Silk Road Tour

About Silk Road

The Silk Road may have formally opened up trade between the Far East and Europe during the Han Dynasty, and Achaemenid Dynasty in Iran which Han Dynasty ruled China from 206 B.C. to 220 A.D., but the transport of goods and services along these routes dates back even further. The Royal Road, which connected Susa (in present-day Iran) more than 1,600 miles west to Sardis (near the Mediterranean Sea in modern Turkey), was established by the Persian ruler Darius I during the Achaemenid Empire—some 300 years before the opening of the Silk Road. The Persians also expanded the Royal Road to include smaller routes that connected Mesopotamia to the Indian subcontinent as well as northern Africa via Egypt. The Silk Road routes included a large network of strategically located trading posts, markets and thoroughfares designed to streamline the transport, exchange, distribution and storage of goods. Routes extended from the Greco-Roman metropolis of Antioch across the Syrian Desert via Palmyra to Ctesiphon (the Parthian capital) and Seleucia on the Tigris River, a Mesopotamian city in modern-day Iraq. From Seleucia, routes passed eastward over the Zagros Mountains to the cities of Ecbatana (Iran) and Merv (Turkmenistan), from which additional routes traversed to modern-day Afghanistan and eastward into Mongolia and China. Silk Road routes also led to ports on the Persian Gulf, where goods were then transported up the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Routes from these cities also connected to ports along the Mediterranean Sea, from which goods were shipped to cities throughout the Roman Empire and into Europe. Silk Road tour in Iran would be amazing for travelers and touch the ancient times. Silk Road, an ancient trade network and a herald of relationship among nations, still has its attraction and charm for modern day travelers. As some of Iran main cities and villages are on this road and have kept their ancient customs. Tour to Iran can be amazing and one of the most attractions. Iran is actually one of the Middle East’s most intriguing destinations because so few people have traveled there, giving it a very real sense of mystery. However, Iran has a great historical heritage, beautiful landscapes, rich cuisine and fine objects of national art - and to learn all of these a lifetime is not enough. We collect 17 days tour (Silk Road Tour) for you to feel the sense of adventure and touch the ancient times.

 

Trip Itinerary:

Day 1 : Tehran or Tabriz

Sightseeing : El Golu , Shahriar Tomb and Tabriz Bazaar

We start the tour from Tabriz. If you coming from Tehran border with a flight you can come to Tabriz. Arrive early morning and transfer to hotel after breakfast visit El Golu also known as shah Golu with its beautiful artificial lake and visit tomb of Shahriar, the most famous Persian and Azeri poet. You will also be able to visit the exotic bazaar with an interesting array of ethnic crafts on sale. Overnight in Tabriz

Day 2 : Tabriz – Kandovan

Sightseeing : Kandovan Volcanic Village

Visit Kandovan volcanic village.The special architecture of Kandovan is the reason of its universal reputation. Its dwellers carved the rocks of mountains and settled their lives there. Overnight in Tabriz

Day 3 : Zanjan

Sightseeing : Sultanieh Doom and Zanjan's Bazaar

Drive to Zanjan. Visit the world heritage site of Gonbad-e Sultanieh as the second biggest brick dome structure in the world. Visist  Bazzar and enjoy one of the  ancient city of Iran . Overnight in Zanjan.

Day 4: Tehran

Sightseeing : Golestan Palace , Tehran's Bazaar and Iran National Museum

This morning, we will take you to a World Heritage Site, the  Golestan Palace. Built during the Qajar Dynasty, that rose to power in the late 1700s, this fabulous walled complex is centred on a landscaped garden with tranquil pools. Many of the elements you’ll admire today, date to the 19th century when local Qajari architects and artisans were looking to integrate traditional Persian style with elements of Western and Russian origin. The palace buildings are among the oldest in modern Tehran and they are still regarded as a crowning achievement of the Qajar era. Then, we will walk around Tehran Bazaar, few steps far from Golestan Palace. Walking along the Bazaar route, we go to Timche Akbarian. Timche Akbarian dates back to Qajar era (almost 260 years old) when its main purpose was to exchange money. Later it was developed into the first bank of Iran and was ran mainly by Jews who were the prominent residents of Oudlajan neighborhood. In the afternoon, you will visit National Museum of Iran, where you can see fabulous historical items from 5000 BC to the advent of Islam in Iran which shows the brief history of our land. Overnight in Tehran

Day 5 : Isfahan

Sightseeing : Jameh Mosque , Imam Square , Shah Mosque ,Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and Ali Qapu Palace ,

We take a bus or train to Isfahan and spend  the first day of our tour in this amazing city. 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). Start 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. Your exploration continues in Imam Square. This 17th-century site is one of the largest public spaces in the world. Here in the square, you’ll visit the 17th-century Shah Mosque, revered as a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and easily recognized by its magnificent tile-work and soaring cupola and minarets. You will also visit Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, also known as the Ladies Mosque, as it was built for the Shah's harem, renowned for the brightly coloured domed ceiling, where the light creates the image of a peacock. In the Ali Qapu Palace, you’ll marvel at its beautiful music rooms and the balconies where Safavid kings would sit to enjoy the polo matches unfolding in the square. Overnight in Isfahan

Day 6: Isfahan

Sightseeing : Chehel Sotun Palace and Vank Cathedral Church

Today we visit Chehel Sotun Palace. Set in a landscaped and forested park in front of a tranquil reflecting pool, this graceful pavilion was built by Shah Abbas II for entertainment and court receptions. Entering through a portico with twenty slender wooden columns, you’ll discover soaring halls embellished with frescoes, paintings and mosaics; the Hall of Mirrors is especially breathtaking. 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. Overnight in Isfahan

Day 7 : Shiraz

Sightseeing : Nsir al Mulk , Naranjestan Garden , Zand Complex and Hafez Tomb

Today you will visit Nasir-al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque) which is few steps far from Vakil Bazaar. It was built at Mirza Hassan Ali Nasir-al Mulk’s command (one of the lords of the Qajar Dynasty); 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. This mosque has two eastern and western bedchambers, and the eastern one has a tiled altar accompanied with 12 columns and windows with colorful glasses. In fall and winter seasons when sunlight shines through the colorful glasses, it presents as exemplary beauty to the interior of the bedchamber, making this mosque outstandingly aesthetical among other mosques of Iran. The tiling and paintings of the bedchambers are of exceptional beauty as well. 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 and shop in the bustling Vakil Bazaar, home to hundreds of stores, beautiful courtyards, and even an ancient caravanserai.You will end your day on a tranquil note in the lovely garden-tomb of Hafez, one of our most outstanding poets to feel the taste of Persian Literature. Hafez is one of the great poets who has impressed everyone with his mastery. His poems give us a special feeling and the peace in his tomb is really outstanding. Overnight in Shiraz

Day 8:  Shiraz

Sightseeing : Persepolis and Necropolis ( Naghsh e Rostam )

Today you will visit the Legendary City of Persepolis (A UNESCO World Heritage), the former capital of "Darius the Great". Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire (ca. 550-330 BCE). Persepolis is situated 70 km northeast of the modern city of Shiraz in the Fars Province of modern Iran. In contemporary Persian, the site is known as Takht-e Jamshid (Throne of Jamshid). The earliest remains of Persepolis date from around 515 BCE. To the ancient Persians, the city was known as Pārsa, which means "The City of Persians". Persepolis is a transliteration of the Greek (Πέρσης πόλις .Persēs polis: "Persian city). Alexander the Great entered Persepolis in January 330 BC and then committed an uncharacteristic act of wanton destruction that still mystifies historians today, burning the mighty city to the ground. Though a shadow of its former self, the soaring pillars, terraces and sculptures of Persepolis still remain, probably most impressive are the bas-reliefs which line the site, telling the story of ancient governors and kings that came to Persepolis to pay tribute to the Persian Emperors.From here, we will drive a couple of miles to Naqsh-e-Rustam, the Necropolis where Darius and his successors are buried. Carved into the side of a cliff, the site is extraordinary in its magnitude and sheer ambition and does not disappoint even after the impressive Persepolis.Overnight in Shiraz

Day 9: Kerman

Sightseeing : Ganjali khan Complex

Take a bus to Kerman and visit one of the largest cities of Iran in terms of area, home to many historic mosques and Zoroastrian fire temples. You will visit the wonderful Ganjali Khan Bathhouse and see its extraordinary architecture. Get familiar with the city and enjoy in. Overnight in Kerman

Day 10 : Kerman

Sightseeing : Desert Tour

We drive to Desert and the distance between Kerman and Kaluts of Shahdad is about 230 km and it takes approximately 3 hours. We move from Kerman towards Kaluts of Shahdad in the morning. Later to arrive at there, explore along the desert and experience the unbeatable Natural Phenomenon of the Lut Desert, Kaluts and Nabkha. Along the path back to the Kerman, we visit the Kalshour River and end at the Shafiabad village to visit the Shafiabad Caravanserai. After the lunch, we stop in the Sirch village to see the old Cedar (Iran's natural heritage). Thus, we arrive at Kerman in the evening around 7PM. Overnight in Kerman

Day 11 : Kerman

Sightseeing : Bam Castle and Rayen Castle

Before Aryans' migration to Persia, some civilizations had already been flourishing by the locals of Kerman. The great civilization of Arat, for instance, developed in ancient times along the banks of Halil Rood River on the southern part of the current city of Kerman. Their ancient city, which is now known by the name of "Daghianus" or "Jiroft" has subverted all the theories by archeologists as to the origin and birth-place of earliest civilizations and it is very likely that the ancient state of Karmania or modern Kerman to be declared as the progenitor of all ancient civilizations. Kerman is a city of mysteries; a city full of natural beauties and of considerable antiquity. It is the choicest destination for tourists interested in Persian history and culture. Kavir-e Lut and Shahdad are pristine locations where the natural traces of the passage of millennia, and rise and demise of civilizations, are clearly noticeable.Today you will visit Bam and the distance between Kerman and Bam is about 195 km and it takes approximately 2 hours. We move from Kerman towards Bam in the forenoon. Later to arrive at Bam, visit the historic site of Arg-e Bam. After the lunch, on the way back to the Kerman, visit the Rayen city and See the Citadel of Reyan. We arrive Kerman around 7PM. Overnight in Kerman

Day 12 : Zeinodin Caravanserai

Sightseeing : Visit and stay at Zeinodin Caravanserai

Drive to zeinodin Carvanserai and stay in this amazing Place. This caravanserai was the place where gunmen and trustees are located and now by keeping the same traditional space.The dates back to the 16th century and  on the ancient Silk Road. You must experience this wonderful place. Overnight in Zeinodin Caravanserai

Day 13 :  Yazd

Sightseeing : Fire Temple , Jameh Mosque

In the morning drive to Yazd. This desert town, famous for its wind towers, is the Zoroastrian centre of Iran. Visit the ‘Atashkadeh’ Fire Temple. Although the temple is modern (1940), the sacred fire has been burning since 470 AD. On to Alexander’s Prison and Jame’h Mosque. Overnight in Yazd. 

Day 14 : Damghan

Sightseeing : Tarikhane Mosque , Chehel Dokhtar Tower and Jme Mosque

In the Morning after breakfast drive to Damghan and visit the Parthians capital in ancient times. Visit the oldest mosque of Iran, Tarikhane mosque. Tari khaneh Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Iran. It's construction date is not known with certainty, but it was probably built atop a Sassanid fire temple of the early period. Tari is the Turkic term for God, and Khaneh is a Persian word meaning house. Therefore, the compound word Tarikhaneh, translates into "the house of God". After that Visit Chehel Dokhtaran tower and Jame mosque of Damghan . Overnight in Damghan

Day 15: Mashhad

Sightseeing : Mausoleum of Imam Reza

Take a bus to mashhad and Visit the mausoleum of Imam Reza the eight imam of Shiites.Overnight in Mashhad.

Day 16 :Mashhad - Tehran

Sightseeing : Ferdowsi Tomb and Harounieh Palace

Visit Ferdowsi tomb and Harounieh palace and spend your time with local people. Overnight train To Tehran.

Day 17 : Tehran

You will depart Iran, the land of warmth and hospitality with fond memories

Silk Road Tour