THE HEART OF ANCIENT PERSIA

20-Day History & Heritage Tour

Travel across the heart of Iran on an unforgettable 20-day adventure, from the lush shores of the Caspian Sea to the magnificent cities of ancient Persia. Explore spectacular landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, vibrant bazaars, timeless architecture, and authentic Persian culture while experiencing the legendary hospitality of the Iranian people.

WHAT’S INCLUDED/ EXCLUDED

WHAT’S INCLUDED

✔️ Visa Authorization Code
✔️ Arrival and departure airport transfers
✔️ 19 nights’ accommodation in hotels according to the selected category (3-star, 4-star, or 5-star)
✔️ All transportation throughout Iran by a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
✔️ Services of an English-speaking Iranian tour guide throughout the journey
✔️ Meals: Daily breakfast and 2 dinners, including a Persian Night experience
✔️ Two bottles of mineral water per person per day

WHAT’S EXCLUDED

❌ International flights, taxes, and airline surcharges
❌ Travel insurance
❌ Visa authorization number processing fee
❌ Visa application and issuance fees
❌ Entrance fees to monuments and attractions
❌ Tips and personal expenses

Day 1: Arrival in Tehran

Salam! Welcome to Iran.
Upon arrival at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel.
Take some time to relax after your journey. If your arrival time allows, you may join an optional panoramic city tour and visit the iconic Azadi Tower, one of Tehran’s most recognizable landmarks.
In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your guide and get your first taste of authentic Persian cuisine while learning about the exciting journey ahead.

✔️Accommodation
3★, 4★ or 5★ hotel (according to your preference)

✔️Meals
Dinner

✔️Optional Activities
* Azadi Tower
* Panoramic city tour

✔️Special Information
If your flight is delayed, please inform your travel agent as soon as possible.

Day 2: Discover Tehran

Today, discover the fascinating contrast between Tehran’s royal heritage, vibrant bazaars, and modern city life.
Visit the Iran National Museum, the historic National Garden Gate, and the magnificent Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Iran’s most beautiful royal complexes.
Later, stroll through the bustling Grand Bazaar of Tehran, where centuries of trade, craftsmanship, and local life come together.
In the afternoon, continue to the elegant Saadabad Palace Complex, surrounded by lush gardens on the northern slopes of Tehran. Finish the day by exploring the lively Tajrish Bazaar before spending the evening in Darband, a favorite local mountain retreat famous for its cafés, restaurants, and beautiful atmosphere.

✔️Accommodation
3★, 4★ or 5★ hotel (according to your preference)

✔️Meals
Breakfast

✔️Highlights
* Iran National Museum
* National Garden Gate
* Golestan Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
* Grand Bazaar of Tehran
* Saadabad Palace
* Tajrish Bazaar
* Darband

Day 3: Tehran – Masouleh – Bandar Anzali

Leave Tehran behind and journey north through the scenic Alborz Mountains toward Iran’s lush Caspian region.
Your first stop is the enchanting village of Masouleh, famous for its unique terraced architecture, where rooftops serve as streets and homes blend seamlessly into the mountainside. Wander through its narrow alleys, browse local handicrafts, and enjoy breathtaking mountain views.
In the afternoon, continue to the historic port city of Bandar Anzali, one of Iran’s most important gateways to the Caspian Sea.

✔️Accommodation
3★, 4★ or 5★ hotel (according to your preference)

✔️Meals
Breakfast

✔️Highlights
* Masouleh Historic Village
* Scenic Alborz Mountains
* Bandar Anzali

Special Information
* Distance: approximately 380 km
* Driving time: approximately 6 hours

Day 4: Discover Bandar Anzali

Wake up beside the beautiful Caspian Sea and spend the day exploring the natural beauty and rich history of Bandar Anzali, one of Iran’s most important northern port cities.
Begin with a peaceful boat excursion across the famous Anzali Lagoon, a protected wetland renowned for its rich biodiversity, migratory birds, and floating lotus flowers during the summer months.
Continue to the historic Anzali Palace and admire the iconic Ghazian Bridge, Iran’s first movable bridge and a symbol of the city. Later, enjoy a relaxing walk along the Caspian coastline and experience the refreshing atmosphere of Iran’s northern shore.

✔️Accommodation
3★, 4★ or 5★ hotel (according to your preference)

✔️Meals
Breakfast

✔️Highlights
* Anzali Lagoon
* Boat excursion on the lagoon
* Anzali Palace
* Ghazian Bridge
* Caspian Sea coastline

Day 5: Bandar Anzali – Ardabil – Tabriz

Today, travel west along one of Iran’s most scenic routes toward the historic city of Tabriz.
Drive through the lush forests and rolling hills of the Talesh region before stopping at the spectacular Heyran Pass, where breathtaking mountain landscapes and deep valleys create unforgettable views.
Continue to Ardabil and visit the magnificent Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest masterpieces of Safavid architecture.
Arrive in Tabriz in the evening, one of Iran’s oldest cities and a historic center of trade along the Silk Road.

✔️Accommodation
3★, 4★ or 5★ hotel (according to your preference)

✔️Meals
Breakfast

✔️Highlights
* Talesh Region
* Heyran Pass
* Sheikh Safi al-Din Complex (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
* Scenic drive through northwestern Iran

✔️Special Information
* Distance: approximately 480 km
* Driving time: approximately 6 hours

Day 6: Discover Tabriz

Discover the cultural treasures of Tabriz, one of Iran’s oldest cities and a historic crossroads of the Silk Road.
Begin your day at the magnificent Blue Mosque, famous for its stunning turquoise tilework and known as the “Turquoise of Islam.” Continue to the historic Alishah Citadel, once one of the tallest brick structures in the world.
Next, explore the Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest covered bazaar, where centuries of trade, craftsmanship, and culture come together.
In the afternoon, drive to the extraordinary village of Kandovan, where people still live in homes carved into volcanic rock formations. On your return to Tabriz, relax at the beautiful El Goli Park, one of the city’s most popular landmarks.

✔️ Accommodation
3★, 4★ or 5★ hotel (according to your preference)

✔️ Meals
Breakfast

✔️ Highlights
* Blue Mosque
* Alishah Citadel
* Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
* Kandovan Village
* El Goli Park

✔️ Special Information
* Distance to Kandovan: approximately 65 km
* Approximate driving time: 2 hours

Day 7: Tabriz – Takht-e Soleyman – Zanjan

Leave Tabriz after breakfast and travel toward Zanjan, passing through the colorful Aladaghlar Mountains, famous for their striking natural layers of red, orange, yellow, and green.
Continue to Takht-e Soleyman, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Iran’s most important archaeological treasures. Once a major religious and ceremonial center of the Sassanian Empire, the site is home to the remains of royal palaces, temples, and a sacred lake surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
After exploring this remarkable ancient complex, continue your journey to Zanjan for an overnight stay.

✔️ Accommodation
3★, 4★ or 5★ hotel (according to your preference)

✔️ Meals
Breakfast

✔️ Highlights
* Aladaghlar Mountains
* Takht-e Soleyman (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

✔️ Special Information
* Distance: approximately 300 km
* Approximate driving time: 6 hours

Day 8: Zanjan – Soltaniyeh – Hamedan

Leave Zanjan after breakfast and begin your journey toward Hamedan, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Your first stop is Soltaniyeh, home to the magnificent Soltaniyeh Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest masterpieces of Persian-Islamic architecture. Built in the 14th century, it is the largest brick dome in the world and an outstanding example of Ilkhanid engineering and design.
Continue to Ali Sadr Cave, one of the world’s largest water caves. Explore its spectacular underground passages by boat, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, impressive stalactites, and stalagmites formed over millions of years.
Arrive in Hamedan in the evening.

✔️ Accommodation
3★, 4★ or 5★ hotel (according to your preference)

✔️ Meals
Breakfast

✔️ Highlights
* Soltaniyeh Dome (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
* Ali Sadr Cave

✔️ Special Information
* Distance: approximately 300 km
* Driving time: approximately 5 hours

Day 9: Discover Hamedan

Discover the rich history of Hamedan, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Known in ancient times as Ecbatana, it served as the capital of the Median Empire and later as the summer capital of the Achaemenid kings.
Visit the fascinating Hegmataneh Archaeological Site, where the remains of this ancient civilization continue to reveal Iran’s remarkable past. Continue to the Tomb of Avicenna, honoring the renowned Persian physician and philosopher whose influence extended far beyond the Islamic world.

Your journey also includes the Tomb of Baba Taher, one of Iran’s most beloved mystic poets, and the Tomb of Esther and Mordechai, an important Jewish pilgrimage site.
End the day at Ganjnameh, where ancient Achaemenid inscriptions carved into the mountainside overlook a beautiful waterfall and the scenic Alvand Mountains.

✔️ Accommodation
3★, 4★ or 5★ hotel (according to your preference)

✔️ Meals
Breakfast

✔️ Highlights
* Hegmataneh Archaeological Site
* Tomb of Avicenna
* Tomb of Baba Taher
* Tomb of Esther and Mordechai
* Ganjnameh

Day 10: Hamedan – Kermanshah

Leave Hamedan behind this morning and travel west to Kermanshah, a region renowned for its spectacular archaeological treasures and dramatic mountain landscapes.
Your first stop is Bisotun, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Iran’s most significant archaeological complexes. Discover the famous inscription of Darius the Great, carved into the mountainside in three ancient languages, documenting his victories and the history of the Achaemenid Empire.
Continue to Taq-e Bostan, where magnificent Sassanian rock reliefs are beautifully set beside a natural spring. Surrounded by peaceful gardens and mountain scenery, this remarkable site offers one of the finest examples of Persian rock carving.

✔️ Accommodation
3★, 4★ or 5★ hotel (according to your preference)

✔️ Meals
Breakfast

✔️ Highlights
* Bisotun (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
* Taq-e Bostan

✔️ Special Information
* Distance: approximately 200 km
* Driving time: approximately 3 hours

Day 11: Kermanshah-Ahwaz

Leave Kermanshah after breakfast and travel south through the spectacular landscapes of the Zagros Mountains toward Ahwaz, the gateway to the ancient civilizations of southwestern Iran.
Along the way, visit the ancient city of Susa (Shush), one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the capital of the Elamite Empire and an important city of the Achaemenid Empire, Susa played a significant role in Persian history.
Explore the archaeological remains of this remarkable city before continuing your journey to Ahwaz.

✔️ Accommodation
3★, 4★ or 5★ hotel (according to your preference)

✔️ Meals
Breakfast

✔️ Highlights
* Susa (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

✔️ Special Information
* Distance: approximately 550 km
* Driving time: approximately 7 hours

Day 12: Ahwaz – Chogha Zanbil – Shushtar – Ahwaz

Today’s excursion takes you deep into the heart of ancient Elamite civilization.
Your first stop is Chogha Zanbil, Iran’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s best-preserved ziggurats. Built around 1250 BC by the Elamite king Untash-Napirisha, this remarkable stepped temple stands as one of the finest examples of ancient religious architecture.
Continue to the historic city of Shushtar to visit the Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the Sassanian era, this extraordinary network of canals, bridges, dams, tunnels, and watermills demonstrates the remarkable engineering achievements of ancient Persia.
Return to Ahwaz in the evening.

✔️ Accommodation
3★, 4★ or 5★ hotel (according to your preference)

✔️ Meals
Breakfast

✔️ Highlights
* Chogha Zanbil (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
* Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

✔️ Special Information
* Approximate driving time: 4 hours

Day 13: Ahwaz – Shiraz

Leave Ahwaz this morning and travel toward Shiraz, the cultural capital of Iran.
Enjoy a scenic drive through the Zagros Mountains and pass the vast oil fields of southwestern Iran before arriving at the ancient city of Bishapur, one of the most important cities of the Sassanian Empire. Explore the impressive ruins of royal palaces, the Temple of Anahita, and magnificent Sassanian rock reliefs carved into the surrounding cliffs. Bishapur forms part of the UNESCO-listed Sasanian Archaeological Landscape of Fars Region, showcasing the architectural brilliance of ancient Persia.
Continue your journey through spectacular mountain scenery before arriving in Shiraz, where you can relax and enjoy your first evening in one of Iran’s most elegant and welcoming cities.

✔️ Accommodation
3★, 4★ or 5★ hotel (according to your preference)

✔️ Meals
Breakfast

✔️ Highlights
* Bishapur (Part of the UNESCO-listed Sasanian Archaeological Landscape of Fars Region)
* Temple of Anahita
* Sassanian Rock Reliefs
* Scenic drive through the Zagros Mountains

✔️ Special Information
* Distance: approximately 550 km
* Driving time: approximately 7 hours

Day 14:Discover Shiraz

Spend today discovering the timeless beauty of Shiraz, the city of poetry, gardens, and Persian culture.
Begin your day at the breathtaking Nasir al-Molk Mosque, famous for its colorful stained-glass windows that fill the prayer hall with vibrant morning light. Continue to the peaceful Tomb of Hafez, where your guide will introduce you to Iran’s most celebrated poet.
Visit the beautiful Eram Garden, one of the finest Persian gardens and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before stopping at the historic Ali Ibn Hamzeh Shrine and the Quran Gate, one of the city’s iconic landmarks.
In the afternoon, explore the magnificent Vakil Complex, including its citadel, traditional bazaar, mosque, and bathhouse, where Persian architecture and local craftsmanship come to life.
End the day with a memorable Persian dinner hosted by a local family and experience the genuine hospitality that makes Iran unforgettable.

✔️ Accommodation
3★, 4★ or 5★ hotel (according to your preference)

✔️ Meals
Breakfast
Dinner

✔️ Highlights
* Nasir al-Molk Mosque (Pink Mosque)
* Tomb of Hafez
* Eram Garden (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
* Ali Ibn Hamzeh Shrine
* Quran Gate
* Vakil Complex
* Traditional Persian dinner with a local family

Day 15: Shiraz – Persepolis – Pasargadae – Yazd

Leave Shiraz this morning and begin an unforgettable journey toward Yazd, stopping at two of Iran’s most extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Your first stop is the magnificent city of Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Walk among its grand palaces, monumental staircases, and intricate stone carvings that have stood for more than 2,500 years.
Continue to Pasargadae, the first capital of the Achaemenid Empire and the resting place of Cyrus the Great, one of history’s most influential rulers.
After exploring these remarkable archaeological treasures, continue through Iran’s changing landscapes until you arrive in the ancient desert city of Yazd. If time permits, enjoy an evening stroll around the beautifully illuminated Amir Chakhmaq Square.

✔️ Accommodation
3★, 4★ or 5★ hotel (according to your preference)

✔️ Meals
Breakfast

✔️ Highlights
* Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
* Pasargadae (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
* Tomb of Cyrus the Great
* Amir Chakhmaq Square

✔️ Special Information
* Distance: approximately 450 km
* Driving time: approximately 6 hours

Day 16: Discover Yazd

Discover Yazd, Iran’s ancient desert city and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements.
Begin your day by exploring the city’s rich Zoroastrian heritage. Visit the mysterious Tower of Silence, where your guide will explain the fascinating traditions and beliefs of one of the world’s oldest religions. Continue to the Fire Temple, home to a sacred flame that has been burning for more than 1,500 years.
Next, visit the beautiful Dowlat Abad Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its elegant Persian design and the world’s tallest windcatcher.
In the afternoon, explore the maze-like alleys of the Historic City of Yazd, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire its unique adobe architecture, traditional windcatchers, underground qanat system, and visit the magnificent Jameh Mosque of Yazd, famous for having one of the tallest entrance portals in Iran.
Finish the day by watching the sunset from the rooftop of a traditional house, overlooking the city’s iconic skyline of windcatchers and mud-brick buildings.

✔️ Accommodation
3★, 4★ or 5★ hotel (according to your preference)

✔️ Meals
Breakfast

✔️ Highlights
* Tower of Silence
* Fire Temple
* Dowlat Abad Garden (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
* Jameh Mosque of Yazd
* Historic City of Yazd (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
* Traditional rooftop sunset

Day 17: Yazd – Meybod – Isfahan

Leave Yazd this morning and travel toward the magnificent city of Isfahan.
Along the way, stop in the historic desert town of Meybod, where centuries of desert architecture are beautifully preserved. Visit the impressive Pigeon Tower, the traditional Ice House, and learn how ingenious Persian engineering made life possible in the desert.
Continue along the ancient Silk Road and visit the beautifully restored Abbasi Caravanserai, once an important resting place for merchants and travelers crossing Persia.
Arrive in Isfahan in the evening and enjoy your first view of the spectacular Naqsh-e Jahan Square, beautifully illuminated after sunset.

✔️ Accommodation
3★, 4★ or 5★ hotel (according to your preference)

✔️ Meals
Breakfast

✔️ Highlights
* Meybod City Tour
* Pigeon Tower
* Traditional Ice House
* Abbasi Caravanserai
* Evening visit to Naqsh-e Jahan Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

✔️ Special Information
* Distance: approximately 320 km
* Driving time: approximately 5 hours

Day 18: Discover Isfahan

Today is dedicated to discovering Isfahan, often described as one of the most beautiful cities in the Islamic world.
Begin at the magnificent Naqsh-e Jahan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest public squares ever built. Explore its architectural masterpieces, including the elegant Shah Mosque, the exquisite Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and the grand Ali Qapu Palace.
Continue to the beautiful Chehel Sotoun Palace, another UNESCO-listed Persian garden, famous for its impressive frescoes and tranquil reflecting pool.
Enjoy free time to wander through the traditional bazaar surrounding the square, renowned for Persian carpets, miniature paintings, enamelwork, and handwoven textiles.
In the afternoon, visit the historic Armenian Quarter of Jolfa and the magnificent Vank Cathedral, where Persian and Armenian art blend beautifully.
End the day at the iconic Si-o-se Pol and Khaju Bridge, where locals gather each evening and traditional Persian songs often echo beneath the arches.

✔️ Accommodation
3★, 4★ or 5★ hotel (according to your preference)

✔️ Meals
Breakfast

✔️ Highlights
* Naqsh-e Jahan Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
* Shah Mosque
* Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
* Ali Qapu Palace
* Chehel Sotoun Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
* Traditional Bazaar
* Vank Cathedral
* Si-o-se Pol
* Khaju Bridge

Day 19: Isfahan – Abyaneh – Kashan

Leave Isfahan this morning and journey toward the historic desert city of Kashan.
Your first stop is the picturesque village of Abyaneh, one of Iran’s oldest continuously inhabited villages. Wander through its narrow alleyways lined with distinctive red-mud houses, meet friendly locals dressed in traditional clothing, and discover a lifestyle that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Continue to Kashan, a city renowned for its elegant architecture and rich merchant history. Visit the beautiful Fin Garden, one of the finest examples of a traditional Persian garden and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the impressive Agha Bozorg Mosque before strolling through Kashan’s historic bazaar, where local artisans continue centuries-old traditions.

✔️ Accommodation
3★, 4★ or 5★ hotel (according to your preference)

✔️ Meals
Breakfast

✔️ Highlights
* Abyaneh Village
* Fin Garden (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
* Agha Bozorg Mosque
* Kashan Bazaar

✔️ Special Information
* Distance: approximately 210 km
* Driving time: approximately 4 hours

Day 20: Kashan – Tehran IKA Airport

Your journey through Iran comes to an end today.
Before leaving Kashan, visit one of the city’s beautifully preserved historic mansions, where elegant courtyards, stained-glass windows, and remarkable Persian architecture reflect the lifestyle of wealthy merchant families during the 19th century.
If your departure flight is scheduled later in the day, you may also visit the fascinating Nushabad Underground City, an ancient subterranean complex built to protect local residents during times of invasion.
Afterwards, transfer to Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) for your departure, taking with you unforgettable memories of Iran’s remarkable history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality.

✔️ Meals
Breakfast

✔️ Highlights
* Historic House of Kashan (Tabatabaei House or Borujerdi House)
* Optional visit to Nushabad Underground City

✔️ Special Information
* Distance: approximately 230 km
* Driving time: approximately 3 hours
* If you would like to use an airport hotel before your flight, please let us know in advance.

YOUR IRAN ADVENTURE STARTS HERE!

Ready to Discover Iran?
Explore ancient wonders, vibrant cultures, spectacular landscapes, and the legendary hospitality of Iran on a carefully designed journey.

✔️Book your tour with Melody Travel today—and experience Persia through the eyes of local experts.