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Recent political turbulence may have burned Iran’s fragile reputation to the ground, but this country is slowly rising from the ashes to reveal its strength of spirit and unique historical and natural delights. Formerly known as Persia, Iran is littered with a diverse, eye-catching array of ancient temples and artworks, mosques, fortresses, and striking monuments, which each reflect an intriguing history just waiting to be unravelled. With a warm but not overbearing climate, you can bask in the sunshine and take in the multitude of different atmospheres this country has to offer.
History lovers can soak in the legends of ancient temples and imposing fortresses, dating from early civilisations such as the Safavids and the Sassasians. And art enthusiasts can admire the innovative mosque designs and ancient mountain relief paintings.

Authentic Iranian culture and tradition is kept alive in the many scenic local villages and the city bazaars. And hikers are spoilt for choice with Iran’s stunning mountain valleys and cliffs.

A warm welcome, historical secrets and an artistic paradise awaits you.


Walk The Valley of the Assassins

Trek the most breath-taking of Iran’s mountain valleys, and imagine its myths and legends. The Almut Valley shelters the 50 or so ruined castles of the Ismaelis, the medieval tribe known as the ‘Assassins’. The ‘Assassin’ nickname is thought to be derived from the Persian for hashish- the drug their enemies said the Ismaelis were slaves to to further their monstrous reputation. Nonetheless the valley holds true to the magical enigma of the Assassin tribe and their land of stolen castles. Stand in awe of the stunning Lambesar Castle on its dramatic cliff-perch, and see Almut Castle towering over the cherry village in the valley below. Walk through stunning forests past mountain lakes and stay in scenic local villages.

Western & Northern Iran

Western and Northern Iran boast ancient and medieval architecture galore, littered with churches, mosques, ancient temples and early Persian art. Discover the bygone temple relics at the Throne of Solomon and marvel at the mystical Sassassian rock relief carvings in Kemashah. See the mighty bas belief of Darius I at Bisotun, with its inscriptions in lost languages, and the Temple of Anahita, with its serene lake pool. Explore the crumbling city of Sultaneih, ‘The Land of the Sultans’ and its rich cultural heritage, and witness the lost civilisation of Hamadan. See the idyllic Armenian St Stephanos Church, the mountain-set Babak Castle and admire the Blue Mosque at Tabriz. By the coast, delight in scenery and culture of Ramsar and explore the serene mountain village of Masuleh with its authentic rust-red houses.

Classical Iran

Take a fascinating journey through Iran’s history and enigmatic architecture as you enter a world of dramatic fortresses, ornate palaces with stunning gardens, and archaeological and cultural gems. Travel the lost land of Ancient Persia and learn about the rich cultural history at the heart of modern Iran. Surrender to the chaotic energy of the Tehran Bazaar, and marvel at the circle-shaped fortress city of Firuz Abad. Discover the remains of the Zoroastrian community in Yazd, and witness the dramatic Towers of Silence and the eternal flame burning at the Fire Temple. Uncover legend at Persepolis, home of the Archaemenid Kings, and explore the stunning gardens at Kashan. Walk in the footsteps of Isfahan’s ancestors by crossing Shiraz’s spectacular river bridges, and enter a poetic maze of stunning palace gardens and boulevards. Uncover tradition in the 1000 year old mud-brick towns at Meybod and the Kharanagagh Village, and succumb to folktales at the cliff-town of Chak Chak. Admire architectural triumphs like the Islamic complex at the small town of Natanz and the mausoleum of Imam Khomeini in the traditional village of Niasar.

Mount Damavand

Climb to the peaks of the Middle East’s highest mountain with a beautiful trek through the Alborz mountain range. Gain fantastic views of the Caspian Sea and its ivory cliffs, as you get closer and closer towards the summit. Take in the thrills of an environment shrouded by myth and folklore, and stand on the mountain known as the symbol of resistance in Persian literature. Feel the mystique that surrounds the mountain legend as you relax in its thermal springs.


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Next 5 departures

Tour

Country

Departure date

Duration

Price

Glories of Persia

Iran

15 September 2013

15 days

£2,495

Troglodytes & Assassins

Iran

04 October 2013

15 days

£2,295

Classical Iran

Iran

20 October 2013

14 days

£2,295

Classical Iran

Iran

04 April 2014

14 days

£2,295

Troglodytes & Assassins

Iran

19 April 2014

15 days

£2,295

Tour Ascending order Country Ascending order Departure date Duration Ascending order Price Ascending order  
Click for Classical Iran tour details

Classical Iran »
Witness the glories of Persian history & culture

Off the beaten track rating

Activity rating
3


Iran

  • 20 Oct 2013
  • 4 Apr 2014
  • 19 Oct 2014

14 days

£2,295
More info
Click for Glories of Persia tour details

Glories of Persia »
Unlock the secrets of Persia

Off the beaten track rating

Activity rating
4


Iran

  • 15 Sep 2013

15 days

£2,495
More info
Click for Troglodytes & Assassins tour details

Troglodytes & Assassins »
Discover little seen Northwest Iran

Off the beaten track rating

Activity rating
3


Iran

  • 4 Oct 2013
  • 19 Apr 2014
  • 3 Oct 2014

15 days

£2,295
More info



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Travel The Unknown is a UK based tour operator specialising in off the beaten track travel in some of the least explored places on Earth.

We are currently offering tours to North East India: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya; Serbia, Syria and Colombia. Our off the beaten track tours are diverse and include tribal tours, cultural tours, Kaziranga safari trips, mountain trekking expeditions, village tours, Buddhist temple tours and camping in stunning remote places. We also offer festival tours including the Ras Festival in Majuli and many festivals in Arunachal Pradesh including Nyochum, Si-Doni, Losar, Tawang Torgya, and many more. In Colombia the Barranquilla festival is available.

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