IN 2006 MotoDiscovery broke ground by staging an exciting, albeit controversial, motorcycle journey into the Islamic Republic of Iran. While Iran is not the most sought after of tourist destinations, there is little doubt that were it not for clouded politics and media driven perceptions, the ancient Persian world would be high on the list of places that would satisfy any adventure touring enthusiast. In an age of rapidly shifting political landscapes this MotoDiscovery venture into Iran allows participants to come to some real understanding of a people, its culture and history in a way that so very few can or are willing to explore. Why Iran? Because we can and we should.
The Ride: MotoDiscovery riders will fly to Istanbul, Turkey for two nights. Already the exotica begins in this fascinating and colorful city. Air arrangements will be prearranged for a forward flight to the distant eastern edge of Turkey and the lakeside city of Van where the fleet of BMW motorcycles will be pre-positioned and ready for a two week adventure into Iran. The tour will return to Van with flights arranged back to Istanbul.
Travel Visas: You'll need them. A Turkey visa is acquired on arrival in Istanbul airport for $20 US. Obtaining a visa for Iran is straightforward however will require more lead time to process the application. The actual application takes place in Iran. The MotoDiscovery team will handle this process, a vital step that is included in the price of the event. The visa stamp however is obtained in Washington and is not included. As of this time the additional fee is $65 US. MotoDiscovery will provide you instructions and ultimately will ask for your original passport to be sent to our USA office.
Your staff: An international team consisting of MotoDiscovery staff, our Turkish partner Kazim Uzunoglu and a multilingual Iranian representative. A support/luggage van will be provided.
The motorcycles: Fresh BMW 650GS will be the standard with 1200GS available on request and for an additional fee. Bikes will be outfitted with a top box.
The itinerary: Two weeks in Iran are scheduled. As of this writing there are four stays of two nights to balance out the ride. Along with the unplanned engagements with the locals that make travel so rewarding, through personal contacts at MotoDiscovery, the welcome mat and dinner tables are already being prepared. Count on this being a truly "meet the people" experience.
Tour Participants: Needless to say if one does not posses tolerance, acceptance of foreign cultures and a willingness to work within the system rather than trying to change it, this ride is not for you. In spite of this advisory, all indications are that the people are extremely welcoming, are by nature friendly and are as curious of western ways as we are certain to be about theirs. Graciousness is inherent.
A Bit of History: While Iran today is an Islamic state with traditions and laws that follow Muslim teachings, this political and religious stance has not always been the case. Some of mankind's earliest settlements dating back to over 4,000 years BC have been excavated here and great dynasties have waved across this land leaving behind a mixture of ethnic, cultural and religious flavors. Persia is the old name long referred to the region and during which prominent biblical figures such as Cyrus the Great exercised unprecedented degrees of tolerance and freedoms. But it seems that this ancient part of the world has long been subjugated and driven by outside forces that were mostly hostile. From Alexander the Greats' campaigns in third century BC to Russian, British and American intrusions of the 20th century, Iran has been an economic as well as a military battleground. The strategic value has shifted from a passage of Silk Route goods to the modern and more global interest of oil. While tensions rise and fall with the West, MotoDiscovery sees a window of opportunity at a time in history when curiosity and understanding of the Middle East is on the rise, giving two wheeling adventurers a chance to be the vanguard of obtaining knowledge and comprehension of an intriguing country.
Iran is a treasure of archeology unrivaled anywhere in the hemisphere. Riders who venture with MotoDiscovery will experience a country of diversity; modern cities, desert dwelling nomads, Silk Route camel stops known as caravan saray, decadent palaces, and impressive mountain rock carvings. Of course the influence of Islam with its daily calls to prayer, traditional dress for women and an absence of alcohol lend to the exotica of this event.
Contrary to most Western beliefs, the radical elements that unfortunately are searing the media with acts of violence and aggression worldwide, is not representative of the Iranian population as a whole. The testimony of recent travelers who have discovered the country bear witness to a land where people are gracious and welcoming. It is in a time of transition, balancing the political agenda under the conservative leadership of Islamic law, while understanding the benefits of tourism and proudly wishing to share with the world its truly rich and colorful heritage. MotoDiscovery again view this as an opportunity and to be at the leading edge of adventure motorcycle travel.
Itinerary - Highlights
A detailed itinerary with overnight stops will be provided to tour members.
- The MotoDiscovery Iran Ride begins with the group rendezvous in Istanbul, Turkey, what is little doubt one of the worlds most enchanting cities.
- Flights will be prearranged to the eastern edge of Turkey and the lake side city of Van where the Turkish BMW fleet will be positioned and ready to ride into nearby Iran.
- Two weeks in Iran in search of ancient Persia accompanied by native multilingual guide.
- Return to Van in Turkey with forward flight back to Istanbul.
Tour Includes
- Rental of late model BMW motorcycle (see listing below)
- Airport transfers upon arrival in Istanbul
- Accommodations (double occupancy) for 21 nights
- Entrances to a multitude of museums, mosques and archeological sights with licensed guide to offer explanations
- Map package and pre-tour preparation materials
- International multilingual staff team
- Breakfasts, dinners and meal tips on travel days. Occasional lunch.
- Round trip domestic air Istanbul-Van-Istanbul, Turkey
- MotoDiscovery tour gift package
Dates
April 7-27, 2009
Price
Rider on 650GS BMW: $10,550 US (double occupancy)
Single occupancy supplement $ 1,200
If you desire a single room or for any reason we are unable to obtain a room mate for you, the single occupancy supplement will apply
Rider on BMW 1200GS: $1,700 US extra
Passenger or guest in the support vehicle: $7,995 US
Prices subject to change and are only guaranteed with receipt of deposit.
Reservations and payments:
Secured with a $400US deposit. Final payment due 45 days from tour date. All reservations should be five months prior to departure. Call MotoDiscovery for details. Early Reservations Requested!
Deposit
$400 US per person
Links to Informative Iran Websites:
www.bamjam.net
www.irpedia.com
www.parstimes.com
Link to rider travel journal HERE
Cancellation & Refund Policy
