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Off the Beaten Track into Ancient Persia
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Qeshm Island includes many cultural and natural attractions. It is one of the most important tourist destinations in Iran because of its Geopark and particular ecosystem. Stars Valley, Tandis-ha Valley, Chahkooh Canyon, the Mangrove Forests, turtles nesting beach and the bird’s lagoon are the most important sites of this park. Besides discovering a distinguished nature, you touch the culture of the people which is less changed. They adhere to the traditions and customs of the people. We won’t ignore the history of the region. Qeshm Island has a history of ups and downs and has also been so important strategically since the Elamite era. One of the main centers of controlling the Maritime Silk Road, the island has witnessed the arrival of Portuguese, Dutch and English forces from 16th to 19th century.
Beyond the natural and historical heritages of the island, during this trip, you benefice an ideal occasion to discover the mysterious deserts. Shahdad is located in the heart of the Lut Desert where you can go on safari among yardangs. You explore also Mesr in Central Desert. Enjoy camel riding, safari and spiritual walk in the land of golden dunes.
One of the Great Empire since antiquity, discover of the country is a time travel. We invite you to admire archeological sites and historical masterpiece. In addition, strolling in original historical villages permits you to follow the traces of traditions in this modern age.
Because of the hot and dry climate of the deserts and islands in summer, we suggest this journey in cold seasons; from October to end of February.
Arrival in Tehran
You will be met on arrival at IKA Airport and transferred to the hotel.
Tehran-Qeshm
In the morning flight to Qeshm. Depart for Laft Port to have lunch in a local house, admire its windcatchers and visit a dhow factory. You will enjoy also sunset at the port.
Qeshm-Konar Sandal-Bam : 406 km
Today, you are ferried from Qeshm to Bandar Abbas then drive to Jiroft. On the way to Jiroft, you take the opportunity to visit southern Konar Sandal Archeological Hills which demonstrates one of the oldest civilizations of the world dating back to about 5000 years ago.
Kerman-Shahdad Desert-Kerman : 275 km
Today, you go on an excursion to Mahan. In Mahan, you visit Shahzadeh Garden, a green oasis at the heart of the desert, and Shah Nematollah Vali Shrine, the burial place of an Iranian poet and Sufi (mystic). Then go for an exquisite stroll in Shahdad Desert located in Lut Desert. It is noteworthy that Lut Desert, listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known as the hottest place in the world.
Yazd
Today, you spend whole day sightseeing in Yazd, the city of windcatchers. The first site to explore is Towers of Silence in which you get familiar with the ancient funeral ceremonies. Afterwards, head for Zoroastrian Fire Temple where the holy fire has been burning for about 1500 years. Then you proceed to Jameh Mosque of Yazd, featuring two tall minarets that are observable from outside the city. At the end, you stroll in the Historical District, listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Mesr
Start your day by strolling through desert and continue to ride a camel and safari.
Isfahan
Start your sightseeing in Isfahan, one of the treasures 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.
Departure from Isfahan
You are transferred to Isfahan Airport for your flight home.
Tehran
Start your trip by exploring Tehran including National Museum of Iran in which a collection of ceramics, pottery, stone figures and carvings taken from excavation in Persepolis is held, and Golestan Palace. This palace which is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites is a brilliant example of an important period in the history of Persia where the society starts a new era of modernism. Afterward, visit Iranian Artists‘ House where you get to meet Iranian artists and enjoy art galleries; finally, visit National Jewelry Museum of Iran where the most dazzling collection of gemstones and jewelry is held, especially “Daria-e Noor Diamond” (literally means see of light).
Qeshm
Start your excursion by visiting Namakdan Cave, one of the geosites of Qeshm Geopark, which is considered as one of the longest salt caves of the world with a length of 6 km. Then proceed to Chah kuh Valley which astonishes every visitor with its corridors and shapes on the wall. The next attraction to explore is It is time to stroll through Hara Forests and enjoy a refreshing boat riding. At the end, explore Star Valley, this valley, having been created in Berkeh Khalaf Village through time and erosion, is widely known as one of the most stunning geological manifestations of Qeshm Island.
Bam-Rayen-Kerman : 240 km
Start your day with a drive to Kerman. On the way, make a stop to visit UNESCO-listed Bam Citadel, the biggest adobe construction of the world. Then proceed to adobe-structured Rayen Citadel, dating back to the Sassanid era.
Kerman-Yazd : 368 km
In the morning, you go sightseeing in Kerman. First, visit Jameh Mosque of Kerman on top of which a squat clock has been placed instead of a minaret, and Ganjali Khan Historical Bathhouse in which you can find paintings belonging to Safavid era and a portal decorated with marble. Then explore Grand Bazaar of Kerman, one of the oldest and most memorable trading centers in Iran. At the end, you depart Kerman for Yazd.
Yazd-Kharanagh-Mesr : 374 km
Departing Yazd for Mesr, you pass scenic mountains and a lush green valley. On the way, visit 4500-year Kharanagh Village (literally means the birthplace of the sun) and Bayazeh Village in which you can explore ancient monuments and Palm groves.
Mesr-Anarak-Isfahan : 439 km
Depart Mesr for Isfahan. On the way, make a stop to enjoy the landscape of Chupanan Village and stroll among sand dunes. Afterwards, head for the historical part of Anarak Village where you can find beautiful wind catchers. At the end, visit Jameh Mosque of Nain, built about 1000 years ago with an inspiration from Prophet Mosque in Medina.
Isfahan
Continue your sightseeing in Isfahan by visiting Chehel Sotoun Palace (Forty Columns), a brilliant example for Persian garden listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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, take some leisure time on your own.
