In Depth Iran - 10 Days

Day 1 - Tehran

Our tour of northern Tehran begins at the Nature Bridge, offering stunning views of 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 home of Imam Khomeini, the center of his leadership for a decade. We continue to the bustling Tajrish Old Bazaar, where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional market. Following that, we explore Saadabad Palace, an extensive complex of royal palaces from the Pahlavi era. Our final stop is Darband, a serene valley in northern Tehran that provides a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. Overnight in Tehran.

Day 2 - Tehran

Our tour begins at Bagh-e-Melli, once known as Parade Square, where you'll see notable buildings from the early 20th century, dating back to Reza Shah’s reign. Next, we visit the National Museum, showcasing over 7,000 years of Iran’s history through a remarkable collection of archaeological artifacts. We then explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Golestan Palace, the historic headquarters of the Qajar dynasty from the 18th and 19th centuries. The tour continues with a visit to Tehran's bustling Grand Bazaar, followed by an unforgettable stop at the world-famous Treasury of National Jewels. We conclude our day at the former US Embassy, known as the Den of Espionage, which became infamous following its seizure in 1979 and the subsequent hostage crisis. Overnight in Tehran.

Day 3 - Tehran Qom Kashan

We set out for Kashan, making a few notable stops along the way. Our first visit is to the Mausoleum of Imam Khomeini and Tehran’s war cemetery. After about an hour of driving, with views of a vast salt lake, we arrive in Qom, a significant religious center in Iran, where we explore the Holy Shrine of Hazrat-e-Masuma. Another hour of driving brings us to the desert city of Kashan. Here, we visit the Fin Garden, a beautiful example of Persian landscaping. The afternoon is yours to enjoy exploring 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, with a stop in Abyaneh, also known as The Red Village. This well-preserved Iranian village is renowned for its distinctive red buildings and serves as a living museum of architecture and culture. Afterward, we continue our journey to Isfahan, which is approximately a 2.5-hour drive away. Overnight in Isfahan.

Day 5 - Isfahan

Iranians proudly boast that Isfahan is "half the world." Once one of the largest cities globally during the 16th and 17th centuries and the capital of the Safavid dynasty, Isfahan’s grandeur is undeniable. Today, our journey begins at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Naghsh-e-Jahan Square, one of the largest city squares in the world. Here, we will explore several stunning landmarks: the six-story Aliqapu Palace, the Royal (or Imam) Mosque—a masterpiece of Persian Islamic architecture, the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, which served as the royal court’s private place of worship, and the Chehelsotoun Pavilion, renowned for its forty columns.

Our adventure continues as we wander through the bustling Qeysarieh Bazaar, starting from the northern side of the square and concluding at the Old Jameh Mosque of Isfahan. This ancient mosque, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the oldest surviving mosques in Iran.
Next, we’ll visit Jolfa, Isfahan’s Armenian quarter, where we’ll tour Vank Cathedral, an important Christian landmark in Iran. We’ll then head to the Zayandeh River to admire several historic bridges, including Siosepol and Khaju, which are among the most beautiful in the city.
Our tour concludes with a stroll down Charbagh Street, or "Four Gardens Street," a historic avenue in the heart of Isfahan. Overnight stay in Isfahan.

Day 6 - Isfahan

Free time or optional Programs – O/N Isfahan

Day 7 - Isfahan Naein Meybod Yazd

On our drive to Yazd, we'll make a stop in the desert city of Naein. Here, we’ll visit the Jameh Mosque of Naein, one of Iran's oldest mosques, preserved in its original form. We’ll also explore the Pirnia Historical House, now an anthropological museum showcasing traditional desert life.

Before reaching Yazd, we’ll tour the historic city of Meybod, where we’ll see the ancient Sassanid Narin Castle, one of Iran’s oldest fortresses. We’ll also visit Chaparckhaneh, the old post office, and the Safavid Caravanserai, part of the 999 motels built by Shah Abbas for travelers. Additionally, we’ll stop by a pigeon tower, one of many such dovecotes used for housing pigeons and collecting their droppings as fertilizer.
Yazd is less than an hour away, and our day concludes upon arrival in this historic city. (Total drive: 320 km / 200 miles) Overnight stay in Yazd.

Day 8 - Yazd

Yazd, nestled in the heart of Iran's remote desert, has largely escaped the devastation of major conflicts, including the Mongol invasions. This city stands as a testament to the resourcefulness required to thrive in such an arid environment.
Our exploration begins at the Amir Chakhmagh Complex, known for its striking facade and significance as a site for religious ceremonies. Next, we visit The Water Museum, where a qanat flows visibly beneath, illustrating the ancient art of water management crucial for survival in the desert.

From there, we move to the Jameh Mosque of Yazd, famous for its impressive portal and minarets. Our journey continues through the narrow alleys of The Old Town, celebrated for its traditional earthen architecture and distinctive windcatchers.
Yazd has long been a refuge for Zoroastrians since the Arab conquest and remains a central hub for Iran’s Zoroastrian community. We visit a Fire Temple where the sacred flame has been kept burning since around 470 AD, offering deeper insights into this ancient religion.

Following this, we explore The Towers of Silence, which were used until recently for Zoroastrian excarnation—a practice where the dead were exposed to carrion birds like vultures.
Our next stop is the Dowlatabad Garden, a quintessential Persian garden featuring a pavilion with the tallest windcatcher in Iran.
We conclude our tour with a visit to a Zoorkhaneh, a traditional Persian gym, where you can witness the practice of ancient Persian sports.
Overnight in Yazd.

Day 9 - Yazd Abarkooh Pasargadae Persepolis Shiraz

On our 450 km drive to Shiraz, we first stop at Aghazadeh Mansion in Abarkooh, renowned for its pristine two-story windcatcher and an adobe ice-house. In Abarkooh, we also see a venerable Cypress tree, estimated to be 4,000 to 5,000 years old and believed to have been planted by Zoroaster himself.After a two-hour drive, we arrive at Pasargadae, where we visit the tomb of Cyrus the Great and explore the remains of the Achaemenid Empire's first capital. An additional hour's drive takes us to Naghsh-e-Rostam, a necropolis featuring the tombs of Achaemenid kings and a series of Sassanid rock reliefs.Before reaching Shiraz, we make a substantial stop at Persepolis, the grand ceremonial complex established 2,500 years ago for Nowruz celebrations, the Persian New Year during the Achaemenid Empire.We conclude the day's journey with a brief visit to the Quran Gate, where travelers once believed they would receive blessings by passing underneath.
Total drive: 460 km / 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 decorations. Next, we'll visit the Nasirolmolk Mosque, also known as the Pink Mosque, celebrated for its vibrant colors and intricate design. Following this, we’ll head to the Shahcheragh Shrine, one of Iran's most significant holy sites.Our journey continues with a stroll through Vakil Bazaar, a well-preserved example of traditional roofed bazaars in Iran. Upon exiting the bazaar, we’ll admire the Vakil Mosque, noted for its distinctive spiral pillars and green marble minbar (pulpit). Our next stop is the Vakil Hammam (Public Bath), where you can explore a meticulously preserved traditional Iranian bathhouse, complete with wax statues depicting historical costumes and customs.We’ll then proceed to the Karimkhani Citadel, the Zand dynasty’s former headquarters. Afterward, we’ll drive to the Eram Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site and part of the city’s botanical gardens. We’ll conclude our day at the Hafiz Memorial, where locals gather to honor the beloved 14th-century poet who spent much of his life in Shiraz.Overnight in Shiraz. The tour concludes here. You may choose to fly out of Iran from Shiraz airport, return to Tehran via flight or train, or continue your exploration of Iran with one of our other tours.