Day By Day Experience

• DAY 1 - Arrive in Tehran

  Arrive in Tehran, where you will be greeted with warm Iranian hospitality and transferred to your comfortable hotel. In the evening, gather for a Welcome Dinner featuring delectable local cuisine and an orientation session led by your knowledgeable tour leader. This will be an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow travelers and the adventures that lie ahead. Relax and settle in, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of Irans bustling capital. Overnight in Tehran D

• DAY 2 - Tehran

  Today marks the beginning of your sightseeing adventure in Tehran, where the days itinerary will vary depending on the day of the week. Tehran is renowned for its impressive museums, including the celebrated National Museum, which showcases artifacts from the seventh millennium BCE through the Sassanid era, featuring many relics and large stone reliefs from Persepolis. Additionally, you might explore the lavish Golestan Palace, where the mirroradorned Marble Throne Hall, used for the last Shahs coronation, awaits your discovery. Many of the brick and faience tile structures you see here are remnants from the 19thcentury Qajar Dynasty. B,L,D

• DAY 3 - Tehran; Fly to Shiraz

  This morning, take a short stroll from your hotel to the charming Carpet Museum. Though modestly presented, the museum boasts a priceless collection from various regions of Iran, highlighting the profound cultural significance that carpets have always held in Persian society. If time allows, also explore the Reza Abbasi Museum closed Mondays, named after the renowned Persian artist. This museum showcases art and artifacts spanning from the second millennium BCE to the early 20th century, including baked clay, metals, and stones from prehistoric times, preIslamic manuscripts, and exquisite examples of Islamic calligraphy, lacquer, and textiles. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight south to Shiraz. Shiraz, the provincial capital of Fars in southern Iran, is the birthplace of the Persian language, Farsi. Although its history dates back to the Achaemenid era, it flourished after the Arab conquest. The citys golden age was under the 18thcentury Zand dynasty, and many of its grand old houses and gardens hail from this period. The poetry of the 12thcentury Saadi and the early 14thcentury Hafez greatly enhanced Shirazs fame as the city of wine, women, song, and luxuriant roses. After checking into your hotel, head out for dinner at a local restaurant. On the way, visit the shrine of Shah Cheragh outer court only, the burial place of Hazrate Mir Seyyed Ahmad, son of the seventh Imam of Shiite Islam. The shrine, beautifully illuminated at night, casts a mesmerizing glow over its tiled minarets and mirrored halls filled with pilgrims. B,L,D

• DAY 4 - Persepolis

  Today, you explore the immensely rich archaeological site of Persepolis. Following the death of Cyrus in 521 BCE, Darius shifted the Achaemenid capital 70 kilometers from Pasargadae to Persepolis, now known as Takhti Jamshid. In 321 BCE, Alexander the Great famously sacked and burned the city after an epic drinking bout, although he was sober enough to save Persepolis vast library beforehand. The presentday ruins, though just a shadow of their former splendor, still captivate visitors with their grand gateways, staircases, and nearly 200 feet of intricate stone reliefs. Next, you visit Naghshe Rustam, where ancient tombs carved into a rigid rock face are believed to belong to Xerxes, Artaxerxes, and Darius II. Nearby stands the Kabeh ye Zardosht, or Cube of Zoroaster, a firetemple from the Achaemenid period. Your guide will also show you seven magnificent Sassanian rock reliefs located here. After a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, return to Shiraz, stopping at the mausoleum of Hafez. Enjoy the local sherbet, known as faloodeh, in the charming teahouse tucked in a corner, and listen to local patrons reciting the poetry of the master. Then, stroll beneath the date palms alongside the ornamental pool in the Baghe Eram gardens. Conclude your day with dinner at a local restaurant. B,L,D

• DAY 5 - Shiraz

  Embark on a fascinating walking tour of Shiraz, starting with a visit to the enchanting Pars Museum. Nestled within the serene Nazar Gardens, this octagonal pavilion is renowned for its exquisite exterior tile work. From the museum, venture into the historic heart of Shiraz, where youll meander through the bustling BazaareVakil. This sprawling maze of merchants and goods boasts five entrances and over 200 shops, along with charming courtyards and a caravanserai. Your journey continues to the mesmerizing Masjidi Nasir alMulk, or Pink Mosque, famous for its vibrant stainedglass windows. If time allows, explore the MadrasaeKhan theological school nearby. Returning to the city center, youll visit the ArgeKarim Khan, an imposing 18thcentury fort that served as the seat of government during the Zand dynasty. Next, marvel at the splendid Vakil Mosque from the same era, followed by a tour of the Narenjestan House and Garden, a traditional abode adorned with dazzling mirror work and Victorianera paintings. If time permits, you might also explore the picturesque Afifabad Garden and House, which dates back to the early 20th century. B,L,D

• DAY 6 - To Yazd via Pasargadae

  Start early for the drive to Yazd, with a visit to the evocative ruins of Pasargadae en route. Once the capital of Cyrus the Great, Pasargadae still houses his nearly intact tomb amidst the remains of this ancient city. When Islam arrived in Iran, Cyrus tomb was revered as the legendary resting place of MaderISuleiman, the Mother of Solomon. Along the way, look for the ancient qanats, an ingenious irrigation system first used by the Achaemenids and still functional today. Yazd, surrounded by a salt desert and nestled in the shadow of Shihr Kuh, the Lion Mountain, greets visitors with its iconic windcatchers, or badgirs, which naturally ventilate the citys buildings. This unique architecture earned Yazd the distinction of being the second city, after Venice, recognized by UNESCO for its vernacular style. Founded during Alexander the Greats time in the third century BCE, Yazds name is said to originate from the Sassanid king Yazde Gerd, though some believe it derives from yazd don, meaning clean or purea metaphor for God in Zoroastrianism. Today, Yazd remains the primary center of Zoroastrianism in Iran. B,L,D

• DAY 7 - Explore Yazd

  This mornings visit takes you to an eerily captivating site on the outskirts of town Yazds Towers of Silence, the final resting place of the Zoroastrians. According to Zoroastrian tradition, dead bodies, considered highly contaminated, were placed atop these towers to be consumed by vultures and exposed to the elements. Once the bodies reached a certain stage of decay, they were placed in a large hole in the center of the tower to complete their transformation to total disintegration. This practice continued well into the 20th century, eventually replaced by a special cemetery nearby. A short but steep climb to the top rewards you with expansive views of Yazd and the surrounding area. Returning to the city proper, youll expand your understanding of the Zoroastrian religion with a visit to Atash Behram, a sacred fire temple. A walking tour of the city begins with Masjid Jami, notable for the height of its iwan and minarets. This 12thcentury mosque features stunning tilework in deep turquoise and a winter side gallery with transverse vaulting that resembles a European cathedral. Next, youll cross Mirchachmagh Square, known for its excellent carpet and embroidery shops. Continuing on to Zendan Iskandar, a pleasant treelined square, youll find an atelier where artisans replicate intricate mosque designs on tables, platters, panels, and bowls note that artisans may not be present at the time of your visit. Your tour continues to Mirchakhmah, a popular monument with an unusual faade and spectacular mosaics, both inside and out. Later, you visit BaghiDawlat Abad, a unique octagonal house featuring the tallest wind tower in the city. This architectural gem adds a fitting conclusion to your exploration of Yazds rich cultural heritage. B,L,D

• DAY 8 - Yazd; Drive to Esfahan

  This morning, embark on a journey from Yazd to Esfahan, with visits to the historic towns of Meybod and Nain along the way. Discover Meybods 17thcentury caravanserai, a testament to the towns rich heritage. Continue to Nain, renowned for its 10thcentury Friday mosque and the nearby Pirnia House Ethnographic Museum. This exquisite example of a Safavid period private residence showcases delicate monochrome painted plaster decorations, offering a glimpse into the artistic elegance of the era. B,L,D

• DAY 9 - Esfahan

  Esfahan, the capital of Esfahan Province, is the heart of Irans Islamic monuments. Though its origins trace back to the third century, the citys most iconic structures were built during the Safavid dynasty of the 17th and 18th centuries. Begin your exploration with the citys exquisite engineering marvels the Khaju and Siosepol bridges. These bridges, with their elegant archways, intricate tiles, and charming pavilions, span the Zayandeh River like entire towns in themselves. Next, a drive takes you to the bustling bazaar and the majestic Imam Square, where the narrow alleys and vibrant shops invite you to wander and discover. This area boasts fine architecture and quaint mosques, each telling a story of its own. Back at Imam Square, the Ali Qapu Palace awaits, with its grand entranceway and verandah offering views that once overlooked polo matches in the square below. Continue your journey to the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, a breathtaking structure regarded as one of Esfahans most splendid historical monuments. Built by Shah Abbas for his fatherinlaw, this mosque, lacking minarets, captivates with its harmonious proportions, from the dome to the entrance portal, and the intricate tilework adorning the interior. Inside, the superb Mihrab, marble cornices, and beautiful inscriptions by the famed calligrapher AliReza Abbasi, alongside stunning mosaic tile ornamentation, mark it as a true masterpiece of architecture. After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, visit a carpet store and the expansive Qeisarieh Bazaar. This enthralling market offers a vast array of handicrafts, providing a delightful end to your exploration of Esfahans rich heritage. B,L,D

• DAY 10 - Esfahan

  This morning, explore the magnificent Masjid Jami, or Friday Mosque, a testament to 1000 years of Iranian architecture. This bold yet simple structure boasts a stucco mihrab, built in honor of Oljeitu, the IlKhanid ruler with a mausoleum in Soltaniyeh. Revered as one of the finest examples of its kind in the world, the mosque also features intricate jali, or metal grilles, in its courtyard. Next, cross the river to the Jolfa District, established between 1655 and 1664. This quaint area in Esfahan was historically the Armenian quarter, where skilled craftsmen relocated from northern Iran by decree of the Shah to prevent their expertise from falling into Ottoman hands after his departure from Tabriz and Qazvin. Visit the Vank Church, a stunning blend of Islamic and European architecture. This 17thcentury cathedral boasts a bell tower, richly colored frescoes, and an Islamicstyle dome. In the courtyard, a small museum houses fascinating relics related to the Armenian nation and its church. Later, take a leisurely stroll among the columns of the Chehel Sotun, or FortyColumn Palace. Built during the reigns of Shah Abbas I and Shah Abbas II, this serene site features a beautiful garden and a palace with an impressive 20column divan. A large pool extends from the front of the palace, and within, youll find exquisite murals and a small museum. B,L,D

• DAY 11 - Tehran

  Embark on a journey back through time as you travel towards Tehran, with enchanting stops in Abyaneh and Kashan awaiting your discovery. Nestled amidst the rugged Karkas Mountains, Abyaneh beckons with its timeless charm and vibrant traditions. Wander through streets where locals don colorful traditional attire, preserving an ancient culture steeped in history. Continue your odyssey in Kashan, a quintessential Persian jewel renowned for its architectural splendor and artistic heritage. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of mosques, caravanserais, and lush gardens that whisper tales of bygone eras. Step into the opulent world of a 19thcentury merchants courtyard house, a testament to Kashans rich merchant history. Amidst it all lies the Baghe Fin Garden, an oasis of tranquility dating back to the 16th century, where the whispers of Persian history echo softly through time. Relax beneath the shade of ancient trees and marvel at delicate ceramics, intricate embroideries, and the enduring beauty of Persian carpets that adorn this storied land. In Abyaneh and Kashan, the essence of Irans cultural tapestry unfolds with each step, offering a glimpse into a world where past and present harmoniously converge. B,L,D

• DAY 12 - Departure

  Departure Your unforgettable journey comes to an end as you transfer to Tehran International Airport for your departure. Take with you cherished memories of Iran rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality.B