Page 35 - Explore Magazine Autumn 2018

CYCLE IRAN WITH INTREPID TRAVEL
Iran is often described as a classic case of books and covers.
Conservative and unconventional, deeply religious and deeply
surprising, it doesn’t fit into any Western or other pigeonhole.
Intrepid Travel shows travellers the amazing diversity of this
fascinating country on Cycle Iran, a 16-day round-trip cycling
adventure from Tehran. The tour visits places still rarely seen by
many eyes, including the holy city of Qom, the incredible bridges and
mosques of Esfahan, the ancient city of Persepolis and the old towns
of Yazd and Shiraz.
The round trip covers around 1800 kilometres but large sections (for
example when the only road access to a destination is an expressway)
are travelled in tour vehicles. The carefully chosen cycling sectors
cover around 30 to 70km per day during daylight hours only and
include regular rest breaks. A reasonable level of fitness is required
as the cycling routes include desert settings and higher altitudes, and
travellers must be a minimum of 14 years of age.
Strict rules about dress, head coverings and other requirements (no
alcohol is permitted) also apply and local accommodation often
involves sleeping on the floor in traditional style. Things don’t get much
more different to home than this but the rewards are plentiful: you’ll
discover a country full of warm and friendly people and explore the
fusion of civilisations that have left their mark, including places on the
Old Silk Road and the ancient capital of Persepolis whose grandeur will
leave you in no doubt that it was once the centre of the known world.

ALL ABOARD PEREGRINE’S NEW
ASIA ADVENTURE CRUISES
What if you could enjoy a premium cruise without the crowds,
and with a genuine experience of adventure? Peregrine’s new
range of small ship adventure cruises in Vietnam, Thailand,
Malaysia and Indonesia is all about the destinations you visit
rather than on-board casinos and dress codes.
Peregrine’s 15-day Cruising the Coast of Vietnam – North to South
voyage from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (one of three new Vietnam
voyages) explores kilometres of stunning coastline that most
other travellers will never witness (as well as the classics like Ha
Long Bay, Nha Trang and Hoi An). The 30 to 50-passenger engine-
powered ships also visit remote tiny islands, traditional villages
and places like Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, an unspoiled
paradise where tourism is yet to gain a firm footing. And while
the big boats moor out at sea and ferry passengers to land,
Peregrine’s small ships sail straight into port.
Instead of a pool, all of the ships have swimming platforms,
which means it’s easy to take a dip off the back of the boat when
you drop anchor in a beautiful secluded bay. Snorkelling and
fishing gear is free to use and some ships also offer kayaks and
stand-up paddleboards.
Small ships are a greener alternative to a traditional cruise:
they’re gentle on local communities and much better for the
environment. The boats generate less waste, have a smaller
footprint, and as part of Peregrine’s commitment to being a
carbon neutral company each departure is carbon-offset by
renewable energy initiatives.

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