Iran Grand Tour : Tehran, Hamadan, Kermanshah, Shustar, Shiraz, Persepolis, Yazd, Isfahan

Day 1 Arrival Tehran

You arrive in the capital of Iran and will be met on the airport by our representative, who will escort you to the hotel.

Day 2 Tehran

The first day of your trip is a visit to the capital city, Tehran, the largest metropolitan city in the Middle East. Tehran never sleeps. This large city during the recent history of Iran was the home of very important events. To discover Tehran and its different lives and lifestyle one day is not enough. You will be amazed how tradition and modernity come together and make the structure of this city. There is plenty to do and see in Tehran. Depends on what you like to do, Tehran can offer you many of interesting museums, traditional and local bazaars, modern shopping centers, galleries of modern art, parks, mountains, ski resort in the season, historic buildings, modern architecture, street foods, hipster café , high-end classy restaurants … for a classic city tour in Tehran we may suggest you to have a visit of National Museum. This museum has two exhibitions, The Museum of Ancient Iran and the Museum of Islamic Art and Architecture. We may suggest that you pay a visit to this museum in order to have a general idea of what you will visit on your next days of your travelling. 

The other place which can be suggested is the Golestan Palace , which is one of the oldest historic places in the city and formerly was the royal Qajar complex. The complex of Golestan Palace consists of 17 structures, including palaces, museums, and halls. Golestan palace has a collection of Iranian crafts and European presents from the 18th and 19th centuries. If it fits your program do not miss Treasury of National Jewels and be fascinated by all the gemstones and the history behind each piece. The Grand Bazaar of Tehran is one of the places you should visit. Tehran Grand Bazaar splits into several corridors and each specializes in different types of goods. So far you are in the old part of Tehran, to get some idea about the modern part of the city you should drive to north of the city and spend some times in Nature Bridge (Pol-e Tabiat) and sit and relax in one of the many cafes and get refresh while you have a view of Tehran.  

This list is a few places in Tehran that you can visit. You can always ask us for more detailed information.  

Day 3 Tehran - Hamadan

Today you will travel to the summer capital of the Achaemenid kings, Hamadan. The city has a deep historical significance and is associated with various historical periods and is home to several historical and cultural sites, including the tomb of the biblical Esther and her cousin Mordechai. The Ganjnameh inscriptions, which date back to the Achaemenid period, are also located near the city. You will visit the tomb of Avicenna (Ibn Sina), a Persian polymath and one of the most significant figures in the history of medicine and philosophy.

Day 4 Hamadan - Kermanshah via Taq-e Bostan

Today's trip will take you to another city in the west of Iran with a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The various historical sites of the city reflect  its diverse cultural and historical background. You will visit Taq-e Bostan first. Taq-e Bostan, a series of large rock reliefs and carvings from the Sasanian era. Another notable site in Kermanshah is Bisotun Inscription which contains rock reliefs and inscriptions dating back to the Achaemenid Empire, including the famous inscription of Darius the Great.

During the day you will walk in the traditional Bazaar of Kermanshah where you can experience the local atmosphere, shop for handicrafts, and sample local cuisine and do not miss to try "Dandeh Kabab in Kermanshah. 

Day 5 Kermanshah - Shushtar

Today you will travel to Shushtar, an ancient city which is famous  for its historical significance and innovative ancient water management system. The history of the city dates back to the Achaemenid Empire.The most remarkable feature of Shushtar is its ancient hydraulic system, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site includes a series of canals, tunnels, bridges, dams, and water mills that were developed during the Sasanian era.

In Shushtar you will sleep in a traditional guest house. 

Day 6 Shushtar - Ahwaz via Ziggurat & Susa 

In the morning you will visit the Ziggurat of Chogha Zanbil, built by the Elamite king Untash-Napirisha in the 13th century BCE. It was constructed as a religious center dedicated to the Elamite gods, primarily Inshushinak. Chogha Zanbil provides valuable insights into the Elamite civilisation, which existed in the region before the rise of the Persian Empire.

You will continue your tour by visiting the ancient city of Susa which is one of the oldest-known settlements in the world. You will visit the Apadana palace built by Darius the Great & The tomb of Daniel which is said to be the burial place of the biblical figure Daniel and it is a  pilgrimage site for Christians and Muslims.

Overnight will be in Ahwaz. 

Day 7 Ahwaz - Shiraz via Bishapur

Today you will have a long journey travelling from Ahwaz to Shiraz but on the way, you will stop to visit the ancient city of Bishapur founded by King Shapur I of the Sassanian Empire in the 3rd century CE and served as a political and cultural center during that time. Depending on the time you can visit the  Temple of Anahita, Shapour cave and Tange Chogan. 

In the evening you will arrive in Shiraz. 

Day 8 Shiraz 

Shiraz has a rich background in poetry and literature, many famous Persian poets were from Shiraz, that’s why you may see that shiraz is introduced as the city of rose and nightingale. 

We suggest you start your tour in the morning and first a visit to Nasir-al molk mosque known as Pink Mosque, because of the usage of a considerable number of pink-colored tiles for its interior design. Also, its stained-glass façade with the reflection in the morning, makes you just say Wow and take 1000 pictures. Since Shiraz was the capital of Persia during the Zand dynasty, you will see more monuments of this era such as Karimkhan Complex & Shiraz famous Bazaar. You can visit the tombs of two Poets that have worldwide fame, the Tomb of Poet Hafez and Sa’adi. A visit to Eram Garden specially in May with the smell of orange blossom should not be missed. As you may have already noticed, people of shiraz enjoy eating out and having fun outside. In the evening you see many people having picnic dinner in any green space they can find in the city. Families are together and kids are playing. Also, there are many good restaurants with live music that you can go to for dinner.   

Day 9 Shiraz / Excursion Persepolis & Necropolis 

Today, you will see the glory of the Persian Empire at Persepolis. 

In about one hour you will be in Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire, located on the foothill of Rahmat Mountain. Persepolis was built mainly during the Darius I. Persepolis was a spring/summer royal residence and seems to have been intended as a ceremonial center where representatives of subject states came to pay respects to the king. The complex has nine structures that you can visit. Some parts of them still remained preserved after invasion and natural destruction such as the Gate of all Nations, The Apadana staircase  and Apadana palace, Palace of Darius I, Palace of Xerxes and Achaemenid Kings. Not far from Persepolis you will visit Necropolis (Naghsh-e Rostam). Naghsh-e Rostam is the necropolis of the Achaemenid dynasty. There are four large tombs cut high into the cliff's face. There are also some reliefs below the tombs from the Sassanid dynasty.

Day 10 Shiraz - Yazd via Pasargadae and Abarkuh

After breakfast you will drive to Yazd but on your way there are few stops. 

First you stop to visit Pasargadae, the first capital of the Achaemenid Empire built by the order of Cyrus the Great. The most important monument in Pasargadae is the tomb of Cyrus the Great. 

Continue driving to Yazd and in order to get refreshed after sometimes sitting in the car you may like to stop in Abarkuh and not to miss the chance to see the ancient living cypress tree which is estimated to be over four millennia old. Abarkuh also has 4 adobe ice reservoirs, like the one you will visit in Meybod. 

Late afternoon you will arrive in Yazd and you can go for a walk in the old town and relax in one of the roof coffee bars and enjoy a local drink. 

Day 11 Yazd

Yazd has a unique architecture adapted to its desert climate. In the city of windcatchers you see how these people could manage to have a natural ventilation system to chill the hot days of summer inside their houses.

Yazd houses a remarkable number of Zoroastrians, and you will start your city tour with a visit to the Zoroastrian Fire Temple, the sacred fire of the temple is stated to have been burning since about 470 AD.

After the Fire Temple you will visit Dowlat Abad Garden, as the sample of Persian garden Dowlat Abad was also built with residential purpose and the tallest windcatcher has been built in the center of the garden.

Walking in the old town, Yazd Jame Mosque & Amir Chakhmaq façade can be visited in the afternoon.

Yazd also has a nice Bazaar and its silk textile (Termeh) is very much famous worldwide, even Marco Polo in his visit in 1272 has remarked on the city's fine silk-weaving industry. Take a walk in the Bazaar and enjoy seeing colorful Termeh hanging on the walls in front of each shop.

One special activity to see in Yazd in the evening is going to Zurkhaneh, Traditional gymnasium in which Varzesh- Bastani (ancient sport) is practiced. Ancient Sport is a traditional system of athletics originally used to train warriors in Persia.

Day 12 Yazd - Isfahan via Meybod and Nain

After breakfast you will leave Yazd. In less than one hour's drive on your way, you will visit Meybod. 

Meybod, is a small city in the desert that has a great history that goes back to pre-Islamic era. You visit the ancient Castle of Narin Ghaleh which dates back to the Sassanid dynasty almost 2000 years ago. Also you can visit some Safavid and Qaajar sites in Meybod; such as Caravanserai and Chapar Khaneh (Postal Service Office) and the most interesting one is the Meybod Ice Reservoir. Ceramic and pottery in Meybod is very much well-known in Iran. You will see some of the workshops while walking in the streets.

The next stop will be Nain. Like much of the Iranian Plateau Nain has a desert climate. Due to this kind of climate, Iranians many years ago learned how to construct aqueducts underground (Qanats) to bring water from the mountains to the plains. Nain is one the best places to see these Qanats. Nain also has some outstanding monuments such as The Jame mosque of Nain which is among the oldest ones in Iran. Nain is famous for its textile and carpet workshops.

In the evening you will be in Isfahan and you have time for a panoramic tour of the city. 

Day 13 Isfahan

First day of your tour in the amazing city of Isfahan where you find yourself walking in boulevards surrounded by beautiful gardens and splendid art and architecture masterpieces.

This city is famous for its Persian – Islamic architecture and one of the largest city squares, Naghsh-e Jahan square. Your city tour will start with visiting this famous and truly beautiful square, where you will find Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque on its eastern side, this mosque was built during Safavid dynasty, Shah Abbas I and was a private mosque for the royal court.

The next monument is Imam Mosque (formerly Shah Mosque) on the south side of the square also built under the order of Shah Abbas I considered as one of the masterpieces of Persian architecture. Next site, opposite Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, is the imperial Palace of Ali Qapu, the best example of Safavid art and architecture. Now time for one of the oldest Bazaars in Isfahan, Qeysarie Bazaar in the north side of the square. The entrance of Bazaar is full of paintings and you will be amazed by the high ceiling and all the art details you find on the roof.

Among other places you can visit in the afternoon Chehel Sotoun is highly recommended, this Pavilion that was built under the order of Shah Abbas II is in the middle of a park and used for his entertainment. 

In the evening you will enjoy the city on your own, having dinner in one of the many local restaurants that all of them serve high quality food and no matter where your hotel is located, you can always find some of these good places easily. 

Day 14 Isfahan

You wake up again in Isfahan while your head is still full of those dreams you had last night of all the eslimi patterns, miniature, frescos… and still another day.

Isfahan is also famous for its Zayandehrood, the largest river of the Iranian Plateau. Anywhere is a river, there are some bridges and bridges in Isfahan are among the most beautiful ones. There are eleven historical bridges over Zayanzehrood. You will visit 2 of them. Allahverdikhan Bridge, popular as Si-o Se Pol is the largest one. The next bridge is Khaju Bridge, in the words of Arthur Pope and Jean Chardin, Khaju is "the culminating monument of Persian bridge architecture and one of the most interesting bridges extant ... where the whole has rhythm and dignity and combines in the happiest consistency, utility, beauty, and recreation.

Isfahan also has a great number of Armenian population. You will have a visit to Armenian Quarter in Jolfa district and will visit Vank Cathedral and its museum. While you are walking in the streets and alleys of Jolfa you can smell coffee, no wonder, you can find many coffee bars here and all serve nice coffee. Jolfa is also a very nice part of the city to spend your evening. Many young people will come for dinner here and you see a lot of street food and also good restaurants.

Day 15 Isfahan - Kashan via Abyaneh 

Today you will drive to your last destination of this trip before Tehran.

On your way to Kashan, we recommend stopping in Abyaneh village. Abyaneh is one of the oldest villages in the country and each year hosts a lot of visitors, foreigners or domestic, especially during traditional ceremonies.

People of Abyaneh preserved their tradition persistently, you can see it in the customs of women. Women wear long floral scarves and colorful skirts. Abyaneh is also known as the Red Village because of its red clay architecture. You can enjoy an hour of walking in the village and also do not miss the mosque with its wooden mihrab. 

In the afternoon you will be in Kashan and you will visit one of the most famous gardens of Iran, Fin Garden.The origin of the garden is prior to the Safavid period and developed by Shah Abbas II and highly recognized during Qajar. Fin Gardens is not only one of the best samples of Persian garden in its structure, it also was witness to one of the saddest events of Qajar period. Amir Kabir, the Qajarid chancellor, who was well-known for his justice and knowledge was murdered by an assassin sent by King Nasereddin Shah in 1852. 

Day 16 Kashan - Tehran via Qom

Kashan, a small oasis town with its very wealthy merchants who built marvelous houses that you like to spend hours and hours to see all the detailed work of art in every corner. The most famous houses of these merchants are close together, not far from your hotel. You can see amazing stained glass windows in beautifully decorated rooms at Tabatabai house or in the house of Samovar Merchant, Mr. Broujerdi, you can find masterpieces of frescos made by famous Iranian artist, Kamal- al molk. Nearby you can visit one of the finest hammams, (traditional bath) which today does not have its function as hammam but still a splendid site to visit; Hammam-e Sultan Ahmed that features multiple rooms of beautifully- colored tiles.

After lunch you will drive to Tehran. In case of having time and interest we may suggest a stop in Qom which is the center of the Islamic revolution and the city of mullahs, the muslim clergy. Here you can visit the Shrine of Hazrat-e Masumeh, sister of Imam Reza. This Shrine is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for shiites. 

Arrive in Tehran and depending on the flight time you will stay either in a hotel in the city or in one of the airport hotels.