On this trip, we will explore the beautiful cities of Tehran, Shiraz, Yazd, Isfahan, Kashan, and will uncover Persian history at the impressive Persepolis; though, the real highlight of any trip to Iran is meeting the locals, arguably the friendliest and most hospitable people on earth who are always ready to welcome visitors with a smile.
DAY 1: TEHRAN
After arriving at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, our representative will meet and greet you at the airport. The local representative will transfer you to your hotel to rest.
Accommodation
Hally 3-star hotel or a similar one in Tehran
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 2: TEHRAN
Today, we will take you to a lovely park-like setting to visit the Sa’d Abad Palace. This was the coronation and marriage palace of the Pahlavi Dynasty – and the residence from which the last Shah of Iran.
Now a museum, its extensive collection includes period furnishings and décor, and even the personal effects of the last Shah. Our guests also enjoy an exclusive tour through an intimate gallery dedicated to the 20th-century art collection of Iran’s last Empress.
Today, we Enjoy a picnic in one of Iran’s women’s-only parks, one of the few places women can enjoy the sunshine without a hijab.
Accommodation
Hally 3-star hotel or a similar one in Tehran
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: TEHRAN – SHIRAZ (1 HR 20 MIN FLIGHT)
This morning, we will take you to a World Heritage Site, the lavish Golestan Palace. Built during the Qajar Dynasty, that rose to power in the late 1700s, this fabulous walled complex is centered on a landscaped garden with tranquil pools. Many of the elements you’ll admire today, date to the 19th century when local Qajari architects and artisans were looking to integrate traditional Persian style with elements of Western and Russian origin. The palace buildings are among the oldest in modern Tehran and they are still regarded as a crowning achievement of the Qajar era.
Then, we will walk around Tehran Bazaar.
In the afternoon, you will visit the National Museum of Iran, where you can see fabulous historical items from 5000 BC to the advent of Islam in Iran which shows a brief history of our land.
We will also visit the Carpet Museum of Iran, home to a dazzling collection of Persian carpets collected from around the country and representing centuries of extraordinary art and skill.
In the next, we will transfer to the Mehrabad Airport to have the flight to Shiraz.
Accommodation
Arg 3-star hotel or a similar one in Shiraz
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: SHIRAZ
After breakfast, we will continue our exploration of the city. Shiraz is famous for its gardens and we’ll visit Eram Garden with its aromatic myrtles, beautiful flowers, fruit trees, and towering cypresses (one of which is said to be 3,000 years old).
Then, we will visit the Shrine of Ali Ebne Hamzeh. Built in the 19th century over the tomb of Emir Ali, a nephew of Shah Cheragh who also died in Shiraz while en route to Khorasan to help Imam Reza, this shrine is the latest of several earlier incarnations destroyed by earthquakes.
Continue your exploration in Shiraz at the beautiful orange-scented Narenjestan Garden, laid out in the 19th century during the Qajar Dynasty.
You’ll have time to explore Karim Khan Citadel and shop in the bustling Vakil Bazaar, home to hundreds of stores, beautiful courtyards, and even an ancient caravanserai.
You will end your day on a tranquil note in the lovely garden-tomb of Hafez, one of our most outstanding poets to feel the taste of Persian Literature.
AUTHENTIC COOKING CLASS AND FOOD TOUR
In the afternoon, we prepare and have dinner together with a Shirazi family. Very welcoming and friendly, this experience also allows you to discover the essence of Iran throughout a Persian family, recipe, stories and the pleasure to share a meal. At the beginning of the tour, we start with the description of all the ingredients that we will be using, while talking about the history of the dish, why it is popular and how normally it is presented in our country. You will explore new ingredients, learn anecdotes, but especially share and discuss with locals that love to share with travelers.
Accommodation
Arg 3-star hotel or a similar one in Shiraz
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: SHIRAZ – KAHKARAN VILLAGE
After breakfast, you will visit Nasir-al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque) which is few steps far from Vakil Bazaar. It was built at Mirza Hassan Ali Nasir-al Mulk’s command (one of the lords of the Qajar Dynasty); it took 12 years to complete it in 1888. Its interior reveals a magnificent masterpiece of design with stunning colors.
This is a space where light and worship intertwine. The mosque comes to life with the sunrise and the colors dance throughout the day like whirling Dervishes. It reflects on the ground, walls, the arches and the towering spires. It even reflects on the visitors as if a colorful ball is hit by the first sun ray and has exploded into thousands of butterflies all around.
The, we depart for Kahkaran village – located 117 kilometers from Shiraz and take a guided tour of the mudbrick village.
Spend the evening in the village, a simple village of settled Qashqai nomads where you can discover traditional costumes and share a meal, some stories and learn how to make local bread with your host.
Accommodation
Arg 3-star hotel or a similar one in Shiraz
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: SHIRAZ – PERSEPOLIS – PASARGADAE – ABARKOOH 3 HR 20 MIN (280 KM)
Today, we will have some stop on our way to visit the Legendary City of Persepolis, the former capital of Darius the Great which was founded in 512 BC. There was no more impressive construction in the ancient world than Persepolis, except perhaps the Karnak in Egypt.
Darius built the terrace, Apadana (great audience hall), Tachara (a palace), and the Monumental Staircases; his son, Xerxes, added the Harem and the Hall of 100 Columns. Alexander the Great entered Persepolis in January 330 BC and then committed an uncharacteristic act of wanton destruction that still mystifies historians today, burning the mighty city to the ground.
Though a shadow of its former self, the soaring pillars, terraces and sculptures of Persepolis still remain, but probably most impressive are the bas reliefs which line the site, telling the story of ancient governors and kings that came to Persepolis to pay tribute to the Persian Emperors.
From here, we will drive a couple of miles to Naqsh-e-Rustam, the Necropolis where Darius and his successors are buried. Carved into the side of a cliff, the site is extraordinary in its magnitude and sheer ambition and does not disappoint even after the impressive Persepolis.
Then, you will visit Pasargadae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tomb of Cyrus the Great and former capital of the Achaemenid Empire. We will spend some time exploring the site and though not as striking as Persepolis, there is a great viewpoint where we can look over the site and the surrounding area.
If time permits, we will visit the Nomads near the Pasargadae.
Accommodation
Aghazadeh Historical House or a similar one in Abarkooh
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: ABARKOOH – MEHRIZ – ZEIN-O-DIN CARAVANSERAI 2 HR 20 MIN (190 KM)
After breakfast we drive to Abarkooh, Arrive in Abarkooh we will visit Abarkooh Ice-House an adobe building used to store ice and food prior to the invention of the refrigerator. The town is the home of the world’s second oldest tree called Abarkooh cypress, its age is estimated over 4000 years. We can see the tree on our way.
We continue our trip to Mehriz.
Mehriz city is famous for its beautiful and spectacular gardens. One such garden is Pahlavan Pour Garden (A world heritage site) which dates back to the late Qajar era; it can you can keep you away from the hectic lifestyle, at least for a few hours, by its cold-water stream running right through the middle of the garden with stout and soaring trees standing at its sides.
Up next we will see the Saryazd Fortress. This wonderful old castle was once used as a giant safety deposit box for the protection of grains, jewellery and other valuables. The fortifications are elaborate with two main concentric walls, high towers and a moat (now empty). If an assault penetrated the outer defences, the inner walls could be shored up making the structure all but impregnable.
Dating back thousands of years to the Sassanid Dynasty (AD 3–7), the castle’s labyrinthine corridors reveal small, windowless storage units and honeycombed walls of broken plaster behind which valuables would have been bricked up to avoid detection. There are 480 rooms in all, in varying states of crumbled ruin.
Our next destination is Zein-o-Din Caravanserai. The caravanserai has offered cozy stay and accommodation for passing caravans. Mehr-Padin Castle, located in Mehriz, is surely among the parts of your tour that you will not forget. This glorious castle was built 600 years ago.
Accommodation
Zein-o-Din Caravanserai
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: ZEIN-O-DIN CARAVANSERAY – YAZD 1 HR (75 KM)
Leaving Mehriz behind we will go to Yazd.
Yazd is one oldest continuously inhabited towns of Iran. Its silhouette punctuated by minarets and the ingeniously-designed wind towers that capture desert breezes to cool homes during the hot summer months. Yazd is also the center of Iran’s Zoroastrian community, which is where you’ll begin the day’s sightseeing.
At the Tower of Silence, you’ll learn about one of the traditions of this ancient pre-Islamic religion. Until the mid-1900s, the dead were transported to this tower where they were left to decompose and be devoured by birds. Zoroastrian tradition considers a deceased body to be “unclean” and this process of excarnation prevents contact with either fire or earth– both of which are considered to be sacred.
At the still-active Zoroastrian Fire Temple, you’ll see a flame that is said to have been burning for the past 1,500 years. It’s an important pilgrimage site for the faithful and here our expert guide will offer additional insight into one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions.
Among the many other historic sites to be seen in Yazd are beautiful old homes and the Dowlat Abad Garden. Standing by the garden’s long reflecting pool, you’ll be shaded by ancient cypress trees. Ahead of you is an 18th-century hexagonal pavilion with a beautiful stained-glass window and a graceful wind tower– the tallest in Iran. All around are flowering fruit trees and other ornamental plants and trees.
In Amir Chakhmaq Square, you’ll see a very impressive Hussainiya– a congregation hall for Shia commemoration ceremonies. With three tiers of recessed alcoves, all perfectly proportioned, its facade is one of the city’s most photographed landmarks.
The next place to visit is the Friday Mosque, built in 1324, where you can gaze upon the tallest minarets in the country.
Tonight, we will watch a Zurkhaneh performance. Zurkhaneh is a form of traditional martial arts in Iran, where men practice calisthenics and other body-building exercises in a ring. In 2010 Pahlevani and Zoorkhaneh rituals inscribed on the representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Accommodation
Laleh 3-star hotel or a similar one in Yazd
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: YAZD – KHARANAQ – MEYBOD – ISFAHAN 4 HR 10 MIN (320 KM)
Leaving Yazd behind, our first stop this morning will be in Kharanaq. In Kharanaq we will visit its castle and Caravanserai and continue our journey to Meybod, where your first impression might be its striking monochromatic architecture of desert brick. But set along an ancient trade route, Meybod also offers a number of fascinating sites to visit including its caravanserai.
We will visit the Narin Castle. In the centre of Meybod, crumbling Narin castle rises imposingly above the town that has grown up around it. Revealing three layers of construction, the oldest foundations suggest some kind of settlement was built here as early as 4000 BC. Legend has it that the castle belonged to King Solomon and was built by jinns (spirits), but whatever the original provenance of the castle’s foundations, most of what can be seen today dates from the Sassanian era.
Lying on the silk route, the castle was used by soldiers who provided an armed escort for passing caravans, charging a tax for their services.
Another must-see monument in Meybod is Shah-Abbasi Caravanserai built in Safavid era. Just like travelers in the past who could rest and recover from the day’s journey, we also stop here on our way to Isfahan to enjoy the architecture of the structure having rooms all around it traditionally used as shops and stores.
On our way to Isfahan, we will see Naein or Na’in. In Naein we will see the Na’in Jame’ mosque. The initial construction of Jame Mosque dates back to the 8th Century CE, but the whole of the complex has been constructed incrementally.
One of the oldest mosques in Iran, its magnificent plasterwork over the niche, the marvelous brickwork around the yard, and its silent basement—which may have been used as a fire temple before the mosque was built here-are only a few of the features of this mosque. This mosque has no Iwan and dome as do the other famous mosques in Esfahan and Yazd. A 28 m tall octagonal minaret was added to the mosque almost 700 years ago.
Accommodation
Setareh 3-star hotel or a similar one in Isfahan
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10: ISFAHAN
Your overland journey continues in Isfahan.
As the 17th-century capital of the Safavid Empire, Isfahan was one of the world’s greatest cities– architecturally striking, wealthy beyond imagine, and politically powerful with Europeans, Ottomans, Indians, and Chinese coming to its court– the heart of a vast Persian Empire that stretched from the Euphrates River in present-day Iraq to the Oxus River in Afghanistan. Indeed, its grandeur inspired the rhyming proverb, Isfahan nesf-e jahan (Isfahan is half of the World).
Your exploration continues in Imam Square. This 17th-century site is one of the largest public spaces in the world. Here in the square, you’ll visit the 17th-century Shah Mosque, revered as a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and easily recognized by its magnificent tile-work and soaring cupola and minarets.
You will also visit Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, also known as the Ladies Mosque, as it was built for the Shah’s harem, renowned for brightly colored domed ceiling, where the light creates the image of a peacock. In the Ali Qapu Palace, you’ll marvel at its beautiful music rooms and the balconies where Safavid kings would sit to enjoy the polo matches unfolding in the square below.
Next up is Chehel Sotun Palace. Set in a landscaped and forested park in front of a tranquil reflecting pool, this graceful pavilion was built by Shah Abbas II for entertainment and court receptions. Entering through a portico with twenty slender wooden columns, you’ll discover soaring halls embellished with frescoes, paintings and mosaics; the Hall of Mirrors is especially breathtaking!
You’ll end your exploration of the square by visiting the Qeisarieh Bazaar. With hundreds of local vendors that specialize in traditional arts and crafts, it’s a wonderful place to shop for pottery, enamel, jewelry and delicately inlaid board games.
DINNER EXPERIENCE
Tonight, we will visit one of the local restaurants to see and experience how one of the most famous Isfahani meals, Biryani cooked. We will have dinner at the restaurant.
Accommodation
Setareh 3-star hotel or a similar one in Isfahan
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11: ISFAHAN – ABYANEH – KASHAN 2 HR 10 MIN (205 KM)
In the city’s Armenian quarter, you’ll delve more deeply into the region’s complex history as you will visit several churches including the 17th-century Vank Cathedral with its lavishly decorated interior and unique blend of Islamic and European architectural elements.
Together with your guide, you will continue your exploration of the city by visiting some of the centuries-old, still elegant bridges that span Zayandeh River. The 14th-century Shahrestan Bridge, for example, evokes the greatest aqueducts of ancient Rome and is the oldest bridge in Iran. Other famous bridges on Zayandeh River are Sio-ce-pol and Khaju.
There are sluice gates below the bridge to let the water runoff Zayandeh River in the spring, and there are beautiful stone archways above each gate. These archways provide a great acoustic place for every man who wants to sing. You can always find a man or a group of men singing under the bridge. The songs are usually about betrayal or unrequited love. You have the chance to chat with these men and listen to their songs.
Leaving Isfahan behind, your first stop this morning will be in Abyaneh village. Abyaneh Village is known as the Red Village because of its red soil and houses. The houses of Abyaneh bear an ancient architectural style, featured by the use of clay as the construction material and latticed windows and wooden doors.
Your overland journey continues in Isfahan. to Kashan, a town originally famous for its textiles and ceramic production, but now better known for Fin Garden and its extensive bazaar and hamams.
Accommodation
Negin 3-star boutique hotel in Kashan
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12: KASHAN – TEHRAN IKA AIRPORT 2 HR (205 KM)
Fin Garden (A UNESCO World Heritage Site) is our first stop; a relaxing and visually impressive Persian garden with water channels all passing through a central pavilion. There is also the chance to buy some rose water, a local specialty, outside of the site.
Then, you will visit Boroujerdi traditional house. It was built about 130 years ago in reign of Qajar dynasty (1857) by Iranian famous architect Ustad Ali Maryam. The owner was Haj Seyed Hasan Natanzi, a well-known merchant who mostly dealt with people of Boroujerd city. That’s why the house is known as Boroujerd’s House.
Afterwards, we will visit the bazaar area, a widespread complex filled with hamams and mosques; one hamam has been converted to a traditional teahouse where we will stop for those who need a break from shopping.
Our representative will transfer you to Imam Khomeini International Airport according to your flight time.
SAYE SHAMS
[email protected]
+98 912 880 3921
PARIA POURMEHDI
[email protected]
+98 910 928 3853
This tour is also available for booking privately for travel anytime through the year, and we can also customise the itinerary to fit your personal requirements. Please contact us for details and prices.
| Start Date | End Date | DBL Room (P/P) | SGL Room | Availability | Request |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 December 2022 | 8 January 2033 | 1580.00 EUR | 1780.00 EUR | Available | |
| 4 February 2023 | 15 February 2023 | 1580.00 EUR | 1780.00 EUR | Available | |
| 3 March 2023 | 14 March 2023 | 1580.00 EUR | 1780.00 EUR | Available | |
| 1 April 2023 | 12 April 2023 | 1580.00 EUR | 1780.00 EUR | Available | |
| 4 May 2023 | 15 May 2023 | 1580.00 EUR | 1780.00 EUR | Available | |
| 9 June 2023 | 20 June 2023 | 1580.00 EUR | 1780.00 EUR | Available | |
| 1 September 2023 | 12 September 2023 | 1580.00 EUR | 1780.00 EUR | Available | |
| 5 October 2023 | 16 October 2023 | 1580.00 EUR | 1780.00 EUR | Available | |
| 3 November 2023 | 14 November 2023 | 1580.00 EUR | 1780.00 EUR | Available | |
| 25 December 2023 | 5 January 2024 | 1580.00 EUR | 1780.00 EUR | Available |
Prices listed are on a per person basis, sharing accommodation (unless otherwise stated). Prices do not include international flights.
Most tours are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book as an individual, you will be roomed with someone of the same sex. However, on many tours we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room.
Those who need an extra night of accommodation should pay for that.
* Citizens of countries who have registered in this tour.
We use good quality hotels rated at the Iranian Local House 3 star level on this tour. Local star ratings may vary slightly from international standards . Accommodation is based on double or twin en-suite rooms with air conditioning. All couples will have a private double room. Single travellers may choose to pay a single room supplement to guarantee themselves a single room throughout the tour. Alternatively, they may choose to share a twin room with another traveller. If there are no other single travellers available to pair up with at the time of your booking, then we will add the single supplement to the tour price, but will refund this or deduct it from your balance payment if we are able to pair you up later on.
In your trip we use 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.
We run regular small-group departures on this tour. All departures are guaranteed to run if a minimum of 6 travellers is reached. If we do not reach this minimum number (which happens very rarely), we will offer you the option to either pay a small supplement to do the tour exactly as planned, to change your date, to transfer to another tour, or we will provide you with a full refund. Departure dates and prices are listed on our website and in our brochure. Please check the website for the most up-to-date prices and any special offers.
If you would like to book a place on 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.
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.
These tour joining details are provided on a provisional basis and may change prior to this tour departing. Any changes to these details will be updated on this page.
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We organized a 3 weeks tour in Iran through SURFIRAN. SURFIRAN is a very Professional travel agency who understands their customers needs and expectations. Our stay in Iran was just fabulous, the program built by SURFIRAN was great, we have seen many and many very interesting sites and locations.
Most we enjoyed the landscape and wildlife we saw, it was just amazing and not comparable with nature we found in Germany and Europe, one of my greatest experiences! Second we enjoyed the kindness of you guys (Mehdi, Negin and her family, and the two houses we stayed) it was like meeting family and friends :)
We visited Iran on October 2016 with SURFIRAN travel and tours company. Organization of round trip, hotel accommodation and flights were perfect. Our guide Mostafa was absolutely excellent, helpful, friendly and his information about Iran were very informative. Thanks a lot ! Will come back soon.
Everything was arranged very efficiently. Nothing went wrong. Our guide, Mostafa Farhadi, was remarkable. Not only was he a brilliant driver, but his knowledge of the culture, history and contemporary life of Iran was amazing. He also had superb contacts in all the places we visited.
WhatsApp: +98 (910) 928 3853