Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Iran with our renowned "Treasures of Persia" tour package. This meticulously planned itinerary offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the country's iconic landmarks and hidden gems. A decade of popularity speaks volumes about this tour's ability to create an exceptional experience. Let us be your guide as you delve into the golden heart of Iran, visiting its enchanting cities and picturesque villages.
Highlights
- Vakil Mosque
- Milad Tower
- National Jewelry Museum
- The tombs of Hafez
- Persepolis
- Abarkuh
- Amir Chakhmaq Complex
- handicraft workshops
- desert
- Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
Itinerary
Upon your early morning arrival at Tehran airport, our representative, holding a show card with transfer information, will warmly welcome you and assist you to your hotel for some rest and relaxation before our morning tour of Tehran begins. To avoid heavy traffic, we'll opt for the subway, providing an excellent opportunity to experience the local way of transportation and interact with the friendly Iranian people.
At 9:30, we depart from the hotel for a fascinating visit to the Carpet Museum, where you'll be amazed by over 100 splendid hand-woven carpets and rugs from different regions of Iran. Discover the rich history behind these masterpieces as our knowledgeable guide provides insights into their cultural significance.
Next on our itinerary is the Sa'ad Abad Complex, an enormous 1,100,000 square meters area housing 18 historical palaces. We'll explore two of these majestic palaces and learn about their association with the Qajar and Pahlavi Dynasties. The complex, now a museum, offers a captivating journey through Iran's past.
Afterward, we'll savor a delicious Iranian dish for lunch at a traditional restaurant. Once energized, we'll proceed to the Reza Abbasi Museum, named after a prominent artist from the Safavid era. Admire its remarkable collection of Persian art dating back to both the pre-Islamic and Islamic periods.
To conclude the day, we'll visit the awe-inspiring Milad Tower, an architectural marvel and the sixth-tallest tower globally, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Tehran (if accessible). For those interested, there's an optional tour of the Nature Bridge in the evening, an impressive pedestrian overpass connecting two parks in northern Tehran.
Please note that the order of sightseeing may be adjusted based on your arrival time, guide's recommendations, and museum opening hours or holidays. Enjoy your overnight stay in Tehran and get ready for more exciting experiences in Iran!
We kickstart our day bright and early with a visit to the National Museum of Iran, comprised of two complexes—the Museum of Ancient Iran (established in 1937) and the Museum of the Islamic Era (established in 1972). Here, you'll witness a remarkable collection of preserved ancient and medieval Iranian antiquities, such as pottery vessels, metal objects, textiles, rare books, and coins. This fascinating display offers a captivating glimpse into the "evolution of mankind."
Next on our agenda is the Golestan Palace, a former royal Qajar complex in Tehran, boasting world heritage status. The palace's historical significance is evident in its gardens, royal buildings, and collections of Iranian crafts and European presents from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Following our palace visit, we'll take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant bazaar. As the economic hub of Iran, the bazaar also serves as a social gathering place, where people from diverse backgrounds engage and interact. Additionally, it provides a platform for political discussions and agendas.
Afterward, we'll enjoy a delicious lunch before concluding our Tehran excursion with a truly exquisite experience at the National Jewelry Museum. Marvel at a dazzling array of jewels, including the legendary Darya-e-Noor (Sea of Light), one of the world's two greatest diamonds.
In the afternoon, we'll transfer to the airport for a flight to Shiraz. En route to the hotel, we'll make a special stop at Shah-e Cheragh, a stunning shrine known for its beautiful dome, captivating lighting, and intricate mirror-work.
Relish a comfortable overnight stay in Shiraz, where more exciting adventures and cultural wonders await!
Shiraz, a city renowned for its enlightenment and cultural prominence for over 2,000 years, once served as Iran's capital. This sophisticated city, at the heart of Persian culture, evokes images of roses, nightingales, gardens, and poetry. Begin your day early, exploring the captivating highlights of Shiraz during its time as the capital under the Zand Dynasty.
Be awed by the grandeur of Karim Khan Palace, the splendor of Vakil Mosque, the vibrant Vakil Bazaar and Saraye Moshir with its fascinating architecture and ethnic souvenir shops, and the exquisite Nasir Almolk Mosque. A mouth-watering Iranian lunch awaits at a traditional restaurant in Shiraz.
Shiraz is not only steeped in history but also the home of renowned poets like Hafez and Sa'adi. Hafez's mastery in poetry leaves a special impact, and his tomb exudes a profound sense of peace. Sa'adi, the father of tourism, traveled extensively centuries ago, sharing his experiences in his poetic masterpieces, "Boustan" and "Golestan," brimming with inspiration and knowledge. We will pay our respects at the tombs of these esteemed poets.
As evening approaches, we'll visit the UNESCO-registered Eram Garden, an exquisite Persian garden. Prepare to be mesmerized by the beauty of Ali-Ebn-e-Hamzeh, and take a serene stroll through the towering cedars of Jahan Nama Garden. Our day concludes at the tomb of Khajoy-e-Kermani, leaving an indelible impression of the enigmatic city of Shiraz in our minds. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in Shiraz, cherishing the memories of this extraordinary city.
In the morning, we start with a visit to Persepolis, the awe-inspiring capital of the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Darius I in 518 B.C. This monumental palace complex on a vast terrace showcases remarkable ruins, making it a truly unique archaeological site. Darius designed it not just as a governmental seat but also as a splendid venue for Achaemenid kings' receptions and festivals, like Nowroz.
Next, we explore Necropolis, the majestic burial site of Achaemenid kings, located just north of Mount Rahmat. The site also boasts seven ancient bas-reliefs from the Elamite and Sassanid periods.
Returning to the hotel for some rest, we later embark on an evening walking tour of Sang-e-sia, the historical and cultural district. Highlights include the distinctive architecture of Bibidokhtaran Shrine, reminiscent of the famous Dome of Soltaniyeh in Zanjan. We'll also visit the historical cypress in Mirhadi Mosque, Moshir Mosque, and pass by an Armenian church. Don't miss the tomb of Sibooyeh and the Niayesh traditional chain hotels, housed in historical structures like Moayedi, Mostafavi, and Nematollahi houses. These architectural gems showcase the evolution of Iranian design, from 200 years ago to the Qajar era and beyond, featuring elements like backyards, courtyards, guesthouses, and more.
To conclude the day, we'll savor a delicious Shirazi dinner and drinks at Delgosha restaurant. Rest comfortably overnight in Shiraz, captivated by the city's rich history and culture.
Today we leave Shiraz for Abarkuh in the morning. On the way, we will stop by Pasargadae which was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire in ancient Persia under Cyrus the Great who had issued its construction (559–530 BC). We will visit the most majestic monuments there of which the tomb of Cyrus the Great, the great founder of the Achaemanid Empire, is the oldest. The wonderful architecture of the tomb and the huge fertile land over there inspire the visitors. It was the worshiping place for the followers of several religions and is today an archaeological site and one of Iran’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Afterwards we continue all the way to Abarkuh, a historical city located at an altitude of 1510 meters. We will visit an ancient living cypress tree (4500 years old) in Abarkuh. Old trees in any region are the symbol of archaism and tell the truth that appropriate weather and nice conditions are quite helpful to lead a long life. Abarkuh Icehouse is the next attraction to which we will pay a visit. Icehouses are buildings used to store ice throughout the year, commonly used prior to the invention of the refrigerator. Some were underground chambers, usually man-made, close to natural sources of winter ice such as freshwater lakes, but many were buildings with various types of insulation. Then we will visit Gonbad-e Aali (Aali Dome) which is the oldest structure remained in the town since 11th century, Dailamite period. It is one of the earliest tomb towers in Iran located on top of a hill just at the outskirt of the town. The last place we will stop by in the day is the Nizamiyyah School, which is one of a group of the medieval institutions of higher education established by Khwaja Nizam al-Mulk in the eleventh century in Iran. The name nizamiyyah derives from his name. Founded at the beginning of the Seljuk Empire, these Sunni Islam theological schools are considered to be the model of later Islamic religious schools.stay overnight in Abarkuh.
In the past, for safety, people used to travel in small or large groups called caravans. Each caravan traversed 6 farsakhs (1 manzel) every day. Farsakh is a historical Iranian unit for measuring distance, equal to 6.24 kilometers. Passing through a manzel, the caravan arrived at a caravansary in which they could stay to rest and relax. Saryazd, Fahraj, and Zeinoddin were the first caravansaries on the roads between Yazd, Shiraz, Kerman, and Sirjan.
Today we hit the road to Yazd. On the way, first we will visit Zeinodin Caravanserai, a Safavid Caravanserai in the heart of desert which is restored in the best way possible and got two awards from UNESCO in 2005 and 2006.
The next place we will stop by is Saryazd Caravanserai which dates back to Seljuk and Safavid era. Another historic place out there is a castle belonging to Sassanid era which is used as a haven in time of war.
Then we head for Mehriz, a city located 30 kilometers south of Yazd. Mehriz consists of one central district and five village centers. According to historians, the name belongs to "Mehrnegar" the beloved daughter of Anoushirvan, the Sassanid King. Mehriz was known, during the late Sassanid era (4th century AD), as a natural pleasant area.
Finally we continue all the way to Yazd and check into the hotel. In the afternoon, we will pay a visit to Zoroastrian Towers of Silence; circular raised structures built by Zoroastrians for excarnation (for dead bodies to be exposed to carrion birds), and Fire Temple; the place of worship for Zoroastrians. At night, we will visit Amir Chakhmaq Complex; a prominent structure noted for its symmetrical sunken alcoves.It is a mosque located on a square of the same name. It also contains a caravanserai, a tekyeh (a place where Shiite gather for mourning of Muharram), a bathhouse, a cold water well, and a confectionery.At night, the building is lit up after twilight hours after sun set with orange lighting in the arched alcoves which makes it a spectacle.Stay overnight in Yazd .
Yazd, the oldest adobe city in the world which is surrounded by the 4000m summit of Shirkooh and two majestic deserts of Iran, Dasht-e-Kavir and Kavir-e-Loot. This ancient city is furnished with mosques of stunning beauty. The co-existence of the splendid fire temples and the holy sites of different religions astonish every visitor.
Today’s tour includes visiting the Jame Mosque, the old city of Yazd, the 15th-century domed school known as Alexander’s Prison because of a reference to this apparently dastardly place in a Hafez poem. Whether the deep well in the middle of its courtyard was in fact built by Alexander the Great and used as a dungeon seems doubtful, no matter what the guide says. The building is worth a look for the small display on the old city of Yazd, but mostly the fee covers access to a warren of craft workshops.
Then we continue with Dowlatabad Garden; an authentic Iranian garden that annually attracts thousands of domestic and foreign tourists. This is a complex built according to the original Iranian architectural style and consists of a large garden and some buildings.
Afterwards we head for Yazd Water Museum. This 124- year-old Museum displays the tool, techniques used for the past 4000 years in Iran in creating underground waterways (called Qanats) and connectincting them to the city and field locations for agricultural and other uses. Yazd water museum was set up in 2000 in the wake of the first international conference on qanat in Yazd. The museum building has once been a merchant’s house built in 1929. Two qanats are running beneath the museum at different levels, which are reachable through a special stairway called Payab. This museum has put on display a variety of water objects from Qanat to water ownership documents. The museum is one of the best tourist destinations in Yazd, which receive hundreds of visitors every day. Finally we pay a visit to confectionery and handicraft workshops.Stay overnight in Yazd.
Today we leave Yazd for Isfahan (around 300 kms) at 8 in the morning. On the way, first we will visit the beautiful city of Nain. More than 3,000 years ago, the Persian learned how to construct aqueducts underground (qanat in Persiankariz) to bring water from the mountains to the plains. In the 1960s this ancient system provided more than 70 percent of the water used in Iran. Nain is one of the best places in all the world to see these qanats functioning. We will stop by an abaya-weaving workshop and Jame Mosque in Nain. The abaya "cloak", sometimes also called an aba, is a simple, loose over-garment covering the whole body except the head, feet, and hands, worn by clergymen and some women in parts of the Muslim World. Jameh Mosque Nain is one of the oldest mosques in Iran, and the town of Nain, close to Yazd is itself one of the oldest in Iran. Dating back to the 9th century, with its interiors dating back to the 11th century (as indicated by its Seljuki brickwork) the heritage listed mosque is actually still in use as a mosque today. The mosque is built in the “Khorasani style”, which refers to the first style of architecture appearing after the Muslim Conquest of Persia. The style is notable for its combination of Islamic and pre-Islamic influences. The carvings in the stone and wood are elaborate and beautiful.
In the end, we move to Varzaneh which is famous regionally and all over the world for its spectacular desert having the highest sandy dunes. Here we will pay a visit to Jame Mosque and have a safari tour in Varzaneh desert , have lunch in a local house. Finally we hit the road to Isfahan via visiting Ghoortan citadel of Varzaneh on the way. (On this day, complying with the conditions, the tour guide will do his best to show you into as many sites as possible in each city). stay over night in isfahan
Isfahan, the legendary city which never fails to enchant its visitors, is the pearl of traditional Islamic archeology. This city is revived by the works of contemporary artists. Isfahan prides itself in having fascinating historical garden palaces. Legend has it that the city was founded at the time of Tahmoures or Keykavous and because of its glories has been entitled “Half the World”.
Today we start our tour with the famed Imam Square (Naqsh-e-Jahan), a huge square second in the world to Beijing's Tiananmen Square.
Then we pay a visit to the architectural marvels of Sheikh Lotfollah and Imam Mosques, Aliqapu Palace, Chehel Sutoon and Hasht Behesht Palaces, and finally visit one of the most famous bazaars in Iran, where we can purchase the arts & crafts for which Isfahan is so well renowned. Stay overnight in Isfahan.
Today we continue our tour of the city with a visit to Isfahan’s Jame' Mosque which holds in itself the passage of several centuries of historical Islamic evolution. This mosque is a gallery of Islamic architecture in which the progress of the architecture from the outset of Islam till recent times is evident.
Then we will visit Vank Cathedral which is one of the most beautiful Armenian churches in the world and will undoubtedly capture the attention of every Christian. Afterwards, we will stop by Menar Jonban; the tomb of a Sufi with its shaking minarets and some historical bridges.
Our day will conclude with a visit to Allahverdi Khan Bridge popularly known as Si-o-seh pol; the bridge of thirty-three spans. It is one of the most famous examples of Safavid bridge design and the longest bridge on the Zayanderud (the largest river of the Iranian Plateau in central Iran) with the total length of 297.76 meters. You can do free activities in the evening.Stay overnight in Isfahan .
On the way to Kashan, first we will visit Natanz; a city located 70 kilometers (43 mi) south-east of Kashan, whose bracing climate and locally produced fruitare well known in Iran. Various small shrines dot the area,and it is known as the shrine of the Sufi Sheikh Abd al-Samad. The elements in the present complex date from 1304 with subsequent additions and restorations such as the Khaneqah and Muqarnas vault. Afterwards, we continue to the UNESCO recognized village of Abyaneh in Barzrud Rural District, located at the foot of Mount Karkas and in the vicinity of desert. On top of the village sits the ruins of a Sassanid era fort. The dialect of the people of Abyaneh has preserved some characteristics of the Middle Persian language, the language of the Sassanian Persia. We appreciate the serenity of this quaint village with its splendid archaeology and meet the dwellers who speak, live and dress in the original Persian style. In the end, we will arrive in Kashan and check into the hotel. We stay overnight in Kashan.
Our tour starts with a visit to Kashan's historic houses, Borujerdiha and Tabatabaeiha, showcasing the Qajar era's architecture. Next, we explore the Fin Garden, a historical Persian garden with the Fin Bath, linked to an important historical event. After lunch, we depart from Kashan to IKA. En route, we can visit Qom and the holy shrine of Fatema Masumeh, a significant site for Shia Muslims. Finally, we transfer to IKA for departure from Iran, a country of rich history, culture, nature, and warm hospitality, leaving us with cherished memories. (Please note, for "Glance of Persia," a hotel reservation in IKA for the last night isn't included, but it can be arranged upon request based on your departure time).
Trip includes
Included
12 nights stay in middle class hotels (3* & 4*)
Domestic flight from Tehran to Shiraz
Experienced English-Speaking Guide for 12 days
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Breakfast and Lunch
Iranian Travel Insurance
Transportation in a fully air - conditioned, non - smoking coach during all days of the tour.
Arrival transfer from IKA Airport.
Return transfer to IKA Airport.
Invitation letter for Iranian visa
Credit Card
All entrance fees
Excluded
Availability
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