TRIBAL PERSIA (IRAN)

We are happy to include local ceremonies and weddings of the pastoral nomads when available. 

Travel from modern-day Tehran through some of Iran’s most interesting old cities and nomadic settlements.  Enjoy delicious breads, dry fruit and kababs along with the cool mountain climate and intense natural beauty of forests, wetlands, gushing streams and rivers, waterfalls and thermal springs.  The varied climate and topography makes this region perfectly suited to deciduous trees such as oaks, beeches, maples and hornbeams.  Drive through the Kurdistan province, one of the most important tribal and handicraft centers producing ethnic rugs, woodwork, crocheting and spangling cloths.  The Kurds form the largest ethnic group in Iran.  In the summer time meet the Baktiyari Tribes who sometimes settle in the heart of the plains, at the outskirts of the Zagros Mountains.

Follow the Shahsavans and Qashqai nomads from their summer campgrounds.  Be welcomed in every tent and treated royally.  Visit with these friendly pastoral nomads who migrated from Central Asia and still speak a Turkic dialect.  Both men and women wear varied colorful costumes and still make attractive tribal rugs, saddlebags and horse blankets.  Stay in caravansaries and tents and share travel stories with these migrant herders.

Also included are the classic highlights and not-to-be missed Isfahan, Persepolis and Yazd with its traditional Persian architecture.  Continue to a small village that dates back to the 9th century in the shadow of the highest peak in Yazd province.  Explore another 16th century village with its hill top castle before arriving at a remote nomadic settlement where you will learn more about desert life in Iran.  Reminisce in the fine gardens, marvel at the superb Islamic art and architecture and evocative ruins before ending in Tehran with its bazaars filled with exquisite inlaid silver, turquoise, carpets and tribal artifacts.  Visit world class museums and contemporary art galleries and sip tea in a typical teahouse while learning about some of the world’s most ancient civilization.

Destinations

Tehran * Hamadan * Nomadic Regions * Isfahan * Yadz * Persepolis * Shiraz

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