A Glorious Shiite Commemoration

Tour details

Origin City: Tehran

Visited Countries:

description

This trip offers what everyone must know and have seen of Shiite Iran. The country is shaped by Shiites and has many religious sites to offer, which makes it possible to for every person who is open to other spiritualities a very good opportunity to get to know other worlds of thought. You will start your journey in Mashhad, where the shrine of the 8th Shiite Imam is. In addition to the sightseeing in Tehran and Mashhad, you can dedicate yourself to the classic sightseeing in Isfahan and Shiraz, which every tourist who has visited Iran must have seen in order to get an overall impression of how the history of Shiism in this country has gone.

Day 1

Arrival in Mashhad

You will be met on arrival at Mashhad International Airport and transferred to the hotel.

Day 3

Mashhad-Tus-Tehran : 80 km

Start your day by going on an excursion to Tus. In Tus, you will visit Ferdowsi Tomb where people show their respect to the great Iranian poet who recited Shahnameh as the most important Persian epic. Afterwards depart Mashhad for Tehran by a domestic flight. In Tehran, you will have an exquisite stroll in Tabiat Bridge and enjoy the beautiful nature and recreational facilities.

Day 5

Tehran-Qom-Kashan : 256 km

In the morning, visit Golestan palace, listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, then depart Tehran for Kashan. On the way, visit Fatima Holy shrine, the burial place of Imam Reza’s sister. At the end, visit Fin Garden, listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites as an example for Persian garden, in Kashan.

Day 7

Isfahan

This day is devoted to exploring Isfahan, also called “half of the world” by the local. Start your sightseeing by visiting Chehel Sotoun Palace, which portrays the traditional Persian garden characteristics. Then head Naqsh-e Jahan square, the second largest square in the world, and the monuments around including Imam Mosque, a stunning monument at the head of Isfahan’s main square; Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, also known as the mosque of women; and Ali Qapu Palace. At last, explore Grand Bazaar of Isfahan.

Day 9

Yazd 48 km

Start the day by an excursion to Taft where the mourning ritual is held so gloriously on Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, and participate in the historic rituals such as Nakhl Gardani, which commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hossein and his companions. In the ceremony, the Shia Muslims of Yazd carry around a large wooden frames called Nakhl (literally, means palm tree), decorated with religious symbols. In the afternoon, return to Yazd and pay tribute to Imam Hossein and his family.

Day 11

Shiraz

Today, you admire sightseeing in Shiraz, the city of love and poetry. First, you enjoy the great architecture and exquisite colored tiling in Nasir-ol-molk Mosque. Then proceed to Narenjestan e Ghavam Garden, named after the oranges in the courtyard. Afterward, visit Hafiz Tomb, a great Iranian poet who was also admired by Goethe. Finally, visit Ali Ibn Hamzeh Holy Shrine and Vakil Bazaar.

Day 13

Departure Shiraz

Transfer to Shiraz International Airport.

Day 2

Mashhad

In the morning visit Imam Reza Holy Shrine, the most important religious site of Iran whose fascinating architecture interests you and its Quran Museum. Then discover Nader Shah Tomb where one of the most powerful Iranian kings is buried.

Day 4

Tehran

On this day, you enjoy sightseeing in Tehran. First, visit Saad Abad Complex, the residential palace of Pahlavi Dynasty. Then proceed to Imam Zadeh Saleh, the burial place of a son of the seventh Shia Imam. Finally, explore Tajrish Bazaar where you will experience the atmosphere of Muharram and get familiar with the ritual of mourning in Iran.

Day 6

Kashan-Isfahan : 218 km

Continue exploring Kashan and admire the unique architecture of Persia. First, visit Tabatabaei Historical House, which reflects the lifestyle of a wealthy merchant used to live in Kashan and Agha Bozorg Mosque, a mosque and theological school featuring a unique dome. It is noteworthy that it is still functioned as a theological school. Then depart for Isfahan. In Isfahan, explore the Vank Cathedral, also known as church of the saintly sisters, and Si-o-se Pol and Khaju Bridges, which have spanned the Zayandehrud River.

Day 8

Isfahan-Yazd : 311 km

Depart Isfahan for Yazd, the world’s largest adobe city. On the way, you will witness mourning rituals in Nain on Tasoua, the ninth day of Muharram. Then stroll in the Historical District in Yazd, listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Day 10

Yazd-Shiraz : 446 km

In the morning, you are familiarized with the burial ceremony of ancient Persia in Towers of Silence. Then leave Yazd for Shiraz; on the way, visit Pasargadae in which you can find the tomb of Cyrus the Great.

Day 12

Shiraz-Persepolis-Shiraz : 130 km

On this day, you get mesmerized by the historical wonders of Iran. Go on an excursion to Persepolis, the ancient capital of Persia with its wonderfully well-preserved remains, and Naqsh-e Rustam, which contains four graves of the first Achaemenid Emperors, Darius the Great, Xerxes, Artaxerxes I and Darius II, carved into the cliff.