Set off on a enchanting 12-day adventure from Dubai to the historic realms of Iran and India, where we transform your aspirations into lasting memories! Explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Persepolis, Necropolis, Pasargadae, Firouzabad, and Bishapour in Southern Persia. Visit the ancient port of Kangan, enjoy the beauty of the Persian Gulf, and marvel at the stunning Jashak Salt Domes nearby. Spend a night at the Maharloo ecolodge by the breathtaking Shiraz Pink Salt Lake. Immerse yourself in Shiraz, the birthplace of influential Iranian architects, poets, and physicians from the Mongolian Empire in India, including Isa Khan Shirazi, the famed architect of the Taj Mahal. Wander through the enchanting Persian gardens of Shiraz, which inspired the design of the Taj Mahal, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Eram Garden. Join us for a delightful cooking class in Delhi and visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, another UNESCO World Heritage site, in Agra.
Monuments included in this tour
Shiraz City tour: Eram Gardens, Hafez tomb and Nasir almolk mosque
Persepolis, Naghsh-e Rustam, and Pasargadae Excursion
Bishapour excursion
Firuzabad excursion
Kangan port walking tour
Jashak Salt domes visit
Maharloo Salt Lake visit
Delhi city full day city tour: Lotus Temple, Qutab Minar, Indira Gandhi Memorial, Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, Rajghat, India Gate, Red Fort
Agra Full day tour: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itimad-ud-Daulah tomb, the Fatehpur Sikri
Key Highlights of the tour
Studing the Persian gardens in Shiraz
Visiting Persepolis
exploring Bishapour and Firouzabad
Take in the breathtaking view of the Persian Gulf from both the northern side in Iran and the southern side in Dubai
Stay overnight in an ecolodge by Maharloo salt lake
Wonder at Taj Mahal
Joining an Indian cooking class in Delhi
Should I join this tour?
Travel Style: Premium
Service Level: Standard
Tour Activity Level: Average
Trip Type: Small Group, Max 18 pax
Age Limit: above 10 years old
Accommodation: Cozy hotels with a touch of charm wherever available, basic ecolodge for 1 night
Transport: a blend of public and private transport including international flights
Included Guided Activities: The key monuments and activities are included at an excellent value. They include walking and light hiking.
How we contribute to Sustainable Tourism in this tour
Local tour leader
Family run or private-owned hotels and hosts wherever possible
Local restaurants and cafes recommended by your tour leader
The most efficient travel plan to minimize driving and transportation
We are a local travel agency and tour operator in Iran
Your Visa Requirements
When it comes to obtaining a visa, there are some basic guidelines to keep in mind. Ensure that your passport remains valid for a minimum of six months, and it's crucial to have all necessary travel documents on hand that is your own responsibility. The visa requirements for your journey differ based on your place of origin and your destination and it is your own responsibility. Certain nationalities are exempt from obtaining visas for the UAE, Iran and India and we will help you with the LOI and the support letter if needed.
Iran
If your country is not included in the list of visa-free nationalities for visiting Iran, please complete this form and send it to us including a good quality passport image and a passport size photo. This will enable us to obtain your visa invitation letter, allowing you to acquire your visa upon arrival at Tehran airport or any designated Iran consulate before your arrival in Iran. For American, British, and Canadian citizens, it is advisable to apply for the LOI no later than 90 days prior to the tour commencement, while for other nationalities, the safe time is 30 days though we can provide you with the LOI code in a couple of days if you book close to the trip departure so that you get the visa on arrival.
If you wish to extend your stay or explore more of Iran, such as Shiraz and Isfahan, feel free to inform us. American, British, and Canadian passport holders are required to adhere to the exact travel itinerary provided to us within a guided tour if they wish to explore more of Iran before this trip departure. However, other nationalities can arrive ahead of the tour and enjoy their own time in Iran or book an additional tour with us.
You can get more details on Iran visa application process here.
India
All foreign national travelers must possess a valid visa to enter India. There are two categories of visas: the e-Visa, which can be applied for online, and a regular paper visa. When applying for a visa, you might choose between the e-Visa or the regular (paper) visa, depending on the specifics of your stay and your entry and exit points. Nationals from the following countries are currently eligible to apply for an e-Visa: Japan, South Korea, and the UAE. You must carry a printed copy of your approved visa while traveling. For more information about the Indian Visa, please visit the government website and check this page for the Indian evisa.
the UAE
Many nationalities can get their visa on arrival and some countries need to get a preapproved visa to enter the UAE where we help you. To get more information about getting a tourist visa to visit the UAE please check this official page of the the United Arab Emirates.
Important Notes
Money
As a result of the economic embargo, credit cards and ATMs are not usable in Iran, making cash the sole option. While Iran is affordable, it is advisable to carry sufficient cash as running out could limit your options. It's important to note that Iran operates with two currencies: the official currency is the Rial, but people commonly refer to Tooman. For tourists visiting Iran, it is recommended to bring only cash as cards and checks are not accepted. Both US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted in Iran and can be exchanged for Rial at banks, exchange offices, and airports.
The official currency of India is the Indian rupee, denoted as INR, and represented by the symbol ₹. One rupee is subdivided into 100 paise. While the US dollar is widely accepted in India, it is advisable to obtain some rupees in smaller denominations for use in remote areas where the US dollar may not be accepted. Major currencies like USD, GBP, and EUR can be conveniently exchanged for rupees in India, with the USD to INR exchange rate generally being more favorable than that of other foreign currencies. ATMs typically offer the best exchange rates and can be easily located at airports, in urban areas, or outside banks. Most ATMs accept MasterCard, Visa, Cirrus, and Maestro.
The United Arab Emirates Dirham, commonly referred to as AED, is the official currency in Dubai and serves as the national currency of the UAE. One Dirham is equivalent to 100 fils, which are smaller denominations of the currency. The abbreviation "د.إ" represents the dirham. In Dubai, you can easily find numerous ATMs that allow you to withdraw Dirhams using your debit or credit card. Be sure to check with your bank about any potential fees. Additionally, there are many independent currency exchange offices conveniently located throughout Dubai's main markets, shopping centers, and business districts, making it easy to access Dirhams.
Tipping
In Iran, India and the UAE it is common to tip service providers like waiters and it is highly valued, typically around 3-5%, depending on the service. Tipping is a way to show appreciation for those who assist you during your journey. Even though it may not be your usual practice, it carries great importance to those taking care of you while you travel. Throughout the trip, there will be opportunities to tip local guides or drivers. You can tip them individually or have your tour leader collect the money and tip as a group. For drivers and local guides, recommendations range from $2-$3 USD per person per day, depending on the service quality and duration. Consult your tour leader for specific suggestions based on the situation and local customs. At the end of the trip, if you feel your Uppersia tour leader has provided exceptional service, tipping is welcomed. The amount is entirely up to you, but as a reference, $20-$25 USD per person per week is a common practice.
Dress Code
Female tourist in Iran has to cover their hair appropriately. They should also wear loose fitting garments which cover arms and legs up to at least the knee area over pants or skirt with a scarf in summer, and a full-length woolen coat and scarf in winter. Dress attire for men is similar to that in Europe. The strict dress code for men in Iran prohibits short trousers and short sleeved shirts and t-shirts. Although you would not see Iranian men dressed in shorts, you will almost certainly see men wearing short sleeved shirts and t-shirts. Sandals and flip flops without socks is acceptable for both genders and makes no problem.
In India and the UAE, a blend of traditional attire and Western-style clothing is common. When preparing for your journey, feel free to pack your typical travel wardrobe, including shorts, t-shirts, and sandals for summer. Avoid tank tops, singlets, or outfits with exposed shoulders or backs as they may not be well-received, especially in larger cities. As our itinerary involves visits to religious sites with strict dress codes, women are advised to have a headscarf in their day bags for mosque visits and to cope with the summer heat. To adapt to the warm weather, opt for loose, long clothing like trousers, sarongs, or long skirts. During colder months (late October to April), be ready for rain and snow by packing warm clothes, jackets, and comfortable shoes.
Accommodation
Our group tours feature shared accommodation. Solo travelers on group tours are matched with a same-sex roommate in twin or multi-share lodging throughout the trip. You may ask for the single supplement and pay the extra cost if you want to stay in a single room during the whole trip for those nights that can be arranged.
Your Tour Leader
Throughout the entire trip, a tour leader who is a local to the region will accompany you, ensuring you make the most of your experience. They will assist in overcoming language barriers with locals and offer information on activities and destinations.
Joining Instructions on Day 1
If you haven't arranged an arrival transfer with Uppersia Travel, we recommend taking a taxi from Tehran International Airport to the hotel. However, if you have scheduled an arrival transfer with Uppersia Travel, our driver will pick you up and take you directly to the hotel.
Please be aware that day 1 is designated as an arrival day with no scheduled activities. Upon reaching your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), keep an eye out for a note or bulletin board at the reception from your tour leader. This note will contain information about your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (typically at 7pm), providing an opportunity to meet your tour leader and fellow travelers, and to gain insight into the tour itinerary. If you do not see a note, feel free to ask reception for further details!
Itinerary Disclaimer
While we aim to adhere to the specified details and itinerary, unforeseen circumstances may lead to changes in accommodation, transportation, or included activities. In the event of any changes, rest assured that our primary goal is to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the journey. Our experienced team will work diligently to make necessary adjustments while maintaining the essence of the trip experience. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding during such instances, as it allows us to navigate challenges effectively and deliver a memorable adventure for you and your fellow travelers. Your cooperation is invaluable in creating a positive and enjoyable travel experience for everyone involved.
Departure Dates
| Starting from Dubai | Ending in Delhi | Availability | Price |
| 20/01/2025 Mon. | 31/01/2025 Fri. | Available | $2500 |
| 03/02/2025 Mon. | 14/02/2025 Fri. | Available | $2500 |
| 17/02/2025 Mon. | 28/02/2025 Fri. | Available | $2500 |
| 03/03/2025 Mon. | 14/03/2025 Fri. | Available | $2500 |
| 17/03/2025 Mon. | 28/03/2025 Fri. | Available | $2500 |
| 27/10/2025 Mon. | 07/11/2025 Fri. | Available | $2500 |
| 10/11/2025 Mon. | 21/11/2025 Fri. | Available | $2500 |
| 24/11/2025 Mon. | 05/12/2025 Fri. | Available | $2500 |
| 08/12/2025 Mon. | 19/12/2025 Fri. | Available | $2500 |
| 22/12/2025 Mon. | 02/01/2026 Fri. | Available | $2500 |
Booking Policy for this trip
If you prefer booking this tour through a travel agency in your country, kindly inform us. If we have a partner in your country, you can contact them directly to book your tour. This service does not incur any extra fees to your trip cost.
