Gutsy Small Group Iran Tours

These well known travel outfits now offers extensive trips during 2009 to Iran. Eldertreks has an extension to Jordan. jumpman23 Eldertreks describes Iran as "an ancient land filled with bustling bazaars, historic sights, superb architecture, parched deserts and beautiful, snowcapped mountains."

Persian cities, UNESCO sitesThe Eldertrek trip is limited to 16 people. It starts jumpman23 shoes and ends in Tehran and include stops at numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites in this history laden country. Among the highlights are stops at Persepolis, the "City of the Persians;" and a stay in Yazd, said to be the "second most jumpman23 jordan historic city in the world." Eldertreks newsletter does not say what the first is, but the first one that comes to mind is Jerusalem.

Another highlight: walking over the "famous bridges of Isfahan" and a drive along the Caspian Sea. In Tehran, tourists will get to visit the National Jewels Museum. Eldertreks says hospitality comes "second nature" to Iranians.

The Jordan trip, which starts from Amman, can be added on. It includes Petra, considered "a must see for any visitors to this area," The group also visits the ruins at Jerash, a Roman City built on a site dating back to the Neolithic Age. and Iran are not exactly friendly with one another. "But since we began our groundbreaking trips to Iran in 1993, our many travelers have been deeply grati?ed by the openhearted, open minded welcome of the Iranian people," says jumpman 23 the compan\ny. "Geopoliticians we're not, and our warm people to people encounters in Iran remind us that we made the right career choice."

Not Budget TravelVisiting these Middle East locates doesn't come cheap. The 21 day Eldertreks excursion is usually priced at about $6,000. The September '09 departure is at the reduced price of $5,395. The 6 day Jordan add on begins at $1,775. Both Geographic Expeditions and Absolute Asia are more expensive. GeoEx has a 22 day tour starting at $6,795, and Absolute Asia has custom tours in Iran starting at about $7,995 for 17 days.

The State department jumpman shoes says "American citizens may be subject to harassment or arrest in Iran," and that various Iranian American academics, journalists and others have either left voluntarily, or have been detained and imprisoned.