Nationam museum, Golestan palace, Carpet museum, Jewellery museum, Darband, Fin garden, Sialk hills, Tabatabaei house, Siosepol and Khaju bridges, Naqshe Jahan square, Ali Qapu palace, Sheikh Lotfollah mosque, Chehel sotun palace, Vank cathedral, Naein Jameh mosque, Dowlat Abad garden, Amir Chakhmaq square, Yazd Jameh mosque, Eskandar prison, Yazd fire temple (Atashkadeh), Persepolise, Pasargad, Necropolise, Eram Garden, Karimkhani castle, Vakil bazaar, Nasirolmolk mosque, Hafiz and Sadi tombs, Shopping, Souvenir.
Make a journey of 4000 years in just 16 days! We follow the course of history and trace the evolution of architecture in Iran, from the oldest mud brick buildings to the most intricate and delicate mosaics.
1) Iran is completely safe for the tourists. You will feel it from the first moments of your trip.
2) Follow the dress code since the plane lands in the airport.
3) Hotels keep the passports while the people stay.
4) It is easier to use a Transportation Card to get on the buses and subways. These cards are available in all subway stations.
5) Iranians are the most hospitable people in the world. It may seem strange to you for the first couple of days, but you will love it throughout your trip.
6) Tap water in houses, hotels and shops are safe to drink, but pay attention to the signs above tap waters in parks. Bottled water is available in all grocery stores and supermarkets.
7) Persian cuisine is varied and delicious, and you indeed will love it. Try to test the local foods of different cities.
8) Take off your shoes when walking on carpets in homes, mosques, etc.
9) Carry toilet tissues with you in case you will use public toilets.
10) Most public toilets and home toilets are squat toilets.
11) You will have access to high speed internet in hotels and 4g internet with you if you buy an Iranian sim card.
Documents required for issuing an Iran visa:
1) Colorful scan of passport valid for at least 6 months from flight date (at least 800x600 pixels).
2) Colorful portrait photo (at least 600x400 pixels).
3) The visa application form that the traveler must complete.
Note: For more information or request for an Iran visa click here.
Travel Itinerary
Welcome to incredible Iran. As you get off the plane and take your luggage, you will find our tour guide/transfer man, waiting for you with your name on a board, waiting at the gate. You will be transferred to the hotel to rest and relax for a few hours and get ready for the morning flight to, and excursion of Ahvaz.
Overnight in Tehran.
Fly to Ahvaz in the morning and start the first excursion to see the ancient attractions of a very old city. Explore an ancient city that dates back to the Elamites, the first Persian Empire and a very important city in many historical periods. Explore the archaeological site of Haft Tepe to see the remains of Kabnak city, and then go to Apadana to see the remains of the palace of Darius the great.
Overnight in Shushtar.
Move to Shushtar after breakfast. Shushtar is an ancient fortress city, about 92 kilometers away from Ahvaz. There, we will see the global base of historic hydraulic system. Much of the past agricultural productivity derived from this system in the past. Then we go to Marashi historical house that dates back to Qajar dynasty. We go to Chogha Zanbil after lunch. Chogha Zanbil is one of the few remaining Ziggurats, made of baked mud bricks that many of them are inscribed by hand. This Elamite site was built about 1250 BC.
Overnight in Ahvaz.
Drive to Shiraz in the morning and visit the remains of the Sasanid city, Bishapur, on the way. Bishapour is the first city in which we see the roman art, and vertical and horizontal streets. We will see the Sasanid rock reliefs and walk the stairs to find the statue of Shapur I in the cave. We will arrive in Shiraz in the evening.
Overnight in Shiraz.
Located in Fars province, Shiraz, is the heart of Persian Culture and literature, and has been home of Many globally famous poets and Philosophers like Hafez and Sa’di. The remains of the Majestic Persepolis, lavish Persian Gardens, colorful windows of the houses and mosques, woolen rugs, historical sites and the most warm-hearted and hospitable people are waiting for you. Today’s excursion includes Eram garden, the tombs of the great poets, Hafez and Sadi, Arg-e Karim Khan, a mud-brick citadel from the 18th century and the unique Mosque, Nasirolmolk (pink).
There are many other attractions in this city and we will see more if you wish.
Overnight in Shiraz.
Now it is time to explore the most important historical site in Iran, Persepolis and Necropolis, the ceremonial capital of Achaemenids, the first Persian Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great. Achaemenids were one of the largest empires in the history, spanning 5.5 million square kilometers, and larger than any previous empire. The earliest remains of Persepolis dates back to 515 BC. 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. This This ensemble of majestic approaches, monumental stairways, throne rooms (Apadana), reception rooms, and annex buildings is classified among the world’s greatest archaeological sites, among those which have no equivalent and which bear witness of a unique quality to a most ancient civilization. We return to Shiraz in the afternoon.
Overnight in Shiraz.
Today, we go to Kerman and visit the remains of the Elamite-Era building of Sarvestan palace that dates back to 5th century AD, and the ancient Jame mosque of Neyriz on the way. This mosque had been a fire temple at first, and converted to a mosque at the beginning of the Islamic era. We will arrive in Kerman in the afternoon.
Kerman is a very large city, and the most important city in the southeast of Iran, and also is home to many historic mosques and Zoroastrian fire temples. Kerman has become the capital of Iran for several times and in different eras.
Overnight in Kerman.
Today we will visit Shah Nimatullah Wali tomb, a Sufi Master and a poet from the 14th and 15th centuries. Then we will find a beautiful contrast, where a beautiful garden catches your eye in the heart of the desert. Shazdeh Garden is a nice example of Persian gardens with rectangular shape, ornamented with water fountains that are engined by the natural incline of the land, and a wall around it. Then we go to Rayen Castle. We come back to Kerman in the evening.
Overnight in Kerman.
Ganjali Khan Complex was built in Safavid era and is located in the old center of Kerman. This complex is composed of a square, a school, a bathhouse, a caravanserai, a water reservoir, a mosque, a mint and a bazaar. The exact date of construction is indicated on some inscriptions in the complex. While all parts are worth visiting, we will have time to see 2 or 3 of them.
We will head toward Yazd after lunch, and visit the 400-year old Zeinodin caravanserai on the way. This caravanserai is well furbished in its original form and serves those who want to experience sleeping in such places.
Overnight in Yazd.
Yazd is important from different aspects. Historically Yazd was on the main route to central Asia and India, and many caravans passing the Silk Road, would stop in this city. Yazd is also the heart of the Zoroastrian religion and you will find many fire Temples in this city. But the most important aspect is that the historical city of Yazd is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNSCO since 2017. The unique Persian architecture is formed through generations of adaptations to the desert surroundings.
Today we will visit Amir Chakhmaq, a prominent structure, noted for its symmetrical shape, Dowlat Abad garden, an authentic Persian Garden, Jameh Mosque of Yazd, a 12th century charming mosque still in use, Fire Temple (Atash Behram), the highest grade fire in Iran that the Zoroastrians have practiced their religion since 400 BC, and Zoorkhaneh (if possible), a traditional system of athletics originally used to train Persian warriors. Tower of silence is a circular raised structure built by Zoroastrians. They put the dead bodies on top of this structure for excarnation.
Overnight in Yazd.
Today we will go to Kharanaq, a 4000-year old desert village with dilapidated mud-brick city, in Ardakan county, Yazd province. The new part is inhabited by about 130 families, but the old part is almost deserted, but has become a good photography site. Then we will visit Chak Chak, the most sacred of the mountain shrines and a pilgrimage to the Zoroastrians.
Overnight in Yazd.
We will drive to Isfahan in the morning and visit Meybod, the second major City in Yazd, on the way, including Caravanserai, pigeon house and cooler. Arrive in Isfahan and Visit Khaju Bridge in the evening. Khaju bridge is the finest bridge in the province, and was built 370 years ago in Safavid era. This construction served primary function as a building and a place for public meetings. There is a pavilion in the middle of the bridge, in which, Shah Abbas would have sat to enjoy the view.
Overnight in Isfahan.
Today we will explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Naqshe Jahan Square, the second biggest public square in the world and an amazing tourist attraction in Iran. Naqshe Jahan was built about 400 years ago and consists of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Imam Mosque, Aliqapu, Bazar, Cehel Sotun Palace and a garden in the center.
Naqshe Jahan is located in the center of the city. Enjoy the Safavid architecture of the buildings and shops, the decorations of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, see how the King watched the garden and Polo matches from Alighapu and find high quality souvenirs and handicrafts in the Bazaar. Chehel Sotun Palace is close to Naqshe Jahan and then, walk to Siosepol and Khaju bridges. Siosepol is the longest bridge on the Zayanderud (about 297 meters) and a good example of Safavid bridge design. Khaju, known as the finest bridge in Esfahan, serves both as a bridge and a dam. There is also a Pavilion in the middle of the bridge with a view of the river and the city.
Overnight in Isfahan.
Vank Cathedral and Abbasi Caravanserai are the next places to visit.
Vank Cathedral is located in the Jolfa district. On contrast to the plain modern brickwork exteriors, the interiors are elaborately decorated and designed with paintings and art works. The architecture is also derived from eastern mosques and western churches, and you will find both elements in the walls, the dome, the chancel and etc.
Shah Abbasi Caravanserais were less than 1000 roadside inns along the Ancient Silk Road in Iran. They were built with similar shapes and functions and served the travelers and the tradesmen. Now we can see the ordinary shape of a caravanserai in Isfahan.
We will have some time in the afternoon to rest in the hotel or to walk in the streets and Riverside.
Overnight in Isfahan.
Have breakfast and head toward Kashan and visit the Fin Garden, Tabatabaei traditional house and Sultan Amir Ahmad bathhouse.
Fin Garden was made over 400 years ago and is the oldest Persian garden. The cypress trees were fed from a spring located behind the garden and the splashing water moving in the pools and fountains made a relaxing atmosphere for the kings. Tabatabaei traditional house is also a historical Iranian house. The affluent families used to live in such big houses with courtyards, wall paintings, large colored windows and other elements like public area, private area and etc. Sultan Amir Ahmad bathhouse is a sample of traditional Iranian public bathhouse. We will find the different sections of public pools like Sarbineh, Garmkhaneh and Khazine. People don’t go to such bathhouses in cities and towns now.
Walk in the Bazar and have lunch. Then go to Tehran.
Overnight in Tehran.
Visit Golestan palace, Tehran Bazar and the National Museum. Then we will have Dinner in Darband.
Golestan Palace is one of the oldest monuments and a UNESCO world heritage site in Tehran. It consists of gardens, royal buildings and museums. We will see collections of Iranian crafts, presents from European countries, paintings, pictures and other objects I different Halls of Golestan Palace.
The National museum of Iran is located in Tehran and consists of two parts, the Museum of Ancient Iran and the Museum of Islamic Era. There are very interesting old objects from 9000 to some hundred years ago.
Darband is the beginning of a popular hiking path to Mount Tochal. There are many cafes and restaurants in the beginning of the path and we will have dinner in one of them.
Overnight in Tehran.
Now it is time to get ready to go to the airport to fly back home. You, like all other travelers who have visited Iran, will remember this trip as the most amazing trip in your life. Just consider this point that there is still a lot to see and explore in Iran!
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