Iran Tours & Holidays
Small Group Tours & Tailor-Made Holidays





















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Overview
Everywhere you look in Iran, there are reminders of the rich history and vibrant traditions of the Persian Empire, from the remains of King Darius’ palace at Persepolis to the Zoroastrian ‘Towers of Silence’ in Yazd. Our Iran tours and holidays highlight some of the finest ancient architecture found anywhere in the world. Isfahan was described as “half the world” and with its stunning mosques, bridges and squares it’s not difficult to see why. Other architectural ...
Everywhere you look in Iran, there are reminders of the rich history and vibrant traditions of the Persian Empire, from the remains of King Darius’ palace at Persepolis to the Zoroastrian ‘Towers of Silence’ in Yazd. Our Iran tours and holidays highlight some of the finest ancient architecture found anywhere in the world. Isfahan was described as “half the world” and with its stunning mosques, bridges and squares it’s not difficult to see why. Other architectural highlights include the intricately carved domes and madrasas of Shiraz and the ingenious wind towers of Yazd. With 21, it is home to the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites for Culture in the Middle East. Contrary to the media perception of Iran, the country has always been outward-looking and has a long history of learning and poetry. Visiting the tomb of Hafez in Shiraz you will find old and young gathered to pay tribute and to read his words of love and wine. Travellers on our Iran tours are invariably overwhelmed by the friendliness and hospitality of the people, and it is the one thing our guests comment on again and again – how welcome they were made to feel. This is a country with a strong cultural heart and a long tradition of Persian hospitality. Iran’s capital of Tehran is a bustling contemporary city with luxury retail outlets, fashionable restaurants and modern skyscrapers, while the ancient cities of Shiraz, Yazd and Isfahan offer a more traditional Persian experience, with their winding streets, coffee shops, peaceful gardens and impressive mosques. Iran is a very youthful country, with over 65% of the population being under 35, and in the cities, you will find locals pushing the dress code as far as they can. In the countryside meanwhile, you will find a more conservative but equally welcoming Iran. Highlights of rural Iran include the Bavanat valley, a beautiful and fertile region of apple orchards, walnut forests and alpine scenery, which is a great place to experience a homestay. Journeying north to the shores of the Caspian Sea is the perfect antidote to the frenetic pace of city life, where you can explore “assassins’’ castles”, the striking Alborz mountains, pretty towns including Bandar-e-Anzali (famous for its caviar fishery) and meet nomadic people. Head east for the Lut Desert, where you can discover ancient Zoroastrian cave dwellings, forgotten strongholds and vast landscapes containing a timeless beauty. Although it may receive headlines in the media, there is so much more to Iran than what is seen on the frontpage. It’s a nation of fabulous cultural wealth and historical significance whose people are friendly, and rightly proud of their long heritage. Why not step off the tourist trail for your holiday, and experience all that the country has to offer with Wild Frontiers group and tailor-made Iran holidays. Read our guide to visiting Iran, including information about obtaining visas, safety, dress code and FCO advice.
Start your journey
Group tours
TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
HIGHLIGHTS OF IRAN
BEST EXPERIENCES

Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art
Tehran is home to paintings by the likes of Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, Degas and Kandinsky. After the 1979 Islamic revolution many of its priceless paintings were hidden in the museum’s vault and only recently put back on display.
Visit the Royal Square of Isfahan
The city is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, considered to be the most beautiful in Iran. Visit Imam Square, the huge central square of Isfahan, surrounded on three sides by two exquisite mosques (Imam and Shaikh Lutfallah) and the Ali Qapu Palace.
Explore the Old Town of Yazd
Easily one of the most architecturally striking and atmospheric cites of Iran, wandering through the labyrinthine alleyways of the Old Town is one of the best things to do. Get lost in the myriad gardens, bazaars and timeless buildings.
Visit Nasir al-Mulk Mosque
Visit the stunning but intimate Nasir al-Mulk Mosque between 9.30am - 11am and watch the beautifully stained glass wash the prayer room in a kaleidoscope of colours.
Wander through Eram Gardens
Shiraz's famous gardens were introduced at the time of the first Persian Empire and became the model for gardens throughout the Muslim world. Take a wander through the Eram Gardens and listen to some poetry at the tomb of Hafez, the Persian Mystic poet.
Dine with the locals in Darband
In the evening visit Darband to the north of the city, where Tehranis go for an evening out. Follow the locals up the mountain alongside a rushing stream to visit the tea houses on the mountainside. Have a bite to eat or enjoy a cup of tea under the trees.TOP PLACES TO VISIT
OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY
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WHEN TO GO
Shiraz
Tehran
Tabriz
INSPIRATION

TRAVEL GUIDE TO IRAN
In this film Wild Frontiers Founder Jonny Bealby shows us around this most pivotal Middle East country.
Tour in Focus: Iran Unveiled
Our Tour in Focus blogs take a look at what makes our Signature Trips special and tries to answer common questions our travellers ask us. Iran Unveiled is our 15 day classic tour of Iran. Over the last couple of years it has been phenomenally popular for us and has become our bestselling trip. In th…Meet the expert, Dan
Dan is our Middle East expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Daniel by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
USEFUL INFORMATION
Health and Vaccinations
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Iran though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. We recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
Currency
In Iran the official unit of currency is the Iranian Rial, but Toman are also referred to often. 1 Toman is the equivalent of 10 Rials, so essentially you knock off a ‘0’.
To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com.
Cultural Sensitivity
On our tours you will frequently interact with local people, each with their own distinct customs and traditions. We therefore ask you to be considerate and to treat them with respect. Your tour-leaders and guides will always be able to advise you accordingly.
Being an Islamic Republic, Iran has a dress code for women by law that applies everywhere outside your hotel bedroom. Please note the advice given on this in the “packing list” section that follows. Note that in many mosques we visit it will be necessary to remove your shoes before entering. Women will sometimes be required to wear a chador at holy sites and this will be provided where necessary. In some mosques there are separate areas for men and women which should also be respected.
Language & Religion
The official national language is Persian, also referred to as Farsi, of which its oldest records date back to the Persian Empire of the 6th Century BC.
The large majority of the population are Islamic and belong to the Shi’a branch of Islam, which is the official state religion. There are minority groups of Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians.
Time
Iran is 3.5 hours ahead of GMT. A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com.
Food and drink
As an Islamic Republic almost, all alcohol is banned in Iran. The import, sale, manufacture and consumption of alcohol in Iran is strictly forbidden on religious grounds, with the only exceptions for certain recognised Iranian religious minorities (NB. not foreigners). Penalties can be severe so do not attempt to bring alcohol into the country or try to buy it during your trip.
In Iran you will find the meals are mainly rice-based and that shashlik (kebab) is very popular, with lamb and chicken widely served. Many varied salads are also available, along with some tasty stews of meat, vegetables and pulses. Picnics are also a popular Iranian pastime.
IRAN REVIEWS

Iona Joy
I can recover a sense of time and space, rediscover the pleasures of conversation with likeminded travellers and wonder…

Iona Joy
I always wanted to go to Iran. The highlight of this trip was the Bazm country walk.....

Jane Tomlinson
This trip to Iran is an eye-opener...

Steve Burrows
I like to visit places that aren’t tourist traps. I’ve always been interested in Middle Eastern culture (especially…

Javaria Janjua
I chose the trip, because I have travelled widely in the Middle East, but had not visited Iran and was interested in…

Paul & Sally Dobinson
The sheer beauty of the Talesh mountains was breathtaking...

Lara Conaway
Major Highlights? All of it! I honestly did not have a dull moment....

Val Berry
'Don't go, you'll be kidnapped' was the advice of my friends and family before I left for Iran and yes, we were kidnapped…

Philippa Dolphin
It was an unforgettable trip with interesting and entertaining fellow travellers. Highly recommended...

Pam Zuntz
The Iran Unveiled tour was packed with goodies

Helene and Philip Bland
An awe-inspiring country with a welcoming population

Shirley Rosenfeld
This trip was extraordinary. The itinerary was marvellous, and perfectly paced for us...

Nikki Walter
This is a fantastic tour to get an understanding of Iran - its not for...

Vicky Allitt
An experience not to be missed with caring guides and excellent company.

Jillian Bacon
This wonderful trip dispels any preconceptions people have about Iran...

Helen Tomkys
Wild Frontiers helped us plan a really tailor made trip, ensuring we did what we wanted and more...

Maggie Irving
The ideal way to experience Iran!

June Addison
I feel immensely privileged to have visited such a country as it starts to open up to British visitors

David Stevens
Iran must be the best kept secret in terms of travel destinations in the UK...

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

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

Jaap Boersma
We loved the pleasant, personal approach from WF

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

Debra Hoe
Stunning architecture, beautiful Persian art and super friendly locals.

Debra Hoe
I was blown away by the stunning architecture, the beautiful Persian art and the super friendly locals who were coming up…

Tim Tawney
The Persian Odyssey September trip was outstanding for its organisation, variety and interest. Its tour leader was…

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

Georgina Smee
We were very grateful to Dan for several phone calls for us to ask questions and it was great to hear personal…

Jo Moss
Persian Explorer is the perfect introduction to an amazing country...

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

Anne Tutt
The highlight of this tour were the lovely Iranian people we met everywhere....

Jaki Higson
Go to Iran with an open mind......forget what the media tells you. I have never met such friendly people!

Clare Robinson
A well organised trip with a variety of different experiences, and led by an exceptional group leader and local guide.

John Bains
The Persian Explorer is a good introduction to Iran, covering the key highlights, with atmospheric hotels, varied,…

Tricia Carpenter
A truly exceptional experience in every way but then all the ingredients were perfect on this trip. I loved every minute…

Richard & Kathy Broughton
Absolutely no reason to delay visiting Iran. The well-known sights, historical, religious, and cultural, are all…

Hedy Jourdan von Schmoeger
The ultimate desert adventure off the beaten path. Wonderful ruined ancient cities of the many civilisations that left…

David Underwood
Coming to Iran had been an ambition of ours for many years - it turned out to be the trip of a lifetime. The tour leader…

Catherine Wilkinson
My first Wild Frontiers trip blew my expectations away - I'm not sure I'll be able to cope travelling with other…