Who would have believed that Iran could be so peaceful, green and overwhelmingly beautiful? Or so atmospheric? Persepolis and Naghsh-e-Rostam have ancient palaces, tombs and temples. Abarqh offers a 4000 year old sacred cedar.
You’ll experience bazaars and gardens, citadels and caravan serai, wind towers and a Fire Palace. Not to mention the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence and the Prison of Alexander.
Yazd has fascinating mudbrick architecture and the magnificent Friday Mosque. In Isfahan you can revel in the Armenian Quarter, the Ali Qapu Palace and the unforgettable Blue Mosque.
Tehran
Arrive at Tehran IKA Airport where you’ll be met and taken to your hotel.
Tehran
Begin your holiday with a leisurely tour around the Golestan Palace and Museum, the Carpet Museum, the National Museum and the priceless jewel collection in the vaults of the Central Bank of Iran.
Tehran – Shiraz
Fly from Tehran to Shiraz; one of the most important sites of the ancient world. You can explore the city on foot, strolling around the Eram Gardens, bazaar and the pink Nasir al-Mulk Mosque. The next day drive to Persepolis; the ceremonial capital of the Achemenid kings, featuring the remains of the palaces of Darius the Great, Xerxes and Artaxerxes – the era brought to life by bas reliefs of kings and courtiers from across the Persian Empire. At Nagsh ar-Rostam you’ll see the Fire Temple Sanctuary. You’ll also visit the Achemenid Necropolis before returning to Shiraz to see the Tomb of the poet Hafez.
Yazd
Leave Shiraz to explore the city and magnificent tomb of Cyrus at Pasargadae, before moving on to Abarqh to marvel at a sacred, 4000 year old cypress tree. You can also visit the famous Zoroastrian Towers of Silence before checking into your hotel in Yazd. Next day you’ll have time to walk around this atmospheric city; immersing yourself in the splendour of the 14th century Friday Mosque with the highest portal and minarets in Iran, plus the marvellous mudbrick architecture and husseynia of Amir Chaqmaq. There are still more wonders at the Bahg-i-Dolat Gardens and wind towers and Alexander’s Prison.
Yazd – Isfahan
Your journey to Isfahan takes you via Meybod with its famous icehouse, impressive citadel and caravanserai. You’ll lunch in Naneen and take the opportunity to visit the Jameh Mosque.
Isfahan
This beautiful 17th century capital city of the Safavids offers you a whole parade of wondrous sights: ancient bridges, the Armenian Quarter with its churches and Cathedral of Vank and grand squares like Maidan-e-Naghshe-e-Jahan. You’ll visit the music rooms of the Ai-Qapu Palace and two of the Islamic world’s greatest mosques – the Blue Imami and the Sheikh Lotfollah – with their outstanding architecture and tilework. You’ll be able to haggle in the Bazaar and watch miniaturists and carpet-makers at work as you browse through a thousand years of Persian history.
Isfahan – Tehran
Fly from Isfahan to Tehran to spend more time in this unforgettable and involving city.
Tehran – Home
Transfer to Tehran IKA Airport for your flight home.
