Iran 11 days in depth tour

For most of history, the tract of land now called Iran was known as Persia. It wasn’t until 1935 that it adopted its present name. Early Persia was a formidable empire, whose vast plateau rimmed by mountain ranges, was variously invaded by Barbarians. Traveling through the major cities and the countryside of this age-old country, you will be witnessing a variety of life styles and local cultures and amazed how diverse Iran is. You will come across a flabbergasting variety of vistas, from breathtaking natural landscapes to spectacular monuments of centuries by gone, to impressions of the everyday lives of numerous Iranian ethnic groups.

After your arrival in Tehran, you will be met at the airport and then taken to your hotel to check in and relax. Overnight stay in Tehran.

You will spend a full day touring Tehran, the capital of Iran. Visit historic Golestan Palace, a Qajar era palace that combines Persian architecture with Western decorative influences. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this lavish complex of 17 palaces and gardens is both a historic site and museum. You will also experience the lively alleys of the Tehran Bazaar and see The National Archaeological Museum, a showcase for Iran’s rich and ancient history, as well as the glittery Jewelry Museum and Carpet Museum. Overnight stay in Tehran.

After breakfast, you will drive to Kashan, a beautiful oasis city on the edge of the Dasht-e Kavir. Here you will see the Borujerdi and Tabatabei Houses, gorgeous 18th and 19th century traditional homes built by wealthy merchants. You will also visit the ancient archeological site Tepe Sialk and the Fin Garden, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 16th century, the beautiful and serene Fin Garden is the oldest living garden in Iran. Overnight stay in Kashan .

Leave Kashan in the morning, you will drive to Yazd, stopping in Naiin to visit the Jame Mosque. Built in the 8th century, it is one of the oldest mosques in Iran and is known for the beauty of its brickwork. You will also visit the ethnology museum at Pirnia Traditional House and, if there is time, the Rigareh Water Mill and Aba Bafi man made caves. Also, visitng chak chak and Meybod . Overnight stay in Yazd.

You will spend a whole day discovering Yazd, one of the oldest cities on earth and a stop on the ancient Silk Road. The center of Zoroastrian culture and Persian architecture, Yazd has many interesting and beautiful sites. You will see the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence and Atashkedeh Fire Temple, the Jame Mosque with its towering twin minarets that dominate the surrounding city and the Dowlat-Abad Gardens, one of Iran’s most beautiful gardens and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the impressive Amir Chaghmagh complex and Lariha House, one of the best-preserved traditional houses from the Qajar era. Marvel at the clever wind towers and water irrigation systems invented by ancient engineers and architects to make living in the hot, arid desert manageable. Overnight stay in Yazd.

Drive to Kerman, Half day visit of Kerman to see the Ganj-Ali Khan Complex -This complex with an area of 11000 square meters belongs to Safavid era composed of Bath, Bazaar, Caravanserai, Mosque and Square ), Friday Mosque, and overnight Kerman.

Full day excursion to Rayen to visit the Adobe castle of Rayen (The Arg-e-Rayen ) and believed to be at least 1,000 years old;  Enroute visit The shrine of an Iranian mystic and poet.i.e. Shah Nematolah-e Vali Shrine, and the Prince Garden at Mahan; overnight Kerman.

Drive to Shiraz, en-route visit the Sassanian Palace at Sarvestan and the biggest fig garden of the world, overnight Shiraz.

After breakfast, you will spend a full day touring the one of the oldest cities of ancient Persia. Shiraz has many historic and cultural sites and you will visit the Arg of Karim Khan, Pars Museum, Vakil Bath, Vakil Mosque, the Moshir Caravanserai and the Vakil Bazaar, the oldest Bazaar in Shiraz. Then continue your tour by seeing the Jahan Nama Garden, Quran Gate and the Ali ebne Hamze Shrine, where the tiny glittering mirrors covering the entire interior will leave you breathless. You will also go to the tombs of Hafez and Saadi. It is a moving experience to be in these beautiful gardens, joining other visitors in reading poems over the graves of two of Iran’s most famous poets. Overnight stay in Shiraz.

Shiraz is known as the “city of roses and nightingales” and you will spend the day visiting the beautiful Narenjestan Palace, Zinat-al-Molk House and Eram Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will also step into a kaleidoscope of colors at the famous Nasir al Molk Mosque and visit the Jame Atiq, one of the oldest mosques in Iran. Later, free at leisure. Overnight stay in Shiraz.

A short distance from Shiraz lie some of the most important sites of the ancient Persian Empire. You will explore the ruined columns of Persepolis, visit the impressive and imposing tombs of Naghsh-e-Rostam and see Naghsh-e-Rajab, a group of four bas reliefs carved in the side of a cliff. See Pasargadae, the capital of Ancient Persia, built by Cyrus the Great. One of the most revered rulers of the Persian Empire, Cyrus is buried at Pasargadae in a simple but impressive tomb. These are must see sites not only for history buffs but also for anyone who wants to know more about the history of Iran. After visiting these historic places of ancient Persia, you will continue your journey to beautiful city of Isfahan. Overnight stay in Isfahan.

After a traditional Iranian breakfast, you will discover the city once called “Half of the World.” Visit the stunning Chehel Sotoun, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the Palace of Forty Columns. Built during the Safavid era, the pavilion is decorated with beautiful murals and mirror work and is set in the middle of a pretty garden with a reflecting pool. Continue your tour of Isfahan at Naghsh-e Jahan Square, the second largest square in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the grand Ali Qapu Palace, you will marvel at the gorgeous Music Room and stand on a terrace where Shahs watched polo matches on the field below. Visit two mosques located on the Square: the charming and intimate Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque with its stunning peacock ceiling and Imam Mosque, a masterpiece of Persian Architecture. You will also stop at the Qeysarie Bazaar, where you can see traditional Iranian handicrafts being made in artisan shops. Later you will experience the festive atmosphere at two of the ancient bridges of Isfahan, the Sio-se-Pol and Khaju Bridge. Overnight stay in Isfahan.

There are more wonderful things to see in this full day tour of Isfahan. Visit the magnificent 8th century Jame Atiq Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest mosques of Iran. Tour the Ali Gholi Agha Complex that consists of a mosque, bazaar, public bathhouse, caravanserai, and theological school. The public bathhouse has been restored and now houses a museum. You will also see an eccentric example of Persian architecture when you visit one of the Pigeon Towers that once housed thousands of birds and provided an important source of agricultural fertilizer. Visit Hasht-Behesht, a Safavid palace called Eight Paradises, set in a serene garden in the middle of Isfahan. End your tour of Isfahan with a stop in the Armenian quarter of Jolfa and visit Vank Cathedral. The beautifully painted frescoes illustrate the story of the Bible and cover all of the interior surfaces in an ornate display reminiscent of European churches. Overnight stay in Isfahan.

After breakfast, you will begin your journey to Tehran, stopping at Abyaneh. From Isfahan it is a short drive to Abyaneh, one of the oldest and most beautiful traditional villages in Iran. It is a fascinating place, with ochre- colored houses, lattice windows, and fragile wooden balconies. The people of Abyaneh still dress in a traditional manner and the women are known for their beautiful and colorful long floral scarves. The village is built on the side of Karkas Mountain and its twisting lanes offer many splendid views. After seeing Abyaneh, you will have a short drive to Imam Khomeini Airport for departure flight.