Hormuz, Qeshm and Hengam Island Tour

We’ll meet up at your accommodation in Bandar Abbas. Let’s start the journey off with a ferry ride from Haghani Port in Bandar Abbas to Hormuz Island (about 1 hour). Then hit the road toward the beautiful leftover of the Colonial age of the Island, the Portuguese Castle. The image of the sea serving as a background to the brick-red castle is quite scenic. Following that, off to see the Turtles Beach, where you overlook the eye-catching seascape and even have the chance to check out the large turtles.  Then soak in the rare scenery of the Red Beach where you can find red soil on the mountain, beachline and even water. After that, make your way toward the Valley of statues, where the magical look of human-like and animal-like figures sculpted by nature create asense of awe. Leaving the impressive valley behind, set foot on the colorful carpet of the Rainbow Valley, where you can’t resist the temptation of taking your camera out to capture many colors in one frame.

In the afternoon, get cozy in the serene Valley of Silence which has long been a shelter for meditation. The valley is home to Meditation Cave, a pure stalagmite-and-stalactite-filled salt cave; a place that can clean your chakras and balance your energy. Our next wonderland is the Salty Goddess, a naturally-sculpted rainbow salt mountain.  Then say hello to Shoor Valley, the grandpa of valleys in Hormuz, where we can touch the most long-standing deposit layers.

Overnight: Hotel in Hormuz

Rise and Shine! It’s time to hit the sea towards Qeshm Island. Starting off today’s exploration brings you to Xorbas Cave, a pre-Islamic mystery at the heart of mountain. The winding cave architecture of tunnels, multiple chambers and lovely springs of Xorbas and the stories behind it leave you amazed. To add even more to the wonder, leave Xorbas and drive toward the next valley, the Valley of Stars. Walk down the pillared paths in this otherworldly valley that locals believe was created by the crash of a star.  After a short journey to the West, find yourself overlooking the beautiful collection of Naz Islands, disconnected from each other at high tide. You can even go for a pleasant walk along the path created between the islands at low tide.

Later in the afternoon, drive or climb up to the top of the vastest plateau in the island, the Roof of Qeshm, to get a panoramic view of Hara Mangrove Forests and Northern coastline of the Persian Gulf.  Having enjoyed the shining scenery, move toward Namakdan Mountain, a salt-striped giant which nests one of the longest salt caves of the world with fragile salt icicles, salt streams, a range of colors and an adorable spring.

Finally, make your way toward a nice ecolodge and spend the rest of the day taste the amazingly unique combination of spices and vegetables in Southern cuisine. Physically tired after two days of pleasure, call the day off by the taste of an overnight native homestay at the comfy ecolodge.

Overnight: Ecolodge in Qeshm

Morning’s here! Off to Hara Sea Forests where we catch a sweet sight of Qeshm morning sun over the trees that have their roots in water and listen to the beautiful symphony of the wildlife.  It’s high tide, so sit back on the boat and lose yourself in the stunning view of the trees partially hidden under the salty seawater. Isn’t it more stunning to know that their lovely entangled roots reappear completely at low tide?  Move on and check out the unusual atmosphere of Chahkooh Valley. Lack of plant life and the extraordinary sight of the shapes amazingly formed by the craftsmanship of wind, water and soil will leave you speechless.

In the afternoon, get transferred to a scenic beachfront hotel and have the rest of the day to lie in the warm sun, have a refreshing swim or even raise your adrenaline level with the exciting water facilities available.

Overnight: Beachfront hotel

Say your last good morning to Qeshm because we’re off to Hengam Island, a small island bordered with coral reefs, crystallized water, colorful sea creatures and palm trees. Having something to suit all tastes, here you can walk through the local bazaar and observe the intact folklore of fishermen, enjoy the company of the wildlife (possibly even the legendary Persian gazelles) and a boat ride alongside the playful dolphins.

Having returned to Qeshm in the afternoon, top your journey off with the historical sight of Laft, a village of Badgirs (wind towers), minarets, meandering narrow streets and a domed Abanbar (water reservoir). To see the last piece of the traditional sustainable architecture and engineering of the natives, also visit Tela Wells, a collection of historical wells dug to store sweet water.

Here comes the last sunset and the moment of saying goodbye to the charming and unforgettable islands of the Persian Gulf with a ferry ride back to Bandar Abbas.