Short description:
Revel in this spectacular journey to Iran and explore the magnificent attractions along the King’s Road. Rich with history, the numerous atmospheric cities of distinctive architecture are home to 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Beginning from Tehran, you’ll tour Iran’s most iconic sites and some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Open up a world of fantastic experiences on this unforgettable journey and discover the culture, nature, history, and art that will not fail to amaze you.
HIGHLIGHTS: | Visit Persepolis
Visit Kaloot Visit Naghshe Jahan Visit Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System |
SERVICE INCLUDED: | Transfers and round trip in an air-conditioned coach
3 nights in 4 stars hotels in a double room in Tehran 1 night in 4 stars hotel in a double room in Hamedan 1 night in 4 stars hotel in a double room in Khorramabad 1 night in 4 stars hotel in a double room in Dezful 2 nights in 4 stars hotels in a double room in Shiraz 2 nights in 4 stars hotels in a double room in Kerman 1 night in a traditional hotel in a double room in Yazd 3 nights in 4 stars hotels in a double room in Isfahan 15 Half boards Entrance fees, excursions, and sightseeing according to the itinerary Visa service English or German speaking tour guide |
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Day 1: Arrival in Tehran
Welcome to the great capital and the beating heart of Iran, Tehran. Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Overnight in Tehran.
Day 2: Discover the Vast Serenity of the Museums of the Capital
Our travel to Iran begins with a magical visit to the National Museum of Iran, where the precious objects of the ancient times are kept and displayed. Next, we will visit the Treasury of National Jewel where is the home to hundreds of mind-boggling jewelry of Iran and the world, as well. Then, we will pay a felicitous visit to the Sa’adabad Palace Complex. Different museums and royal palaces are located among a gorgeous green garden; therefore, get ready to get astonished by the friendly atmosphere, unique arts, royal cars, and monarchial palaces. Lastly, we will visit one of the most picturesque masterworks of the capital and the paradise of the photographers, the Tabi’at Bridge, where provides a palatable place for strolling and photographing.
Overnight in Tehran.
Day 3: Experience a Captivating Fusion of Religion, History, and Nature
Today we head towards Hamadan, the capital of Iranian history and civilization. After our arrival, we will pay a wonderful visit to the Tomb of Esther and Mordechai, the most important Jewish shrine, to learn about these two people’s exciting stories and history. Next, we will visit the eye-catching Abbas Abad Tourism and Recreational Complex at the end of which the prominent Ganjnameh is located. A bonny blend of nature, ancient history, and excitement are available while visiting Ganjnameh to gratify different visitors. Today’s tour will end after visiting the Mausoleum of Avicenna, one of the most significant physicians, astronomers, and writers of the Islamic Golden Age, during which you will enjoy its pleasant atmosphere and unique architecture and structure.
Overnight in Hamadan.
Day 4: Go Back in Time
Today we leave Hamadan towards Khorram Abad, but en route, we will stop in Kermanshah where offers lots of discoveries. First, we will visit the Anahita Temple in Kangavar, which is one of the marvelous stone structures in Iran. Afterward, we will take a walk through the ancient history by exploring Bisotun City where is the home to a Unesco World Heritage Site, the Bisotun Inscription that dates back to the glorious Achaemenid era, and other historical monuments, as well. Then, we will continue to visit one of the relics of the Sassanid era, the Taq-e Bostan where you will find remarkable rock reliefs ravishingly carved on a mountain near beautiful nature. After an intriguing journey back through time, we continue to Khorram Abad, where we stay for one night.
Overnight in Khorram Abad.
Day 5: Immerse Yourself in the Rich History of Iran
We start our day by visiting the historical and cultural emblem of Lorestan Province, the majestic-looking Falak-ol-Aflak Castle. Situated on the top of a big hill, this castle is home to spectacular museums where the silent sculptures enrich the visitor’s ability to find out and speak about the ancient Lorestan. Afterward, we depart Khorram Abad towards Shush, the emerald of ancient Iran, to visit the first Iranian UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the most wonderful temple and historical monument of the Kingdom of Elam, Chogha Zanbil Ziggurat is a unique emanation of cultures, faith, and customs of the very first indigenous people of Iran. Later, we will explore the historical city of Shush, a city that has witnessed different epochal periods and is among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Iran. Lastly, we drive to Dezful to stay for a night.
Overnight in Dezful.
Day 6: Enjoy a Thought-Provoking Day in Iran
This morning, we depart Dezful and travel south to Shiraz. En route, we will visit the city of Shushtar to watch another outstanding Iranian UNESCO Heritage Sites, Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System. Generally recognized as the animate museum of water industry of ancient Iran, this system is a complete collection of bridges, dams, mills, waterfalls, canals, and enormous tunnels for leading water, working together, that will never fail to amaze its visitors. After that, we continue our way till we stop at the ancient city of Bishapur, a host to several attractions of the Sassanid era. Surrounded by the spectacular Dowan mountain range on one side, and the Shapur River on the other, the city also provides historical monuments, structures, and inscriptions for the lovers of history. Subsequently, we drive to Shiraz, the cultural capital of the country, to spend our next day exploring this magnificent city.
Overnight in Shiraz.
Day 7: Unveil the True Beauties of Shiraz
So tightly filled with historical monuments in Shiraz that every step discloses a novel discovery. As our first port of call, we will retrace the footsteps of past monarchs by visiting the Persepolis, the second UNESCO World Heritage Site of Iran. As a memorial of the world’s greatest empire, Persepolis is also the most significant monument of the glorious Achaemenid era that is of universal fame.
Notwithstanding its tumultuous history, the remaining parts of the Persepolis are the epitome of the fantastic architecture of ancient Iran. Afterward, we will pay another historic visit to the Naqsh-e Rostam or Necropolis where the tombs of four great Achaemenid kings are carved into a mountain along with other rock reliefs of the Sassanid era. For a different visiting theme, we will visit the holy shrine of Shah-e Cheragh, literally translated into “the King of Light.”
Ornamented with mirror works from ceiling to floor, the internal space provides a cozy place for lights and mirrors to play and amaze the visitors and pilgrims. Then, the tomb of Hafez, the honorable Iranian poet, will be the last attraction that we visit today. The spiritual and inspiring atmosphere of this place will keep you serene, and also it may come as a surprise to receive fortune-telling by Hafez’s poems that will be a fresh experience to you.
Overnight in Shiraz.
Day 8: Douse Yourself in the Dancing Colors
You may wish to revisit Shiraz after visiting today’s first port of call, the Nasir-ol Molk Mosque, where the combination of dancing colors, positive vibes, and pleasant atmosphere impress any visitor. Adorned with thousands of pink tiling, this unique mosque has been dubbed the Pink Mosque. After that, it is time to bid a fond farewell to Shiraz and leave toward the spectacular city of Kerman in the southeast of Iran.
Overnight in Kerman
Day 9: Take Pleasure in the Wonders of the Desert City of Kerman
From the very first day of our tour, we visit the architectural monuments done by humans, but today we will visit the architectural masterpieces created by nature, titled as Kalout or Yardang in Shahdad Desert. In the heart of the Lut Desert, where all you can see is dunes, and all you can hear is your heartbeat, watching these so-called Kalouts will provide unearthly views that seems you have entered a mystical city.
Moreover, camel riding and safari are also available and will add great thrills to your journey. The attractions of Kerman are not limited to desert areas, but this city is the house for historical and green gardens such as the Shazde Mahan Garden that glitters like a green emerald in the middle of this desert city. In addition to its historical value and eye-catching beauties, this garden is among the UNESCO World Heritage List that will welcome the visitors with its charming atmosphere. Lastly, we visit the Shah Nematollah Vali Shrine, the renowned Iranian mystic, and poet, where you will enjoy its gnostic atmosphere and gorgeous architecture.
Overnight in Kerman.
Day 10: Kerman-Yazd
Our 10th day begins with strolling along the Grand Bazaar of Kerman, one of the oldest trading centers of the country, and browse the delightsome shops for some souvenirs. Furthermore, to delve deeper into Kerman’s past, we will observe the Ganjali Khan Bath and its fascinating Museum of Anthropology. After that, we set off again on our journey to the adobe city of Yazd, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage. On the way, we stop in the Zein-o-din Caravanserai in Mehriz that dates back to the Safavid era. For a patch of a blue or starry sky, this stunning circular caravanserai is of a particular architecture that provides access to the roof to watch the terrific sky of the desert. Later, we continue to Yazd to spend the next day exploring this beautiful city.
Overnight in Yazd
Day 11: Explore the City of Wind Catchers
Today, we embark on a mysterious visit to the Zoroastrian’s Dakhmeh, or Tower of Silence to discover more about the burial traditions of the Zoroastrians and its mysterious world. Another sacred Zoroastrian attraction in this city is a fire temple or Atashkadeh-e Yazd that we will visit to learn more about the traditions of this religion and to find yourself mesmerized by a fire burning for 1550 years. For a different urban view, we go to the Amir Chakhmaq Complex. Surrounded by the hustle and bustle of modern life is the Amir Chakhmaq Square plus adobe-brick structures with distinctive architectural style, such as the Amir Chakhmaq Mosque, Bazaar, Ab-Anbar, and Tekyeh that astonish anyone to an enjoyable experience. Further, to become more acquainted with the ancient times in the city of wind catchers, we will wander around the Fahaadaan neighborhood where the Adobe views of old aristocratic houses and historical monuments and the pleasant smell of clay energize the visitors. At last, we leave for Isfahan, the city of turquoise domes.
Overnight in Isfahan.
Day 12: Delve into the City of Opulent Architectures
Step in the streets and find yourself embraced by the splendorous buildings, splendid architecture, visually stimulating art, and the lively atmosphere of Isfahan. This charming city offers a blend of architectural styles that we will visit most of the significant ones during our tour. For the first port of call, we visit the Naqsh-e Jahan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the heart of Isfahan. This square is host to several historical monuments such as the Ali Qapu Palace, the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, the Imam Mosque, and the Isfahan Grand Bazaar that selecting the best words to describe the beauties of each, is impossible. Within the bustling part of the city is an impressive palace of absorbing miniature, paintings, and mirror works called the Chehel Sotoun Palace. Besides these features, the exquisite edifice and pretty garden of this UNESCO World Heritage Site enthrall the visitors. After that, we will pay a visit to the most famous historical bridges over Zayanderud River such as the Si-o-Se Pol Bridge, the Khaju Bridge, the Joubi Bridge, the Marnan Bridge, and the Shahrestan Bridge. Immerse yourself in the beauties of the most attractive ones, the Khaju Bridge and the Si-o-Se Pol Bridge. These bridges are the perfect places to people watch and take in the views of the Zayanderud River.
Overnight in Isfahan.
There is plenty to do in the city of Isfahan, Half the World. We start the 13th day by visiting the oldest historical attraction of Isfahan, the Jame Mosque. The stunning architecture and amazing ornaments of this UNESCO World Heritage Site are enough to impress its visitors. Afterward, we will visit the Holy Vank Cathedral, where the Iranian and Armenian architecture is beautifully blended and have created a beautiful masterpiece. The fantastic paintings and marvelous gildings of this cathedral never fail to win the visitors admirations. We devote our final hours in Isfahan visiting the Grand Bazaar of the city welcomes its visitors with the colorful handicrafts, beautiful copper dishes, brilliant enamels, delicious sweets and nuts, and scented smell herbs and spices.
Overnight in Isfahan.
Day 14: Get Your First Taste of Traditional Village Cultures
We depart Isfahan after breakfast and travel north to Tehran. However, before leaving Isfahan Province, we will visit the Red Village of Abyaneh, en route. Thanks to the stepped structure of the village, the clay materials in the construction of houses, the colorful costumes of the locals and their traditions, you feel that you are doing time travel to the past. After that, to reach Tehran, we will travel through the beautiful city of Kashan, which is host to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fin Garden. The artistic amalgamation of art, architecture, nature, and history in an enticing atmosphere is the characteristic feature of Iranian Gardens that have attracted the international travelers’ attention. Your final included tour takes in the Mausoleum of Ruhollah Khomeini, the supreme leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution. We, then, will continue our way to the hotel in Tehran.
Day 15: Tour Ends
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, at the end of a highly enjoyable journey