The travel world has been (quite rightly) alive with chatter about Iran over the last 12 months. With the reopenings of the Iranian Embassy in London and the British embassy in Tehran, and the Foreign Office no longer advising against travel, 2016 really is the year for visiting Iran and see the country before the larger tour groups start to arrive.

We’ve had some incredible feedback from the travellers we’ve helped to find and book an Iran adventure over the last year. A number of the Another World Adventures operators are planing trips for 2016 that are sure to sell out quickly.

Here are our top trips and tips for visiting Iran in 2016.

1. Get your architecture and culture fix visiting the holy city of Qom, the ancient treasures and monuments at Persepolis and Isfahan, the gardens of Kashan, the towering Arg-e Kham fortress in Shiraz, and the tiled Nasir al-Mulk mosque.
2. Get under the skin of the country on a 15 day Iran adventure that includes many of the cultural and historical big-hitters and the lesser-known sights but also offers the chance to really understand what its like to live in Iran today. Atmospheric homestays, meals at local restaurants, and walks across the beautiful Iranian countryside offer the chance to reimagine one of the world’s most misunderstood countries. Time limited? Then this 10 day adventure packs in many of the countries highlights.
3. See a cornucopia of geological phenomena and follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo with a trek across the Lut desert – the hottest place on earth. You’ll be travelling in the ‘cool’ season and can expect to see lunar landscapes, salt plains, meteorites and star dunes. Apply to join the expedition group to secure one of only 12 places.
4. Mix culture with active adventure on a walking trip in the Alborz Mountains. Based around the 1934 travelogue by the explorer Freya Stark, the trip showcases the greener quieter side of Iran. Visit rural villages and stay with Shahsevan nomadic tribe, explore Tabriz and its UNESCO World Heritage covered bazaar and discover the troglodyte village of Kandovan.
5. If you like your adventures BIG and want to explore the wider region then follow the routes of ancient traders and pilgrims on this journey around the Caspian Sea. Travel through Turkmenistan, Iran, and Azerbaijan on a Caspian Sea and Silk Road Adventure.
6. Remember independent travel by Brits, Americans and Canadians isn’t allowed in Iran. But you can book one of the fantastic small group trips highlighted above or tailor-make your own trip with a minimum of two people. The guide must accompany travel across country but you can roam freely in each location. Get in touch to learn more and let us help you find the perfect Iran trip.

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