Welcome to Magic Carpet Travel
Specialists in planning and arranging trips to Iran from the UK

At Magic Carpet Travel we run a selection of fully escorted tours for those wishing to travel as part of a small group with our English-speaking tour guides, who are chosen for their experience and knowledge.

We pride ourselves in our experience and in-depth knowledge, hence the ability to design tours to suit your specific requirements, as an alternative. We can put together any program you like, whether it is similar to one of our set itineraries or a trip that we design just for you.

We can also arrange group visits for schools or a university, or special interest groups such as ornithologists, pilgrims or archaeologists. Just call us: 01344 622 832.

We had a really great time in Iran, and the organisation of the trip was impeccable. We enjoyed the company of both our guide and driver, and found Mr Sassan charming, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and obviously well respected by the other guides we met along the way.

The duration and extent of the itinerary was well-paced, culminating with Persepolis to great dramatic effect! Each day was interesting, and not too full to take in what we had seen, and also allowing for flexibility if we wanted to spend a little longer, or stop along the way.

The accommodation was generally good, with variation, as to be expected. However all the hotels were safe, clean and comfortable.

We had different local cuisine wherever we went, which accentuated the distinct variations in local character across the country.

We also found the people we encountered to be friendly, curious, educated, open and confident and this added a great deal to our enjoyment of the time in Iran and the warmth of our memories of the trip.

Thank you very much for providing such a great service.
with Best Wishes,
Grace and David

The Iranian people are naturally kind, hospitable and generous. Despite any preconceptions built up by the Western media, Iran is a very safe country to visit.

Tourism is a well-accepted and welcome industry in Iran and, provided you stick to the local customs and show respect when visiting holy places, you will never be made to feel unwelcome.

Although more and more travelers are visiting Iran each year, foreigners are still a novelty: you’ll find that the Iranians are surprisingly interested in you. No cause for alarm – it’s only because they genuinely want to talk to you, or practice their English on you.

As long as you have an open mind and a willingness to be flexible, we are sure you will have a wonderful time!

VISA ON ARRIVAL

Visa on arrival, is still not possible for UK passport holders, even if they already have the visa permit. The visa needs to be stamped in their passport before they arrive at the Iranian border.

European Union passport holders can get up to 30 days visa on arrival. Other nationalities such as New Zealand & Australian passport holders also qualify. For other nationals, please check directly with Iranian Consulate.

You will need to present two standard passport photos (Ladies with a headscarf), worldwide travel insurance policy document and the visa stamp fees in cash, which will vary according to nationality, for example around £80 for a EU passport.