HERE'S A LINK TO AN ARTICLE ABOUT A NEW LUXURY TOURIST SERVICE FROM BUDAPEST TO TEHRAN.
LOOKS VERY INTERESTING.
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Sorry to say Dave, but I think U.S. State Department frowns on Americans going to Iran. While not illegal, like travel to Cuba, we are not on the friendliest of terms and have no Iranian embassy in this country. Getting a visa sounds like a bit of a production, but it is possible.
Personally, I would rather visit Australia.
Elliot, where's your sense of adventure?
I don't think I'd want to go to Iran either.
Originally Posted by Spence:
I don't think I'd want to go to Iran either.
I'm with Elliot and Spence, mate! I'll leave Iran for someone else to visit, write about and try to escape.
Originally Posted by Dave Allen:
Elliot, where's your sense of adventure?
Unfortunately, my sense of adventure limits me to travel in North America only. I have to carry a small drug store with me when I go. I stopped flying after 9/11, and don't even have a passport anymore.
I would just about guarantee that as soon as the train crosses into Iran, it would be boarded by Iranian officials and any Americans onboard would immediately be arrested as spies. Then the Iranian goverment would demand a swap for prisoners from the American government.
Originally Posted by Dave Allen:
Elliot, where's your sense of adventure?
Originally Posted by Martin H:
I would just about guarantee that as soon as the train crosses into Iran, it would be boarded by Iranian officials and any Americans onboard would immediately be arrested as spies. Then the Iranian goverment would demand a swap for prisoners from the American government.
I don't think it would be quite that bad, after all this is a scheduled luxury train, and you would have gone through the visa process already. They say it takes 4-6 weeks for them to issue a tourist visa. I would expect that someone in Tehran would have done a serious background check during that time. Even so, it still seems risky.
You are missing my point. Even with all the proper paperwork, the Iranians can still accuse you of spying and take you as a bargaining chip for something they want from the US government. The burden of proof is on the accused in countries like that, anyways.
Originally Posted by Big_Boy_4005:
Originally Posted by Martin H:
I don't think it would be quite that bad, after all this is a scheduled luxury train, and you would have gone through the visa process already. They say it takes 4-6 weeks for them to issue a tourist visa. I would expect that someone in Tehran would have done a serious background check during that time. Even so, it still seems risky.
Yeah, it would certainly be very "interesting" for an American to try to travel into Iran by train. No Thanks !
Originally Posted by Martin H:
You are missing my point. Even with all the proper paperwork, the Iranians can still accuse you of spying and take you as a bargaining chip for something they want from the US government. The burden of proof is on the accused in countries like that, anyways.
No, I totally get your point, but as long as you stay with your tour guide when off the train you should be OK even if you are an American. The Iranians actually are trying to promote tourism, but their history makes it a bit of a tough sell.
Between 1000 and 1500 Americans per year successfully travel to Iran and back. Furthermore we do most of our spying by other means. Or, does this method of access make it extra sneaky?
You may be thinking of the case of the three American hikers from a few years ago. They didn't have tourist visas. Very different story.
I'd be interested if I could go as far as Turkey then get off. 
Oh I don't know, look at the upside. Extended stay in Iran. Free room and board. 
Knowing my luck I'd have to share my room and get stuck with the bottom bunk....
On reflection I agree with bailing at the Turkish border
Turkey is as far as I'd go. No desire whatsoever to go to Iran, but the rest of the itinerary sounds exciting. I've been to Budapest and would love to see more of Hungary.
I was very much Hungary and seeked a culinary adventure and afterwards Iran to the John! 
Some guy from Ohio made the news for visiting N. Korea and leaving a Bible in his
room....uh, these are totalitarian states whose govenments in power hate Americans...you have no rights.. which makes you equal to the citizems...but that ain't good...why not go swimming in the Amazon and see if you can find a piranha? There is a lot of the world I am sure you have not seen, and it is a whole lot friendlier and safer.
Wow! What a train! What service!
Iran .... no beer and no urinals ... no thanks. Matter of face, if I'm leaving Budapest, I'm heading west, no place east of there I want to go to. 
