12-Day Tour of Iran 2024: The Persian Odyssey

Welcome to Iran, the country of ancient history and culture! Meet us up at Imam Khomeini Airport of Tehran early in the morning, get transferred to your accommodation and have an early check-in. After getting some rest, at around noon, enjoy lunch and the nice view of the capital at Tehran’s iconic Milad Tower. Then, find the beauties of the fancy Golestan Palace (UNESCO Heritage).

Overnight: Tehran

 

Today, discover the precious relics of the National Museum of Iran, the beautiful glassware and ceramic in Abgineh Museum of Tehran and the world-acclaimed Persian carpets in the Carpet Museum of Tehran. Plus, discover the beauties of the summer house of Iran’s last two dynasties: Sa’dabad Palace. Also, relax and enjoy a nice meal at the pleasant hub of Tehrani people, Darband, a mountainous area with many outdoor restaurants and tea houses.

Overnight: Tehran

Today, check out the modern architecture of the iconic symbol of the city: Azadi Tower. Then, hit the road from Tehran to Isfahan (around 440 km), the hub of Iran’s Islamic architectural masterpieces.

Overnight: Isfahan

Today, the well-known highlights of Isfahan expect you with their admired beauty. Visit the UNESCO-listed Naqshe-e Jahan Square (including Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Shah Mosque, Ali Qapu palace, Qeysarie Gate and the Grand Bazaar). Also, check out the elegant architecture of Chehel Sotoun Palace (UNESCO heritage). Nearby, discover Persian music and instruments and enjoy a live performance of Iranian music at the Music Museum of Isfahan. Finally, enjoy the beauties of the nights and get familiar with the local lifestyle by a walk around the historic bridge of the city: Si-O-Se-Pol.

Overnight: Isfahan

Get an attraction-packed ride from Isfahan to Shiraz (around 480 km). On your way, pay a visit to Cyrus the Great’s burial place at the remains of his Pasargadae (UNESCO-listed Persian Garden). At lunchtime, enjoy unique dishes at a traditional ecolodge. Then, continue your way toward Shiraz.

Overnight: Shiraz

Today is the day of the adorable aura and the lovely attractions of Shiraz. Begin the day with the colorful dance of colors in the photogenic Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque (also known as the Pink Mosque), then move on to check out the elegance of the historical house of aristocrats, Qavam House. After that, the impressive relics of Zand Dynasty will expect you at the historical Vakil Complex (including the Bazaar, the Bathhouse and the Mosque). Another memento of Zand Dynasty and the now the now iconic citadel of the city will expect you: Arg of Karim Khan. Finally, end the day with enjoying the romantic atmosphere of the mausoleum one of Iran’s top Sufi classic poets: the Tomb of Hafez.

Overnight: Shiraz

Optional:You can enjoy the rare experience of a Night Gathering with a Shirazi Family. Being guests to one of the world’s most hospitable nations, enjoying homemade meals cooked with love, and discovering Persian customs in the warmth of an Iranian family is just unforgettable!

Duration: 2-4 hours

More of Shiraz’s beauties expect you today. Start the day with a pleasant walk at the historic Eram Garden (UNESCO-listed Persian Garden). Also, pay a visit to the tomb of one of Iran’s top classic poets: Tomb of Saadi. Then, stop by Ali-Ibn Hamzah Holy Shrine and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere and the Islamic mystical architecture.

Overnight: Shiraz

Optional 1: you can pick up the secrets of Persian cuisine with a Culinary Experience. Dig into the delicious layers of Persian culture by exploring Persian cuisine and enjoy the taste and aroma of unique dishes.

Duration:3-5 hours

Optional 2: Or, enjoy a Tour of the City, get to know the contemporary local culture and stop by local hotspots.

Get an attraction-packed ride from Shiraz to Yazd (around 440 km). On your way, pay a visit to Iran’s most treasured ancient relics and the 2500-year-old mementos of its golden era: Persepolis (UNESCO) and Naqsh-e Rostam Necropolis. Then hit the road to Yazd.

Overnight: Yazd

 

Welcome to the city of wind towers and Zoroastrian relics. The historic city of Yazd treats you to its unique desert architecture and Zoroastrian sites. Begin the day by exploring the beauties of the iconic Amir Chakhmaq Square, getting familiar with Persian heroic rituals (intangible UNESCO heritage) at a Zurkhaneh (ancient Iranian sport club), and discovering the hidden world of Persian waterways in one of Iran’s top water museums: Yazd Water Museum. Also, enjoy the peaceful Fire Temple of Yazd where a sacred flame has been burning for more than 1500 years. Plus, head to the Towers of Silence, and get introduced to Zoroastrians burial rituals. Finally, find the world’s tallest wind tower among the other charming spectacles of Dowlat Abad Garden (UNESCO-listed Persian Garden).

Overnight: Yazd

Optional In the evening, enjoy a unique dinner beside a Zoroastrian Family and explore Zoroastrian culture and lifestyle. This ancient Persian belief, which has influenced cultures beyond Iran’s borders, has its majority of followers in Yazd and its surrounding villages.

Duration:2-3 hours

• Have a road trip from Yazd to Kashan. On your way to Kashan, stop by the historical charms of Meybod (around 270 km).  Your stop there will bring you to the rare architecture of its historical Pigeon Tower! Also visit Shah Abbasi Caravanserai and the historical Icehouse of Meybod. Then, continue toward Kashan (around 56 km).

Overnight:Kashan

Optional: Near Yazd, you can explore the interesting secrets of Qanat system (Persian ancient water system) at a UNESCO-listed Qanat. Duration: 1-2 Hours

Find the finest examples of traditional Persian architecture at the highlights of Kashan. Start with the fascinating houses of aristocratic families: Tabatabaei House and Borujerdi House. Also, find the intricate beauty of the historically significant Fin Garden (UNESCO-listed Persian Garden). Then, get a ride from Kashan to a hotel near Imam Khomeini airport (around 210 km).

Overnight:Tehran

 

Get transferred to Imam Khomeini Airport to catch a flight back home.