On the Trace of Grand Emperors

Tour details

Origin City:

description

In addition to Persian civilizations and the traces of Islamic flourish, you will discover the unique desert of Shahdad as a part of Lut Desert, claimed as the hottest point in the world and listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites as a biosphere reserve. You can also enjoy safari among the hills (Yardang) and experience a unique night at a luxurious eco-camp.

Day 1

Arrive in Tehran

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

Day 3

Ahwaz-Susa-Ahwaz : 305 km

Excursion to discover Tchogha Zanbil Temple, the first religious site of Iran. You will proceed to visit remains of Apadana Palace, constructed by the Achaemenid king Darius I in Susa Archeological area. Then explore Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System, traced back to Darius the Great in the 5th century B.C, it is still in use providing water to the city of Shushtar via a series of tunnels that supply water to mills.

Day 5

Shiraz

You spend the day sightseeing in Shiraz. First, visit Nasir-ol-molk Mosque where you admire its earthenware and its magnificent stone columns dating from the 19th century. Head towards Narenjestan e Ghavam Garden, named after the oranges in the central courtyard. Next, you explore Hafiz Tomb, where Iranians show their respect to their popular poet. End the day, by visiting Ali Ibn Hamzeh Holy Shrine and exploring Vakil Bazaar.

Day 7

Shiraz-Sarvestan-Kerman : 570 km

Depart Shiraz for Kerman, home to a rich collection of mosques and historical sites. On the way, visit Sassanid Palace in Sarvestan, listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

 

Day 9

Shahdad Desert-Kerman : 116 km

Start your day by going on Safari and visiting yardangs, one of the most beautiful attractions of the salt deserts in Iran. Then drive to Kerman and visit Jameh Mosque of Kerman and Ganjali Khan Historical Bathhouse, which portrays the glory of Persian architecture.

Day 11

Yazd-Nain-Isfahan : 323 km

Today, you continue your sightseeing in Yazd. First, Visit Jameh Mosque of Yazd then stroll in the Historical District in Yazd. Afterwards, depart Yazd for Isfahan; on the way, visit Jameh Mosque of Nain as one of the oldest mosques of Iran.

Day 13

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.

Day 15

Departure Tehran

Transfer to IKA airport for fight home.

 

Day 2

Tehran-Ahwaz

Start your trip in Tehran, the capital of Iran. First, visit Golestan Palace, listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites then head toward National Museum of Iran in which a collection of ceramics, pottery, stone figures and carvings taken from excavation in Persepolis is held. Proceed to National Jewelry Museum of Iran and admire the most dazzling collection of jewelry. Finally, fly to Ahwaz in the afternoon.

Alternative to National Jewelry Museum of Iran: Carpet Museum

Day 4

Ahwaz-Bishapur-Shiraz : 537 km

Today, you depart Ahwaz for Shiraz, the city of beautiful gardens and flowers. On the way, visit the city of Bishapur and its related components.

Day 6

Shiraz-Persepolis-Shiraz : 130 km

In the morning, 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, visit Quran Gate, the main entrance gate of the city. 

Day 8

Kerman-Shahdad Desert : 97 km

In the morning, drive to Mahan and visit Shahzadeh Garden, a green oasis in the heart of the desert, and Shah Nematollah Vali Shrine, the burial site of an Iranian poet and Sufi (mystic). Then depart for Shahdad Desert in the afternoon and enjoy strolling there. You will set up a camp at night.

Day 10

Kerman-Yazd : 366 km

In the morning, you will drive to Yazd, known as the city of wind catchers. Start your sightseeing in Yazd by visiting Towers of Silence, an ancient place in which the burial ceremony was held in ancient Persia. Next, proceed to Zoroastrian Fire Temple, a holy place for Zoroastrians where the sacred fire has been maintained for more than 1100 years.

Day 12

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.

Day 14

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 visit Fin Garden an eloquent example of Persian garden listed in UNESCO world heritage site.