Trip Highlights
Tehran
Kashan
Isfahan
Yazd
Saryazd Caravanserai
Kerman
Shiraz
Tour Highlights :
* Journey to Tehran, the city of colorful lights, intriguing sounds, and never-ending motion
* Visit Nasir Al Molk Mosque (or the Pink Mosque) and Vakil Complex (Vakil Bath , Vakil Bazaar ,Vakil Mosque and Vakil citadel ) in Shiraz
* Discover Persepolis, home of Darius the Great
* Experience Iranian Hospitality and Family Dinner at Local house in Shiraz
* Visit Yazd, the city of Zoroastrians
* Spend the day in Isfahan exploring Imam Square and its mosques
* Wander through the bazaar in Kashan
* Meet Iranian people and be welcomed to their country
* Discover UNESCO world heritage and UNESCO intangible cultural heritage
* Visiting Persian Gardens
* Enjoy the safari and sand skiing in dunes during Lut desert tour
* Stay one night in Caravanserai , and watch the starry sky
Trip Itinerary
Day 01 : Tehran
Airport Transfer , Hotel Check in
Arrival at IKA International airport, we will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. You will have time to rest and relax before our morning tour of Tehran begins.
.jpg "Airport transfer. IKA Airport.")
Day 02: Tehran
Sightseeing: Iran National Museum , Golestan Palace , Tajrish Bazaar and Darband
In the morning we take the subway and charter taxis so that we make most of the day and visit as many sites as possible. As a result, we will have a much better chance to get more acquainted with Iranian people. We leave the hotel at 9:30 for a trip to the Iran National Museum which ,here we will get a chance to see a variety of Persian Civilizations and cultures during different ages and become familiar with Iranian history. Then we pay a visit to Golestan Palace. Golestan Palace is a masterpiece of the Qajar era, embodying the successful integration of earlier Persian crafts and architecture with Western influences. This amazing Palace in 2003 was designated a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. Afterward we will visit Tajrish Bazaar and Darband, a cute village in the mountains north of Tehran. Overnight in Tehran.
Day 03 : Kashan , Isfahan
Sightseeing : Azadi Tower, Tabatabai and Boroojerdi Houses, Fin Gardens , Si-o-Seh Pol Bridge
We will leave Tehran and drive to Kashan, stopping to admire Azadi Tower as we depart Tehran. Kashan is a popular tourist destinations in Iran and attracts a large number of tourists each year. Kashan has a 7000 year history and we will visit the beautiful UNESCO REGISTERED SITE ( Fin Garden ) during our stay. Also we will visit both Tabatabai and Boroojerdi House, outstanding examples of upmarket historical houses typical of Kashan.Then we Leaving Kashan and your overland journey continues in Isfahan. As the 17th-century capital of the Safavid Empire, Isfahan was one of the world’s greatest cities– architecturally striking, wealthy beyond imagine, and politically powerful with Europeans, Ottomans, Indians, and Chinese coming to its court– the heart of a vast Persian Empire that stretched from the Euphrates River in present-day Iraq to the Oxus River in Afghanistan. Indeed, its grandeur inspired the rhyming proverb, Isfahan nesf e jahan (Isfahan is half of the World).
Together with your expert guide, you will begin your exploration of the city by visiting some of the centuries-old, still elegant bridges that span Zayandeh River. The 14th-century Shahrestan Bridge, for example, evokes the greatest aqueducts of ancient Rome and is the oldest bridge in Iran. Other famous bridges on Zayandeh River are Sio-ce-pol and Khaju. There are sluice gates below the bridge to let the water runoff Zayandeh River in the spring, and there are beautiful stone archways above each gate. These archways provide a great acoustic place for every man who wants to sing. You can always find a man or a group of men singing under the bridge. The songs are usually about betrayal or unrequited love. You have the chance to chat with these men and listen to their songs.Stay overnight in Isfahan.
Day 04 : Isfahan
Sightseeing : Vank Cathedral church , Masjed-e Jame , Hasht Behesht Palace and Garden
Continue your exploration in Isfahan at a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. Simple at first glance but wondrous in its rich detail and bold design, the Masjed-e Jamé is another masterpiece of Iranian architecture, covering nearly 5 acres in the heart of this historical city. This is one of the oldest congregational mosques of the country, and its construction and embellishment over the past twelve centuries illustrate a number of important periods in Islamic architecture. In the city’s Armenian quarter, you’ll delve more deeply into the region’s complex history as you will visit several churches including the 17th-century Vank Cathedral with its lavishly decorated interior and unique blend of Islamic and European architectural elements.
In the same quarter, we will also visit the Music Museum where you will find a collection of local and national Iranian instruments.
In the afternoon, we will visit Hasht Behesht Palace and Garden. At this octagonal palace, you can see gangs of retired men who pass their free time chatting with the visitors.
Sightseeing : Imam Square (Naghshe Jahan Square) Ali Qapu Palace , Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque , Shah Mosque and Isfahan Grand Bazaar and Chehel setoon Palace
As the 17th-century capital of the Safavid Empire, Isfahan was one of the world's greatest cities architecturally striking, wealthy beyond imagination, and politically powerful with Europeans, Ottomans, Indians, and Chinese coming to its court– the heart of a vast Persian Empire that stretched from the Euphrates River in present-day Iraq to the Oxus River in Afghanistan. Indeed, its grandeur inspired the rhyming proverb, Isfahan nesf e jahan (Isfahan is half of the World). Imam Square of Isfahan is one of the largest city squares in the world and Built by Shah Abbas I the Great at the beginning of the 17th century. This amazing site in 1979 was designated a
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. Must see this place. Imam square is surrounded by important historical buildings from the Safavid era. The Shah Mosque is situated on the south side of this square. On the west side, you can find Ali Qapu Palace. Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque is situated on the eastern side of this square and the northern side opens into the Isfahan Grand Bazaar. They are an impressive testimony to the level of social and cultural life in Persia during the Safavid era. Afterward we will visit Chehel Sotoun, literally meaning forty columns, is a royal pavilion that was built by Shah Abbas I as a place to receive ambassadors and international guests. The Chehel Sotun Palace, along with eight other gardens, is registered as a
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE under the name of the Persian Gulf. Overnight in Isfahan.
Sightseeing : Zurkhaneh and Amir Chakhmagh Square
We take up our tour by travel to the historical and
UNESCO REGISTERED CITY OF YAZD . In the evening we will visit zurkhaneh. It is a combination of martial arts, strength training and music. Way before bodybuilding, Persians used to practice weightlifting in Zoorkhaneh. We can see this tradition present in ancient Iranian stories too. Afterward we visit Amir chakhmagh square. Overnight in Yazd.
Day 07: Yazd
Sightseeing : Jameh mosque of Yazd , Fahadan neighborhood , Alexandra Prison , Dowlat Abad Garden , Excursion in the city
In the morning we drive to visit the Fahadan neighborhood and walk through the old part of the city and enjoy in this magnificent mud brick city.We start by visiting Jameh mosque of Yazd and walking through narrow alleys to arrive to Alexandra Prison then we will visit some beautiful shops ,Art house and factories in the way then we will have a lunch and after that we will visit Dowlat Abad Garden, one of the ninth PERSIAN GARDENS registered in UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES.Evening is on your leisure. Overnight in Yazd.
Day 08: Saryazd Caravanserai
Sightseeing: Zoroastrian Fire Temple , Henna Factory , Dakhmeh (Tower of Silence) , Caravanserai
The city dates from Sassanid era (2000 years ago), and was called in those days "Isatis". The word Yazd means Clear of Filth. It also means Worship, Praise and Adoration. The appellation of the city is "The City of Gods".Yazd is the second Mud-Brick city in the world remaining from ancient times. It is the first Iranian city registered in WORLD HERITAGE we allocate this city for you to become more familiar with Iranian history and culture. In the morning we will visit Zoroastrian Fire temple. Yazd fire temple, is stated to have been burning since about 470 AD during the Sassanid Dynasty. Back then, the fire was in Pars Karyan fire temple in the southern Pars Province. In the morning after we visit this magnificent fire temple , we drive to visit Henna Factory. Henna Factory is one of historical tourist attractions in Yazd city. This factory was built by a trader in Yazd city. In Henna Factory, as you can guess from its name, henna was brought to the factory from different district or other cities of Iran in order to be grinded. After grinding, they were sold in local bazaars. Nowadays, you can still find some huge stones used for grinding inside the henna factory. Visit historic henna factory while traveling to Yazd and spend some time buying souvenirs and handicrafts.
Then we drive to visit Dakhmeh. Dakhmeh. Zoroastrian’s Dakhmeh or Towers of silence is a place where Zoroastrian people used to place their deceased. It is a cemetery for Zoroastrian’s people but with a slight difference. Based on Zoroastrian’s beliefs, human remaining is unclean. Also, they consider soil as a holy element, so no human shall be buried because the soil will be polluted. So, instead of putting the corpse into the soil, they put them for predators and birds (usually vultures) to feed on them! Now you know why they built towers of silence in height. It is worth to mention that in Zoroastrian’s religious strongly condemns mourning for the dead.
This unusual ceremony has more than 3000 years’ dates. Zoroastrian corpse or “Nasu” were transferred by people named Nesakesh from home to the Dakhmeh. After delivering Nasu to Dakhmeh officials, the corpse was exposed to the sun and birds until only the bones are left. After this weird purification, there is a person in there who was never allowed to leave the Dakhmeh, putting the remaining bones into the “Ostudan” (Ossuary) in the middle of the Dakhmeh. The way that the corpse was arranged is interesting too. They were placed in circles, men in the outermost layer, women in between, and finally children in the center. It is worth to mention that all ceremonies in Dakhmeh were stopped since the 70s.Then we drive to Caravanserai and Stay overnight in Caravanserai.
Day 09 : Kerman
Sightseeing : Ganjali khan Complex
Kerman is the third highest city in Iran and thereby has been given the nicknames "the roof of Iran" and "Siberia of the South". The city used to be called in pre-Islamic period "Boothia", "Karamania" or "Karmania" meaning valor and fight arena. In the evening we will visit Ganjali khan Complex (Caravanserai ,Bathroom , bazaar , water reservoir, a mint and Mosque ). Stay overnight in Kerman.
Day 10: Kerman
Sightseeing : Shazdeh Mahan Garden , Rayen Castle and Lut Desert
In the morning we drive to visit the beautiful Shahazdeh Mahan Garden, one of the 9th PERSIAN GARDENS registered on UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES and afterward Rayen Castle. Among the many artistic landmarks of Kerman, Rayen Castle is one of the most substantially significant of them all. It is claimed that Rayen Castle is the second largest adobe structure in the world after Arg-e Bam, the spectacular UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. It might seem interesting to know that until just 150 years ago, Rayen Castle was home to its residents. Its construction dates back to Sasanid era, before the emergence of Islam. No ruler could have ever invaded this castle during history and this is what Rayen Castle takes pride in.Stay.After visiting these magnificent sites,its time to visit Lut Desert. Lut desert is the world's 25th largest desert. Lut desert is one of the world's driest and hottest places too. Lut desert was inscribed to the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES list on July 17,2016. We will show you this magnificent desert in our tour.In the morning we drive to desert and the distance between Kerman and Kaluts of Shahdad is about 230 km and it takes approximately 3 hours. Then we spend all day in desert and enjoy this magnificent place. Overnight camping in desert.
Day 11: Shiraz
Sightseeing : Maharloo Lake or Pink Lack and Shah Cheragh Shrine
We move to the historical and beautiful city of Shiraz, a city from ancient times. On the first-day of Shiraz Tour, we visit Pink Lake. A seasonal-salt lake in the highlands around Shiraz. The Maharloo Lake is famously known as the Pink Lake of Shiraz due to the high salt concentrations that result in its brackish water in late summer. Afterward in the night we will visit shah cheragh shrine. Overnight in Shiraz.
Day 12: Shiraz
Sightseeing : Nasir al Mulk Mosque , Naranjestan Garden , Zand Complex , Eram Garden and Hafez Tomb
In the morning you will visit Nasir al Mulk mosque and Naranjestan Garden and after that the historical complex of Zandieh which include: Vakil Bath, Vakil Bazaar, and Vakil Mosque constitutes our day visit. Add to that our walk to Karim-Khan Citadel and the historic districts of the city as well and in the evening you will visit Eram Garden and Hafez tomb. Stay overnight in Shiraz.
Day 13: Shiraz
Sightseeing : Persepolis and Necropolis (Naghsh e Rostam )
Our excursion for Today is Persepolis. Founded by Darius I in 518 B.C., Persepolis was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire. It was built on an immense half-artificial, half-natural terrace, where the king of kings created an impressive palace complex inspired by Mesopotamian models. The importance and quality of the monumental ruins make it a unique archaeological site. It seems that Darius planned this impressive complex of palaces not only as the seat of government but also, and primarily, as a show place and a spectacular centre for the receptions and festivals of the Achaemenid kings and their empire such as Nowroz (New Year, March 21st).The next is Necropolis(Naghsh e- Rostam). Opposite Rahmat mountain, ten minutes drive to the north, proudly stands the Necropolis, the magnificent burial place of Achaemenid kings. The site also provides seven bas-reliefs dating back to Elamite and Sassanid period.
In the evening, take part in a hands-on cooking class where a local female cook will teach you how to create some of the most delectable Persian dishes. This class may include tahchin (Iranian savoury rice cake). Take in the flavours and aromas of these delicious meals as the wafts fill the kitchen, then set the table and gather for a huge Persian feast as you chat and exchange stories. Overnight in Shiraz.
END TOUR
Our tour finish and you will depart Iran, the land of warmth and hospitality with fond memories.We will transfer you to Shiraz International Airport to depart from Iran.
PERSIA IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA
A country beyound the world