Classic Iran

Arrive at Tehran IKA Airport where you’ll be met and taken to your hotel.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fly from Isfahan to Tehran to spend more time in this unforgettable and involving city.

Transfer to Tehran IKA Airport for your flight home.