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:
Tour code:
IPE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
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
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Begins In Shiraz
Location: Shiraz
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pars International Hotel or similar
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 Hotel 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 Hotel 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: Pasargadae World Heritage Site, Yazd, Shīrāz Kūh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Moshir Garden Hotel 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 Hotel 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 Hotel 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 Hotel 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 Hotel 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: Kashan, Tehran, Isfahan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Howeyzeh Hotel 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
The tour ends early this morning, when those on the suggested group flights will be transferred to the airport. Depending on the time of your return flights, you may like 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.
What's Included
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MEALS
9 x Breakfasts8 x Lunches8 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
On this tour we will travel by bus.
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
5 nights x Premium
4 nights x Superior -
ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Low
What's Not Included
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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 tourationality 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
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ExcludedItem
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 mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
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.
You should be aware that securing adequate insurance for travel to Iran can be challenging, especially for clients of certain nationalities and/or age groups. As such before booking a trip to Iran we would strongly suggest that you fully investigate your insurance options to ensure you are both able to secure suitable insurance and are happy with the level of cover available to you. For more information, please refer to the Insurance section below.
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.
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation, but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. In addition, you should be aware that securing adequate insurance for travel to Iran can be challenging, especially for clients of certain nationalities and/or age groups. Accordingly before booking a trip to Iran we would strongly suggest that you fully investigate your insurance options to ensure you are both able to secure suitable insurance and are happy with the level of cover available to you. Please see the Insurance section for more details or feel free to contact us for more information.
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
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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. -
What is the maximum group size?
12
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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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
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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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
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Sep 25, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.