……. Surprising skiing
Iran isn’t the first place that comes to mind when planning your winter sports. And if you’re into being seen sipping gluhwein with the trendy fluorescent Euro-crowd and joining the interminable queues of self-styled beautiful people at the chairlifts then perhaps our ski scene isn’t for you. Après ski is, to say the least, quiet for some tastes. But should you be planning to travel in November – March and you have a penchant for the alternative experience, the ski –Iran option is definitely worth building into your itinerary.
Before the Islamic revolution in 1978, Iran was starting to get a name amongst those in the know for fantastic powder snow and off-piste skiing. Magic Carpet Travel is now arranging holidays high in the Alborz mountains only an hour and a half’s drive from Tehran. We’ll take you to resorts where the skiing and snowboarding compares with some of the high Alpine resorts or the American West – only a great deal less busy. Snow conditions are generally favourable as the climate tends to be slightly colder than in European resorts – but sunnier.
The two main resorts of Dizin and Shemshak have been redeveloped relatively recently and are not over-populated: many lifts are new, queues are short and pistes are groomed daily. Runs are for all levels - at Dizin there are 23, suitable for beginners to experts.
……. and winter sun
Situatedin the Persian Gulf and with a climate similar to that of Dubai, the beautiful tropical island of Kish lies only a two-hour flight away from Tehran. An ideal place to visit in the cooler months of October – April, Kish can offer a relaxing break from a busy travel schedule during your stay in Iran, or even a welcome contrast to the rigours of a few days’ skiing.
No headscarves here – a beach for foreigners means you can strip comfortably (and legally) down to your normal beachwear and feel the sun on your skin. Warm waters, coral and abundant tropical fish around the island make it worth visiting for the dive sites around the island alone. A PADI course for new divers is currently run by British instructors, so there are no language problems for English speakers, and under PADI regulations the equipment for hire is safe and new. Once again, costs are a fraction of those found almost anywhere else in the world.
For those not into diving, water-skiing, jet-skiing and windsurfing are inexpensive and exciting ways of exploring the coast. Alternatively, take a boat out to the turtle colony just off the island or to the nature reserve of Gheshm…or just spend some time unwinding by bird watching among the hibiscus blooms or cycling around the island.
| Day |
City |
Details |
| 1 |
London - Tehran  |
Depart London Heathrow Terminal 3 on direct Iran Air flight
at 17.00. |
| 2 |
Tehran - Dizin |
Arrive Tehran 02.10 and transfer to hotel. Afternoon drive
to Dizin. |
| 3 |
Dizin |
Skiing in Dizin. Overnight in Dizin. |
| 4 |
Dizin |
Skiing in Dizin. Overnight in Dizin. |
| 5 |
Dizin - Tehran-Kish |
Morning drive to Tehran. Afternoon flight to Kish. |
| 6 |
Kish |
Morning bicycle ride round the Island and spend the day
exploring the Island and perhaps shopping. |
| 7 |
Kish |
Two or three dives to explore the beautiful coral and
tropical fish, and then on to the beach. |
| 8 |
Kish - Shiraz |
Morning flight to Shiraz. City tour of Shiraz including
Eram Gardens, Narenjestan Palace. On to the Mausoleum of Persian poet
Hafez, with time to enjoy tea and ice cream in the garden teahouse. |
| 9 |
Shiraz - Isfahan |
Excursion to the wind swept ruins Persepolis, and Naghsh-e-Rostam,
the tomb of three powerful Achaemenian Kings carved into huge rocks.
Evening flight to Isfahan. |
| 10 |
Isfahan - Tehran |
Visit the Royal Square, Imam Mosque, Sheik Lotf-Allah
Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace and finally the bazaar spanning 5km. On to
Chehel Sotun (Forty Columns) and Hasht Behesht (Eighth Heaven) Palaces.
Visit the Armenian quarters of the city, to see Vank Cathedral and
the Shaking Minarets. On to the 4500-year-old fire temple on top of
a hill on the outskirts of the city, providing a panoramic view of
Isfahan. In the evening visit a Zoorkhaneh (House of Strength) to
watch this traditional Iranian sport - a combination of physical and
spiritual aerobics, with participants chanting to the powerful drums
of their master. Late evening flight to Tehran. |
| 11 |
Tehran - London |
Depart for London 09.00, arriving Heathrow Terminal 3
at 11.45. |
Top 
| Winter Breaks - Ski in Iran |
| There are no set dates for
this tour as we will tailor make trips to suit your requirements.
We can also vary this itinerary so if you wish to ski for longer or
spend more time in Kish, Isfahan or Shiraz, we will happily arrange
this for you. Fully inclusive skiing on its own will cost around £130
per day at 4 star accommodation, excluding lift pass and equipment
hire. A lift pass costs around £5 per day. |
Direct flight on Iran Air - Heathrow Terminal 3 6-hour flight
London/Tehran IR 710 Depart 17.00 Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays arrive 02.10
Tehran /London IR 711 Depart 09.00 Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays arrive 11.45
10 DAY TOUR:
Package price per person £1755
Single room supplement £245
The cost of the tour includes:
Direct return economy flights on Iran Air between London and Tehran*, UK airport tax, arranging tourist visas, accommodation in three/four/five star hotels in twin bedded rooms with private facilities, full board throughout (breakfast, lunch and dinner every day), sightseeing visits & all entrance fees as per the itinerary, English speaking national guide throughout the trip, all transfers, land transport & internal flights including local taxes.
*Magic Carpet Travel acts as agents of Facts Travel Ltd ATOL 4109 for the international flight component of this tour at £350 including taxes. Land-only price is £1405 should you wish to join the tour in Tehran, or arrange your own flight.
The cost excludes:
All personal extras such as laundry, tips and porterage, all optional excursions, tours and visits, travel insurance - available through Magic Carpet Travel.
Top |
