Best of Northern Italy - 8 Days

Day 1 - Tehran

Our tour of northern Tehran begins at the Nature Bridge, offering stunning views of both northern Tehran and the Alborz mountains. We then proceed to Niavaran Palace, the final residence and office of the Shah before the Islamic Revolution. Next, we visit the house of Imam Khomeini, where he led Iran for a decade. Following this, we explore the Tajrish Old Bazaar, a lively traditional market where locals shop daily. We then head to Saadabad Palace, a grand complex of royal palaces from the Pahlavi era. Our final stop is Darband, a serene valley north of Tehran that provides a peaceful escape from the city's bustle. Overnight in Tehran.

Day 2 - Tehran

The tour begins at Bagh-e-Melli, formerly known as Parade Square, where we can admire landmark buildings from Reza Shah’s era in the early 20th century. Next, we visit the National Museum, which showcases Iran’s rich 7,000-year history through a unique collection of chronologically arranged archaeological artifacts. Our journey continues to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Golestan Palace, the Qajar-era headquarters that once served as the center of the country’s administration in the 18th and 19th centuries. We then explore the bustling Grand Bazaar of Tehran before heading to the renowned Treasury of National Jewels, home to some of the world’s most exquisite gems. The tour concludes at the former US embassy, known as the Den of Espionage in Iran after its 1979 seizure, which led to the hostage crisis between Iran and the USA. Overnight in Tehran.

Day 3 - Tehran Qom Kashan

We embark on a drive to Kashan, stopping at several notable sites along the way. Our first stop is The Mausoleum of Imam Khomeini and the Tehran War Cemetery. After about an hour on the road, we pass a large salt lake and arrive in the religious city of Qom. Here, we visit the Holy Shrine of Hazrat-e-Masuma, one of Iran's most significant religious centers. Following another hour's drive, we reach Kashan, a desert city known for its historical charm. In Kashan, we explore the Fin Garden, a splendid example of traditional Persian garden design. The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you explore this well-preserved desert city at your own pace. Overnight in Kashan.

Day 4 - Kashan Abyaneh Isfahan

We begin the day by exploring several historical houses known for their intriguing architecture. Next, we visit Kashan Bazaar and the Aghabozorg Mosque. We then depart for Isfahan, making a stop in Abyaneh, also known as The Red Village. This well-preserved village is renowned for its striking red buildings and offers a glimpse into traditional Iranian architecture and culture. After our visit to Abyaneh, we continue our journey to Isfahan, which is about a 2.5-hour drive away. Overnight in Isfahan.

Day 5 - Isfahan

Iranians proudly say that Isfahan is "half the world!" Once one of the largest cities globally in the 16th and 17th centuries and the capital of the Safavid dynasty, Isfahan boasts remarkable historical significance. Today, we start our exploration at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Naghsh-e-Jahan Square, one of the largest city squares in the world. Here, we will visit the six-story Aliqapu Palace, the Royal (or Imam) Mosque—an architectural masterpiece of Persian Islamic design, the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque (the royal court's private mosque), and the Chehelsotoun (40-Columns) Pavilion.

Next, we’ll wander through the maze-like Qeysarieh Bazaar, beginning on the northern side of the square and concluding at the Old Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, another UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Iran’s oldest mosques.
Our journey continues in Jolfa, Isfahan’s Armenian quarter, where we’ll visit Vank Cathedral, a prominent symbol of Christianity in Iran. We’ll then explore the Zayandeh River banks, admiring several historical bridges, including the stunning Siosepol and Khaju bridges. The day concludes with a stroll along Charbagh Street, or "Four Gardens Street," a historic thoroughfare at the heart of Isfahan. Overnight in Isfahan.

Day 6 - Isfahan

Free time or optional Programs  O/N Isfahan

Day 7 - Isfahan Naein Meybod Yazd

On our journey to Yazd, we'll pause in the desert city of Naein to explore the Jameh Mosque of Naein, one of Iran's oldest mosques, preserved in its original form. We'll also visit the Pirnia Historical House, now an anthropological museum that offers insights into desert life.Before arriving in Yazd, we'll stop in the historical city of Meybod. Here, we'll see the Sassanid Narin Castle, among Iran's oldest fortresses, the Chaparckhaneh (an old post office), and the Safavid Caravanserai—one of the 999 inns built by Shah Abbas. Additionally, we'll visit a pigeon tower, a traditional dovecote used for housing pigeons and collecting their droppings for use as fertilizer.Yazd is less than an hour away. Our day's program concludes upon reaching Yazd. (Total drive: 320 km / 200 miles) Overnight in Yazd.

Day 8 - Yazd

Nestled in the heart of Iran's remote desert, Yazd has largely evaded the major battles and invasions that have affected other regions, including the Mongol invasions. This city stands as a testament to how limited resources were ingeniously used to survive in such a harsh environment.Our exploration begins at the Amir Chakhmaq Complex, renowned for its iconic facade and its role as a venue for religious ceremonies. Next, we'll visit The Water Museum, where a visible qanat runs beneath the building, showcasing ancient techniques of water management crucial in this arid landscape.

From there, we'll proceed to the Jameh Mosque of Yazd, famed for its stunning portal and minarets. Following this, we'll wander through the narrow alleys of The Old Town, celebrated for its unique earthen architecture and traditional windcatchers.Yazd, a historic refuge for Zoroastrians following the Arab conquest, remains a central hub for Iran's Zoroastrian community. We'll visit a Fire Temple, which houses a sacred fire said to have been burning since approximately 470 AD, offering deeper insights into this ancient religion.

Next, we’ll explore The Towers of Silence, once used by Zoroastrians for excarnation, where the dead were exposed to carrion birds like vultures until a few decades ago. Our tour continues at the Dowlatabad Garden, a classic Persian garden featuring the tallest windcatcher in the country.Finally, we’ll visit a Zoorkhaneh, a traditional Persian gym, where you can witness traditional Persian sports being practiced.
Overnight in Yazd.

Day 9 - Yazd Abarkooh Pasargadae Persepolis Shiraz

On our 450km drive to Shiraz, we first visit the Aghazadeh Mansion in Abarkooh, renowned for its pristine two-story windcatcher and adobe ice-house. In Abarkooh, we also encounter an ancient Cypress tree, estimated to be between 4,000 and 5,000 years old, and reputedly planted by Zoroaster. After two hours of driving, we reach Pasargadae, where we explore the tomb of Cyrus the Great and the remnants of the Achaemenid Empire’s first capital. Another hour on the road brings us to Naghsh-e-Rostam, a necropolis featuring tombs of Achaemenid kings and impressive Sassanid rock reliefs. Before we arrive in Shiraz, we make a significant stop at Persepolis to marvel at the 2,500-year-old ceremonial complex, which was once used to celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Our day concludes with a brief visit to the Quran Gate, where travelers passing beneath were once thought to receive the blessing of the Holy Book. (Total drive: 460km/285 miles). Overnight in Shiraz.

Day 10 - Shiraz

Today’s itinerary begins at the Qavam Mansion, renowned for its stunning orange garden and exquisite Qajar-era interior decor. Next, we visit the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, also known as the Pink Mosque, celebrated for its vibrant and colorful design, which is one of the most striking in Iran. We then proceed to the Shahcheragh Shrine, a significant and sacred site in Iran.Following this, we take a leisurely stroll through the Vakil Bazaar, a prime example of traditional covered bazaars in Iran. Exiting the bazaar, we encounter the Vakil Mosque, famous for its spiral pillars and green marble minbar (pulpit). Our next stop is the Vakil Hammam (public bath), where you can explore a traditional Iranian bathhouse, complete with wax statues illustrating historical costumes and customs.

We then visit the Karim Khan Citadel, the former headquarters of the Zand dynasty. Our day concludes with a visit to the Eram Garden, part of Shiraz’s botanical gardens and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Finally, we pay tribute at the Hafiz Memorial, where locals gather to honor the beloved 14th-century poet who lived in Shiraz.Overnight in Shiraz. The tour ends here, with options to fly out of Iran from Shiraz Airport, return to Tehran via flight or train, or continue exploring Iran with one of our other tours.