🔍 Why This Model Works — Full Transparency
The Gap That Benefits Everyone
Heritage Persia is the first Iran tour operator to openly explain the economics behind this program — because we believe an informed traveler is a happy traveler.
Anywhere in the world — from boutique shops in Paris to souvenir markets in Dubai — artisan products and cultural handicrafts are sold at a significant markup above their original workshop price. Tour operators, retail distributors, and import agents each take a margin along the way. This is standard practice across the entire international tourism and retail industry, and travelers routinely pay this premium without ever questioning it.
Our team identified a straightforward opportunity: instead of letting that price gap disappear into middlemen abroad, we redirect it back to the traveler in the most valuable form possible — a free 7-day tour of Iran. You purchase the same quality products at competitive prices directly from vetted artisan workshops in Iran, and the margin that would otherwise go to overseas retailers comes back to you as your tour.
Receives a 7-day tour worth €1,290 at no extra cost, buys authentic products directly from the source at fair prices, and pays nothing to overseas middlemen.
Gains guaranteed, high-intent buyers who arrive ready to purchase — not casual tourists. Heritage Persia channels committed travelers directly to their workshops.
Every sale supports a living craft tradition under economic pressure. Each purchase directly funds the artisan families who keep these centuries-old skills alive.
Heritage Persia's transparency pledge: We share this model openly because we have nothing to hide. Our team has deep experience in both the tourism and handicraft sectors, and we have structured this program to be genuinely fair — with no hidden margins, no inflated shop prices, and no pressure tactics. We believe the moment you understand how this works, any skepticism disappears. This is not a trick. It is simply a smarter way to travel.
🗺 Tour Details & Itinerary
Persia Free Tour
An authentic journey into the heart of Iran's history and culture
Experience the very best of Iran in 7 unforgettable days. From Tehran's grand palaces and bazaars, through the rosewater distilleries of Kashan, the turquoise domes of Isfahan, to the poetic gardens of Shiraz — a classic authentic journey that has captivated travelers from over 50 countries.
- Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan (UNESCO) — one of the largest city squares in the world
- Persepolis & Pasargadae — ceremonial capitals of the Achaemenid Empire
- Fin Garden, Kashan (UNESCO) and traditional rosewater workshops
- Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque (Pink Mosque), Shiraz
- Visa invitation letter (authorization code) — fee paid by traveler at embassy
- 6 nights in 4-star and boutique hotels
- Private air-conditioned transport
- Native-language guide matched to traveler's mother tongue
- Daily breakfast + welcome dinner
- Entrance fees to all listed sites
- SIM card and tourist card
- 24/7 WhatsApp support
- Minimum $2,700 USD purchase at partner shops — or €1,290 tour-cost payment if purchase not reached
- International flight ticket to/from Iran
- Iran visa fee (~€50, paid by traveler at embassy)
- Travel insurance (mandatory — traveler's responsibility)
- Lunch and dinner (except welcome dinner)
- Tips for guide and driver
Day 1 Tehran — Arrival & First Impressions⌄
Arrival at Imam Khomeini Airport, private transfer to hotel, welcome dinner. Evening orientation walk through the historic Grand Bazaar and Golestan Palace gardens.
Day 2 Tehran — Palaces, Museums & Bazaars⌄
Full day in Tehran: Golestan Palace (UNESCO), National Museum of Iran, Sa'd Abad Palace complex, Tajrish Bazaar, and the iconic Tabiat Bridge at sunset. Visit to a certified Persian carpet gallery.
Day 3 Kashan — City of Roses & Artisans⌄
Drive to Kashan (~3 hours). UNESCO-listed Fin Garden, Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse, Tabatabaei and Borujerdi historic mansions, and a private visit to a traditional rosewater distillery — where you meet the artisans behind Iran's most prized export.
Day 4 Isfahan — Half the World, Part I⌄
Drive to Isfahan (~2 hours). Afternoon at Naqsh-e Jahan Square (UNESCO) — the world's second largest city square: Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace. Evening stroll across Khaju Bridge, lit magnificently at night.
Day 5 Isfahan — Artisans, Churches & Bazaar⌄
Full second day in Isfahan: Vank Cathedral (Armenian Quarter), Chehel Sotoun Palace (UNESCO), and deep exploration of the Grand Bazaar — home to Iran's finest miniature painting, Khatam-kari, and Minakari enamel workshops. Afternoon reserved for curated artisan shop visits.
Day 6 Shiraz — Persepolis & Ancient Persia⌄
Early morning flight or drive to Shiraz. Afternoon excursion to Persepolis (UNESCO), the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire, and Pasargadae, tomb of Cyrus the Great. Return to Shiraz for a relaxed evening in the city of poets.
Day 7 Shiraz — Gardens, Mosques & Departure⌄
Final full day: Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque (Pink Mosque) at sunrise for the famous stained-glass light display, Eram Garden, Tomb of Hafez, Vakil Bazaar for last-minute saffron and handicrafts. Transfer to Shiraz airport for departure.
💰 What Heritage Persia Covers — Value Breakdown
Every item below is covered by Heritage Persia on your behalf
🛍 What Counts Toward the Minimum Purchase
💳 How to Pay at Partner Shops
All Heritage Persia partner shops are equipped to accept international payment methods — including those not typically available elsewhere in Iran. No need to carry large amounts of cash.
WeChat Pay & Alipay
Available at all Heritage Persia partner shops from the moment you arrive in Iran. Simply scan the QR code at the counter — no currency exchange needed. Ideal for travelers from China and Southeast Asia.
Visa & Mastercard
Due to international sanctions, most shops and hotels in Iran do not accept foreign cards. However, Heritage Persia's exclusive partner shops have a special arrangement that allows them to accept Visa and Mastercard — a rare and significant advantage for international travelers.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really have to spend exactly $2,700? What if I spend more? ⌄
The $2,700 USD is the minimum guaranteed commitment that activates the tour. You are completely free to spend more — many travelers fall in love with Persian carpets or gemstones and happily exceed this. There is no upper limit.
Are the shops selected by Heritage Persia trustworthy? ⌄
Yes. Every partner shop has been hand-selected and vetted by Heritage Persia over many years. They provide full certificates of authenticity, accurate origin documentation, and fair international pricing. We have personally visited hundreds of shops so you don't have to worry.
Am I pressured to buy things I don't want? ⌄
Absolutely not. You visit the artisan workshops as part of the cultural experience — there is no pressure to purchase any specific item. You choose freely from categories like carpets, jewelry, saffron, miniatures, or enamel art and allocate your $2,700 as you wish.
Can I ship my purchases home? Will customs be a problem? ⌄
Heritage Persia's partner shops have decades of international shipping experience. They handle customs documentation, provide proper certificates of authenticity, and can advise on import regulations for your home country. Carpets, jewelry, saffron, and art all travel well internationally.
How do I get an Iran visa? ⌄
Heritage Persia handles the visa authorization code (VOA letter) as part of the free tour package. You present it at your nearest Iranian embassy and pay the visa fee (~€50). The process typically takes 5–10 business days. We coordinate every step from start to finish.
Can I use my credit card or mobile payment app in Iran? ⌄
In most of Iran, foreign cards do not work due to international sanctions. However, Heritage Persia's partner shops have a special arrangement that allows them to accept Visa and Mastercard, which is uncommon across the country. Additionally, WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted at all partner shops from the moment you arrive — simply scan a QR code. We recommend activating the international payment mode in your WeChat or Alipay app before departure.
What is the best time of year to visit Iran? ⌄
The best seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when temperatures are mild and the landscape is stunning. Heritage Persia operates this tour year-round and can advise based on your schedule and preferences.
Will my guide speak my language? ⌄
Yes — this is one of Heritage Persia's most valued commitments. Every traveler is matched with a guide who speaks their native language. When you complete the sign-up form and indicate your country of residence, our team assigns a guide from our network of professionals fluent in your mother tongue — whether that is French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or other languages. You will never need to translate or rely on a second language throughout the trip.
What if I complete the tour but don't purchase $2,700 in handicrafts? ⌄
No problem at all — and we appreciate your honesty. If, at the end of the tour, you have not reached the $2,700 purchase commitment for any reason, you simply have the option to pay the equivalent tour cost of €1,290 directly to Heritage Persia. This covers all the services we provided — hotel, guide, transport, and entrance fees — at the same rate any paying traveler would be charged. There are no penalties, no awkward situations, and no pressure. Your experience and comfort always come first.
📜 Terms & Agreement
The "Persia Free Tour" is offered to support Iranian artisans and introduce Iran's cultural heritage to the world. By signing below, you accept the following terms:
- The international flight ticket, Iran visa fee (~€50 paid at embassy), and travel insurance are entirely the traveler's responsibility and are not covered by Heritage Persia under any circumstance. Heritage Persia provides the visa invitation letter (authorization code) at no charge to facilitate the visa application process.
- The traveler is required to make a minimum guaranteed purchase of $2,700 USD in goods at the shops introduced by Heritage Persia.
- Free tour capacity is limited each month and is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
- The traveler must submit passport details and preferred travel dates at least 30 days before departure to coordinate visa issuance.
- Heritage Persia will assign a native-language guide who speaks the traveler's mother tongue, based on the country of residence declared at sign-up.
- Should the traveler complete the tour without reaching the $2,700 USD minimum purchase, they may instead pay the equivalent tour cost of €1,290 directly to Heritage Persia in lieu of the handicraft commitment. No penalties apply.
- By signing this agreement, the traveler confirms acceptance of the minimum purchase commitment or tour-cost payment alternative above, which activates the tour benefits.
* Tour cost of €1,290 per person covers: 6 nights hotel · 7-day private transport · native-language guide · all entrance fees · visa invitation letter · SIM card · breakfast & welcome dinner. International flight, visa fee (~€50), and travel insurance are always the traveler's own responsibility.
✒️ Electronic Signature & Registration
Fill in all details below. A Heritage Persia specialist contacts you within 24 hours to confirm your spot.
Your "Persia Free Tour" has been activated. A Heritage Persia specialist will contact you within 24 hours. Please choose how you'd like to continue:
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