You can expect unparalleled Islamic architecture, romantic poets and a rich history but it is the warmth of the Persian people’s charming nature which will melt any preconceptions and your heart.
Iran is quite simply one of the most fascinating countries you can visit on holiday. Birthplace to one of the world's great empires, Iran has been subsequently dominated and influenced by a host of cultures whose architectural remains lie scattered across the country. We have been sending people to Iran continuously for the last 18 years on group tours and tailor-made holidays and Paul Craven, our Iran expert, has travelled there extensively.
Over many years of organising Iran holidays, our experience is of a friendly, hospitable and cultured nation who will extend a warm welcome to you. It's one of the many ironies of this complicated country that a nation with an international reputation for hostility should be inhabited by a people of such rare, and hospitable, charm.
You will discover delicious, freshly cooked food and plentiful fruit. Internal transportation will typically involve some longish journeys in 4x4 cars with an internal flight at some stage and hotel accommodation is best described as being adequate and functional; however, it is possible to travel through Iran in luxury on the Golden Eagle Train.
In Iran, the government is more conservative and religious but the people are very open. The key to understanding Iran is to meet and talk to local people - and that is easier than in most Middle Eastern countries. In any bazaar, at any cafe, people will be keen to talk to you. Walking through the bazaar allows you to see everyday life as families go about their business. But bazaars reinforce a stereotype of the ancient of the exotic, an image conferred on the country by its exonym of Persia.
In today’s Iran, glossy shopping malls are de rigueur. The girls and boys who stroll contentedly along are worlds apart from general impressions of Iran. They are young, beautiful and fashionable – their hair coiffed and styled as if on a fashion shoot. This society is young and modern, so different from the images that look down from billboards of men dressed in robes and turbans, their beards white, their eyes disinterested in what is going on around them. It is difficult to reconcile the two.
What is the dress code when visiting iran?
Iran is an Islamic country, so a certain dress code must be adhered to when travelling there. This is more applicable to women than to men. Without going into detail here, it does involve women ensuring that their legs and arms are properly covered. However, it is not as restrictive as stereotypes would have you believe. Men too must keep their arms covered.
Isfahan’s central square is an architectural wonder, follow it with a stroll through the nearby sprawling bazaar.
Visit Shiraz, the city of poets, and birthplace of Hafez and Sa’di.
Persepolis, built by Darius the Great and then sacked by Alexander the Great, is still an impressive site.
The old city of Yazd is the centre for Zoroastrianism.
To the north there is Hamadan, traditional centre of the carpet trade, and the Caspian Sea.
Visit the remote Armenian churches near Tabriz, hidden away close to the Turkish border, or the holy cities of Qom and Mashad and the desert towns of Na'in, the geographical centre of Iran.
Is Iran safe to travel around?
With a turbulent past, Iran is only now re-emerging as a tourist destination with its fascinating history, warm people and beautiful scenery. When it comes to the safety of tourists, the Iranian people are extremely friendly and will do their best to make foreigners feel safe and welcome. However, we advise leaving valuables at home, keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded areas and avoiding unknown areas without your guide.
No. Alcohol is prohibited in Iran and anyone found with alcohol will be liable to the penalty for possession.
Being such a vast country with such a rich history, it is no surprise that Iran has a wealth of things to do and see. Once part of the famous Silk Route, the cities of Yazd, Hamadan and Tehran still harbour undiscovered gems, and exploring the alleyways and bazaars will transport you back in time. The world heritage site Persepolis is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring ancient ruins, and is a must see that should be included on any itinerary.
Is there a dress code to follow?
Due to Islam being the main religion in Iran, there is a strict dress code that should be followed and respected by visitors. Women must wear a headscarf at all times, along with a long top over trousers, ensuring arms are covered. They should also avoid wearing bright red. For men it is a little easier, as Western dress is favoured; however, shorts are forbidden.
No, credit cards are not accepted, so you must bring enough cash for the duration of your trip.
Screening on Wednesday 26th September at 9pm on ITV is episode three of Joanna Lumley's journey along the Silk Route. In this episode, she continues her adventure into Iran, once the heart of the thriving Persian empire and home to one of the worlds oldest civilisations. From Tehran to Kashan and onto Isfahan, Yazd and Shiraz she explores gardens, mosques, bazaars and the ancient site of Persepolis.
Follow in her footsteps and join our small group tour to Iran in September 2019 or our silk road journey from Kyrgyzstan to China in June 2019.
Spend time with the Nomadic Tribes of Iran on their migration route through the mountains and fertile plains in search of grazing pastures for their livestock. From dozens of different tribes, Bakhtiyari and Qashghaye nomads are most famous for their origins, their set of clothes, their tribal structure and traditions and for the scenic beauty of their camping sites. See our itinerary suggestion for your holiday.