JOURNEY TO PERSIA

Our Clients’ Reviews

• 

  Graham Waters

  JOURNEY TO PERSIA

  

  Written November 2008

  Don't believe everything you see and hear from the media. The people were fantastic, kind and generous. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Isafhan being the jewel in the crown. Everywhere we went the local people were kind and generous.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our guide was like a mother hen, looked after our daily needs. Sometimes too much attention being given.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  We had some difficulties with using our credit cards buying momento's, contact beforehand before leaving the UK. Mobile phones can be used, depending upon your provider, I was shocked when my pay phone from Tesco connected straight away.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Worth a visit before tourism destroy's what they have to offer. They are becoming westernised in their outlook, which is a shame, because even though they do have some problems our way of life will only cause more.

   
• 

  Hannah Marder

  JOURNEY TO PERSIA

  

  Written November 2008

  A comprehensive trip to a fascinating country.  However, the style of the trip is different from the other Exodus journeys I have been on, feeling more like a conventional coach trip than an adventure holiday.   

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Visiting the mausoleum in Shiraz with the mirrored interior, which was beautiful.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Hossein was a lovely group leader, with a good sense of humour.  His knowledge was good although sometimes the timings of visits was a bit questionable and he didn't allow much free time.  But he did have a very large group to manage. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be prepared to have less freedom than on a normal Exodus tour - not because of the country but because of the way the trip is structured and run.  Don't be afraid to say early on if you want to do something different - Hossein is very accommodating but you need to ask.  Those who are used to independent travel may well still find aspects of the trip pretty frustrating. 

   Women: you can wear light colours if you want (doesn't have to be black) - it's really hot even in October so don't bring anything too heavy.

  Be wary around Esfahan, particularly on Imam Square, of bag snatchers on motorbikes.  Keep your bags worn securely across your body and keep your wits about you.

  Crossing the road is a daunting experience - the best thing to do is cross with some locals.  Don't wait for there to be no cars, you'll be waiting forever, just walk calmly and confidently across at a reasonable pace.  The cars will drive around you.  Just make sure the drivers can clearly see you and your intention to cross.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  As I mentioned, this trip is rather different from what I think of as an adventure holiday.  Expect to be driven everywhere, have little free time and not much choice even in things like where to eat.  Also the group size was very large (20 people).  We didn't start till quite late every morning (around 9am) so ended up sightseeing during the hottest part of the day, when there is the worst light for photos.  I tried to be at several of the monuments around sunset in order to get good pictures but it was impossible because of the restrictive programme.  I suppose this may have been less of a problem with a smaller group as there would have been fewer needs to cater for.  Also the itinarary could have been better planned - our full day in Esfahan, for example, was a Friday, when most of the important sights are shut.  But maybe Exodus will change some of these things (if feasible) in response to the feedback.

  However, it's still probably easier than trying to do Iran indepedently - especially as a female traveller - and Iran is a fascinating country.  The people are friendly, the architecture stunning, and there's a wealth of history.  I felt completely safe and welcome throughout - there was no anti-western sentiment expressed towards me by the people or the government, even getting into the country was straightforward.  There was little 'hassle', even walking through markets.  So definitely don't be put off by the sometimes negative media coverage of Iran.

   
• 

  Louise Leonard

  JOURNEY TO PERSIA

  

  Written April 2008

  A really fantastic trip and very uplifiting - came back with a very different view on Iran and its people.  Its an extraordinary country with amazing architecture fab food warm people and spectatular mountain landscapes and not like how the media portray it.   I'm so glad I went 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Chatting and having tea with Iranian families and being invited to do so everywhere you went.   People are warm welcoming and intersted in our lives.   While there it was the Iranian new year and thousands of families desend on all the major cities we visited. Everyone wanted to talk to us and take our picture and they are happy to have their picture taken too.  Iranians are good people which is very apparanet when you visit Iran and are also very family orientated.   Also visiting Persepolis the great capital of Darius 1 was a big highlight. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our group leader Hossein was from Tehran and a brilliant leader. Very organised, fair, attentive, knowledgeable on Iran and happy to answer all our questions.  He brought us to wonderful persian restaurants  and we sampled the best of Iranian food. Nothing was too much trouble for him.  We gave him a massive tip and he really deserved it as took great care of us

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Girls: Bring your swimsuit as the hotels now have times for women and men. Also despite what other reviews might say you really don't need to wear all black while there and a bit of colour is fine and its ok to show your feet in sandals.  Quite a few of our group had pastal and warm colours - lighweight is best as its warmer than you think even in March.  Also for a woman it is possible to walk around on your own without much hassle.  Iran is not dangerous as long as you comply with their strict dress code and laws and in general police and milatary are calm and relaxed .   I felt the only danger while there was crossing the road so take care and cross with the locals but don't hesitate

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Make sure you try the dish with Walnut and Pommegranate sauce dish with chicken or lamb! to die for.  Esfahan is best for shopping and make sure you bargain for the carpets. I knocked $200 off mine!  HOtels were of very good standard and staff welcoming and friendly.   Go for a walk along the bridges in Esfahan and mingle with the locals. Dont' be afraid to chat and have tea.  Everyone wants to talk to you and also to reassure us that Iranians are good people which they are!!.   Credit cards are now accepted for Carpets and some major stores.   Roads are good our coach fully air con and constant supply of water which was great! Iran Air internal flights are also fine - smooth landing, flight and take off.  Some of the planes are old but seem to work perfect.   I recommend you visit this country. It won't disappoint. 

   
• 

  Iris Wilmot

  Why on earth are you going there?

  

  Written September 2007

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Isfahan with its wide river, mighty historic bridges and the beautiful buildings around Maydan Iman, the second largest square in the world, has to be the jewel but the ancient windtowers, towers of silence, the gardens and the people themselves were also magic.   It was not what I had expected.  Their way of life with such strong family groups, the love of eating alfresco and socialising whenever possible had much to admire.

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  What did you think of your group leader?

  Excellent.  His English was very good, his sense of humour close to our own and his knowlege of his country, its history, culture and politics very extensive.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  As ever, read up as much as possible before you go and when there have an open mind.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Make sure you try the nougat and the ice cream.