Intensive Iran Tour

Begin your day at the stunning Nasir Al-Molk Mosque, famously known as the Pink Mosque, where sunlight creates a kaleidoscope of colors through its stained-glass windows. Next, visit Narenjestan-e Ghavam, a historic house and museum surrounded by a serene garden and marble altar.

Wander through Vakil Bazaar, Shiraz’s bustling market, perfect for shopping Persian rugs, spices, and handicrafts, and explore the adjacent Vakil Mosque, admired for its elegant architecture. In the afternoon, discover Pars Museum to deepen your understanding of the region’s rich cultural heritage. Visit the impressive Karim Khan Fortress, a citadel surrounded by gardens, then relax in the lush Eram Botanic Garden (UNESCO WHS), home to cypress trees, flowers, and fruit orchards.

Conclude the day at the Mausoleum of Hafez, honoring one of Iran’s most beloved poets.

O/N in Shiraz.

Today, set out about 50 km northeast of Shiraz to Persepolis (UNESCO WHS), the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Walk among its grand terraces, columns, and staircases, imagining the splendor of royal processions and ancient ceremonies. Visit the Persepolis Museum to deepen your understanding of this magnificent civilization.

Next, drive a short distance to Naqsh-e Rostam, where the tombs of Achaemenid kings are carved into the cliffs, a solemn and awe-inspiring site.

Conclude the day at Pasargadae (UNESCO WHS), the first Achaemenid capital, where the tomb of Cyrus the Great stands as a timeless testament to Persia’s early grandeur.

O/N in Shiraz.

Set out early from Shiraz towards Kerman (≈ 570 km/ 8 hrs) for a day filled with history. Your first stop is Sarvestan Palace, included in the UNESCO-listed Sassanid Archaeological Landscape of Fars Region. This Sassanid-era marvel showcases architecture and decorations that reflect the grandeur of ancient Persia. Continue to the Mosque of Neyriz, a serene place of worship with beautifully tiled walls and a spacious courtyard that invites contemplation.

After exploring these historic treasures, embark on the scenic drive to Kerman, a city rich in culture and history, marking the beginning of your southeastern Iranian adventure.

O/N in Kerman.

Begin your day with the tranquil beauty of Shazdeh Mahan Garden (UNESCO WHS), a Persian garden adorned with elegant pavilions, fountains, and a historic bathhouse. Next, drive to Arg-e Rayen, an ancient Sassanid citadel whose walls and towers reflect centuries of history and resilience.

Conclude your day at the mesmerizing Shahdad Kaluts, located within the Lut Desert (UNESCO WHS). Walk among its dramatic rock formations and endless sand dunes, a landscape of otherworldly beauty that will linger in your memory.

O/N in Kerman.

Begin your day in Kerman with a visit to the Ganjali Khan Hammām, a beautifully preserved bathhouse, followed by the neighboring Caravanserai of Ganjali Khan, a window into Safavid-era trade and travel. Wander through the bustling Grand Bazaar, rich with handicrafts, spices, and local stories, then admire the intricate tiles and grand courtyard of the Congregational Mosque of Kerman.

In the afternoon, embark on a scenic drive to Yazd (≈ 370 km/ 5 hrs). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and step out for a stroll in Amir Chakhmagh Square, a lively square where history and city life meet, perfect for an evening stroll. End your day immersed in Yazd’s timeless urban beauty.

O/N in Yazd.

Start your morning at the Towers of Silence, where ancient Zoroastrian burial rituals echo through circular stone structures overlooking the golden desert horizon. Continue to the Zoroastrian Fire Temple, home to a sacred flame that has burned uninterruptedly for more than 1,500 years, offering a rare glimpse into one of the world’s oldest living faiths.

Next, take a tranquil stroll through the Dowlat Abad Garden (UNESCO WHS), a  Persian garden celebrated for its towering windcatcher, tranquil water channels, and shaded pavilions that once hosted royal guests. Then, visit the Jameh Mosque of Yazd, a stunning landmark crowned with Iran’s tallest minarets and adorned with mesmerizing blue tilework—a masterpiece of Persian-Islamic art and devotion.

As the day unfolds, wander through the winding alleys of Yazd Old Town (UNESCO WHS) and the historic Fahadan neighborhood, where centuries-old mud-brick walls, domed rooftops, and wooden doors whisper stories of the city’s desert heritage.

Conclude your exploration at the Bazaar of Yazd, where the scent of spices, the shimmer of handwoven textiles, and the hum of local life capture the enduring soul of this ancient desert city.

O/N in Yazd.

Start your morning with a drive to Meybod (≈ 1 hr), an ancient desert city just north of Yazd that flourished during the Sassanid era.

Wander through Narin Castle, a magnificent mud-brick fortress that still rises proudly above the old town, recalling centuries of desert resilience. Continue to the Caravanserai of Meybod, once a resting point for traders and travelers journeying across the Silk Road, and then explore the Yakhchal, a fascinating domed icehouse ingeniously designed to preserve ice through the scorching desert summers.

Afterward, continue the road journey toward Isfahan (≈ 260 km/ 3.5 hrs), one of Iran’s most beautiful cities and a jewel of Persian architecture.

Upon arrival, visit the Chehel Sotoun Palace (UNESCO WHS), a royal pavilion set amidst tranquil gardens and famous for its mirror-clad halls and exquisite wall paintings. Stroll to the nearby Hasht Behesht Palace, another Safavid masterpiece with delicate stucco work and fine wooden ceilings. Later, pause at the historic Abbasi Hotel, originally a 17th-century caravanserai, now a luxurious heritage hotel that evokes the charm of Isfahan’s golden age.

As evening falls, cross the elegant Khaju Bridge, admired for its graceful arches and reflections in the Zayandeh Rud River.

Conclude your day in Naqsh-e Jahan Square (UNESCO WHS), where the illuminated domes and arcades create a truly enchanting atmosphere at night.

O/N in Isfahan.

Begin your day at the magnificent Jame Mosque of Isfahan (UNESCO WHS), one of the oldest and most architecturally significant mosques in Iran. This vast complex reveals the evolution of Islamic architecture over more than a millennium, from its early hypostyle halls to its grand Seljuk domes and exquisite tilework.

Next, spend your morning exploring the heart of the city — Naqsh-e Jahan Square (UNESCO WHS), one of the largest and most breathtaking squares in the world. Surrounding this monumental plaza are some of Isfahan’s most celebrated landmarks: the elegant Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, renowned for its luminous dome and delicate arabesques; the grand Shah Mosque (Imam Mosque), a masterpiece of Safavid architecture adorned with stunning blue tiles; and the stately Ali Qapu Palace, from whose elevated terrace you can gaze across the square and its gardens. Wander through the Grand Bazaar of Isfahan, where domed corridors and centuries-old shops invite you to discover fine Persian handicrafts, carpets, and miniature paintings.

In the afternoon, cross the river to the historic Armenian quarter of Jolfa, a vibrant neighborhood that has preserved its unique cultural identity since the 17th century. Visit the Vank Cathedral, famous for its richly painted interior blending Christian iconography with Persian motifs.

As evening falls, stroll to the graceful Si-o-Se Pol Bridge, whose 33 arches glow beautifully under the night lights, reflecting Isfahan’s poetic charm beside the river.

O/N in Isfahan.

Begin your day with a ≈ 2.5-hr drive to the historic city of Kashan, where Fin Garden (UNESCO WHS), a Persian garden, awaits with its tranquil pools, fragrant flowers, and elegant pavilion. Continue to the Tabatabaee House, a merchant’s historic home showcasing intricate Persian architecture, followed by the beautifully tiled Soltan Amir Ahmad Hammām, a reminder of traditional bathhouse culture.

Next, visit Aqa Bozorg Mosque, admired for its harmonious proportions, grand courtyard, and detailed tilework. Explore the vibrant Grand Bazaar of Kashan, where local artisans display carpets, spices, and handicrafts, offering a sensory journey through Iranian culture.

On your drive back to Tehran, you will pass by Imam Khomeini Mausoleum, a remarkable shrine that embodies contemporary Iranian history and architectural grandeur.

O/N in Tehran.

Begin your exploration of Tehran at the National Museum of Iran, where both the Ancient Iran and Islamic Era galleries take you on a journey through millennia of Iranian history. Afterward, pass through Shahr Park, a peaceful urban green space, guiding you toward the bustling Tehran Grand Bazaar, a historic market that mixes traditional charm with lively modern commerce. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the splendor of the Golestan Royal Complex (UNESCO WHS) adorned with exquisite palaces, halls, and gardens.

If time allows, you can conclude the day with a leisurely walk on the Nature Bridge, a monumental pedestrian overpass in north of Tehran, offering breathtaking views of the Tehran skyline and connecting Fire & Water Park to Taleqani Park.

O/N in Tehran.