walk along the lake to reach Div Asiab before returning to Tehran after lunch. This evening, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shiraz. Upon arrival, we will be met and transferred to our hotel.
Day 5 : Shiraz
Location: Shiraz
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Elysee Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
It is time to explore Shiraz – the heart of Fars province, the cradle of Persian civilisation. You will visit Persepolis, which is probably the most impressive pre-Islamic monument in Iran, with its astonishing columns, ceremonial staircases, chambers and stunning reliefs celebrating the triumphs of the Achaemenids. You will also visit the necropolis of Naqsh-e Rostam near, the burial place of Achaemenids emperors. You will then drive back to Shiraz for a stroll through the Bazaar and a visit to the tomb of the great Iranian poet, Hafiz.
Day 6 : Yasuj
Location: Yasuj
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Nomad Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, following breakfast, you will be transferred to stay with a nomad tribe in the Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad province. This area is famous for its natural beauty of thick oak, Persian turpentine and maple forests, and is home to various nomadic tribes. This province has come to be known as the ‘Nature Capital’ of Iran because of its lush vegetation, fertile soil and scenic waterfalls. It is also a wonderful place to witness wildlife and there are many eco tourism projects now starting in this area to help protect it.
Enjoy visiting the nomads of this region. You have the opportunity to experience their daily life, taste the traditional food such as Nan-e Baleat, a dark brown traditional bread made from acorn flour, Sholeh Massi, a soup made with dough (Persian yogurt drink), rice, pennyroyal and caramelised onion, served with fresh local butter and perhaps Ash-e Kardeh, a soup made with a local herb named Kardin (Biarum bovei) that is marinated in lime juice and cooked with rice and wheat.
Day 7 : Yazd
Location: Yazd
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Moshir Garden Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart this morning for a full day drive to Yazd, (385 km), during which you will pass through the Zagros mountains which offer breathtaking landscapes. En-route, you will visit Abarkuh, a small town which has some fine examples of the early Islamic architecture and is home to the Abarkuh Cypress, a magnificent centuries old tree. Yazd itself is a spectacular desert town. With its quaint winding alley ways and traditional mud-brick houses, it is sure to be one of your highlights.
Day 8 : Yazd
Location: Yazd
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Moshir Garden Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Yazd has been the centre of Zoroastrian culture so your day covers the Fire Temple and towers of silence. In the afternoon, stroll through the old town visiting its historical sites: the stunning Friday Mosque, Amir Chachmaq
square and pavilion and the magnificent Dolat Abad garden with its unique wind tower.
Day 9 : Esfahan
Location: Isfahan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Bekhradi Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Another early morning start for the 322 km drive to Esfahan. Travel through some stark yet mysterious deserts with surprise hamlets of civilisation scattered through this almost desolate region. Enjoy a break in the journey at Narin Castle, the caravansary complex in Meybod, about 55 km outside Yazd. Your next stop is the small town of Nain, the town which gave its name to one of the finest carpets. Nain is home to one of the earliest and most beautiful mosques. Continuing onwards to Esfahan, you will arrive in the early evening.
Esfahan’s profusion of tree-lined boulevards, Persian gardens and important Islamic buildings gives it a visual appeal unmatched by any other Iranian city, and the many artisans working here underpin its reputation as a living museum of traditional culture. Walking through the historic bazaar, over the picturesque bridges and across the Unesco-listed central square are sure to be highlights of your holiday.
Day 10-11 Esfahan
Location: Isfahan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Bekhradi Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy an unrushed two days of strolling in Esfahan. Visit Nesf-e Jahan (half the world) which is full of architectural jewels and also a great centre for trade and handicrafts. During our two-day stay in Esfahan you will visit the highlights of the city with time to explore the bazaar and shop in the many boutiques of the great square. The great Naqsh-e Jahan Square (Maidan-e Imam) is surrounded by the 16th and 17th C Mosques, a magnificent palace and arcades and the entrance to the 17th century bazaar, full of life and things to buy and an architectural gem in its own right. You will visit the Jame Mosque – a magnificent complex, built from the 10th to the 17th C – a miracle of space and decoration. Continue on to Julfa, the historic Armenian neighbourhood with churches displaying a disorienting mix of Christian symbols and liturgy with a distinct Iranian architectural style.
On day 10, you will go and sit under the Khajou bridge, where locals practice their singing. Your guide will purchase some local sweets and you will enjoy spending several hours listening to local music scene and chatting with the younger generation about art, music and life in Iran.
On the evening of day 11, in the afternoon, drink tea at the gorgeous Azadegan tea house. After drinking tea, you will go to the house of an Esfahani lady where you will learn to cook local dishes with her before dining together and really embracing local hospitality.
Day 11 : Kashan
Location: Kashan, Tehran
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis Airport Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
Another early morning drive to Tehran (just over 450 km). En route you will visit the ancient city of Kashan where you will go to Fin Garden, a 16th to 19th classic Persian walled garden, full of flowing water and little pavilions. Enjoy lunch in Kashan followed by visits to one or two traditional palazzos. Arrive in Tehran late in the evening for a relaxing dinner and a well deserved night’s rest.
Day 12 : Departure
Location: Tehran
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following breakfast, the day is yours at leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
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Visa permit
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12 nights accommodation
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12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners
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Domestic flight Shiraz to Tehran in economy class
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Sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
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Service of an English speaking local guide
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Private transportation
What's Not Included
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International flights
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Drinks unless otherwise mentioned
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Travel Insurance
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Tips
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Inoculations
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Items of a personal nature
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Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
Check out our Q&As
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Yes, Visa permit is included.
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What is the minimum group size?
The min group size is 2 people.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in itinerary.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary are included.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, English speaking local guide on this tour.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Yes, Single Supplement will be chargeable at AUD$ 1,607.00.
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Are flights included in this tour?
Domestic flight Shiraz to Tehran in economy class is included.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes. Focusing on providing authentic experiences where ever you are in the world, Crooked Compass has access to a vast array of accommodation styles. From boutique properties in larger cities to local guest houses and home stays within small villages. Crooked Compass ensures that local authenticity flows through your accommodation throughout your tour without compromising standard.
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What sort of transportation is used for your tours?
Transportation utilised on a Crooked Compass escorted small group tour is a combination of a private air conditioned vehicle and local transport where appropriate. This may include a local bus ride, use of the cities metro system, a domestic flight to another city or overnight train ride.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Crooked Compass strives to be a leader in sustainable tourism. Crooked Compass is firmly committed to the principles of ethical travel. Our comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Practices policy summarises our commitments and actions. Although the very basis of our ground operations lends itself to the ethos of sustainable tourism, this policy re-iterates our commitment to: Use locally owned hotels Use locally owned ground agents Use local guides and drivers Promote community tourism projects from homestays to craft shops Support charities that work within the destinations that we travel to Carbon offset our travels
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Who runs your tours and are they experts in their fields?
Crooked Compass works with the worlds best operators who are specialists in their country, region and cities providing you with in depth local knowledge. We use local guides who live and breathe the areas they work in, making sure you experience their region, their way. We believe it is far better to have a local guide who knows a lot about a little than a text book trained Western tour guide who knows a little about a lot. Using local guides also ensures that money stays within local communities and supports the regions we visit.
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What can I expect from a Crooked Compass tour that I wouldn't get from travelling with an alternative company?
Crooked Compass provides a sensory way to understand the world – we help you live like a local, eat like a local, do what the locals do and seek the faces behind the places whilst discovering untouched lands and natural beauty. Crooked Compass tours delve deep into the heart and soul of a destination ensuring you get out of your journey all you intended and much, much more. Our intriguing itineraries have been created by travellers for travellers. Steering travellers to follow a different path, Crooked Compass’ itineraries allow you to experience the world’s most fascinating destinations in ways you never dreamed possible. It brings to life those ‘bucket list’ experiences you have yearned to do and separates the travellers from the tourists. Crooked Compass tours are culturally rich, reward travellers with unexpected encounters and uncommon rendezvous, creating truly unique, authentic travel experiences.
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Who do your tours cater for?
Crooked Compass escorted small group tours cater for those who are well travelled seeking the what’s next and what’s new. Our travellers are curious minded soft adventurers who want to uncover something more than the mainstream tourist trail. Crooked Compass tours draw travellers with an interest in sustainable tourism and conservation for the areas they visit. A Crooked Compass traveller is someone who is seeking something fresh and unique, who has a yearning for authenticity and discovery, with an appreciation for cultures, tradition and the natural world. We call them Cultural Purists.
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I am concerned about my impact on travelling through untouched regions. Can I offset?
Yes. All travellers on Crooked Compass tours have the option to offset their part of their tour’s carbon footprint by donating $4AUD (tax-deductible) at time of booking. 100% of these funds are donated to Greenfleet, an environmental non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting our climate by restoring our forests. By partnering with Greenfleet, we are confident that our carbon offset program provides genuine and lasting environmental benefits. Your offset donation funds plant trees and restore permanent native forests in Australia and New Zealand. As they grow, these forests provide many community and environmental benefits by absorbing carbon emissions, protecting our unique biodiversity, restoring habitat for native wildlife, preventing soil salinity and erosion, improving water quality and much more. If you’d like to find out more and offset the rest of your carbon emissions, visit www.greenfleet.org.au
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Dates & Availability
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Friday - Wednesday
Jun 28, 2024 - Jul 10, 2024Friday - Wednesday
Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Crooked Compass requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of crooked compass charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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