Absolutely amazing
If I had to describe my experience with the Persian Walk tour, which I booked through Guru Walk, it would be incredible.
Despite the Western media and governments insisting on the dangers of visiting Iran, especially due to the current war situation, Persian culture has always attracted me so much that I ignored the "recommendations not to go."
One of the best decisions of my life.
I'm a traveler who has traveled across all continents and to more than 50 countries for 25 years. And I can proudly say that Iran is number 1 in hospitality.
Not only is it a very, very, very safe country. At absolutely no point do you feel in danger. For me, so far, it's the country with the friendliest, kindest, most open, and most helpful people. I can't express enough gratitude for all the people I've encountered in the country. A country whose greatest treasure is its people, their closeness. At no point does it feel like a country at war. They also have an amazing, ancient culture, full of symbolism, beautiful words for their philosophy of life, and very, very respectful of foreigners, of whom there are unfortunately few.
I want to specifically emphasize that it is safe for everyone: men and women, young and old. I recommend coming alone or with someone. It doesn't matter. It is absolutely safe for all women. This last piece of information I provide is important. Women in Iran are not repressed on the streets, nor are they overly covered up (as the Western media sometimes portrays). And you treat them exactly the same as you would Western women.
There isn't a single Iranian who doesn't offer you the best, most selfless help on the street. They are, in my opinion, the kindest people I have met across the five continents.
Having said all that, I want to give special mention to Farya, the tour guide.
She is an absolute professional, with an intimate knowledge of her surroundings, culture, traditions, and excellent cuisine. Thanks to her, my memory of Tehran will be indelible in my heart. It's an experience I would repeat 100 times. She not only made my tour the best I've ever taken, but she also made sure my entire stay was the best it could be, helping me with absolutely everything. I was even able to enter the country thanks to her help, as I forgot to fill out some visa-on-arrival forms. She spoke with the customs officers and managed to get me into the country. She is an example of the warmth of humanity in Iran.
Through her, I got to know the deepest parts of its culture, its cuisine, its literature, and the way of life and thought of Iranians and their ancient Persian empire.
This is an absolute must-do tour for anyone fortunate enough to want to go to Tehran.
Come to Iran! A country full of wonderful people, who are not to blame for international conflicts and eager to meet and make friends with foreigners.
Many thanks to Farya from Persian Walk, whom I met through Guru Walk.