Treasure of Persia in 12 Days

After breakfast, we'll start our first discovery tour of Tehran. We will lean back on the van and enjoy magnificently decorated palaces, glittering mosques, old bazaars, modern high-rise buildings and shopping centers from the window. Our first stop will be at the Niavaran Palace, where we'll visit the main part of the palace. Next, we'll head to Tajrish bazaar for a chance to sample local delicacies such as white mulberries and camel yogurt. After lunch, we'll visit the Crown Jewel Museum in downtown Tehran. In the early evening, we'll return to our hotel.
Overnight: Tehran

Today, we'll travel to the beautiful city of Kashan, which takes less than 3 hours by car. Our first stop will be at the Tabatabai House, built by a carpet dealer in the 19th century and inhabited by the influential Tabatabai family. We'll then spend some time in the lush and shady grounds of the Fin Garden, a national cultural heritage site listed in the UNESCO world heritage sites. Next, we'll visit the Aqabozorg mosque and school, as well as the traditional bazaar of Kashan.
Overnight: Kashan

The journey to Isfahan is relatively short, but the landscape is diverse as we pass through the desert and the foothills of the Zagros Mountains. After about an hour, we'll arrive at the remarkable village of Abyaneh, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its exceptional cultural and historical significance. Abyaneh is a charming village where ancient customs are still upheld, and the local women wear vibrant traditional dresses, adding to the village's unique ambiance. We'll enjoy a leisurely walk for approximately an hour and have lunch on the panoramic terrace of the Hotel Viuna. In the evening, we'll arrive at our centrally located hotel in Isfahan, where we'll stay for the next three nights.
Overnight: Isfahan

Today, we'll start our city tour on foot from our centrally located hotel. Within a few minutes, we'll reach Nagsh-e Jahan Square (Imam square), the third largest square in the world, flanked on three sides by great architecture. We'll visit the Ali Qapu Palace, the Shah Mosque, and the Sheik Lotfollah Mosque. Both mosques are renowned for their blue tiled entrance areas and blue domes. We'll also visit the Chehel Sotoun Palace, the so-called "Forty Pillar Palace". After some free time to stroll through the bazaar and Nagsh-e Jahan square, we'll visit the Azadegan teahouse together, which is decorated like a real robber's cave.
Overnight: Isfahan

After breakfast, we'll continue our city tour and visit the Armenian district called Jolfa. We'll visit the Vank Cathedral with its beautiful biblical murals and the attached museum, which tells the moving history of Armenia. Our guide will recommend a restaurant for lunch, after which we'll visit the Zayandeh River. We'll stroll along the Siosepol bridge and the Khaju bridge before picnicking on the shore with Iranian families.
Overnight: Isfahan

After breakfast, we'll depart for Nain, where we'll visit the great Friday Mosque. We'll then proceed to Meybod in the south to discover the Narin Ghaleh castle, which dates back to pre-Islamic times. In the early evening, we'll arrive at our hotel in Yazd, known for its adherents of the religion founded by Zarathustra and its wind catcher towers.
Overnight: Yazd

After breakfast, we'll visit the Tower of Silence, a tower that was used by the Zoroastrians for the burial of the dead. From the tower, we'll enjoy 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. We'll stop for lunch at a bakery to try Yazd cake specialties (optional) and then enjoy the best view of the old mud brick city (Fahadan district) from the roof of Café Honar.
Overnight: Yazd

Today, we'll leave Yazd and head to Pasargadae, the capital of the Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus the Great. Afterward, we'll continue our journey to Shiraz, known as the hometown of poets and Persian poetry.
Overnight: Shiraz

After breakfast, we'll start our city tour of Shiraz. We'll visit the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, also known as the Pink Mosque, and the Vakil Bazaar, a traditional market with beautiful architecture. We'll then visit the Shah Cheragh mausoleum, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Iran. In the evening, we'll visit the Hafeziyeh, the tomb of one of the most famous Persian poets.
Overnight: Shiraz

Today, we'll visit the ancient city of Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. We'll also visit the nearby Necropolis, a burial site for Achaemenid kings. We'll then return to our hotel in Shiraz.
Overnight: Shiraz

After breakfast, our guide will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.