Iran Cycling Adventure: From the Mountains to the Deserts

The Iran Cycling Tour offers an adventurous and immersive way to explore the country’s diverse landscapes, from its mountainous terrain to its desert expanses.

Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights

Tour Type: Adventure / Cycling Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Tehran

• Arrival: Arrive in Tehran, Iran’s bustling capital. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

• Evening Activity: Enjoy a light evening ride around Tehran, exploring landmarks like Milad Tower and Valiasr Street, and enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

• Overnight: Stay in a hotel in Tehran.

Day 2: Tehran to Alborz Mountains (Cycling Distance: 50 km)

• Cycling Route: Begin the journey with a ride from Tehran towards the Alborz Mountains, heading north to Darband.

• Stop: Take a break in the scenic village of Darband, known for its beautiful mountain scenery and traditional Persian tea houses.

• Overnight: Stay in a cozy mountain lodge, enjoying the cool mountain air.

Day 3: Alborz Mountains to Karaj (Cycling Distance: 75 km)

• Cycling Route: Continue your ride south along the Alborz Mountain range towards Karaj, a scenic city surrounded by hills and lush nature.

• Stop: Explore the Karaj River and enjoy the natural beauty along the way.

• Overnight: Stay at a guesthouse or boutique hotel in Karaj.

Day 4: Karaj to Qazvin (Cycling Distance: 120 km)

• Cycling Route: Ride from Karaj to Qazvin, passing through fertile plains and the countryside.

• Stop: Take a break in Alamut Valley, home to the legendary Assassins' Castle.

• Overnight: Stay in a traditional house or hotel in Qazvin.

Day 5: Qazvin to Zanjan (Cycling Distance: 130 km)

• Cycling Route: Head from Qazvin to Zanjan, cycling through rural landscapes and vast plains. This is a peaceful, relatively flat part of the route, offering a calm ride.

• Stop: Visit the Soltaniyeh Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is the burial place of Ilkhanid Sultan Öljeitü.

• Overnight: Stay in a guesthouse in Zanjan.

Day 6: Zanjan to Kermanshah (Cycling Distance: 190 km)

• Cycling Route: Ride through the heart of Iran's western plains towards Kermanshah. This leg takes you through a more rugged, mountainous terrain.

• Stop: Visit the famous Bistoon Inscription and the Kermanshah Rock Reliefs, historical sites dating back to the Achaemenid period.

• Overnight: Stay in a local hotel in Kermanshah.

Day 7: Kermanshah to Hamadan (Cycling Distance: 150 km)

• Cycling Route: Continue the journey from Kermanshah to Hamadan, cycling through lush valleys and scenic hills. Hamadan is a city steeped in history.

• Stop: Explore Tomb of Esther and Mordecai (Jewish history) and the Alavian Dome.

• Overnight: Stay in Hamadan.

Day 8: Hamadan to Yazd (Cycling Distance: 250 km)

• Cycling Route: Cycle towards the vast Iranian Desert, heading towards Yazd. This is a long but rewarding stretch through desert landscapes.

• Stop: Take breaks in small desert villages and towns to get a sense of rural Iranian life.

• Overnight: Arrive in Yazd and stay in a traditional guesthouse or boutique hotel.

Day 9: Explore Yazd

• Cycling in the City: Spend the day exploring Yazd, a city that blends ancient Persian and Islamic architecture. Visit the Yazd Atash Behram, Zoroastrian Fire Temple, and Jameh Mosque.

• Leisure Time: Wander through Yazd’s labyrinthine alleys and visit the Wind Towers, a centuries-old cooling system.

• Overnight: Stay in Yazd.

Day 10: Departure from Yazd

• Morning: After breakfast, there will be free time for last-minute sightseeing or a short ride in the city.

• Transfer to Airport: Your tour ends with a transfer to Yazd International Airport for your departure flight.

Additional Information:

• Level of Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, with some hilly and mountainous terrain.

• Group Size: Small groups (5-12 people).

• Accommodation: A mix of traditional guesthouses, boutique hotels, and mountain lodges.

• Meals: Traditional Iranian meals, with options for vegetarians.

• Included in the Tour:

  • Local expert cycling guide

  • Bike rental and equipment

  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

  • Entrance fees to historical sites

  • Support vehicle for luggage

  • Airport transfers

This itinerary offers a deeper dive into both the natural landscapes and cultural heritage of Iran.