In the Footsteps of Iranian Nomads

Tour details

Origin City: Shiraz

Visited Countries:

description

On this trip you will experience classic Iran and nomadic life in this exciting country. Coming from southern Iran, head north. The highlights of the trip are ancient remains of millennia-old palaces in Persepolis, the breathtaking nature in the southwest on the slopes of the Zagros Mountains and the nomadic life in the great outdoors. The nomadic life is due to its special shape, which is adapted to the natural conditions, offers a new view of a still existing way of life that one believes to have long been forgotten. The encounter with the nomads and green landscapes that invite you to stay in nature for longer periods make this trip a unique one. Isfahan is the tourist pearl of Iran and Shiraz is very close to the capital of the former Persian Empire. If you are interested in culture, nature and meeting the locals, this trip is predestined for it and we will show you the unknown side of Iran.

The variety on this trip is increased by the planned visits to the Iranian capital Tehran and you will be amazed how interesting one of the largest metropolises in the world is. Here the old Persian tradition meets the modern and in the colorful city different ethnicities and languages ​​can be seen and heard.

Day 1

Arrival Shiraz

Transfer to the hotel.

Day 3

Shiraz-Persepolis-Shiraz : 130 km

You will spend whole day discovering ancient Persia. In the morning, go on an excursion to Persepolis, the most important political capital of Persian Empire, founded by Darius the Great. This site includes a number of palaces such Apadana Public Palace and Hundred Column Hall. You proceed to Naqsh-e Rustam, the royal necropolis of Achaemenid emperors which is located close to Persepolis. This site is home to a number of Sassanid reliefs. On the way back to Shiraz, you will call in at Quran Gate; In the past, all the large cities of Iran had a gate on top of which a Quran was placed to let the travelers pass under Quran before traveling.

Day 5

Yasuj-Dena Mountains : 40 km

Depart Yasuj for Sisakht. On the way, stop to hike in Tange Ganjei, a beautiful gorge, nestled at the foothills of Dena. Have lunch in Sisakht. After some relax, excursion for hiking up to around 3,200 m in Kuhgol and admire Cheshme Mishi Spring, the water of this spring is gained from the Dena Mountain and creates a very attractive view.

Overnight in local House.

Trekking Time : 4 hrs.

Day 7

Dena Mountains

After breakfast in camp, trek toward Pataveh to visit Qashqai nomads and share a lunch. continue trekking for the afternoon.

Overnight in Tented Camp.

Trekking Time : 4 hrs.

Day 9

Chelgerd

Discover nomadic life of Bakhtiari through walks at the foot of the mountain range of Mount Zardkooh (4221 m). Karun and also Zayandehrud originates from this sub-range in the central Zagros. After picnic in heat of Zagros Massifs, you will return to the Chelgerd.

Overnight in Hotel.

Trekking Time : 3 hrs

Day 11

Isfahan 

Today, you explore Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, one of the five historic Jameh mosques of the world that well displays Islamic architecture development. Then proceed to Si-o-se Pol and Khaju Bridges, constructed in the 17th century by the order of Shah Abbas which connects the old town of Isfahan to Jolfa Quarter. The most significant one is Si-o-Se Pol Bridge which leads to Chahar Baq Street and Khaju Bridge where the celebrations were held. Then head for the Vank Cathedral, one of the most amazing Armenian churches of Iran, which contains the most important Armenian museum of Iran. It is an Apostolic Armenian Center. At the end, visit Grand Bazaar of Isfahan, a roofed bazaar belonging to the 16th century. At present, it is the most significant handicraft bazaar of Iran.

 

Day 13

Isfahan-Abyaneh-Tehran : 500 km

Depart Isfahan for Tehran. On the way, visit Jameh Mosque of Natanz, dating back to the 14th century, features unique tileworks and brickworks on its minaret and dome. Then go for a stroll in the Historical Village of Abyaneh, a 1400-year Zoroastrian village which is located on the slopes of Karkas mountains. This village is characterized with multi-story houses built out of red soil. At the end, explore Fin Garden, a Persian garden which belongs to the 16th century and includes a few pavilions and a historic bath in which one of the most well-known Iranian ministers was murdered.

Trekking Time : 2 hrs.

Day 15

Departure Tehran

You will be transferred to IKA Airport.

Day 2

Shiraz

In Shiraz, you explore Nasir-ol-molk Mosque ; one of the few private mosques of Iran that was constructed in the 19th century. Owing to a different architecture and colorful tiles, this mosque is also known as Rose Mosque. Afterwards, you visit Narenjestan e Ghavam Garden; a magnificent 19th-century mansion which was utilized to do official tasks and serve guests. Next, you proceed your sightseeing to Hafiz Tomb, the burial place of a great Iranian Poet (lived in the 14th century) who inspired well-known poets like Goethe. Finally, you end the day by visiting Ali Ibn Hamzeh Holy Shrine; which features an onion dome and stunning mirrorworks and strolling in Vakil Bazaar; a roofed bazaar with a domed structure that was constructed in the 18th century and is considered as the most important traditional bazaar of Shiraz.

Day 4

Shiraz-Tang-e Boraq-Yasuj : 300 km

In the morning, you will take the road to Yasuj. On the way, stop in Tang-e Boraq Canyon which is characterize by tall dense green trees with many springs, waterfall, caves and large rocks. You will trek in the region and hike to the waterfall.

Overnight in Hotel.

Trekking Time : 3 hrs.

Day 6

Dena Mountains

Short drive to start point of trek in Bozkosh Valley. Trekking in Dena protected area.

Overnight in Tented Camp.

Trekking Time : 4 hrs.

Day 8

Toward Chelgerd : 290 km

Depart for Chelgerd. On the way, stop in Choghakhor Lagoon; located in the heights of the Zagros Range and is habitat of migratory birds. This area is home to different animal species and fish species. Rest or trek in Chelgerd.

Overnight in Hotel.

Trekking Time : 1 hr.

Day 10

Chelgerd-Isfahan : 188 km

In the morning trek in Chelgerd and then visit Dimeh Spring, around which nomads put up their tent. Afterward depart for Isfahan. In the afternoon in Isfahan stroll along Zayandehrud River, the longest river of Iran Plateau that originates from Zardkuh Mountain and passed through Isfahan.

Overnight in Hotel

Trekking Time : 2 hrs.

Day 12

Isfahan

Continue your sightseeing by visiting Chehel Sotoun Palace, the public palace of Shah Abbas, featuring miniature artworks from Safavid court and important historical events. Next, head towards Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the second largest historic square of the world, which is surrounded by a number of the most important monuments of the Safavid era including Imam Mosque, one of the exquisite Jameh mosques of Iran, which was constructed by the order of Shah Abbas and features amazing tileworks; Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, belonged to the women of the king and lacks minaret and courtyard; and Ali Qapu Palace, the first multi-story palace of Iran, from whose terrace Safavid kings watched the military march and important events taking place in the square. This palace includes many miniature works belonging to Iranian and foreign artists. At the end, take some leisure time in the afternoon.

Day 14

Tehran

Start your sightseeing in Tehran by visiting Saad Abad Palace; a palace in the north of Tehran, where two former kings of Iran resided. This palace hosted Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin in Tehran Conference in 1942. Next, proceed to Tajrish Bazaar, a big traditional bazaar in the north of Tehran, where people do their daily shopping such as fruits, handicrafts and foodstuff. At the end, you stroll in Darband Valley, an old neighborhood in the north of the capital that is considered as one of the main routes to ascend the Alborz.

Trekking Time : 2 hrs.