Iran is one of the most mysterious and interesting countries in the modern world! Here, legends about the land of the ancient Aryans, numerous empires that have existed in this territory over the past 5,000 years, and modern Persian flavor are intertwined.
The leading tour operator in the Arab East offers unique individual tours, because only in Iran, oriental bazaars coexist with high minarets of mosques and modern buildings, and the narrow streets of cities intertwine the sights of ancient Persia. Iran attracts tourists and travelers from different countries who come here to see ancient sights and touch the unique and inimitable culture of this eastern country.
The unique location of Iran determined its development for many millennia to come. Trade routes from Asia to Europe, maritime trade with the Arab countries and India, contacts with the Caucasus and the states of North Africa – all this brought its touches to the culture of Iran!
Tours to Iran will be a discovery even for the most sophisticated tourist: unique places, Persian hospitality and first-class excursions will not leave anyone indifferent.
TOURIST SAFETY AND DRESS CODE IN IRAN
No special vaccinations are required to visit Iran. It is recommended to drink bottled water throughout the country.
Alcohol is banned in Iran.
Smoking is also prohibited in public places.
The public dress code in Iran is enshrined in law. Its execution by locals is monitored more strictly than by tourists. Men are not allowed to wear shirts that open their arms above the elbow, and pants above the ankles. Women are required to cover their hands to the wrist and legs to the ankle. Wearing a headscarf (rusari) for women is mandatory. It is forbidden to appear in public in tight clothes; on top of clothes emphasizing the silhouette, it is supposed to wear a special cape – a mantle. Skirts can only be worn very long and wide (and, of course, opaque).
It is forbidden to photograph military installations and government institutions. Local residents can only be filmed with their permission.
In a conversation, it is better not to touch on issues of Islam, local customs and Iran’s position in the international arena. Topics of the United States and everything connected with it are also recommended to be avoided. On the street, you can often meet Iranians who speak English, especially among young people. French is more commonly spoken among the older generation.
The overall level of crime in Iran is quite low, despite this, cases of theft of handbags and briefcases by motorcyclists passing by are not uncommon. While in the car, it is necessary to lock the doors. We recommend that you carefully monitor your bags and wallet in any situation.
Beaches in Iran are divided into male and female.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Tourists traveling to Iran need to know the list of items that are prohibited for import into the country:
– all types of alcoholic beverages;
— video and printed products of erotic content;
— rare species of animals and plants (seeds, tubers, sprouts);
– printed materials in Hebrew, souvenirs from Israel (for example, “I love Jerusalem” T-shirts, etc.);
— anti-Islamic and propaganda literature;
– all types of narcotic substances (in case of violation of the law, persons importing drugs are subject to the death penalty).
It is allowed to import:
— import of foreign currency is not limited (no declaration required);
– medicines must be imported with a prescription from a doctor or a cash receipt from a pharmacy;
— cigarettes are allowed to be imported (in the allowed quantity for personal use);
– small appliances.
It is allowed to export personal belongings, Persian handicrafts and goods purchased in the country, in the amount of no more than one large carpet or two small handmade rugs (with a total area of up to 21 sq. m.). The export of any antiques (more than 50 years old – precious stones, coins, manuscripts and other works of art) is prohibited.
MAINS VOLTAGE
is 220 V, 50 Hz. Plugs are round two-prong.
IRANIAN CUISINE
Iranian cuisine is one of the oldest in the world. The basis of many dishes are rice, bread, meat, fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits in various combinations. Pork is banned in Iran, so beef, veal, lamb, poultry and fish are used in cooking. Magnificent masterpieces of Persian cuisine can be tasted in local restaurants.
Iranian pistachios are considered the best in the world, they are used not only as a spice or just a delicacy, they are also salted in a special way, getting a kind of snack.
The most favorite Iranian drink is tea, they drink it hot, without adding milk, sugar, as a rule, is not stirred in tea, but is drunk as a bite.
A surprising and very pleasant fact for Russians is the wide popularity of the samovar in Iran. A samovar can be found in almost any restaurant and any home; the tradition of drinking tea from a samovar is as popular in Iran as it once was in pre-revolutionary Russia.
Drinks based on fermented milk products are also widespread: yogurt and kefir.
Iranian cuisine has its own characteristics: for example, all vegetables and fruits are divided into “garmi” and “sardi” (that is, “hot” and “cold”), and this combination is observed during cooking. So, walnut (garmi) is mixed with pomegranate juice (sardi), and they are the components of fesenjan – a very healthy and tasty dish.
Restaurants in Iran are decorated in the national style, very colorful, there are many oriental patterns in their interiors. Here you can not only try the national cuisine, but also smoke a hookah, as well as listen to real live music (please note that dancing in public places is prohibited in Iran!). You can thank the musicians for the wonderful music with applause. Cigarette smoking is allowed in a number of restaurants, you need to ask the waiter about it in advance. The average bill in a restaurant will be from 20 to 40 dollars per person (depending on the level of the institution and the city).
