"My experience with you on the Iran project made it the trip of a lifetime."

Rick Steves, travel guru, writer, and PBS filmmaker

As a 17 year old high school student, I did not know whether or not there was a place for me on a group trip to Iran. However, from the moment I expressed interest in the trip, Abdi took steps to ensure that my experience in Iran was as educational, engaging and enriching as possible. How many other American teenagers can say they spent Spring break talking to soldiers, students and artists in Iran? Returning from Iran, I was asked by many friends how I was able to travel in such a seemingly "hostile" country and have such a wonderful time. The answer to this question lies in the conscientious care and attention that was paid to me and my goals in learning. It was a privilege and a pleasure to travel with someone as passionate and patient as Abdi, and I can only encourage prospective tour members to take advantage of the opportunity to travel with him while they have the chance!

Brooke Loughrin - Seattle, WA

"This trip was more than memorable; it has changed my perspective on how I will act in the world as an American."

Jan Bush – Edmonds, WA


The Essential/Ancient Iran tour introduced us to the richness of Iran's history and culture: from awe-inspiring ancient ruins to grand mosques; from revered poets to modern artists; from lush, fragrant gardens teeming with giggling schoolgirls to somber cemeteries where families of fallen soldiers come to pay their respects. The tour brought together a wonderful group of open, intellectually curious people who soaked up every opportunity to learn and connect with Iran and Iranians.

Ellen Savett - Zurich, Switzerland


One of the most moving experiences we had was sitting in the big park in Tehran and having a crowd gather around us, wanting to talk.  One young boy came up along with his mother to talk to us. He had sent a letter to Obama without getting an answer.  We apologized and I asked what he had written to our President about.  His mother blushed and said, "he asked for a visa to the U.S.”  A man in the group criticized the President of Iran and said, "Quote me." To read more please click here.

Gayle Knoepfler - Seattle, WA
 

"Traveling with such a diverse, intellectual, and fun-loving group provided a deep and lasting impression of a culture to be respected and honored."

Charlie and Betsy Zukoski - Tucson, AZ

"How wonderful the Iranian people were to us, what fascinating sites we saw, and how safe we felt everywhere. Now I'm anxious to "spread the word" here!"

Anne Corley - Bristol, VA

"Wasn't that simply the most magnificent trip? Thank God for men like you!"

Carlton Roos - Seattle, WA

"We met nothing but smiles and welcoming generosity. We were surrounded wherever we went by happy school kids and college students proud to practice their English, asking to have their photos taken with us, and curious to hear what we thought of their country. The older adults were eager to tell us how happy they were to see us visiting from the US. We received gleeful waves and "hellos" from motorbikes that passed us and shy waves of greeting as eyes met in parks and on the street. We were awestruck by the fabulous 2,500 years of treasures built to celebrate the Persian nation and culture."

Anne Roos - Nashville, TN

Iran, a land of ancient culture and modernity, a land of many contradictions. This country so foreign, and often scary, to us westerners opened itself up to us in all its glory, the people welcoming us like we were honored guests.  Your planning was impeccable. The days were crammed with new experiences, cultural, interpersonal and culinary, yet I never felt rushed or overwhelmed.  The lodgings were comfortable and the food was excellent. Special kudos go to our local guide Mahmoud, who seemed to possess unlimited knowledge about his beloved country and never failed to answer our questions. I know I speak for us all when I say that you made us feel so very cared for. Thank you Abdi!

Gunnel Clark - Seattle, WA