Maybe you ask yourselves or others ask you :
Why travel to Iran should be next on your bucket list ?
Why Western Part of Iran ?
Why West Persia ?
Which civilizations exist in this region of Iran?
In this historical and cultural tour to western part of Iran, you will visit the oldest civilizations and cultures of Iran and you will see the ancient Iran. Tour to Western Part of Iran has many natural and cultural wonders. In this tour you will see historical sites and you will get a taste of Iran's ancients history and civilization. By choosing our historical and cultural tour to western Part of Iran , you will make a fascinating journey to the most important historical places of Iran. You will visit such cities as Tehran, Hamedan , Kermanshah, Ahvaz, Susa, Shushtar , and Shiraz.You will explore the museums, stroll along the Persian civilizations and History and can bargain at the colorful local bazaars. In just 9 days, you will be able to plunge in the history and culture of Iran and get acquainted with the amazing ancient facts. In this tour you will explore different civilizations and cultures, one of them is Elamites. The Elamite Civilization were among the first civilized civilization to emerge over 8800 years ago in today's Khoozestan (Southwestern Iran). Today we know that these civilizations are much older than previously thought due to recent archeological discoveries. (Settlements at Susa date to 7th millennium B.C.E.).
Trip Itinerary:
Sightseeing: Iran National Museum , Golestan Palace , Tajrish Bazaar and Darband.
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. To avoid heavy traffic, taking the subway is the best way to visit Tehran. 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.
Sightseeing: Shahrdari Square, Gilan Rural Heritage Museum,Rasht Museum.
Known as “City of Rain”, Rasht is located in the north of Iran right at the Caspian Sea Shore. Registered as Creative City of gastronomy in
UNESCO, Rasht offers a huge range of delicious foods that are mostly made of vegetables, garlic, chicken, and grenadine. So, if you are a food traveler, Rasht must be your first spot to investigate in Iran. Note that if you are a vegetarian, the good news is that despite most Persian dishes, they have a wide range of tasty vegetarian foods. For adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts, Rasht also offers so many colorful natural sites. Overnight in Rasht.
Day 03 : Zanjan
Sightseeing : Sultanieh Doom and Zanjan's Bazaar.
Today we drive to Zanjan to visit the mausoleum of Oljaytu was constructed in 1302–12 in the city of Soltaniyeh, the capital of the Ilkhanid dynasty, which was founded by the Mongols. Situated in the province of Zanjan, Soltaniyeh is one of the outstanding examples of the achievements of Persian architecture and a key monument in the development of its Islamic architecture. Today we will visit this magnificent
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE, the second biggest brick dome structure in the world. Afterward, we will visit Zanjan Bazaar . Overnight in Zanjan.
Day 04 : Qazvin
Sightseeing : Jameh Mosque of Qazvin , Aliqapou Palace and Qazvin's Bazaar
The foundation of this city dates back to the Sassanid era (3rd century ), in the time of Shahpur the 1st. This city was once the capital of Iran in the 16th century (Safavid era). Today, you will visit the Jameh Mosque, Aliqapou Palace, and then, the bazaar.Stay overnight in Qazvin.
Day 05 : Alamout Castle
Sightseeing : Alamout Castle
After an early breakfast, you will head to Alamout (Assassins) castle which is 120 km. Alamut castle, one of the unique historical castles in Iran, is located in the northwest of Qazvin province on the top of rock with 200 m height upper than the surrounding lands. We spend half day in Alamout castle and then stay overnight in Qazvin.
Day 06 : Takab
Sightseeing : Takh-e Suliman.
Today we will visit the archaeological site of Takht-e Suleyman,
a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE in north-western Iran. The site includes the principal Zoroastrian sanctuary partly rebuilt in the Ilkhanid Mongo (13th century). Stay overnight in Takab.
Sightseeing : Hegmataneh pre-Islamic town ,Tombs of Ester and Mordkhai and Ibn -e- Sina (Avicenna ) Tomb.
Hamadan is among the oldest cities of Iran. Medes chose Hamadan- which was then called Hegmataneh- as their capital, but the results of studies indicate that Hegmataneh city has existed before being elected as the capital by Medes and also a group of Kassites people lived there. Later the survivors of Kassites have created the nation called Mede together with a group of Aryan people, and established the Medes State by overcoming the aggressor Assyrian State and have placed Karkashi as their capital and since then, this city has been named Hegmataneh. Hamadan has always been regarded as one of the major centers of the Jewish settlement in Iran, So we drive in the morning to the Hamedan and visit Hegmataneh pre-Islamic town. Afterwards drive to the Jewish prophet tombs of Ester and Mordkhai . Afterwards you will visit The Ibn -e- Sina Tomb. Overnight in Hamedan.
Sightseeing : Alavid Dome, Baba Taher tomb.
The sightseeing starts by visiting Alavid Dome which is a four-sided interesting 12th-century mausoleum belonging to the late Seljuk period then
Baba Taher tomb which is located in a park, surrounded by flowers and winding paths. Baba Taher is known as one of the most revered and respectable early poets in Iranian literature.Stay overnight in Hamedan.
Sightseeing :Ganjnameh , TagheBostan and Bistoon.
Drive to Ganjnameh to visit Achaemenid inscriptions, Very interesting part of this trip and you will see Presian Glory Then Drive to Kermanshah to visit Taghe Bostan ( Sasanid complex ) Afterwards drive to Bistoon registered world heritage complex. Overnight in Kermanshah.
Sightseeing : Falak-ol Aflak Castle , Shushtar waterfalls and Historic dams.
In the morning we drive to visit Shushtar city and on the way, we will visit the Falak-ol-Aflak castle in Khorram Abad, dating back to the Sassanian period (224-651 AD). Then we drive to Shustar to visit Shushtar Waterfalls and historical dams which is registered on
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE and stay overnight in Shushtar.Stay overnight in Shushtar.
Day 11 : Shushtar and Susa
Sightseeing : Apadana Palace , Daniel Mausoleum and Choghazanbil.
Susa is the next stop. One of the oldest cities in the world. Excavations have uncovered evidence of continual habitation dating back to 4200 BCE. we will visit the ruins of Darius the Great’s Apadana palace (Achaemenid Dynasty 550-330 BC)Archaeological museum and Daniel Mausoleum. Next, is Chogha Zanbil temple a
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. It is one of the few extant ziggurats outside Mesopotamia (the other is Sialk). Archaeological excavations undertaken between 1951 and 1962 revealed the site, and the ziggurat is considered to be the best-preserved example in the world. Stay overnight in Ahvaz.
Sightseeing : Bishapoor city and Chogan strait.
In the morning we drive to Shiraz and on the way to shiraz we will visit Bishapoor city and Chogan strait. Bishapoor is an ancient city situated south of modern Fahliyan, on the ancient road between Persis and Elam. The road linked the Sassanid capitals Istakhr (very close to Persepolis) and Ctesiphon. Bishapoor was built near a river, at the same site there is a fort with rock-cut reservoirs and a river valley with six Sassanid rock relieves. We will also visit Anahita temple with its strange and interesting structure remaining dating back to Sassanid era.Overnight in Shiraz.
Sightseeing : Nasir al Mulk Mosque , Naranjestan Garden , Zand Complex, Eram Garden and Hafez Tomb.
Recent archaeological finds in Tepe Poostchi (Poostchi Mound) dates the city of Shiraz to 6500 ago. Shiraz has been the seat of government in several eras. The name 'Shiraz' has also been found in cuneiform script in Persepolis. Thus, the city houses many historical sites and hosts large number of tourists annually from around the world. Shiraz is the cradle of Persian Civilization, the home to the great Achaemenid and Sassanid kings , and is well known as the city of Persians and the Persian Race.You will visit the city of Persians, and start the tour from Nasir al mulk Mosque that was built in the Qajar era, it took 12 years to complete it in 1888. Its interior reveals a magnificent masterpiece of design with stunning colors. This is a space where light and worship intertwine. The mosque comes to life with the sunrise and the colors dance throughout the day like whirling Dervishes. It reflects on the ground, walls, the arches and the towering spires. It even reflects on the visitors as if a colorful ball is hit by the first sun ray and has exploded into thousands of butterflies all around. Then continue your exploration in Shiraz at the beautiful orange-scented Narenjestan Garden, laid out in the 19th century during the Qajar Dynasty. Then, you will visit Karim Khan Citadel which was built during the Zand Dynasty. You’ll have time to explore Vakil Bazaar, home to hundreds of stores, beautiful courtyards, and even an ancient caravanserai. In the evening you will visit Eram Garden, A beautiful garden and building complex from the Qajar period which is registered in
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE.and in the night visiting Hafez Tomb. Overnight in Shiraz.
Sightseeing : Quran Gate , Persepolis and Necropolis (Naghsh e Rostam ).
Visiting Quran Gate and then driving towards Persepolis, visiting magnificent
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE , Achaemenids Palaces and engraves, Naghsh-e- Rostam to become familiar with Persian Empire, and Persian Civilization and History. 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. We drive to Yazd city and stay overnight in Yazd.
Day 15 : Yazd
Sightseeing : Dowlat Abad Garden , Zourkhaneh , Amir Chakhmagh Square , Jameh Mosque , Alexndra Prison and Excursion in the city.
Yazd is the second Mud-Brick city in the world remaining from ancient times and Yazd city is the first Iranian city registered in WORLD HERITAGE. This ancient city dating back to the sasanid period ( 224 – 651 AD).
Today’s tour includes Dowlat Abad Garden, One of the 9 Iranian gardens registered in UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE then visiting Jameh mosque of Yazd, Alexandra Prison (Ziaeeyeh School) , Amir Chakhmagh and Zurkhaneh. Zurkhaneh is a combination of martial arts, strength training, and music. Way before bodybuilding, Persians used to practice weightlifting in Zurkhaneh. We can see this tradition present in ancient Iranian stories too. Afterward, we visit Amir chakhmagh square and afterward we walk through the city and enjoy this mud-brick city. Overnight in Yazd.
Sightseeing: Vank Cathedral Church , Si-o-Seh Pol Bridge.
Today we starting our tour with Vank cathedral church , Vank Cathedral which is one of the most beautiful Armenian churches in the world and will undoubtedly capture the attention of every Christian. Afterwards. We will conclude with a visit to Allahverdi Khan Bridge popularly known as Si-o-seh pol; the bridge of thirty-three spans. It is one of the most famous examples of Safavid bridge design and the longest bridge on the Zayanderud (the largest river of the Iranian Plateau in central Iran) with the total length of 297.76 meters. You can do free activities in the evening. Stay overnight in Isfahan.
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.
Day 18 : Kashan and IKA Airport
END TOUR
Sightseeing : Tabatabai and Borujerdi house , Fin Garden
In the morning we drive to Kashan city and we begin our tour to visit the historic houses of Borujerdi and Tabatabaei house in Kashan and get acquainted with the previous century’s architecture, the Qajar era. Then we will stop by the Fin Garden. The Fin Garden is one of the oldest existing gardens in Iran which is registered on the
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. After lunch we move to IKA airport in Tehran to depart from Iran,the land of warmth and hospitality with fond memories.
PERSIA IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA
A country beyound the world