Iranians have to be some of the most hospitable people in the world. A warm welcome is guaranteed on any trip to Iran along with the promise of tasting new cuisines and experiencing a captivating journey among a nation of poets.

On our Iran holidays you can tread in the footsteps of history’s great leaders such as Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan. Walk round ancient sites including Persepolis, Naqah-i- Rustam, Takht-i-Soleiman and many beautiful Palaces and colourful mosques. Travel by bus through incredible scenery, varying from barren, desolate deserts to rich, green irrigated fields and in spring brilliantly coloured flowers near the oases.

With Explore there are two trips to choose from. The Ancient Persia tour introduces you to modern Iran as well as taking you back into the exciting and adventurous world of ancient Persia on this two week cultural tour. Alternatively tackle mount Damavand. Steeped in mythology Mount Damavand presents us with the highest peak in Iran, an iconic volcanic giant that nestles amongst the snow-capped Alborz Mountains to the north of Tehran. This exhilarating adventure takes you from the vibrant streets of the Iranian capital, into the dramatic landscapes of Persian folklore, as you scale the heights of both Damavand and the neighbouring peak of Mt Touchal, on a journey into a harsh mountain terrain of frozen waterfalls and sulphurous fumaroles. With time set aside to explore something of the ancient heritage of Persia and Islamic Iran, this incredible odyssey takes in some of Iran’s most spectacular natural and cultural highlights.

When to go: Being a vast country; Iran has regions with different temperatures even at a specific period of time. In fact it offers all sorts of climates and conditions. Generally spring, (April to early June) and autumn (September to early November) are the best time to visit Iran even if the weather may, on occasions, be a little uncertain with short lapses in to either cold winter or the heat of summer. Climbing mount Damavand only has a short window in which is it accessible and that is in the summer months of July and August.