Embark on a remarkable 14-day tour of Iran and discover the treasures that lie within this ancient land. Iran is the land of endless fascinating history and culture, welcoming people, high mountains and vast deserts. This tour provides a unique introduction to the history, landscape and people in Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Kerman and Yazd.

Day 1: Welcome to Iran – Tehran city tour

Arrive at IKA airport where our representative is waiting for you. Transfer to your hotel to rest until noon when your Tehran city tour starts.

We’ll take the subway to the north of Tehran where the Iranian upper class lives to experience the local life in the cozy Tajrish Bazaar. Then, visit Sadabad Palace, the residence of Iran’s last Shah and go hiking along the mountain trail through Darband to visit the most beautiful scenery of Tehran from that top. Enjoy tea, Qalian water pipe and the delicious Persian traditional cuisine, Dizi.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Pahlavan Razzaz, Tehran

Day 2: A Deep Dive into Ancient – Tehran City Tour

Today Tehran city tour includes visiting the Archeological (national) Museum. Thanks to the immense volume, diversity and quality of its monuments, this museum ranks as one of the few most significant museums in the world.

Visit the UNESCO-recognized Golestan Palace, a masterpiece of the Qajar era that is a successful combination of Persian crafts and architecture with Western influences. The most characteristic features and ornaments date from the 19th century. After that explore Tehran Grand Bazaar before heading to Kashan.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner Hotel: Negin, Kashan

Kashan which runs along the edge of the central deserts of Iran makes a contrast between the extent of the deserts and the greenery of an oasis. Archaeological discoveries in the Sialk Hills (7000 years) that lie 4 km west of Kashan reveal that this region was one of the primary centers of civilization in the pre-historic ages. Highlights of today are Tabatabaee or Boroujerdi historical houses, Sultan Mir Ahmad Hammam, Fin Garden, and Agha Bozorg Mosque.

The UNESCO-recognized village of Abyaneh is one of the oldest villages in Iran with houses harmonious with climate and mountains characterized by a peculiar reddish hue. This village preserved the old speaking, clothing and living style. A typical woman wears a white long scarf with colourful patterns and an under-knee skirt.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner Hotel: Sonati, Isfahan

Day 4: Turquoise Domes – Isfahan city tour

Isfahan entitled “Half the World” is the legendary city of traditional Islamic archaeology and turquoise domes. Today we will visit Naqsh-e-Jahan Square, the second huge square in the world after Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. Sheikh Lotfollah and Jameh Abbasi Mosques are brilliant masterpieces of Islamic-Persian architecture. Aliqapu, Chehel Sotun and Hasht Behesht Palaces and finally Isfahan bazaar to purchase traditional arts & crafts.

Observing people is a fascinating part of any trip, and Zayanderud is one such place in Isfahan. The historical bridges are charming in the evening, when many young couples stroll and chat, and families take walks. (Due to the long-standing drought, Zayanderud may not have water during your visit.)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner Hotel: Sonati, Isfahan

Day 5: Again “Half the World” – Isfahan city tour

Continue discovering other parts of Isfahan. Visit the Vank Church which is a typical example of the Christian churches of Armenia and the UNESCO-recognized Jame’ mosque of Isfahan which is a gallery of the progress of Islamic architecture. Finally, we will listen to Persian music in the Isfahan music museum before heading to Abadeh.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Dorafshan Ecolodge, Abadeh

Day 6: Lifetime Experience: Ancient Persia – Pasargadae & Persepolis

We will head to Shiraz and visit some monuments on the way. First Pasargadae, the tomb of Cyrus the Great, the originator of the Achaemenian Empire (550 B.C.) besides his brave personality inspires all the visitors.  Then we will drive to visit the great gem of ancient Persia, Persepolis. The magnificent ruins of Persepolis which lie at the foot of Mount Mehr was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire founded by Darius I in 518 B.C. Finally, we will visit the Necropolis, the magnificent burial place of Achaemenid kings. Seven bas-reliefs dating back to the Elamite and Sassanid periods are carved there as well.

Rest and relax at the hotel for a few hours. In the evening, we will take part in a cooking class and enjoy Shirazi home-cooked meals and hospitality.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner  Hotel: Karim Khan, Shiraz

Day 7: Roses and Nightingales – Shiraz city tour

Shiraz, famous as the city of roses and nightingales, is the center of Persian culture and sophistication, gardens and poetry. Visit the highlights of Shiraz in a walking quarter including Karim Khan Citadel, Pars Museum, Vakil mosque, Vakil bazaar, Saray-e-Moshir, Madressa-e Khan (if possible), Naranjestan-e Qavam, Nasir Almolk Mosque. In the afternoon, visit other highlights in Shiraz such as Hafez tomb, Ali Ibn Hamzah holy shrine, Eram Garden and the Iranian musical instrument workshop.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch  Hotel: Karim Khan, Shiraz

Day 8: A long day drive – To Kerman

Hit the road to Kerman. Visit the UNESCO-recognized Ardeshir palace in Sarvestan and if time allows you will pay a visit to the Bahram-e Gur Protected Area located in the East part of Fars Province, where you can see the Iranian zebra.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner  Hotel: Khorram, Kerman

Day 9: The hottest point on earth – Mahan, Rayen & Lut

Visit Shah Nematolah-e Vali Shrine, and Prince Gardens and admire a great example of Persian gardens that depicts a high contrast between a green garden and a harsh desert in the background at Mahan. Then visit Arg-e Rayen, a nice replica of Arg-e Bam. Finally, we will drive to the desert. Lut is one of two great deserts of Iran, 80 per cent of which is located in Kerman province. Gandom Beryan, the hottest point on earth, is located in this area. We will explore the desert and visit Kaluts.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner  Hotel: Desert Ecolodge, Lut

Day 10: Carving rocks to live – Meymand & Zeinoddin

Meymand is a village with semi-nomadic agro-pastoralists villagers who raise their animals on mountain pastures, living in temporary settlements in spring and autumn. During the winter they live in troglodytic houses carved out of the soft rock.

Then we will head to Zeinoddin Caravanserai, a UNESCO award winner Caravanserai dating back to the Safavid era. Spending a night there, conjure up the old style of Persian hotels.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner  Hotel: Zeinoddin Caravanserai

Day 11: The largest Adobe – Yazd city tour

Yazd is the oldest adobe city that is juxtaposed with the central deserts of Iran. This ancient city which is decorated by stunning mosques is a combination of different religions. Visit the fire temple and Doulat Abad garden. Then explore the old city and visit the water museum, wind towers, Amir Chakhmagh complex, Jame Mosque which is crowned by the highest minarets in Iran and finally Zurkhaneh, the old Persian gym.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner  Hotel: Pars, Yazd

Day 12: Mystery of the Abandoned City & Princess’ Tears 

Chak Chak, Meybod and Kharanagh are three highlights of today. First of all, visit the Shaking Minaret, 4000-Year-old Citadel in the abandoned village of Kharanagh. Then we will head for Pir-e Sabz, the most sacred mountain shrine of Zoroastrianism that is located in Chak Chak and serves as a pilgrimage point for Zoroastrians. Each year from June 14–18 many thousands of Zoroastrians flock to the fire temple. Finally, on our way to Nain, we will visit the pre‐Islamic Narin Castle in Meybod City. Visit the Caravansary, Icehouse and Pigeon house as well.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner  Hotel: Anar, Nain

Day 13: Riding the sand dunes – Maranjab

Early in the morning, we will visit Jame Mosque of Nain which is one of the first Islamic places of worship built in the country. Then on our way to the IKA airport, we will visit to Maranjab Desert and Salt Lake, a unique and unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into the natural beauty of Iran’s desert landscape.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner  Hotel: IBIS, IKIA Airport

Day 14: Hope to see you again

Last but not least drive to Shiraz airport to leave Iran with fond memories.