We are honored to have been a pioneer in operating cultural tours in Iran. Our exclusive tour itineraries and experienced team have provided memorable experiences for many travelers so far. However, just like many other businesses, we expanded our services to cover more diverse Iran travel packages later. Today, the IDT team is providing a diversity of Iran travel packages and there are also tailor-made tours available, in case our clients’ requests, which could be discussed according to their preferences. The most prominent types of tours we are offering right now include:

Cultural tours
Iran is the land of ancient culture and tradition, so the first thing the word Iran tour would bring to your mind is cultural tours. Cultural tours to Iran offer its own diversity. Some types of tours we are now providing include Persian silk road tour, Iran west to north tour, crossing Iran through Turkmenistan, Authentic Persian civilization, tours to Iran World heritage sites, Iran culinary tour, and Iran astronomy and stargazing tour.

Adventure tours
Believe it or not, Iran is a land of adventures! There are plenty of pristine landscapes and pure-adrenaline activities calling you here. ID adventure tours include Damavand ski tours, Dizin ski tours in Iran, mountain biking in Iran, Birdwatching in 10 days, trekking in Alborz and Zagros, and also caving tours in Iran.

Safari tours
You would have the opportunity of exploring a desert in which people historically believed that it could not be crossed when traveling to Iran. Although we have exact plans to deal with all difficulties, the nature of these trips is to expect the unexpected. Special dune riding techniques with optional activities like sandboarding and skiing on dunes will pump adrenaline into your veins. Campsites with panoramic views of sunrises and sunsets over spectacular oceans of dunes will make an unforgettable memory of a special expedition in one of the most pristine deserts in the world.

MICE tours
MICE Department at Iran Doostan is specialized in planning and organizing MICE events as well as arranging for post-meeting tours. Our team of qualified MICE staff members is dynamic, well-experienced, highly devoted, and cooperative who have held many events successfully so far. They are equipped with up-to-date know-how MICE expertise who are capable of coping with emergencies.

Medical tours
Iran is considered one of the main hubs of medical tourism in the Middle East. World-class medical services by professional surgeons and also the low costs of such reliable medical services have made this country a popular medical destination in the Middle East and around the world. The most common cosmetic surgery in Iran is rhinoplasty.
As an experienced travel agency, Iran Doostan Tours Co. is ready to connect you to the best medical centers with high-quality services in Iran.

Religious tours
Persia once was a land with great unity over the world’s most multi‐national, multi‐lingual, multi‐cultural, multi‐religious, and multi‐ethnic region. Iran is the pilgrimage destination for those who practice Islam, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, and Judaism.
Religious tours to Iran include the pilgrimage to the holiest shite shrines, visiting ancient mosques, and other holy sites such as important churches, fire temples, and Towers.

If you already have a call for sending package tours to Iran or book Iran travel packages, do not hesitate to get in touch right now via info@idt.ir.

Posts

Xavi in Iran

Iran Passport Stamp, the Reason for Xavi’s Absence in Barcelona’s America Tour

Xavi cannot accompany his team on the trip to Miami due to his passport problem, the Iran passport stamp. His club has informed Xavi that America did not give him a visa due to his numerous trips to Iran. As a player or a coach, Xavi traveled to Iran many times in the past years. He was last in Iran on May 19, 2019. According to the laws of the United States, those who have entered Iran need a special permit to enter the United States.

 

In order to avoid such inconvenience when traveling to the United States, you have two options. Firstly, you can simply ask for your Iran visa to be issued on paper. Secondly, you can skip your Iran passport stamp. Foreigners’ passports will not be stamped in Iran to ease entry rules and to counter the United States’ bilateral sanctions against Iran. The resumption of sanctions against Iran began in May when the US withdrew from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action known as the Iran nuclear agreement. One of the consequences of Trump’s sanctions against Iran is that those who travel to Iran might face some difficulties afterward. To reduce tourists’ concerns about US sanctions, the Iranian vice president announced that foreigners’ passports would not be stamped in Iran.

Therefore, foreign tourists will have the opportunity to travel to Iran, enjoy the company of its hospitable people, visit its ancient cultural attractions, and have no problem traveling to the United States. As an Iranian tour operator with 30 years of experience operating incoming tours to Iran, we have been honored to welcome many tourists to Iran in the past years. We like to shed light on the issue in this article so that you can make your call to travel to Iran and other countries unafraid.

FITUUR 2022

Iran Doostan Tours Co. will exhibit at FITUR 2022

Having passed two difficult years for the tourism industry due to the pandemic, we are pleased to announce that Iran Doostan Tours Co. will exhibit at FITUR 2022 at the IRAN booth.
IDT will focus on Iran tourism services and Iran tour packages for various travel markets including Iran cultural tour, Iran adventure tours, and Iran medical tours in FITUR 2022. We all hope for the flourishing of tourism around the world in the post-pandemic era.

You are warmly welcomed at hall 04, stand 4E18.

To schedule a meeting, please contact us at info@idt.ir.

 

Date: 19-23 January

Hall: 04

Stand: 4E18

Travel to Iran in 2021 and 2022?

Travel to Iran in 2021 and 2022?

By the end of May 2021, about 2 billion people have been vaccinated, it is the best time to start planning your trips for fall 2021 or later in 2022. International traveling may be riskier than domestic traveling. If you are fully vaccinated then it would be the best time to travel internationally taking travel advice during COVID-19 into consideration. Some tourists are contacting to book travel to Iran in 2021 and 2022 while many others prefer overland tours. In either case, you may be looking for some information, you can get right here on this page.

Travel to Iran in 2021 and 2022

Iran has started vaccination since a few months ago, about 116 million doze of vaccination has been given so far and 61% of the population have been fully vaccinated while it is progressing every day. If you have been fully vaccinated, then there seem to be no concerns to plan your trip to Iran. As the situation seems to get improved, we have received a large number of requests for traveling to Iran in 2021 and 2022 Over the last few weeks.

In September 2021, National Headquarters for Covid-19 pandemic approved that group tours and independent travelers may now enter and exit the country provided that they have a vaccine card, a negative PCR test and following the protocols and instructions imposed by the Ministry of Health in Iran. President Raeisi gave a speech on the occasion of World Tourism Day highlighting the importance of supporting the tourism industry and he emphasized on to the resumption of visas.

Iran Doostan Tours has developed safety protocols to ensure that travelers are safe regarding using masks, alcohol-based stuff, and keeping social distances. Iran Doostan operates tours to Iran in smaller groups to make sure that tourists will have a safe journey to Iran in 2021 and 2022.

Tips for canceling and rescheduling

Hotels in Iran have been quite flexible regarding cancellation and rescheduling due to the COVID pandemic situation. The cancellation regulation is largely dependent on the number of tours (group or individual), but they are all included in recent regulations.
As a tour operator or individual looking for planning a tour to Iran in 2021 or 2022, you are recommended to contact us via info@idt.ir . Our professional staff would be more than happy to provide you with detailed information and help you plan your trip to Iran.

Overland Traveling

Overlanding, or traveling by road has become a trend since it is quite safe. Travelers prefer to be as self-sufficient as possible. Overland trips provide a great opportunity to enjoy outdoor scenery and adventure. If you are targeting Iran as a destination with amazing natural attractions, Overlanding would completely satisfy your taste!

we would welcome any inquiry you may have about traveling to Iran, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@idt.ir. We will come back to you soon. Iran Doosan tour offers experienced tour guides and provides travelers with accommodation to enjoy a memorable overland trip to Iran. We have been planning and operating this type of tour for many years, watch this video of the Overlanding tour to Iran by Iran Doosan.

solo female travel-Iran

Solo female travel in Iran: Tips & Guides

Solo female travel in Iran is a great experience, but it requires some preparation before it starts. Getting familiar with other women’s lifestyles, cultures, and beliefs is such an exciting experience. In Iran, you get to know more about Iranian women and the way they live their lives. Either way, life in the city or a little village surrounded by herds and flocks. You can be sure that you will be safe during your trip through Iran. As a woman, you have the right to travel on your own and have the most fun out of it. So if you’re deciding to travel to Iran, here is some information prepared for you to keep in mind before your journey begins. If you have more questions or inquiries, please do not hesitate to send an email to info@idt.ir. We will come back to you soon.

Female dress code in Iran

One of the most important things to be aware of as a woman who wants to travel alone to Iran is the Iran dress code. Wearing a hijab or headscarf is necessary whenever you’re in public, but there is nothing for you to worry about too much. You can wear the shawl loosely without taking them off completely. You can wear colorful dresses as well it doesn’t have to be only black or dark colors! Wearing colorful costumes also brings your photos to life. For your outfit, it’s better to choose loose clothing that covers your backside and hides all your curves. Keep in mind that your sleeves must reach past your elbows. Skinny jeans or tight leggings are allowed, as long as you wear something over them that covers your body to your mid-thighs. Pay attention to the climate whenever you are traveling in Iran. If you’re visiting during the hot summer, choose airy fabrics like linen and cotton, preferably with bright colors, and during cold and breezy seasons, wear your warm clothes. You can also wear as much makeup as you want. Also, there is no need for you to wear a chador, which is a full-body length black fabric tossed over the women’s head that only leaves the face open. You will only be required to wear a chador while visiting some mosques and shrines in Iran (of any color you wish!).

dress codes in Iran

You can wear colorful dresses as well it doesn’t have to be only black or dark colors!

Transportation

It is recommended to travel around Iran by bus. They are comfortable and decent. You can bring snacks with yourself but, some snacks are served to you on the bus, and other passengers might offer you their snacks too so, you most likely wouldn’t get hungry. If you are more into luxurious transportation, try the VIPs buses instead of the standard ones. Taking the bus in Iran is a fun experience and a great way to socialize with locals and make new friends! In big cities like the capital, Tehran, you can use the metro or the BRT systems to reach your destination. Just keep in mind that in city buses, the back wagon is for women, and in long-distance buses, men and women that are unrelated to each other cannot sit next to each other. Another way for your transportation is to drive on your own. If you have an international driving license, you can rent a car for yourself and drive almost everywhere you desire. Cabs are another option for your transportation as well; make sure you take the official cabs and not the random private cabs on the street just for your own safety. You may also want to try Snap or Tap30, a kind of Iranian Uber, for a very fair price. For more information, read Iran transport post.

Relationships & hanging out with people

You might have already heard about Iranians’ hospitality. They are probably the friendliest hosts that you ever meet during all your trips. Everywhere you go, you will be welcomed by Iranians. This kindness is something you might have never experienced ever before. The Iranian people like the fact that a foreign tourist lady is traveling through their country. They want you to enjoy your trip and fill you with joy at every opportunity. Unknown people will start talking to you and welcome you to their country. More interesting facts, you might get invited to their home for dinner or lunch and, sometimes even they let you stay over their house for the night. They do all of these favors without wanting to receive anything back in return, like money or buying stuff. The list of humanity and friendliness here is endless and sure will leave you a beautiful memory of Iran.

Unexpected Situations

Inevitably, there will be places that will make us feel uncomfortable. It happens not only in Iran, even in Europe and all over the world. Unfortunately, solo female travel may accompany confronting creepy men, something that happens regardless of where you are traveling. It is advised to try not to be alone during your trip. Group up with other travelers you meet in your hotel, or even better, find a local friend that you can trust. You can easily make a lot of friends in Iran. In addition, to prevent any troubles, try not to walk alone at night. Don’t accept invitations of single men or do not go with a man alone to isolated areas. Only stay friends with them and keep a distance in your interaction with men. If you need help with something, preferably ask from other women. They won’t let you down with their kindness.

Traveling independently is a wonderful phenomenon that has empowered many modern women around the world. We truly appreciate these powerful ladies and congratulate them on their amazing experiences. Enjoy watching this video of female tourists in Iran.

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours.

Tehran - Golestan Palace

Tehran attractions infographic (district 12)

You don’t have enough time to visit the whole big city of Tehran? Then replacing that with visiting the Golden District would be a clever idea. District 12 is the main and historical core of the city, where the Treasury of National Jewels _in which is kept the Naderi golden throne and the most valuable crowns remained from Qajar and Pahlavi kings_ and Golestan palace is located, the Grand Bazar of Tehran and many other museums exist. To be clear, you can walk through the history, from thousands of years ago in Iran national museum, cross the Qajar wealth, and drink your evening modern Coffee in Masoudieh garden.

Tehran district 12

To see and download the high-quality infographic, click here: Tehran attractions district 12.  We would welcome any inquiry you may have about traveling to Iran, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@idt.ir.

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours.

Susa attractions

Susa attractions infographic

Located in the south-west of Iran, on the foothill of Zagros Mountain, 7000 years old Susa is still shining as one of the first places of ancient civilizations in the world. Urbanizations and also the development of early state took place here for the first time in the world’s history.

Having been the capital of Iran during Elamite, Susa embraces several architectural masterpieces which are quite eye-catching to every visitor. And the interesting point is that history has been documented in this city and they were the very first people who invented script, and more surprisingly, this was not their only amazing invention. Elamites earned many achievements in writing, architecture, sculpture, melting glass, and metalwork. And all these achievements along with natural attractions have made Susa a lovely destination worthy of visiting.

Chogha Zanbil Ziggurat, constructed 3200 years ago, is the greatest Ziggurat in the world which is a well-representative of Elamite’s art and architecture. It was a five-floor temple of Elamites with seven gates around and inscriptions with Elamite’s alphabets on its bricks. This great construction has been registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List and attracts many tourists from around the world every year.

People in Susa and in Khuzestan province are known for being hospitable and the local food here is pretty delicious. Traveling to this city to visit all glorious monuments, and meet warm-hearted people will be one of your life-long experiences you will never forget about.

Susa attractions Infographic

To see and download the high-quality infographic, click here: Susa attractions infografic. We would welcome any inquiry you may have about traveling to Iran, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@idt.ir.

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours.

Iran travel budget

Accommodation, Food & Telecom Price in Iran (Iran travel budget p2)

Well, once we arrived and changed some precious money avoiding traps described in Iran budget travel – part one, several next challenges appear – mainly where to stay, how to move in the cities and inside the country, find good and inexpensive food, and telecom service.

In Iran, Couchsurfing is very popular and many will be happy to host a foreign traveler; if someone likes this kind of experience, it can be a good idea. Just remember, you will need a VPN app to use it in Iran. If however, it is not your preferred way – in Iran, there are hundreds of hostels and cheap hotels.

The main international resource in the case of hostels is www.hostelworld.com, full description and lots of travelers’ reviews will help in your choice, but you can check also the local smaller web www.hostelsiniran.com.

As of December 2019, there are lots of hostels, also in Tehran, offering stay with unlimited breakfast for 4 or 5 euros/night; in dorms of course. The hostel staff is usually very well informed about all your possible questions, speaks good English and can give you advice about local landmarks and how to get there.

As for the typical hostel breakfast, you can have a look here (based on Heritage Hostel, Tehran): My Persian breakfast experience in Iran.

Interestingly, while dorms are now incredibly cheap – these hostels have also some private rooms offered on rather prohibitive 20 to 30 euro prices. Just in case a desire for a small luxury becomes irresistible – there are cheap “1-star hotels” in many less touristic places – in Tehran for example in South Saadi street (close enough to metro Saadi and Great Bazaar). Just asking for curiosity (without trying to bargain), I was offered private rooms for 800 000 rials, some 7 euros – but no breakfast included. These hotels serve mainly locals and hardly you can find them on English language websites, so if interested – ask Iranians (in case you do not find them walking around).

Next comes the transport. About the Tehran public transport, regular taxis and Iran taxi apps you will find more here: Public transportation in Tehran

In other Iranian cities using public transport, consisting mainly of common buses will be a bit difficult without a local helpful to tell you which line of local bus is best for you. I stayed several days in Shiraz and found out how to use to my benefit 2 or 3 bus lines, avoiding kilometric marches. There is always one linking bus terminal in the city center, others to run along main streets, it is good to use them, tickets are very cheap, people pay for drivers.  If you need to go to a specific place far away and have no way to use the city bus – try in first place Snapp, the local Uber-like service. Try to avoid a regular taxi if possible!

By the way, in other big Iranian cities there is a limited metro service, (networks are under construction), actually consisting of 2 lines in Mashhad and just one operating in Tabriz, Esfahan, and Shiraz. On some occasions it can be also useful for tourists, so – why not try?

The most budget-friendly way to travel across Iran is without any doubt by using intercity buses. Even more, the night buses – saving you a hostel fee and also a full day for a new destination.

Tehran has 4 bus terminals, other cities just 1 or 2 – from each one you can pick a normal (Maamuli) or luxury (VIP) intercity bus. Maamuli is a typical tourist bus, usually not the newest one, with some 50 passenger capacity. Another story for VIP – luxury extra large seats, lots of space for legs, great comfort during the journey, some 25 seats altogether – obviously the best choice for a long journey. Unfortunately, there is the price tag – VIP costs around 80% more than a normal bus, to give a fresh example, my recent trip Babolsar – Tehran, some 200 km: Maamuli 240 000 rials (2 euros) vs. VIP 420 000 rials (3.7 euros). Btw in any Iranian bus voyage, there is a bottle of water and a small snack included!

The best way is to ask an Iranian to book for you using local websites – or doing yourself a trip to terminal, there are at least several companies and their hawkers, initially insisting you should take a VIP bus. If you resist and insist on Maamuli, you will be able to buy the cheaper one, of course!

Avoid English language bus booking sites directed to tourists – it is easy, but you’ll pay double or triple. For example on one such “helpful” website, my Tehran – Babolsar tickets were for “only” 5 euro – in real exchange 700 000 rials at that moment –  for Maamuli bus – while I paid for the same ticket 240 000 rials (2 euros), like normal Iranians, at the bus station.

There is quite a good railways network, but tickets are more expensive, and often no places available in immediate days. As for local airlines, it can be an idea in case you want to do a really long jump –  f. ex. Tehran – Bandar Abbas flight can cost around 30 euro (at this time). Always ask an Iranian to help you, using local booking sites; if you do it by an agency or English language website – you will pay more.

BlaBlaCar does not include Iran, unfortunately (neither AirBnB).

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours.

Irandoostan

Irandoostan tour and Travelife Sustainability System

Irandoostan Tour (IDT) is engaged with the Travelife certification program and it has started the process to work step by step towards complying with its international sustainability standards. Travelife is a fair and affordable system that helps tour operators and travel agencies, accommodations, and destinations to manage and improve social and environmental impacts by complying with sustainability criteria.
The Travelife initiative is based on the central role of tour operators and travel agents in internal management as well as the tourism supply chain. This initiative allows the Irandoostan tour to contribute significantly to sustainable development and environmental and cultural protection while operating.
Travelife is a three-stage certification program for tour operators and travel agents:

  1. Travelife Engaged;
  2. Travelife Partner;
  3. Travelife Certified.

As the best tour operator in Iran IDT is at stage 1 – Travelife Engaged. IDT is working to move forward to stage 2 – Travelife Partner. With Travelife Stage 2 -Travelife Partner award IDT will be able to communicate its commitment to sustainability to its clients and other partners.
After compliance, IDT will receive Travelife Certified status as proof of internationally recognized high sustainability performance and excellence that comply with ISO 14001 and EMAS III standards. The performance requirements include the full set of ISO 26000 and OECD Corporate Social Responsibility guidelines which include labor conditions, human rights, environment, biodiversity, and fair business practices.

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours.

sustainability

Waste Separation at Source: The first step to go green

Have you ever wondered what will happen to the unseparated wastes? Can it be recycled? Well, the very sad answer is; No! Contaminated waste, paper, or plastic bottles that are smeared by food leftovers or other unsorted waste will cost more to be processed and recycled. So, in many cases, the contamination will not allow the plastic and paper to be recycled and they will, unfortunately, end up in a landfill. Waste separation at source is the key factor to avoid such contamination and maximize the recovery of useful waste. Read more

green tourism

Irandoostan align with sustainable tourism

Tourism always has both positive and negative impacts on the environment and target communities. The development of tourism, without managing its effects, can harm the environment, culture, and the host community. The development of sustainable tourism, by managing the effects of tourism on the environment, the economy, and the destination community, preserves the resources of the destination and even promotes them. Today, with the increasing number of tourists around the world and with the aim of preserving, and protecting the environment, social structures, cultures, and customs, the new concept of “sustainable tourism” has attracted the attention of many. Along with global activities, Irandoostan company is also taking steps towards sustainable tourism.

What activities does Iran Doostan do to reach the purpose of sustainable tourism?

In general, the main and long-term goals of Iran Doostan, in line with sustainable tourism include tourism efficient & eco-friendly waste disposal, maintaining the environment, and minimizing the environmental damages. It is worth mentioning that this company has done good environmental activities in this direction so far. Here are some of these activities:

  • Cooperating with sustainable lodges

With all respect for those who prefer a neat stay in many star hotels, the process of hotel buildings can be harmful to nature and also the local culture. Ecolodges, on the other hand, use eco-friendly materials and methods to be built and relive the ritual and cultural heritage helping the destination society to remain for the future. Iran Doostan group supports these green ecolodges and eco-camps to offer the guests experience of the local culture and also guaranteeing the maintenance of the host society and environment. Let’s review how does it help to save our planet:

1-Using less Disposable utensils other plastic packaging materials to avoid producing garbage

2-Preserving the culture and tradition of the local community

3_contributing in the conservation of local ecosystems

  • The volunteer nature cleaning

It’s 2020 and so many people know the real value of a healthy environment, but there are also some people still leaving their trash by purpose or even inadvertently in nature.  The various climbing and hiking groups in Iran clean the nature of garbage sometimes in turn and sometimes individually and voluntarily. Iran Doostan group is definitely one of those. In every ascent and any other activities by our responsibility the team takes any piece of garbage on the ground and brings that back to the living area well-packed. In each ascent to Damavand, a number of rental mules are allocated to return the waste.

  1. People with the purpose of reaching the peak, preserve the mountain environment themselves.
  2. The old Shelter, with the same environmental protection activities, has been emptied of garbage and has been renovated to a sustainable residence.
green tourism in iran

The volunteering activities for cleaning nature saves the planet.

  • Helping the economy of host societies

Taking trash from nature might be an easy task for hikers, but carrying all those packages requires renting the mules and also asking for villagers’ help. This behavior not only promotes the community but also creates jobs for the villagers and increases the income amount for the local community.

Besides all the above, the Irandoostan group is paying for the hiking permits between 30-50 dollars per person which is used as the budget for the renovation of huts and shelters, and also for carrying the garbage to the right place. It should be noted that most of these activities have been carried out during the ascent season, and at the end of each season, Irandoostan Company will conduct a final review of the activities related to this issue.

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours.