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The Rose Harvest | Tailor Made Tour | 12 days

rose-harvest iran

Tehran ➛ Shiraz ➛ Isfahan ➛ Kashan ➛ Tehran

Every year around the villages of Ghamsar & Niasar, five hundred tons of roses are produced, distilled and turned into rosewater and rose oil. Flowers bloom between late April and June, depending on the spring weather. Our Rose Harvest tour departs in May to be sure of catching the roses at their peak.

The entire family including children the old folk gather in their rose gardens each day to pick the flowers before sunrise with the first dew still on the petals. This way they ensure none of the fragrance is lost.

The roses are picked swiftly, before the sun’s heat sets in, and collected in bags made from large pieces of cloth tied around the picker’s necks. The bags are then taken to the distillation workshops, where they will be turned into rose water the same day. Eventually, the distilled rose essence will be exported to France and Bulgaria for perfumes, and to Saudi Arabia, to bathe the holy Kaa’ba curtain in Mecca.

Magic Carpet Travel’s 12-day Iran Tour is organized around the harvest but also takes in Shiraz, Persepolis, Isfahan and Tehran.

Day 1
London
Tehran		 Depart London Heathrow in the afternoon.
Day 2
Tehran		 Arrive early morning and transfer to the hotel. Morning visit to the Sa’ad-abad Palace complex, and a holy shrine in local bazaar of Tajrish. Afternoon visit to the National Jewels treasury and on to Golestan Palace. Dinner at a traditional Persian restaurant.
Day 3
Tehran
Shiraz		 Iran Air flight  to Shiraz. In Shiraz visit the Nasirol Molk Mosque, Eram Gardens and Narenjestan Palace. Overnight in Shiraz.
Day 4
Shiraz
Persepolis		 Morning visit to the wind swept ruins of Persepolis & Naghsh-e-Rostam. Drive back to Shiraz after lunch. Visit Nasir Mosque, then on to the Mausoleum of the poets Saadi and Hafez. On to a traditional tea house to enjoy tea and ice-cream.
Day 5
Shiraz
Samirom
Isfahan		 Leisurely drive to Isfahan via Samirom, driving through stunning scenery including small villages and many nomad tents. Picnic lunch. Arrive in Isfahan and transfer to hotel.
Day 6
Isfahan		 Explore the Royal Square, Shah & Sheik Lotf-Allah Mosques, Royal Ali-Qapu Palace. Lunch in a traditional Persian restaurant. Visit the beautiful Khaju & Si-o-se Bridges. Tea at the Under-the-Bridge Tea house. Evening visit to the House of Strength to watch this traditional Iranian sport : a combination of physical and spiritual aerobics.
Day 7
Isfahan		 Morning visit to Chehel Sotun (Forty Columns) Palace & the Shaking Minarets. After lunch visit the 4500-year-old Zoroastrian Fire Temple. On to Vank Cathedral. Onto Jame mosque Evening option to visit the bazaar.
Day 8
Isfahan
Nain
Yazd		 Drive to Yazd via Nain, where you can visit the Jame Mosque and a traditional textile workshop.
Day 9
Yazd		 Full day tour of Yazd including the Atashkadeh (fire temple) where the sacred fire has been burning since 470 AD. On to Jame’h mosque. On to visit to the Towers of Silence, the ancient Zoroastrian burial grounds.
Day 10
Yazd
Kashan via Abyaneh		 Early morning drive to Kashan via Abyaneh, a picturesque village dating back 1600 years & UNESCO protected world heritage site. After lunch sightseeing in Kashan including the beautiful Fin Garden, the old houses of Borujerdi (Samovar merchant) and Tabatabaei (carpet merchant).
Day 11
Kashan
Tehran		 Early morning visit to the village of Niasar to watch and take part in the rose picking and see the distillation process. After lunch, at leisure to explore the village including the best preserved Sassanian fire temple in Iran dating back 1600 years. Afternoon drive to Tehran. Farewell dinner at a traditional Persian restaurant.
Day 12
Tehran
London		 Depart from Tehran to London early morning.

TOUR DATES:

There are no set dates for this tour, which we can arrange on a tailor made basis to suit your individual requirements.

Cost indications for a tailor-made trip based on 2, 4, 6  or 8 persons 

15 day tour price  per person, based on:

  • 2  persons   £3900
  • 4 persons    £2800
  • 6 persons    £2450
  • 8 persons    £2300
  • Single room supplement £600
  • Visa stamp fees for UK passports £170

The cost of the tour includes:

  • Obtaining tourist visa permit (excluding visa stamp fees)
  • All airport/hotel/airport transfers
  • English speaking national guide throughout the trip and all  his expenses
  • Driver with air conditioned private vehicle  throughout the trip
  • 14 nights’ accommodation in best available (three/four/five star) hotels in twin bedded standard rooms with private facilities including breakfast
  • Sightseeing visits & all entrance fees as per the itinerary
  • Local taxes

The cost excludes:

  • International flights to Iran
  • Internal flights
  • Meals other than breakfast
  • All personal extras such as laundry, tips and porterage
  • All optional excursions, tours and visits
  • Travel insurance

Cost Indication on British  Airways for return Economy flight £650 per person including airport taxes.

Questions? Please use our contact form:

Contact form

Book Now

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East of Eden | Tailor Made Tour | 17 days

village-of-kandovan

Tehran ➛ Tabriz ➛ Kandovan ➛ Takht-e-Soleiman ➛ Sanandaj ➛ Hamedan ➛ Ahvaz ➛ Isfahan ➛ Shiraz ➛ Tehran

The combination of sights we call the ‘East of Eden’ Iran Tour allows you to explore the legacy of the Zoroastrian civilisation and its impact on the later, ‘modern’, religions of Persia and Iran. We have brought together under this title the religious sites of the faiths that have co-existed over the centuries: Islam, Judaism, Christianity and the mystic Sufism.

One of the most extraordinary sights in Iran must be a visit to the troglodyte village of Kandovan, where people live in cave dwellings as their predecessors did over 1600 years ago. Historians have recently quoted specific geographical references in the book of Genesis as evidence that link the area surrounding Kandovan with the Garden of Eden. It naturally follows that the village of Noqdi, to the east of this Eden, must be the biblical land of Nod.

In Isfahan you will see Zoroastrian fire temples and ‘shaking’ minarets. Persepolis bears witness to the great Achaemenian kings carved into the massive hulking rocks and, nearby, one of the oldest Zoroastrian fire temples in Iran. Visit Shiraz: beautiful, mystical and poetic.

The tombs of Esther and Mordecai in Hamedan are an important Jewish pilgrimage site. At Sanadaj, in the Iranian part of Kurdistan, you’ll discover more about the mystic Sufis, whose celebration of the trancelike state centuries later brought Byron to Persia. We can arrange for you to attend some of the meetings of the Dervishes for discussions and – if you’re lucky – observe some of the manifestations of their faith.

Day 1
London
Tehran		 Depart from London.
Day 2
Tehran		 Arrive early morning and transfer to hotel. Morning Rest. Lunch at a traditional restaurant with live Sufi music. Visit the Archaeological Museum and the stunning crown jewels held in the vaults of the Central Bank.
Day 3
Tehran
Tabriz		 Morning flight to Tabriz. After lunch and a short rest, tour of Tabriz including the fabulous bazaar, Blue Mosque and St. Mary’s Church. Dinner at El-Goli palace.
Day 4
Tabriz
Kandovan
Maragheh		 Morning excursion to the extraordinary troglodyte Kandovan Village with time to explore the tiny houses in this amazing village. Drive on to Maragheh on route to Takht-e-Soleiman.
Day 5
Takht-e-Soleiman		 Early morning start to visit Takht-e-Soleiman (Throne of Solomon), built around a lake on a hilltop. Here are the remains of a large fortified settlement from the Parthian, Achaemenian, Sassanian and Islamic Periods. It is claimed to be the birthplace of Zoroaster. In 1939 the Nazis came to dig in Takht-e-Soleiman looking for the “Holy Grail’.
Day 6
Sanandaj		 On to Sanandaj in Kurdistan, driving through the remote & very beautiful mountainous roads. The foothills are carpeted in wild flowers in the spring. Afternoon & evening spent in gatherings with the Dervishes.
Day 7
Hamedan		 Drive to Hamedan through some of the vast plains in central Iran where the Aryans first settled around ten thousand years ago.
Day 8
Hamedan		 Visit the tombs of Esther and Mordecai in Hamedan. On to Ali-Sadr Caves to take a boat ride on the underground lake and canals for miles amongst the stalactites and stalagmites.
Day 9
Ahvaz		 Leisurely drive to Ahvaz, stopping for a picnic lunch and visit some of tiny villages on route. Evening visit to the tomb of Daniel.
Day 10
Shush
Ahvaz
Isfahan		 Visit Shush one of the oldest cities in the world dating back at least six thousand years, and Chogha Zanbil, the best preserved Ziggurat in Iran. Evening flight to Isfahan.
Day 11
Isfahan		 Tour of Isfahan’s magnificent buildings: some of the greatest examples of Islamic architecture, including the Royal (Imam) Square, the Shah & Sheikh Lotf-Allah Mosques & Ali-Qapu Palace. On to the Bazaar spanning 5 kilometres.
Day 12
Isfahan		 Visit Chehel Sotun (Forty Columns) and Hasht Behesht (Eighth Heaven) Palaces. Tour of Isfahan’s bridges including Si-o-Se & Khaju. Evening visit a Zoorkhaneh (House of Strength) to watch this traditional Iranian sport : a combination of physical and spiritual aerobics, with participants chanting to the powerful drums of their master.
Day 13
Isfahan		 Visit Jolfa, the Armenian quarters south west of the city, to see Vank Cathedral. On to the Shaking Minarets, on the way climb up to the top of a hill to see the 4500 year old Zoroastrian fire temple with a magnificent panoramic view of Isfahan.
Day 14
Isfahan
Shiraz		 Free time to shop or return to any of your favourite spots. Evening flight to Shiraz.
Day 15
Shiraz		 In Shiraz, visit Narenjestan Palace & Shah Cheraq (King of the Light) Mosque, Eram Gardens. On to the mausoleums of the Persian mystics and poets Hafez & Saa’di. Enjoy tea & ice cream in the gardens.
Day 16
Shiraz
Tehran		 Excursion to the wind swept ruins of Persepolis & Naghsh-e-Rostam, the tomb of three powerful Achaemenian Kings carved into huge rocks overlooking one of the oldest Zoroastrian fire temples in Iran. Evening flight to Tehran.
Day 17
Tehran
London		 Depart from Tehran to London early morning.

Tour dates:

There are no set dates for this Iran Tour, which we can arrange on a tailor made basis to suit your individual requirements.

Questions? Please use our contact form:

Contact form

Book Now

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Persia’s Nomads | Tailor Made Tour | 15 days

Qashqaii-nomads

Tehran ➛ Yazd ➛ Shiraz ➛ Firuzabad ➛ Yasuj ➛ Isfahan ➛ Kashan ➛ Tehran

The nomads of Iran are a fast disappearing race – yet in a few areas the nomadic way of life still somehow co-exists with modern influence. Magic Carpet Travel is in contact with several nomadic tribes including the Qashqaii in the south west of Iran, the Bakhtiari in central Iran and the Kurdish Zaferanlou in the north east.

We can arrange for you to spend one or two nights living with the nomads as an add-on to your existing itinerary or, if you prefer, we could tailor-make a whole visit for you to stay with and observe the different tribes.

You will, naturally, be living under canvas. Not the woven goat-hair shelters favored by the nomads themselves, and neither will you be expected to sleep under rough woolen blankets – but for a couple of days your life will be transformed as you watch these busy, colorful people going about their daily business.

Often said to be the ‘true Persians’ the Qashqaii nomads still dress in their colourful tribal costumes. They speak a Turkic dialect: conversation with the people is both possible and welcomed, and can be carried out via our local guides, who will accompany you on your trip and ensure you have everything you need.

A typical day will start at sunrise – about 4 a.m. – when the women will be starting to knead the dough for the fragrant flat bread that will be eaten hot from the mud ovens before the sun creeps higher and starts to bake the land.

As the day progresses, you can watch the women spinning the wool from their sheep and weaving it on looms into the traditional rugs they sell at the market in Shiraz.

The children tend the animals, which need to be watered, grazed and milked. The women are busy from dawn to dusk with cooking and weaving, fetching the water, sweeping and tent keeping. The men keep watch, their rifles by their sides.

Day 1
London
Tehran		 Depart from London Heathrow on an afternoon flight.
Day 2
Tehran		 Arrive early morning and transfer to hotel. Morning rest. After lunch visit Sa’ad-abad Palace complex, one of the Royal Family & court’s former residences. On to the Carpet Museum.
Day 3
Tehran		 Visit the Archaeological and Glass Museums with their fine collection of antiques. Lunch at a traditional tea house. Visit the stunning Crown Jewels held in the vaults of the Central Bank.
Day 4
Tehran
Yazd		 Morning train to Yazd. This desert town, famous for its wind towers, is the Zoroastrian centre of Iran. Visit the Atashkadeh Fire Temple. Although the temple is modern (1940), the sacred fire has been burning since 470 AD. On to Alexander’s Prison and Jame’h Mosque.
Day 5
Yazd
Shiraz		 Morning visit to the Towers of Silence, ancient Zoroastrian burial grounds. Afternoon drive to Shiraz.
Day 6
Shiraz		 In Shiraz visit Narenjestan Palace, Eram Gardens and the mausoleums of the Persian mystics and poets Hafez & Saa’di.
Day 7
Shiraz
Persepolis		 Excursion to the wind swept ruins Persepolis & Naghsh-e-Rostam, the tomb of the three powerful Achaemenian Kings carved into huge rocks, overlooking one of the oldest Zoroastrian fire temples in Iran.
Day 8
Shiraz
Firuzabad		 Drive to Firuzabad near Shiraz, winter quarters of the Qashqaii nomads. Visit the fire temple & Palace of Artaxeres. Dinner & overnight with Qashqaiis. Overnight in tents.
Day 9
Firuzabad
Yasuj		 Breakfast with the Qashqaiis. Drive to Kazerun, home to many of the Qashqaiis. Visit the silent ruins of the old city of Shapour and its rock carvings dating back to the Sassanian period. Drive to Yasuj, the main nomadic centre of Iran.
Day 10
Yasuj
Isfahan		 Drive to Isfahan. This route rarely taken by tourists offers scenery beyond imagination. Land of Waterfalls, as this region is referred to, offers the traveller a most memorable image.
Day 11
Isfahan		 Tour of Isfahan’s magnificent buildings, some of the greatest examples of Islamic architecture, including the Royal (Imam) Square, the Shah & Seikh Lotf-Allah Mosques, Ali-Qapu Palace. After dinner evening tour of Isfahan including Si-o-Se & Khaju Bridges.
Day 12
Isfahan		 Visit Chehel Sotun (Forty Columns) and Hasht Behesht (Eighth Heaven) Palaces. On to Jolfa, the Armenian quarters south west of the city, to see Vank Cathedral. Visit the Shaking Minarets. In the evening, visit a Zoorkhaneh (House of Strength) to watch this traditional Iranian sport : a combination of physical and spiritual aerobics, with participants chanting to the powerful drums of their master.
Day 13
Isfahan		 No trip to Isfahan would be complete without a visit to its famous bazaar, spanning 5km. Free time to shop.
Day 14
Isfahan
Kashan
Tehran		 Drive to Kashan via Abyaneh : a picturesque village dating back to the Sassanian period, it is protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Kashan is an oasis town famous for its beautiful Fin Garden, Agha-Bozorg Mosque & House of Borujerdi. Evening arrival in Tehran. Finish the evening with a traditional Persian dinner.
Day 15
Tehran
London		 Depart early morning from Tehran to London Heathrow.

TOUR DATES:

There are no set dates for this Iran Tour, which we can arrange on a tailor made basis to suit your individual requirements.

Cost indications for a tailor-made trip based on 2, 4, 6  or 8 persons 

15 day tour -mprice  per person, based on:

  • 2  persons   £4900
  • 4 persons    £3600
  • 6 persons    £3100
  • 8 persons    £2800
  • Single room supplement £650
  • Visa stamp fees for UK passports £170

The cost of the tour includes:

  • Obtaining tourist visa permit (excluding visa stamp fees)
  • All airport/hotel/airport transfers
  • English speaking national guide throughout the trip and all  his expenses
  • Driver with air conditioned private vehicle  throughout the trip
  • 14 nights’ accommodation in best available (three/four/five star) hotels in twin bedded standard rooms with private facilities including breakfast
  • Sightseeing visits & all entrance fees as per the itinerary
  • Local taxes

The cost excludes:

  • International flights to Iran
  • Internal flights
  • Meals other than breakfast
  • All personal extras such as laundry, tips and porterage
  • All optional excursions, tours and visits
  • Travel insurance

Cost Indication on British  Airways for return Economy flight £650 per person including airport taxes.

Questions? Please use our contact form:

Contact form

Book Now

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Iran Ski Tours | Tailor Made Tour

iran-ski-holiday

Tehran ➛ Dizin ➛ Shiraz ➛ Isfahan ➛ Tehran

Iran isn’t the first place that comes to mind when planning your winter sports. And if you’re into being seen sipping gluhwein with the trendy Euro-crowd and joining the interminable queues of self-styled beautiful people at the chairlifts then perhaps our ski scene isn’t for you. Après ski is, to say the least, quiet for some tastes. But should you be planning to travel in November – March and you have a penchant for the alternative experience, the ski –Iran option is definitely worth building into your itinerary.

Before the Islamic revolution in 1978, Iran was starting to get a name amongst those in the know for fantastic powder snow and off-piste skiing. Magic Carpet Travel is now arranging holidays high in the Alborz mountains only an hour and a half’s drive from Tehran. We’ll take you to resorts where the skiing and snowboarding compares with some of the high Alpine resorts or the American West – only a great deal less busy. Snow conditions are generally favourable as the climate tends to be slightly colder than in European resorts – but sunnier.

The two main resorts of Dizin and Shemshak have been redeveloped relatively recently and are not over-populated: many lifts are new, queues are short and pistes are groomed daily. Runs are for all levels – at Dizin there are 23, suitable for beginners to experts.

Day 1
London Tehran		 Depart from London.
Day 2
Tehran Dizin		 Arrive in Tehran at 02.10 and transfer to hotel. Afternoon drive to Dizin.
Day 3
Dizin		 Skiing in Dizin. Overnight in Dizin.
Day 4
Dizin		 Skiing in Dizin. Overnight in Dizin.
Day 5
Dizin Tehran Shiraz		 Afternoon drive to Tehran. Then take early evening flight to Shiraz.
Day 6
Shiraz		 City tour of Shiraz including Eram Gardens, Narenjestan Palace. On to the Mausoleum of Persian poet Hafez, with time to enjoy tea and ice cream in the garden tea house.
Day 7
Shiraz Isfahan		 Excursion to the wind swept ruins Persepolis, and Naghsh-e-Rostam, the tomb of three powerful Achaemenian Kings carved into huge rocks. Evening flight to Isfahan.
Day 8
Isfahan Tehran		 Visit the Royal Square, Imam Mosque, Sheik Lotf-Allah
Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace and finally the bazaar spanning 5km. On to Chehel Sotun (Forty Columns) and Hasht Behesht (Eighth Heaven) Palaces. Visit the Armenian quarters of the city, to see Vank Cathedral and the Shaking Minarets. On to the 4500-year-old fire temple on top of a hill on the outskirts of the city, providing a panoramic view of Isfahan. In the evening visit a Zoorkhaneh (House of Strength) to watch this traditional Iranian sport – a combination of physical and spiritual aerobics, with participants chanting to the powerful drums of their master. Late evening flight to Tehran.
Day 9
Tehran London		 Depart from Tehran to London Heathrow.

There are no set dates for this Iran Tour as we will tailor make trips to suit your requirements. We can also vary this itinerary so if you wish to ski for longer or spend more time Isfahan or Shiraz, we will happily arrange this for you.

Questions? Please use our contact form:

Contact form

Book Now

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Motorcycling in Iran | Tailor Made Tour | 20 days

motor-biking-tours-iran
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Northwest to Southern Iran

Istanbul –  Van –  Tabriz –  Tehran-Isfahan- Yazd- Shiraz- Tabriz –Van- Istanbul

This 20 day Iran Tour provides the opportunity to take in the highlights of Iran but minimize unnecessarily long rides.  You will have the opportunity to learn about Iranian culture & history  with the guided tours included  in Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd, and Shiraz,  during  the rest days.

Motorcycles will all be brand new 2021 model versions.  BMW’s come with a top case. We will also have our own support vehicle throughout the tour.

You will enter Iran via the border with Turkey in North West Iran and head for the city of Tabriz, then ride all the way to  Southern  Iran to  the city of  Shiraz to visit Persepolis.

If you wish to make the tour shorter, it is possible but it will mean eliminating some rest days.

 

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrive Istanbul.  Transfer to hotel.  Overnight in Istanbul
  • Day 2: Fly to Van in Eastern Turkey & pick-up motorcycles.  Enjoy an orientation ride around Van and visit the 1,000 year old Armenian church on Akdamar Island. Overnight in Van.
  • Day 3: Ride from Van to Dogubeyazit, on the border with Iran. (173 km) o/n Dogubeyazit
  • Day 4: Cross border into Iran and ride to Tabriz (310 km).  Overnight  in Tabriz
  • Day 5: Tabriz to Ardabil (250 km).  Overnight in Ardabil
  • Day 6: Ardabil to Masuleh  village(275 km). Overnight in Masuleh village
  • Day 7: Ride to Tehran (380 km). Overnight in Tehran
  • Day 8: Free day to discover Tehran.  Guided sightseeing tour of Tehran on bus and on foot (no motorcycles). Overnight in Tehran
  • Day 9: Tehran to Matinabad (319 km).  Overnight at an eco-camp in Matinabad
  • Day 10: Matinabad to Isfahan (170 km).  Overnight  in Isfahan
  • Day 11: Guided sightseeing of Isfahan on bus/foot.  Overnight  in Isfahan
  • Day 12: Ride to Yazd (325 km).  Overnight in Yazd
  • Day 13: Guided sightseeing tour of Yazd .Overnight in Yazd
  • Day 14: Ride to Shiraz (440 km).  Overnight in Shiraz.
  • Day 15: Ride from Shiraz to Persepolis (120 km).  Overnight in Shiraz.
  • Day 16: Motorcycles will be loaded on a truck to be shipped to Tabriz.  Group flies to Tabriz. Overnight in Tabriz.
  • Day 17: Visit the troglodyte village of Kandovan. Overnight  in Tabriz
  • Day 18: Cross border back to Turkey, Van. Overnight  in Van
  • Day 19: Fly back to Istanbul. Farewell Dinner in Istanbul.
  • Day 20: Fly back home

Prices per person based on two people sharing a twin bedded room: 

  • 10 – 11 persons:  £9200
  • 12 – 14 persons:  £9000
  • 15 – 17 persons: £8800
  • 18 – 20 persons: £8600
  • Single supplement: £1300
  • Passenger (pillion): £5500
  • Upgrade to BMW 800GS : £850
  • Upgrade to BMW 1200GS : £1100

Price includes:

  • Rental of a 2021 model BMW 700GS
  • Carnet de Passage  which is required for Iran
  • Obtaining visa permit on your behalf (excluding consular visa stamp fees)
  • All hotel accommodation in Turkey and Iran, 4 or 5 star hotels (or best available) on bed and breakfast basis
  • Occasional lunches and dinners
  • Welcome and farewell dinners in Istanbul, with wine and beer included
  • Services of an expert guide leading the group on a motorcycle
  • Services of a local bilingual local expert throughout the trip (riding in the support vehicle)
  • Support vehicle throughout the tour, carrying luggage and spare parts, tools, etc.
  • All expenses (room, meals, fuel, etc.) of the staff
  • Domestic flights within Turkey (Istanbul – Van – Istanbul)
  • Domestic flight in Iran (Shiraz to Tabriz)
  • Trucking of motorcycles from Istanbul to Van and back
  • Trucking of motorcycles from Shiraz to Tabriz
  • Guided sightseeing tours (by coach) in Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Yazd, Tabriz
  • Entrance fees to all  sites during guided tours
  • Transfer from Istanbul Airport to hotel on Day 1

Price does not include:

  • International airfare to/from Turkey
  • Meals not included in the itinerary
  • Gratuities to staff (motorcycle guide, Iranian guide, support vehicle driver)
  • Fuel for motorcycles
  • Personal expenses

Notes:

  • We will avoid a 3 day round trip from Istanbul to Van and back by trucking the motorcycles. Riding back to Turkish border would add another 4 long day ,  so we send the bikes on a truck and fly internally in Iran.
  • We only include liability insurance as collision coverage in Iran is not available.  Therefore the riders will be responsible for all damages to the motorcycle.
  • There is an amazing amount of paperwork (Carnet de Passage, power of attorney, translations of all paperwork into Persian, etc.) required to enter rental motorcycles into Iran and we will complete this on your behalf, although  we need  a great  deal  of time for this.
  • In the event of a breakdown or an accident, we will load the motorcycle on the van and the rider will ride in the support vehicle.
Posted on

Horse Riding in Iran | Tailor Made Tour | 7 days

Province of Lorestan 

This seven day tour of Iran provides the unique opportunity to visit an area largely untouched by twenty first century, riding through remote areas and small village settlements, still without electricity or road access.

Persian horses have a good temperament, together with great stamina. They are sure footed and extremely intelligent.

Itinerary

Please ask  us for details as this changes depending on the season you  would like to  ride.

Prices

Prices based on minimum 4 riders £320 per person per night

The price includes:

  • Obtaining the visa permit (excludes visa stamp fees which varies depending on your nationality)
  • Transfers to and from the airport and all local transport
  • Accommodation (simple on the ride)
  • Meals (three per day: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Use of horses and saddles – expert guides and all the help required with horses.
  • Fully equipped car.
  • You will be required to provide a sleeping bag.

We had such a fantastic time. I’m sure we would have had a great time anyway just going on one of the standard trips, but trip that yourself and Hossein were able to put together for us was absolutely perfect. I felt it was well-balanced I’m terms of pace and the ground we covered, and included such a great variety of aspects of Iran past and present.

The horse-riding element with Katerina and her family was also a huge success. She has a wonderful family and a great team on the farm who all made us feel very welcome. The horses were A1, and it was fascinating for us as a farming family to spend time in such a rural place, and see an entirely different part of Iran. It was also great to get a few days of rest without travel at the end.

J L-F

Iran Tour Details

  • We can accommodate up to 6 riders.
  • The ride demands the skills of a physically fit and experienced rider with maximum body weight of 85kg.
  • The Persian Arabs horses are experienced and trained for trail rides and long distance rides.
  • The pace will be adjusted to the terrains, however you can expect to ride 4-8 hours per day.
  • We can organise a ride to suit your preferred dates, weather and seasonal conditions permitting.
  • We can combine the ride with visits to other major cities of interest in Iran such as Isfahan and Shiraz.
Posted on

Magic Carpets | Tailor Made Tour | 15 days  

magic-carpet-iran tours

Tehran ➛ Shiraz ➛ Persepolis ➛ Firuzabad ➛ Kerman ➛ Yazd ➛ Isfahan ➛ Tehran

If you have more than a passing interest in carpets then let Magic Carpet Travel help you design a trip to learn more about the art of Persian Tapestry. You can witness traditional methods of silk and wool preparation and the production of simple nomadic flat weaves woven in tents. In contrast, you can visit the immense vaulted carpet bazaars of the great cities and the elaborate silk carpet centers of the desert edge.

As you travel in search of the perfect carpet, you could also take in magnificent Persepolis, the monumental capital of Isfahan, beautiful, poetic Shiraz and sun-baked Zoroastrian Yazd. In addition, you would wander somewhat off the beaten track to ancient caravanserai at the desert’s edge (Qom, Kashan, Natanz, Ardistan, Na’in and Kerman) while taking in some ravishing palaces, gardens and shrines against the backdrop of Persia’s stunning and diverse landscapes.

Day 1
London Tehran		 Depart from London Heathrow in the afternoon.
Day 2
Tehran		 Arrive early morning and transfer to hotel. Morning rest. After lunch, visit the Ethnographic Museum and Carpet Museum.
Day 3
Tehran Shiraz		 Morning visit to carpet section in Tehran’s main bazaar. Morning flight to Shiraz. In the afternoon, visit the workshops of nomadic rugs woven by those nomads who have settled in Shiraz, and a visit to the Shiraz carpet bazaar.
Day 4
ShirazPersepolisShiraz		 Morning visit to wind swept ruins of Persepolis. After lunch at Persepolis, return to Shiraz to visit the carpet weaving, dyeing, washing and repairing workshops.
Day 5
Shiraz Firuzabad		 Drive south to Firuzabad. On the way, visit Qashqaii nomad tents with their carpet weaving & other handicrafts. Onto the Sassanian palace at Firuzabad & other antiquities.
Day 6
Firuzabad Kerman		 Drive to Kerman via Sarvestan and Sirjan. Visit more nomads on the way, as well as the Sassanian ruins at Sarvestan.
Day 7
Kerman		 Visit the main centers of the weaving industry in Kerman: Iran Carpet Company, together with workshops for kilims, jajim, suzani, etc. Visit toso the bazaar and Friday Mosque.
Day 8
Kerman Mahan Kerman		 Excursion to Mahan and Jupar. In Mahan visit the Shahzadeh Gardens and the Shrine of Nimatullah Vali, as well as small carpet workshops. In and around Jupar visit some of the small village weaving centres.
Day 9
Kerman Yazd		 Drive to Yazd in the morning. After lunch, visit Ziloo, Terineh (brocade) and other weaving centers of Yazd, together with the Friday Mosque.
Day 10
Yazd Isfahan		 Leave Yazd in the morning for Isfahan. On the way visit the Ziloo Museum and pottery workshops in Maybod, silk carpet weaving workshops in Na’in, and Abba (camel hair) weaving workshops in Muhammadiyah.
Day 11
Isfahan		 In the morning, attend some training classes in carpet weaving.  In the afternoon, visit the carpet pattern and dyed wool workshops, as well as the carpet bazaar.
Day 12
Isfahan		 Full day sightseeing in Isfahan: Royal Square, Ali Qapu Palace etc.
Day 13
Isfahan		 Day excursion out to the Bakhtiari nomad encampments west of Isfahan.
Day 14

Isfahan Tehran

 Drive to Tehran. On the way, visit the mosques in Ardistan and Natanz, as well as silk carpet workshops in Kashan and Qom.
Day 15
Tehran London		 Depart from Tehran early morning arriving London Heathrow around midday.

TOUR DATES:

There are no set dates for this tour, which we can arrange on a tailor made basis to suit your individual requirements.

 

Questions? Please use our contact form:

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Zoroastrian Persia | Tailor Made Tour | 15 days 

Zoroastrian-iran

Tehran ➛ Isfahan ➛ Shiraz ➛ Yazd ➛ Tehran

This tour is designed for Zoroastrians or 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 Yazd : the Zoroastrian centre of Iran. 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.

Day 1
London Tehran		 Depart from London.
Day 2
Tehran		 Arrive early morning and transfer to hotel. Morning rest. Afternoon drive to a tower of silence (dakhme) situated on a mountain named after Bibi Shar-Banu, south of Tehran. Bibi Shar-Banu was the daughter of Yazdgird III, the last of the Sassanian Kings and defender of the Zoroastrian faith.
Day 3
Tehran		 Early morning departure to Takht-e-Soleiman (Throne of Solomon) via Takab. This was a city belonging to the Parthian and Sassanian eras only discovered earlier this century. Built around a volcanic lake, it is breathtakingly beautiful. Within the temple complex, a substantial fire altar, rumoured to be that of the goddess Anahita, can be found. Myth and legend surround this great site.
Day 4
Tehran Kashan Isfahan		 Drive to Isfahan via Kashan &  Abyaneh : a picturesque village dating back to the Sassanian period, it is protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Kashan is an oasis town famous for its beautiful Fin Garden, Agha-Bozorg Mosque & House of Borujerdi.
Day 5
Isfahan		 In Isfahan visit Ateshkadeh, the ancient Zoroastrian fire temple dating back 4500 years and the Shaking Minarets nearby. On to Jolfa, the Armenian quarter of Isfahan to visit the impressive Vank Cathedral.
Day 6
Isfahan		 Sightseeing in Isfahan including the stunning Royal Square, Royal & Sheikh Lotf-Allah Mosques & Ali Qapu Palace.
Day 7
Isfahan Shiraz		 Free morning to shop, etc. Evening flight for Shiraz.
Day 8
Shiraz		 Excursion to Persepolis & Naghsh-e-Rostam. Persepolis was the spring capital of the Achaemenian court. The Great Achaemenian Kings, who built these magnificent palaces, celebrated the festival of Norouz (first day of spring) here each year. On to Naghsh-e-Rostam, tombs of three powerful Achaemenian Kings carved into huge rocks overlooking one of the oldest Zoroastrian fire temples in Iran. After lunch, visit the ancient city of Istakhr, the Sassanian capital of the Fars province. It is claimed that the Avesta was originally written in gold on prepared ox-hides and stored at Istakhr, and that it was destroyed by Alexander.
Day 9
Shiraz		 Excursion to Firuzabad near Shiraz, winter quarters of the Qashqaii nomads. Visit the Bishapur Fire Temple and the Palace of Artaxeres.
Day 10
Shiraz Yazd		 Morning city tour of Shiraz including Bagh-e-Eram (Garden of Paradise), Narenjestan Palace & the Shah Cheraq (King of the Light) shrine. After lunch, drive to Yazd, centre of the Zoroastrian population in Iran.
Day 11
Yazd		 Morning visit to Ateshkadeh (House of Eternal Fire). Although the temple is modern (built in the 1940s), the sacred fire has been burning since 470 AD. Visit Dakhme-ye-Zartoshti, Towers of Silence and the important Zoroastrian fire temple and take time to walk around this ancient city with its desert architecture and wind towers.
Day 12
Yazd		 Free day in Yazd.
Day 13
Yazd		 Excursion to Chak Chak, the main place of pilgrimage for Zoroastrians from all over the world. 50 km north of Yazd, this village holds an annual festival which lasts 10 days in June. On to visit the Zoroastrian villages of pir-Hirisht, Cham and Taft.
Day 14
Yazd Tehran		 Drive to Tehran via Naiin , with a chance to stop at a private house where Persian Carpets are being made. Lunch at the caravanserai in Naiin.
Day 15
Tehran London		 Depart from Tehran to London early morning.

TOUR DATES:

There are no set dates for this tour, which we can arrange on a tailor made basis to suit your individual requirements.

Cost indications for a tailor-made trip based on 2, 4, 6  or 8 persons 

15 day tour price  per person, based on:

  • 2  persons   £4900
  • 4 persons    £3600
  • 6 persons    £3100
  • 8 persons    £2800
  • Single room supplement £650
  • Visa stamp fees for UK passports £170

The cost of the tour includes:

  • Obtaining tourist visa permit (excluding visa stamp fees)
  • All airport/hotel/airport transfers
  • English speaking national guide throughout the trip and all  his expenses
  • Driver with air conditioned private vehicle  throughout the trip
  • 14 nights’ accommodation in best available (three/four/five star) hotels in twin bedded standard rooms with private facilities including breakfast
  • Sightseeing visits & all entrance fees as per the itinerary
  • Local taxes

The cost excludes:

  • International flights to Iran
  • Internal flights
  • Meals other than breakfast
  • All personal extras such as laundry, tips and porterage
  • All optional excursions, tours and visits
  • Travel insurance

Cost Indication on British  Airways for return Economy flight £650 per person including airport taxes.

 

Questions? Please use our contact form:

Contact form

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Enchanting Persia | Tailor Made Tour | 15 days

Imam-Reza-Mashad

Tehran ➛ Mashad ➛ Shiraz ➛ Kerman ➛ Yazd ➛ Isfahan ➛ Tehran

This Iran tour takes in the main highlights of Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Persepolis, then visiting north-eastern Iran to see the holy shrine of Imam Reza in Mashad – where Muslim’s from all over the world make their pilgrimage – and the tomb of Omar Khayyam in Neishabur. Finally, a chance to see Kerman  in south-eastern Iran.

Day 1
London
Tehran		 Depart from London Heathrow.
Day 2
Tehran		 Arrive early morning and transfer to hotel. Morning rest. After lunch, visit Sa’ad-abad Palace complex, one of the royal family and court’s former residences. On to the Carpet Museum. Evening meal at traditional Persian restaurant with live music and storytelling.
Day 3
Tehran		 Visit Archaeological & Glass Museums with their fine collection of antiques. Lunch at a traditional tea house. On to see the stunning Crown Jewels in the vaults of Central Bank.
Day 4
Tehran
Mashad		 Early morning flight to Mashad. Visit Imam Reza’s shrine. Visit the labyrinthine bazaar and its turquoise cutting workshops. Excursion to the town of Tous, once destroyed by the Mongols and home to the mausoleum of the famous and best loved poet Ferdowsi. On to the shrine of Khajeh-Rabii with its exceptional 17th century tile works.
Day 5
Mashad
Neishabur
Tehran		 Excursion to the ancient city of Neishabur, to visit the tomb of Omar Khayyam. Back to Mashad. Evening flight to Tehran.
Day 6
Tehran
Shiraz		 Morning flight to Shiraz. Visit Narenjestan Palace, Shah Cheraq (King of the Light) mosque and Eram Gardens. On to the tomb of the Persian mystic poet Hafez with its beautiful gardens and traditional tea house. Take tea and ice cream, accompanied by poetry recitals from Hafez’s works.
Day 7
Shiraz
Persepolis
Shiraz		 Excursion to Persepolis & Naghsh-e-Rostam, the tomb of the three powerful Achaemenian Kings carved into huge rocks overlooking one of the oldest Zoroastrian fire temples.
Day 8
Shiraz
Kerman		 All day drive to Kerman via Sarvestan, through vast fig, almond and Pistachio plantations. On route and in the correct season, stop to visit the Qashqaii tents.
Day 9
Kerman
Mahan		 Visit Mahan’s beautiful Bagh-e-Shahzdeh (garden of the prince), the Ganj-Ali Khan bath and the Bazaar in  Kerman.
Day 10
Kerman
Yazd		 Morning drive to Yazd, an ancient city with unique desert architecture and wind towers. In the evening a visit to Ateshkadeh (House of Eternal Fire). Although the temple is modern (built in the 1940s), the sacred fire has been burning since 470 AD.
Day 11
Yazd
Isfahan		 Morning visit to the Towers of Silence, the Zoroastrian burial grounds nearby, and Jame’h Mosque. Drive on to Isfahan, via Naii’n with a chance to visit a private home where weaving of Persian carpets are in progress.
Day 12
Isfahan		 Tour of Isfahan’s magnificent buildings: some of the greatest examples of Islamic architecture including the Royal (Imam) square, the Shah & Seikh Lotfolah mosques, Ali-Qapu Palace. After dinner, evening tour of Isfahan including Si-o-Se & Khaju bridges and then a visit to a Zoorkhaneh (House of Strength) to watch this traditional Iranian sport : a combination of physical and spiritual aerobics, with participants chanting to the powerful drums of their master.
Day 13
Isfahan		 Visit Chehel Sotun (Forty Columns) and Hasht Behesht (Eighth Heaven) palaces. On to Jolfa, Armenian quarters south west of the city, to see Vank Cathedral. Visit the Shaking Minarets, and the 4500-year-old Zoroastrian fire temple on top of a nearby mountain, providing a fabulous panoramic view of Isfahan.
Day 14
Isfahan
Tehran		 Free time to shop or explore the city. Evening flight to Tehran. Finish the evening with a traditional Persian dinner.
Day 15
Tehran
London		 Depart from Tehran to London early morning.

TOUR DATES:

There are no set dates for this tour, which we can arrange on a tailor made basis to suit your individual requirements.

Cost indications for a tailor-made trip based on 2, 4, 6  or 8 persons 

15 day tour price  per person, based on:

  • 2  persons   £4900
  • 4 persons    £3600
  • 6 persons    £3100
  • 8 persons    £2800
  • Single room supplement £650
  • Visa stamp fees for UK passports £170

The cost of the tour includes:

  • Obtaining tourist visa permit (excluding visa stamp fees)
  • All airport/hotel/airport transfers
  • English speaking national guide throughout the trip and all  his expenses
  • Driver with air conditioned private vehicle  throughout the trip
  • 14 nights’ accommodation in best available (three/four/five star) hotels in twin bedded standard rooms with private facilities including breakfast
  • Sightseeing visits & all entrance fees as per the itinerary
  • Local taxes

The cost excludes:

  • International flights to Iran
  • Internal flights
  • Meals other than breakfast
  • All personal extras such as laundry, tips and porterage
  • All optional excursions, tours and visits
  • Travel insurance

Cost Indication on British  Airways for return Economy flight £650 per person including airport taxes.

Questions? Please use our contact form:

Contact form

Book Now