April 30, 2008

Africa & Mideast | Iran

Iran Unveiled

By Mark Jolly

How to access the axis of evil.

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Independent travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran is virtually off-limits. It takes two months to process a tourist visa — if you’re lucky. And, according to the latest travel warning from the US State Department, American visitors “may be subject to harassment or arrest.” No matter: access to the definitive “axis of evil” is getting easier. On May 11, sustainable travel specialists GAP Adventures lead a 13-night tour of Iran that includes the Persian empire ruins at Persepolis, the ancient desert town of Yazd, and the UNESCO Heritage city Isfahan (once famed for having the beauty of “half the world”).

GAP’s Discover Persia tour — also available in June, September and October — is among a handful of Iran trips now opening up to travelers. Absolute Travel, known for its private high-end tours, offers three separate itineraries that can all be customized. In October, Distant Horizons returns to the once-forbidden land with an 18-day trip — the same month that Silversea will count the country among its cruise stops in the Middle East.

And that’s just the tip of Iran’s tourist revolution: Last year authorities started a campaign to open 20 tourism offices around the world, and even started handing out cash bonuses to travel agents who lured European and US visitors. Now we’re just waiting on President Ahmadinejad’s promise to come good since he declared that Iran’s nuclear facilities would soon be open to tourists.