For the benefit of future readers of what is a likely stale thread... OccasionalFlyerPerson pretty much gets it right. I'd just add that the only thing "cast in stone" is the city/hotel where you're sleeping each night. Beyond that, you can do whatever you want with your guide each day. The guides also will likely let you go out at night by yourself and give you additional "free time." We went on US passports with a private guide -- see our TR here: 13 Night Iran Trip Report - Americans .