Destination: Iran

Iran’s time zone, is UTC + 3.5 hours. Iran has a single time zone. Daylight Savings start on the fourth Wednesday of March and ends on the fourth Friday in September.

If you’re on an Odyssey tour, we take care of tipping. So when you’re with the group you don’t need to give it a second thought. However, in your free time, or if travelling independently, it’s essential that you make sure you tip an appropriate amount for services. There is no general rule for tipping in Morocco, so to some extent, it is discretionary. While tips are not usually expected in Iran, many of the locals are on very low wages, so your generosity can go a long way. It’s especially appreciated if you tip porters, drivers, and cleaning staff. Practice generosity, but at the same time, play it by ear. Iranian people are proud, and some may prefer not to accept a tip. In such cases, defer to their wishes and express your gratitude in another way.

Yes, a visa is required for most nationalities visiting Iran. Australians and New Zealand passport holders may also apply for a visa on arrival. More information and assistance with the process is provided once you book your tour.

Internet access is available, and most hotels and many cafes will be able to offer it.

However, as you move away from the major metros, access maybe limited.

Common sense should be applied when posting material on the internet or viewing material via the web.

Check with your cell phone provider to see whether you’re able to make calls and use data while in Iran. Many providers will allow you to pay a daily fee that allows you to make calls and check the internet while only being charged your regular rates. However, be certain to inform your provider that you’re heading overseas, because just like a bank they can turn off your service as a result of unusual activity. The mobile network in Iran is improving. You can buy a SIM card in Iran too.

Odyssey Traveller specialises in crafting unforgettable experiences for senior and mature-aged travellers interested in learning as a couple or solo traveller. Providing adventure and educational programs to escorted small group tours since 1983.

This small group tour program includes the great cities of Iran, historic sites, mosques, gardens, bazaars and teahouses for couples and solo travellers.

Discover Iran’s splendid ancient and modern mosques, minarets, mausoleums, and markets

2.Fall in love with Esfahan, home to Naqsh-e Jahan Square, surrounded by covered bazaars and home to the architectural jewels of the Safavid Empire

3.Visit Yazd, an historic Silk Road oasis town, home to the oldest Zoroastrian fire temple and the haunting Towers of Silence

4.Be inspired by Shiraz, known as the city of poets, literature, wine, and flowers, visiting two famous Persian Gardens, the Bagh-e Eram and the Narenjestan-e Ghavam

Unlike its neighbours to the west and northwest, Iran had not adopted Christianity and it was the explosive spread of Islam and its ready adoption, without the Arabic language or customs, which helped unite the culture and greatly enrich Persian heritage.

Odyssey offers easy, convenient, and relaxed escorted small group tours across Iran and beyond in the Middle East. We explore Iran’s natural beauty, its ancient and Imperial heritage, its World Heritage Sites, and world-famous cities, all with some truly spectacular scenery along the way. This and more are all waiting to be explored on one of Odyssey’s small group tours of Iran, designed for the senior traveller, and led by experienced, and enthusiastic likeminded people.

Discover the fascinating history and culture this country has to offer on our Iran small group tour for seniors. This escorted educational tour is perfect for mature and senior travellers with an active mind, seeking to learn about one of the world’s oldest civilisations, a fascinating country with many an ancient city to explore as you learn about central Iran. We regard this as one of the best travel tours in Iran for the senior traveller.

Travel on escorted Iran tour with us on a seventeen-day trip. Odyssey’s Iran tour is a tour package that introduces the traveller to a guided tour of Iranian culture, focusing on the west of Iran, taking in ten key destinations and must see places . This Iran small group tour for seniors introduces several key UNESCO World heritage site of ancient Persia to the traveller with a knowledgeable tour guide available at each location for Odyssey’s Travellers to gain an appreciation of the history of Iran and Iranian culture.

Iran is located in southwestern Asia or the middle east, once home to one of the world’s oldest civilisations. Iran in ancient Persia was the centre of a great empire for many centuries. At its height, Ancient Persia’s imperial territory stretched from the modern-day Balkan Peninsula in Europe, to the Indus River Valley in northwest India, and south to Egypt .

A country with a dramatic and colourful centuries-old history is bound to have incredible places to visit, ranging from the beautiful landscapes of the desert to Persian architecture of merit . Iran is definitely no exception. Odyssey’s Iran tour package has been refined over a number of years to provide the traveller with an insightful itinerary for an Iran tour. Odyssey offers multiple Iran tours each year for senior traveller interested in a small group Iran tour.

Odyssey specialises in educational small group tours, for seniors, typically groups between 6 to 12 people, and no more than 16 travellers. Odyssey has been offering this style of adventure and educational programs, since 1983.

We offer a wide range of educational, cultural and heritage journeys that expand horizons and broaden the mind. Our tours are designed for active, inquisitive travellers in a small group environment.

Islamic dress codes (modest clothing and head covering for women) are strictly enforced on Iranian citizens, but rules are not as tight for foreigners, who are given some degree of flexibility. However, it is still advisable to observe and respect local customs.

For women, this means wearing a head covering (usually a scarf) and wearing clothes that cover your arms and legs in public places. Tops should extend to cover your behind, especially if wearing tight jeans. Wearing outerwear such as a manteau (a long coat or coat dress, usually made of cotton) is a good option.

For men, there are less restrictions, but shorts and sleeveless shirts should still be avoided.

Important shrines may require women to wear a chador, which is available on-site and can be borrowed. A chador is a large piece of cloth that leaves only the face visible.

You will need a tourist if you are planning to visit Iran. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Bangladesh, Jordan, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan need to get a consular visa before they travel to Iran. If you’re from one of these countries, you need to get an authorization number before applying for the visa. People from other countries have to apply online first via Iran’s e-visa portal. Visas on arrival are only available at airports. A visa on arrival is valid for 30 days.

If there is proof of entry to Israel in your passport, you cannot travel to Iran.

UK, US, and Canadian citizens cannot travel to Iran without a guide.

Before you can apply for an Iran visa, you must have a sponsor in Iran who can issue a Letter of Invitation. Once you receive the Letter of Invitation, you can submit it along with the required documents at an Embassy or Consulate of Iran in your country.

If you are travelling for tourism purposes, you have to contact a travel agent in Iran or a friend or relative who will host you. If you are travelling for business, then the company you are visiting can issue your invitation letter.

The travel agency, host, or company in Iran will submit an application with the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). If the application is successful, they will send you a visa code, which you have to take to the Iran Embassy/Consulate along with all the other required documents.

See more information here: https://evisa.mfa.ir/en/

Iran offers seasonal extremes; spring (March-May) and autumn (Sep-Oct) offer the best conditions for travellers– you’ll dodge searing heat and bitter winter cold (with snow-blocked mountain roads).

You should plan to spend around $46 per day on your vacation in Iran, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

When you travel in a group tour, you have the chance to meet various people and experience visiting a new country with new people. You can share your impression with others and even make new friends. So, travelling in groups is a very good way of experiencing the unknown world.

Travelling in Iran small group tours can also increase your willingness to visit the country and experience the image you have had in your mind about the country. It is true that for some solo travellers it gives a better feeling of safety to travel in group tours.

Visit Odyssey’s culture and history tour to Iran, with departures in April and October.

Odyssey is based in Sydney, Australia, however, we have many travellers from USA, Canada, UK and Europe who travel with us every year.

We specialise in educational small group tours for seniors, typically groups sizes are between 6 to 12 people, and no more than 16 travellers. Odyssey has been offering this style of adventure and educational programs to since 1983. We offer a wide range of fully escorted, cultural and heritage journeys that expand horizons and broaden the mind. Our tours are designed for active, inquisitive travellers in a small group environment.

Odyssey includes many meals as part of our itineraries.

Breakfast at the hotel is usually included as well as a welcome and farewell dinners.

We believe sharing a meal with your fellow travellers is a great way to end the day and talk about your experiences, so we have a few dinners included along the way too.

In more remote destinations, most meals are catered for.

In major cities Odyssey stays in centrally located 3–4-star hotels, with easy access to public transport. In smaller towns or rural areas, we usually stay in family-run hotels or guesthouses. On our long-stay tours, during which you spend the length of the tour in a single location, we use serviced apartments where available.