• 11-Day Silk Road Expedition

    Journey Through Time to Discover Silk Road in Iran

  • 11-Day Iran Silk Road Adventure

    A Journey Through History and Culture

  • A 11-Day Cultural Odyssey in Iran

    Delve into Iranian Custom and Tradition

  • Duration

    11 days

  • Start

    Mashhad

  • Finish

    Tehran

  • Group size

    On request

  • Physical rating

  • Included meals

    Breakfast

  • Accommodation Grade

    Standard

  • Transport

    A.C. Minibus / Van/ Sedan

  • Internet

    Free Wi-Fi While Traveling

  • SIM Card

    Free 100 min national call and 3 GB data

11-Day Eastern Iran Silk Road Adventure

Exploring Iran’s Silk Road Cities and Ancient Civilizations (Eastern Part)

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Overview & Trip Highlights

Journey starts from Mashhad in a comfortable coach, navigating through picturesque landscapes and ancient archaeological wonders. This expedition takes you across stark mountains and quaint rural villages. Dive into the enduring traditions and cultures of a country with a history that has shaped the world for millennia. Welcome to the enigmatic land of Persia.

On this exploration, you will visit the captivating cities of Mashhad, Neyshabour, Sabzevar, Bastam, Damghan, Jandagh, Kashan, Rey, and Tehran. Experience the rich history of the Silk Road at its most iconic caravanserais, mosques, castles, and vibrant bazaars. This journey provides a rare insight into a historic route that has been a bridge between diverse cultures and eras, showcasing Iran’s profound legacy.

  • Khorasan Unveiled: Iran’s Historic Heartland
  • Immerse yourself in the history and architecture of Iran by Bastam and Damghan
  • Stroll in Tehran, delve into the capital of Iran

Upon arrival at Mashhad Hashemi Nejad International Airport (MHD), you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel.

(Today’s plan might be changed according to your flight details)


ACCOMMODATION

  • Ario 3-star hotel or similar one in Mashhad
  • Included Meals: Breakfast

To get better acquainted with the historic hotels and hostels in Iran, we started our exploration of the Silk Road with a visit to the caravanserais (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

One of the most famous caravanserais of Iran is called “Robat-e Sharaf” (140 km). Sharaf is a museum of brick and stucco decorations (UNESCO World Heritage Site). On the other hand, this caravanserai is one of the most important elements and facilities of the “Silk Road” and represents a valuable document in this regard.

On the way back to Mashhad we will visit the second most important caravanserai, “Robat-e Mahi” (120 km to Mashhad). Like Robat-e Sharaf, this caravanserai is considered one of the architectural masterpieces of the Seljuk period, characterized by the varied use of bricks and stucco. The remains of the plaster, the variety of brickwork on the roofs, the format of the inscription, and the Islamic motifs make it a valuable historical work.

Evening visit to the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza, the 8th leader of the Shiite Muslims.


ACCOMMODATION

  • Ario 3-star hotel or similar one in Mashhad
  • Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, check out and drive to the city of Neyshabur. Neyshabur was one of the most important cities in Iran until the Mongol invasion of Persia. At that time, it was called “Abar Shahr” which means “the Greatest City”.

On the way to Neyshabour we will make a short stop in Fakhr Abad village to visit another caravanserai, which has been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Neyshabour is famous all over the world for its turquoise. As turquoise was one of the most important products of Iran on the Silk Road, we will visit the 7-thousand-year-old Turquoise Mine of Neyshabur.

We will then, visit the Tomb of Hakim Omar Khayyam (1048-1131), known for his contributions to mathematics, philosophy, astronomy, and poetry.

Our last stop in Neyshabour is the Archeological site of Shadiyakh. An ancient city was destroyed during the Mongol invasion of Neyshabour.


ACCOMMODATION

  • Amiran 4-star hotel or a similar one in Neyshabour
  • Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, check out and drive to another important city along the Silk Road.

On the way to Bastam, we will make a short stop in the historical town of Sabzevar. Sabzevar played an important role during the Ilkhanid Period.

In Sabzevar we will visit Khosro Gerd Tower, a 900-year-old mil-tower (towers that were used to show the caravans the right way), then we will visit the historical Mosalla (an important mosque) from the 13th century.

Continue to Bastam. On the way from Sabzevar to Bastam there is one of the biggest caravanserais of Iran. This caravanserai is called Myandasht. If we have a chance, we can ride camels (camel riding is available on certain days of the season).

Then we will continue to Bastam. The history of Bastam dates back to about 8,000 years ago. There we will visit the Tomb of Bayazid Bastami (804-874), a famous Persian Sufi. His nickname was King of the Gnostics (Sultan-ul Arefin).

Behind the tomb is the Shahrokhieh School. A school from the Timurid period, which is a very good example of Iranian historical schools.


ACCOMMODATION

  • Tourist Inn 3-star hotel or a similar one in Bastam
  • Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we continued our journey to the city of Damghan.

There are two more monuments in Bastam that we will discover before leaving the city. First, we will take a look at the Kashaneh Tower (dating back to the 14th century). Before Islam, this tower was a Zoroastrian fire temple, but like most fire temples in Iran, it became a place of worship for Muslims after Islam.

The Jame Mosque of Bastam, with its magnificent stucco and brickwork, is our last stop before leaving Bastam, which dates from the Seljuk period (12th century).

On the way to Shahroud, we make a brief stop at the Museum of Anthropology and Archeology of Shahroud. It gives us a good understanding of the people, lifestyle, tools, and other historical objects of this area. We continue our journey to Damghan.

This beautiful city was once the capital of the Parthians (150 BC). There we can visit the 3rd historical mosque of Iran, Tarikhaneh, which is 1300 years old. After that, we will have a look at Tappe Hessar (Hessar Hill). Tappe Hessar is one of the most significant archeological sites of Iran.


ACCOMMODATION

  • Tourist Inn 3-star hotel or a similar one in Damghan
  • Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we will drive to Jandagh. Today we will be confronted with breathtaking landscapes in the desert that we may not experience in any other place in the world.

Our first stop will be at Haj Ali Gholi Salt Lake. The lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Iran.

Then we will continue to Jandagh. We will pass Moaleman Village, another important village on the Silk Road, and Bar Andaz-e Sar-e Namak (one more exotic place in the central desert of Iran).

Before reaching Jandagh, we have the opportunity to visit Qanat. Qanat is a unique Persian technique that dates back thousands of years and belongs to the cities in deserts, it helps transporting underground water from aquifers to the cities. Persian Qanat has been registered as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Jandagh is a 2000-year-old city built during the Sasanid dynasty by order of Anushirvan, the famous Sasanid King. In this city, there is also a 2000-year-old Castle where people still live. We will stay one night in this castle. Camel riding, stargazing, and desert trekking are fabulous activities in Jandagh depending on availability.


ACCOMMODATION

  • Local Residence in Jandagh
  • Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, on the way to Naeen, we pass Chupanan. Chupanan is the best-organized mud-brick village in the world and we will be surprised by its specific urban context.

Just before Naeen, there is a small town called Mohammadieh. In Mohammadieh we will visit the famous Fortress from the Sassanid period. Right after that, we will get acquainted with historical Water Mills and Cotton Spinning Mills. Then, continue to Naeen.


ACCOMMODATION

  • Tourist Inn 2-star hotel or a similar one in Naeen
  • Included Meals: Breakfast

Our tour starts with visiting the Narin Castle (from the Sassanid period) and the Jame Mosque of Naeen (the second oldest mosque in Iran from 1200 years ago). The last stop in Naeen will be at the Traditional Bazaar.

Then we continue to Kashan. On the way, we will make a short stop in the city of Ardestan. There we can see a Zoroastrian Fire Temple from 2,000 years ago called “Mehr Ardeshir”. Then, another special Qanat was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site called Moon Qanat. Then continue to Kashan.


ACCOMMODATION

  • Kassian 4-star hotel or a similar one in Kashan
  • Included Meals: Breakfast

Kashan played an important role on the Silk Road. It was used as a boot road of the Silk Road. Hundreds of years ago, Kashan was famous for its silk production. The silk was exported to India and Venice.

In Kashan, we will visit the famous Traditional Bazaar and the Timche-ye-Amin Al Doleh. Our next stop in Kashan is the Fin Garden (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Boroujerdi and Tababaei Houses are another place where we can get acquainted with the historical architecture of Persian houses.

Then we will continue to Tehran. On the way to Tehran, there is one of the most beautiful caravanserais in Iran, Deir-e Gachin caravanserai, which is considered the best example and the most renovated caravanserai and is known as the mother of caravanserais in Iran. Then we will continue to Tehran.


ACCOMMODATION

  • Howeyzeh 4-star hotel or a similar one in Tehran
  • Included Meals: Breakfast

Today we will visit Rey. This city is one of the oldest (8000 years old) and most important cities in Iran. Rey used to play an important role on the Silk Road.

In Shahr-e Rey we will visit the Gabri Castel (from outside), this castle is 2000 years old. Then we visit the Great Wall of Rey, a relief of Fath Ali Shah Qajar, the Bahram Fire Temple (from the Sasanid dynasty), and our today’s sightseeing ends at the Traditional Bazaar of Rey.


ACCOMMODATION

  • Howeyzeh 4-star hotel or a similar one in Tehran
  • Included Meals: Breakfast

Check out after breakfast. We will explore today’s capital of Iran, Tehran. The Capital is the most populated and the largest province of Iran.

We will start our day by visiting the lavish Golestan Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Golestan Palace is famous because it was the residence of all the kings of the Qajar dynasty for about 150 years.

Then, the Tehran Grand Bazaar is the next. This bazaar is the second-largest in Iran and the third-largest traditional bazaar in the Middle East.

Later is the Iran National Museum. Where we could find thousands of objects from 800,000 years ago until the presence of Islam.

The last stop in Tehran is the Glassware and Ceramic Museum of Iran.

(Your today’s plan might be changed depending on your departure time)

  • Included Meals: Breakfast

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What’s Included

  • Visa Authorization Code
  • Accommodation (B&B)
  • All Ground Transportation
  • Accompanying the Certified Tour Guide from Beginning to End
  • All Entrance Fees
  • A Bottle of Water Per Day/ Per Person
  • Free SIM Card (100min national call and 3GB data)

What’s Excluded

  • Visa Fee
  • International Airfares
  • Travel Insurance
  • Meals (Lunch & Dinner)
  • Tips to Local Guide and Driver
  • Personal Expenses

Customer Reviews

Highly Recommended Tour with SurfIran

Such a fantastic tour! I was unsure about traveling to Iran as a solo female, but I felt confident going with SurfIran. Hamed in SurfIran was extremely helpful in assisting me to secure a travel visa, travel insurance, and in answering all of my queries to prepare me. He was even helpful in tailoring the tour to my needs (as I could not arrive on the first day in Tehran) and I was still welcomed at the airport by a different guide to take me to the hotel and get set up in Shiraz. Read More

All Fine

All fine. Good communication in the setup. The visas, payment, and flights etc. went smoothly.

The most important aspect of a tour is the guide and Nima excelled. A great networker with sophisticated English he understands his mainly western audience well and does in depth historical research for his own interest. Read More

Go! Don’t listen to the media

I cannot express my gratitude to Paria, my guide Ali and SURFIRAN for my tour around Shiraz and Isfahan. As a European and solo travelled , safety was a worry but it was great. Iranian people are so welcoming. I would love to join them again soon. Thanks a lot.

Iran adventure

Iran is an amazing country and so glad that I went for it!

Stunning architectures, rich history, friendly & helpful people. Surprisingly, very safe too.

Before signing up for the 9 days tour, I had contacted Saye and made tons of queries. She responded promptly and addressed all my queries in detail. Saye is very friendly and customer focused. Read More

Great experience!

Excellent organization, absolute professionalism and total willingness to meet our requests/needs:this is SurfIran! Every single aspect of the trip has been taken care of in every detail (from obtaining the visa to the “unscheduled”). This has allowed us to travel safely and relaxed. Definitely recommend traveling in Iran specially using SurfIran.

Unique and unforgettable trip

I had a wonderful trip through cultural Iran organized by SURFIRAN. Paria was very helpful with all the arrangements, including the process of applying for a visa. The local guide was very knowledgeable, kind and showed me many wonderful places! I enjoyed the food, the friendly people, and the rich history that Iran has to offer. I highly recommend going to Iran with SURFIRAN to experience the cultural treasures and Iranian hospitality.

Important Notes

  1. Arrival & departure transfers are included on this trip.
  2. The maximum check-in baggage allowance is 17 kg per person plus hand luggage.
  3. Please note that deposits for this trip are refundable and transferable (we only deduct the bank transfer fee) as per our terms and conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question about the tour?

Reach out to our travel experts.

Good to Know

The spring (mid-March to May) and fall (September to mid-November) are generally considered the best times to visit as the weather is mild and comfortable, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Read more about the best time to visit Iran.

The price will vary based on the number of people and any additional services requested. Therefore, please submit your request so that the details regarding the price can be sent to your email address within one business day.

Passports should be valid for at least six months after your departure from the country. Please do not bring an almost full or almost expired passport. Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller. For more information about how to get an Iranian visa please visit this page.

In our premium tours, we book the best 5-star hotels available in each city.

We use a private AC van, middle bus or bus throughout this tour, subject to the final size of the group.

The tour includes a 24-hour airport meet & assist service in Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport, your arrival and departure airport-hotel transfers and all other transfers.

If you would like to book this tour, please complete the online reservation form on our website. We will then contact you with more details about how to complete your booking. Payments may be made by making a bank transfer. Full details will be provided in your booking confirmation email. Please contact us if you would like any more information or have any questions before making a booking.

SPEAK TO OUR EXPERTS

Saye Shmas SAYE SHAHMS
saye@surfiran.com
+98 912 880 3921

PARIA POURMEHDIHAMED MEHRANIAN
hamed@surfiran.com
+98 991 173 6577

TAILOR-MADE TOUR

We can customize your travel to suit your wishes and time schedule for free.

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