14 Days Northern Immersion Tour – Caspian & Mazandaran

Enjoy an early morning hike into Darband, a popular hiking trail, as well as food & entertainment hub, in Mount Tochal. Go for a ride on the Darband Sledge, a small-scale single-seater roller coaster with a view of the whole region. Enjoy a colorful lunch along the picturesque valley and rushing Darband River. Afterwards, head for central Tehran and enjoy a panoramic view of the city from atop Milad Tower, Tehran’s tallest highrise. At night, visit the award-winning Tabiat (Nature) Bridge, which connects Taleghani Park and Abo-Atash Park.

Fly from Tehran to Tabriz. Head towards the 15th c. Blue Mosque, a remnant of the rule of Jahan Shah. If interested, stop by the Azerbaijan Museum or the Iron Age Museum for a lesson on the archeological and historic findings of the region. Visit the Tabriz Municipality Building, known as the Sa'at Tower due to its massive clock. The German-designed building, along with its extensive display of well-maintained utilities and in-house carpet museum are a must see. Stop by the Arg of Tabriz, the remnants of a large fortification and historic city walls.

Start with the World-Heritage listed Tabriz Grand Bazaar, one of the most important commercial hubs on the Silk Road. Stop by the towering and unique minarets of the Tabriz Central Mosque, one of the oldest monuments in the city. Visit the Constitution House of Tabriz. During the 1905 Iranian Constitutional Revolution, the house was a gathering place for prominent revolutionaries. Time-permitting, explore the 19th c. Amir Nezam House or Qajar Museum. Finish the day with a trip to the pond-centered Shah Goli Shrine.

In the morning, head towards Sarein, the hot spring capital of Iran. The region surrounding the inactive volcano Mt. Sabalan is rife with geothermal activity, resulting in multiple natural springs within the area. Visit Sarein’s famed Gavmish Goli Hot Spring, believed to have therapeutic properties due to high concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. Spend the day bathing within the earth’s energy or go for a hike within nearby landscapes. Spend the night in Sarein.

In the morning, head for the ancient shepherding path known as Khalkhal Road in Northern Iran’s Gilan province. The recently-paved road is famed for its rich flora & fauna, cool mountains and extremely varying climate. A common destination for nature photographers, Khalkhal Road is also home to local farmers selling their organic produce on the roadside. Stop by local Khalkhal villages for a chance to indulge in some fresh cheese or juicy pasture-raised lamb kabobs. Rest in a Masal Ecolodge for the night.

Wake up early to see the first rays of sun hit the lush peaks of Masal. The green pastures and landscapes of the region feature year-round temperate climate with fantastic hiking opportunities. Eat a local-sourced breakfast then head off into the hills. Explore Olasbelangah, a quiet plateau resting ever-gently above the clouds, surrounded by verdant grasslands and reminiscent of gentle swiss villages within the alps. Enjoy the village’s treats, people and natural delights.

After a filling breakfast, head towards the stepped village of Masuleh, hidden away in the green crevices and valleys of the Zagros mountains. Masuleh’s unique, congested and sloped development, with each roof serving as the terrace for the building above, has survived since the 10 century AD. After exploring the village, head towards Fuman. The city is one of the main vacation destinations of Iranians. Spend the night relaxing in a Fuman Hotel, with options such as indoor pools, hot tubs, spas & more.

Drive through the Caspian region towards Lahijan. Visit black tea production lines from spring to summer. Stop for lunch at Lahijan’s legendary Ziba Restaurant. Try the signature Kabab Torsh (ground beef with pomegranate sauce), the Mirza Ghasemi (smoked eggplant and garlic dip), or the Baghali Ghatogh (fava beans, dill & egg dip). Finish the day with Siahkal Forest. Stay at the Swan Farm Hotel in Lahijan for the night.

Famous for its tea and warm people, Lahijan is known as one of the jewels of northern Iran. Start the day with a scenic cable car ride in the nearby Sheitan Kooh cable car, a 20-minute ride within the hilly forests, arriving at the Bam-e Lahijan observation point. After taking in the views, make a quick stop at the Lahijan Pool, then it’s off to the water lilies of Soostan Lagoon. Rest in the Swan Farm Hotel for the night.

Head for Tonekabon in the morning. Formerly known as the city of the “royal throne”, Tonekabon, referred to by locals as Shahsavar, is located on the coast of the southern shores of the Caspian. The area features a semi-tropical climate and offers fantastic hiking opportunities in the dense forests of Dohezar and Sehezar areas of the Alborz. Enjoy exclusive views in the Ghalegardan Highlands and Dohezar Valley, located southwest of Shahsavar. Spend the night in a Forest Cabin.

After a quick breakfast, head towards Filband, known as the “Roof of Mazandaran'' province. Situated at an altitude of about 2,300 m AMSL, the village is nestled within high mountains and dense forests. If climate and precipitation are just right, you’ll be treated to cascading clouds washing over the lofty hills of Filband, engulfing the village. Spend the day enjoying the winding roads, lush landscapes, charming neighboring villages, and local treats. Spend the night in a Fillband Villa.

Continue your adventure in one of Iran’s most famous retreats. Spend the day exploring the many hiking trails of Filband. Bring along a few snacks and enjoy a quiet picnic in the pristine mountain air. Use the peaceful landscape as an opportunity to reflect on your many adventures and memo-ries. Enjoy the cascading clouds before returning to your Fillband villa for the night.

Take one last look at Northern Iran as you make your way towards Tehran. Time-permitting, you can stop along the Haraz River at the picturesque Polour Village, a popular base to climb Mount Damavand. Located near Lar National Park, the village offers spectacular views of Iran’s tallest peak. Afterwards, make your way to IKIA.