TEHRAN - The second edition of the International Tourist Rally from the Caspian Sea to the Persian Gulf is set to kick off on Friday, September 27 which coincides with World Tourism Day.

The highly anticipated event, which is organized by the Touring & Automobile Club of Iran, will bring together over 80 automobile enthusiasts and around 30 off-road vehicles for a scenic drive from the coastal city of Bandar-e Anzali to Bandar Abbas.

Covering an extensive route of approximately 2,600 kilometers, the rally is one of Iran’s longest and largest tourism-related car events. Participants will drive through a wide array of provinces, including Gilan, Qazvin, Alborz, Tehran, Qom, Markazi, Isfahan, Fars, Yazd, and Hormozgan, before reaching the final destination of Bandar Abbas.

Throughout the journey, rally participants will have the opportunity to explore various historical, cultural, and natural attractions along the north-south corridor of Iran.

The coast-to-coast event also aims to highlight Iran’s rich heritage and its geographical diversity, Mehr reported.

The rally will include other side activities to enrich the experience, such as musical performances by prominent artists like Salar Aghili in Bandar-e Anzali, Shiraz, Isfahan, and Bandar Abbas. There will also be local culinary festivals, desert tours, and visits to Qeshm Island, to name a few.

The first edition of the Caspian-to-Persian Gulf rally was held in May 2023 with participants from about 10 Asian and European countries. The event, according to organizers, is aimed not only to promote the natural and cultural landmarks of the ancient country but also to emphasize road safety, responsible travel, and sustainable tourism practices.

AM