Day 1: Tehran (Arrival), Birthplace of Pahlavi Dynasty
At the time of arrival at IKA airport, our representative will welcome you with Logo show card and guiding you to exit the airport to the hotel. Leave the hassle of flight under the shower and relax before the tour of Tehran treasure. Tehran, as the most modern city and capital of Persia, where clearly shows the classical and modern combination of Persian culture, is located on the south of Alborz mountain range. Damavand, the highest Summit of Persia is a heroic symbol of Tehran, also the city embraces cultural & natural landscapes with brilliant glory of palaces and distinctive museums.
After Check-in and having a rest we go to Laleh park to Carpet museum, where shines for the collection of Persian carpets since the 1500 year to now, then gather together with leaders and fellow travellers to have a brief about the tour.
Overnight Tehran, (D).
Day 2: Tehran, Qajar & Pahlavi Kings Heritage
Tomb of Persian Emperors Tour begins with Golestan Palace as a royal complex with over 400 years old, which is decorated with peculiar ornaments such as tiling, mirror-works and paintings, surpassed the four kings of Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties who crowned in its majesty and now distinguished itself as a Unesco World Heritage, also we visit symbolic tomb of Naser-al-Din Shah Qajar Symbolic Tomb in the yard of the palace as a king of Persia for half a century, soon after that overlooking Tehran Grand Bazaar, a roofed up building with the old-time architecture of passages and pathways which leave you in a puzzle as a cultural and economic centre in the downtown of Tehran, besides having a look at Lotf Ali Khan Zand tomb who was the second king of Zandieh dynasty in the center of the bazaar, after that our exploration continues to Iran National Museum as the cradle of Persia story that holds archaeological collections in two separate structures; Ancient Iran Museum and Museum of Islamic Period, which present you with culture, art and history of Persia, then (Sat to Tue 14:30 to 16:30) walking to Treasury of National Museum (National Jewelry Museum), where shines for the beauty of the diamonds, jewels and royal heritages, to feel kingdom lifestyle better.
Overnight Tehran, (B,L,D).
Day 3: Tehran- Kashan, Abbas the Great Tomb
Today is devoted to Kashan legacies on the way to Isfahan, so our tour begins with Fin Garden, which depicts a genuine Persian garden, telling us stories about the contemporary era from murdering Amir Kabir to present, after that we visit Boroujerdi House which combines the desert style of wind-catchers with Persian traditional models of an iwan with superb plaster-work in interior and exterior decoration, soon after we touch Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse to feel Persian architecture meanwhile bathing, next in order of time we walk to Tabatabaee House which includes peculiar differences with the previous one in terms of stone reliefs, stucco and coloured glasses, before leaving Kashan we visit the tomb of Abbas the Great King who is considered as one of the greatest leader of Persia during Safavid dynasty, then move to Isfahan to sense the white river to indulge ourselves to the beauty of widely-known Khaju Bridge.
Overnight Isfahan, (B,L,D).
Day 4: Isfahan, Explore Safavid Glory
Isfahan, the city of glories and Perso-Islamic masterpieces devoted itself to craftsman’s dexterity to become centre 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 which amazed visitors in all aspects of skilful ingenuities. Isfahan is also the centre for wall-paintings and frescoes which narrate antique tales from Persia history of battles and love stories since thousands of years ago, especially in attractions such as Ali Qapu Palace and Chehel Sotun Garden.
Tour through Isfahan begins with a three-floor building which is called Qeisarie Gate in remembrance of the king as the main entrance to Isfahan Grand Bazaar, which directs us to Naqsh-e Jahan Square (Meidan Emam) to visit the masterwork of chief architect Sheikh Bahaee, also having a workshop for the art of Minakari demonstrates us how ancient Persians enameled objects to place heaven into them by decorating metal(mostly Silver and Copper) or tile by patterns and paintings derived from the taste of the artist, soon after we walk to Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque to be amazed with the genius interior and exterior decoration of the dome which used to be a royal mosque dedicated to Shah Abbas Safavid, after that we visit Shah Mosque, which depicts Persian architecture in Islamic era, by consisting of iwans, domes, tilling and supreme engineering of voice echoing, then our trip to the square will end by Ali Qapu Palace which could be called as a gallery of art in terms of music, painting and decoration in an acoustic structure.
By nourishing our mind in the square we walk to Chehel Sotun Palace (Bagh-e Chehel Sotun), where a relaxing atmosphere with gorgeous paintings are awaiting us with palace pillar photo reflected into the front pond, then we travel to the white river
to indulge ourselves to the beauty of worldly known Si-O Se Pol Bridges.
Overnight Isfahan, (B,L,D).
Day 5: Isfahan, Safavid and Seljuk Kings Tombs
Today Our tour includes Vank Cathedral with its fascinating paintings and mosque-like dome which is constructed by the Armenians who forced to move to Isfahan by Shah Abbas Safavid, after that we travel to Isfahan Jameh Mosque (Masjed-e Jame of Isfahan) to discover a unique practice of designing a holy place by renovation and reconstruction a mosque which is one of the oldest kinds in Persia, then we learn how masters do Ghalamzani to create outstanding works with a superb design on silver, copper, brass and gold to place visionary engravings on objects.
Our exploration continues to Chahar Bagh Street where is a masterpiece of urbanism to Hasht Behesht Palace were used to be a royal pavilion with glamorous paintings, woodwork, mirror-work and tilling, then we visit Nizam al
Mulk Tomb who was the vizier of Seljuk empire and also a political philosopher and scholar, next in order of time we touch Mausoleum of Safavid Princes where many commanders and rulers of Safavid dynasty are buried.
Overnight Isfahan, (B,L,D).
Day 6: Isfahan-Shiraz, Tomb of Cyrus the Great
We embark on full-day travel to Shiraz by having a deep expedition to IzadKhast Complex, which is built as an adobe structure during the reign of Sassanid empire, including a fortress, fire temple, caravansary, bathroom and the city of IzadKhast. The complex was renovated after the Arab conquest of Persia by constructing a mosque over the fire temple, also during Safavid era by adding a caravansary and bridge to be livable till Qajar dynasty, after that our exploration takes us to the Global City of Wood-carvings to discover a very skilful art which is called Monabatkari or Moghaarkari by professionals who replete woods with religious design or flower motifs in their workplace, then we will have an expedition to Pasargadae, the ancient capital of Achaemenid and the tomb of Cyrus the Great, which was built under the order of Cyrus the Great with famous fourfold Persian model of the garden, to explain the nobility of the emperor and his necropolis, then we will have a glance to Quran Gate, which is the entrance gate of Shiraz from the north, built by Zand dynasty in reason of blessing passengers by the holiness of Quran, next to the gate is Tomb of Khwaju, who was the guru in literature, also a guide to Hafiz.
Overnight Shiraz, (B,L,D).
Day 7: Shiraz, Heritage of Zandieh & Pahlavi Dynasties
Today is devoted to the beauty of Shiraz, at first we visit Nasir-ol-Molk, a supreme intellectual and artistic sacred place which proves no comparison with a typical mosque. Spirituality lies inside when sunshine passes through the colourful glasses of windows to Persian carpet orchards or on the firm columns inside, also you will be dazzled by the superb celling ceramic-work, then we walk to Qavam House, a unique model of Persian architecture which depicts most of the artistic value of the culture, not only in the garden with fountains, planting flowers and palm trees, but also with gorgeous mirror-works and European style of paintings, after a break for lunch our exploration continues with Eram Garden, the original meaning of Paradise (Pardis in the Persian Language) by displaying the Persia peculiar Structure in magnificent buildings and botanical garden, further to usual monuments we experience Shahcheragh, the third holiest shrine in Persia, which provides you with a very sophisticated feeling of spirituality as a reason of its brown colour face which takes you out of the worldly tension, then then we visit Hafezieh, the mausoleum of a poet whose love stories, spiritual beliefs and sagacious poems left an untouched and legacy behind for readers to alleviate with. Hafez Ghazal by the use of eloquence inspired Persians to fall in love, be honest and worship Allah.
Overnight Shiraz, (B,L,D).
Day 8: Shiraz, Achaemenid Emperors Tombs
We travel outside of Shiraz to explore Persepolis, one of the three Achaemenid Empire Capitals, which is dedicated to ceremonial events to demonstrate the imperial majesty and eminence, constructed by Darius the Great. The palace with the meaning of ‘city of Persians’ is a great example of Achaemenid architectural style where is also land of peace for Artaxerxess || and Artaxerxess ||| tombs, then visiting Naqsh-e Rustam, a Necropolis, where the emperors of Persian civilization are buried in rock cuts, with king’s engraved messages on rock reliefs, also the Zoroastrians sacred place “ Cube of Zoroaster ” as a spiritual monument is located next to the rock face, after that taking a short walk to Naqsh-e Rajab, an open-air archaeological archive which displays Sassanid imperial impregnable power and triumph over Roman emperor on bas-relief inscriptions. The Achaemenid Necropolis embraced from North to South Tomb of Xerxes |, Tomb of Darus |, Tomb of Artaxerxes | and Tomb of Darius ||, finally reaching Sa’diyeh where is the mausoleum of a poet who nourishes you with words and wisdom to enlighten your soul. Sa’adi with his global reputation for verses about human rights left us the most valuable heritage by writing books such as GOLESTAN & BOSTAN.
Overnight Shiraz, (B,L,D).
Day 9: Tabriz, Motherland of Azeri Heritage
On the time of arrival at TABRIZ INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, our representative will welcome you with Logo show card and guiding you to exit the airport to the hotel. Leave pressure of flight under shower and relax before the tour of Tabriz commences. Tabriz is the most significant region in historic Azerbaijan area in terms of culture, industry, modernity and handicrafts, also agriculture plays an important rule in the development of the city. Tabriz history gained a huge impression from Safavid and Qajar dynasties as a centre of Azeri tribes, so most of the monuments and attractions prove cultural, architectural and customs and traditions of the mentioned royal families also is known as the world Carpet Weaving City. The tour starts with visiting Constitution House of Tabriz as it was a prominent pivot of revolutionary communities, which is built by an eminent architect Mr Haj Vali Me’mar, during Qajar dynasty. The house, where is a museum of revolutionary activists sculptures and their legacies such as letters and weapons, was a centre for leaders declaration during Constitutional Revolution in Qajar era, next in order of time we wander at Tabriz Grand Bazaar (Tabriz Historic Bazaar) with its spectacular structure that includes many sub-Bazaars as the largest roofed Bazaar in the world, which confirmed itself as a cultural, economical and political centre of the city where Tabriz Kilim and Rug shine like diamonds by their world reputation that comes from the orchards which are woven onto the klims and rugs with a colourful design to let users feel softness and freshness under feet. since Safavid Dynasty to present era, then we drive to El Goli Garden which is decorated with a large artificial pond and a mansion in the middle to have a relaxing evening.
Overnight Tabriz, (D).
Day 10: Tabriz-Ardabil, Mausoleum of Colors
Today tour is devoted to Tabriz Heritage including Blue Mosque, a witness to the history of the city since pre-Safavid to Pahlavi dynasty, where blue tiles at the grand entrance Iwan caused the name of the monument. Most parts of the building destroyed in a late earthquake, but famous architects reconstructed the majesty of the mosque during Pahlavi dynasty, the mosque is also the eternal house of Jahan Shah who was the greatest leader of Kara Koyunlu Turkish tribe who ordered building the mosque, but the construction continued by his wife and daughter, soon after we take a walk in Khaghani Park where is built in remembrance of a famous prose-writer and poet, who influenced Nezami Ganjavi, Saadi and Hafiz, after that, we walk to Azerbaijan Museum which takes you to a tour through history by visiting archaeological finds dated back to 5000 B.C to Sassanid era, then Islamic seals and coins and after that Iron Museum which demonstrates astonishing sculptures by a contemporary Artist Mr Ahad Hosseini, then our exploration continues with driving to Ardabil. Our exploration directs us to traditional Persian bath in Sarein On the way to Ardabil, Sarein is the city of natural hot springs with relaxing baths and pools to provide an atmosphere of calmness and wellness.
Overnight Ardabil, (B,L,D).
Day 11: Ardabil, Tomb of Safavid & Sufism Leaders
Ardabil is the motherland of Safi-ad-din Ardabili, who is the founder of Safavieh order that shaped the root of Safavid ideology in their dynasty, also the city is rich in cultural and spiritual evidences. Ardabil established its brand for hot springs and natural landscapes, also for handicrafts especially silk carpets and rugs.Today is devoted to Safavid Dynasty Foundation by visiting Safi-ad-din Ardabili Tomb, Murshid of Sufism and his beliefs and ideology created Safaviyya credence in Persia, also we have a glance of Shah Esmaeeil | as the founder of Safavid Dynasty who is called the king of kings. The Complex includes Khanghah, Mosque and courtyard, which shows different aspects of Sufism, then we will visit Ibrahim Abad Historical Bath to experience Qajar architecture with a peculiar usage as a restaurant, then driving back to Sarein to relax in traditional bath for continuing our tour.
Overnight Ardabil, (B,L,D).
Day 12: Ardabil-Zanjan, Ilkhanid Heritage
Zanjan as a pre-historic region in Azeri area of Persia is famous for its agricultural products such as seedless grapes and handicrafts like Malileh and Knives. Zanjan is one of the most happiest Province in Iran with a dreamy view of natural inland sceneries and organic ingredients which flourish culinary art. Our tour continues with touching natural landscapes on the way to Zanjan and visiting Rakhtshooy Khaneh, where people used to wash their clothing in, as a distinctive ideology for constructing a building to provide a secure place for women and keeping them safe from coldness, soon after we experience Saltmen Museum to amaze with six dead bodies from 2500 years ago founded in a salt mine, after that joining art workshop to experience Malileh handicraft, a handmade souvenir which caused Zanjan to be inscribed as a creative city in Unesco by the skill of Malileh art as a kind of handicraft which is crafted out of Silver.
Overnight Zanjan, (B,L,D).
Day 13: Zanjan-Qazvin, Tomb of Mongolian Dyn
Qazvin, a city with 9000 years of civilization, where is located on the way of Silk Road, proves its significance to be announced as the capital of the country in different periods. Alamut Castle is the prominent legacy of the city besides Sa’d al-Saltaneh Caravanserai which is the biggest urban caravanserai in Iran.
On the way to Qazvin, we have an expedition to Dome of Soltaniyeh, a well -known structure in terms of architecture and spirituality which is also Tomb of Oljeitu, built during Mongol Dynasty (Ilkhqnid) in Persia. It is the largest brick dome with 49 tons weight and the third one in its kind after Florence Cathedral and Hagia Sophia in the world, after that, we embark on a full-day visits of Qazvin by having a unique taste royal gastronomy which mostly included rice and beef, so Qazvin is not only known as the Persian Culinary Capital but also famous for the cooking art of jewelled rice meals such as Morasa Polow. Being amazed with such colourful garnished rice dish energised us to join the culinary workshop to see how local cook flavour and colour these eats with herbs, fruits and flavourings such as Saffron in one of the most traditional houses of Qazvin. Chehel Sotun Pavillion is built during the reign of Shah Tahmasp Safavid as a royal palace at the centre of the city when he announced Qazvin as the capital of Iran. The building was reconstructed during Qajar Dynasty and now is used as Calligraphy museum, soon after that, we visit Cantor Church, a Russian Orthodox Church which is built by Russian engineers who came to Persia for road construction more than 100 years ago, also there is a pavement lead to Christian tombs in memorial.
Overnight Qazvin, (B,L,D).
Day 14: Qazvin- IKI Airport, Explore Humble Caravanserai
Today, we reach the majesty of Qajar Dynasty that is with no doubt the best-preserved caravanserai in Persia, Sa’d al-Saltaneh Caravanserai is the largest urban one in its kind. The architecture consists of Iwan, Hojre (Travelers room), Dome and courtyards to provide a relaxing atmosphere for travellers and traders. Saad al-Saltanah Palace is a Safavid caravanserai in the center of the old texture of Qazvin. The old bed of this bazaar is a thousand years old, but the current unique building has traces of Safavid and Qajar. A collection with thousands of years of unique memories and narrations, after visiting the Caravansary we drive to IKI airport to depart Iran and come back home.
Qazvin-Tehran, (B,L,D).