The trip that blew up our group chat – and might just blow your mind!

Hey, it’s Mat here, co-founder of Fencox, and apparently a repeat offender when it comes to travel in Iran. I’ve been three times in the last few years, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

You see, over at our women-only sister brand, Patch, our Iran trip has been one of our best-selling, highest-rated adventures ever. And after yet another unforgettable visit myself, I figure – why should they have all the fun?

So, we’re bringing it to Fencox. Same mind-blowing itinerary. Same off-the-charts hospitality. Same Persian rugs threatening to derail your carry-on limit. Just with both genders welcome, and your own room at the end of each day.

Now, fair warning: this one’s not for everyone. It’ll mess with your expectations, your outfit choices, and probably your worldview.

But if you’ve got a curious streak and a bit of backbone, and you’re keen to see one of the most misunderstood countries on the planet with your own two eyes, then pull up a chair. You’re in the right place.

It’s my third time back and I already know it won’t be the last.

First up: yes, it’s safe

We’re not about to put our guests in danger, and frankly, if Iran wasn’t safe for travel, we wouldn’t touch it. In fact, Iran is actually pretty smooth sailing.

The areas we go to are calm and genuinely welcoming. Locals actually want you there, and not in some weird, put-on-for-the-tourists kind of way. Instead, expect big smiles, friendly questions and more offers of tea than you’ll know what to do with.

Expectations vs reality

You’ve probably got a few ideas about what Iran’s like. Time to line them up and knock them down

Expectation: Westerners aren’t welcome

Reality: everyone’s glad you came
Whether you’re Aussie, American, Christian, Jewish, or anything else, locals are genuinely chuffed you made the effort to visit. You’ll hear “thank you for coming” more times than you can count, because, despite what you may have heard in the media, you’re not the enemy here – you’re the treasured guest.

The welcome feels deeper when the locals are truly glad you visited!

Expectation: bearded men with guns

Reality: hospitality that floors you.

There are no AK-47s being waved at tourists. The biggest danger you’ll face is someone insisting you sit for a third cup of tea. Locals will go out of their way to chat, help and feed you – sometimes all at once. Iran is all about family, and by the end of the trip you’ll feel like you’ve just been adopted into a hundred of them.

Forget what you’ve heard about Iran, your afternoon gets hijacked by tea, chats and way too much food!

Expectation: all women in black, head-to-toe

Reality: headscarves are slipping back and bright colours are everywhere
Yes, Iran has dress codes. No, it’s not The Handmaid’s Tale. These days, you’ll see bright lipstick, colourful coats, headscarves halfway down the head, and in some areas, no scarf at all. Things are shifting, fast.

For the sake of our guide Vahid’s tour guiding licence, you’ll need to stick to the rules, but don’t worry, he’ll guide you through exactly what to pack, how to style it and how to look respectfully local and still like yourself.

Yes, there’s a dress code but it’s full of colour, personality and local flair.

Expectation: shops are empty from sanctions

Reality: you can buy just about anything

Iran’s under sanctions, but you wouldn’t know it walking through a bazaar or supermarket. It is modernising fast though. Thanks to booming imports from China and elsewhere, shelves are full. Clothes, snacks, tech – you’re sorted.

Sanctions? Sure. Empty shelves? Not even close. From snacks to sneakers, Iran’s got you covered.

Expectation: it’s impossible to get travel insurance

Reality: insurance is easy to get
You can absolutely get insurance to cover travel in Iran. It’s actually fairly affordable and it’s not from some shady back-door operator either. We’ve taken countless groups to Iran, so we can point you to reliable travel insurance providers who do this regularly.

Think you can’t get travel insurance for Iran? You can – and it’s easier (and cheaper) than you’d expect.

Expectation: no Internet, all propaganda

Reality: Instagram, WhatsApp and VPNs galore
Okay, some sites are technically censored, but that doesn’t stop anyone. VPNs are common, Instagram is everywhere and people are glued to WhatsApp just like the rest of the world. Even though there are restrictions on paper (like certain sites being officially blocked), in practice, people in Iran still access what they want to see. The state’s attempts at online censorship don’t really succeed.

Otherwise, how would I post this selfie on Instagram? 📸😄

Why go on a group trip?

Because it just makes everything easier! Iran’s one of those countries where having a crew (and a cracking local guide) changes the whole experience. You don’t need to worry about planning, navigating, sorting hotels, or figuring out if you’re allowed to cross the street in that outfit.

Instead, you just follow Vahid’s lead and enjoy the ride. He knows everyone, everything and exactly where to get the best kebab.

This is a mixed-gender solo-traveller trip, but you’ll get your own private room, meaning no twin-share awkwardness. We also cap it at 12 travellers max to keep things personable and tailored to our travellers.

This trip is made for independent souls who love a crew plus, you get your own room and a guide who knows where to find the best kebab.

So… are you in?

Iran is changing. Fast. The big tourist crowds haven’t clocked on yet, but they will.

If you’re the type who likes to see a place before it changes – before the bus tours roll in and the charm gets diluted – this is your window. Don’t wait.

If you’re not sure, no stress. We’re not here to convince you. Iran’s not for everyone, and that’s kind of the point. But if you’ve read this far with your pulse quickening and a grin on your face, you might just be the right kind of traveller for this one.

Click here to check out the itinerary.

Still got questions? Flick us a message. We’ve heard it all before, and our team are absolute pros when it comes to Iran travel. No question’s too small, weird or obvious, so ask away!