Overview
From the remains of the once expansive Persian Empire in Persepolis to the palaces-turned-museums of the 1979 Revolution, delve into the treasures of Iran’s rich history on this private journey. Marvel at the intricately decorated tiles of the Imam Mosque. In Kashan stroll through a colorful, 17th century style garden. Haggle with shopkeepers in the bustling bazaar in Isfahan. And see an Iran beyond what you could have ever imagined. Journey Pace: Active & Challenging 

Tour Details

DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Starts any day except Wednesdays. January to December

10 days from $5995.00

Request Quote
Itinerary
Day 1

Arrive Tehran, Iran

Welcome to Iran! On arrival, you will be met outside the customs area by your private driver who will escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax at leisure.

Day 2

Tehran Sightseeing

This morning you will depart on a full day tour of this ancient city. You will begin with a visit to the Carpet Museum, then continue to the Archaelogical (National) Museum with in-depth explanations of its excellent collection of items from the 6th millennium BC, pre-historic, Median, Achamenid, Slucid, Parthian, Sassanid up to Islamic era.

After lunch you will continue your sightseeing by visiting the Abgineh Museum, a collection of ancient glassware and ceramics from pre-historic to historic eras, the tour the ceramic museum before returning to the hotel in the evening. (B,L,D)

Day 3

Tehran to Shiraz

After breakfast you will stroll through the old center of Tehran to visit the 19th century Golestan Palace Complex, the residence of Qajar kings and the coronation and marriage palace during the Pahlavi Dynasty. After the 1979 Islamic revolution, the palaces were converted into museums containing painting galleries and mirrored rooms. After lunch, you’ll depart for a true highlight – the Royal Jewelry Museum – arguably the best in the world! (Only open Sat-Tues and will be moved to another day depending on arrival day.)

After gazing at this brilliant collection, you will head to the airport for your flight to Shiraz. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to your hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 4

Shiraz Sightseeing

Today you will enjoy a full day tour of the amazing city of Shiraz, “the town of roses and nightingales” with visits to the 19th century ex-residence of Qashqai tribe head, Eram Garden with its botanical garden and collection of roses and the 17th century Khan Madrassa (theological school) where you can visit a functioning Madrassa and shia clerics with the opportunity to spend time with them. You will also visit the colorful Nomadic Haji Bazaar with a row of shops which offer different tribal garments and at the end, you will have the chance to visit the third holiest shrine for Iranian shias, Shah Cheraq with a collection of various mirror and tile-works. Here, you will gaze at the 19th century Nasirol Molk (pink) mosque, which is a different experience with the color effects on the spiritual locations.

Next you will visit the 19th century Narenjestan traditional house, the office and house of the ex-governor of Fars province, followed by Hafez tomb, the 13th-century mystic and the most celebrated Persian poet. You will finish today visiting the ancient Quran Gate, a great place to walk around, and houses many copies of Qurans. You will return to your hotel by early evening. (B,L,D)

Day 5

Persepolis Excursion

A highlight of the area is Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of Achaemenids. The city was home of the King of Kings for over two hundred years, consisting of the remains of several monumental buildings, including the Gate of All Nations, Palace of 100 Columns, Palace of Darius, Xerxes’ Palace, Central Palace, and Apadana Palace. Today you will also travel to the royal necropolis in Naqsh-e Rostam, just a few miles northwest of Persepolis, with the the Fire Temple and Rock Cliff reliefs.

After lunch at the “Nest of Peacock” Restaurant, you will begin heading back to Shiraz, and continue your journey with a stroll in the 18th century colorful, traditional and crowded Vakil Bazaar, where you will find Persian spices, copper handicrafts, and antiques. At the end of Bazaar, you will have free time in Saray-e Moshir, an urban caravanserai at the south entrance that now functions as exhibition space for Iranian handicrafts. At the end of the day you can enjoy the show of a Persian carpets and rugs collection on the way back to the hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 6

Shiraz to Isfahan

Today you will depart early for a five-hour drive to Isfahan. It is a mountainous area and can take some time. However, en route you will visit the tomb of Cyrus the Great in the 6th century, the first Achamenid capital Pasargad, and Izadkhast, the Sassanid village-citadel an oasis in the middle of nowhere with a small river. Here you will learn the historical importance of this little river, as those who had control of the river, had control of the entire region. hose had it could have an upper hand in all battle in the region. You will also visit a 17th century caravanserai, the foundation of ‘motels’ which have been established on the Iranian plateau since the time of the Achamenids in sixth century B.C. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel for an evening at leisure. (B,L,D)

Day 7

Isfahan Sightseeing

Today you will enjoy a full day tour with a walk in the harem garden of the 17th century Hasht Behesht (Eight Paradises) Palace, where, at one time, the royal family lived. Continue to Naqshe-Jahan (Royal) Square, the second largest in the world. This was the main polo ground for the Safavid kings. Also in the square is the Sheikh Lotfollah, the first women’s mosque in the Islamic world.

After lunch, you will have time to wander through the covered bazaar on your way to Imam (Shah) Mosque with its beautiful tiles. (B,L,D)

Day 8

Isfahan Sightseeing

Today you will continue exploring Isfahan with a visit to the Vank Cathedral, also known as The Church of the Saintly Sisters, belonging to Armenian Christians who came here in the early 17th century. The cathedral houses an interesting museum and a large library which includes the first book printed in Iran. From here, you will drive to the 17th century Sio-Se-Pol and Khajou bridges followed by a visit to Chehel-Sotoun Palace. Later visit the Old Jame’ Mosque with its thousand years of Islamic architecture, and the Jewish Quarter.

You will return to the hotel in the late afternoon with some time to relax before heading to the popular Shahrzad Restaurant to enjoy wonderful Iranian cuisine. (B,L,D)

Day 9

Isfahan to Kashan & Tehran

Today you will head towards Kashan through the Karkas centrial mounttains of Iran to visit Abyaneh, a traditional remote village and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The scenic drive will take you through the Karkas central mountains of Iran.

After lunch you will continue exploring Kashan with a visit to the Fin Garden, a good example of Persian style gardens of the 17th century. Become amazed at Emamzadeh Ebrahim, where you will see exceptional tile and mirror work, unique to Persian art. In the old part of town, visit the traditional 19th century Tabatabiha house or the Aqa Bozorg Mosque.

In the evening you will return to Tehran for an evening at leisure. (B,L,D) 

Day 10

Depart Tehran

This morning is yours to enjoy at leisure before you are taken to the airport for your flight home or onto your next destination. (B)

Accommodations

Espinas Hotel, Tehran

Espinas Hotel is a grand family residence situated right in the heart of Tehran. The hotel is surrounded by Tehran's most spectacular attractions and is accessible to public transportation terminals, making it perfect for a tour of our cultural heritage sites like the Bank Museum, the Carpet Museum, and the Glass Museum. It is also the top choice to stay in Tehran for both business and pleasure.

Shiraz Hotel, Shiraz

Shiraz Hotel is a five star hotel which is located in the city of Shiraz, the birthplace of Persian culture and art. This hotel, with 40000 m² area in 14 floors, is situated in neighborhood of the holy Quran gate and it is close to touristic places in Shiraz. The hotel welcomes the guests with luxurious rooms, several restaurants and coffee shops, laundry services, travel agency, conference rooms and ball room, sport complex and game net.

Abbasi Hotel, Isfahan

The opulent Abbasi Hotel, originally built as a caravanserai by the mother of Shâh Sultan Hossein, offers charm that transcends time. The 22 beautifully appointed rooms overlook stunning gardens and blue fountains, and include a bevy of five-star amenities including climate control, a refrigerator and radio, cable TV, coffee/tea maker, in-room safe, high-speed internet access, and a hairdryer. The Abbasi also features a romantic teahouse, elegant restaurants, a lovely covered swimming pool, handicraft stores, a barbershop and business center.