13-Day Iran Tour: On & Off the Beaten Path

Welcome to Iran! Met us at Imam Khomeini Airport of Tehran and get transferred to your accommodation.

Overnight: Tehran

Dedicate this day to Iran’s top museums and museum palaces in the capital. Visit the National Museum of Iran, the fancy Golestan Palace (UNESCO Heritage), and the beautiful glassware and ceramic in Abgineh Museum of Tehran. Later on, check out the world-acclaimed Persian carpets in the Carpet Museum of Tehran.

Overnight: Tehran

Catch a flight from Tehran to Kermanshah. There, find Kermanshah’s lovely Tekyeh Moaven-ol Molk. See the fine carvings of the ancient relic of the well-known Darius the Great, the 2500-year old Behistun Inscription (UNESCO). And, check out the impressive look of the 1700-year-old rock relief of ancient kings at Taq-e Bostan (UNESCO).

Overnight: Kermanshah

Find the natural and cultural beauties of the mountains of western Iran in Kermanshah’s adored Hawraman Region. On your trip to Kermanshah’s terraced villages, discover the untouched Kurdish culture, rural lifestyle, and local clothes and dishes. Visit a Tanbur workshop and the master, enjoy the local prayers of Tanbur, and visit Baba Yadegar Tomb, a Yarsan (Ahl-e-Haq) Khaneqah, where pilgrims usually play Tanbur and sing spiritual poems.*Yarsan is a group of Sufis (mystics), Tanbur is their sacred instrument and Khaneqah is their sacred refuge.

Overnight: Kermanshah

Hit the road from Kermanshah to Hamedan (around 182 km), a long-standing gallery of attractions. Let the beauties of one of the world’s largest water caves, Alisadr Cave, fascinate you. Also, visit the hill under which lies the capital city of the ancient Median Dynasty, the fascinating Hegmataneh (UNESCO heritage). At the iconic Mausoleum of Avicenna, find out more about the father of modern medicine who was also one of the most outstanding astronomers, philosophers and writers of pre-modern era. Following that, get introduced to a great Sufi poet at his stylish burial place, Baba Tahir Mausoleum.

Overnight: Hamedan

Then, get a ride from Hamedan to Isfahan (around 529 km). The well-known highlights of Isfahan, the hub of Islamic architecture, expect you with their intricate beauty. There, enjoy a walk across the romantic destination of the city: Si-O-Se-Pol Bridge.

Overnight: Isfahan

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) and discover Persian music and instruments and enjoy a live performance of Iranian music at the nearby Music Museum of Isfahan..

Overnight: Isfahan

Optional: Beside your city tour, treat yourself to a unique and relaxing experience at one of Iran’s Traditional Hammams (bathhouses)! As a relic of an Islamic city of the good old days, a Persian Hammam with its special massage and rituals is both a relieving experience and a treat to your eyes with its tasteful architecture.

Duration: around 2 hours

Have a road trip from Isfahan to Yazd (around 312 km). On your way there, stop by the historical charms of Meybod.  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.

Overnight: Yazd

Optional: In the evening, you can explore Zoroastrian culture and lifestyle beside a Zoroastrian Family. 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

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: Beside the city tour, you can also explore the interesting secrets of Qanat system (Persian ancient water system) at a UNESCO-listed Qanat.

Duration: 1-2 Hours

Get an attraction-packed ride from Yazd to Shiraz (around 440 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 to SHiraz.

Overnight: Shiraz

Optional: You can join an Iranian Wedding Ceremony, get in touch with locals, discover traditions, and have fun the Iranian way.

Duration: 2-5 hours

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, and the historic Eram Garden (UNESCO-listed Persian Garden). After that, the impressive relics of Zand Dynasty will expect you at the historical Vakil Complex (including the Bath and the Bazaar).

Overnight: Shiraz

Optional 1: After the city tour, 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

Optional 2: Beside your city tour, you can pick up the secrets of Persian cuisine with a Culinary Experience. Dig into the delicious layers of Persian culture by exploring Persian cooking and enjoy the taste and aroma of unique dishes.

Duration: 3-5 hours

Have a short ride to two of Iran’s most treasured ancient relics and the 2500-year-old mementos of its golden era: Persepolis (UNESCO) and Naqsh-e Rostam Necropolis. Then, head back toward Shiraz and end the day by enjoying the romantic atmosphere of the Tomb of Hafez.

Overnight: Shiraz

Optional: Why not join us for a pleasant exploration of the Nights of Shiraz?

End your trip to Iran with a flight back to Tehran and getting transferred to Imam Khomeini Airport to catch a flight back home.