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From Yardangs to Golden Dunes
Tour details
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description
This trip allows you to discover the diverse deserts of Iran, which are characterized by their peculiarities. You will spend unforgettable nights in the heart of the desert in traditional accommodations. You will also have the opportunity to hike the dunes, go camel riding, and go on a safari between the yardangs.
First you will visit the classic sights of Tehran and Shiraz, two must see cities in Iran, then continue south and arrive at Kerman. The city fascinates with a unique example of the Persian Garden in the middle of the desert, on the old Silk Road. As if that weren't enough, this magical day is not over and you continue your journey towards the desert of Shahdad. This Iranian desert includes the yardangs, fantastic sedimentary formations and the vast expanse of yardangs (rock ridges created by wind erosion in a desert environment). You will admire the mystical silence, the magnificent landscapes and the magnificent yardangs of the desert. In addition, the eternal and unlimited treasure of the Middle East, the Iranian desert, invites you to explore. Also discover the classic sights in Kerman under the radiant sun of the Orient and try a traditional oriental tea.
You take the desert road to the desert city of Yazd, which runs through the central plateau of Iran. You will be amazed by the sights of this seductive city. The monuments of the Zoroastrians, the Jameh Mosque and a pleasant walk through the narrow streets of the city at the end will take you into another sphere. Then take the road towards another Iranian desert called the Mesr Desert. On the way visit Kharanaq village and its ancient ruins and Bayaziyeh village, whose mud brick fortress dates back to the Safavid Dynasty. At the end of the day you will arrive in the Mesr Desert, another mysterious adventure is calling for you. During the day, crossing the hot dunes under the desert sky and a distant horizon that blends with yellow sand and clear sky will seem like a real miracle. The interesting experiences such as camel rides and safari make this trip unique. At night you immerse yourself in the endless, shimmering starry sky of the desert.
The next day you drive to Isfahan via the desert road. The desert villages and the city of Nain, the cradle of the Iranian carpet, welcome you. The historical city of Isfahan and its masterpieces from the Safavid era and the villages en route to Tehran will be your latest discoveries in Iran.
Arrival Tehran
You will be met on arrival at IKA Airport and be transferred to the hotel.
Shiraz
In Shiraz, you explore Nasir-ol-molk Mosque; also known as the Pink Mosque. Afterward, you visit Narenjestan e Ghavam Garden in which you enjoy the beautiful orange gardens. Next, you proceed your sightseeing to Hafiz Tomb where you appreciate a great poet who was also admired by Goethe. Finally, you end the day by visiting Ali Ibn Hamzeh Holy Shrine and Vakil Bazaar.
Shiraz-Sarvestan-Kerman : 560 km
Depart Shiraz for Kerman in the morning. On the way, explore Sassanid Palace in Sarvestan, listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Kerman-Yazd : 368 km
Continue your sightseeing in Kerman. Visit Ganjali Khan Historical Bathhouse, a Safavid-era building Complex. Then head towards Jameh Mosque of Kerman where you find a squat clock on top of the entrance portal instead of a minaret. At the end, explore Grand Bazaar of Kerman and Teahouse then depart for Yazd.
Yazd-Kharanagh-Mesr Desert : 358 km
In the morning, depart Yazd for Mesr, a desert and an oasis located in the central desert of Iran. On the way, visit the Historical Part of Kharanagh village, which means place of sun birth. Then head towards Bayazeh Village.
Mesr Desert-Anarak-Isfahan : 434 km
Depart Mesr for Isfahan. On the way, make a stop and enjoy Landscape of Chupanan Village and strolling through sand dunes. Afterwards, head to Anarak Village where you can admire the historical part of village and find beautiful wind catchers. At the end, visit Jameh Mosque of Nain, one of the oldest still standing mosques in Iran.
Isfahan
Continue your sightseeing in Isfahan. First, Visit Chehel Sotoun Palace (Forty Column), a brilliant example for Persian Garden. Next, head toward Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the second largest square in the world, and all the monuments around including Imam Mosque, regarded as one of the masterpieces of Persian architecture; Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, which is also called the mosque of women and is unusual because it has neither a minaret nor a courtyard; Ali Qapu Palace, which offers you a wonderful perspective over the square. Finally, take some leisure time in the afternoon.
Departure Tehran
Transfer to Imam Khomeini International Airport.
Tehran-Shiraz
Start your trip by sightseeing in Tehran which has been the capital of Iran since 1788. First, visit Golestan Palace, including the successful integration of earlier Persian crafts and architecture with Western influences. Continue to National Museum of Iran, the main archaeological museum of Iran. End the day by visiting National Jewelry Museum of Iran where you can see a collection of dazzling royal gemstones, especially Daria-e Noor (literally means the sea of light).
Alternative to National Jewelry Museum: Carpet Museum of Iran.
Shiraz-Persepolis-Shiraz : 130 km
You will spend this day on discovering ancient Persia. You go on an excursion to Persepolis, the ancient capital of Persia with its wonderfully well-preserved remains, and Naqsh-e Rustam, containing four graves of the first Achaemenid Emperors, Darius the Great, Xerxes, Artaxerxes I and Darius II, carved into the cliff. On the way back to Shiraz, visit Qur’an Gate.
Kerman-Shahdad Desert-Kerman : 230 km
In Mahan, you visit Shahzadeh Garden, a green oasis in the heart of the desert, and Shah Nematollah Vali Shrine, an Iranian poet and Sufi (mystic). In the afternoon, go for a stroll in Shahdad Desert where some of the world’s hottest temperatures have been recorded.
Yazd
On this day, you will explore Yazd, the city of wind catchers. First, you visit Towers of Silence, an ancient place in which the burial ceremony was held. Then, proceed to Zoroastrian Fire Temple, a holy place for Zoroastrians where the sacred fire has been maintained for more than 1100 years. Afterward, visit Jameh Mosque of Yazd and stroll in the Historical District in Yazd, listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Mesr
Today, you go for a stroll in the desert and continue to ride a camel and safari.
Isfahan
This day is devoted to sightseeing in Isfahan. First, visit Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, one of the five oldest Friday (congregational) Mosques in the world, which has also been listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Then proceed to Si-o-se Pol and Khaju Bridges, which span the Zayandehrud River. Afterward, visit the Vank Cathedral, also known as church of saintly sisters, in Armenian Quarter. In the afternoon, visit Grand Bazaar of Isfahan.
Isfahan-Kashan-Tehran : 500 km
Depart Isfahan for Tehran. On the way, visit Jameh Mosque of Natanz and Ceramic Workshop then continue to the Historical Village of Abyaneh, also known as red village. In Kashan you will visit Tabatabaei Historical House a splendid house of a rich merchant.
