From Persian History to Nomadic life in 15 Days

Today, after breakfast, we'll start our discovery tour of Tehran. We will enjoy the views of magnificently decorated palaces, glittering mosques, old bazaars, modern high-rise buildings, and shopping centers from the comfort of our vehicle. Our first stop will be the Niavaran Palace, where we'll visit the main part of the palace and learn about its fascinating history.

For lunch, we'll head to Tajrish bazaar, where you can explore the vibrant market and try some local snacks, such as white mulberries or camel yogurt. After lunch, we'll visit the Crown Jewel Museum in downtown Tehran, where you can admire the stunning collection of jewelry and learn about their historical significance.

In the early evening, we'll return to our hotel, having experienced the rich culture and history of Tehran.

Overnight: Tehran

Today, we'll head towards the beautiful city of Kashan, which is just a three-hour drive away. Our first stop will be the Tabatabai House, a 19th-century residence built by a wealthy carpet dealer and inhabited by the influential Tabatabai family. We'll learn about the history and architecture of the house, and immerse ourselves in the luxurious lifestyle of the wealthy merchants of the past.

Next, we'll visit the Fin Garden, a national cultural heritage site and a UNESCO World Heritage site. We'll stroll through the shady grounds of the garden, admiring the flowering beds, fountains, bathhouses, and pavilions, and learning about the history and significance of this magnificent site.

We'll then visit the Aqabozorg Mosque and School, where we'll explore the beautiful architecture and learn about the educational system in ancient Persia. Finally, we'll visit the Kashan Traditional Bazaar, where you can explore the vibrant market and shop for souvenirs and local handicrafts.

In the evening, we'll return to our hotel in Kashan, having experienced the rich culture and history of this beautiful city.

Overnight: Kashan

Today, we'll hit the road to Isfahan, a journey that offers a varied and stunning landscape of desert and the foothills of the Zagros Mountains. After driving for about an hour, we'll reach the extraordinary village of Abyaneh, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here, we'll witness the customs and traditions that have been preserved for centuries, including colorful dresses worn by women and an old dialect that is still in use. The mud structures of the village press against the rocks and are hardly recognizable from a distance.

We'll take an easy one-hour walk to enjoy the serenity of this quaint village and have the opportunity to have lunch on the imposing panoramic terrace of the Hotel Viuna. After lunch, we'll continue our journey towards Isfahan, which is still about 180 kilometers away. In the evening, we'll arrive at our centrally located hotel in Isfahan, where we'll be staying for three nights.

Overnight: Isfahan

Today, we'll start our city tour on foot from our centrally located hotel. After a few minutes, we'll arrive at Naghsh-e Jahan Square (Imam Square), the third-largest square in the world, flanked on three sides by great architecture. On the west side of the square is the great Ali Qapu Palace, and on the south side is the Shah Mosque, both stunning examples of Safavid architecture. The Sheik Lotfollah Mosque, another masterpiece of Safavid architecture, is on the east side of the square, and shines with its blue tiled entrance areas and blue domes in the sunlight. Later we'll visit the Chehel Sotoun Palace, also known as the "Forty Pillar Palace".

Afterwards, we'll have some free time to stroll through the bazaar and Naqsh-e Jahan Square, where you can find plenty of restaurants to have lunch if you wish. In the afternoon, we'll meet again with our guide and visit Azadegan Teahouse, a unique spot decorated like a real robber's cave.

Overnight: Isfahan

After breakfast, we'll continue our city tour in Isfahan and head to Jolfa, the Armenian district. Here, we'll visit the Vank Cathedral, which features beautiful biblical murals. In the attached museum, we'll learn about the moving history of Armenia through exhibits, pictures, and documentaries.

Our guide will give us a restaurant recommendation for dinner before we head back to the hotel. In the evening, we'll meet again to visit Zayandeh River, where we'll stroll along the 33-arch Siosepol Bridge and the Khaju Bridge. We'll spread blankets on the shore and enjoy a picnic next to Iranian families, immersing ourselves in the local culture and lifestyle.

Overnight: Isfahan

After breakfast, we'll pack our bags and head west to Nain. We'll take a break in Nain, located on the edge of the central desert, and visit the great Friday Mosque to stretch our feet and admire the stunning architecture.

We'll then continue our journey to Meybod in the south to discover Narin Ghaleh Castle, which dates back to pre-Islamic times and offers a glimpse into the region's rich history.

In the evening, we'll arrive at our traditional ecolodge, where we can relax and unwind after a day of exploring.

Overnight: Garmeh

We'll start a fresh morning in the heart of the desert and explore the village of Garmeh and Mesr Desert, which means Egypt in Farsi. Legend has it that a few hundred years ago, a cameleer came to this side of the desert to find his lost camel. When he saw the beauty of the place, he decided to make his own Egypt here. He started digging a water channel for 5 km to bring water into the area and built a small village named Mesr. Unfortunately, this village was destroyed by a flood a few years ago. We'll enjoy a light trek in the central desert of Iran, admiring the stunning landscape and learning about the region's history.

As the sun begins to set, we'll watch the beautiful sunset in the desert and gather around a fire for tea, enjoying the peacefulness of the desert.

In the evening, we'll head to Yazd and check-in to a traditional hotel, where we can relax and unwind. The restaurant in the courtyard of our traditional hotel offers a wonderful setting for dinner.

Overnight: Yazd

Yazd is a city with a rich history and culture, known for its connection to the Zoroastrian religion founded by Zarathustra hundreds of years before Christianity. In Yazd, there are still many adherents of this faith today. We'll start our tour by visiting the Fire Temple of Zarathustrians, where we'll learn about this special religion and see the oldest flame in the world.

Yazd is also an important center of Islamic Shiite belief, which we'll learn about on our tour of Amir Chakhmagh Square. The west side of the city's main square is dominated by an impressive building construction that serves to give more weight to the speeches of the religious leader, especially in the mourning month of Muharram.

We'll then visit the Tower of Silence, a tower that was used by the Zoroastrians for the burial of the dead. From this complex, we'll have beautiful views of the fascinating mud brick city. During a walk, we'll visit a magnificent fire temple of the Zoroastrians and the Dowlatabad Garden with its impressive wind towers.

At lunchtime, we'll find a bakery where we can try Yazd cake specialties, a must-try for anyone visiting the city (optional). The best view of the old mud brick city can be enjoyed from the roof of the Café Honar.

Overnight: Yazd

Today, we'll bid farewell to Yazd and hit the road for our next destination, Shiraz, the hometown of poets and Persian poetry. Around noon, we'll reach Pasargadae, the capital of the Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus the Great. Here, we'll have the opportunity to explore the ruins of this ancient city and learn about its fascinating history.

Afterward, we'll continue our journey to Shiraz, enjoying the beautiful landscapes of Iran along the way. In the evening, we'll arrive in Shiraz, where we can relax and unwind after a day of travel.

Overnight: Shiraz

Today, we will be exploring the beautiful city of Shiraz on foot and by van. Our first stop will be the Nasir-al Molk Mosque, also referred to as the “Pink Mosque”. We'll take in the stunning architecture and intricate designs before heading to the Vakil bazaar and Saraye Moshir where we can browse a wide range of Persian carpets, spices, and dazzling gold jewelry. Next, we'll walk across the bazaar to the Karim Khan Citadel, which we'll admire from the outside.

After enjoying lunch, we'll visit the Ali Ebn-e-Hamzah Shrine, an impressive site with its mirrored vault. In the afternoon, we'll walk in the footsteps of the renowned local poet Hafiz at Hafeziye and take a stroll through the serene Eram Garden. The hotel is conveniently located nearby, and we can arrange for an evening meal in the vicinity.

Overnight: Shiraz

Today, we embark on a unique two-day adventure with Nomad tribes. Our journey takes us to Sepidan, where we'll be immersed in the stunning scenery of Oak and grape trees. We'll arrive around noon and have the chance to enjoy lunch with the friendly Nomads.

During our stay, we will participate in their daily activities, which include sheepherding, farming, ranching, and handcraft production. You'll witness firsthand the production of rice, wheat, beans, apples, peaches, yogurt, butter, dough, and curd. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to observe the intricate art of carpet and rug weaving.

Throughout the day, you'll have plenty of time to soak in the breathtaking surroundings and appreciate the tranquility of the nomadic lifestyle. As the day comes to a close, we'll retreat to our comfortable nomadic tents to rest and relax.

Overnight: Staying with Nomads

Today, we'll head to the stunning Zagros mountain range, which boasts beautiful weather and breathtaking landscapes. Our destination is Tang-e Ganbil, a picturesque valley located 95 km northwest of Shiraz on the northern edge of the 3600-meter Barm-e Firouz peak.

As we arrive in Tang-e Ganbil, we'll be surrounded by green fields, vast forests, and gardens, creating a serene and pleasant atmosphere for visitors. The valley is home to a waterfall, straits, caves, and plains, all of which we'll have the opportunity to explore and appreciate.

After a day of trekking, we'll return to Shiraz for a relaxing evening in the city of roses.

Overnight: Shiraz

Today, we will enjoy an exciting excursion to the ancient royal city of Persepolis. We'll be amazed by columns and reliefs that are over 2,500 years old, bearing testimony to the immense power and wealth of the Achaemenid rulers. Our knowledgeable guide will take us to the Spring Palace and the Necropolis (Naqsh-e Rostam), where we can admire the impressive rock tombs of the Achaemenid kings.

In the afternoon, we'll return to Shiraz to immerse ourselves in the local culture and spend the evening with a Shirazi family. We'll have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Persian family dinner, which promises to be a memorable experience.

Overnight: Shiraz

Today, we'll make our way to Shiraz Airport, where it's time to bid farewell to this enchanting journey filled with unforgettable experiences.