Dazzling Iran

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN SHIRAZ, SHIRAZ CITY TOUR

After arriving in SHIRAZ we go to hotel. Today, we have a full day city tour of Shiraz. We begin our tour visiting Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, one of the most photogenic mosques in the world with unusual pink color! Then, we visit 18th century heritage of Shiraz: Arg-e Karim Khan (a castle and the seat of government), Vakil Complex with its colorful mosque, hammam (now ethnographic museum) and lively bazaar; to have some paradisiac moments we visit Narenjestan Museum (and its garden) and Eram Garden, a world heritage site.

DAY 2: EXCURSION TO PERSEPOLIS

Having eaten breakfast, we go on an excursion to two wonderful historic sites: Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam. These are the surviving heritage of the first Persian Empire, the major world power of its time (5 centuries BCE). Persepolis, a world heritage site, is the remains of a magnificent palace representing a glorious era. Naqsh-e Rostam is a necropolis where four Achaemenid emperors are buried inside similar tombs all carved into a cliff. Then, we drive back to Shiraz to see Quran Gate through which people used to pass believing that they can have a safe journey. The tombs of Hafez and Sa’di, two most adored Iranian poets, are our last sights to visit today.

DAY 3: DRIVE TO YAZD. EN ROUTE VISIT TO PASARGADAE

Drive to YAZD through Pasargadae, a world heritage site, where Cyrus the Great defeated Median troops and founded Achaemenid Empire. Cyrus built a magnificent city and a palace of which only the tomb of Cyrus himself is left. We also pass through the town of ABARKOUH with its 14th century Jame Mosque.

DAY 4: FULL DAY CITY TOUR OF YAZD

Today, we aim to explore the attractions of Yazd. Zoroastrian sites of Fire Temple and Towers of Silence are the first places we will visit. The 14th century Jame Mosque with its lofty minarets and high portal is the next stop. Then, we enter the old city where in addition to enjoying its amazing texture and atmosphere we will visit shrines of Seyyed Rokneddin and Davazdah Imam and Alexander Prison. Water Museum and Amir Chaqmaq Complex and Dowlatabad Garden, a world heritage site, are the next sights to see.

DAY 5: VISITING MEYBOD AND NAEIN

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

DAY 6: FULL DAY TOUR OF NAQAH-E JAHAN SQUARE IN ISFAHAN

Today, we intend to see the unique Naqsh-e Jahan Square, a world heritage site, where we visit the splendid mosques of Abbasi and Sheikh Lotfolla with extraordinarily beautiful and delicate tiles, colors and patterns as well as creative architecture; Ali Qapu Palace Pavilion with its huge porch gives you the opportunity to fully absorb the square and its vastness. Chehel Sotoun Hasht Behesht Palaces, located inside beautiful gardens are the next stops. Then, we enjoy The 17th century bridges of Si-o Se Pol and Khaju as well as Sassanid Era Shahrestan Bridge.

DAY 7: FULL DAY CITY TOUR OF ISFAHAN

In the third day, we visit other appeals of Isfahan. We probe into mysteries of Jame Mosque, righteously called museum of Islamic art and architecture, a world heritage site. Then, We take a deeper look into the Armenian heritage in Isfahan. This heritage is best manifested in the Vank Cathedral (17th century) with its beautiful frescos, interesting museum and also library. After having lunch in a local restaurant we have our afternoon at leisure. Shopping in Qeysarieh Bazaar is a rewarding option to take.

DAY 8: DRIVE TO MATINABAD ECO-CAMP. EN ROUTE VISIT TO ABYANEH

In the morning we leave the city to visit a village and an eco-camp. ABYANEH is an exceptional ancient village with reddish houses and unique local culture. Then, we drive a bit deeper into the desert to get to the MATINABAD Village and its desert eco-camp. We will spend the rest of the day and also our night doing many exciting activities such as walking through the desert and gazing at stars.

DAY 9: DRIVE TO TEHRAN. EN ROUTE VISIT TO KASHAN

We leave the desert to reach TEHRAN, one of the busiest cities in the world. En route we go to KASHAN, an old green town on the edge of desert. Here, we visit the old houses of Tabatabai and Boroujerdi belonging to two noble families; the archeological site of Sialk Tepe, an 8000 year old settlement; and Fin Garden, a beautiful and historic Persian Garden, listed as a world heritage site.

DAY 10:FULL DAY CITY TOUR OF TEHRAN

Full day city tour of Tehran to visit its main attractions including Golestan Palace, Tehran’s only world heritage site and the most historic one; Archeological Section of National Museum as the most important archeological and historical Museum of Iran; Crown Jewels Museum housing the most priceless valuables; Abgine Museum containing the superb Persian dishes and ceramics going back centuries before; and Milad Tower, the tallest free-standing structure in Iran allowing us to see the Tehran from above.

DAY 11: FULL DAY TOUR OF NORTHERN TEHRAN

Today, the north of Tehran is our host; this is the affluent part of the city. We visit Niavaran and Sa’dabad as the palaces housing the Pahlavi family, the last ruling dynasty in Iran. These palaces are complexes composed of mansions currently used as museums. Darband Mountainous Recreational Area with its numerous restaurants is the next place we are to go. This area is used by locals to climb and spend their leisure time. The busy but lovely local Tajrish Bazaar makes our visit to Tehran more memorable.

DAY 12:VISITING ZANJAN

In the morning, we drive to ZANJAN. This city is home to another world heritage site, Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh (Soltaniyeh Dome). This building, as the mausoleum of Oljaytu, the Ilkhanid ruler, was constructed in 14th century and enjoys one of the tallest domes in the world. Then, We continue driving to get to the most important Azeri city in Iran, i.e. TABRIZ.

DAY 13: FULL DAY CITY TOUR OF TABRIZ

We end our trip with a full day city tour of Tabriz. We visit Azerbaijan Museum, the oldest museum in Tabriz; Iron-age Museum established based on the remains of a pre-historical cemetery; 15th century Blue Mosque with beautiful tiles; the Constitution House which was used as the commanding headquarters of the constitutional movement of Tabriz people almost a century ago; the world heritage site of Grand Bazaar; and the Qajar period El-Goli Park.