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Let Iran and Turkey leave a lasting memory with a historic adventure
Let the historic wonder of Iran and Turkey capture your imagination on a 21-day small-group adventure. Culturally, historically and religiously, these two countries have so much to offer – from the merchant town of Kashan and the Zoroastrian heritage in Yazd to the continent-straddling city of Istanbul and the eerie and unusual landscapes in Cappadocia – your journey through these Middle Eastern neighbours will sure not disappoint. Combine this with time spent cruising the sparkling Aegean Sea, eating with local families in the Iranian countryside and making Turkish favourites like manti (traditional dumplings), and your glimpse into Iran and Turkey will illuminate a whole other world, full of architectural marvels, historical significance and charming hospitality.
- Code
- PGETC
- Physical rating
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 12
Why you'll love this trip
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Explore one of the greatest cities of antiquity: Persepolis. The relief carvings and towering columns will leave you in no doubt that this was once the centre of the known world.
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Once a major stop on the Silk Road, visit Yazd and discover the role religion plays in the city, from the impressive Jameh Mosque to the Zoroastrian towers and temples.
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Step back in time at Ephesus, where the Greco-Roman world still feels very much alive. This is one of the best-preserved classical cities in all of Europe and is yet to be completely excavated.
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Laze around on the Aegean Coast in Bodrum. Imagine bougainvillea, white-washed walls, boat cruises on a traditional gulet and fresh seafood – this is living.
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Be mesmerised by the lunar landscape of Cappadocia and explore an underground city, and discover why Istanbul is renowned as one of the most multicultural and engaging cities in the world.
Is this trip right for you?
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Iran and Turkey are both big countries and we cover a lot of ground in them, which means a few long travel days. All land travel is in private air-conditioned buses with regular stops along the way.
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Before travelling to Iran, we recommend that you refer to your governments travel advisory before booking any tours to Iran, as this may affect insurance policies.
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Part of travelling with Peregrine means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments. It is very important that you adhere to a strict dress code – particularly for women – in what may be quite warm weather. Upon arrival in Iran, all women must wear a headscarf and must also have their arms and legs covered. Men must also be conservatively dressed.
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Alcohol is strictly forbidden in Iran and severe penalties will be incurred by anyone attempting to bring it into the country. Drug laws are also extremely strict, and travellers face lengthy jail terms if caught. If found, pork, obscene material (even glossy magazines showing people in immodest poses), and controversial literature will all be confiscated by custom officials. Upon arrival, you as a foreigner will likely be whisked through customs but note that random bag checks do occur.
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In Iran it's becoming increasingly difficult to confirm our preferred hotels due to limited 4-star options. While we will always look to the next suitable alternative, in some cases these may not be centrally located. It's important to note that local star ratings are not necessarily equivalent to those you are familiar with. In some locations the 3-star hotels are of a better quality (and in a better location) than the 4-star ones.
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This trip involves a lot of walking, sometimes on rocky or slippery terrain. Please bring sturdy walking shoes. You also have the option to sit out many of the walks, if you don't feel up to them.
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Turkey can get hot in the summer months of July and August but this is normally a dry heat and is easier to cope with than humidity. Where possible, you'll be taken to sites in the early morning before it gets too hot. Turkey can also get quite cool, particularly night time temperatures in April and October. Not all hotels will have heating so make sure to bring a few warm items with you.
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In 2021, Ramadan will take place from 12 April to 11 May. Travelling during this holy month can be a rewarding cultural experience. However, some regular services may not be available during the daytime, such as restaurants or coffee bars, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider your travel arrangements carefully before booking travel for this period.
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Itinerary
Accommodation
- Tehran Grand Hotel II or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Special Information
An airport arrival transfer is included. This transfer is only valid if arriving on day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Peregrine. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel. Once you have provided your details a transfer representative will be booked to meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.Please note that we use a local supplier for your arrival airport transfer. As tourism is a developing industry in Iran, your driver may not speak English.
Accommodation
- Tehran Grand Hotel II or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Tehran - City Tour
- Tehran - National Museum of Iran
- Tehran - Golestan Palace
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that the Treasury of National Jewels is closed on Wednesday and Thursdays and is not included today. If you would like to visit this museum, it is open from Saturday to Tuesday, so we suggest allowing time either on Day 1 or at the end of your Iran adventure.Accommodation
- Morshedi House II or Morshedi House I or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Kashan -Tabatabaei Historical House
- Kashan - Bazaar
- Kashan - Fin Gardens (entrance fee and guide)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodation
- Dad Hotel (Feature Stay) or Laleh Traditional Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Yazd - Aqda Traditional House Lunch
- Yazd - Traditional sweet shop visit and tasting
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Special Information
It is sometimes difficult to confirm your Feature Stay in Yazd, and for this reason, we have selected an alternative unique accommodation experience in Yazd, which is the Laleh Hotel. If you would like to confirm in advance which hotel your tour will stay at, please check with a Peregrine booking agent 30 days prior to departure.Accommodation
- Dad Hotel (Feature Stay) or Laleh Traditional Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Yazd - Zoroastrian Fire Altar and Towers of Silence
- Yazd - Amir Chakhmaq Complex
- Yazd - City Tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodation
- Parsian Shiraz or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Abarkooh - Cypress of Abarkooh
- Abarkooh - Ice Houses
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Parsian Shiraz or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Shiraz - Saadi and Hafez Tombs
- Shiraz - Eram Garden
- Shiraz - City Tour
- Shiraz - Nasir al-Mulk Mosque
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Parsian Shiraz or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Persepolis - Entrance and guided tour
- Persepolis - Naqsh-e Rustam Necropolis
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Keryas Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Pasargad - Pasargadae (entrance fee and guide)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Keryas Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Esfahan - Qeysarie Bazaar
- Esfahan - Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
- Esfahan - Naqsh-e Jahan Square
- Esfahan - Ali Qapu Palace
- Esfahan - City Tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Keryas Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Esfahan - Vank Cathedral
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Tehran Grand Hotel II or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Qom - Orientation walk
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodation
- Legacy Ottoman Hotel (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
- Istanbul - Blue Mosque
- Istanbul - Grand Bazaar
Optional Activities
- Istanbul - Basilica Cistern - TRY30
- Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - TRY50
- Istanbul - Dolmabahce Palace (Excluding Harem) - TRY60
- Istanbul - Whirling Dervish show - TRY135
- Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - TRY100
- Istanbul - Chora Church - TRY65
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and meet your new fellow travellers.Accommodation
- Manastir Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Bodrum - Bodrum Castle
Optional Activities
- Bodrum- Daily Cooking Class & Market Visit - EUR85
- Bodrum - Mausoleum at Halicarnassus - TRY12
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Manastir Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Bodrum - Gulet/Boat Excursion
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodation
- Kalehan Hotel or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Selcuk - Basilica of St John - TRY25
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodation
- Konya Mavi Train (1 night)
Included Activities
- Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
- Overnight Train - Backgammon Lessons (Peregrine Moment)
Optional Activities
- Ephesus - Terrace Houses entry - TRY45
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
The overnight train journey on this trip between Selcuk and Cappadocia is first class. Cabins are twin-share, have individual climate control, a small refrigerator and a sink. Toilets are available at each end of the carriage. Bedding is supplied. There is a restaurant car available offering basic snacks. Single supplement is available for this leg of the journey, too.Accommodation
- Heybe Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Konya - Mevlana Museum
- Cappadocia - Valley walk
- Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
Optional Activities
- Goreme -Hamam Turkish Bath - EUR25
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
If you would like to organise a hot-air balloon flight for tomorrow morning you must speak to your leader at the welcome meeting on Day 1.Accommodation
- Heybe Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
- Goreme - Carpet Demonstration
- Cappadocia -Kaymakli Underground City
- Cappadocia - Goreme - Open Air Museum
Optional Activities
- Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Deluxe Flight - EUR250
- Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Regular Flight - EUR195
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
If you would like to organise a hot-air balloon flight for tomorrow morning you must speak to your leader at the welcome meeting on Day 1.Accommodation
- Legacy Ottoman Hotel (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Istanbul - Bosphorus Cruise (Full Day / Hotel Pick Up and Lunch on Board) Prices start from - TRY30
- Istanbul - Galata Tower - TRY35
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals
19 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinnersTransport
Private vehicle, Plane, Overnight trainAccommodation
Comfortable Standard Hotel (17 nights) Feature Stay Dad Hotel Yadz (2 nights) Feature Stay Legacy Ottoman Istanbul (2 nights) Overnight Train (1 night)Included Activities
- Tehran - City Tour
- Tehran - National Museum of Iran
- Tehran - Golestan Palace
- Kashan -Tabatabaei Historical House
- Kashan - Bazaar
- Kashan - Fin Gardens (entrance fee and guide)
- Yazd - Aqda Traditional House Lunch
- Yazd - Traditional sweet shop visit and tasting
- Yazd - Zoroastrian Fire Altar and Towers of Silence
- Yazd - Amir Chakhmaq Complex
- Yazd - City Tour
- Abarkooh - Cypress of Abarkooh
- Abarkooh - Ice Houses
- Shiraz - Saadi and Hafez Tombs
- Shiraz - Eram Garden
- Shiraz - City Tour
- Shiraz - Nasir al-Mulk Mosque
- Persepolis - Entrance and guided tour
- Persepolis - Naqsh-e Rustam Necropolis
- Pasargad - Pasargadae (entrance fee and guide)
- Esfahan - Qeysarie Bazaar
- Esfahan - Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
- Esfahan - Naqsh-e Jahan Square
- Esfahan - Ali Qapu Palace
- Esfahan - City Tour
- Esfahan - Vank Cathedral
- Qom - Orientation walk
- Istanbul - Blue Mosque
- Istanbul - Grand Bazaar
- Bodrum - Bodrum Castle
- Bodrum - Gulet/Boat Excursion
- Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
- Overnight Train - Backgammon Lessons (Peregrine Moment)
- Konya - Mevlana Museum
- Cappadocia - Valley walk
- Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
- Goreme - Carpet Demonstration
- Cappadocia -Kaymakli Underground City
- Cappadocia - Goreme - Open Air Museum
Important notes
1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. This trip includes domestic and international flights as indicated on the trip map. The luggage allowance for domestic flights is 15kg for check in luggage and 5kg for carry on. The international flight between Iran and Turkey has a luggage allowance of 20kg for check in luggage and 8kg for carry on. While in Turkey, you can store excess luggage at the Istanbul hotel.
4. US, British and Canadian passport holders will need to book this trip at least three months before departure as this is the length of time it takes to process a visa for these nationalities. There may also be further travel restrictions that apply to these nationalities including restrictions for when you can arrive and depart. Please see the ‘Passport and Visa’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details. Ensure you discuss options with a booking agent before confirming and booking any non-refundable airfares. We also encourage you to refer to our online visa application for more details. Simply select the relevant nationality in the drop-down menu to access detailed visa information at www.peregrineadventures.com/iran-authorisation-code-application
5. We recommend that before your departure you check your government's latest travel advice for information on travelling in Iran and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. We have links to prominent government travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting this trip on our ‘Travel Alerts’ page at www.peregrineadventures.com/travel-alerts
6. Travellers cannot use debit or credit cards while in Iran. You will need to bring all the money you will need for your entire trip with you. Please read through the ‘Money Matters’ section of the Essential Trip Information for further details.
7. Please note deposits on this trip are non-refundable and non-transferable as per our Terms and Conditions. You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit per person for your booking to be confirmed.

Essential trip information
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip Information