After a very enjoyable and educational tour of the Central Asian countries a visit to Iran was a logical choice. Also in 2015 when we undertook this trip there was a thaw in USA IRAN relations . President Obama had liberalized travel between USA and IRAN thus opening up the country to a fresh input of Tourism.

Iran and India have centuries old relations so as far as we were concerned we were sure of a safe and enjoyable passage. However very few travel agents in India had past experience of taking groups to Iran. We once again relied on MIR CORP who were taking US nationals to Iran and had established a good support network.

Timing September 2015

Extension of tour for some of the travelers who wanted to see the Zygros Mountain Range :

Day 16 : Isfahan Transfer to Chelgerd   Half day city tour in Chelgerd
Day 17 : Chelgerd  Transfer to Sisakht half day tour in Sisakht transfer to Yasuj
Day 18 : Yasuj  Transfer to Shiraz  full day drive through the mountains
Day 19 : Shiraz Revisit Persipolis for photography
Day 20 : Shiraz to Tehran by Air and Tour to Damavand

• Visit to National Museum in Tehran
• Enjoy a chance to sip tea in an ancient bathhouse, or hamam, in the desert city of Kerman
• Visit the Zoroastrian Fire Temple in Yazd, where the eternal flame is said to have been burning since 470 BC
• Visit the Unique mosque Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque for the light effect of stained glass windows and the pink ceramic and marble tiling on walls
• Discover the inspiration for Iran’s greatest lyric poet, Hafez, in the gardens of Shiraz
• Explore the remains of ancient Persia at UNESCO-listed Persepolis, a wonder of the Ancient World
• Survey the complex Persian architecture of Isfahan’s gracefully proportioned Imam Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Visit the Chelstun Palace – a marvel of ceramics and precious stone wall paintings
• Browse the fabled bazaar of Isfahan, bargaining for fine Persian carpets, silver jewelry, brilliant woven fabrics and hand-painted ceramics
• Visit the well preserved Armenian Church

5400 USD to MIR CORP

It is possible to work with Travel agents in Tehran and reduce the costs. However Hotels in Iran have limited accommodation and hence they need to be booked several months ahead of the date of travel.

The present generation of Iranians are tolerant of occasional non compliance by tourists. The only place where the Hizab or covered head is mandatory is in mosques which are presently being used for prayers. But ladies are well advised to cover their head and one sees very fashionable head scarves used by local Iranian women.