1st Day
Arrival-Tabriz
| Arrival in Tehran International Airport; Meet and greet by your tour guide and transfer to the hotel. After a while rest, tour some of the magnificent museums in downtown Tehran, like National Museum of Iran and Abgineh (Glass and Ceramic) Museums. The national museum contains prestigious relics influential in shaping the world’s culture and civilization. Our next visit is the Golestan Palace, (the Rose Garden Palace) UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the oldest historic monuments belonging to a group of royal buildings in Tehran & Tehran traditional grand bazaar. O/N Tehran (Hotel)
Meals included: Breakfast
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2nd Day – Tehran- Flight to Tabriz
| Transfer to Mehrabad Airport to fly to Tabriz, one of the Iran’s old capitals. Explore the highlights of Tabriz, like Amir Nezam House, Qajar living history, and the Tabriz Historic Baazar Complex, the largest covered bazaar in the world on Silk Road & UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then in the evening we taste a local delicious cuisine. Depending on timing, we may spend the night walking in El-Göli Park and breathing deeply in the scents of fragrant flowers. O/N Tabriz (Hotel)
Meals included: Breakfast
Tehran to Tabriz: 634 Km – 40 Mines
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3rd Day
Tabriz- Jolfa – Maku
| We start third day of our trip by almost 2 hours’ driving via scenic west of Iran to Jolfa. Today we review Christianity history in Iran by visiting two most important churches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites registered as Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran. First we visit St. Stephan Church, dating back to Ninth Century, the northern part of which is called Ghoppe (cap)and the southern part is called Sabad (Basket), second church we visit is Qareh kalisa or BLACK CHURCHE, in a mountainous area which conical roofs is visible from long distance. Then we drive to Maku, a town located between two rocky foothills; the northern part of which could be imagined as a common ceiling over lots of houses. We finish our day by testing another local cuisine. O/N Maku (Hotel)
Meals included: Breakfast
Tabriz to Jolfa: 132 Km – 1hr 40 Mins
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4th Day
Maku- Kandovan Village | Fourth day would be very memorable throughout our trip. One of the rare and unique places in world, spectacular Kandovan is our next destination. This amazing village with its cave style architecture that exemplifies manmade cliff dwelling, is still inhabited, comparing with the only uninhabited similar village called Cappadocia located in Turkey. Hilevar historical area, near the village, would be also visited. Staying in the village’s only hotel, you can feel the modernity and history simultaneously, the most distinctive feeling you may never experience again. O/N Kandovan cave style hotel (Hotel)
Meals included: Breakfast
Maku to Kandovan: 311 Km-4 hrs 27Mins
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5th Day
Kandovan – Takht-e Soleyman- Zanjan | In the morning we drive towards south, to Takab, to discover Takht-e Soleyman Complex UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Azargoshnasb Fire Temple and Belghais Prison Mountain (symbolic prison), from top of which you explore its splendid view of the remnants of another ancient religious and historical era, Sassanid, of Iran. To learn about one of the masterpieces of the world’s architecture, Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh, the oldest double-shell dome in Iran and UNESCO World Heritage Site, we have to head to Zanjan. O/N Zanjan (Hotel)
Meals included: Breakfast
Kandovan to Takht-e Soleyman:323 Km- 5 Hrs 8 Mins
Takht-e Soleyman to Zanjan :145Km – 2Hrs 34 Mins
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6th Day
Zanjan – Kermanshah-Bisotun | Drive to Kermanshah. A bas-relief at UNESCO-listed Taq-e Bostan Stone Fresco Complex, along historical Silk Road caravan route, is amongst the amazing sites that would be visited on this day. A Romance story of Shirin & Farhad, Iranian lovers, and appetizing local cuisine keep you fascinated and energetic for the rest of our day. Bisotun, is the world-famous rock relief carvings, about 100 meters off the ground, upon which we learn about the historical inscription issued by well-deserved Persian King, Darius, dating back to 521 BC. Lying on Bisotun wall, the Hercules Statue, has been witnessing people fascinated by its wonders for years, is the other beauty of this site. O/N Kermanshah/Bisotun (Hotel)
Meals included: Breakfast
Zanjan to Kermanshah: 410 Km – 5Hrs 44Mins
Kermanshah to Bisotun: 39 Km – 35 Mins
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7th Day
Kermanshah/ Bisotun -Khorramabad-Dezful-Shushtar | Drive to Khorramabad. Today we visit an incredible age-old, firm castle. Falak-ol-Aflak Castle, is situated strongly on the top of a large hill with the same name. The majesty of this gigantic structure, built in Sassanid Era, catches the travelers’ eyes. Head to Dezful, we have a short stop to visit the Traditional Hydraulic System of this Southern city. Then drive to Shushtar. O/N Shushtar (Hotel)
Meals included: Breakfast
Bisotun to Khoram Abad: 169 Km – 2hrs 15mins
Khoram Abad to Dezful: 186Km-2hrs 12mins
Dezful to Shushtar: 63Km-57mins
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8th
Shushtar-Shush(Susa) -Ahvaz | 8th Day-Shushtar-Shush(Susa) -Ahvaz
Iranian heart of ancient history is beating here. First we explore Shushtar including historical Hydraulic System, the biggest industrial complex before Industrial Revolution, a simple but smart engineering and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Its waterfalls and old mills opens the doors to the heydays of long historical periods . Shush, an ancient city of the Elamite, Persian and Parthian empires of Iran, is our next exploration. The rich Archaeological Museum of Susa, the remnants of Apadana Palace dating back to the Achaemenes Era, French Castle and another valuable Jewish site, Tomb of Daniel (an Hebrew prophet), are amongst our visits of today. A 20 kilometer road trip from shush toward south, we reach Tchogha Zanbil, UNESCO World Heritage Site, magnificent Ziggurat. It is the best surviving example of Elamite architecture anywhere. The ziggurat was built about 1250 BC by the king Untash- Gal, mainly dedicated to Inshushinak, the Great god of the Elamite. At the end of this exciting day, we head to Ahvaz. O/N Ahvaz (Hotel-B)
Meals included: Breakfast
Shushtar to Shush: 82km-1hr 12mins
Shush to Ahvaz: 120Km-1hr 30mins
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9th Day
Ahvaz-Shiraz | Our trip through history still continues. Today we visit Tang-e Chogan (Chogan gorge) and some remnants of glorious Sassanid Town of Bishapur, stunning Anahita Temple and the relief of Valeria, a king of Rome. Leaving the historical remains behind, we enter Shiraz, the city of poetry, flower, nightingale, culture and history. To Change the mood of our trip a little bit and depending on timing we visit Shah-e Cheragh holy Shrine at night. O/N Shiraz (Hotel)
Meals included: Breakfast
Ahvaz to Shiraz: 542Km-7hrs 27mins
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10th Day
Shiraz
| We are almost in the middle of our trip and warmly welcomed by beautiful city of Shiraz. 10th day of our visit is partly historical and partly excursion in shiraz popular flowery gardens. Vakil Ensemble; Mosque & baazar, Eram Garden UNESCO World Heritage Site, Arg-e Karimkhan (Karimkhan Citadel), dating back to Zand Era and Nasir-ol-Molk colorful mosque. Then we get to know tombs of two Iranian Famous Poets, HAFEZ and SAADI and Iranian literature. O/N Shiraz (Hotel)
Meals included: Breakfast
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11th Day
Shiraz-Persepolis-Pasargadae
| We drive toward another part of Iran glorious history. The most well-known monument, Persepolis, UNESCO World Heritage Site tells you the story of one of the world’s most sophisticated civilizations, dates back to 2500 years ago, Achaemenids. The complex includes magnificent Persepolis (Thakht-e Jamshid) & Pasargadae, the tomb of Cyrus, the great, Achaemenid’ palaces and relief, Naqsh-e Rostam Necropolis, and Naqsh-e Rajab, O/N Pasargadae (Local House)
Meals included: Breakfast-Lunch-dinner
Shiraz to Persepolis: 36Km-35mins
Persepolis to Pasargadae:105Km-1hr 13mins
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12th Day
Pasargadae -Meymand -Kerman | Today we Journey Kerman Province. On the way we visit Sarvestan Palace dating back to Sassanid Era. Then we have a detour to visit Meymand Village, UNESCO World Heritage Site, a village with an exotic structure of cave style houses. It has won the International Melina Mercury Prize, due to human adaptation to nature. Enter Kerman, a 3rd century A.D city, we visit water supply system, water reservoirs, and manmade refrigerators (Ice houses), a brilliant innovation and old structure to produce ice in winter and keep until summer, in a desert city dating back to hundred years ago. O/N Kerman (Hotel)
Meals included: Breakfast
Pasargadae to Meymand:267Km-3hrs 25mins
Meymand to Kerman: 236Km-2hrs45mins
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13th Day
Shahdad-Lut Desert-Kerman | A quite different day full of excitement in Lut Desert, UNESCO World Heritage Site, specific nature and wonders, awaits us. We first have a quick glance at Jabaliye or Rock Dome, also known as the Gabri Dome which is remarkable because is constructed by stone rather than usual brick. Getting back to our way, one of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders is ahead of us. Walk via this particular landscape, among Kalouts, these fantastic natural statues. Visit Nebkas (Desert Vases), old fortress & date-palm groves of Shafiabad, Kootoos (traditional Arbour), Salty (River and Salt crystals & polygons). Relaxing in the silence of the desert, we fix our eyes on endless & colorful horizon and gaze at starry sky, all of which is a distinctive gift from southeast of Iran. We finish today with lots of memorable images and head to Kerman. O/N Kerman (Hotel)
Meals included: Breakfast-Lunch
Kerman to Shahdad: 97Km-1hr 19mins
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14th Day
Kerman-Mahan – Zain-O-Din -Yazd
| Tour the Ganj Ali Khan Complex including Bath, Museum, mosque and traditional covered bazaar, we resume our trip by visiting an oasis in the middle of the desert city of Mahan. Bagh-e Shazdeh (Prince Garden) as a typical Iranian Garden UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its desirable water stream that flows through the garden and light breeze is a real treasure in Kerman. We visit Shah Nematollah Vali Tomb, an influential Sufi in his age, the founder of Nematollahi Cult.Then we visit Zein-O-Din, a rare circular 17th-century caravanserai south-east of Yazd. Soon after our visit, we head to Yazd, O/N Yazd (Hotel)
Meals included: Breakfast
Kerman to Mahan: 37Km-31mins
Mahan to Zein-o-din:315Km-3hrs 17mins
Zein-o-din to Yazd:76Km-1hr
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15th Day
Yazd | Despite being close to desert; Yazd is a green city. It owes its greenery to another ancient Iranian engineering technique. Their smart solution to the water shortage is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site. They invented Qanat and brought water from heart of the earth to the ground. A different UNESCO-Listed, still alive architecture of old city of Yazd (Historic City of Yazd), simple life style and hospitable people in spite of unkind and tight nature, all of which leave you speechless. Other highlights like Amir Chakhmaq Complex, Fahaadan old neighborhood, Zeyaeyeh School (Alexander’s Prison), Water Museum, Congregational (Jameh) Mosque, Zoroastrian old Fire Temple, and the tallest wind tower in Dolat Abad Garden can explain briefly the history of desert life. O/N Yazd (Hotel)
Meals included: Breakfast-Lunch
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16th Day
Yazd-Meybod-Nain-Isfahan
| Yazd wonders aren’t limited to the city itself, while other towns near the city have also a notable share in its beauties, some of which are Meybod and Nain. We visit their highlights like Chaparkhane (old post center), Pigeon Tower, Narin Castle, Ceramic shops, Pirniya Museum, congregational (Jame) Mosque, and old Aba knitting factory (Aba is a kind of cloth of Muslim clergymen). Put all wonders aside, the famous city of Isfahan, Safavid shining capital with countless attractions is ahead of us today. Iran’s richest city renowned for its exceptional architecture and arts such as Meenakari, Miniature, Silverwork and Copper. As we enter the city, taking a stroll on historical Khaju and Si-o-se-pol (33 bridges) historical bridges at night make you ready for your= tomorrow visits. O/N Isfahan(Hotel)
Meals included: Breakfast-Lunch
Yazd to Meybod:55Km-55mins
Meybod to Nain:118Km-1hr 25mins
Nain – Isfahan: 87Km-1hr
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17th Day
Isfahan
| The next morning is fully dedicated to Isfahan teemed with fabulous monuments and UNESCO world heritages. At the city’s heart stands UNESCO-listed Naqsh-e Jahan Square (Meidan Emam) flanked by azure-tiled mosques, Outstanding Sheikh Lotf-ol- lah and Imam Mosques, Ali Qapu palace and the entrance to a vast bazaar. Fountains dance where once polo players pranced to entertain Safavid Ruler, Shah Abbas. Chehel Sotun (Forty Pillars) Palace, Jameh Mosque (Masjed-e Jāmé) UNESCO World Heritage Site and delving into traditional bazaar with eye-catching handicrafts give you the opportunity to get closer to Iranian culture. O/N Isfahan (Hotel)
Meals included: Breakfast
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18th Day
Isfahan-Abyaneh-Kashan
| Kashan is a small town with a great and vibrant history. Its historical and traditional houses, like invaluable gems, are bearing stories of once known families of the city. First we visit spectacular village of Abyaneh, a village of great antiquity, which is like a living architectural and anthropological museum dating back to Safavid Era; the simplicity found in the houses affords a picture of life in rural areas of Iran. Then we spend hours to visit Kashan breathtaking highlights including Fin garden UNESCO World Heritage Site and the historical houses of Borujerdi & Tabatabaei, O/N Kashan (Hotel)
Meals included: Breakfast
Isfahan to Abyaneh: 107Km-1hr 27mins
Abyaneh to Kashan: 83Km-1hr 18mins
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19th Day
Kashan-Qom-Tehran | After more than 2 weeks of memory making trip, we are getting near to the end. On the way to Tehran, Qom would be our host for a while. We visit Hazrat-e Masumeh Holy Shrine, the important attraction and sacred place for Iranians. By almost an hour driving, we arrive Tehran, where we started our trip. Taking stroll on Nature Bridge, one of the Iran capital’s modern symbols and connector of two large parks, is a good opportunity to review our unforgettable travel. O/N Tehran (Hotel)
Meals included: Breakfast
Kashan to Qom: 140Km-1hr
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20th Day
Tehran | Tehran and its monuments different historical layers in terms of age are remarkable. Owing to long years of being Capital, riveting companionship of old and recent attractions, catches visitor’s attention. Today and as the last day of our trip we head north of Tehran. A review of Qajar and Pahlavi History in Sa’dabad Palace Museum (2 museums), Niavaran Palace, Tajrish Traditional Bazaar, local favorite bazaar complete the journey, O/N Tehran (Hotel)
Meals included: Breakfast
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21st Day
Tehran | Transfer to the airport, Fly back to home. |
