TEHRAN, IRAN
Holiday Houseboys
Go on a private tour to fully experience the best of Tehran. For this use the services of a Holiday Houseboy, your local gay friendly tour guide. He will look after your safety and welfare at all times. Whether you just want to understand the history of the city or just go out in the evening, he will be an invaluable source of information to you. It is a fun way to explore the city.
Ali
Ali comes from Yazd, a city of 1 million people in the centre of Iran. A recent graduate of Tourism Management from the University of Tehran, he knows lots of cool places to visit. He enjoys spending his time with open minded travellers, showing them the culture and everyday life of an Iranian. Ali currently works in a travel agency handling incoming tours. Ali says to visit Iran, visiting Tehran is not enough. Let Ali help you with your own travel plans. Perhaps go to his home own of Yazd in central Iran, some 700 kms away. Whatever you choose to do, Ali will be happy to help you and show you around.
Ali is 26 years old, covid vaccinated, smokes occasionally and speaks English and Persian.
Total cost for the guide services of Ali for one day (8 hours) = a non refundable deposit of USD 45 by Paypal or major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) PLUS USD 50 in cash to Ali after his services. Total 95 US dollars.
Alternatively for the guide services of Ali for half a day (4 hours) = a non refundable deposit of USD 25 by Paypal or major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) PLUS USD 30 in cash to Ali after his services. Total 55 US dollars.
This does not include transport, entrance fees or any food & beverage costs.
Ali has a small car himself, a Peugeot, that he could use if required for an extra fee.
How To Book A Holiday Houseboy
To book any of our Holiday Houseboys please go to the enquiry form.
Or send an email to info@holidayhouseboys.com.
Alternatively WhatsApp +94-76-630-1069.
Remember a Holiday Houseboy is your gay friendly tour guide who looks after your safety and welfare at all times.
Please note these are guide services and not sexual services.
Our other destination in Iran is Tabriz.
Highlights of Tehran
Tehran is the capital of Iran. It has 8.7 million people, with the metropolis of Tehran having 15 million. Indeed it is the largest city in western Asia. And the second largest metropolitan area in the Middle East, after Cairo.
Throughout Iran’s history, the capital has changed 32 times. Tehran was chosen as the capital by Agha Mohammad Khan in 1796 from the Qajar empire. Mainly because of its proximity to Iran’s territories in the Caucasus. However it was only since the 1920’s did full scale develop occur to fully develop the city.
99% of Iranians speak Persian as their first language. Nevertheless there are ethnic minorities that speak Persian as their second language.
The top tourist attraction in Tehran is the Golestan Palace. From the Qajar empire, many monarchs have lived here, adding their own personal touches. Described as beautiful inside and out with some amazing collections.
The National Jewelry Treasury is also a must see. What with a 200 year old crown encrusted with previous stones, there are many items to dazzle you. It houses for example the world’s largest pink diamond as well as a gem-studded 1869 globe. A collection of imperial jewels from the different families all under one roof. Children under 12 are not allowed. More of a modern Ali Baba’s cave rather than a museum.
Another museums to whet your appetite is the National Museum of Iran . It is split into two buildings. One is the “Museum of Ancient Iran“. It depicts the greatness of the Persian Empire going back 2,500 years ago. Under the rule of Cyrus the Great, his empire expanded to more than half the world. The second building is the “Museum of the Islamic era” which contains works of art to the present time.
The Pahlavi dynasty followed the Qajar dynasty. It was the last ruling dynasty of Iran from 1925 to 1979. To see the splendour of this era, visit the Sabadaad Palace. At least one hour from the city in Shemiran, its 300 hectare complex is well worth seeing. It contains 18 palaces in total. The Green Palace is the most visited. Look out too for the Statue of Arash the Archer in the garden. It is an important heroic figure in Iranian mythology.
Following public unrest in 1978, the last Shah was overthrown by the Iranian Revolution in 1979. Then Ayatollah Khomeini became the new ruler. Life changed drastically for the Iranians as new laws came into force. Men could not wear short sleeved shirts or shorts. Women could not have any part of their body or hair visible, nor wear makeup. Men and women could not go out together unless they were siblings married or engaged. All the enforcements of religious rulings promoting a stricter interpretation of Islam. In addition the country’s name changed from the Imperial State of Iran to the Islamic Republic of Iran marking a stricter imposition of its religion.
Landmarks to visit in Tehran include the Tabiat Bridge, Milad Tower and Darband. The latter is an area outside the city where hiking trails begin at the foot of Mount Tochal. The views of Tehran city are spectacular.
A trip to Tehran would not be complete without visiting a bazaar. The Tajrish Bazaar has its old charm appeal with spices, vegetables and plenty of small places to have a bite to eat. On the other hand, the Tehran Bazaar is much more grand. Basically the central bazaar of Tehran it caters for the every day shopping needs of locals as well as souvenirs for tourists.
