Iran Tour for US Citizens
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Iran Tours for US Citizens | Travel to Iran from America

“We love Iran! Let’s Go Iran organized a fabulous private customized trip for us. I’ve traveled to 164 countries and Iran is on my Top 10 List.”

At the moment when American John Paul's wait for an Iranian visa ended, he did not fit into his skin. This 39-year-old traveler has traveled to 175 countries, but he does not like any country as much as Iran. Iran is his beloved country; Shiraz and Qorme Sabzai are the city and their favorite food in Iran.

John Paul Selva, known as "JP" for short, was born in Puerto Rico but lives in Orlando, Florida and is an American citizen. He says that he worked as a software engineer in America for 15 years, and after combining his income and savings, seven years ago he decided to travel around the world and see 195 countries.

In an interview with BBC, "JP" said that he had heard good things about this country from his friends who had gone to Iran, but what he saw and heard in the media were mostly negative descriptions about this country. For this reason, he wanted to see this country himself and know about it.

Before he traveled to Iran, he had traveled to more than a hundred other countries. After his trip to Iran, everything he had in mind about Iran changed completely.

He says about the first minutes of his arrival in Iran at Tehran airport: When I arrived at Tehran airport. I was very worried. I was standing in line to check my passport, but I told the people standing behind me to go ahead of me until I was the last one, and I said I have to go now, and I went and handed my passport to the airport immigration officer. He looked at me and said: You are American! I said, yes, I am American. He smiled and was very happy that I had come to Iran. I thought it would take hours, but he only asked a few questions and said in Farsi: "Welcome." From there, I thought that if the beginning of my trip was fun like this, the rest of it would be fun too.

 

The good treatment of the Iranian people towards him, especially considering that he is an American, has impressed this tourist. He says: When I saw that despite all the political tensions between the two countries, the people of Iran welcomed me like this and how much they liked my presence there, it made a big impression on me.

 

Another American tourist, who has traveled to 197 countries so far, said after his recent trip to Iran: Iran is "misperceived" more than any other country in the world. I highly recommend traveling to Iran.

According to ISNA, Drew Binsky, whose real name is "Drew Goldberg", was born in Dallas, Texas, USA, and is a well-known travel blogger. Videos of Binski's travels shared on social media since 2012 have received over five billion views. He recently traveled to the southern islands of Iran (Qeshm and Hormuz), the coastal strip of the Persian Gulf and the south of Sistan and Baluchistan province, and by sharing stories from Iran, he described his trip in short sentences as follows: "Iran more than any other A country is misunderstood in the world. You have to see with your own eyes to believe. I highly recommend adding Iran to your list of favorite countries. It doesn't get better from here."

Visa process for American Citizens:

American citizens or people who have citizenship of this country must obtain an Iranian visa before traveling to Iran. The conditions for obtaining an Iranian visa for American citizens are slightly different from those of other countries. The validity of Iran visa for American citizens is 3 months, with this visa, a person can stay in Iran for 30 days and if he wishes, he can extend the visa for another 30 days.

The visa process of your nationality, considering the needed documents is a little different.  People who are citizens of the United States cannot obtain a visa themselves but must ask a reputable travel company to do this for them. By entrusting the responsibility of obtaining Iranian visas to us, one of the main stages of your trip will be done with minimal worry and quickly.

Step 1: Receiving the documents from you

 
Step 2: Starting visa application

My colleagues in the visa department applied for your visa at the right time when your code gets ready, I will send it to you.

Step 3: Stamping your visa

When your visa code gets ready, the Agency sends it to you. After 3 days, you should call the Iranian embassy (Interest Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Washington DC Pakistani embassy) to make sure they receive your visa code too. When they confirm, you do not need to be present there, the only thing you need to do is to post your passport to stamp and they post it back to you.

Interest section of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Washington DC Pakistani embassy: http://daftar.org/Eng/default.asp?lang=eng

 

5 days itinerary for Americans:

Day 1: Tehran
Arrival in Tehran, transfer to hotel. Based on your arrival time city tour of Tehran to visit Golestan Palace and the Grand Bazaar of Tehran, and fly to Shiraz in the evening. Overnight Shiraz.

Day 2: Shiraz
Tour of Shiraz to visit Nasiralmolk mosque, Narenjestan Garden, Vakil complex: mosque, Bathhouse, citadel, Bazaar. In the afternoon visit Hafez and Saadi's tomb. Overnight Shiraz.

Optional
Sepidan (+1 day): Drive to Sepidan. Visit the various gardens. Also, you can see Nomadic life with their cattle, sheep, goat, etc. leaving for the surrounding springs and waterfall and enjoying a light trek through the mountain. An interesting part is that there are several villages in this green area, which will be passed during our adventure through this forest to become familiar with their local customs and traditions Eat lunch in rural houses. Overnight Sepidan.

Day 3 : Persepolis - Esfahan
In the morning drive to Isfahan. In route visit Persepolis, Necropolis. At night visit the Siosepol and Kahju bridges. Overnight Isfahan.

Optional
Abyaneh: It’s a historical village where women wear colorful and flourishing clothes with white scarves. The whole village looks red because of the soil’s color people use to construct their houses​

Day 4: Isfahan - Tehran
Half-day tour of Isfahan to visit Imam Square consists of Imam Mosque, Sheikhlotfollah mosque, A'liqapu palace, and Bazaar. In the afternoon around 3 pm, you will be driven to Tehran. Overnight Tehran.

Day 5: Tehran
Transfer to Tehran Intl. airport for your return flight.

8 days itinerary for Americans:

 

Day 1: Tehran

Arrival in Tehran, transfer to hotel, Half day city tour of Tehran to visit the Golestan Palace and the Grand Bazaar of Tehran, fly to Shiraz in the evening.

​​​

Day 2: Shiraz
Tour of Shiraz to visit Nasir- Molk Mosque, Vakil complex (Mosque, Bath, and Bazaar), in the afternoon, you will visit the tombs of poet Hafez and Saadi and Eram garden. Overnight in Shiraz.

​​​

Day 3: Shiraz-Persepolis-Yazd
Early in the Morning drive to Persepolis, and Pasargadae, then depart by surface to Yazd in the heart of Iran. On the way, we will have a short stop to visit the 4500 years old cypress tree. Stay overnight in Yazd.


Day 4: Yazd
Full-day city tour in Yazd. Visit the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence, and the Fire Temple, in the afternoon visit the Amirchakhmaq mosque, Bazaar, and Water museum. Overnight Yazd.

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Day 5: Yazd-Esfahan
Drive to Isfahan via Meybod and Naein villages. Visit pigeon tower, Narin castle then visit cotton waving workshop and Jame mosque in Naein. Overnight Isfahan

Day 6: Esfahan
Full day city tour of Isfahan to visit Imam square: Ali Qapu palace, Sheikh Lotfollah, and Imam Mosques, bazaar, in the evening visit Sio-se-Pol and Khajou bridges and Zoorkhaneh. Overnight Isfahan

​​

Day 7: Esfahan
Half-day tour of Isfahan to visit Vank cathedral, Jolfa area. Then visit Jame mosque. In the afternoon drive to Tehran. Overnight Tehran.

Day 8: Tehran
Transfer to Tehran Intl. airport for your return flight.

Get a quote and a custom plan

  • Iran is super safe and clean and also pretty cheap if you ask us ;)

  • Please be in touch with our super fast and professional team. we are really quick to answer.

  • We can tailor-make this itinerary for a deeper experience based on your preferences.

Style of accommodation
Gender (for single travelers)
Male
Female
Add engaging experiences with locals to your trip...
Yes, show me.
Pottery Workshop
Ghalamkari in Isfahan
Woodworking in Vakil Bazaar Shiraz
Cooking Beriooni and yogurt stew in Isfahan
Zoroastrian cooking experience in Yazd
Experience local life in Ardakan, Yazd
Experience local Qashqai life in Fars
Experience local life in Varzaneh desert
Walking experience in Derak
Experience of listening to Gilaki music in Gilan
Shopping in the market and cooking seafood in Gilan
Experience of picking and drying tea in North of Iran
Rice paddies and rice harvesting in North of Iran
Local life and coastal cooking experience In Qeshm
Overnight stay in Qeshm Geopark

14 days itinerary for Americans:

Tehran > Zanjan > Kandovan > Tabriz > Shiraz  > Sepidan > Abarkooh  > Yazd  > Esfahan > Kashan

14 Days


Day 1: Arrival-Tehran

When you arrive in Tehran, you will spend some hours exploring Tehran city such as the Tabiat Bridge, Milad towers then Transfer to the Hotel. Overnight Tehran.

​Day 2: Tehran

On the second day, you will have a full-day tour of Tehran to visit the National Museum, Jewelry Museum, Golestan place, and then you will spend some hours exploring the Grand Bazaar of Tehran. Overnight in Tehran. 

Day 3:  Tehran to Zanjan

Drive from Tehran to Qazvin. Tour of Qazvin to visit Chehelsotun palace, Jame mosque, Tomb of Hamdolah Mostofi. In the afternoon drive to Zanjan. City tour of Zanjan to visit Bazaar, Sultanieh. Overnight in Zanjan

​Day 4:  Zanjan to Kandovan

Drive from Zanjan to Kandovan. Visit this rocky village of Tabriz province. It is one of the 3 rocky villages in the world. Overnight stay in Lale Rocky hotel. Overnight in Kandovan.

Day 5:  Kandovan to Tabriz

Tour of Tabriz to visit Kabood or blue mosque, Tabriz Bazaar and Elgoli mansion and park, Mary church, and the lovely Bazaar of Tabriz. overnight Tabriz.

Day 6:  Tabriz to Shiraz

You will be driven to the airport around 10 am to fly to Shiraz at 12:10 in the morning. you will eat lunch in a beautiful traditional restaurant and after some hours of rest in your hotel, you will have a light city tour of Shiraz to visit Eram Garden, Hafez, and Saadi tomb. Overnight Shiraz

Day 7: Shiraz-Sepidan

You will go on to Sepidan. Today you can experience the North of Iran in the South of Iran with a green environment, the pleasant weather even in summer. Here you can get familiar with two different cultures at the same time, simple rural life next to Nomadic life, you see that these two tribes have remained for many years next to each other and some of them got married, so that’s why there are many things in common between them. Sepidan is surrounded by lots of apple, nut, apricot, and plum gardens that you can visit. Yellow, red, orange leaves of trees, the rustling of leaves in the breeze, the roaring river, and the other natural sounds inside of the gardens make you feel safe and free. Also, Sepidan with its villages has a high capability of professional eco-tours. You can walk through the jungles to see the springs, waterfalls, etc like Sheshpir Spring, Margon waterfall, go hiking, and climb the mountain through the Ronj Mountain. The local people are welcoming, and this is the time for you to communicate with them in their houses that are filled with the smell of traditional foods and bread. In the evening drive to Shiraz. Overnight in Shiraz.

Day 8: Shiraz

After breakfast, you will start a Full day tour of Shiraz to see: Nasiralmolk mosque, Narenjestan garden, then go to visit the Vakil complex consists of Vakil mosque, Vakil Bazaar, Vakil bathhouse, Karimkhan citadel. Overnight Shiraz.

Day 9: Persepolis-Abarkooh

Today you will be driven to Persepolis and will see this great world heritage. You will get familiar with ancient Iranian culture. After visiting Persepolis, you will go on to see Abarkouh, an old eye-catching city that holds the oldest Cyprus in the world. After a short time, walking in the old cities and watching the only 2-floor windward of the world, you will have a relaxing time in Sarve Kohan guest house to drink some tea and enjoy your time in a small lovely garden. Overnight in Abarkouh.

Day 10: Yazd

In the morning, you will be driven to Yazd, the central city of Zoroastrian and the 22nd city registered in the world heritage. you will see Fire Temple, and then in the basement, you can see Sardab or ice house. There you get familiar with how people kept water in past. After visiting the old neighbor of the city and visiting the shopping centers where you can find handicrafts while listening to the call of pray, you will visit the beautiful Jame Mosque. After lunch, you will see the Amirchakhmaq complex: Bazaar and Mosque. Near sunset, you will go on to see a nice desert camp where you can do: camel-riding, safari, motor riding, watching the sunset, climbing the sandhills, observing stars, taking some tea and dinner. Then you will be back at your hotel in Yazd.

Day 11: Yazd-Esfahan

Early in the morning drive to Isfahan. Tour of Isfahan to visit the capital of Iran during the Safavid dynasty. First, start visiting Naghsh-e Jahan square, which is the biggest square after Tiananmen Square in China. In Naghsh-e Jahan square there are lots of buildings, the private mosque of the royal court that is named Sheikh Lotfollah mosque. Across from this mosque is Ali Qapu palace with six floors. When you visit the sixth floor, Music Hall, you found deep circular niches in the walls, having not only aesthetic value but also acoustic. On the other floors, the Walls are painted with delicate miniatures that attract visitors. After that go to visit the public mosque, Shah Mosque during the Shah Abbas's era, King of the Safavid dynasty. Then visit Hasht Behesht Palace. In the evening, walk on the longest bridge, Si-O-Seh pol, and Khaju bridge with its brilliant tile-working on the Zayandeh River. Drink a cup of tea and enjoy watching the reflection of the sunset on the river. Overnight Isfahan.

Day 12: Esfahan

Full day tour of Isfahan to visit Vank Cathedral that Armenians call as Holy Savior Cathedral in Jolfa area (Armenian area), there are lots of cafés that you can try Armenian coffee, rest for some hours and then continue sightseeing. Visit the Grand Mosque of Isfahan, Jame mosque, and then Chehel Sotun place which was built for entertainment and receptions of other ambassadors and kings. At the end what a treat it would be if you visit the old Bazaar. It’s like walking back in time. Don't forget to buy Gaz and Iranian Candy in the bazaar. Overnight Isfahan.


Day 13: Esfahna-Abyane-Kashan

In the morning drive from Isfahan to Kashan. In Route visit Abyaneh. It’s a historic village where women wear colorful and flourish clothes with white scarves. The whole village looks red because of the soil’s color people use to construct their houses. Then visit Boroujerdi house and Fin Garden in Kashan. Overnight Kashan.

Day 14:  Kashan – Isfahan

In the morning you will visit Tabatabaee house and Kashan Bazaar, then Transfer to the international airport of Isfahan to depart Iran. 

Get a quote and a custom plan

  • Iran is super safe and clean and also pretty cheap if you ask us ;)

  • Please be in touch with our super fast and professional team. we are really quick to answer.

  • We can tailor-make this itinerary for a deeper experience based on your preferences.

Style of accommodation
Gender (for single travelers)
Male
Female
Add engaging experiences with locals to your trip...
Yes, show me.
Pottery Workshop
Ghalamkari in Isfahan
Woodworking in Vakil Bazaar Shiraz
Cooking Beriooni and yogurt stew in Isfahan
Zoroastrian cooking experience in Yazd
Experience local life in Ardakan, Yazd
Experience local Qashqai life in Fars
Experience local life in Varzaneh desert
Walking experience in Derak
Experience of listening to Gilaki music in Gilan
Shopping in the market and cooking seafood in Gilan
Experience of picking and drying tea in North of Iran
Rice paddies and rice harvesting in North of Iran
Local life and coastal cooking experience In Qeshm
Overnight stay in Qeshm Geopark

All the things that you as an American need for traveling to Iran 

 

Traveling to Iran may seem complicated and dangerous to Americans, but this view is not true. We are here to change such beliefs and answer the questions that are raised about our recent journey to Iran. 

 

Are Americans legally allowed to travel to Iran and visit this country?  

It is a common belief that the condition of traveling to Iran is the same as the condition of traveling to Cuba for Americans. It means that traveling to Iran without the special permission of US government is illegal for Americans. Although US government have imposed many sanctions against Iran,there are no restrictions for Americans to visit Iran. At present time about 1000-1500 Americans visit Iran every year. 

Photo 1. Adry is enjoying the pleasant peace of Nasir ol Molk mosque of Shiraz in Iran

 

Can Americans travel to Iran independently?  

Iran 's government have ordered that all American tourists should travel to Iran either with a personal guide or travel tours. Your Iranian guide should has special justification for guiding American tourists and know every rules of Iran's government. If you like to travel to Iran independently, you should not change your mind due to such rules. In Iran you can experience both group tours and personal guide. In both situations, you will have enough time to travel in a way that you would liked. You will walk in Iran's streets and Bazaars, communicate with Iranians and ate foods. We even invited by an Iranian couple to their house. 

 

How an American can get Iran's tourist visa?  

At whole the process of getting Iran's tourist visa has two steps:

1 Receiving travel authorization number from the ministry of foreign affairs 

2 The real tourist visa which is issued by the consulate of Iran

The paperwork of getting visa are done by the tourist company that you choose . You only need to fill a visa application form and deliver it to the consulate of Iran that you chose to get your visa and then wait until to be called by them. The difficult part of the process is getting an authorization number which takes 30 to 40 days for Americans. After getting the number, you can get your visa from the consulate of Iran within 2 or 3 days. 

We recommend you to take action for getting visa at the earliest opportunity in order to make sure that your visa will be ready until the day of your flight 

 

Iran has no embassy in the United States,so how Americans can receive their visas? 

Although Iran has no official embassy in Washington,D.C the interest section of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the United States is operating in embassy of Pakistan and you can deliver your visa application there. If you don't live in D.C district, you should post your passport, application form,passport's photo and pocket of return expenses through registered mails, DHL,Federal express and etc. If you want to travel to Iran like us, you can get your visa from Iran's consulate abroad. You only need to specify the place of consulate when you apply for visa. We recommend you this way of getting visa. It is better to leave for the specified place a few days earlier in order to make sure that you arrive there at the time of the issuance of your visa. A 20-day tourist visa of Iran costs 70€. 

 

How Iranian people treat you as Americans ? 

They will welcome you so so warmly. The way of their greeting, their smiles,presents,invitations to their houses  were very sincerely. You feel like a Rock star in Iran!

 

How about the process of migration and security of entry to and exit from Iran? 

Entry to Iran was not an unusual process. fingerprints were recorded at airport but cameras and other traveling equipment were not checked. Checking passport also had not an unusual process after leaving Iran for Turkey ( by train from Tabriz to Istanbul ). Iranian officials were normally good-natured and affable. They would be curious to know your opinions about the country and places that you visited. 

 

How about US sanctions? Can you buy any souvenirs from Iran? 

Any Americans can only bring up to 100 dollars of Iranian goods to the United States.  

Carpets of Iran are subject to US sanctions. So, if you interested in Iranian carpets,you should find the carpet shops that have agent's office or partners in Dubai or anywhere else in Middle East. In this way your carpet will be sent to you through the agent's office of Dubai.  

Can Americans use ATM and their credit cards in Iran? 

Iranian banks are also subject to international sanctions. Although Iran is full of banks and ATMs,foreigners cannot get money from them. So everything should be paid with cash there. Remember that you should always have enough cash with yourself and exchange in changer's shops of big cities. It should be mentioned that the exchange rate in the changer's shops is 20% upper than Iranian banks. 

Don't rely on your credit cards in Iran. You can only use your credit cards in some Iranian souvenir or carpet shops that have agent's office in Dubai or other Middle East countries. 

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