Glory of Iran is a tour that will take you on a journey into the depths of ancient Persian civilization, capturing the majesty and the splendor of the Achaemenid and Sassanid empires and their influence on world history, religion, art and culture by revealing the ancient tales hidden in the ruins and reliefs which exist today as a testament to their legacy. In addition to that you will be witnessing Iran’s contemporary cultural and historical influences also.

Tehran  >  Kashan  >  Isfahan  >  Yazd  >  Bavanat  >  Bazm  >  Shiraz

Day 1: Tehran

Arrival, meet and greet at the airport, transfer to hotel.

Day 2: Tehran

Depending on your arrival flight, the following morning we will begin a full-day tour of the capital, Tehran. Starting with a walking tour through old Tehran and visiting the old Gate of Tehran, Golestan Palaces, Imam (former Royal) Mosque and the Grand Bazaar which is a large roofed old shopping complex. We will then get more familiar with Persian Carpets at the Carpet Museum. Overnight Tehran.

Day 3: Kashan

Drive to Kashan to visit the prehistoric site back to 6000 years ago, Tappeh Sialk, Boroujerdiha & Tabatabaee’s house and Badgiras (Wind-Catchers), overnight Kashan.

 

Day 4: Isfahan

Drive to Isfahan via the village of Abiyaneh, Only two hours outside of Esfahan you can be high up in a fold of the Zagros range, walking through the narrow winding streets of Abyaneh, watching locals go about their rustic daily life. The village is a picture of rural calm and a great base for local walks. We start the afternoon in Isfahan where we will visit the Friday Mosque followed by Chehelsotun (forty columns) palace. We will then visit Vank Cathedral and the Armenian quarter of the city. We wil then head to the banks of Zayanderud river, the soul of the city. There are several historical bridges over this river, erected during the Safavid era (17th Century). Siosepol (33-arch) and khaju bridges are the most famous ones. We enjoy visiting these two interesting bridges, drinking tea at the tea house below the bridge, walking along the river bank or paddle on a boat from one to the other. Overnight Isfahan.

 

Day 5: Isfahan

Starting another wonderful day in Isfahan, we start our full day tour of Isfahan at the UNESCO world heritage site of Naghsh-e-Jahan Sq., once a royal polo court, this site has been the official center of the city, when the city was the Safavid Capital (17th Century). We will visit the famous Imam Mosque (Royal Mosque), located the southern side of the square with wonderful architecture and tile-work. We then visit the multistory Aliqapu Palace, stood on the western side of the square, from which the Safavid kings used to view the polo games and ceremonies. Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque (or Ladies Mosque) is located on the opposite side of the square and is visited next. We will stroll through the traditional bazaar surrounding the square, before we gather again for the lunch. The bazaar which goes deep to the north is known traditionally as Qeysarieh bazaar. Overnight Isfahan.

Day 6: Yazd

Drive to Yazd (Via Naee’n). Visiting the Grand Mosque enroute. Evening at your leisure. Overnight Yazd.

 

Day 7: Yazd

Full day city tour of Yazd to visit Towers of Silence, Fire Temple, Friday Mosque, Dowlat-Abad Gardens, Zoorkhaneh (Power House), Amir Chakhmakh Square and bazaar. Overnight Yazd.

Day 8: Bavanat

Today we take an overland trip to a wonderful village called Bavanat, one of Iran’s eco-toursim hubs. You will also experience an Iranian nomad life (Season allowing). Overnight Bavanat.

Day 9: Bazm Village

After a short drive in the morning, we will start a light trek through the mountain, walnut forest and a very beautiful perspective of hidden villages in a green area. Overnight in Bazm villages.

Day 10: Shiraz

Drive to Shiraz, enroute we will visit the most magnificent city of the ancient world, Persepolis, which is now registered as a UNESCO world heritage site. Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Persian Empire during Achemaenian era. The site, 125,000 sq.m. in area is composed of various reception halls and palaces, private palaces, royal treasury and fortifications, where we find the tomb of Cyrus the great and remains of Achaemenian palaces and edifices. We continue by visiting Naghsh-e-Rostam, Pasargad and the necropolis (city of the dead) before arriving in Shiraz. Overnight Shiraz.

Day 11: Shiraz

We will start our Shiraz tour by Karmikhani complex, the residential palace of Zand dynasty. Karim Khan Zand, the founder of Zand dynasty chose Shiraz as his capital and declared himself as “Vakil”, the lawyer of the nation, rather than king. We continue to Vakil complex, Vakil Mosque, Bazar and public bath that are remaining from his reign. We also visit the colorful Nasirolmolk mosque. In the afternoon we will visit Eram Garden, Naranjestan Palace and the tombs of world famous poets Hafez and Saadi as well as Shah e Cheragh, Koran Arch and Khajoo tomb.

Day 12: Tehran

Free at leisure for shopping in Shiraz, then transfer to airport for flight back Tehran. Overnight Tehran (depending on your departure flight you either stay in a hotel or take your next international flight).