Starting in Tehran by a comfortable couch, you will journey through beautiful landscapes and some of the world’s oldest archaeological sites, arid mountains, and rural villages. You will learn about the traditions and cultures of a land whose influence felt for thousands of years. Welcome to the once-forbidden land of Persia.
On this trip, we will explore the beautiful cities of Tehran, Shiraz, Kerman, 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.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 2: TEHRAN - SHIRAZ
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 Airport to have the flight to Shiraz.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: SHIRAZ
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.
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 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 Hafez, one of our most outstanding poets to feel the taste of Persian Literature.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: SHIRAZ – PERSEPOLIS – SHIRAZ
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), Tachana (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.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: SHIRAZ - KERMAN (569 KM DRIVE)
Now it’s time to appreciate of nature, by visiting salt lakes. We first go to Maharlu Lake to be fascinated by the pink color of this Salt Lake. Sarvestan palace would be our next stop.
This palace has been erected on a land as big as 25 hectares and is one of the earliest rock stones structures built in Sassanid-era.
We will finish the day by going to a Salt Lake of Bakhtegan which hosts some specific species of migrant birds, such as Dalmatian pelican and flamingo.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: KERMAN
On this day you will have a time of your life. At first, we seize the opportunity to enjoy visiting Ganjali Khan Complex which encompasses a Traditional Bathhouse, well-designed Bazaar, a Caravanserai and a Mosque with a divine and spiritual atmosphere.
For the next part of the day, we will travel to an area called Mahan, situated in the south of Kerman, where a green patch, known as Shazde Mahan Garden (WHS), appears right in the middle of an arid and sterile Desert.
This landmark is a dazzling pavilion at the far end of the pool which is located on top of the garden and water flows down from a stair-like path to the entrance gate.
To complete the joy, we will then go to Nematollah Vali Mausoleum. The spectacular Turquoise dome of the building is easily recognized from far away.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: KERMAN - YAZD (372 KM DRIVE)
The home to Zoroastrians, Yazd still holds Fire temples, with fires burning for 2500 years now. The city also has a great reputation for its remarkable wind towers providing us with natural air conditioning system to blow cool and pleasing air in the middle of the burning summer.
One may also remember Yazd by the Pahlavani and Zoorkhane rituals. On the way to Yazd, you will have the chance to visit Zein-o-Din Caravanseray in a relative shortstop. 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.
It has two defensive battlements and nine circular towers. Exterior space of the castle is surrounded by a vast moat and interior space of the castle is surrounded by two mud brick fences. Mehriz city is famous for its beautiful and spectacular gardens. One such garden is Pahlavan Pour Garden (WHS) 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.
At top of the garden, there is a pavilion with an impressive design. All in all, the features found in this garden reflect the shifting trend from traditional styles of building gardens to more modern ones which can be seen today. Fahraj Mosque demonstrates the simple architectural characteristics of the early Islamic centuries.
It is among the oldest extant mosques in Persia. The beauty of the mosque is embedded in its simplicity; its modest internal courtyard is lined with clay tiles and every visitor surely receives a relaxing and soothing vibe from the building.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: 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.
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.
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.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: YAZD - ISFAHAN (323 KM DRIVE)
In the morning drive to Isfahan, En-route to Isfahan, we will have a shortstop in Meybod. The city receives great credit for minting-coins workshops which we also will visit. On the way to Isfahan, we stop to visit Narin Castle Remains located in the middle of a historical texture of Meybod.
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.
Now it is time to visit Mud-Brick Icehouse which has a shape of an up-side-down cone which has a subterranean storage space; it was often used to store ice, but sometimes was used to store food as well.
We should leave Meybod to visit Nain Jame Mosque situated in the old texture of the city. The Mosque was built after the Mohamad’s Mosque in Medina.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10: ISFAHAN
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.
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.
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!
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.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11: ISFAHAN - KASHAN (215 KM DRIVE)
We are going to have a great day with a great start. We will drive to Kashan; on the way we will visit Abyaneh. The village has a brilliant architecture; houses are constructed using peculiar reddish hue mud. The other attractive feature of the place is the women clothes which have colorful and happy patterns and under-knee skirts. Abyunaki people have persistently maintained this traditional costume
Afterward, we continue drive 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.
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.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room Available
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12: KASHAN - IKA AIRPORT (207 KM DRIVE)
Our representative will transfer you to Imam Khomeini International Airport according to your flight time.
FARZANEH SARAFRAZ
[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.
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.
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.
Mobile: +98 (910) 928 3853