THE ANCIENT LAND OF PERSIA

17 days

WHAT’S INCLUDED/EXCLUDED

WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Arrival and departure airport transfers
• 16 nights of accommodation
• Land travel in Iran by an air-conditioned vehicle
• Services of an Iranian English speaking tour guide throughout the tour
• Meals: all breakfasts, 0 lunches, 2 dinners (1 Persian night)
•Two bottles of mineral water per day (per person)

WHAT’S EXCLUDED
• International airfares, taxes, and surcharges
• Travel insurance
• Visa authorization number fee
• Visa costs
• Entrance fee
• Tips

Day 1: Tehran

Salam!
Welcome to Iran. When you arrive at the Tehran IKA airport, meet your leader and transfer to hotel. check in and get rest for first day. If you arrive early, maybe step into the city and check out the freedom tower and have a panorama city tour. Then head out to dinner with your guide and get to know over some Iranian cuisine.

Accommodation:
In 3*, 4* or 5* hotels according to your request.

Meals:
Dinner

Optional activities:
Freedom tower
Panorama city tour

Special information:
If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent know.

Day 2: Tehran

Spend your morning exploring the central part of Tehran and visit some historical monuments, Museum, national garden gate and a UNESCO World Heritage Site then stroll through Tehran’s bustling bazaar.
In the afternoon head to the north of Tehran to visit Saad Abad palace a lavish palace and garden then visit a colorful local market.
Enjoy your evening in Darband one of the most famous recreational places in Tehran.

Accommodation:
In 3*, 4* or 5* hotels according to your request.

Meals:
Breakfast

Included activities:
Iran National museum
National garden gate
Golestan palace ( UNESCO HERITAGE SITE )
Saad Abbad palace
Tajrish local market.
Darband

Day 3: Rasht

This morning after breakfast, head towards Gilan province and the city of Rasht, one of the northern cities of Iran.
After crossing the road and lush mountainous areas, you will visit the historic and terraced village of Masouleh. Masouleh is one of the most attractive historical villages in northern Iran. This beautiful village with its unique terraced architecture has a rich and unique history. After exploring the alleys and traditional market of Masouleh, head towards Rasht and visit the city's famous square.

Accommodation:
In 3*, 4* or 5* hotels according to your request.

Meals:
Breakfast

Included activities:
Masouleh villages

Special information:
The distance from Tehran to Rasht is about 320 KM.
The approximate driving today is about 6 hours.

Day 4: Tabriz

Today, embark on a cultural and scenic journey from Rasht to Tabriz.
Pass through the lush Talesh region, known for its green fields and rice paddies.
Then, marvel at the spectacular view of the Heyran Gorge, with its towering cliffs and lush valleys stretching along the Alborz Mountains.
Before arriving in Tabriz, visit the Sheikh Safi Complex in Ardabil, a masterpiece of Safavid architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a treasure trove of art, mysticism, and history.

Accommodation:
In 3*, 4* or 5* hotels according to your request.

Meals:
Breakfast

Included activities:
Sheikh Safi Complex

Special information:
The distance from Rasht to Tabriz is about 480 KM.
The approximate driving today is about 6 hours.

Day 5: Tabriz

This morning after breakfast, visit the Blue Mosque of Tabriz. This 600-year-old mosque is known as the Turquoise of Islam. This mosque is a monument to Iranian identity, culture, and art. Then visit the exterior of the Alishah Citadel, the tallest brick structure in Tabriz. Visit the vibrant Tabriz Bazaar, a World Heritage Site, the largest covered bazaar in Iran and the world.
Then head to Kandovan, one of Iran’s rocky villages, and enjoy its unique architecture, pleasant climate, and beautiful nature.
In the evening, visit Il-Goli Park, the most popular recreational spot for the people of Tabriz.

Accommodation:
In 3*, 4* or 5* hotels according to your request.

Meals:
Breakfast

Included activities:
Blue Mosque
Alishah Citadel
Grand bazzar(UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Kandovan village
Il- goli park

Special information:
The distance from Tabriz to Kandovan is about 65 KM.
The approximate driving today is about 2 hours.

Day 6: zanjan

This morning after breakfast, depart from Tabriz to Zanjan. Be amazed by the vibrant colors of the colorful mountains of Aladaghlar.
On the way to Zanjan visit Takht-e-Soleyman, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, once the capital of the Sasanian Empire and home to magnificent palaces and temples. Takht-e-Soleyman was the largest educational, religious, social, and worship center of pre-Islamic Iran. Imagine the glory of the past as you walk through the ruins.
Then drive to Zanjan.

Accommodation:
In 3*, 4* or 5* hotels according to your request.

Meals:
Breakfast

Included activities:
Takht-e-Soleyman (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Special information:
The distance from Tabriz to Zanjan is about 300 KM.
The approximate driving today is about 6 hours.

Day 7: zanjan

Today drive to Soltanieh a small historic city near Zanjan and visit the World Heritage Site of the Soltaniyeh Dome, one of the architectural masterpieces of the Islamic era, the largest dome in Iran and the third largest brick dome in the world, and admire Iranian architects.
Then return back to Zanjan and visit the Rakhtshooy khane Museum, a place where clothes were washed by women, Salt men's museum, then head to the traditional Zanjan Bazaar.

Accommodation:
In 3*, 4* or 5* hotels according to your request.

Meals:
Breakfast

Included activities:
Soltaniyeh Dome (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Rakhtshooy khane
Salt men's museum
Zanjan Bazzar

Special information:
The distance from Zanjan to Soltanieh is about 40 KM.
The approximate driving today is about 1 hours.

Day 8: Hamedan

This morning, after breakfast, start your journey from Zanjan to Hamedan, one of the ancient cities of Iran.
Visit one of the largest, most amazing water caves in the world, about 100 kilometers from Hamedan, and be amazed by the natural beauty of this cave. The natural architecture of the cave with stalagmites and stalactites and flowing water brings you a unique experience of nature and geology.

Accommodation:
In 3*, 4* or 5* hotels according to your request.

Meals:
Breakfast

Included activities:
Ali Sadr Cave

Special information:
The distance from Zanjan to Hamedan is about 300 KM.
The approximate driving today is about 5 hours.

Day 9: Hamedan

Today you will visit the ancient city of Hamedan and its historical monuments.
Hamedan or Ecbatana is one of the most important historical cities in Iran. It was the capital of the Medes and also the summer capital of the Achaemenids, the largest empire in the world.
We will visit the tombs of Avicenna, the famous Iranian physician and author of medical books, Baba Taher, the Iranian poet and mystic, as well as the tomb of Esther and Mordecai, which is revered as a Jewish pilgrimage site.
Step back in time at the Hegmataneh archaeological site and discover the ancient city of Ecbatana. Finally, head to Ganjnameh to see Achaemenid inscriptions and enjoy the natural waterfall and mountain views.

Accommodation:
In 3*, 4* or 5* hotels according to your request.

Meals:
Breakfast

Included activities:
Hegmataneh archaeological site
Tombs of Avicenna
Tomb of Baba Taher
Tomb of Esther and Mordecai
Ganjnameh

Day 10: Kashan

Today after breakfast start your journey from Hamedan to Kashan. A small historic city in Isfahan province. After a few hours of driving, relax at Fin Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here is one of the most beautiful garden in central Iran, rest and enjoy its pleasant atmosphere.
Then visit the local and traditional Bazaar of Kashan and be amazed by the unique architecture of Amin al_Dowleh Timcheh.

Accommodation:
In 3*, 4* or 5* hotels according to your request.

Meals:
Breakfast

Included activities:
Fin Garden(UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Amin al_Dowleh Timcheh

Special information:
The distance from Hamedan to Kashan is about 400 KM.
The approximate driving time today will be 5 hours.

Day 11: Isfahan

Today Before leaving Kashan to Isfahan, visit Tabatabaei or Borojerdi Historical houses.
On the way, you will visit a charming and unique Iranian village, where the pink color of its houses will captivate you. You will walk through its mud alleys and stone streets, meet the locals and you can also buy organic products from their gardens.
Then drive to Isfahan

Accommodation:
In 3*, 4* or 5* hotels according to your request.

Meals:
Breakfast

Included activities:
Tabatabaei house
Borojerdi House
Abyaneh village

Special information:
The distance from Tehran to Isfahan is about 220 KM.
The approximate driving time today will be 4 hours.

Day 12: Isfahan

Start your morning by learning about Isfahan through a city tour with your leader. First, go to the Magnificent Naqsh-e Jahan Square. ( UNESCO Heritage Site)
Visit its many highlights like its Shah Mosque,Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque, Ali Qapoo Palace and Cehelsoton palace. Visit its Bazaar and shops, known for its Handicrafts, Print on fabric and carpets, you’ll stop and enjoy the designs of the local craftsmanship. In the afternoon, head to the Armenian Quarter in Jolfa and visit its unique cathedral.
Then head to the historic 33 bridge and Khaju bridge, here enjoy listening to local singers singing under the bridges.

Accommodation:
In 3*, 4* or 5* hotels according to your request.

Meals:
Breakfast

Included activities:
Isfahan - City tour
Naghshe Jahan Sq ( UNESCO HERITAGE SITE)
Shah mosque
Sheik lotf Allah Mosque
Ali Qapoo palace
Chehelsoton palace ( UNESCO HERITAGE SITE)
Vank Cathedral
33 bridge
Khaju bridge

Day 13: Yazd

In the morning after breakfast, drive to Yazd.
On the way, stop for a few hours in the ancient city of Meybod and visit its historical monuments such as the Pigeon Tower and Ice house.
Walk along the Silk Road and take a break at its 16th century caravanserai and learn about the ancient Silk Road. Then, drive to Yazd and enjoy its historical square and its windcatchers.

Accommodation:
In 3*, 4* or 5* hotels according to your request.

Meals:
Breakfast

Included activities:
Meybod- City tour
Pigeon tower
Ice house
Abbassi Caravanserai ( UNESCO Heritage Site)
Yazd- Amir Chakhmaq Sq

Special Information:
The distance from Isfahan to Yazd is about 320 KM.
The approximate driving time today is about 5 hours.

Day 14: Yazd

After breakfast, you will start your fascinating day by visiting Zoroastrian monuments such as the Tower of Silence. Then you will go to see the 1500-year-old eternal fire and your guide will tell you about Zoroastrian culture, customs and religion. Then you will go to see the world's tallest windcatcher in a beautiful garden.
Here you will admire the Yazdi artists for their access to water through the qanats( underground canals) and access to cool air through the windcatchers in the desert.
In the afternoon, head to the ancient city of Yazd and visit a mosque that has the tallest minaret. Then you will walk through the alleys of the historical and adobe part of Yazd and get to know the life style of the people in the desert.
And finally, you will enjoy the sunset and the city's windcatchers from the rooftops of the old houses.

Accommodation:
In 3*, 4* or 5* hotels according to your request.

Meals:
Breakfast

Included activities:
Silence Tower
Fire Temple
Dolat Abad Garden ( UNESCO HERITAGE SITE)
Friday Mosque
Ancient city ( UNESCO HERITAGE SITE)

Day 15: Shiraz

This morning after breakfast we will head to Shiraz, the cultural capital of Iran. On the way, you will visit two World Heritage Sites and the glory of the Achaemenid Empire. You will visit the magnificent tomb of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid dynasty, and finally, you will visit the most beautiful capital of the Achaemenid Empire, Persepolis.
This is where you will be shocked by the elegance and art of stone carving from more than 2,500 years ago.

Accommodation:
In 3*, 4* or 5* hotels according to your request.

Meals:
Breakfast

Included activities:
Pasargad (UNESCO HERITAGE SITE)
Persepolis (UNESCO HERITAGE SITE)

Special Information:
The distance from Yazd to Shiraz is about 450 KM.
The approximate driving time today is about 6 hours.

Day 16: Shiraz

Today you will explore Shiraz with your guide and visit historical monuments from the 18th and 19th centuries. First of all you will visit a beautiful colorful mosque and then tomb of one of the most famous Iranian poets, a holy shrine and a beautiful botanical garden.
In the afternoon,You will enter a huge historical brick complex in the heart of the city and spend a few hours exploring it.
You will also visit the citadel, the bazaar and much more.
And finally, you will spend the last night of your trip with an Iranian family and tasting delicious shirazi cuisine.

Accommodation:
In 3*, 4* or 5* hotels according to your request.

Meals:
Breakfast
Dinner

Included activities:
Nasir Almolk Mosque (Pink Mosque)
Hafezieh
Ali Ebn Hamzeh shrine
Gate of Quran
Eram Garden( UNESCO HERITAGE SITE)
Vakil Complex

Day 17: Shiraz airport _ Departure Flight

Your trip comes to an end today and you will be transferred to Shiraz International Airport.

Meals:
Breakfast