Mountain villages

Abyaneh. Photography: ©Patrick Ringgenberg.

Genius of secular architecture

There are the historic cities, with their architecture of royal patronage, grandiose and sophisticated; there are also the Iranian forests, valleys and mountains, which are home to remarkable vernacular architecture, whose techniques and uses have their roots in the mists of time. In the setting of often majestic nature – splendid valleys of orchards, spectacular terraces of rock – the mountain villages still constitute a largely new world. Guided by specialists working in each site, this itinerary is the best initiation to a deep, traditional Iran, which seems timeless, but which is confronted with all the social, economic and ecological challenges of modernity.
Gilan – Kurdistan – Kermanshah – Isfahan
13 DAYS

Best seasons: April-May, September-October
Hotel categories: correct, without great luxury, except in Kashan, Fuman and Zanjan (hotels)
Special difficulties: none

Price
------ Euros2 people in a double room
------ Euros4 people in a double room
------ Euros6 people in a double room
IncludedNot included
Double room accommodation in the best hotel categories availableSingle room supplement
Transfer and transportationInternational flight (price on request)
English-speaking local guide for the entire duration of the tripVisa fees
Full boardCancellation and accident insurance
Entrances to the sites mentioned in the programTips
Mineral water bottlesPersonal purchases
A SIM card from an Iranian operator
Documentation

The studies devoted to the villages on our route are essentially specialized journal articles, often in Persian. The books selected below focus on villages in other regions of Iran, but they are good introductions to rural and mountain cultures: