Iran · 1 - 8 December 2024
8 Day Wild Iranian Coast Expedition
Journey Along the Out-of-this-World Persian Gulf Coast
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Overview
This 8 day Coastal Iran itinerary takes in the wildest sceneries Iran has to offer along the alluring Hormuzgan and Bushehr Coasts and its Persian Gulf islands of Hormuz and Qeshm. Starting from the city of Shiraz, we’ll begin our journey to Iran’s south to the small city of Bushehr, where we will base ourselves for the next couple of days in order to explore the coastal surroundings. Following our time exploring around Asalooyeh we will take time to explore the psychedelic Mokassar Beach en route to Bandar Abbas where we’ll board the ferry to reach the gorgeous islands of Hormuz and Qeshm. *US, UK, and Canadian passport holders are welcome to join this tour.
Highlights
The Gorgeous Architecture of Shiraz
From perfectly tiled mosques to grand stained glass pieces, Qajar-era historic homes, and an ancient bazaar, Shiraz is one of Iran's true highlights.
Out of this World Hormuz
With beaches of blood red, rainbow caves, dragon-like rock formations, and a mountain of salt, Hormuz feels like another planet.
Wild Rock Formations at Mokassar Beach
Mokassar Beach, sat along the Persian Gulf Coast, features otherworldly rock formations and stunning cliffsides.
The Ancient Port City of Bandar Siraf
Bandar Siraf is one of Iran's oldest port cities, often overlooked by those that venture to the Persian Coast.
Itinerary
Previous
Next
Shiraz
Day 1: Arrivals to Shiraz
As many will have long transits to reach Iran, the first day of the trip will allow for those joining us to rest in their traditional Shiraz hotel.
Accommodation: Traditional hotel
Included
Breakfast
Shiraz & Bushehr
Day 2: Onwards Toward the Persian Coast
Today we’ll get an early start and begin our journey southward to Iran’s coast, stopping for scenic views along the way. We aim to reach Bushehr by the mid-afternoon giving some time for us to settle in and even visit the beach nearby.
Drive time: ~6 hours
Accommodation: Eco lodge or standard hotel
Included
Breakfast
Bonood Beach & Bandar Siraf
Day 3 & 4: All Along the Bushehr Coastline
For the next two days, we’ll explore the highlights of the Bushehr Coastline, taking time to see the ethereal Bonood Beach and its caves, peaceful beaches, the ancient Siraf Port, and even have the chance to hear traditional Bandari music and homemade Banadari food.
Accommodation: Eco lodge or standard hotel
Included
Breakfast
Mokassar Beach & Qeshm
Day 5: Coastal Road Tripping
We’ll get an early start, leaving Siraf in the morning just after breakfast as we have a long drive day and an exciting stop along the way. En route to Bandar Abbas, we’ll take some time to explore the psychedelic Mokassar Beach area with crazy rock formations to meander through. There are heaps of scenic stops along the way to make as well, so be prepared to be glued to the window the entire drive.
We’ll arrive in Bandar Abbas later in the day where we’ll hop on a ferry to reach Qeshm Island.
Drive time: ~6 hours
Accommodation: Eco lodge
Included
Breakfast
Hormuz & Qeshm
Day 6: The Psychedelic Little Island of Hormuz
We’ll hop on the early morning ferry today from Qeshm to Hormuz to visit the tiny island that you’ll need to see to believe. As we make our way around Hormuz we’ll have the chance to see the trippy Rainbow Cave, the famous Red Beach Hormuz is most well known for, the Salt Mountain, the colorful Rainbow Valley, and the Portuguese Castle.
Later in the day, we’ll catch the ferry back to Qeshm for the night.
Accommodation: Eco lodge
Included
Breakfast
Qeshm
Day 7: Explore Qeshm Island's Highlights
On the final full day of our coastal Iran tour, we’ll check out the famed sites around Qeshm Island including the mangrove forests, the beautiful Salt Cave, visit the Ship Factory, and hopefully see some wild dolphins.
Accommodation: Eco lodge
Qeshm
Day 8: Departures
In the morning, we’ll catch a flight north to Tehran to end our trip. Departures will be throughout the day today from the Iranian capital.
Included
Breakfast
What's included
What's Included
Meals as indicated on the itinerary
English-speaking guide
Transportation
Ferry to/from Qeshm
Ferry to Hormuz
Accommodation on twin room sharing basis
Domestic flight from Bandar Abbas to Tehran
Letter of Invitation
Travel insurance
What's Not Included
Iran visa fees
International airfare to and from Iran
Tips to local staff
Personal spending
Hosts
Nicole Smoot
Expedition Lead
Nicole Smoot is a travel adventurer and photographer born and raised in the Alaskan mountains. She enjoys bad taxidermy, post-soviet bunkers, spelunking, and homemade wine. Nicole’s adventures include surviving a bear attack, a glacial cave collapse, and utilizing a ceasefire to move a tour through Northern Afghanistan. She became the first foreign woman to summit Shah Foladi Mountain. Additionally, she has discovered and cataloged petroglyphs, cave drawings, and glacial cave location data.
Nicole maintains a proprietary network across Central Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. She has consulted for various Ministries of Tourism and NGOs on tourism development. Despite the challenges, Nicole gravitates to regions often overlooked due to geopolitical strife and lack of tourism infrastructure. Her photography can be seen in National Geographic, Alaska Airlines Magazine, Lonely Planet, and at The.Adventures.Of.Nicole on Instagram.
Next Departures
8 Day Wild Iranian Coast Expedition
Journey Along the Out-of-this-World Persian Gulf Coast
FROM$2,205.00/pp
Extras & Options
Single Supplement
Opt for a private room. Subject to availability.
FROM$350.00/pp
ADD THISFAQs
Is Iran Safe to Visit?
Since 2022, the political situation in Iran has become more unstable than it has been for the past several years. Our local team in Iran takes the safety of our tourists very seriously and will provide mitigation in situ if any issues arise. That said, generally, Iran is a safe country for tourists to visit with a low crime rate.
Where are the Start & End Points on this Expedition?
This 8 Day Iranian Coast Expedition will begin in Shiraz, Iran on December 1st, and end on December 8th in Tehran, Iran.
Can US, UK, & Canadian Passport Holders Visit Iran?
Yes, passport holders from the US, UK, and Canada can visit Iran. Visitors from these countries must be accompanied by a guide with credentials from the government allowing them to guide these nationalities. We do work with a network of guides who hold this credential.
What are the Entry Requirements for Iran?
Most nationalities require a visa/e-visa to enter Iran. We will provide the necessary documentation in order for you to apply for your Iran visa.
The only countries that can enter Iran visa-free are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bolivia, China, Egypt, Georgia, Hong Kong, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Macao, Malaysia, Oman, Syria, Turkey and Venezuela. It appears more nations have been added to this list as of December 2023 but it has not been announced when this will be implemented.
What Is The Difficulty Level Of This Iran Expedition?
This 8 Day Hormuzgan Coast expedition is rated as easy. We will be spending every night in a hotel or eco-loge and each day will require some walking along beaches and between sites.
Do I Need Travel Insurance to Join this Iran Expedition?
As per the entry requirements for Iran, all visitors must carry a travel insurance policy that is valid in Iran. We will provide travel insurance to all participants in the price of the expedition.
What Currency Is Used In Iran & How Can I Pay For Things in Iran?
Iran uses the Iranian Rial (IRR), a currency that fluctuates violently. It is important to bring more than enough cash than you think you may need in Iran as ATMs do not accept foreign cards and there is no official way to obtain money once in the country.
All money you plan to spend in Iran including personal expenses, souvenirs, lunches, dinners, etc. should be brought with you from home and in cash. The best currencies to bring to exchange are US dollars, British pounds, and Euros. Make sure that your bills are in crisp, clean, and new condition with no bends, tears, or folds.
Is There An Iran Packing List & Prep Guide?
Yes, we do provide a suggested packing list and preparation guide for all of our Iran expeditions that can be viewed here.
What Is The Food Like & Can You Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
Persian food is a delight, featuring meats, rice, fresh salads, aromatic, spices, and a variety of herbs. Chai and flatbreads accompany almost every meal.
Please let us know of any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so that we can accommodate your needs.
Will I Have Internet Access?
It is possible to purchase SIM cards on arrival at the Tehran as well as at mobile service provider shops in the city and our accommodations will feature Wi-Fi.
Internet in Iran is highly monitored and censored, so you can expect to not be able to access most social media sites and news websites. Most Iranians use VPNs to work around this, but which ones will work and when is always in flux.
Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Necessary for the Expedition to Run?
Yes, a minimum of 4 passengers will need to be on this expedition in order to run. If the minimum isn't reached, we will contact you about the potential to still operate the trip but at an additional charge or you will be given the option to cancel and your deposit/payment can either be returned to you or applied toward a different expedition of your choosing.