Iran Travel Itineraries

At Magic Carpet Travel we run a selection of fully escorted tours for those wishing to travel as part of a small group with a tour guide. Our English-speaking guides are all very experienced and knowledgeable.

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Hotel and Land Transport Information

Iran - The Essence, 8 days + 4 days optional extension
No trip to Iran is ever long enough but if you have time or budget restrictions then this tour allows you to see the main highlights that Iran has to offer. Ideal for first timers to Iran, you will visit some of the greatest mosques and palaces, experience the bustle of the bazaars and enjoy the quiet contemplation of Persian gardens and the imposing desert ruins of Persepolis on a route that takes in Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Persepolis. The 4-day optional extension takes you to the Zoroastrian centre of Yazd, and to the oasis town of Kashan.

East of Eden - 15 days
East of Eden, is ideal for those who wish to experience the full historical, cultural and geographical diversity of Iran. This tour covers the essential centres, including the bustling capital, Tehran, Shiraz renowned for its beautiful gardens, Persepolis (Takht-e-Jamshid) the magnificent palace complex founded by Darius the Great and Isfahan home to some of the world’s most famous examples of Islamic architecture. The tour also includes the spectacular village of Kandovan, a name derived from the bees-nest like dwellings carved out of the rocks. You will also visit a range of historical sites from empires past and experience such diverse delights as the natural hot springs of Sarein, a visit to the Qashqaii nomads and some of the world’s finest examples of desert architecture in the Zoroastrian centre of Yazd.

Persia's Nomads - 15 days
This tour visits the main highlights of Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Persepolis, Yazd and Kashan but also allows you a chance to experience a very different way of life by spending a couple of days with a nomadic tribe. Often said to be the 'true Persians' the Qashqaii nomads still dress in their colourful tribal costumes and observe their traditional lifestyle and centuries-old customs.

The Rose Harvest - 12 days + 3 days optional extension
Spring is a spectacular time to visit Iran and this tour, run in May each year, is ideal for those who wish to see the main sights of Iran - Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Persepolis - as well as experience a visit to the rose gardens in the picturesque villages of Ghamsar and Niasar near the town of Kashan. Every year hundreds of tons of rose petals are harvested and distilled to make rose oil and rosewater. The 3-day optional extension drives through some spectacular mountain scenery and visits the outstanding troglodyte village of Kandovan.

Magic of Persia - 15 days
This itinerary builds on the main highlights of Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Persepolis whilst offering the opportunity to appreciate the amazing diversity of Iran with a comprehensive tour of the picturesque and lush, green Caspian region. Additionally the tour visits the historic Castles of the Assassins and the oasis town of Kashan

Ancient Persia - 17 days
This tour highlights the religious sites of the faiths that have co-existed over the centuries in Persia. Firstly there was the great Zoroastrian civilisation and then, with the Arab Conquest, came Islam. All throughout this time the Christians, Jews and the mystic Sufis and Dervishes have maintained important pilgrimage sites too. As well as visiting the major highlights of Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Persepolis this tour includes visits to such extraordinary sights as the troglodyte village of Kandovan - thought to be the SITE of the Garden of Eden, Shush - one of the oldest cities in the world dating back six thousand years, the tombs of Esther and Mordecai in Hamedan, and Takht-e-Soleiman (Throne of Solomon).

Magic Carpets - 15 days
If you have more than a passing interest in the art of Persian tapestry then this tour is for you. As you travel in search of the perfect carpet you will visit the major highlights of Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Persepolis, Kerman and Yazd, whilst stopping off along the way to visit some of the nomadic tribes and small village workshops where the carpets are made. Your journey will take you through the entire process of carpet making from the flowers being picked to the wool being dyed, from the carpets being woven in tents and workshops to their being sold in the bazaars and shops. Talk to the people involved and learn about the many designs and how they are inextricably linked to the culture and architecture of the Persian civilisation.

Zoroastrian Persia - 15 days
This tour is designed for Zoroastrians and those with a specific interest in the Zoroastrian faith. As well as visiting the major highlights of Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Persepolis you will then spend four days in and around the Zoroastrian centre of Iran - Yazd. Chak Chak, the main place of pilgrimage for Zoroastrians from all over the world, hosts the 10-day festival in June and this may be an ideal time of year to plan your visit.

Winter Breaks

Timing is flexible; either as a one-off trip or as an add on to an existing itinerary.
Iran isn't the first place that comes to mind when planning your next ski trip or a winter break to soak up the sunshine. However, if you are planning to travel to Iran between November and March you may want to build either or both of these activities onto your itinerary. We can arrange a ski trip to the resorts of Dizin or Shemshak high in the Alborz mountains, or a warm, relaxing break on the tropical island of Kish in the Persian Gulf.

Horse Riding
These trips are for adventurous and capable riders, providing a very unique opportunity to ride the world's original hot-blooded horses, Turkmens - the rootstock of both the Thoroughbred and the Arab - through a part of Iran seldom visited by outsiders. Our circular routes cover steppes, hills, broadleaf forest, and mountain pastures. We offer 5 day, 8 day or 10 day riding trips

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Enchanting Persia - 15 days
Also covering the main highlights of Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Persepolis this itinerary then visits north-eastern Iran to see the holy shrine of Imam Reza in Mashad - where Muslims from all over the world make their pilgrimage - and the tomb of Omar Khayyam in Neishabur. Finally, the tour takes in Kerman in south-eastern Iran.

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About Magic Carpet Travel, Iranian Tour Operator