Glories of Perisa in 15 days

After breakfast, we'll start our first discovery tour of Tehran. Our first stop is the Niavaran Palace, where we'll have the opportunity to explore the main part of the palace and its beautiful gardens.
Next, we'll head to the lively Tajrish Bazaar, where we can browse the colorful stalls and try local delicacies such as white mulberries and camel yogurt. The bazaar is a great place to find unique souvenirs to take home.

For lunch, we can sample some of the delicious food available in the bazaar or at one of the nearby restaurants.
In the afternoon, we'll visit the Crown Jewel Museum in downtown Tehran. This impressive museum houses a collection of jewels and precious objects that once belonged to the Iranian royal family. We'll have the chance to see some of the most beautiful and valuable jewels in the world.
In the early evening, we'll return to our hotel, where you can relax and reflect on the day's adventures.

Overnight: Tehran

Today, we'll embark on a long but picturesque journey to Isfahan. The road takes us through a desert landscape and the foothills of the Zagros Mountains, offering stunning views along the way.

After around three hours, we'll reach the extraordinary village of Abyaneh, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here, we'll be transported back in time as we witness ancient customs still being practiced, such as women wearing colorful dresses and the old dialect being preserved. The mud structures of the village press against the rocks, creating a unique and authentic atmosphere. We'll take a leisurely walk through Abyaneh, enjoying the serenity and charm of this quaint village (approx. 1 hour, easy). Later, we'll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch on the panoramic terrace of Hotel Viuna, which offers impressive views of the surrounding mountains.

After lunch, we'll continue our journey and travel the remaining 180 kilometers to Isfahan. In the evening, we'll arrive at our centrally located hotel in Isfahan, which will be our home for the next three nights.

Overnight: Isfahan

Today, we'll set off on foot from our centrally located hotel to explore the stunning city of Isfahan. Our first stop is Naghsh-e Jahan Square (Imam Square), the third largest square in the world. Flanked on three sides by impressive architecture, including the great Ali Qapu Palace in the west, Sheik Lotfollah Mosque opposite, and Imam Mosque on the south side, we'll admire the beautiful structures and learn about their rich history.

We'll then visit the beautiful Chehel Sotoun Palace, also known as the "Forty Pillar Palace", before enjoying some free time to stroll through the nearby bazaar and the great Naqsh-e Jahan Square. You'll have the opportunity to browse the shops and sample local cuisine at one of the many restaurants in the area.

After lunch, we'll meet up with our guide again and visit the unique Azadegan tea house, which is decorated like a real robber's cave. We'll then take a short bus ride to the Armenian district of Jolfa, where we'll visit the stunning Vank Cathedral with its beautiful biblical murals. The attached museum offers exhibits, pictures, and documentaries that tell the moving history of Armenia.

Before heading back to the hotel, our guide will recommend a restaurant for dinner where you can enjoy some delicious local cuisine.

Overnight: Isfahan

Today, we'll leave the city of Isfahan for a scenic trip to the mountains. Depending on the season, we'll either visit local nomads in their summer camp or have lunch with a local family in a nearby village. This is a unique opportunity to learn about their way of life and enjoy a traditional meal that they have prepared for us.

During our stay with the nomads, we'll get to know the simple life of these people up close and learn about how modernity is gradually affecting their traditional way of life. Alternatively, in the cooler months, we may have the chance to sit in the nomad tent of our hotel owner and learn more about the everyday life of this nomad family.

In the evening, we'll drive to our nearby hotel in Kuhrang, where we'll spend the night surrounded by the beautiful mountain scenery.

Overnight: Kuhrang

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll take a short walk to the nearby Ali Khan waterfall, a picturesque location that offers a great opportunity for a photo and a short hike along the river. You'll have a chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery and take in the fresh mountain air.

Around noon, we'll board the bus and make our way back to Isfahan, which will take approximately two to three hours. Once we arrive, you'll have the rest of the afternoon to explore the city at your leisure.

In the evening, we'll meet up again and head to the Zayandeh River, where we'll stroll along the 33-arch Siosepol bridge and the Khaju bridge. These stunning bridges are iconic landmarks of Isfahan, and we'll take the opportunity to learn about their history and significance.

We'll then spread blankets on the shore and enjoy a picnic next to Iranian families, a wonderful way to experience local culture and meet new people.

Overnight: Isfahan

Today, we bid farewell to the beautiful city of Isfahan and set off for the next highlight of our Iranian adventure. Around noon, we'll arrive at Pasargadae, the capital of the Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus the Great. Here, we'll visit the famous tomb and learn about the remarkable history of this ancient civilization.

We'll then continue our journey to the old royal city of Persepolis, where we'll marvel at the incredible columns and reliefs that are over 2,500 years old. These impressive structures are a testament to the power and wealth of the Achaemenid rulers. After enjoying a snack at a small local restaurant, our guide will take us to the Spring Palace and the Necropolis (Naqsh-e Rostam), where we can admire the rock tombs of the Achaemenid kings.

We'll then continue the road trip to Shiraz, known as the hometown of poets and Persian poetry. We'll arrive in the evening and settle into our hotel, ready to explore this vibrant city tomorrow.

Overnight: Shiraz

Today, we'll take in the sights and sounds of the vibrant city of Shiraz. Our first stop is the famous Nasir-al Molk Mosque, also known as the "Pink Mosque". This stunning structure is renowned for its colorful stained-glass windows that create a breathtaking display of light and color.

We'll then visit the bustling Vakil Bazaar and Saraye Moshir, where we can browse a wide range of Persian carpets, spices, and sparkling gold jewelry. From there, we'll make our way to the impressive Karim Khan Citadel, which we can admire from the outside.

After lunch, we'll visit the Ali Ebn-e-Hamzah Shrine, which impresses visitors with its mirrored vault. In the afternoon, we'll walk in the footsteps of the local poet Hafiz in Hafeziyeh and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Eram Garden.

It's a full day of exploring and sightseeing, so you may wish to relax and unwind in the evening at one of the many restaurants or cafes nearby.

Overnight: Shiraz

Today, we'll have an early start as we embark on a long journey to Kerman. Our first stop is Neyriz, which we'll reach after approximately three hours of driving. Here, we'll take a special detour off the normal route and change to taxis to reach Palangan. After a 45-minute drive, we'll take a short hike through the "Valley of the Iranian Tiger" for approximately one hour. This easy hike is a great opportunity to stretch our legs and take in the stunning natural beauty of the area.

Our second stage of the journey takes us further east, driving approximately 350 km through the south of the province of Fars to reach Kerman. The drive will take approximately five hours, but we'll be rewarded with beautiful views along the way.

We'll arrive at our hotel in Kerman in the evening, where we can relax and unwind after a long day of traveling.

Overnight: Kerman

Today, we'll have an early start for a trip to the edge of the Lut desert. After an approximately one-and-a-half-hour drive through the mountainous landscape east of Kerman, we'll reach the lower desert areas. Shahdad is the last inhabited town on the edge of the desert. The Lut desert is renowned for its kilometer-long rock formations, the Kaluts, which are arranged in parallel lines. We'll stop near the Kaluts and take a leisurely walk between the rocks to appreciate their unique beauty.

Afterwards, we'll head west again and after a two-hour drive, we'll arrive in Rayen to visit the impressive clay citadel. Our knowledgeable tour guide will explain the special desert architecture during our tour.

Next, we'll continue our journey to Mahan, where we'll stroll through the beautiful Baq-e Shahzadeh (prince's garden) and enjoy the refreshing fountains and watercourses that are typical of Persian garden architecture. A short bus ride takes us to the mausoleum of Shah Nematollah Vali, a famous Iranian Sufi master and poet.

After about an hour's drive, we'll reach our hotel in Kerman in the evening, where we can relax and reflect on the day's adventures.

Overnight: Kerman

Today, we'll start by exploring the Khanjali Khan complex and the bazaar in Kerman in the morning. After lunchtime, we'll make our way to the fascinating cave city of Meymand, where we'll arrive in the late afternoon. We'll take a leisurely walk through Meymand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the unique architecture of the ancient cave dwellings.

Did you know that people have lived in these caves for 12,000 years? Tonight, we'll have the chance to experience the same by staying overnight in the caves ourselves. It's a very special experience that you won't forget.

Overnight: Meymand

Today, we'll embark on a journey to Yazd, a city with a rich history and unique architecture. Yazd is known for its adherence to the ancient religion of Zarathustra, which was founded hundreds of years before Christianity. We'll visit the Tower of Silence and the Fire Temple to learn more about this special religion and see the oldest flame in the world. These sites are an essential part of the city's history and culture.

We'll also visit Amir Chakhmagh Square, an important center of Islamic Shiite belief, where we can admire the impressive building on the west side of the square. This building serves to give more weight to the speeches of the religious leader, especially in the mourning month of Muharram. We'll learn about the significance of this square and the role it plays in the daily life of the city's inhabitants.

Finally, we'll indulge in the famous almond biscuits of Yazd, recommended by your knowledgeable tour guide who knows the best places in town. These biscuits are a must-try and a delicious way to end our day in Yazd.

Overnight: Yazd

After breakfast, we'll pack our bags and head north to Meybod. Our first stop is the Narin Ghaleh castle, which dates back to pre-Islamic times. We'll have the opportunity to explore the castle and learn about its fascinating history.

Next, we'll visit a caravanserai from the Safavid era. Our guide will explain the complex to us, and we'll also have the chance to visit the Ziloo Museum to learn about the special Ziloo weaving mill.

As we continue towards Kashan, we'll make a stop in Nain on the edge of the central desert. Here, we'll visit the great Friday Mosque and admire its impressive architecture.

In the early evening, we'll arrive at our traditional hotel in Kashan and take some time to relax. The restaurant in the courtyard of our hotel offers a wonderful setting for a delicious dinner, where we can enjoy the ambiance and the local cuisine.

Overnight: Kashan

In the morning, we'll visit the beautiful Fin garden and the imposing Tabatabai house, which was built by a carpet dealer in the 19th century and inhabited by the influential Tabatabai family. These sites are a testament to the rich history and architecture of Kashan.

In the early afternoon, we'll travel to Qom, one of the most important Shiite pilgrimage sites, to visit the tomb of Fatima. Although non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the grave, we can still visit the building from the outside and, if the mosque guards allow us in, we can also visit the courtyard. Women will receive chador at the entrance, which they have to wrap themselves in such a way that only the face remains free.

In the evening, we'll take a stroll through the deeply religious city of Qom, exploring the local culture and traditions. Later, we'll return to our hotel to pack our things for our return flight.

Overnight: Qom

Today marks the end of our unforgettable journey through Iran. After breakfast, we'll transfer to Tehran Airport, which will take approximately an hour. It's time to say goodbye to the beautiful country that has captured our hearts and imaginations, and to the incredible memories we have made during our trip.