The Persian Passage: An Immersive Iran Experience
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Description:
The Persian Passage: An Immersive Iran Experience is a journey that promises to immerse you in the fascinating local way of life, rich history, and vibrant culture of this beautiful country. Over the course of this trip, you will explore some of Iran's most iconic cities, including Tehran, Esfahan, Shiraz, and Yazd, as well as some off-the-beaten-path destinations, such as the Varzaneh desert and rural life in the village of Khorramdasht.
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Throughout the trip, you will have the opportunity to interact with locals and learn about their customs and traditions, from enjoying a cup of tea with a carpet weaver to participating in a cooking class with a local family. You will also have the chance to explore Iran's rich history, from ancient Persian ruins to Islamic architecture and contemporary art.
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One of the highlights of this trip is its focus on uncovering the side of Iran that most travelers don't normally see. This means going beyond the typical tourist attractions to experience the local way of life, sample regional cuisine, and engage with the warm and hospitable people who call Iran home.
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Whether you are a history buff, a culture vulture, or simply someone who loves to travel off the beaten path, this journey of Iran is sure to captivate and inspire you. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
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Country: Iran
Trip length: 14 days, 13 nights
Cost: Private trips only (Price to be discussed)
Start & End city: Tehran, Iran
Max. Capacity: 6 travelers
What's included in the price:
Accommodation (Twin sharing)
Transportation (Trains, Private-hire vans, Intra-city transport)
Guide Fee
Tickets to places of interest (Historical sites, national parks)
Homestay experience
Breakfast at guesthouses
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What's not included in the price:
Travel insurance
Meals (Lunch & Dinner on most days)
Visa (If applicable)
Flight tickets to and from home country
Days 1 & 2: Tehran – the Capital
The trip begins in Tehran, Iran's largest city and capital, located at the foot of the snowcapped Alborz Mountains. Known for its modernity and liberal attitudes, Tehran boasts bustling bazaars, opulent palatial residences, and magnificent monuments. We'll explore the city using the Tehran Metro, the largest subway system in the Middle East.
Day 3: Qom – the Religious and Revolutionary Heartbeat
We'll spend half a day in Qom, Iran's religious capital and the birthplace of the Iranian Revolution. At the Holy Shrine of Fatimah Masoumeh, one of Shia Islam's holiest sites, we'll learn about Shia Islam, the main branch of Islam in Iran.
Day 4: Kashan – A Beautiful Oasis
Kashan is a delightful oasis town on the edge of the Dasht-e-Kavir Desert. It's known for its magnificent architecture, covered bazaar, rose water production and grandiose hotels. For a unique experience, we'll spend the night at the Mahinestan Raheb Hotel, a traditional and majestic hotel with a lush courtyard.
Days 5-6: Esfahan - Half the World
Known as "half the world" in Farsi, Esfahan is a city with wide tree-lined boulevards, grandiose monuments, and picturesque hills. It's the Paris of Persia, and it's also the birthplace of our trip leader Javad Sharifi, who will host a traditional dinner at his home.
Days 7 & 8: Khorramdasht - A Taste of Rural Iran
We'll spend two days in Khorramdasht, a village of around one hundred people in the Varzaneh Desert, where life revolves around cattle farming and carpet-making. Khorramdasht is the ancestral village of our trip leader Javad, and we'll be staying at a local's house for two nights.
Night 8 & Day 9: Varzaneh - Dunes and Mirages
We'll camp on the dunes of the Varzaneh Desert and enjoy a bonfire dinner featuring succulent local meat-on-skewers, locally known as kebeabs. In the morning, we'll witness the sunrise and enjoy the desert's peaceful vibes.
Day 10: Yazd - Nestled Between Two Deserts
Yazd is known for its mud-brick houses and buildings, forests of wind towers, and winding alleyways. We'll visit the Zoroastrian fire temple and ancient burial complex, and learn about the ancient Zoroastrian religion – a religion whose history stretches back more than 5000 years.
Day 11: Persepolis - The Ruins of an Ancient City
Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire, a great empire of antiquity. This empire used to span from present-day Egypt to the mountains of Central Asia and the plains of India. Though now in ruins, it's still a testament to the grandeur of Persia's past.
Day 12: Shiraz - The Heartland of Persian Culture
Shiraz is a cultural hub, home to splendid gardens, exquisite mosques, and magnificent shrines. It also houses the exquisitely decorated tomb of Hafez, a great Persian poet and author. In the evening, we'll board an overnight train to Tehran.
Days 13 & 14: Tehran - The Conclusion
We'll visit sites highlighting Iran's contemporary history, such as the Holy Shrine of Imam Khomeini, the former U.S. Embassy, and the Holy Defense Museum. We'll also window shop at the Iran Mall, the world's largest shopping complex with over 2500 stores.
