How to Travel to Hamadan, Iran, for Attractions, Hotels and Tours

Hamadan is the site of the Biblical story of Esther.

Visit Hamadan, Iran, and you will be in one of the oldest cities in the world. It was the capital for Darius and Xerxes, Persian rulers 2,300 years ago. Getting there may be a challenge for a number of reasons. Iran is currently in conflict with much of the world and has arrested and jailed tourists for extended periods of time. Yet, many people do travel safely with tour groups. As of 2011, at least two companies offer tours to Hamadan.

Things You'll Need

• Passport

Instructions

1. Contact an American or British tour company. Persian Voyages and Serious Traveler offer tours that include two days in Hamadan. The tour involves a flight to Tehran followed by transportation by tour bus to various cities including Hamadan.

2. Make sure your passport is up to date.

3. Check with your medical provider to ensure you are current on all immunizations.

4. Ask your tour director which type of currency will be most useful to have on hand. Get some money exchanged into currency to use for tipping and purchases.

5. Read up on stories based in Hamadan. Read the poetry of Baba Tahir who was born in Hamadan in the 11th century as you prepare to visit his mausoleum. Learn the story of Queen Esther before you go to her tomb to make your experience more meaningful. Mathematicians will be interested in the thinking of Ibn Sina (or Avicenna), the mathematician who died there about 1,000 years ago. You can read his autobiography, which includes ideas as well as actions.

6. Plan to wear floor-length dresses or skirts and a head scarf if you are a woman. Pack long slacks if you are a man. Foreigners are not exempt from Iran's strict rules about conservative dress.

Tips & Warnings

• You are subject to the laws of Iran when in Iran. Become familiar with them before you go.

• The United States does not currently have an embassy in Iran, and cannot offer U.S. citizens typical services. If you are a U.S. citizen going to Iran, register with the Swiss Embassy so officials know your travel plans. The Swiss are acting as a protecting power for U.S. government interests in Iran.

• Persons with dual U.S.-Iranian citizenship might not be allowed to leave Iran.

• Check with the U.S. Department of State for travel warnings before booking your trip and again before departing. Conditions can change rapidly.

References

• Serious Traveler: Hamadan, Iran
• Persia Tours: Hamadan
• U.S. State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
• Persian Voyages: Pearl of Persia

Resources

• Farsi Net: Abu Ali al-Husain ibn Abdallah ibn Sina Avicenna
• Farsi Net: Esther, Queen of Persia
• Iran Traveling Center: Hotels in Hamedan