We want to show you the other side of the Middle East. We have been travelling here extensively for over ten years and we know and love this part of the world. At present we regularly run our signature tours to Iran and to Iraqi Kurdistan. We have also been running tours to Southern Iraq for several years now.
After pioneering trips to the previously all but impossible to get to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we now run multiple trips a year there with the relaxed visa regulations in place. We also run tours to Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait. And like our Afghanistan Tours, we offer a variety of tours to Syria throughout the year but do not put the itineraries online. Get in touch with us to see the itineraries!
All our international tours are run in accordance with YPT’s branding and ethos: a super price, expert guides, and most importantly an adventure that will stick with you for life. We run tours for people who hate group tours, and we do not run groups larger than 25 people (at 26 we split into two. Average size 10 people). All groups are led by expert guides that know the destinations and are passionate about what they do. We also strongly believe in value, and our prices are generally unbeaten.
Aside from popular group tours to the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Iraq which we have now offered for many years, we are also able to offer tailor-made itineraries to fit any group size, need or budget. Through our relationships with several local Iranian and Iraqi partners, we can offer unparalleled prices, service and experience.
Whilst Iran is a huge, fascinating, and warm country that one could easily spend months exploring, there are certain sites that should not be missed. Click here for more information on independent tours to Iran.
Click here for more information on independent tours to Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan.
Do I need to apply for a visa?
Iran
For the most part, yes. The vast majority of travellers can get the visa on arrival if flying in. You can apply for an e-visa online here http://e_visa.mfa.ir/ or we can apply for a visa code for you. You then take this code with you when you fly and present it on arrival.
Americans, British and Canadians must apply for a visa in advance.
Kurdistan
If you are holding passports from the EU, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand you do not need a visa for Iraqi Kurdistan. If you are from any other country get in touch and we’ll help you apply for a visa.
Is it safe?
Both Iran and Iraqi Kurdistan are incredibly safe and peaceful lands in a sadly troubled region. The people are warm, friendly and welcoming to foreigners. In Kurdistan, we never stray over the Kurdish/Iraqi boundary.
I have an Israeli stamp in my passport, can I travel?
You cannot travel to Iran but Kurdistan is fine.
What currency should I bring?
For both countries, it’s best to have plenty of cash in USD or Euro. Your ATM card will not work in Iran.
If I want a single room, how much extra is it?
€200 in Iran and €240 in Kurdistan.
Can you arrange an airport pick up for me?
Yes, we can arrange this at an extra cost of €40 each way
Should I tip?
It’s customary to tip the local guide at the end of the tour in both countries. Your tour leader will organize a collection.
Is it dry?
Iran is very dry but we have been known to attend the odd underground house party flush with local “vodka”.
Kurdistan is most definitely NOT dry. Whist bars are few are far between outside of Erbil, liquor stores are in every town and city.
- €1095
Iraqi Kurdistan New Year’s Tour
Hang out with the Peshmerga and see the last influences of Saddam’s rule in Kurdistan
- Start Date : December 27th 2020
End Date : January 2nd, 2021 - Duration: 6 nights, 7 days
- $1795
Socotra Island Yemen Tour
Visit the out of this world Yemeni island of Socotra!
- Start Date : March 16th 2021
End Date : March 24, 2021 - Duration: 8 nights, 9 days
- €4495
Middle East Mega Combo (Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iran)
Visit most of the Arabian Peninsula in one tour!
- Start Date : March 25th 2021
End Date : April 13th, 2021 - Duration: 19 nights, 20 days
- €445
Bahrain Tour
Enjoy a weekend of Arab culture, history and liberal society in Bahrain
- Start Date : March 25th 2021
End Date : March 27th, 2021 - Duration: 2 nights, 3 days
- €2495
Saudi Arabia Tour
Visit the heartland of the Arab peninsula on our Saudi Arabia tour
- Start Date : March 27th 2021
End Date : April 3rd, 2021 - Duration: 7 nights, 8 days
- €1795
Azerbaijan Nakhchivan and Iran Combo Tour
Spend a wonderful spring in two rarely visited countries - Azerbaijan & Iran!
- Start Date : April 1st 2021
End Date : April 13th, 2021 - Duration: 13 nights, 14 days
- €3295
Complete Caucasus: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia & Iran Combo
The ultimate coverage of the Caucasus and its giant neighbour, Iran.
- Start Date : April 1st 2021
End Date : April 26th, 2021 - Duration: 25 nights, 26 days
- €545
Kuwait Tour
Perfect for country collectors or as a conclusion to our Saudi Arabia Tour
- Start Date : April 3rd 2021
End Date : April 6th, 2021 - Duration: 3 nights, 4 days
- €995
Iran Classics Spring Tour
Experience history both modern and ancient in this beautiful country.
- Start Date : April 6th 2021
End Date : April 13th 2021 - Duration: 7 nights, 8 days
- €1845 - €2495
Iran & Caucasus Unrecognised Countries Combo
From Iran through Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh, Abkhazia and Georgia
- Start Date : April 6th 2021
End Date : April 26th, 2021 - Duration: 20 nights, 21 days
- €2795
Southern Iraq Spring Tour
Join YPT on our very first tour to Southern Iraq.
- Start Date : May 14th 2021
End Date : May 20th, 2021 - Duration: 6 nights, 7 days
- €3890
Whole Iraq Spring Combo
Get the full Iraqi experience, from Baghdad to Sulaymaniyah
- Start Date : May 14th 2021
End Date : May 26th, 2021 - Duration: 12 nights, 13 days
- €1095
Iraqi Kurdistan Spring Adventure
Hang out with the Peshmerga and see the last influences of Saddam’s rule in Kurdistan
- Start Date : May 20th 2021
End Date : May 26th, 2021 - Duration: 6 nights, 7 days
- €1495
Israel and Palestine Tour
From a counterterrorism base to the divided neighbourhood of Hebron, explore and learn about the most complicated conflict of the Middle East
- Start Date : August 7th 2021
End Date : August 14th, 2021 - Duration: 7 nights, 8 days
- $1795
Socotra Yemen Island October Tour
An October to remember on the reclusive paradise of Socotra!
- Start Date : October 12th 2021
End Date : October 20th, 2021 - Duration: 8 nights, 9 days
- €2795
Southern Iraq Autumn Tour
Be one of the first to visit Iraq after years of war and see history in the making!
- Start Date : October 15th 2021
End Date : October 21st, 2021 - Duration: 6 nights, 7 days
- €3890
Whole Iraq Autumn Combo
The ultimate Iraqi adventure
- Start Date : October 15th 2021
End Date : October 27th, 2021 - Duration: 12 nights, 13 days
- €395
Bahrain Tour
Enjoy a weekend of Arab culture, history and liberal society in Bahrain
- Start Date : October 15th 2021
End Date : October 17th, 2021 - Duration: 2 nights, 3 days
- €4495
Middle East Mega Combo (Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iran)
Visit most of the Arabian Peninsula in one tour!
- Start Date : October 15th 2021
End Date : November 3rd, 2021 - Duration: 19 nights, 20 days
- €2495
Saudi Arabia Tour
Be amongst the first official tourists to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Start Date : October 17th 2021
End Date : October 24th, 2021 - Duration: 7 nights, 8 days
- €1095
Iraqi Kurdistan Autumn Adventure
Hang out with the Peshmerga and see the last influences of Saddam’s rule in Kurdistan
- Start Date : October 21st 2021
End Date : October 27, 2021 - Duration: 6 nights, 7 days
- €545
Kuwait Tour
Perfect for country collectors or as a conclusion to our Saudi Arabia Tour
- Start Date : October 24th 2021
End Date : October 27th, 2021 - Duration: 3 nights, 4 days
- €995 / €1495
Hidden Iran Autumn Tour
Experience history both modern and ancient in this beautiful country.
- Start Date : October 27th 2021
End Date : November 3rd-7th 2021 - Duration: 8 days / 11 days
