Northwestern Iran Extension (Tehran-Tabriz)

After breakfast, we depart toward Ardabil (≈ 270 km/ 5.5 hrs), a historic city renowned since ancient times for its fine silk and vibrant carpet trade.
On the way, weather and time permitting, we make a stop in the picturesque village of Masuleh, famous for its unique stepped architecture, mist-covered mountains, and traditional atmosphere. A short stroll through its narrow alleys offers a glimpse into a way of life preserved for centuries.
Continuing the journey, we arrive to Anzali Lagoon in Bandar-e Anzali, one of the oldest port cities on the Caspian coast. Here, we board a boat to explore the scenic Anzali Lagoon, a biodiverse wetland teeming with aquatic birds and lotus flowers.
After the boat excursion, we resume our drive through the lush green landscapes of Gilan and into the mountains of Ardabil province. Upon arrival in Ardabil, we transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.

O/N in Ardabil.

After breakfast, we begin the day with a visit to the Mausoleum of Sheikh Safi al-Din (UNESCO WHS), a masterpiece of Safavid architecture and a spiritual center that played a key role in the rise of the Safavid dynasty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only a mausoleum but also a complex of courtyards, prayer halls, and a historic library that reflects the elegance of 16th–17th-century Persian design.

We then set out by road toward Tabriz (≈ 220 km/ 3.5 hrs), the capital of East Azerbaijan province and a major cultural hub of northwestern Iran. Upon arrival in Tabriz, we explore the Azerbaijan Museum, home to an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts from various periods of Iranian history, particularly those uncovered in the Azerbaijani regions of Iran. Next, we visit the famed Blue Mosque (Masjed-e Kabud), a 15th-century gem renowned for its exquisite turquoise tiles and intricate calligraphy—though partially ruined by earthquakes, its beauty endures.
We continue to the nearby Ali Shah Citadel (Arg-e Alishah), the towering remains of a monumental 14th-century mosque-fortress that once symbolized the city’s power.

O/N in Tabriz.

After breakfast, we begin the day at the Grand Bazaar of Tabriz (UNESCO WHS), one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. This historic trading hub, with its labyrinth of vaulted corridors and bustling caravanserais, has been a vital stop on the Silk Road for centuries.

We then drive to the prehistoric village of Kandovan, nestled in the volcanic foothills of Mount Sahand. Famous for its extraordinary troglodyte homes carved into cone-shaped rock formations, Kandovan is one of the few “living” rock-cut settlements in the world. Its unique architecture and natural setting have inspired legends, including possible links to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

In the late afternoon, we return to Tabriz. If time allows, we will enjoy an excursion to El-Goli Park, a popular recreational area with a large central lake surrounded by gardens, offering a pleasant way to end the day.

O/N in Tabriz.