Islamic Persia

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN TEHRAN, HALF DAY CITY TOUR OF TEHRAN

We arrive at Imam Khomeini Airport in TEHRAN and we will immediately be transferred to hotel to take some rest! In the afternoon, we visit Archeological Section of National Museum, as the oldest museum in Iran, and Golestan Palace, as the only Iranian contemporary palace listed as a world heritage site.

DAY 2: FULL DAY CITY TOUR OF NORTH TEHRAN

Having visited some parts of the old Tehran in the first day, we explore more affluent areas of the city. First, we visit the Carpet Museum where we see some finest carpets and rugs ever woven in Iran. Then, we go to the north of the city to visit Sa’dabad Palace, a vast green retreat for the last monarch of Iran and his family members. In the evening, we fly to Shiraz.

DAY 3: FULL DAY CITY TOUR OF SHIRAZ

Having arrived in SHIRAZ, we are transferred to hotel. Today, we have a full day city tour of Shiraz. We begin our tour with Nasir al-Mulk Mosque where we have one of the most photogenic mosques in the world to frame! Then, we visit the heritage from 18th century when Karim Khan Zand chose Shiraz as his capital: Arg-e Karim Khan Zand, a castle and the Zand dynasty seat of government; Vakil Complex including a colorful and somehow romantic mosque, a hamamm now functions as a ethnographic museum, and the lively busy Vakil Bazaar; to have some relaxing moments we go to Eram Garden, registered as world heritage site under the title of Persian Garden. Peace and life are two words best describing the garden

DAY 4: EXCURSION TO PERSEPOLISE

If we wish to learn about Achaemenid Empire (550-330 BCE), the best place to go is Persepolis, a world heritage site, where we can hear rich stories about the rise, flourish and demise of the first significant world empire. The huge columns, well-preserved bas-reliefs, huge griffins and gigantic tombs carved into cliffs are among the attractions of the Persepolis. Close to Persepolis there is a necropolis, Naqsh-e Rostam, which houses tombs of four Achaemenid Emperors carved into the cliff. In addition to the tombs, there are some bas-reliefs illustrating Sassanid kings and their glories, Naqsh-e Rajab (224-651CE).

DAY 5: EN ROUTE TO YAZD VISITING PASARGADAE

We leave Shiraz in the morning to get to the YAZD, the bride of the desert. On our way we stop in Pasargadae, a pilgrimage center for most Iranians! Here, Cyrus the Great, the founder of Achaemenid Empire, the one who brought so much glory and pride for Persians is buried. The only significant thing left from the city of Pasargadae, the first capital of Achaemenids, is the tomb of Cyrus the Great. We also visit the Abarkouh Mosque en route.

DAY 6: FULL DAY CITY TOUR OF YAZD

Today, we explore the Old City of Yazd and the attractions in and around it. The 14th century Jame Mosque with its high portal and lofty minarets is the starting point of our tour. Having seen the mosque, we enter the old city where in addition to enjoying its amazing ambiance and architecture we visit shrines of Seyyed Rokneddin and Davazdah (Twelve) Imam as well as Alexander Prison. Water Museum and Amir Chaqmaq complex, Dowlatabad Garden, world heritage site,, and Zoroastrian sites including Yazd Fire Temple and Towers of Silence are the other places we visit.

DAY 7: VSITING MEYBOD AND NAIN

ISFAHAN is our next main destination. To get to Isfahan we pass through two desert towns: MEYBOD and NAIN. In Meybod we visit a citadel, a caravanserai, traditional ice storage and a beautiful pigeon house (a sort of dovecote). In Nain, we experience traditional wool-weaving process, a 10th century Nain Mosque and the Ethnological Museum of Nain. Then we keep on driving to Isfahan!

DAY 8: FULL DAY CITY TOUR OF ISFAHAN

Compared to Shiraz and especially Yazd, Isfahan has more experience with tourists! Its heritage is unrivaled in Iran and even Islamic world. The old and architecturally stunning bridges of Si-o Se Pol and Khaju allow us to have an image of the 17th century Safavid era. This image will become whole after visiting Naqsh-e Jahan Square and the monumental buildings of Abbasi Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and Ali Qapu Palace Pavilion on its sides. These monuments are connected to each other through a two-story covered bazaar. Chehel Sotoun Palace with its huge, lofty columns and beautiful paintings located close to the Naqsh-e Jahan Square is another site to visit today.

DAY 9: HALF DAY CITY TOUR OF ISFAHAN

Today, we have a half day city tour of Isfahan to visit, the 12th century Jame Mosque of Isfahan, known as the museum of Islamic art and architecture and the beautiful Vank Cathedral, a 17th century church in the Armenian Quarters. We are free in the afternoon to go shopping in Isfahan which deserves to be called Iranian city of handicrafts.

DAY 10: VISITING ABYANEH AND KASHAN

Our trip ends in Tehran. But, before reaching Tehran we have two destinations to see: ABYANEH, an ancient village with different lifestyle, unique customs and houses. KASHAN, the second stop, is a green, ancient town on the edge of desert. Here, we see the old houses of Tabatabai and Borujerdi, Sialk Tepe, and the beautiful Fin Gardens, a world heritage site. Close to Tehran we have a short stop at Imam Khomeini Mausoleum where the founder of Islamic Republic of Iran is buried. Then, we drive on to Tehran to fly back home.