Iran Highlights Tour (11 Days)

Iran Highlights Tour guide will welcome you with a Logo show card at the time of arrival at IKA airport. They will guide you to exit the airport to the hotel. Let’s leave the hassle of flight under the shower and relax before the tour of Tehran Treasure. Tehran, the capital of Iran, is a modern city that beautifully combines classical and contemporary elements of Persian culture. Tehran lies on the south of the Alborz mountain range. Tehran’s palaces and museums showcase cultural and natural beauty.

Iran Highlights Tour starts with Azadi Tower, a symbol of Modern Tehran and the contemporary national gate of Iran. The tour takes us to the Contemporary Art Museum to extend our knowledge about Persian Modern Arts. It is the most valuable collection of Western art out of Europe and America. Then, our Tehran journey touches the National Carpet Museum. It shines for the collection of Persian carpets from 1500 years ago to now.

Overnight Tehran.

Today, the Iran Highlights Tour begins with Golestan Palace, a royal complex over 400 years old. Persian artists decorated the palace with peculiar ornaments such as tiling, mirror works, and paintings. Golestan Palace surpassed the four kings of the Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties who took their crowns in its majesty. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage and embraces the symbolic tomb of Naser-al-Din Shah Qajar. The tour takes us to walk to overlook Tehran Grand Bazaar. It is a roofed-up building with old-time architecture of passages and pathways. Tehran Bazaar leaves you in a puzzle as a cultural and economic center in downtown Tehran.

Iran Highlights Tour exploration continues to Iran National Museum as a cradle of Persia story. It holds archaeological collections in two separate structures. Ancient Iran Museum and Museum of Islamic Period present you with the culture, art, and history of Iran. Finally, (Sat to Tue 14:30 to 16:30) we walk to the Treasury of the National Museum. The National Jewelry Museum shines on the beauty of the diamonds, jewels, and royal heritages. The treasury lets us feel the kingdom lifestyle better during our journey.

Overnight Tehran.

Iran Highlights Tour embraces Kashan legacies on the way to Isfahan today. The trip begins with Fin Garden, which depicts a genuine Persian garden. It narrates stories about the contemporary era and Persian paradise. Our expedition to Kashan city directs us to Boroujerdi House. It combines the desert style of wind-catchers with Persian traditional models of an iwan. Boroujerdi House shows superb plasterwork in interior and exterior decoration. Next in order of time, we touch Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse to feel Persian architecture in Kashan. Finally, we walk to Tabatabaee House which includes peculiar stone reliefs, stucco, and colored glasses. Then, the journey takes us to Isfahan to sense the white river. We will indulge ourselves in the beauty of the widely-known Khaju Bridge.

Overnight Isfahan.

Isfahan is the city of glories and Perso-Islamic masterpieces. It devotes itself to the craftsman’s dexterity and shines as an Iran highlight. Isfahan is the center of art, not only in architecture or handicrafts but also in urban structures and music. The city is a treasure of mosques, cathedrals, mansions, bridges, and gardens. Wall paintings and frescoes depict ancient battles and love stories in Isfahan.

Isfahan Highlights Tour

Iran Highlights Tour through Isfahan begins with the Gate of Naqsh-e Jahan Square (UNESCO Heritage). Qeysarieh Gate building is in remembrance of the king as the main entrance to Isfahan Grand Bazaar. It lets us visit Median-e Emam (the square) the masterwork of chief architect Sheikh Bahaee. Meanwhile, we will have a workshop on the art of Minakari in the Bazaar. The art demonstrates to us how ancient Persians enameled objects to place heaven into them. The art decorates metal (mostly Silver and Copper) or tile with patterns and paintings derived from the taste of the artist.

Firstly, we will walk to Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque to see the genius interior and exterior decoration of the dome. The mosque was a royal one for Shah Abbas Safavid. Next in order of our journey, we visit the Shah Mosque which is the architectural highlight of the square. The mosque depicts Persian architecture in the Islamic era. Shah Mosque consists of iwans, domes, tilling, and supreme engineering of voice-echoing art. Finally, our trip to the square will end with Ali Qapu Palace. The palace is a gallery of art in terms of music, painting, and decoration in an acoustic structure.

After nourishing our minds in the square we walk to Chehel Sotun Garden (UNESCO Heritage). The palace has a relaxing atmosphere with eye-catching paintings. Then, we travel to the white river to indulge ourselves in the beauty of the worldly known Si-O Se Pol Bridges.

Overnight Isfahan.

We will be leaving Isfahan and traveling to Shiraz, with a stop at the IzadKhast Complex. Sassanid kings built the complex with adobe. It consists of a fortress, fire temple, caravansary, bathroom, and the city of IzadKhast. The Iranians renovated the complex by constructing a mosque over the fire temple after the Arab conquest of Persia. After visiting the IzadKhast Complex, we will continue our journey to the Global City of Wood Carvings. We will discover the very skillful art of Monabatkari. Artists replete woods with religious designs or flower motifs in Monabatkari. Finally, we touch Pasargadae, which is the next stop on the Iran Highlights Tour itinerary. It is the ancient capital of Achaemenid that Cyrus the Great built with the famous fourfold Persian model of the garden. Pasargadae explains the nobility of the emperor and his necropolis. 

Expedition to Persian Kings Tombs

Iran Highlights Tour exploration continues with Naqsh-e Rustam, a Necropolis. The necropolis embraces emperors of Persian civilization in rock cuts, with the king’s engraved messages on rock reliefs. Also, the Zoroastrians’ sacred place “ Cube of Zoroaster ” as a spiritual monument is next to the rock face. After that, we take a short walk to Naqsh-e Rajab, an open-air archaeological archive. It displays Sassanid imperial impregnable power and triumph over the Roman emperor on bas-relief inscriptions. On the way to Shiraz, we will have a glance at Quran Gate. The gate is the entrance gate of Shiraz from the north. Architects built the Quran Gate for the purpose of blessing passengers with the holiness of the Quran during the Zand dynasty. Finally, next to the gate is the Tomb of Khwaju, who was the guru in literature, and also a guide to Hafiz.

Overnight Shiraz.

Iran Highlights Tour in the city of historical stories begins with Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque. It is a supreme intellectual and artistic sacred place which proves no comparison with the typical mosques. Spirituality lies inside when sunshine passes through the colorful glasses of windows to Persian carpet orchards. Also, Nasir-al-Molk Mosque dazzles visitors with its superb ceiling ceramic work as an architectural Iran highlight.

Zand Legacy Depicts Highlights of Shiraz City Center

Iran Highlights Tour devotes itself to the Zand dynasty heritage. The tour begins with Vakil Bazaar. After that, Our journey continues with the Vakil Historic Bath, which is an architectural masterpiece. Architects built the bath from gypsum, stone, and brick. Then, we keep walking to Vakil Mosque to experience a royal holy place. It derives its fame from the art of architecture, calligraphy, and columns engravings. Also, Vakil Mosque shows our path to Karim Khan Citadel. It was the residence of Karim Khan and his family. Also, the citadel was a military center and the structure looks like a castle guarding the royal family and the king. Soon after, we take a walk to Kolah Farngi Mansion to experience the ceremonial palace of the Zand Dynasty. It is a Zand legacy museum now.

Romance of Iran Highlights Tour

Iran Highlights tour continues with a gourmet taste of contrast in flavors. Sour Cherry Rice, a traditional Shirazi dish, is a great example of such contrast. On one hand, you can taste the sweet flavor, and on the other hand, you feel the sour taste. After exploring architectural masterpieces through Shiraz’s classic route we indulge ourselves in the spring of Eram Garden. Eram Garden (UNESCO Heritage) is the original meaning of Paradise (Pardis in Persian Language). It displays Persia’s peculiar structures in magnificent buildings and botanical gardens. Finally, we will dedicate our evening to Hafezieh. It is the mausoleum of a poet whose love stories, spiritual beliefs, and sagacious poems left an untouched legacy behind for readers to alleviate. Hafiz Ghazal by embracing eloquence inspired Persians to fall in love, be honest, and worship Allah.

Overnight Shiraz.

Iran Highlights Tour takes us outside of Shiraz to explore Persepolis (UNESCO Heritage) and move to Yazd. It is one of the three Achaemenid Empire Capitals. Persepolis used to host ceremonial events to demonstrate the imperial majesty and eminence of Achaemenid. Good to know that, Darius the Great the second undefeated Achaemenid king constructed the palace. Persepolis, the meaning of ‘city of Persians’ is a great example of the Achaemenid architectural style. The city of Persians embraces the most significant Achaemenid heritage. Persepolis is not only an archeological remains but also a fact of the cultural legacies of Persians.

On our journey ahead, we go to Abarkuh County to wander at the 4500-year-old Cypress Tree. Finally, the trip ends with having a pleasing night in a calm atmosphere around the highest wind-catcher in the world. Dowlat Abad Garden (UNESCO Heritage) with its peculiar architecture awaits us. (Dowlat Abad visit depends on the time of arrival to Yazd.)

Overnight Yazd.

Today, the Iran Highlights Tour embraces Yazd as one of the oldest cities in Iran. Yazd’s history goes back to ancient times. The city is the home of Persian sweeties and a famous destination for handicrafts. Religious diversity enlightens visitors about Zoroastrians, Jews, Christians, and Muslims in the city center. Persian architecture in the interior and exterior design of buildings and traditional houses inspires travelers about Yazd. Our journey begins with Yazd Jameh Mosque. Surly, the brilliance of tilling dazzles eyes next to the highest minarets in Iran. Yazd Jameh Mosque depicts harmonious crafts between Islamic and Persian architecture.

The Yazd architectural highlights tour starts with the Fahadan Area to explore the brick-and-mud lifestyle. Soon after, we will reach Alexander Prison which used to be a school. Then, we will visit the Zoroastrian Fire Temple, which continuously burns for around 2500 years. Then, our exploration will continue to the Amir Chakhmagh Complex. Amir Chakhmagh embraces gorgeous balanced submerged alcoves in the Tekyeh and the historical mosque. Finally, we will experience the traditional form of athletics. Soldiers used to get ready for warfare in Zourkhaneh (Pahlavani Rituals) in the classic era of Iran. Iran Highlights Tour ends today with a pleasing night in a calm atmosphere around the highest wind-catcher in the world. Dowlat Abad Garden with its peculiar architecture awaits travelers to relax in a paradise. (Dowlat Abad Garden visit depends on the first day of arrival to Yazd.)

Overnight Yazd.

Kerman is the largest province in Iran with the most precious archaeological landscapes and legendary Persian gardens. The city is the realm of Persian weaving such as Carpet, Terme, and Pate. Kerman is not only famous for the widely known Lut Desert but also for the pistachio nuts farms. On the way to Kerman, we will visit Zein-o-din Caravansary (UNESCO Heritage). Zein-o-din Caravansary is one of the 999 Inns for traders along the Silk Road during the Safavid Dynasty. The Caravansary is renovated as an establishment for the lodging and entertaining of travelers. Soon after, we will have an expedition to Pahlavanpur Garden (UNESCO Heritage). Qajar dynasty constructed the garden based on the Zandieh architectural pattern as a great example of Iranian Gardens. There is a cool atmosphere deriving from trees and water passing across the garden from a long aqueduct in the heart of the desert.

During our journey to Kerman, we will explore the semi-nomadic lifestyle of the locals, who reside in unique cave-like structures. We will pay a visit to Meymand village, which has been a refuge for humans in the mountains for centuries. The village is nestled within a ring of mountains, deep in the heart of the desert, and has been inhabited since ancient times.

Overnight Kerman.

Iran Highlights Tour in Kerman starts with Ganjali Khan Complex. It is a historical district that Ganjali Khan as the governor of Kerman built for public services. The archive of the area includes a mosque, a bath, a bazaar, and a school. Then, we experience the blend of taste and smell sensations evoked by a flavor in the mouth in the city center. If we could pick a taste for each city in Persia, Kerman perhaps would have had the flavor of Kolompe. Kolompeh is the special Kermani cooky inside which, is full of mashed sweet date palm. Savor every bite of this mouth-watering treat, and experience a taste sensation like no other. Soon after a touch of softness and tenderness of ancient Persian art in the corners of Kermani’s house manifests a frame of paradise. Kerman handicrafts feel like keeping a piece of heaven in your hands.

The Lut Desert UNESCO Highlights 

Iran Highlights Tour gives us an expedition to the Lut Desert (UNESCO Heritage). On our way, we will take a quick look at Shazdeh Mahan Garden (UNESCO Heritage). The garden is a true prototype of Persian gardens with a gorgeous mansion. Trees and facing fountains surround the garden to truly depict Persian paradise.

We will now visit Bam Citadel, the largest adobe structure in the world. Bam has been the site of ancient stories since over 1000 B.C. The Achaemenid Empire restored the citadel to preserve its mysterious and magical glories. The defensive fortress at the heart of the citadel includes a residential area, buildings for lodging soldiers, and the governor’s residence. Other significant constructions such as a bazaar, mosque, watchtowers, and gates can also be found here. Unfortunately, a devastating earthquake in 2003 destroyed most of the Bam citadel. However, reconstruction started soon after. Finally, we’ll visit the heart of the Lut desert (a UNESCO Heritage site) to experience the sky in our hands.

Overnight Kerman.

(Today’s Iran Highlights Tour depends on the departure time.) We embark on a journey to the Lut Desert, which is known for being the hottest and driest area in the world, to experience its unique salty desert terrain. As a result of its unique natural features, the Lut Desert has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Depart Iran.