Can we travel independently in Iran?

MY HUSBAND AND I ARE EXPERIENCED TRAVELLERS HOPING TO EXPLORE IRAN IN 2018. CAN WE TRAVEL INDEPENDENTLY IN IRAN? ANY TIPS ON THINGS TO SEE, BEST TIME TO TRAVEL? C. SKELLEY, GLEBE NSW

It is possible to tour independently in Iran. You'll find plenty of feedback on the internet from travellers who have put together a DIY tour. It's not straightforward but if you're resourceful and not put off by plunging into strange waters you can expect to have an amazing time. However, hiring a guide and driver or joining a tour is a much simpler proposition, and since this is a customised tour it doesn't have the feel of an off-the-shelf group tour. There are many Iran-based operators that can do this for you such as Uppersia, uppersia.com, and Nika Tours, nikagasht.com/en.
The Traveller website, traveller.com.au, has several articles on Iran to help plan your trip.
According to the Iranian Embassy in Canberra: "Australian passport holders can travel to Iran and obtain 30 days visa on arrival at the airport, however it is strongly recommended that applicants apply for visas in advance at the Iranian Embassy in Canberra in order to avoid long waiting queue at the airport."
Avoid the extreme heat of summer, between mid-May and the end of September. Prime time is mid-March to mid-May and October to the end of November.




Adventures, peregrineadventures.com.

TIPOLOGIST

​Codeshare partners will often sell seats aboard the same flight at different prices. If you see the words "operated by" attached to your flight details check both partner airline's prices and you might score a cheaper seat.