Overview

The Essence of Persia – A Journey Through Time and Beauty

Step into a realm where poetry breathes through marble halls, where domes shimmer beneath sapphire skies, and the desert wind carries whispers of ancient kings. This exquisite journey through Iran unfolds like a living tapestry — from the poetic gardens of Shiraz to the imperial grandeur of Persepolis, the mystical silence of Yazd, and the celestial elegance of Isfahan. Every corner reveals a harmony of art, history, and soul — bazaars glowing with handwoven silks, courtyards perfumed with rosewater, and mosques that seem to float in light. Guided by warmth and hospitality, this journey transcends travel — it is an awakening of the senses, a dialogue with timeless beauty, and a love letter to the eternal spirit of Persia.

Map Overview

Highlights

The Poetic Soul of Shiraz – Wander through the city of poets and gardens, where rose-scented courtyards, delicate mosaics, and Hafez’s verses blend into pure enchantment.

The Splendor of Persepolis – Step back 2,500 years amid the monumental ruins of the Achaemenid Empire — a timeless symbol of Persian glory and artistry.

The Desert Charms of Yazd – Lose yourself in labyrinthine lanes of sunbaked clay, windcatcher towers, and the mystical flame of Zoroastrian fire temples.

The Architectural Masterpieces of Isfahan – Stand awestruck beneath turquoise domes, shimmering mosques, and bridges that glow golden over the Zayandeh River at dusk.

The Ancient Wisdom of Persevering Traditions – From handwoven Persian carpets to saffron bazaars and tea rituals, witness living heritage passed lovingly through generations.

The Timeless Serenity of Kashan – Explore noble merchant houses, rosewater gardens, and the fragrance of ancient Persia frozen in elegance.

The Warmth of Persian Hospitality – Beyond monuments and palaces, feel the soul of Iran in every shared meal, gentle smile, and heartfelt welcome that stays long after the journey ends.

Day By Day Experience

Day 1: Arrival in Tehran – The Heartbeat of Persia

Welcome to Tehran, the dazzling gateway to Iran’s soul — where the rhythm of ancient dynasties meets the pulse of modern life. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with warm Persian hospitality and escorted to your hotel. Take the evening to rest or stroll through the city’s vibrant boulevards shimmering with lights and aromas of saffron and rosewater. Later, join your fellow travelers for a delightful welcome dinner and orientation, setting the tone for your Persian odyssey ahead.
Overnight in Tehran.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Tehran’s Royal Grandeur and Timeless Treasures

Awaken in the capital of contrasts — where opulent palaces and humble tea houses coexist in harmony. Begin at the majestic Golestan Palace (UNESCO), a masterpiece of Persian architecture adorned with mirrored halls, marble thrones, and dazzling tilework. Wander through its courtyards and museums echoing stories of Qajar kings. Continue to the National Museum of Iran, tracing the arc of civilization from the dawn of history to Islamic art.

After a local lunch, marvel at the legendary National Jewels Museum, glittering with the “Sea of Light” pink diamond and the fabled Peacock Throne — an unforgettable vision of royal splendor. If closed, the Grand Bazaar awaits, where life hums in colorful chaos and scents of spice and silk fill the air.
Dinner and overnight in Tehran.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Kashan – Natanz – Arrival in Isfahan: The City of Half the World

Journey across desert landscapes toward Kashan, an oasis of elegance and artistry. Stroll through the UNESCO-listed Bagh-e Fin Garden, a Persian masterpiece where turquoise waters and cypress-lined pools shimmer against the arid sands, fed by ancient mountain aquifers. Continue to Natanz, where the 14th-century Mosque of Sheikh Abdussamad Esfahani stands serene beneath a turquoise dome — one of the finest Ilkhanid-era architectural treasures. By evening, arrive in Isfahan, the fabled “Half of the World,” where domes gleam like gems under the setting sun. Settle into your hotel for three nights in this living museum of Persian grandeur.
Overnight in Isfahan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: Isfahan – The Splendour of Safavid Persia

Begin your exploration of Isfahan, one of the world’s most beautiful cities and a treasure trove of Islamic art. Start at the monumental Naqsh-e Jahan Square (UNESCO) — a vast plaza encircled by architectural jewels: the breathtaking Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, the grand Imam Mosque, and the elegant Ali Qapu Palace, each radiating Safavid glory. Stroll along the banks of the Zayandeh River to admire Isfahan’s poetic bridges — Si-o-se Pol and Khaju — graceful arcs that have inspired artists and poets for centuries. As dusk descends, return to Imam Square to sip fragrant Persian tea beneath floodlit mosaics, watching locals gather in joyful evening rhythm.
Overnight in Isfahan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: Isfahan – The Armenian Quarter and Royal Gardens

Cross the river into New Jolfa, the Armenian quarter established by Shah Abbas I, where cobbled streets and golden-domed churches reveal a unique blend of East and West. Visit the magnificent Vank Cathedral, its walls alive with biblical frescoes framed by Persian floral motifs. In the afternoon, explore the exquisite Chehel Sotoun Palace, the “Pavilion of Forty Columns,” where mirrored halls reflect tales of Safavid court life, followed by the Hasht Behesht Palace, a serene retreat of marble fountains and poetic beauty. The evening is free to wander through Isfahan’s teahouses or enjoy the city’s lively squares glowing under starlit skies.
Overnight in Isfahan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6: Isfahan – Mosques, Bazaars and the Soul of Persia

Your final day in Isfahan begins at the Jameh Mosque (UNESCO) — an architectural timeline of over twelve centuries, its soaring domes and intricate brickwork tracing the evolution of Islamic art. Later, lose yourself in the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, where time slows amid the scent of saffron, the shimmer of silk carpets, and the rhythm of hammering coppersmiths. Enjoy free time to shop, photograph, or linger over tea in one of Isfahan’s traditional chaikhanas, absorbing the timeless charm of a city that remains, truly, the heart of Persian civilization.
Overnight in Isfahan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: From Isfahan to Yazd – Desert Roads and Sacred Rituals

Depart Isfahan and journey southeast through ochre deserts and salt plains toward Na’in, an ancient town that once flourished on the Silk Route. Here, visit the Jameh Mosque of Na’in, one of Iran’s oldest surviving mosques, its simple yet powerful architecture reflecting the earliest days of Islam in Persia. Continue toward Yazd, the fabled desert city and spiritual heart of the Zoroastrians. En route, pause at Saryazd, home to centuries-old caravanserais—fortified rest stops for Silk Road travelers—one beautifully restored, the other still wearing the raw patina of time.

Before reaching the city, stop at the haunting Towers of Silence, two circular stone structures rising from barren hills where Zoroastrians once laid their dead for celestial purification by vultures. Though this ritual ended decades ago, the site retains a deeply spiritual aura, whispering of ancient beliefs and eternal cycles. By late afternoon, arrive in Yazd, a UNESCO World Heritage city of wind towers, labyrinthine alleys, and blue-tiled domes glowing under the desert sun. As evening falls, visit the Ateshkadeh (Fire Temple) to witness the sacred flame said to have burned continuously since 470 AD — a symbol of purity and the living soul of Zoroastrian faith.
Dinner and overnight in Yazd.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Yazd – The Soul of the Desert Civilization

Wake up to the magic of Yazd — the world’s oldest living adobe city and one of Iran’s most atmospheric destinations, nestled between the Dasht-e Kavir and Kavir-e Lut deserts. Begin a walking tour through the Old City, a maze of winding mud-brick lanes shaded by lofty badgirs (wind-catchers) that channel cool desert air into homes. Visit the majestic Jameh Mosque, its twin minarets piercing the cobalt sky, and continue to Alexander’s Prison, a mysterious structure steeped in legend.

At the Amir Chakhmaq Complex, marvel at the elegant symmetry of its tiered façade glowing amber at dusk. Explore the Water Museum, where you’ll uncover the ingenious qanat system—underground aqueducts that sustained this desert civilization for millennia. As evening approaches, step into a traditional zurkhana, a Persian “house of strength,” where men perform rhythmic, spiritual exercises accompanied by hypnotic drumming — a powerful expression of ancient Iranian identity.

End the day with tea in a rooftop café overlooking the city’s domes and wind towers bathed in golden light — an unforgettable Yazd moment, timeless and poetic.
Dinner and overnight in Yazd.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9: From Yazd to Shiraz – The Heart of Persian Poetry and Empire

Depart the desert city of Yazd and travel south across mountain passes and fertile plains toward Pasargadae, the first dynastic capital of the mighty Achaemenid Empire founded by Cyrus the Great. This UNESCO World Heritage Site rests serenely on the Murghab Plain, surrounded by rugged peaks and whispering winds that seem to carry the spirit of Persia’s earliest kings. Visit the simple yet powerful Tomb of Cyrus, the founder of one of history’s greatest empires and a timeless symbol of leadership and tolerance. Continue through picturesque countryside to Shiraz, the luminous city of roses, nightingales, and poets.

On arrival, settle into your hotel for three nights, then enjoy an evening stroll through one of the city’s tranquil gardens. The air here is sweet with citrus blossoms and poetry — this is Iran’s cultural heart, where beauty and wisdom intertwine in every stone and verse.
Dinner and overnight in Shiraz.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10: Shiraz – The City of Poets, Gardens, and Light

Wake to the scent of orange blossoms and begin your day exploring Shiraz, a city that has inspired artists, mystics, and dreamers for centuries. Start at the Citadel of Karim Khan, the 18th-century fortress of the Zand dynasty, followed by the vibrant Vakil Bazaar, alive with the fragrance of saffron and the shimmer of Persian textiles. Admire the graceful Vakil Mosque, supported by 48 spiral-carved columns, and continue to the breathtaking Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, the “Pink Mosque,” where morning light streams through stained glass, transforming its interiors into a kaleidoscope of color.

In the afternoon, visit the serene mausoleums of Hafez and Saadi, Iran’s beloved poets whose verses embody the Persian soul. Wander through the lush gardens surrounding their tombs, where locals recite poetry under the shade of cypress trees. As evening falls, enjoy tea at a traditional teahouse while the golden domes of Shiraz glow under a starlit sky.
Dinner and overnight in Shiraz.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11: Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam – Glory of the Persian Kings

Day 12: Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam – Glory of the Persian Kings
Today, step back into the majesty of the ancient Persian Empire with an excursion to Persepolis (UNESCO), one of the most significant archaeological treasures in the world. Founded by Darius the Great in 518 BC, this monumental complex — once the ceremonial capital of Persia — stands as a testament to imperial grandeur. Explore the Gate of Nations, Apadana Palace, Hall of a Hundred Columns, and the royal Treasury, each adorned with intricate reliefs that immortalize the unity of the ancient world.

Afterward, continue to Naqsh-e Rostam, where the colossal rock-cut tombs of Achaemenid kings — including Darius, Xerxes, and Artaxerxes — gaze over the plains in eternal silence. Nearby at Naqsh-e Rajab, admire exquisite Sassanian bas-reliefs that narrate royal triumphs. Return to Shiraz in the late afternoon, where the scent of jasmine fills the air. In the evening, wander through Bagh-e Eram (UNESCO), a poetic garden of cypress trees, fountains, and blossoms — the perfect farewell to Persia’s city of beauty and soul.
Dinner and overnight in Shiraz.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12: Farewell to Persia – From Shiraz to Tehran and Beyond

After breakfast, board your flight from Shiraz to Tehran, watching the ancient landscapes unfold one last time beneath your wings. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for a day of rest and quiet reflection — a perfect pause to absorb the poetry, colors, and soul of Iran. Stroll through the hotel gardens or enjoy a final cup of fragrant Persian tea as memories of Shiraz’s rose-scented air linger. Later, transfer to Tehran Airport for your international departure — carrying with you the warmth, artistry, and timeless spirit of Persia.
Meals: Breakfast

Facts and Inclusions

All Meals Included:
Enjoy daily breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) throughout the trip, featuring authentic local cuisine.
Accommodation:
Stay in premium accommodation throughout the journey, ensuring comfort and relaxation after each day's adventure.
Entry Fees Included:
All entry fees to monuments, temples, and attractions mentioned in the itinerary are covered.
Tipping:
Tipping for local guides, drivers, and hotel staff is included, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Service of MidAsia Routes Tour Leader:
Benefit from the expertise of a knowledgeable tour leader throughout the journey, ensuring smooth logistics and enriched cultural insights.
Cultural Experiences:
Immerse yourself in local cultures through visits to traditional markets, cultural performances, and interactions with local communities.
Transportation:
Travel comfortably in private vehicles or minibuses for overland journeys between destinations.
Tour Itinerary:
The itinerary spans multiple days, offering a balanced mix of sightseeing, cultural immersion, and leisure time.
Safety and Comfort:
Ensures safety and comfort with experienced guides, well-planned activities, and accommodation in reputable hotels.
Long-Distance Journeys:
There are some long-distance journeys of 5-6 hours during this trip, however, comfort transport arrangements will ensure a cozy experience.
Small Group Travel:
Midasia Routes trips are designed for a maximum of 6 travelers, along with a dedicated Midasia Routes Tour Leader.

Date & Prices

Start Date	End Date	Price	Single Supplement Price	Availability
12/04/2026	23/04/2026	$ 8485	$ 1500	Sold Out
28/04/2026	09/05/2026	$ 8485	$ 1500	4
04/09/2026	15/09/2026	$ 8485	$ 1500	5
Choose your own dates	Choose your own dates	$ 9550	$ 1650	Bespoke and Private

Trip Cost Does Not Include

International airfare,any airport departure taxes, any meals not specified after each itinerary day in the Detailed Itinerary, gratuities to tour leader,hotels en route to or on return from starting or ending city or additional hotel nights that may be necessary due to airline schedule changes or other factors, visa fees, cost of medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

A Journey Built Just For You

Take customization to the next level on a journey fully tailored to you. Midasia Routes destination specialists will gladly tailor this existing itinerary—or build one completely from scratch—to suit your style, interests, and time frame. Contact us to see whats possible.