IRAN
THE ZAGROS MOUNTAINS
Dionysia enthusiasts will already know that so many of this choice genus originate in Iran and in particular the great arc of the Zagros Mountains that stretch from the Turkish border almost to the Persian Gulf. They provide splashes of intense colour that illuminate a mountainous landscape of astonishingly varied topography.
Pink Merenderas, pale Colchicums and vari-coloured Irises emerge from snow-melt below magnificent peaks and lower down mahogany and gold Fritillaria reuteri flower en-masse. Even within Iran the 'flower fields' near Chelgerd are famous and Tehranis regularly make the long journey to see the spectacle of kilometre after kilometre of wild Crown Imperials. Tight lemon-yellow cushions of Dionysia haussknecktii adorn limestone cliffs where Tulipas humilis, biflora and systole flower. Rare Primula gaubeana, pink Fritillaria gibbosa, the compact orange-yellow mounds of Dionysia zagrica, and the lovely scarlet form of Anemone biflora bloom amidst Shiraz's spectacular ridges. Semirom offers no less than three pink Dionysia species, rare iranshahrii and mozaffarianii, and lovely bryoides flowering above slopes dotted with fabulous almost black Iris lycotis. Stunning cushions of Dionysia lamingtonii and large-flowered pink-purple archibaldii illuminate the fabulous Koohrang Valley. Though Dionysias inhabit the steepest of terrain we've already found 'by the road' or 'foot of the cliff' locations for a dozen or so species so photographing most of them will not require too much effort! There's Lammergeiers, White-cheeked Bulbuls and a variety of Wheatears in the high mountains and a wonderful array of wetland birds at beautiful Maharlu. Those interested in mammals should see Wolf, Striped Hyena and Goitred Gazelle. Iran's fabulous historical and architectural heritage cannot be ignored and by a happy co-incidence we are able to start the tour in the ancient majesty of Persepolis and finish amid the sparkling blue-tiled mosques and palaces of Isfahan.
INFORMATION
Focus
Flowers, Birds, Mammals, Mountain Landscapes and Cultural Sites
Leaders
Walking
Usually up to three or four miles in a day, optionally more. Though Dionysias grow mainly on boulders and cliffs the majority of species are readily accessible though some require an uphill walk, occasionally steep. The rest of the plantlife is easy to get to!
Included in the Price
All flights. All transport, meals and accommodation in Iran. Services of your leaders. Please note: drinks, tips, Iranian Visas, and items of a personal nature including insurance, are not included.
Group Size
The minimum is 5 and the maximum is 15.
Accommodation
We start with three nights at the four star Parseh Hotel in Shiraz. This modern hotel is handily placed for some of the city’s best shopping in the marvellous Vakil Bazaar. In Semirom we’ll stay at the Arash Hotel, a new place on the edge of town. Rooms are large and clean, and the views quite spectacular. The Hotel Koohrang in Chelgerd amazes with its opulent reception and restaurant – a stark contrast to the nearby village. The rooms are modern and comfortable though quite small. In Aligoudarz we’ll stay at the Government Tourist Inn. One of a chain of government sponsored hotels aimed at tourists and business travellers to less well-known parts of the country, this is a pleasant hotel with large rather basic rooms. We’ll finish at the modern and comfortable four star Sadaf Hotel in Isfahan. All rooms on this tour have en suite facilities.
Climate
Variable. In Shiraz and Semirom the weather should be warm and often clear and sunny in the day and cool at night. Further northwest it will vary between cool and sometimes damp to warm and sunny - we might even have some snow in Chelgerd as this is a very high altitude area.
How To Book
Download a booking form (or contact us and we will send one to you)from the Booking Information section. Complete and send to us. You will receive confirmation of your place and then a detailed information pack will be dispatched to you about twelve weeks before departure. Flower and bird checklists are available.
