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In Search of Ancient Persia
Tour details
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The first thing that catches your attention is the modern manifestation of Tehran, the capital of Iran, where people are dressed in fashionable style and tall towers and buildings shape modern architecture of the city. In Tehran, the capital of Iran you can discover palaces and museums that contain the oldest relics from different eras. Each depicts the culture and history of Iran over the centuries from a different aspect.
The next city we explore together is Shiraz, the city of love and poetry. The city is located in the Fars Province, in southwest Iran. It is a historical and modern city that has the most important sights of Iran such as gardens, shrines and mosques to offer. The tomb of two distinguished poets, Hafiz and Saadi, made Shiraz the cradle of Persian poetry. Persepolis and Naqsh e Rostam are two other important sights that you shouldn't forget on a trip to Iran. Persepolis, about 50 km northwest of Shiraz, is home to the remains of the palaces of the Achaemenid kings. Naqsh e Rostam, the royal necropolis of the Achaemenid kings, is a reminder of a once powerful empire that ruled over a significant part of the ancient world.
Later on your trip, you will discover the desert city of Yazd in central Iran. It is a good opportunity for you to familiarize yourself with the architecture, which has been adapted to the dry climate of the region. As the capital of Zoroastrianism, you will learn better about the rituals and teachings of this religion by listening to lectures while discovering masterpieces.
Your explorationtour will end in Isfahan. This city was the capital of Iran in the Safavid era. It is home to many must see sights, including UNESCO World Heritage, Isfahan Friday Mosque, Chehel Sotoun Palace (40 Columns) and Naqsh e Jahan Square with its precious monument, and much more.
Arrival in Tehran
You will be met on arrival at IKA Airport and transferred to the hotel.
Shiraz
Today, you explore Shiraz, the city of love and poetry. First, visit beautifully-decorated Nasir-ol-molk Mosque; also known as the Pink Mosque. Afterwards, you visit Qajar-era Narenjestan e Ghavam Garden in which there is a glorious pavilion and museum. Next, proceed your sightseeing to Hafiz Tomb where you appreciate a well-known Iranian poet who was also admired by Goethe. Finally, end the day by visiting Ali Ibn Hamzeh Holy Shrine and Vakil Bazaar; a traditional covered bazaar located at the center of Shiraz enjoying natural air conditioning, arches and stunning architecture.
Yazd
Start your sightseeing in Yazd, known as bride of the desert, by exploring Towers of Silence, a funerary tower used for the burial ceremonies of Zoroastrians in Ancient Persia. Afterwards, head for Zoroastrian Fire Temple where the holy fire has been burning for over 1500 years. Then proceed to Jameh Mosque of Yazd featuring two tall minarets that are observable from outside the city . At the end, go for a stroll in the Historical District, listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Isfahan
Today, you spend whole day sightseeing in Isfahan, known as one of the treasuries of art and architecture in the world. First, explore Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, one of the five biggest historical Friday Mosques in the world. Then proceed to Si-o-se Pol Bridge, constructed in the reign of Shah Abbas ІІ, and Khaju Bridge; known for its unique architecture, decorations and tiling. Then head for the Vank Cathedral, constructed with an inspiration from Saint Stepanos Monastery and influenced by Iranian and Italian art, and its Museum. At the end, visit Grand Bazaar of Isfahan, one of the greatest and luxurious trading centers in the Safavid era.
Isfahan – Kashan – Tehran : 500 KM
In the morning, depart Isfahan for Tehran. On the way, you make a stop in the mountainous city of Natanz to visit Jameh Mosque where a decorated 13th century portal featuring beautiful blue tiles and Islamic calligraphy come to your attention. Then visit the historical village of Abyaneh, also known as the Red Village due to the red soil used in its fabric. Continue your explorations to Kashan which is supposed to be the epitome of every relevant aspect of Persia. On arrival, visit the city’s lovely Fin Garden, listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site as an example for Persian garden. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Tehran.
Tehran – Shiraz
On this day, you will visit Tehran, which has been the capital of Iran since 1788. First, visit National Museum of Iran in which a collection of ceramics, pottery, stone figures and carvings taken from excavation in Persepolis is held. Then head for Golestan Palace, listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a brilliant example of an important period in the history of Persia where the society starts a new era of modernism. In the afternoon, you go for a visit to National Jewelry Museum of Iran where the most dazzling collection of royal gemstones and jewelry; especially “Dariay-e Noor Diamond”, literally means the sea of light, is held. At the end, your are transferred to the airport for a domestic flight to Shiraz.
Note: Contemporary Art Museum is an alternative for National Jewelry Museum of Iran.
Shiraz – Persepolis – Yazd : 442 KM
Depart Shiraz for Yazd. On the way, visit Persepolis, the ancient capital of Persia with its wonderfully well-preserved remains. Then proceed to Naqsh-e Rustam, the royal necropolis of four four Achaemenid Emperors including Darius the Great, Xerxes, Artaxerxes I and Darius II, carved into the cliff.
Yazd -Nain – Isfahan : 323 KM
Your journey to Isfahan goes through 4000-year Narin Castle in Meybod. Then you make a stop in Nain to visit Jameh Mosque, built about 1000 years ago with an inspiration from Prophet Mosque in Medina, and Kavir Anthropology Museum, the pattern of traditional houses of the central deserts in Safavid era.
Isfahan
Continue your sightseeing in Isfahan by visiting Chehel Sotoun Palace (Forty Columns), a brilliant example for Persian garden listed in UNESCO Word Heritage. Next, Head towards Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the second largest square in the world, and the monuments around including Imam Mosque, featuring amusing tiling; Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque; the bride of Islamic architecture, which is also known as the mosque of women; and Ali Qapu Palace in which the important meetings of the king with ambassadors and other politicians were carried out in the Safavid era. In the afternoon, you get to take some leisure.
Departure from Tehran
On this day, you are transferred to IKA Airport for your flight home.