Royal Persia

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

After arrival in TEHRAN and taking some rest in the hotel we visit the most valuable Museum in Iran, the Archeological Section of National Museum containing artifacts and objects from prehistory to Islamic era. Then, we pay a visit to Abgine Museum (Glass & Ceramics Museum), a time travel experience with plates and dishes from different periods of Iran history and culture.

DAY 2: FULL DAY CITY TOUR OF TEHRAN

The second day in Tehran starts with visiting its only world heritage site, Golestan Palace, the most important monument of the city and one of the first buildings constructed in Tehran in 18th century. Then, we visit the fascinating museums of Crown Jewels and the Carpet. Priceless jewels and unique carpets present you the luxury and delicacy of Persian royal households and artistic genius of its people, respectively. Flight to Shiraz in the evening.

DAY 3: FULL DAY CITY TOUR OF SHIRAZ

Today we visit the highlights of SHIRAZ ranging from colorful mosques to the pleasant gardens and imaginative mausoleums. The pink mosque of Nasir al-Mulk; Arg-e Karim Khan, an 18th century Citadel; Pars Museum, the burial place of Karim Khan Zand, the founder of Zand dynasty; Vakil Complex including its famous bazaar, mosque and bath; Eram Garden, an exemplary Persian Garden and a world heritage site; and the tombs of Sa’di and Hafez, two greatest Persian poets.

DAY 4: EXCURSION TO PERSEPOLIS AND PASARGADAE

Wish to learn about Achaemenid Empire (550-330 BCE)? Persepolis is the best place where you can listen to 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 make Persepolis extraordinary. Some miles from Persepolis there is a necropolis, Naqsh-e Rostam, housing tombs of four Achaemenid emperors all carved into a high cliff. Adjacent to Naqsh-e Rostam, there are bas-reliefs of Naqsh-e Rajab, dating back to Sassanids (224-651 CE). Pasargadae, a world heritage site, is the next stop. This pilgrimage ground is the burial place of “Cyrus the Great”, founder of the first Persian Empire.

DAY 5: FULL DAY TOUR OD NAQSH-E JAHAN SQUARE IN ISFAHAN

In ISFAHAN, The greatest Safavid era matrimony, Naqsh-e Jahan Square, awaits us to be visited. Before that we visit Hasht Behesht and Chehel Sotoun palaces. The Safavid King, Shah Soleyman, built Hasht Behesht for his 8 most favored wives; the Chehel Sotun Palace was a place of reception; Naqsh-e Jahan Square is one of the largest and most attractive squares in the world. The two most awe-inspiring mosques in the Islamic world, Abbasi Mosque and Sheikh Lotfolla Mosque, along with Ali Qapu Palace Pavilion on three sides have given the square its allure. These attractions are connected via a row of two-story traditional shops where we can acquire the best handicrafts in Iran.

DAY 6: FULL DAY CITY TOUR OF ISFAHAN

In the 16th century, Isfahan was flourished due to the will of “Shah Abbas the Great” and the trading skill of Armenian settlers. An outstanding heritage of Isfahan Armenian community is 17th century Vank Cathedral with its beautiful frescos and a treasure of historical objects and religious artifacts in its museum. The next stop is a true time travel! You can behold the evolution of art, architecture and imagination in mosques: Jame Mosque of Isfahan, a world heritage site, dating back to 9th century. For the evening, we have historical bridges of Si-o Se Pol and Khaju to visit.

DAY 7: VISITING ABYANEH AND KASHAN. FLY BACK HOME

Our round trip ends with Tehran. But, before reaching Tehran we have two destinations to see: ABYANEH, an old village with lots of thing to experience including its people, their customs and homes. Kashan, the second stop, is a green ancient town in the middle of desert. Here, we see the old houses of Tabatabai and Borujerdi, Sialk Tepe, and the beautiful Fin Garden (a world heritage site). Close to Tehran we have a short stop in Imam Khomeini Mausoleum where the founder of Islamic Republic of Iran is buried. After drinking tea and taking some photo we drive to Tehran. Fly back home.