Question: I thought I'd start a post letting people know about my trip in case Americans in particular had an interest in going to Iran.
This will be my third trip to Iran since 2008. Everyone knows that for Americans there are the restrictions that one has to travel guided, so as I have made arrangements with www.uppersia.com to hire a guide and book my trip which is highly recommended.
The last two times I flew directly into Tehran; this time I'll be heading overland from Turkey: Plane to Istanbul, then plane to Van, then road (bus? Taxi?) to Bazargan. Our guide will meet us on the other side. I will be leaving through the Sero crossing.
On the visa side, I've again used Travel Document Systems in DC, who hand delivered and picked up my passport from the Iranian Interest Section in DC.
Use this page for visa application:  http://www.uppersia.com/Iran-Visa-Box/iran-visa-authorization-reference-number-invitation-application-form.html
Patrick

Answer: The American visitors of Iran should take part in a guided tour to travel in Iran. The visa reference number for the Americans takes about 30-45 days to be secured from the MFA. In the visa application form the MFA should be informed about the hotels and itinerary in Iran. After having the reference number, the visa can be collected in two working days by direct referral or in one working week by posting the docs to the Iran embassy.

Check cheap Iran tours at http://www.uppersia.com/Iran-tours.