The Iran Cycling Tour offers an adventurous and immersive way to explore the country’s diverse landscapes, from its mountainous terrain to its desert expanses.

Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights

Tour Type: Adventure / Cycling Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Tehran

• Arrival: Arrive in Tehran, Iran’s bustling capital. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

• Evening Activity: Enjoy a light evening ride around Tehran, exploring landmarks like Milad Tower and Valiasr Street, and enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

• Overnight: Stay in a hotel in Tehran.

Day 2: Tehran to Alborz Mountains (Cycling Distance: 50 km)

• Cycling Route: Begin the journey with a ride from Tehran towards the Alborz Mountains, heading north to Darband.

• Stop: Take a break in the scenic village of Darband, known for its beautiful mountain scenery and traditional Persian tea houses.

• Overnight: Stay in a cozy mountain lodge, enjoying the cool mountain air.

Day 3: Alborz Mountains to Karaj (Cycling Distance: 75 km)

• Cycling Route: Continue your ride south along the Alborz Mountain range towards Karaj, a scenic city surrounded by hills and lush nature.

• Stop: Explore the Karaj River and enjoy the natural beauty along the way.

• Overnight: Stay at a guesthouse or boutique hotel in Karaj.

Day 4: Karaj to Qazvin (Cycling Distance: 120 km)

• Cycling Route: Ride from Karaj to Qazvin, passing through fertile plains and the countryside.

• Stop: Take a break in Alamut Valley, home to the legendary Assassins' Castle.

• Overnight: Stay in a traditional house or hotel in Qazvin.

Day 5: Qazvin to Zanjan (Cycling Distance: 130 km)

• Cycling Route: Head from Qazvin to Zanjan, cycling through rural landscapes and vast plains. This is a peaceful, relatively flat part of the route, offering a calm ride.

• Stop: Visit the Soltaniyeh Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is the burial place of Ilkhanid Sultan Öljeitü.

• Overnight: Stay in a guesthouse in Zanjan.

Day 6: Zanjan to Kermanshah (Cycling Distance: 190 km)

• Cycling Route: Ride through the heart of Iran's western plains towards Kermanshah. This leg takes you through a more rugged, mountainous terrain.

• Stop: Visit the famous Bistoon Inscription and the Kermanshah Rock Reliefs, historical sites dating back to the Achaemenid period.

• Overnight: Stay in a local hotel in Kermanshah.

Day 7: Kermanshah to Hamadan (Cycling Distance: 150 km)

• Cycling Route: Continue the journey from Kermanshah to Hamadan, cycling through lush valleys and scenic hills. Hamadan is a city steeped in history.

• Stop: Explore Tomb of Esther and Mordecai (Jewish history) and the Alavian Dome.

• Overnight: Stay in Hamadan.

Day 8: Hamadan to Yazd (Cycling Distance: 250 km)

• Cycling Route: Cycle towards the vast Iranian Desert, heading towards Yazd. This is a long but rewarding stretch through desert landscapes.

• Stop: Take breaks in small desert villages and towns to get a sense of rural Iranian life.

• Overnight: Arrive in Yazd and stay in a traditional guesthouse or boutique hotel.

Day 9: Explore Yazd

• Cycling in the City: Spend the day exploring Yazd, a city that blends ancient Persian and Islamic architecture. Visit the Yazd Atash Behram, Zoroastrian Fire Temple, and Jameh Mosque.

• Leisure Time: Wander through Yazd’s labyrinthine alleys and visit the Wind Towers, a centuries-old cooling system.

• Overnight: Stay in Yazd.

Day 10: Departure from Yazd

• Morning: After breakfast, there will be free time for last-minute sightseeing or a short ride in the city.

• Transfer to Airport: Your tour ends with a transfer to Yazd International Airport for your departure flight.

Additional Information:

• Level of Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, with some hilly and mountainous terrain.

• Group Size: Small groups (5-12 people).

• Accommodation: A mix of traditional guesthouses, boutique hotels, and mountain lodges.

• Meals: Traditional Iranian meals, with options for vegetarians.

• Included in the Tour:

  • Local expert cycling guide

  • Bike rental and equipment

  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

  • Entrance fees to historical sites

  • Support vehicle for luggage

  • Airport transfers

This itinerary offers a deeper dive into both the natural landscapes and cultural heritage of Iran.