Experience-oriented tours in Iran: a journey beyond seeing

Are you looking for a different and deeper trip in Iran? Experiential tours allow you to transform from an ordinary traveler to a local explorer and touch unforgettable experiences up close.

Definition of experience-oriented tours

Experience-oriented tours are a type of tourism that are designed based on the active participation of tourists in the cultural, artistic and traditional activities of the destination. Unlike conventional tours that focus on visiting famous attractions, experiential tours are based on direct interaction with the culture, art, food, and daily life of local people. In this type of tours, tourists become a part of the experience instead of just watching from the outside. From participating in local ceremonies and art workshops to farming activities and learning to cook local cuisine, these tours provide an opportunity for a deeper and more personal experience.

Why are these types of tours becoming popular?

• Sustainable tourism growth: Experience-oriented tourism, with an emphasis on interaction with local communities and environmental protection, is in line with sustainable development and is one of the growing trends in the world.
• Increased interest in more personalized experiences: Tourists are looking for experiences that go beyond the usual tourist attractions and make them a part of local culture and life.
• More demand for educational tours: More people tend to acquire new skills and knowledge while traveling and learn about the way of life of the indigenous people.

_{Photo source: The Guardian}

Types of experience-oriented tours in Iran

Iran, with its cultural, artistic and natural richness, offers many opportunities for experience-oriented tourism. Below we introduce some types of these tours:

Local cooking tours

One of the most interesting ways to get to know a country’s culture is to experience its local cuisine. Cooking tours in Iran take tourists to traditional kitchens to learn the famous dishes of each region under the supervision of a master chef. In these tours, in addition to learning how to prepare food, tourists also get to know the stories and customs related to each food. Buying raw materials from local markets and learning about special ingredients is part of this exciting experience. For example, “Cooking tour in Isfahan” which includes training in preparing dishes such as biryani and minced meat. In this tour, the participants get the raw materials from the traditional market of Isfahan and cook and eat their food in a traditional atmosphere together with the local chef.

Craft tours

Iran is one of the richest countries in the field of handicrafts. From carpet weaving and pottery to enameling and pen making, handicraft tours are a great opportunity to get to know the traditional arts of Iran and even participate in practical workshops of these arts. Tourists can work under the supervision of skilled teachers and create a work of art with their own hands. For example, “Yazd Handicrafts Tour” where tourists learn how to make copper ornaments and can even make a small piece by themselves. In these workshops, visitors get to know the history of Yazd handicrafts and stories related to them.

_{Photo source: termehtravel}

Cultural and music tours

For art and music lovers, these tours are an exceptional opportunity to experience traditional music and local cultures up close. These tours include attending traditional music circles or even learning local instruments and participating in cultural programs. By attending these tours, tourists not only get to know the history of local music, but they can also participate in playing the instruments themselves. For example, “the experience of attending a traditional music concert in Kashan” which allows tourists to play and listen to music with traditional music masters in an old house.

Agricultural and livestock tours

In many rural areas of Iran, tourists can participate in the daily activities of local farmers and ranchers. From harvesting tea and olives in Gilan and Mazandaran to planting rice and participating in the local cheese production process in the nomads of Lorestan, these tours are an opportunity to touch real rural life and learn skills related to agriculture and animal husbandry. For example, “Agricultural Tour in Lahijan Tea Farms” where people can closely observe and participate in the process of harvesting, drying and preparing tea.

_{Photo source: Negah Iran}

Benefits of experiential tours for tourists and local community

Experiential tours have many benefits not only for tourists, but also for local communities.

Deeper experience for tourists

These types of tours allow tourists to be a part of the experience themselves instead of observing from a distance. Participating in a local cooking class or making traditional handicrafts provides a more authentic and deeper understanding of the destination’s culture.

Direct interaction with the local community

One of the most important features of experience-oriented tours is the possibility of direct interaction with local people. Tourists can hear the stories and real life of the people of the destination and instead of just visiting the tourist attractions, they can establish a closer and more human connection with the local people.

Helping the local economy

Experiential tours play an important role in strengthening the local economy as they focus on working with local people. Tourists contribute to the development of these communities by shopping directly at local markets, participating in art workshops, and using services provided by local people. This type of tourism is especially important in less known and rural areas.

_{Photo source: financialtribune}

Top areas for experience-oriented tours in Iran

Due to its geographical and cultural diversity, Iran has many areas for conducting experience-oriented tours. In the following, we will introduce some important areas:

Isfahan

Due to its rich history and unique handicrafts, Isfahan is one of the best destinations for artistic and cultural experience tours. Tourists can participate in enameling, carpet weaving, and calligraphy workshops and attend traditional music ceremonies of this city.

Gilan and Mazandaran

Gilan and Mazandaran, with their pristine nature and diverse agricultural products, are suitable destinations for agricultural tours. Participating in harvesting rice, tea, or even olives can be a unique experience for those interested in nature and agriculture.

Kurdistan

Kurdistan, with its nomadic culture and ancient history, is one of the best destinations for nomadic tours and living with Kurdish tribes. Experiencing living in nomadic tents, participating in animal husbandry activities and tasting local food will make for an unforgettable trip.

_{Photo source: worldnomads}

Experiential tours in Iran are a unique way to explore local culture, art and life. By participating in these tours, you can experience a journey beyond the usual tourist attractions and establish a deeper connection with your destination. In addition to personal benefits for tourists, this type of tourism also helps to strengthen the local economy and preserve traditional cultures. If you have ever had such an experience, tell your friends about it.

_{Cover photo source: saadatrent}