15 Days CULTURE OF PERSIA IN DEPTH

In the Morning:

Today we will explore the grand capital of Iran. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel at 9 and take you to our first stop, The Golestan Palace. Originally built by Qajar kings, this magnificent palace also served as Pahlavi rulers’ winter home. After having lunch at one of Tehran’s best restaurants, called Moslem, we go for a short stroll around Tehran Grand Bazaar. This bazaar is extremely vast and crowded and it isn’t a suitable place for window shopping thus only a brief visit will suffice.

In the Afternoon:

Afterwards, we stop at Shah Mosque, a holy place where merchants and shop owners pay their respect to their god through Namaz (a term to describe Muslim’s prayer).

Our next stop will be at Abgineh museum(Museum of glass arts), Carpet(Farsh) museum or National museum or Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art according to your preferences. In addition, if you’re lucky enough to have this tour on one of the first four days of the Iranian week (Saturday to Tuesday, from 14 to 16:30) you get the chance to see finest pieces of jewelry found in Iran such as Daria-i-Noor diamond (Darya-ye Noor) in the national jewelry museum.

The next item on our list is Milad Tower, The highest tower in Iran and the most famous landmark in Tehran.

Our last stop is at Tabiat Bridge, a beautiful modern pedestrian bridge which is very glorious at nights, where we’ll have dinner and experience Tehran people nightlife as many people in Tehran go for a stroll in the evening there. afterwards we head back to the hotel at 9.

Accommodation: hotel in Tehran

Meals included: Breakfast

In the Morning:

We leave the hotel at 7 to head to Kashan (3h+1h breakfast, 250 km).Getting close to Ghom we have a wonderful breakfast at Mehr o Mah restaurant around 9. Kashan is famous for its old mansions, belonging to the merchants often passing through this city. These mansions with their significant style of architecture, unique stuccos, tile work and Aina Kari (a kind of interior decoration with mirrors made by Iranian artists) are now museums. The design of the air ventilation systems of these mansions located in the heart of the desert was brilliant in its own time.

Arriving at Kashan, we visit Tabatabai House, Abassi House and Soltan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse and have Dizi (one of the most famous & unique Iranian dishes) afterwards in a cozy restaurant (Mozaffari Traditional Restaurant).

Later on, we will check into our hotel and rest for a couple of hours to escape the midday heat.

In the Afternoon:

we will visit Sialk Ancient Hills. These 7000 years old set of hills can be very interesting for those interested in archeology.

Lastly, we will visit the famous Fin Garden and Fin Hammam (Bath House), where Amir Kabir, one of the most beloved ministers in the history (during Qajar Dynasty) of Iran was murdered.

The day ends after having dinner and getting back to the hotel to sleep.

Notes: Hotels in Kashan are mostly boutique hotels and spending a nigh in will give you a unique experience. Among the best of them are Saraye Ameriha Boutique hotel and Manouchehri traditional house and can make your night in Kashan memorable.

In some travel itineraries Driving to Isfahan is planned on the same day of Kashan sightseeing. We stay the night at Kashan for multiple reasons:

1. To have enough time to visit Kashan.
2. To give you a chance to spend a night at the impressive boutique hotels in Kashan and experience the traditional Iranian houses’ atmosphere.
3. To get enough rest and restore your energy so that you’ll be ready to visit Isfahan.
4. To visit the extraordinary Abiyaneh Village on our way to Isfahan the next day.

Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Kashan

Meals included: Breakfast

In the Morning:

We head to the Abiyaneh Village at 8 and after having breakfast (1hour and 15 minutes, 87 km)

The beauty of Abiyaneh Village, located in the heart of the desert, will catch every traveler’s eye. The red houses, built using clay and cob, make this village the jewel of the desert. The unique architectural style of this village, with the roof of each house being the other’s yard perfectly preserves the shape of the mountain it’s build on.   Walking through the narrow alleys of Abiyaneh and listening to the sound of water running in between the trees, you can talk to locals and get to know their culture. If you’re the type to take souvenirs home, you’ll also have the opportunity to buy local foods and handicrafts here.

In the Afternoon:

After having lunch, we head east to Matin Abad desert camp (1 hour away, 60 km). We trek through the beautiful desert and spend a couple of hours sightseeing in this ocean of sand.

Getting to Isfahan (2 Hours – 160 km), we have dinner and rest in our hotel rooms to get ready for the next day.  Tomorrow, we‘ll start exploring the largest cultural destination of Iran

Accommodation: Hotel in Isfahan

Meals included: Breakfast

In the Morning:

Today we explore Isfahan (so called: Nesfe Jahan – Meaning half of the world! ), one of the most famous cultural destinations in the world and a well-known city in Iran for its impressive architecture style and culturally- significant monuments.

Our first stop is Naghsh-e Jahan Square (Imam square) .what used to be a polo field is now one of the most famous tourist attractions in Iran. We’ll visit three monuments dating back to the Safavid era: Shah (Imam) Mosque,Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and Alighapou Palace.

Alighapou palace, home to Shah Abbas from the Safavid dynasty, is best known for its lavish architecture and acoustic music hall. The brilliant design of the walls and the ceiling made music sound perfectly.

The next monument is Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque(Masjed-e Sheikh Lotfollah). To this day, no mistake has been found in the design of this mosque and use of geometry and symmetry can be seen everywhere. Next we will visit Shah Imam Mosque. This architectural masterpiece was built by the order of the king for his people and is a symbol of the bond between the kings and Islam.

In the Afternoon:

We will have lunch at a traditional restaurant near Naghsh-e Jahan square and get back to the hotel to rest.

Our afternoon program starts with visiting Chehel Sotoun Palace (meaning 40 pillars). The name comes from counting 20 wooden pillars and their reflection in the pool in front of the building. Much like other structures left from Safavid era, the interior of this pavilion is emblazoned with frescos and paintings telling tales of war.

Next up are the two famous water bridges in Isfahan, Si-o-se-pol and Khaju.Bridge, built over Zayandeh River in the 17^th century, was used to celebrate Nowruz (Iranian New Year Eve) and several Armenian celebrations.  You can experience the Iranian nightlife and listen to street musicians signing under Khaju Bridge as it’s a two level bridge & people can sit on the first level.

Our day ends as we have dinner and get back to the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel in Isfahan

Meals included: Breakfast

In the Morning:

This morning our first stop is Jameh (Atiq) Mosque, one of the biggest mosques worldwide. Based on a bottom of a pillar found in it, archeologists guess that Atiq mosque dates back to Sasani era, before the arrival of Islam in the country. Different parts of this holy monument have been rebuilt over time.

After spending two hours at the mosque, we get to Menar Jonban. What make this monument notable are the shaking minarets. We have lunch and head to Jolfa quarter afterwards.

Jolfa quarter, home to the Armenian minority of Isfahan, is one of the oldest neighborhoods of the city.

There we visit Vank cathedral (Kelisa-ye Vank), one of the most beautiful churches currently used in Iran. The spectacular golden decorations on the ceiling and paintings inspired by the Italian style are only a few of the attractions of this cathedral.

Next, we go to one of the cafes in the area to rest. These cafes are run by Armenians and have a unique architectural style.

Later on, we head to Naghsh e Jahan square to spend the evening window shopping in the Grand Bazaar (aka Gheysarieh Bazaar). Here you get the opportunity to buy some of the greatest handicrafts and artwork made in Iran such as enameled glass, Khatam-Kari work, and copper work. You can also find eatable souvenirs such as Gaz.

At the end we get back to the hotel to rest.

Accommodation: Hotel in Isfahan

Meals included: Breakfast

In the Morning:

After having breakfast we leave the hotel for Yazd at 8 (3 hours and a half, 300 km). We’ll arrive around noon and get to the hotel to rest after having lunch.

In the Afternoon:

We’ll get to Amir Chakhmaq Square and Mosque, visit the Yazd Khan Bazaar and then Fahadan neighborhood. Fahadan is the oldest neighborhood in Yazd. The cob-made houses and narrow alleys have created a rather cool atmosphere in the desert that no modern design can achieve.

Afterwards, we visit Jameh Mosque of Yazd (Masjed-e Jameh), which is the largest mosque in the city. Initially built over what used to be an Fire Temple (Atash kadeh) , this mosque has been rebuilt several times and the Jameh Mosque we know today  is a combination of three mosques belonging to different eras.

In the evening, we go to a cozy café in Fahadan neighborhood, where we’re able to see the beautiful landscape of Yazd from the above.

Later on, we visit a Zoorkhaneh, a traditional type of gym for wrestling. Wrestling goes way back in the Iranian history and here you get to see a traditional wrestling competition whilst listening to live music (Tonbak). To end our first day in Yazd we get back to the hotel to rest.

Accommodation: Hotel in Yazd

Meals included: Breakfast

In the Morning:

Yazd is known for having Zoroastrian habitants, so this morning we visit The Yazd Atash Behram (aka Atashkadeh-e Yazd).

Fire Temple (Atash kadeh) is where Zoroastrians go to pray. Its name meaning a place for fire is due to the fact that fire is considered holy in the Zoroastrian religion. The fire at this Atash kadeh is said to have been burning for almost 1500 years.

The next item on our list is Dowlat Abad Garden(Bagh-e Dolat Abad). This stunning garden is one of the wonders of Yazd. The cool atmosphere and fresh air will definitely make your day. We will have lunch afterwards.

In the Afternoon:

Later on we head to Kharanaq village and Chack Chack Atash kadeh(Fire Temple). (1 hour away).

Kharanaq, meaning where the sun was born, is more than 4000 years old. This wondrous village is still home to more than 140 families.

Chack Chack was built during Yazdgerd the third’s reign, the last ruler of the Sasanian Empire. Zoroastrian believe that the one of Yazgerd’s daughters, Nikbanoo, reached the mountain escaping Arab soldiers and suddenly the mountain opened up so she can hide .This spot has been holy to them ever since. The name is the sound of water drops falling down and comes from the belief that the drops of water falling down from the mountain are Nikbanoo’s tears.

We get back to the Fahadan neighborhood once again to visit the tower of silence or Zoroastrian Tower of Silence (Dakhmeh). Dakhmeh used to be a place for Zoroastrians to bury their dead with special rituals. These resting places were built out of cob and plaster to avoid polluting the soil.

Finally, we get back to the hotel to spend the night.

Accommodation: Hotel in Yazd

Meals included: Breakfast

In the Morning:

This morning we leave the hotel at 7 to visit several monuments on our way to Shiraz (450 km, 5 h and a half).

First we stop shortly at AbarKuh Village to visit its 4500 year old cedar, allegedly the oldest living creature in the world. Then we get to The Pasargadae to visit the tomb of Cyrus the Great, a just and wise emperor from the Achaemenid Empire.

Afterwards, we get to Persepolis or Takht e Jamshid ruins (1hour).Although the glorious capital of the Achaemenid Empire was burned to the ground, the remains are a vivid reminder of the empire’s grandeur.

We’ll have lunch at Persepolis and then visit the ruins of the oldest capital of Iran.

In the Afternoon:

Next, we visit Naqsh e Rostam Necropolis. The fascinating tombs carved into the mountain belong to the rulers of the Achaemenid Empire. The Epigraphs tell the tale of the war between Iran and the Roman Empire during Shapoor I‘s reign.

Notes: We visit the aforementioned monuments on our way to Shiraz to avoid an extra round trip from Shiraz to them and back.

It’s possible to leave the hotel at 6 to make the most of the day. In this case you will be given a cold breakfast pack to enjoy on our way. You’ll also be served tea and coffee upon arriving at AbarKuh.

Accommodation: Hotel in Shiraz

Meals included: Breakfast

In the Morning:

Today we leave the hotel at 9 in the morning. First we visit Nasir-al-Mulk Mosque( the Pink Mosque) , best known for its colorful windows. As the sunlight shines in, the colorful reflection on the floor and the walls creates a dazzling view. The vivid colors alongside the beautiful tile work on the ceiling make this mosque a must-see in Shiraz.

Next, we’ll head to the Vakil complex consisting of a mosque a Hammam and a Bazaar. This complex was built during Zand era. We’ll visit Vakil Mosque and Vakil Bath (Hammam-e Vakil) with their impressive architectural style and leave Vakil Bazaar (Bazar-e Vakil) for after having lunch.

In the Afternoon:

We’ll head to Arg of Karim Khan. This Citadel was originally built by Karimkhan’s order and used to be his home. The interior of this citadel suffered damages during the Pahlavi era, when it was used as a prison.

Come the night, we get to Tomb of Hafez (Hafezieh) and Tomb of Saadi (Saadieh), the tombs of two famous Iranian poets, Saadi and Hafez.

Saadi and Hafez are extremely respected and loved by Iranians. Here you can experience the nightlife of Shiraz, listening to people reciting of these two great poets.

Accommodation: Hotel in Shiraz

Meals included: Breakfast

In the morning:

Today we continue exploring Shiraz, the city of poetry and wine. Shiraz is also famous for its magnificent gardens so our first stop today is Eram Garden, a former resort for the noblemen of Shiraz. Passing through this gorgeous garden you reach the mansion at the end. This mansion with its pillars inspired by Persepolis, spectacular stucco and tile work and the Epigraphs is another masterpiece left from the Qajar era.

The next item on our list is Bagh-e Narandschestan (Narenjestan Ghavam Garden). This garden and its mansion once belonged to Ghavam family. Today the mansion belongs to the faculty of Art and Architecture and its beauties serve as a source of inspiration for the students.

In the afternoon:

After having lunch we’ll head to Mahan, our first stop in Kerman Province (600 km, 7-8 hours).Getting to Mahan, we’ll have dinner and spend the night.

Accommodation: Hotel in Mahan city

Meals included: Breakfast

In the morning:

This morning we’ll have breakfast at 8 and leave the hotel at 9 to visit the adjacent Shazdeh Mahan Garden (Bagh-e Shahzde). This delightful garden is the largest Persian garden and is one of the 9 Persian gardens declared a UNESCO world heritage site. Dating back to Qajar era the spectacular Mahan garden is one of the most beautiful Kerman attractions. Afterwards, we’ll head to Shahdad village and after that Shafi Abad village (100km, 1.5 h). Shafi Abad village is the closest village to the famous Kalouts in Lut desert. We’ll have lunch at Shafi Abad village and get some rest to avoid the burning midday sun.

In the afternoon:

In the evening, we’ll hit the desert with off-road cars to see the stunning Kalouts in Lut desert and the amazing landscape created at sunset. We’ll also visit Gandom Beryan region, claimed to be the hottest place on earth, on our way. Afterwards, we’ll get back to the village , have dinner and rest.

Accommodation: Guest house/Hostel in Shafi Abad village

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

In the morning:

Today, we’ll get up early in the morning and have breakfast. We’ll visit the Kalouts and Lut desert once again in the daylight to admire their beauty better. Then, we’ll get back to the village and leave for Kerman city after packing our bags (115km, 1.5 h). Arriving at Kerman, the capital city of Kerman province, we’ll have lunch and get some rest in the hotel.

In the afternoon:

In the afternoon we’ll visit Ganjali Khan Complex, dating back to the Safavid era. This complex includes a pedestrian square, a traditional bathhouse, a mosque, a bazaar and a school/ caravanserai all of which are significant on its own. Ganjali Khan square is one of the top three historical squares in Iran. Later on, we’ll have dinner; get back to the hotel and rest.

Accommodation: Hotel in Kerman

Meals included: Breakfast

In the morning:

This morning we’ll start our Kerman cultural tour after having breakfast at the hotel. Our first stop is the Jameh mosque of Kerman (Masjed-e Jameh) . This 700 year old mosque has become one of the top Kerman attractions due to its amazing tile work, Muqranas work and other Islamic architectural elements. Next, we’ll visit the traditional bazaar of Kerman also known as Vakil Bazaar or Sartasari Bazaar. Kerman bazaar is the longest traditional bazaar in Iran and is most famous for its copper products sellers’ section.

A little farther from Kerman bazaar stands Harandy Garden. This Persian garden was built in the 18th century as a resting resort. The mansion inside is now an archeology museum and the museum of Persian traditional musical instruments. We’ll have lunch after visiting Harandy Garden and get back to the hotel to rest.

In the afternoon:

Our afternoon program starts by visiting Fath Abad Garden. Dating back to Qajar era, this former holiday resort of the governor of Kerman is now considered a national heritage site. The beautiful Fath Abad garden is also used for several celebrations and includes a hotel. We’ll get back to the hotel, pack our bags and leave for the airport, thus; ending our amazing journey in Kerman Province. We’ll fly to Mehrabad airport in Tehran (900km, 1.5 hours) and spend the night at a hotel in Tehran.

Accommodation: Hotel in Tehran

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you’ll be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight home. We hope you’ve enjoyed your cultural Persia tour and your stay at Iran.

Accommodation: Hotel in Tehran

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: Extra nights of accommodation in Tehran can be requested.

Note: This cultural tour can be followed by a trekking tour or skiing tour.