Iran Cultural Tour in 8 Days

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: Nour Hayat, Tehran

Today, the Tehran city tour includes visiting the Archaeological (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-recognised 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, visit the Shahyad Tower 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: Karbat, Isfahan

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: Karbat, Isfahan

Visit the Vank Church, which is a typical example of the Christian churches of Armenia and the UNESCO-recognised 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 Shiraz.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Hotel: Karim Khan, Shiraz

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, Naranjestan-e Qavam, and Nasir Almolk Mosque. In the afternoon, we will visit Hafez tomb, Ali Ibn Hamzah shrine and the Iranian musical instrument workshop.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch  Hotel: Karim Khan, Shiraz

Today, 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 enjoy a home-cooked meal and hospitality at a Shirazi house.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner  Hotel: Karim Khan, Shiraz