IRAN

Beyond the Headlines

From Iranian Kurdistan to Ancient Persepolis

A 12-day journey across one of the world's most fascinating and misunderstood countries.

· 25th April – 6th May 2027

· 12 days

· Istanbul to Iran to Istanbul

· Maximum 12 travellers

· £2,490 per person

APPLY TO JOIN

A different side of Iran

Iran is one of those countries you hear an enormous amount about, but very few people ever get to experience for themselves.

Over 12 days, we'll cross the country from the Kurdish west to the Caspian Sea, before travelling south through Tehran, Kashan and Isfahan to Shiraz and the ancient ruins of Persepolis.

Along the way, we'll experience very different sides of Iran — huge cities and quiet mountain roads, bazaars and palaces, Kurdish culture, the green Caspian coast and more than 2,500 years of Persian history.

But the reason we wanted to create this trip goes beyond the places we'll visit.

Having recently travelled through Iran ourselves, what stayed with us most was the people we met and the enormous contrast between the country we had heard so much about and the one we actually experienced.

This is our chance to share that Iran with you.

At a glance

  • 25th April – 6th May 2027

  • 12 days / 11 nights

  • From Istanbul to Istanbul:
    - We will meet in Istanbul airport before flying to Tehran IKA Airport together to start the journey
    - We will finish our Iranian journey in Shiraz
    - From Shiraz, we will say goodbye to Amin, and fly back to Istanbul together

  • Maximum 12 travellers

    ALL AGES & NATIONALITIES WELCOME

    Iran is currently open to everyone; including Americans, Brits and Canadians - Visa Support is provided

  • £2,490 per person

  • A selection of 4 & 5-star hotels

  • Matt & Julia + our local Iranian guide, Amin

THE ROUTE
Istanbul, Turkey → Tehran IKA Airport → Hamedan → Sanandaj → Zanjan → Caspian Sea → Tehran → Kashan → Isfahan → Shiraz → Istanbul, Turkey

Full Itinerary

  • Istanbul → Tehran → Hamedan

    Our journey begins in Istanbul, Turkey.

    We'll fly from Istanbul to Tehran, where we'll meet our Iranian guide at Imam Khomeini International Airport and begin the journey west.

    From Tehran, we'll travel to Hamedan — one of Iran's oldest continuously inhabited cities and the site of ancient Ecbatana.

    After checking into our hotel, we'll take the rest of the day at an easy pace and settle into Iran.

    Overnight: Hamedan · 4-star hotel

    Flight from Istanbul to Tehran is not included in the tour price.

  • Hamedan → Sanandaj

    Today we continue west towards Sanandaj, the cultural heart of Iranian Kurdistan.

    Kurdish culture gives this region a noticeably different identity from the Persian heartland we'll experience later in the journey.

    After arriving, we'll have time to settle in and experience the atmosphere of the city.

    Overnight: Sanandaj · 5-star hotel

  • Sanandaj → Zanjan

    We leave Sanandaj and travel east towards Zanjan, crossing the mountains and experiencing the unique countryside of western Iran along the way.

    After arriving in the city, the remainder of the day is ours to relax or explore at our own pace.

    Overnight: Zanjan · 4-star hotel

  • Zanjan → Bandar Anzali

    Today the landscape changes dramatically.

    We'll travel north from the mountains towards Bandar Anzali on the Caspian Sea, as the scenery becomes greener, wetter and increasingly unlike the Iran many people imagine.

    We'll spend the evening on the coast with time to explore or simply relax by the sea.

    Overnight: Bandar Anzali · 4-star hotel

  • Bandar Anzali → Tehran

    From the Caspian coast we turn south and make our way towards Tehran, travelling through the landscapes of northern Iran.

    After arriving in the capital and checking into our hotel, we'll have the remainder of the day to settle in before exploring the city properly tomorrow.

    Overnight: Tehran · 4-star hotel

  • Exploring Iran's capital

    A full day discovering the enormous, energetic Iranian capital.

    Our programme will adapt to current opening conditions, but may include places such as Tehran's Grand Bazaar, Tabiat Bridge and Darband — giving us a mixture of historic Tehran and life in the modern city.

    Overnight: Tehran · 4-star hotel

  • Tehran → Kashan → Isfahan

    We leave Tehran and head south, stopping in the historic oasis city of Kashan to visit the UNESCO-listed Fin Garden and beautiful Borujerdi House.

    Then it's onwards to Isfahan. After checking into the historic Abbasi Hotel, we'll head out to see the city's famous Si-o-se-pol and Khaju bridges in the evening.

    Overnight: Isfahan · Abbasi Hotel, 5-star

  • The heart of classical Persia

    A full day in one of Iran's most extraordinary cities.

    We'll explore UNESCO-listed Naqsh-e Jahan Square together with Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace and the traditional Qeysarieh Bazaar, before visiting Isfahan's Armenian Quarter and historic Vank Cathedral.

    Overnight: Isfahan · Abbasi Hotel, 5-star

  • Isfahan → Shiraz

    Today we'll travel south towards Shiraz, a city synonymous with Persian poetry, gardens and culture.

    After arriving and checking into our hotel, we'll have time to relax or head out and begin exploring the city at our own pace.

    Overnight: Shiraz · 5-star hotel

  • Shiraz → Persepolis → Shiraz

    Today we travel back more than 2,500 years.

    We'll visit Persepolis, ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire, and explore its monumental staircases, royal palaces, ancient reliefs and inscriptions — the surviving remains of one of the ancient world's great empires.

    Later, we'll return to Shiraz.

    Overnight: Shiraz · 5-star hotel

  • Our final full day

    We'll spend our final full day discovering Shiraz itself.

    Depending on opening conditions, our programme is expected to include the colourful Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Vakil Bazaar and Mosque and Eram Garden, with time to enjoy the city's more relaxed atmosphere before our journey comes to an end.

    Overnight: Shiraz · 5-star hotel

  • Shiraz → Istanbul

    After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to Iran.

    We'll make our way to Shiraz Airport for the flight back to Istanbul, bringing our 12-day journey across the country to an end.

    Our tour finishes on arrival in Istanbul.

    Flight from Shiraz to Istanbul is not included in the tour price.

Included

  • 11 nights in carefully selected 4 & 5-star hotels

  • Daily breakfast

  • Private transport throughout the journey

  • Professional English-speaking Iranian guide throughout

  • Matt & Julia travelling with the group

  • All entrance fees for included sights and activities

  • Iranian visa authorisation code, and support with the visa process

  • Airport pick up and drop off

  • Daily drinking water, tea or coffee

  • Pre-trip support and group chat before departure

  • WhatsApp group to meet us, the guide & your fellow travellers (created 60 days prior to the trip)

Not Included

  • Flight from Istanbul to Tehran (with Turkish Airlines) - See FAQ’s for more info

  • Flight from Shiraz to Istanbul (with Turkish Airlines) - See FAQ’s for more info

  • Flights or transport to/from Istanbul at the beginning and end of the tour

  • Iranian consular visa fee

  • Lunches and dinners unless specifically stated

  • Travel insurance

  • Tips and gratuities

  • Personal expenses

  • Early check-in / late check-out

  • Pre- or post-tour arrangements

PRICE

£2,490 per person
Based on two people sharing.

£350 single supplement
For travellers wanting their own room.

Maximum 12 travellers

YOUR HOSTS

Everyones favourite Iran Tour Guide
Amin (seen in both photos)

Matt and Julia
We will be on the entire trip, with one mission:

Making sure we all have the trip of a lifetime in Iran!

Frequently

Asked

Questions

  • The journey starts and finishes in Istanbul.

    On 25 April 2027, we’ll fly from Istanbul to Tehran, where we’ll meet our Iranian guide and begin the journey across Iran. On the final day, we’ll fly from Shiraz back to Istanbul.

    The Istanbul–Tehran and Shiraz–Istanbul flights are not included in the tour price. Once you sign up, we will provide the exact flight details so we all fly together.

  • No. The flights from Istanbul to Tehran on 25th April, and from Shiraz back to Istanbul at the end of the tour are not included in the £2,490 tour price.

    Once your place is confirmed, we'll provide the exact flights to book so that everyone can travel together.

  • The tour costs £2,490 per person, based on two people sharing a twin or double room.

    If you would prefer a private room, this is available for a £350 single supplement.

    WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CURRENCIES, INCLUDING USD, EUROS, AUD, CHF and more

  • We’re keeping this one deliberately small, with a maximum of 12 travellers.

    You’ll be travelling with us — Matt & Julia — throughout the journey, together with our professional English-speaking Iranian guide.

  • Absolutely.

    You don’t need to come with a partner or friend. Solo travellers are very welcome, and you can either share a room where appropriate or choose your own room for the £350 single supplement.

  • The tour includes 11 nights in comfortable 4 and 5-star hotels throughout Iran.

    This includes stays in Hamedan, Sanandaj, Zanjan, Bandar Anzali, Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz, including the historic 5-star Abbasi Hotel in Isfahan.

    What is included in the price?

    The tour includes:

    • 11 nights in 4 and 5-star hotels

    • Daily breakfast

    • Private ground transport throughout Iran

    • Professional English-speaking Iranian guide

    • Matt & Julia travelling with the group

    • Entrance fees for included sights and attractions

    • Iranian visa authorisation code

    • Daily drinking water, tea or coffee

    • Transfers within Iran as detailed in the itinerary

  • The following are not included:

    • Flight from Istanbul to Tehran

    • Flight from Shiraz to Istanbul

    • Travel to and from Istanbul

    • Iranian consular visa fee

    • Lunches and dinners unless specifically stated

    • Travel insurance

    • Tips and gratuities

    • Personal expenses

    • Any pre- or post-tour accommodation

  • Visa requirements depend on your nationality.

    The visa authorisation code is included in the tour price, and we’ll help guide you through the process before departure.

    Any visa or consular fee charged separately by the Iranian authorities is not included.

  • Yes.

    The flights from Istanbul to Tehran on 25 April and from Shiraz back to Istanbul on 6 May are not included in the £2,490 tour price.

    We’ll give booked travellers the relevant flight information so that everyone knows exactly what flight to book, and where & when the group is meeting.

  • We’ll travel by road throughout the journey, in our own comfortable vehicle, with a driver and our professional local guide, Amin.

    That means no trying to coordinate public transport between cities and no having to organise separate transfers yourselves.

  • Breakfast is included every day.

    Lunches and dinners are generally not included, giving us more flexibility to eat in different places along the route rather than being tied to hotel or fixed group meals.

    FYI, prices for food a VERY reasonable by western standards.

  • This journey is open to travellers of all ages.

    This isn’t a hiking or expedition-style tour, but will involve some walking.

    There will be plenty of walking while exploring cities, bazaars, historical sites and places such as Persepolis, as well as some longer driving days as we cross the country.

    A normal level of everyday mobility and fitness should be plenty for most travellers.

  • Once you apply, we’ll be in touch with the next steps, including payment details, and the practical information you’ll need before travelling.

    Closer to departure, we’ll also bring the group together on WhatsApp, and share the final travel, visa and arrival information.

HOW TO JOIN US

APPLY TO JOIN!

Want to join us on the trip of a lifetime?

Email us at mattandjulia@humankindexpeditions.com

& let us know a little bit about yourself & why you want to come with us!

Once we receive your email, we will reply to confirm a space is available, and let you know how you can pay your deposit to secure your spot :)

**ONLY 12 SPOTS AVAILABLE**

Extra Information

  • Cancellation Policy

    All cancellation notices must be received in writing and will become effective as of the date of receipt by us.

    Your deposit is non refundable.

    For the balance of your payment, we can provide you a refund (minus your deposit) up to 8 weeks before the trip begins should you have an emergency, an illness, or need to cancel.

    Anything closer than 8 weeks, unfortunately, we cannot refund you.

    We highly recommend you take out travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, therefore if something should occur like you get Covid, you will get a full payout from your insurance company.

    We can provide a tour cancellation confirmation letter so you are able to claim any losses with your travel insurance provider.

    Please don’t hesitate to email us, should you have any questions about payment methods, payments schedule etc.

    Please note:

    Customer is liable for any transaction charges associated with the refund process. In the event of us incurring non-refundable costs and expenses, including, but not limited to flight booking and hotel reservations this shall be deducted from any refund due to the customer.