We were a group of four visiting Iran for the first time in Oct 2018 for a total of 15 days. While we usually traveled on our own, we decided to book through travel agencies due to the uncertainty. Although we found out later Iran is safe and easily one of the friendliest/hospitable countries we have visited. We had local guides in other cities and we honestly didn’t expect much after Tehran but we lucked out to have Ali for 6 days from Yazd to Kerman. We traveled great distance from Yazd to Kerman and our ride was smooth; we never had to wait to be picked up and we always got dropped off just a few steps to the attractions. As far as communication goes, Ali speaks perfect English and Persian (lol). On top of that Ali is knowledgeable, patient, kind, fun-loving and passionate about his own history and heritage (and poetry!!). We felt safe the entire time (even walked barefoot in the Lut desert) and our trip was definitely more memorable because of Ali and Omir the driver. In the end, it was more like travelling with two good friends.
One bonus point I want to point out is Ali’s knowledge of good restaurants. All the places he brought us for lunch, the local snacks he picked and all the restaurant recommendations we got from him for dinner were, for lack of a better word, AWESOME! And I have photos to show for it, lol.
Iran is a magnificent country rich in history, culture, natural scenery and the Persian cuisine will have you eating non-stop. However, a great tour guide will enhance your experience all the more. I highly recommended Ali and would not think twice to contact him again for my next visit.