IRAN CULTURAL & DESERTS TOUR (15 DAYS)

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:

This morning we’ll leave for Rig-e Jenn desert by 4WD cars and have an excellent Safari in the middle of the central desert of Iran (Dasht-e Kavir). Starting today we’ll be spending 4 amazing days exploring the wondrous deserts of Iran and observing their beauties. We’ll drive towards Naein and Anarak cities until we reach the beginning of the desert and we’ll enjoy watching colorful mountains and sand dunes on our way. We’ll stop shortly for having lunch and then stroll around in the desert for a while.

In the Afternoon:

Afterward, we’ll head towards Jandaq village better known as Choopanan village (meaning shepherds’ village). We’ll spend some time in the village to learn about the culture and lifestyle of the locals and then have a delicious traditional food for dinner and sleep.

Accommodation: Homestay in Jandaq village

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we’ll spend time exploring one of the other famous deserts in Iran. Mesr desert is named after the country Egypt (meaning Mesr in Persian) and is one of the most fascinating attractions we’ll visit on this Iran trip. We’ll have lunch at Mesr village and enjoy its recreational facilities. After getting some rest at the village we’ll get back to the desert to further enjoy its wonders. Lastly, we’ll get to Farahzad village to have dinner and spend the night.

Accommodation: Homestay at Farahzad village

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we’ll continue our adventure after having breakfast at Farahzad village. We’ll drive towards Garmeh village and enjoy the amazing landscapes of the desert on our way. Arriving at Garmeh, we’ll spend some time sightseeing in the village and enjoying its beauties such as the date palm trees and the unique architecture of the houses. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at a traditional guesthouse and if we’re lucky we get to hear some traditional music as well.

Accommodation: Homestay at Garmeh village

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the Morning:

This morning we’ll leave Garmeh for Kharanaq and Yazd. Existence of several mines for materials such as Uranium, Barite, Zinc, Granite and Iron as well as several animal species has made this area rather significant. Mountain goats, Ewes, Rams, wild cats, caracals, cheetahs and hubs are some of the animal species found in this area.
Our first stop is Kharanaq village, a 4000 year-old village that is still home to more than 140 families. After taking a walk in the village and sightseeing we’ll have lunch.

In the Afternoon:

We’ll visit Chack Chack fire temple after having lunch, one of the oldest and most famous Zoroastrian fire temples in Iran. Afterwards we’ll head to Yazd, have dinner there and get to our hotel to prepare for the next day.

Accommodation: Hotel in Yazd

Meals included: Breakfast

In the Morning:

This morning we’ll begin Yazd sightseeing after having breakfast.

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.

Our Next stop is Lariha house, a beautiful house dating back to the Qajar era and the epitome of the unique Iranian architecture style. After having lunch and getting some rest we’ll continue our plans.

In the afternoon:
First we’ll stop to see the longest Qanat in the world. Qanats are canals dug in the ground to transfer water throughout the cities. The longest and oldest Qanats worldwide can be found in Iran. Next, we’ll visit Alexander’s prison, located in the Fahadan neighborhood. This ancient prison is more than 1000 years old and is believed to be built at the time Alexander the Great attacked Iran. Later on it was transformed into a school.

Later 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. Lastly, we’ll visit a Zoorkhaneh, a traditional type of gym for wrestling. Wrestling goes way back in 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:

This morning our first stop is Zoroastrian Tower of Silence (Dakhmeh). Dakhmeh used to be a place where Zoroastrians buried their dead with special rituals. These resting places were built out of cob and plaster to avoid polluting the soil. Then we visit one of the most important Zoroastrian fire temples in Iran. 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 and is the highest grade of fire in the Zoroastrian religion.

In the Afternoon:

We’ll have lunch around 1 pm and then go to the next Yazd attraction we have to visit. Dowlat Abad garden is one of the many beautiful Iranian gardens in Yazd and one of the nine Persian gardens considered a UNESCO world heritage site. This magnificent garden has the tallest wind tower in the world which is the cause of its cool atmosphere.

At last, we’ll visit the water museum in Yazd. One of the most interesting museums you’ll visit on this Iran trip and then you’ll have a few hours to spend as you like. We’ll have dinner at a traditional restaurant and then get back to the hotel to rest.

Accommodation: Hotel in Yazd

Meals included: Breakfast

In the Morning:

This morning we will leave the hotel at 7 to visit several monuments on our way to Shiraz (450 km, 5 h and a half). First we get to The Pasargadae to visit the tomb of Cyrus the Great. Cyrus the Great was the founder of the Achaemenid dynasty and a wise and just leader. This respected emperor is best known for his precepts about human rights. Tomb of Cyrus and the ruins of Pasargadae are more than 2500 years old and are a must-see for those who want to learn more about ancient Persian civilizations. 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.

In the Afternoon:

After having lunch, we’ll visit Persepolis or Takht e Jamshid , ruins of the ceremonial capital of the glorious Achaemenid dynasty that are almost 3000 years old. This impressive UNESCO world heritage site is the emblem of the grandeur of the Achaemenid Empire and the epigraphs are proof of the emperors’ justice. At last we continue on our path to Shiraz and have dinner and rest as we get there.

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. The dazzling view created by the reflection of the windows I in the room has made this mosque one of the most visited attractions in Shiraz. The amazing tile work with use of pink as the main color is another significant feature of this mosque. The next item on our list is Bagh-e Narandschestan (Narenjestan Ghavam Garden). Naranjestan garden is the epitome of the Iranian’s sense of appreciation of art and nature and is one of the nine Persian gardens considered a UNESCO world heritage site. Then we’ll head to the Vakil complex consisting of a mosque, a Hammam and a Bazaar. This complex was built during the 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:

After shopping in Vakil bazaar we’ll visit the Arg of Karim Khan. This amazing citadel is one of the most impressive structures left from the Zand era. We end our tour by visiting the tombs of Saadi and Hafez, two of the most famous and beloved Iranian poets. You also get to experience the nightlife of Shiraz in these tombs. Lastly, we get to the airport to catch our flight to Tehran. Upon your arrival in Tehran, you’ll be picked up by our agents and transferred to the hotel to rest.

Accommodation: Hotel in Tehran

Meals included: Breakfast

Note 1: Today’s schedule may slightly change depending on the domestic flight time. 

Note 2: In case your international departure flight is scheduled to be early in the morning, your hotel would be either Ibis or Novotel at IKA airport so that you can rest more.

Today you’ll be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport due to your departure flight schedule. We hope you’ve enjoyed your Iran cultural tour and your stay in Iran. Thank you for choosing Cheetah-Adventures.

Accommodation: –

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: Extra nights of accommodation in Tehran can be requested; however, extra charge will apply.