Ancient Persia in Depth
Tehran · Kashan · Isfahan · Yazd · Shiraz · Persepolis
Our most complete loop of classic Persia at an unhurried, comfortable pace.
€2,030 from · pp
15 days · Max 8 View tour
Local Iran
tour operator
tour operator
Private &
small-group
small-group
Visa support
available
available
English-speaking
guides
guides
Tailor-made
itineraries
itineraries
Real traveller
reviews
reviews
Last updated
Travel with confidence
Is Iran safe for tourists right now?
Many travellers visit Iran each year and describe Iranians as warm and welcoming. We will not claim Iran is right for everyone. Your nationality, your route, your timing and current local conditions all matter, so we plan around them and point you to official advice rather than offer blanket reassurance.
We review each trip case by case
Conditions change, so we review each request individually before we confirm it. We weigh your nationality, the exact route, the season and current local conditions. If a trip is not practical or responsible at that time, we say so before you pay.
We work with official advice
We do not override your government travel advice, and we never ask you to ignore it. We read the same official guidance you do, then give you an honest view of what it means for your route and your passport.
Local support lowers the unknowns
Guided travel, clear planning and a local team reduce uncertainty. SURFIRAN is licensed by the Ministry of Tourism and a member of ITOA, operating from Tehran since 2010. Your guide and our team stay reachable by phone and WhatsApp throughout.
Before you decide, read your government's current travel advice, such as the US State Department, UK FCDO, Global Affairs Canada or Australia's Smartraveller. Then talk to us. Some passports, including US, UK and Canadian, currently travel on a guided itinerary with an approved guide, which we arrange end to end. We give you an honest read on your route and confirm only what we can deliver well.
Small-group Iran tours
Iran tour packages for 2026 & 2027
Departures cap at eight guests, the warmth of a private trip with the ease of a planned one. Pricing is confirmed before you book.
Iran tour packages at a glance
Compare Iran tour packages
Four ways to see Iran, from a focused first visit to a fully private journey. Every option runs with the same expert local guides and full ground support.
| Tour type | Duration | From price | Best for | Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7-day classic tour | 7 days | From €1,045 pp | First-time travellers, limited time | Small-group or private |
| 9-day cultural route | 9 days | From €1,190 pp | Deeper classic route, moderate pace | Small-group or private |
| 15-day Iran journey | 15 days | From €2,030 pp | Full cultural coverage, unhurried | Small-group or private |
| Tailor-made Iran trip | Flexible | On request | Custom pace, hotels and route | Private only |
Choose your way to travel
Small-group or private?
Both run with the same expert local guides and full support. The difference is who you travel with, and how much you shape the journey.
Small-group Iran tours
Share the journey
From €1,045 · max 8 guests · fixed departures
- Best for solo travellers and social explorers
- Fixed departure dates and a set, well-paced itinerary
- Shared expert guide, lower cost per person
- An easy way to meet like-minded travellers
Private Iran tours
Make it entirely yours
Quoted to your route · your dates · your pace
- Best for couples, families, photographers and special interests
- Flexible dates with a custom route and pace
- Private guide and vehicle, tailor-made throughout
- More control, privacy and flexibility
Iran tour styles
Choose Your Iran Tour Style
Not sure where to start? Pick a theme and we'll match you to the right route and travel format.
Cultural & heritage
UNESCO cities, bazaars, mosques and Persian gardens.
Desert & nights
Dunes, salt flats and unforgettable starlit camps.
Luxury & boutique
Restored caravanserais and heritage hotels.
Nomad & village life
Share daily life with Iran's nomadic families.
Food & culinary
Cooking classes, spice markets and home tables.
Trekking & expedition
Mountains, valleys and remote northern trails.
Women-only tours
Small-group journeys designed and led for women travellers.
Rail & river
See the landscape unfold by classic rail lines.
Classic Iran itineraries
Classic Iran Tour Route Guide
Most first-time visitors follow a version of the same central route, connecting Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd, Shiraz and Persepolis. The question is how many days you have and how deeply you want to go. These three route patterns cover the full range.
7 days
From €1,045 pp
Best of Persia
Tehran Isfahan Shiraz Persepolis
The focused first taste of Iran. Tehran gives context; Isfahan delivers the grand mosques and bridges; Shiraz leads you to the royal gardens and the ruins of Persepolis. Best for travellers short on time who want the essentials without rushing.
View 7 days itinerary9 days
From €1,190 pp
Culture & Heritage Discovery
Tehran Kashan Isfahan Yazd Shiraz Persepolis
Add Kashan's grand merchant houses and Yazd's ancient Zoroastrian windtower city. The extra two days make the classic route feel complete rather than compressed. Recommended for most first-time visitors who have ten days to spare.
View 9 days itinerary15 days
From €2,030 pp
Ancient Persia in Depth
Tehran Kashan Isfahan Yazd Shiraz Persepolis Desert extensions
The full classic loop at an unhurried, comfortable pace, with time for the central deserts, remote caravanserais and the lesser-known corners. Travellers who want Iran to feel lived rather than ticked will find this the most rewarding option.
View 15 days itineraryNeed a different route or duration?
We can build any private Iran tour around your dates, interests and pace. Start from a route above or describe what you have in mind.
Before you book
When to go, and what an Iran tour costs
Best time to visit Iran
- Spring · Mar–May
- Mild weather, blossom and green landscapes, ideal for cities and Persian gardens. Our most popular season.
- Autumn · Sep–Nov
- Warm days, cool nights and clear skies. The best all-round window for the classic route.
- Winter · Dec–Feb
- Quiet cities and crisp desert days, with skiing in the Alborz mountains near Tehran.
- Summer · Jun–Aug
- Hot on the central plateau, best spent in the northern mountains, by the Caspian or at altitude.
How much does an Iran tour cost?
- €1,045+
- A 7-day small-group Iran tour, per person. The most affordable way to see the classic cities on a fixed departure.
- €2,000+
- Two to three weeks of small-group travel, per person, covering the full classic route.
- On request
- A private, tailor-made Iran tour, quoted to your route, hotel level and pace. Private tours cost more than a shared small group because the trip is yours alone.
Iran tour package prices usually include an English-speaking guide, hotels, private transport and entrance fees. International flights, the visa fee, insurance and most meals are extra. We confirm every price in writing before you book, so check what is included and excluded first.
Private & tailor-made
Private & tailor-made Iran tours
Travel privately on your own dates with your own guide and driver. Start from a journey below, then shape every day around your interests, pace and budget.
Iran tour highlights
Places most travellers shouldn't miss
A classic Iran itinerary links these unmissable places. Press play to see them in motion, then explore each stop. We add the lesser-known corners that make the route yours.
Filmed on location across Iran by the SURFIRAN team.
Watch on YouTube Why travel with SURFIRAN
A country shaped by ancient history, warm hospitality and cinematic landscapes.
We are a licensed Iranian tour operator based in Tehran, trusted by international travellers seeking real encounters, expert guidance and reliable support. Whether you want cultural discovery, soft adventure, desert nights or quiet villages, we help you choose the right trip, and we stand behind it from first enquiry to safe return.
Every journey runs on a guided route with expert drivers, hand-picked stays and clear communication. We focus on culture, people and the places that make Iran unforgettable.
Compare our tours i
Curated routes
From classic highlights to off-the-beaten-path corners, planned for real travel rhythm, never rushed.
ii
Deep heritage
Persepolis, Pasargadae, Isfahan and Yazd, read through guides who bring the stories alive.
iii
Honest pricing
Transparent tour package prices, confirmed before you commit. No surprises, ever.
iv
Always reachable
A responsive team on the ground in Tehran, on hand by phone, email and WhatsApp.
Trusted by travellers worldwide
Real reviews, real journeys
Travellers from across the world have explored Iran with us. Read their verified, independent reviews and book with the confidence of a fully licensed operator.
"What initially drew me to SURFIRAN was their beautiful website, but they gave me an unforgettable trip, showed incredible patience getting my visa, and were reachable before, during and after the journey."
Robert United States · via TripAdvisor "Do yourself a favour and visit Iran. Farzaneh helped us from day one and went above and beyond. The guides were fantastic and the hotels clean, comfortable and top quality. An excellent experience."
Laura Besio Italy · via TripAdvisor "As a US citizen I felt very comfortable in Iran throughout my tour. I was amazed by the magnificent architectural and cultural heritage. The whole trip was well organised. I definitely recommend SURFIRAN."
TripAdvisor reviewed
Independent traveller feedback
Licensed operator
Iran Ministry of Tourism
ITOA member
Iranian Tour Operators Assoc.
Tehran-based team
On the ground, every day
Personalize your itinerary
Talk to a real Iran travel specialist
Tell us your dates, interests and budget. The more you share, the better we can shape it. No call centre and no pressure, just a thoughtful plan from someone who knows Iran first-hand.
Tehran-based trip specialists
A real person, Marzieh, Sayeh or Faezeh, reads every message and replies with an honest plan and a clear quote, usually within one working day.
Iran travel tours · FAQ
Your questions, answered
Yes. Private tours are built entirely around your preferences. You choose the cities, the pace, the length, and the focus — culture, food, history, desert or nature. We prepare a draft itinerary, you refine it, and we confirm every detail before you pay.
Yes. Every SURFIRAN private tour includes a licensed English-speaking guide and a professional private driver throughout the trip. You travel in your own vehicle and are not joined by other groups at any stage.
Yes. We work with a range of hotels in Iran, from traditional courtyard guesthouses to the finest available properties. When you request a quote, tell us your preferred style and budget and we match accommodation to your expectations.
Yes. Private tours are particularly well suited to families and older travellers because the pace is entirely your own. We adapt the daily distance, site visits and hotel choices to your group, and your guide can slow down, skip, or extend any section at your request.
We recommend planning at least four to six weeks ahead to allow time for itinerary discussions, visa authorisation and hotel booking. High-demand periods such as spring and autumn, and trips above 14 days, benefit from three to four months' notice for the best availability.
Yes. We assist with the visa authorisation process, explain every step, and arrange private airport transfers at both ends of your trip. Our local team meets you on arrival so your journey starts smoothly from the moment you land.
Your journey starts here
Ready to discover the real Iran?
Start with a free, no-obligation plan. Tell us what you're dreaming of and our specialists will design a trip, and a clear quote, around you.
A guide to private tours in Iran
Private Iran tour packages for every kind of traveller
SURFIRAN is a licensed, Tehran-based Iranian tour operator that has run Iran tours since 2010, rated 4.9 out of 5 from 145+ TripAdvisor reviews. Our private Iran tours give you an exclusive licensed guide, a dedicated private driver, and an itinerary built entirely around your dates, pace and interests. Use the guide below to understand what private Iran tours include and find the right option for your journey.
What is a private Iran tour?
A private Iran tour is exclusively yours — your own guide, your own vehicle, your own dates, and your own route. Nothing is shared with other travellers. The pace is yours to set, stops can be added or removed at any point, and the focus — whether culture, history, food, desert or nature — is shaped entirely by you. Start planning your private Iran tour.
Tailor-made Iran tours
All private tours at SURFIRAN are tailor-made. We begin from a destination or theme you are interested in, prepare a draft route, then refine every detail around your preferences. Hotels, pace, guide language and daily activities are all adjustable. Plan a tailor-made Iran tour.
Private cultural tours in Iran
Iran's cultural heritage spans Persepolis, Isfahan's royal squares, the Zoroastrian towers of Yazd and the bazaars of Tabriz. A private cultural tour gives you the depth and pace a group departure cannot: a guide who adjusts the narrative to your knowledge level and a schedule that lingers where you want. Explore Iran cultural tours.
Private tours for families and older travellers
Private Iran tours are well suited to families with children and to older travellers. The itinerary adapts day by day: slower mornings, shorter driving distances, accessible hotels, and guide explanations calibrated to every age. We design around your group, not the other way around. Browse all Iran tour options.
What is included in a private Iran tour?
A SURFIRAN private tour includes a licensed English-speaking guide, a private professional driver, accommodation as agreed, entrance fees on the itinerary, and full pre-trip planning with on-the-ground support. International flights, visa fees, travel insurance and most meals are excluded and listed clearly in your quote. Request a detailed private tour quote.
How private Iran tour pricing works
Private Iran tour prices are higher than small-group departures because the guide, vehicle and planning are yours alone, with no cost-sharing. Price depends on trip length, hotel level, group size, season and guide language. We provide a transparent, fixed quote once the route is set, with no hidden charges. Compare all Iran tours.
Related travel options: Iran tours, tailor-made Iran tours, Iran luxury tours and Iran cultural tours. For entry steps, read our Iran tourist visa guidance. SURFIRAN is a licensed Iranian operator based in Tehran, with English-speaking guides and 24/7 ground support. Start planning your private Iran tour and we confirm the route, price and feasibility before you pay.