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Explore the Splendid Iran
5/5
Explore the Splendid Iran
5/5
Duration

10 Days

Start

Tehran

Finish

Shiraz

Included meals

9 Breakfast

Group Size

Min 2, Max 10

Highlights of Persia

Explore highlights of ancient Persia on this 10-day splendid Iran cultural tour! Visit Iran’s UNESCO Sites in the metropolitan capital of Tehran, a blend of traditional and modern aspects of the Iranian lifestyle, and make your way through the central cities of magnificent Isfahan and mudbrick Yazd to Shiraz, the origin of one of the greatest emperorships, in the south.

Your Detailed Route

hotel

Howeyzeh 4*

meals

Breakfast

Day 1: Tehran

Arrive in Iran at the International Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA), and transfer to the hotel to take some rest, hotels are already booked from last night.

Today starts with exploring the cosmopolitan capital of Iran, Tehran, at around 9:00 am.

We will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Golestan Palace, the former royal Qajar complex, continue to the focal point of commerce in Tehran, the Grand Bazaar, and then visit the Iran National Museum.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Tabiat Bridge (Nature Bridge), the largest pedestrian overpass in Tehran.
Overnight: Tehran

Tehran UNESCO Museum Palace
Tehran Nature Bridge at Night
Iran Bastan Museum
hotel

Howeyzeh 4*

meals

Breakfast

Day 1: Tehran

Arrive in Iran at the International Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA), and transfer to the hotel to take some rest, hotels are already booked from last night.

Today starts with exploring the cosmopolitan capital of Iran, Tehran, at around 9:00 am.

We will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Golestan Palace, the former royal Qajar complex, continue to the focal point of commerce in Tehran, the Grand Bazaar, and then visit the Iran National Museum.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Tabiat Bridge (Nature Bridge), the largest pedestrian overpass in Tehran.
Overnight: Tehran>

Tehran Pahlavi Palace
Tehran UNESCO Site
Pahlavi Residential in Tehran
hotel

Safir 4*

meals

Breakfast

Day 3: Tehran- Kashan- Isfahan

Today, we depart Tehran to make our way to Isfahan. En route, we will stop at Kashan and have the opportunity to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Persian Garden, the Fin Garden, as well as the spectacular traditional Borujerdi House. Then, continue to Isfahan. If possible, we will spend some time on the historical bridges (Khajoo and Sio-se-pol) over the roaring Zayandeh Rud River. (456km)
Overnight: Isfahan

Persian Garden in Kashan
Traditional Bridge in Isfahan
Kashan Traditional House
hotel

Safir 4*

meals

Breakfast

Day 4: Isfahan

Today, we will enjoy a full-day visit to the eye-catching Naghsh-e Jahan Square. We will explore two of the world’s most magnificent mosques, the Imam (Shah) and Sheikh Lutfullah mosques. The former is the largest and the most splendid monument of the Safavid dynasty and the latter is the stunning religious structure shining at the eastern side of Naghsh-e Jahan Square. On the western side of this square, another magnificent building stands out, Ali Qapu Palace which served as the official residence of the Safavid reign.  We will also have time to visit Chehel Sotoun Palace with its 20 columns where their reflection on the pool water seems like 40.
In the afternoon, we will pay a visit to the most memorable and artistic treasure of Armenian Christians in Isfahan, the Vank cathedral, and enjoy pleasant moments by walking in the Armenian quarter with its fragrant smell of coffee.
Overnight: Isfahan

Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan, 1979
Tourists Travel to Iran
Vank Cathedral Murals
hotel

Traditional Laleh

meals

Breakfast

Day 5: Isfahan- Meybod- Yazd

On the fifth day, we head for Yazd. En route, we will stop in the city of Meybod to visit its Caravanserai, historical pigeon tower, and ice storage. Then, continue driving to Yazd, known as the city of the wind-catchers of Iran. (325km)
Overnight: Yazd

Meybod Pigeon Tower
Amir Chakhmaq Construction
Yazd Badgirs
hotel

Traditional Laleh

meals

Breakfast

Day 6: Yazd

Our full-day city tour includes the Zoroastrian fire temple, the magnificent Jame Mosque with the longest minarets in Iran, and amazing tile work. Walking in the historical neighborhood of Fahadan (the old district of the city inscribed on Iran’s UNESCO list) is a memorable experience.

We will also pay a visit to Amir Chakhmagh Square and hopefully, we have enough time for the Water Museum before proceeding to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dowlat Abad Garden which is famous for its 34-meter-tall wind-catcher and the wonderful atmosphere of its garden.
Overnight: Yazd

Zoroastrian Fire Temple Emblem
UNESCO Site of Yazd Historical District
Dakhma in Yazd
hotel

Royal 4*

meals

Breakfast

Day 7: Yazd- Pasargadae- Shiraz

Leaving Yazd to Shiraz, we will stop at Pasargadae en route to visit the tomb of Cyrus the Great, which is a spectacular monument of Persia.

Our road trip continues to Shiraz, the city of beautiful gardens and renowned poets. (448km)
Overnight: Shiraz

Rock Relief Near Pasargadae
Tomb of Cyrus the Great
Pasargadae Complex
hotel

Royal 4*

meals

Breakfast

Day 8: Shiraz

Early morning, we will be delighted by sunlight passing through the colorful windows at the mesmerizing Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, also known as the Pink Mosque. Undoubtedly, this mosque is one of the most stunning sites in Shiraz where you will get lost in its beautiful colors.

Distinguished citadel of Shiraz, Arg-e Karim Khan, the 18th-century royal castle of Karim Khan Zand, the famous king of the Zand dynasty, and the Vakil Complex (bath, mosque, and bazaar) will be our next visit to explore Shiraz history and architecture.

It seems that Persian gardens in Shiraz have a different scent.  Eram Garden (UNESCO) for example, surrounded by numerous trees and flowers evokes a feeling of heaven.

The day will finish with tasting one of the famous dishes of Shiraz, faloodeh and then, we will go back to the hotel.
Overnight: Shiraz

Persian Garden in Shiraz
Pink Mosque in Shiraz
Shiraz Traditional Bazaar
hotel

Royal 4*

meals

Breakfast

Day 9: Shiraz- Persepolis

Morning excursion to Persepolis, located in Marvdasht, some 50km northeast of Shiraz, representing the awesome ruins of an ancient world. This is considered the highlight of Iran. Without question, this is the symbol of the glory and strength of ancient Persia, admiring this precious civilization and history with every step you take.

Moreover, we will visit the elegant Achaemenid tombs at Naqsh-e Rostam and the archeological site of Naghsh-e Rajab.

Then, we make our way back to Shiraz to be immersed in the beauty of the tomb of the celebrated Persian poet, Hafiz. (100km)
Overnight: Shiraz

Ancient Persian Rock Relief
Persepolis Ruins in splendid Iran
Necropolis Near Persepolis in Splendid Iran
hotel

-

meals

-

Day 10: Shiraz

The tour ends in Shiraz and you will take a flight back home.

Included

  • Hotel accommodation with Breakfast
  • Licensed Tour Guide
  • A.C. Minibus / Van
  • Entrance Fees for Mentioned Sites
  • Visa Authorization Code

Excluded

  • Visa Fee at Iranian Embassy
  • International Flight
  • Lunch - Dinner
Let's Plan Together
Explore the Splendid Iran
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FAQ

  • 1- What is the best time to visit Iran?

    The best time to visit Iran is normally from April to May and from September to early November. However, Iran, as a vast country is a destination for all four seasons. For instance, in July and August, the west and northwest of Iran are the best choices due to cooler weather, mixed with classic routes, such as Tabriz, Kurdistan, Kermanshah, and Hamedan. The months of November, December, January, and February are the best time for traveling to south Iran and visiting the islands of Qeshm, Kish, Chabahar, and Bushehr.

  • 2- What is the main currency in Iran?

    The national currency in Iran is the Iranian Rial (IRR). However, due to the dramatic decrease in Iran’s currency value, Iranians informally use Toman to make daily transactions easier. Each Toman equals 10 Rials and you just need to omit one zero to find out the value in Toman.

  • 3- Is it safe to travel to Iran?

    Iran is generally safe for foreign travelers and Iranians are well-known for their warm hospitality. But if you are still in doubt, let a licensed Iranian tour operator or travel agency organize a hassle-free tour for you.

  • 4- Can American, British, and Canadian citizens get a visa for Iran?

    Yes, they absolutely can! They are just required to travel with a licensed local guide across the country and arrange their visas in advance.

  • 5- Should I wear a hijab in Iran as a woman?

    Foreign women should wear hijab in Iran according to the country’s laws. But just a loose hijab covering their hair, neck, arms, and legs is enough. Chador and burqa are not mandatory. Chador is just mandatory in some religious sites, including some mosques or shrines, and is offered to the visitors at the entrance.

  • 6- Is my credit card accepted in Iran?

    Credit cards and debit cards do not work in Iran, unfortunately, due to the sanctions. So, you can either bring enough cash with you during your trip to Iran or exchange money at the airport or exchange offices across the cities. Iranian debit cards are also available.

  • 7- Is there internet access in Iran?

    Yes, you can access Wi-Fi in most public places, such as hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops. However, due to filtering on some social media and websites, you should use a VPN to unblock them. You can also use data internet by buying a local SIM card in the airport or mobile shops.

  • 8- Can I drink alcohol in Iran?

    Alcoholic drinks are forbidden according to the country’s laws.

  • 9- Can I find vegetarian restaurants in Iran?

    You can find a great variety of vegetarian meals in the Persian culinary, as well as vegetarian restaurants in larger cities. If you are going to travel to Iran on a tour, you’d better inform the tour operator or the travel agency in advance.

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