I am really looking forward to my trip to Iran with Yomadic in late 2016!
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I am joining Nate over at Yomadic going to Iran in October 2016!
I am very excited. Why? Because of several reasons:
- I wanted to do something different and go to a place off the beaten path that has no Hyatts đ
- As I get older I am looking for more intense travel experiences. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy maximizing my miles and points and doing epic trips like this one.
- Nate runs the best travel blog in my opinion at Yomadic and is a straight shooter and all around interesting fun guy. It would be good to meet finally in person.
- Yomadic is one of the very few blogs in my awesome Blogs I Love list!
- See Iran before the sanctions drop and the tourist floodgates open of course!
- I get to deduct everything for my blog business since I will be doing 346 trip reports, heck I could do one per day. I learned this from other “expert” bloggers đ
What made me pull the trigger? It was actually a TBB reader Paul W. who said and I quote: “I just got back from the most recent Iran Untour and to say it was incredible is an understatement.” Apparently, Paul W. (who discovered Nate’s blog from TBB!) was not the first TBB reader who has been on the Yomadic Iran tours, wow! To be thanked in private for bringing attention to a travel blog that then led to an experience like this really makes my day, so thank you for thanking me! đ
You can read more at Yomadic‘s site below:
Yomadic Travel â Hand Made Custom Untours â Iran 2016 – Information about the Iran tours in general
For detailed itineraries of the two not sold out yet tours in 2016 please click on the two links below:
Journey Into Iran â April 2016 âŹ1799 â 11 nights 12 days â Tehran to Shiraz â April 2016
Journey Into Iran â October 2016 âŹ1799 â 11 nights 12 days â Tehran to Shiraz â October 2016 <————The one I am going!
I would love to have more TBB readers join us! We can talk miles and you get to pick my brain about personal finance for the duration of the trip, wow! I can give you such hot tips as “Buy low, sell high” and “diversify!’ and other brilliant expert (or so they say) advice. Seriously, think about it. It could be lots of fun. I hope you are fun and not an “angry” lol. If you are the owner of any of the blogs in the TBB Blogs To Ignore list, stay the hell away from the one I am going, nothing personal, thanks!
Full disclosure: I was offered and accepted a single room while paying the double bed rate only because Nate insisted to thank me for my past support. He also offered me a free ride if I managed to make the October 2016 tour sell out with TBB readers so he can save time by focusing on the tour details instead of marketing. I refused and asked if some break can be offered to my readers instead. Nate promised he will do something but does not know what yet and had to leave for a party, busy guy too! Okay?
Update (email opened at 5.30 am, an hour before this post went live!): So here is the deal ONLY for TBB readers (because you know, you are awesome!):
Book two tickets, get 100 euro off each, so tickets are 1699 euro each when two are booked. Must book by December 10, 2015.
I have not given any thought yet in booking the flights, with miles of course, come on! Thinking about Turkish Airlines to Istanbul using United miles as the flights to/from Iran from Istanbul appear the best option. Plenty of time to attend to those. If you have any ideas to burn miles to Tehran and from Shiraz let me know as well. Remember, I can use my Greek passport to Iran!
For what the tour price gets you I think it is…a great value!
Fire away in the comments, maybe Nate can join in at some point to respond to questions if he has the time.
Here is the latest Yomadic post I linked to recently: “Why You Should Visit Iran, Now“.
May the Force be with you. Not like her.
What follows below is some FAQ’s in the Yomadic links above:
In 2015, Yomadic introduced guests from all over the world to Iran, on our first âUntourâ of this unknown nation steeped in mystery and misconception. Many of my guests felt the same trepidation that I felt, prior to visiting Iran for the first time, back in 2012. Eleven nights and twelve days later, the response to the first Yomadic Untour of Iran was this:
âBEST TRAVEL EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE.â â Hanif, Canada.
After three sold-out Iran Untours in 2015, there was only one thing to do â in April and October 2016, weâre heading back to Iran for another journey through this incredible country. I hope you can join me, and I would like to extend a personal invitation for this unique travel opportunity.
Read on â thereâs a lot of info further down on this page.
Or, if you know all about the Yomadic Untour style, and youâre already convinced about Iran, here are the three trips (sorry, the first 2016 trip has now sold out):
view this trip Yomadic Iran Untour April 2016 â seats available!
view this trip Yomadic Iran Untour October 2016 â seats available!
Yomadic Iran Untour â April and October 2016 â 11 Days and 12 Nights
Modern cities, ancient citadels, spectacular architecture, mouth-watering food, all wrapped in the warmest and most welcoming culture and people on Earth â Iran is one of the most fascinating travel destinations you will ever visit, and NOW is the time to go. There is no doubt that Iran will be teeming with tourists in the years to come. Visiting Iran in 2016 will be a remarkable travel experience, that only very few people will get to enjoy.
Our contacts from Tehran to Shiraz will make sure youâre doing more than just ticking off UNESCO heritage sights. Sure, many of those sights are spectacular and unmissable â however, so is hanging out and chatting with the locals, and seeing the cool spots that donât appear on other itineraries.
Weâll continue the concept of the Yomadic Iran âUntourâ (itâs been a popular concept, with 40% of previous trippers booking in for another journey). This is for people who enjoy the spirit of independent travel, and the camaraderie of a small gang of travelling friends, but really arenât into typical  âgroup toursâ. Weâll see the big-ticket sights, but our local contacts and knowledge will get you to the local secrets unknown to most tourists. We wonât rush, and youâll get to experience something memorable, spectacular, and unique, in places that most people will never get to see.
And of course, youâll have enough time and freedom to explore and let Iran come to you.
I hope you can join Phillipa, myself, and the various locals who will help make your Iran journey unforgettable.
Read on to get a little more info on the first Yomadic Iran Untour for 2016âŚ
..and bring your camera.
Yomadic Iran Untours â 2016 â Purposefully Limited Seats Available
â SOLD OUT
Serbia / Montenegro / Bosnia & Herzegovina â May 2014
Serbia / Montenegro / Bosnia & Herzegovina â June 2014 â SOLD OUT
Albania / Macedonia â September 2014 â SOLD OUT
IRAN â MAY 2015 Â â SOLD OUT
Albania/Macedonia â AUGUST 2015 â SOLD OUT
IRAN â OCTOBER 2015 â SOLD OUT
IRAN â NOVEMBER 2015 â SOLD OUT
SORRY, the first 2016 YOMADICÂ UNTOUR â IRAN â APRIL 2016 â HAS SOLD OUT.
NEW! 2016 YOMADICÂ UNTOUR â IRAN â APRIL 2016 â SEATS AVAILABLE!
NEW! 2016 YOMADICÂ UNTOUR â IRAN â OCTOBERÂ 2016Â â SEATS AVAILABLE!
IRAN â April 2016
Modern cities, ancient citadels, spectacular architecture, mouth-watering food, all wrapped in the warmest, most welcoming culture and people on Earth â Iran is the most fascinating travel destination you will ever visit.
Join us for one of the best travel opportunities for 2016.
IRAN â October 2016
Modern cities, ancient citadels, spectacular architecture, mouth-watering food, all wrapped in the warmest, most welcoming culture and people on Earth â Iran is the most fascinating travel destination you will ever visit.
Join us for one of the best travel opportunities for 2016.
Why a Yomadic Untour in Iran?
Travelling independently to Iran is great â if you have, time, patience, and a big helping of local knowledge â but, you might miss some of the best secrets. I know. Iâve been in that situation. How do you find a good restaurant, what are the best things to see when your time is limited, how do you find out about those places that donât appear on the âtourist trailâ, and how do you get around? And would you like your transport to stop so you can take a photo, check out a small market, or just take in the scenery? They wonât, we will.
Our Untour concept is simple â a very small gang (minimum size eight people, maximum twelve people) of like-minded travelers see the sights, attractions, restaurants, landscapes, cities, villages, deserts, and mountains worth seeing â and we avoid the inauthentic tourist traps. Weâll journey through lesser travelled places, where local knowledge is essential. Most importantly, you will always have time, freedom, guidance, and access to all the info you need, to enjoy things your own way.
Iran is incredibly spectacular, but thereâs a good reason so few tourists are around (for now). Despite the appeal, Iran seems just âtoo hardâ for most independent travellers. Unknown. Mysterious. Visa issues. Somewhat inaccessible. Is it dangerous (spoiler: no)? Â For many people Iran remains, forever, a dream. We have the solution.
As Iâve said before â Iâm really not a fan of âgroup toursâ or âpackage toursâ.
So, we do something a little different. Taking the best aspects of independent travel, and wrapping it up with a curated, but flexible, Iranian itinerary. This is the âUntourâ. Thereâs nothing else quite like it.
Whatâs Included on a Yomadic Untour to Iran?
We include more than any other comparable Untour. Of which, there are none. But the point is this â weâve done the research of our âcompetitionâ and weâll gladly help you compare our value to any other trip through Iran â because we know, we give you more. You really wonât need much âspending moneyâ â Â almost all of your expenses are covered in the ticket price, making it much easier for you to budget.
Transportation
We have our own private transport. Itâs a modern, spacious, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle â provided by a well-reputed company, and with our own local driver. Our driver(s) are hand-picked, theyâre always safe, experienced, qualified, and friendly. Youâll love them as much as I do. Which reminds me, I need to send some photoâs to our Iranian driver.
Public transport in Iran can be an amazing experience â maybe weâll take the subway in Tehran, or a bus in Shiraz â and you need to have at least one Iranian taxi experience. But, to efficiently get around Iran, thereâs only one way to do it â with our own private transportation.
Accommodation
Weâll always strive to be located right in the middle of town, with free wifi access, and a decent breakfast included. We lean towards variety â from cozy, local, family owned traditional accommodation, to fancy hotels in the big city, youâll even have your own apartment at one point (to really feel like a local), and youâll get to stay in a remarkable ancient silk-road caravan-serai. We personally hand-pick every hotel we stay in.
Our hotel choices vary from place to place â we go borderline-five-star on occasion â but itâs not all luxury. Weâre mostly after an âexperienceâ, so we never use franchised hotels, and never hostels. We avoid the typical tourist hotels like the plague.
Meals
OK, I love Iranian food. And drinks. I love eating at great restaurants. So, all Yomadic Untours include breakfast every single day, plus at least one other full meal each day. At that restaurant, order whatever you like, weâll pick up the tab. Seriously. The meals will always be great â hearty, local, fresh, with plenty of variety, at cool places. Note: we include tea, coffee, deserts, juices, bottled water, and whatever is available, but alcohol is not served on the Iran Untours. Themâs the rules.
Our shared meals depend on the timing â mostly it will be the Yomadic lunch gang taking over a great restaurant. When it makes sense, weâll do a group dinner instead. At other times, Iâll leave you to make your own food decisions â go hit that local street-food stand, dine at the finest the city has to offer, or join the rest of the crew at the local hole-in-the-wall. Itâs up to you.
Either way, our local knowledge will point you in the right direction, and you certainly wonât go hungry.
Visa Assistance
We have a 100% track record with helping previous guests obtain their Iran tourist visa â for citizens from the USA, Canada, England, Australia, the EU, New Zealand, and more. We do not charge any additional fee for this valuable visa assistance.
And more inclusionsâŚ
Free airport transfers â arriving, and departing, donât worry we have you covered. Always. Entrance fees to worthy attractions. Coffee and cake. Snacks and drinks on the van. Photography tips. Introductions to our local friends. Weâll help you out with customs, cultures, and changing money. Whatever else we can think of to help you experience a life-changing moment. All this, plus much more. Oh, and of course, myself (Nate), Phillipa, and our friendly and laid-back Iranian guides, are always available. As well as our local friends who come-and-go along our journey. The Yomadic goal is to make the Untour incomparably great value.
Solo Traveler? Great!
Weâll take care of you â Yomadic journeyâs are ideal for solo travelers.
Unless you prefer your own room, weâll never charge you a âsingle supplementâ. Shared twin-rooms have a maximum of two guests in total. Youâll have people around when you need them, and your own time to explore when you want to get out and experience things for yourself.
Male or female, solo, couple, or friends, youâll be surrounded by a gang of like-minded souls. It takes a certain type of person to travel to Iran â youâll have more in common with the rest of the gang than you would believe.
Why trust Yomadic?
Sounds amazing. But youâre still unsure about putting your trust with Yomadic?
This should help answer your questions:
- * We can provide you with the contact details of a whole bunch of extremely happy people who came on the previous Yomadic Iran Untours and other trips. Theyâre real people, from Canada, the USA, Australia, Hong Kong, Sweden, and more. Iâm sure they wonât mind being bothered. At any time, day or night. đ
- * Weâre proven, competent, tour operators. Not only do we know how to travel, we know how to organise a journey. Look at our list of past successful Untours. Weâre serious about this. And, we only employee qualified and professional guides and assistants in Iran. We know â your experience, is our reputation.
- * You can talk to me. From a California based number, I can take the calls from anywhere. Which is handy, because this week I could be in Tajikistan. Or Bulgaria. Contact me and ask for the number â feel free to speak to me, or Phillipa (if youâre lucky).
- * Yomadic trip payments are possible only via major credit cards â so all the usual protections you get from your bank or credit card provider apply to all Yomadic travel purchases. This is the safest, most secure way to book your seat.
- * Yomadic.com has been live since January, 2012. During that time, the Washington Post, USA Today, the Sunday Times in Australia and England, the Huffington Post and even Lonely Planet have featured the long history of travel knowledge found right here on these pages. These are some of the worldâs most well regarded publishers and travel companies, and Iâm happy to have worked with them. Iâve even done a few live video crosses. Yes, I shaved, and wore a clean shirt.
- * We have genuine on-the-ground knowledge, experience and local contacts, throughout Iran. Weâve spent many months on-the-ground in Iran â running Untours and furthering our relationships with our contacts and partners, so that we can continue to provide the uttmost in reliability, security, value, and of course â fun.
- * All Yomadic Iran Untours only utilise the services of well-established and reliable local partners. Weâve got backup plans â spare transportation, a team of drivers and guides, and of course, many local friends and contacts. In all cases, we never take shortcuts â we have an eye to safety, security, reliability, and value, at all times. Yomadic is small and independent, but we act with the utmost professionalism when itâs needed most. Profit is secondary â our goal right now is to make these Untours the best.
Sounds good, right?
Our Iran Untours sell-out fast, and one reason for that is repeat-trippers. Once youâve been on Yomadic trip, youâll know why. These opportunities donât come along often, and I wish the list below could be longer â but then it wouldnât be quite so special. I hope to see you in 2016.
Tehran to Shiraz â October 2016 â 11 nights 12 days
Yes, Iran. I know, O.M.G.
Lately, Iran has been hailed as one of the most incredible destinations you could ever visit. Everyone from Anthony Bourdain, to a gaggle of glowing reviews in travel magazines around the world, is hyping up travelling through Iran. This is one travel experience that is impossible to exaggerate. Unknown, mysterious, and misunderstood, Iran is truly *the* travel destination of 2016. We will travel from the enormous, modern, city of Tehran, through to ancient sites that have existed since the dawn of civilisation, experiencing the great cuisine, deep culture, spectacular architecture, and the warmth of a people with boundless friendship. Iran really is *not* like any other destination.
And, you may be surprised to know something else about Iran.
Iran is safe, open for tourists, and without a doubt the most special and unique travel destination on Earth.
Unfortunately, if youâre from the US, Canada, or the UK, well, youâve had a Visa problem.
Until now.
We have partnered with an official Iranian travel agent. This means, yes, you can join us in Iran. Weâll take care of your visa (we have a 100% success rate in obtaining tourist visas to Iran). Youâll be shown Iran in a way that really wasnât possible until now. This is not a government tour company, or a corporate Iranian tour. Itâs a custom designed Yomadic original trip, including the best of Iran. Partnering with a local travel agency just means you can now visit Iran â even if youâre from the US, Canada, or the UK.
Once youâre in Iran, youâll be taken you around the country in style â and enjoy the freedom to do your own thing, just like any other independent traveller. Yes, youâll have plenty of time to get to know the locals.
Genuinely, this is an opportunity that I consider to be the absolute best in travel for 2016.
* Iran is what inspired all of these Yomadic trips. When I first visited Iran in late 2012, I started taking notes. Collecting business cards. Making contacts. Checking out hotels, restaurants, cafes. I knew, in my heart, that I needed to bring people here and experience the best travel surprise in the world. Iâve been in constant contact with people and organisations in Iran, and have spent more than four months on-the-ground in Iran â completing three successful Iran Untours, and furthering my knowledge. And I canât wait to return in 2016.
Whatâs Included
- Private, roomy, comfortable transportation through Iran.
- Hotel accommodation (11 nights) â centrally located, and hand-picked.
- Most meals are included â every breakfast, and either a restaurant lunch or dinner, included every day.
- Small gang â Yomadic Untours have an average size of just eight guests, with a maximum size of twelve.
- Visa assistance at no additional charge â we have 100% success with Iranian tourist visas.
- FREE airport transfers on arrival and weâll organise a low cost option for when you depart.
- And much more is included â we pride ourselves on being the best value trip through Iran.
Your Journey in More Detail
October 17th â 19th Tehran, Iran
Bustling, stylish, ancient, and modern Tehran. Our two-week journey commences here â weâll pick you up from the airport. Get lost in the enormous Grand Bazaar, Admire Azadi Tower, and dine in the stylish suburbs of North Tehran. Thereâs plenty to see here, and youâll get to know the place. Keep an eye out for the outlandish propaganda artworks, and of course, the exceptionally stylish locals.
On October 19th we will leave Tehran and travel overland to the city of Kashan
October 19th â 20th Kashan, Iran
Kashan holds an array of historical sights, and this is where youâll start to get a feel for the real Iran. Itâs smallish, but busy, and weâll check out some of the highlights. On the way out, weâll wander through nearby Abyaneh, one of the oldest villages in Iran â famous for colourful head scarves and segregated door knockers. Uh huh.
On October the 20th we will continue our journey south to the city of Isfahan.
October 20th â 22nd Isfahan, Iran
Isfahan is known as âhalf the worldâ, and will be your home for two nights. Third largest city in Iran, home of Gaz (Persian nougat oh yes), and the unbelievably magnificent Naghsh-i Jahan Square. Thereâs plenty to do here. Hang time with the friendly locals, browsing the local bazaar for Persian rugs, visiting the architecturally perfect Shah Mosque, or just listening to the men sing underneath Si-o-se Pol bridge. Your time here is sure to fly by in this beautiful city.
October the 22nd sees us leave Isfahan behind and make our way to the desert city of Yazd.
October 22nd â 24th Yazd, Iran
Getting further towards the South of Iran, weâll arrive in the city of Yazd. With two nights here, we have time for a day trip to an ancient abandoned town, we can check out performances of indescribable martial arts (all set to funky drum beats), eat the finest pashmak (persian cotton candy), or maybe a Camel burger, and learn all about the historical qanats and wind-catchers that keep one of the hottest and driest cities in Iran, cool and watered.
On October the 24th we will make the short journey from Yazd to a nearby caravanserai.
October 24rd â 25th Caravanserai, Iran
Our one night at this ancient caravanserai will be a truly amazing experience, straight out of the long-gone days of the old silk road. Stargazers and romanticâs, youâre going to love the night skies here.
On October the 25th we will make the last leg of our journey to the city of Shiraz
October 25th â 28th Shiraz, Iran
Shiraz. Cultural centre of Iran, and our base for three nights. Day trips to the ancient city of Persepolis, Pasargadae, Naqsh-e Rustam and the tomb of Cyrus the great, checking out downtown Shiraz, sampling the best ice-cream Iâve ever had, and on our last night together weâll head out on to enjoy a final meal, reminiscing about the good times and planning new ones to come. Tears, optional⌠(sniff).
October 28th Departure
October the 28th is all yours. Whether you decide to stick around and sightsee some more or need help organizing your transport to the airport, we will be there to help you. Anticipating lots of hugs, high fives.
Even More DetailsâŚ
Is Iran Safe?
Youâve heard the saying âdonât believe the hypeâ and nothing could be more truer than when you discover Iran. To say Iranians are friendly and hospitable is an understatement. You will be invited to their homes, chatted to on the streets and welcomed with open arms by the Iranian people. Tourists are treated with respect, both by the people, and the authorities.
Thereâs a few small differences with Iran â such as public customs when it comes to interactions with the opposite sex, photography rules, and of course alcohol consumption â but importantly, it is well known that Iran has now opened itâs doors to foreigners, and youâll be assisted with all customs. Thereâs nothing to worry about.
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Will I get a Visa? I heard it was impossible for my nationality?
You will be assisted with your visa application. Itâs straightforward, and relatively inexpensive. Even for citizens of the United States, Canada, and the UK â partnering with a respected Iranian travel agent makes getting a visa simple and painless. Please note, the cost of the visa is not included in the trip price â as the visa costs vary by nationality.
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Where will we sleep?
From hand picked traditional guesthouses, to memorable hotels, all centrally located and within walking distance of the heart of each city we visit. Most accommodation will include Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and you will always be served breakfast. Variety is what is key here, as well as a great nights rest.
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What if Iâm travelling solo, will I need to pay extra?
No. You pay the same price whether youâre solo or not. There is no single supplement fee or charge. UnlessâŚ
What if Iâm travelling solo and IÂ would like my own room?
Donât want to play bunk buddy? Prefer your own privacy? Travelling solo? No problems, for a single supplement of âŹ299, you will have your own room. Just let me know when you make your booking.
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What if I get sick of hanging out with you guys? Can I go off on my own? Will there be alone time?
YES. You can leave us any time youâd like and there will be designated âalone timeâ, aka free time. Yomadic trips are designed so that you have plenty of time to do your own exploring â day and night. Just make sure you are back by the time the van leaves or else I will kill you.
So, really, whatâs included?
- All accommodation in Iran for the duration of the tour.
- Most meals are included â every breakfast, and either lunch or dinner every day.
- Entrance fees to sites, museums, parks, and more.
- Private comfortable transport to take us around Iran.
- Taxis, trains, or any other forms of transport necessary to complete our itinerary.
- Personal assistance and travel guidance.
- Itâs Iran, so sorry no alcohol, but we will include water, juice, non alcoholic beer or cider, tea, coffee etc.
- Assistance for obtaining your Iranian tourist visa.
- And of course, it wouldnât be a Yomadic journey without a few extra secretsâŚ
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And whatâs not included?
- Airfares to and from Tehran are not included â we will assist you with booking your flight if you require assistance â you will need to arrive on the starting date.
- Travel insurance is not included, and is mandatory. If you need help arranging your travel insurance, we use and recommend World Nomads.
- Some meals and some drinks â when youâre out doing your own thang, you pay for it.
- Any fees or charges that you incur as a result of you cancelling this trip once you have made a booking with us, we are not responsible for â including any charges your airline or transport provider charges you.
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The tour ends up in Shiraz. WTF will I do now?
Fear not â the main reason we start and end in different locations is so you get the most out of your time in Iran. Shiraz is a well connected city with many transport options, including flights to Dubai and Istanbul. You may want to return to Tehran â buses, trains and planes will easily get you there. Finding an option from Shiraz, that works for you, wonât be difficult. We can help you with arrangements, and we may even join you on the return journey.
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What if I canât make it exactly on the starting date or I have to leave early?
We will do our best to accommodate late arrivals, we really will â please contact us to explain your situation as we offer no guarantees for late arrivals on this trip. As for leaving early â you would make us sad, but weâll make sure you get safely on your way.
Anything else?
- You will need to sign a waiver releasing us from any self-imposed craziness that you get up to.
- You are responsible for obtaining any travel visas you may need â but of course, we are assisting you.
- Did we mention, you need to have travel insurance, itâs a requirement.
- For those who wish to stay longer in Iran, we are happy to assist in this regard.
- Travel can be unpredictable. Things may change. We like to freestyle it a bit. So, some things may be subject to change. In the unlikely event that any major changes are required, we will discuss and keep you in the loop at all times. Our goal is to make any changes for the best.
What if I have paid, and then I change my mind. Can I get a refund?
Sometimes the best-made plans need to be put on hold, or cancelled. Unfortunately, we will incur costs from the moment your seat is reserved. However, we donât want to act all big and corporate, so this our promise to you:
- If you cancel, 100 Euroâs of any ticket price is non-refundable.
- If you cancel within 45 days of the tour start date, you will lose 100% of your ticket price (this is due to the difficulties in finding a replacement for you, and organising a visa, at such short notice).
- If you cancel between 45 and 60 days before the tour start date you will lose 50% of your ticket price.
- In the unlikely event that the tour is cancelled by us, you will receive a full 100% refund.
- BUT â we will always do the right thing, so, if we fill your seat after you cancel, we will refund a minimum of 90% of your full ticket price.
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What if I still have some unanswered questions?
Get in touch! Contact me via email by clicking here. Alternatively you can call the Yomadic USA based phone number. (first make contact via email, and ask for the number).
OK. Iâm convinced, eager, and canât wait to come alongâŚ. how do I pay?
All major credit cards and PayPal are accepted â ensuring your purchase is safe and secure.
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Konorth says
Wow,sounds awesome.Congrats on the plan! I read his posts and dream about that tour myself. This is a maybe for me.
PS 1st?
TravelBloggerBuzz says
Push maybe to yes!
And congrats on the gold medal!
Charlie says
Nice, George! You should have a great time. I did most of those same sites just in shorter time so I do have a great appreciation for what you will see (and envy for what I did not see!).
Lucky you with the Greek passport as well! I had no problem getting the visa as an American (and one that had recently been in “other” places) but the officials definitely acted more wary with me. The immigration people said who I was in a very strange gone of voice. đ but, other than people like that, the people on the street were great! When they heard it English, they instantly wanted photos with me or to practice their English with me. Really nice.
As for flights, Turkish is definitely a great way to go. You will also get to hang out in the fabulous lounge there first. They also fly to/from Shiraz and Tehran.
If you want to pay for the ticket, Atlas is really cheap. Just don’t make the mistake I did of buying one ways as the sanctions would not process my credit card for a flight departing Iran. I forget what I did in the end but it made me nervous for a bit!
Enjoy and I look forward to hearing the reports! Bring a good camera!
TravelBloggerBuzz says
I’ll be asking you questions periodically on my Iran trip. Leave a link here if you did a trip report.
That detail about air tickets involving Iran and US based credit cards…hmmmm.
projectx says
Color me incredibly jealous. I’ve always considered the middle East a mysterious place that I would love to visit. With three small kids though, it’s just not in the cards right now. Have a great trip!
TravelBloggerBuzz says
I can sure understand your situation. Helps a lot when one kid is out of the house and the other will be in high school!
* as I continue to color you incredibly jealous đ
Paul W. says
@TBB: Thanks for the shout-out and glad you were able to make the trip happen, you will definitely have a great time! It was already a great value but with the “TBB discount” I bet you’ll have some company on the trip from fellow readers đ
@projectx: Don’t let the kids stop you, I went last month and have 3 year-old daughter at home (which was tough but worth it for this trip)… Having awesome grandparents and/or a very understanding spouse certainly helps though đ
TravelBloggerBuzz says
I sure hope to have other TBB readers along! Thanks a lot for the feedback!
Thumbs up for very understanding spouses, definitely!
Anonymous says
Sounds very nice, wish I could go.
You get to write off your travel expenses? Only thing is, when you travel so much for free it has got to take some of the satisfaction out of sticking it to the tax man.
Keep up the good work, we are behind you !
Mike says
^That was me.
TravelBloggerBuzz says
Definitely writing off any real money coming out of my pocket, sure! I am not going to be greedy and “value”/expense flights/’hotels getting there I use using miles/points. I probably could but I am not a pig đ
Caroline Lupini says
It’s gonna be fun!
TravelBloggerBuzz says
Oh yes, looks like you are in! Who is going to be next?
john says
George,
That is real decent of you about passing along a discount. I have a lot of respect for you. Which tour are you going on dates? I might join..sounds wonderful..
John
Nate Robert (@yomadic) says
George is a particularly decent guy, that’s for sure. Refreshing to see such integrity.
John says
Duh I see you said October lol
TravelBloggerBuzz says
I knew you will come back strong đ
Me decent? Always speaking bad of others being angry? According to one…ok two. Maybe half a dozen all right! đ Thanks man, looking forward to it!
Christian says
Hopefully you’ll have a great time. My mom went a couple of years before the revolution, and only had wonderful tings to say about the people, history, and culture. That said, I would not go at this time. Not because of any jingoistic nonsense about “the enemy”, but I try to avoid theocracies in general, theocracies that masquerade as democracies even more, and most of all countries that make reporters vanish without a trace for no discernable reason. The average person on the street seems really nice, but I just can’t stomach the government that they’ve chosen.
Nate Robert (@yomadic) says
Hey Christian, the average person on the street in Iran are definitely the nicest people you will ever meet, with a special fondness for American visitors. Every person that has come with me to Iran this year has the same opinion. Some people define a country by the government, others define a country by the spirit of the people, and each will make their travel choices accordingly.
TravelBloggerBuzz says
I was afraid I would get a comments like this.
It is what it is.
What Nate said.
I like to keep the politics out of it in my blog. Politics and religion….you just can’t win.
Unless we are talking about them gun freaks over at the NRA đ
john says
No Politics No Religion …Those are bar rules as well đ
Christian says
I LOVED the Anthony Bourdain episode on Iran. It made me so very much want to experience the country for myself. Then the featured Iranian-American journalist was vanished for no remotely apparent reason. If that happens to someone that actually knows the ground rules, then it’s obviously a situation to avoid for outsiders.
I’m genuinely sorry that you’re unhappy that I mentioned these, well, shortcomings. I have to admit that the “Death To America” doesn’t favorably influence me, but there’s more to it than that. I’ve spent time in other dictatorships, but most of them have some sense of reason, like it or not, for doing what they do. Without that sense of reason, you’re just speaking of a country or area best avoided.
That said, I truly hope you have a safe and enjoyable trip. There’s so much history and culture to absorb, and in may ways I envy you tour Greek passport.
Nate Robert (@yomadic) says
Hey Christian,
Personally, I have no problem with you mentioning “shortcomings”, it’s all part of the discussion.
What you need to ask yourself, why is it, that whenever “Iran” is mentioned, immediately, the most negative examples of the country are brought up? When people mention the USA, with regards to taking a vacation in the USA, why is it that others don’t immediately add “oh, yes, but they have the highest proportion of prisoners in the world, innocent people die from the death penalty every year, 50 million Americans rely upon the government for food each week, the police are killing innocent civilians, they’re bombing more countries than I could count, etc etc etc”. Why? Because people visit the USA not for the government, but for other reasons.
We have all been conditioned by decades of media to immediately associate Iran with evil. The reality, is far from this. Ask anyone who has actually visited Iran for their opinion.
Of course, no place is perfect. Including, as I’m sure you will agree, the USA. But, again, why is it, almost everything you read or hear about Iran is negative? Ask yourself. I would love to read about Iran without somebody automatically adding a negative aspect. But, alas, with the bias of the media, and the misconceptions and myths that have been now been accepted as truths, it’s not going to happen soon.
As for “safety”, Iran is safer than any other country I have visited. I’ve been to around sixty countries. Certainly, Iran is safer than any city in the USA. I’ve spent around five months in Iran, and a similar time in the USA. To give you a run down of “events” that have occurred to me late at night, in big American cities, well we don’t have time for that. This is another bias – mentioning “safety”, in conjunction to visiting Iran. It is safe. Nobody, anywhere, says anything other than Iran is Safe.
As for “avoiding” this part of the world, in specific Iran, as “this part of the world” is a little too non-specific, well, you haven’t presented a good or cohesive reason as to why. I have to assume, again, if you are avoiding countries due to the government, that is your choice. I choose to visit a country for it’s people, not for it’s government.
And that journalist, he hasn’t vanished, he is in jail. The reasons presented are available for you to search. I’m not sure of the specifics either way. But, in the name of fairness to this discussion, there are a lot of people in custody in the USA who are also awaiting trials. As I’m sure you’re aware, you live in a country where people can be locked up without reason, and without a fair trial, indefinitely. Locked up, without a trial, forever. That’s your laws. Your freedoms do not extend to having a fair trial, if your government decides you don’t need one.
There is nothing “obvious” about avoiding Iran due to the journalist being locked up.
If there were, then it’s also obvious that people should avoid visiting the USA, or many other countries in the world.
With Iran, the USA, and almost everywhere on this planet – you need to visit and experience it for yourself. What is presented in the media, or by people who have never visited, is usually not the reality.
In any case, please understand there is nothing personal about this message to you – I know that most people think the same way you do, and thought I would add to the discussion in a helpful way.
Cheers,
Nate
TravelBloggerBuzz says
Great response Nate. I hope Christian does not follow up now because I REALLY want to keep the politics out of this because it…can…never…end. đ
dhammer53 says
Really sounds like a wonderful trip. I didn’t see anything mentioned about the dreaded tips?
TravelBloggerBuzz says
I think tips will be an add on. I have time to figure that out. Not sure how I can deduct them though, doubt I can get a receipt for them.
I used to deliver pizza in college.I lived for tips. I am a good tipper. They work hard.
Thinking about the BRT. No soup. Sat night yes but hate to miss the wine. Not sure I can swing one, if not two nights away about a week before I take off for Asia. You know it is on my bucket list đ
Dustin says
I wish I could join in October but I’m taking the April trip. I used Skymiles for flight between Istanbul and Tehran on Alitalia. I used United miles for the Turkish flight from Shiraz back to Istanbul.
Nate Robert (@yomadic) says
See you in April, Dustin!
TravelBloggerBuzz says
Dustin, thanks a lot for the feedback on the miles. I am running low on United and swimming in AA and BA Avios. Any way to use those? Anyone? Got time to figure it all out. Thanks.
To all who have been on the Iran untours, you are welcome to do a short trip report guest post here anytime!
Dustin says
I was in the same boat with AA and BA but I could never find anything on One World to Iran. I asked Stefan from Rapid Travel Chai and he said he had used SkyMiles. Has anyone used One World to Iran?
Kenny says
Etihad and Qatar publish fares DTW-DFW/ORD-AUH/DOH-IKA, which should be bookable with AA miles. You can search for QR seats at BA and EY seats at Etihad.
TravelBloggerBuzz says
Awesome, thanks. Will look for before devaluation day comes along.
No Alaska miles by the way….I hear I can get 5 cards per day, no? đ
Alex Bellink says
I’m really hoping to go on one of Nate’s Iran Untours as well! I found his blog while searching for information about lesser visited countries in the Balkans while there (I think it was Albania? It might have even been about Transnistria). Crossing my fingers that I can figure out my life in time to book one of his trips!
TravelBloggerBuzz says
Hope you make it!
I think figuring out your life will be a good thing, we all should strive for it! đ
Alex Bellink says
Ha, I agree! I spent the last two years traveling and popular to contrary belief, sometimes that makes you even more confused about your life!
TravelBloggerBuzz says
I need to travel more as I love being confused, especially wondering why in the hell I am not doing it more đ
smittytabb says
Very cool you are going George! In one of these it must be fate things, I was invited to go on another Iran tour by a friend who is a guide in Turkey for Rick Steves on the same day you posted this trip. Waiting for more details to make a decision on which one to go on. But, I have had this on my list for a very long time. Indeed, I was scheduled to go to Teheran in 1979 and one of the women I was traveling with had a father who was a diiplomat, and inside info told us not to go there then and so we had to cancel that plan. Several hostages later, the intel we had was right. But I have regretted not getting there ever since.
TravelBloggerBuzz says
Rick Steves who?
Hope you choose an “untour”! #hint.
I haven’t told my Iranian friend I am going, he will be shocked. Actually, now that I think about it, he may be from Shiraz or nearby. Iranians are very friendly indeed, I am so looking forward to something different, getting so sick of being upgraded and killing it with miles/points #notreally đ
bluecat says
@smittytabb, can you provide a link or more details on the other tour too?
I am definitely interested in Iran and the Untour looks great(!), but it’s good to compare. (My wife liked her RS tour too, so that’s a plus)
Nate Robert (@yomadic) says
Please compare, and any questions, fire away.
Hope you can join us, we’re about 50% full now so don’t wait too long to decide!
TravelBloggerBuzz says
Will someone tell me who this RS dude is?
đ
Nate Robert (@yomadic) says
I think in your parlance, he’s a Titan.
TravelBloggerBuzz says
Lol…good one.
“Parla” in greek slang means “talk too much” lol
smittytabb says
It’s not Rick’s tour. It is a company of guides in Turkey who also work for Rick. I am still waiting on more details and the formal itinerary which is November 2016. One main difference is that it leaves from Istanbul and returns there so the group arrives together. Not sure if they are opening it up to people they don’t know personally or not.
Dan says
If a Hasidic Jew on DansDeals Forums can manage traveling through Iran without a tour group and without getting thrown into prison, so can you đ
http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=46705.0
Nate Robert (@yomadic) says
Important to note – USA citizens won’t get a tourist visa to Iran without being part of an “official” tour. We are an official tour, our three tours this year had several Americans, we will organise the visa for you and we have a 100% success rate. Cheers!
maria sangria says
I’ve been wanting to go on one of Nate’s tours. I’ll have to see if life lines up for this. The October date would be the most likely.
Nate Robert (@yomadic) says
Join us Maria… October is selling fast, send me a contact if you have any questions.
TravelBloggerBuzz says
Just doeeeet!
John says
Sh*** I realize I will be tramping through SE Asia in Fall hot to burn AA FC miles…I would enjoy hanging out with you George as long as you don’t talk too much Soccer which I know nothing about..
Do not too over the top excited and lose your head over this trip ..
A very little gallows humor from a Brooklyn Guy
TravelBloggerBuzz says
Come along man, I promise I shut up about soccer. We can talk Manufactured Spending if you like đ
Itsme says
Man I would love to go and this would be country 116 for me. My husband, who doesnt like to travel more than 3 or 4 times a year, and has no problem with me going places, would put his foot down on Iran. Enjoy.
TravelBloggerBuzz says
Just do it!
Nate Robert (@yomadic) says
I would be more than happy to speak to your husband, and answer any questions he may have.
Scott says
I’m going to Iran for eight days in March and using AA miles. JFK-DOH-SYZ; IKA-DOH-JFK.
Have a good trip!
Scott says
For Itsme above: It’ll be country #132 for me. My wife is giving me grief about it, but I’m pushing back. It’s not Syria or Yemen (where I always joke would have been my first choice for a honeymoon destination). đ
TravelBloggerBuzz says
I like your itinerary…a lot. Hope I can replicated it myself….before March 22, devaluation day!
Kevin says
Long time reader. Been twiddling my fingers about this Iran trip in October. Just can’t decide. It’s a big chunk of money to be paid up front I suppose … Convince me to pull the trigger!
TravelBloggerBuzz says
Start a travel blog, deduct the cost of the trip and blog about it đ
No, seriously…I think it is going to be awesome. I agree with Nate that Iran will be THE destination in the years ahead, the country is hungry to open up and the people are fantastic. I also think the people who go to these trips will be fantastic also. And I trust the Yomadic dude to do an outstanding job because he is quality minded like me, unlike so many pseudo expert pretenders around this hobby. I call it going back to the “essence of travel”, making connections on the ground and getting that culture embedded into our existence for lasting memories…Wow, just made the last sentence, wow.
Kevin says
I think I’m 75% close to deciding to a yes (strange number?!). Do you know if the tour is close to selling out?
TravelBloggerBuzz says
Two seats left!
Brandon says
I’m in! I figured once I started looking into the flights and getting the miles lined up I better just book it!
TravelBloggerBuzz says
Great!
Rapid Travel Chai says
Great that you will go to Iran. My favorite destination in the region and important for the world for productive relations between Iran and the wide world.
TravelBloggerBuzz says
It sure is!
Alexandra Bellink says
Woohoo! I’m going too. Which start date are you going? I’m going on the one that begins October 31st.
TravelBloggerBuzz says
I am going to the one right before yours. So sad.
I am sure we will enjoy this!