Accommodation
11 Nights at 3-4-5-Star Hotels and 2 Nights in Train
Tour Details
- Group Size: 2 – 20
- Distance: 5100 km
- Altitude: 1027 m – 1575 m above sea level
- Physical Rate: 2 out of 5
- Date Available: Jan to Dec
- Range: 15 to 75 year old
- Theme: Cultural & Ecological
- Tour Code: STC102
In a Nutshell
On this tour we have tried to help you experience a unique train trip through the ancient land of Iran and discover the Persian Empire. Your leader will take you to UNESCO-registered attractions and uncover the mysteries. You will go to Kandovan and see how the inhabitants of the region have made their houses in the heart of rocks and cliffs. You will also go to a mosque in Shiraz and get captivated by the colorful arrays.
Highlights
- A unique train experience to discover mysteries and facts
- Familiarity with the rich culture of Iran
- Long street-walks in the pearl of the orient
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Golestan Palace, Bazaar of Tabriz, Persepolis, Pasargadae, Chehel Sotoun Palace, Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Jame Mosque of Isfahan, Yazd City, and Fin Garden
Itinerary
Day 1: Tehran
Salam! Welcome to Capital of Iran. Tehran awaits to greet you. It is known as the city of Museums, palaces, great parks and shopping centers. Upon your arrival, the premier attraction is the National Museum of Iran. This is the richest museum and a treasure house of Iran’s civilization which has kept several thousand years works. Recommend you to take a look at Souvenir Shop. Some amazing things will catch your attention. Golestan Palace (World Heritage Site) is another fascinating place in Tehran. This beautiful palace hosted many Iranian kings. The last major event happened in this palace was the coronation of Reza Shah Pahlavi in 1925. After that, Abgineh Museum will be introduced to you. The Glassware Museum is the site of keeping the oldest and the most exquisite glasses made in Iran from four thousand BC, which is located in a gorgeous garden with an old and wonderful building.
Overnight: Tehran, Meals: B, L, D
Day 2: Tehran - Tabriz - Kandovan
If you don’t want to miss anything today, get up early. You’ll catch a flight to Tabriz in the early morning. Upon your arrival in Tabriz, the Eynali red colored mountain will admire you. Some historians consider the location of Eden paradise in the current Tabriz. We’ll embark on a journey with the Blue Mosque (Kabud Mosque). This mosque was built in 1465 and house of finest mosaic tile in the world. We move toward Kandovan, the most visited tourist spot in Tabriz. Kandovan is a rocky village whose houses is dug by people in the heart of the mountain. If you wish, you can get a permit from one of the villagers and enter the house. Certainly, it will be a unique and valuable experience for you. We’ll stay overnight in Kandovan. An opportunity that may happen less to anyone.
Overnight: Kandovan, Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Kandovan - Tabriz - Mashhad
After serving breakfast, back to Tabriz and go to the Bazaar of Tabriz (World Heritage Site). This is one of the largest traditional bazaars in the world and exploring it becomes one of the highlights of your trip to Iran. The bazaar is made up of mosques, schools, caravansaries and many restaurants, so when you enter the bazaar, be careful not to leave the group! Don’t forget to take a look at the carpet sales section, the Mozafarieh market, and pay attention to its long vault. This is very beautiful and amazing. You’ll see incredible carpets and carpet tableaus. After lunch, you take a train and head to Mashhad.
Overnight: Train, Meals: B, L, D
Transport: Train
Day 4: Mashhad
You arrive in Mashhad at noon today. After you get out the train and take a short rest at the hotel, your leader will guide you through Tus, where Tomb of Ferdowsi (10th and 11th centuries), the great and epic poet of Iran is located here. Ferdowsi’s book, Shahnameh, has about sixty thousand verses. A little bit away, Haroun’s dome is sited. A huge dome with unique decorations dates back to Islam. We make our way from Tus to Mashhad. In the evening you’ll visit the respectful spot for Iranians, Imam Reza Shrine. This enormous complex is not only a religious place, but also consists of monuments, architecture works and handicrafts. Certainly, have a look at the museums of this shrine. You’ll encounter historic things and the most exquisite carpets that your eyes will be astonished!
Overnight: Mashhad, Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Mashhad - Shiraz
In the morning you get on a train in Shiraz. You’ll spend the night on the train and it gives you the opportunity to complete your travel log. Head out to train restaurant, where you’ll get familiar with the people who may be part of the memory of your trip to Iran. Make sure to look at the scenery around. You ride through the deserts of Iran!
Overnight: Train, Meals: B, L, D
Transport: Train
Day 6: Shiraz
Shiraz is the capital of ancient Iranian civilization. The great Achaemenid Empire has been formed in this region. Before the sunlight leaves Nasir-al Mulk Mosque, we have to get there in the morning. Upon entering you will is surrounded with pink light, so get your camera ready for taking the memorable photo. Qavam House is waiting for us to explore. This is full of orange trees and due to their attraction be surrounded by a gorgeous building. This house belongs to one of the most popular characters of Shiraz, that its beauty will delight you. We continue our way through the Bazzar. The Shiraz traditional Bazaar is a great place to buy handicrafts and take a walk in a historic site. In the evening we head out to Hafeziye. The tomb of Hafez, Iranian Sonneteer, is located there. Upon your arrival at Hafeziye, you’ll see the people holding Hafez’s book and reading in their intimate gatherings. Recommend you to attend them to Know Hafez better.
Overnight: Shiraz, Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Shiraz - Persepolis - Isfahan
Today you can explore the Achaemenid Ancient Capital, Persepolis (the World Heritage Site), as you please. In Persepolis, you can also see the fragments of the culture of your country because the architects of most territories of that time involved to build this complex. This site has a tranquil atmosphere to take a stroll for several hours. After that, recommend you to visit the Necropolis (World Heritage Site) to complete your bird’s eye view of the greatness of this ancient world. Here you can witness the magnificence of the tombs of the ancient emperors in the heart of the mountain. We continue our tour visiting Pasargadae (World Heritage Site) where is dedicated to the burial place of the great Achaemenid king, Cyrus. The people around the tomb will catch your attention who one standing in a humble position in front of this great king and thinking about the glorious past of Iran. It’s better to talk to one of Iranian visitors to perceive this feeling. You’ll arrive in Isfahan at night and prepare yourself to wander this world-famous city.
Overnight: Isfahan, Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Isfahan
This motto may sound familiar to you, Isfahan is half of the world. Esfahan is known as world craft city and full traditional and incredible art everywhere you see in its traditional markets. We embark on wandering in Isfahan with Chehel Sotoun Palace (World Heritage Site). That once upon a time, the Safavid Kings arranged their political agreements with the ambassadors of European and Asian countries. Perhaps the most important event of the Chehel Sotoun Palace took place in contemporary era was the presence of Queen Elizabeth in this site in February 1961. We continue on our way to the most fascinating urban squares in the world, Naqsh-e Jahan Square (World Heritage Site). Around the square is full of handicraft shops that you can visit them in calm and quiet. When you go for on the square, the carriage sounds will be pleasant to your ears. Recommend you to get on the carriage and turn around the square. Afterwards, we are ready to explore Shah Mosque and Ali Qapu Palace. Certainly, look at the view of Isfahan when you go to the top of the Ali Qapu Palace. You’ll find Isfahan a flat and deserted city. In the evening, the historic bridges, Khaju and Si-o-se Pol, are the best sites to wonder. The beauty of these bridges will be double in the dark. Don’t forget to ask your guide about the reason of naming thirty-three bridges. You will hear a weird answer!
Overnight: Isfahan, Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Isfahan
Maybe you would like to know about the Christians in Iran. We’ll answer this question today. Therefore, we’ll take you to the Jolfa quarter. You get familiar to Christians of Isfahan due to rambling through medieval lanes of Jolfa. First, we head out to Vank Cathedral. This church is the oldest one in Isfahan and is full of paintings taken from Bible stories. We’ll back to Naqsh-e Jahan Square (World Heritage Site) again. This time, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque will be introduced you to visit. Unlike other mosques, this mosque has no minaret and was in the hands of the royal family during the Safavid period. The pattern of the dome of the mosque is unique and has become a symbol of Isfahan. On the northern side of the square, the facade is large which considered as the entrance to the Isfahan Bazzar. At the top of the entrance there are some drawings of the presence of Europeans in Isfahan. A little bit higher on the mosaic tile, the zodiac sign, Sagittarius, is placed, known as symbol of Isfahan. The tour ends with special food of Isfahan as a dinner. Enjoy your meal!
Overnight: Isfahan, Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Isfahan - Yazd
Today is your last day to immerse the wonder of Isfahan. We know the value of your time. We embark on tour visiting with Encyclopedia of Architecture of Iran, Jame Mosque of Isfahan (World Heritage Site). This is one of the masterpieces of Iranian architecture that has been added some parts to it in different historical periods. When you are standing under the domes of Nizam al-Mulk and Taj al-Mulk, you would perceive more the magnificence and beauty of this mosque. Make sure to head out to Aljayto Altar. Its stunning beauty will leave you breathless. We continue exploring Isfahan on your rest day to back to Jolfa quarter. We’d desire your farewell time in Isfahan be accompanied with music, so you will be taken to the Music Museum to spend some hours to see and listen to Iranian musical instruments. Few musicians await to welcome you by performing fascinating pieces of Iranian music. After visiting Isfahan, we go to Yazd (World Heritage Site), the heart of Zoroastrian religion. If time allows, certainly we head out to the Amir Chakhmagh Complex. Perhaps going for one hour on this square will make an inspirational moment of your trip.
Overnight: Yazd, Meals: B, L, D
Transport: Train
Day 11: Yazd
Today we discover the city of Yazd with the Tower of Silence. Here you get familiar with the burial ceremonies in Zoroastrianism. Later consider visiting the Zoroastrian Fire Temple. The fire temple is said to Zoroastrian place of worship. Here you can see Zoroastrian clerics (called “Mobad”) who are praying with white dresses around the fire. Recommend you to stay silent and look at the fire. In Zoroastrianism, fire clears all sins! The next attraction to explore is Jame Mosque of Yazd. Near the mosque you’ll encounter two tall minarets, which look like a long gate. Upon entering the mosque, very stunning azure color catches your eye. Make sure to see the people praying in the corner of the mosque. After leaving this site, you’ll pass through the clay and mud lanes of Fahadan to get to the Amir Chakhmagh Complex. Water Museum on the corner of the square is the greatest spot to people-watch. This museum narrates the history of water in the desert. Here you get familiar with tools of digging Qanat.
Overnight: Yazd, Meals: B, L, D
Day 12: Yazd - Kashan
On the last day of exploring Yazd, you’ll visit the Dowlat Abad Garden (World Heritage Site). A garden in the desert that will be strange to you. The Dowlat Abad Garden goes back to the 18th century. The world’s tallest wind tower is sited in the garden, with a height of 33 meters. Catch the train in the evening and move to Kashan. You’ll arrive at night.
Overnight: Kashan (Guesthouse), Meals: B, L, D
Transport: Train
Day 13: Kashan - Tehran
Kashan is one of the oldest cities in Iran, where Silk civilization was formed there about seven thousand years ago. We start visiting Kashan with Amin al-Dawlah Timche which has a very tall ceiling, stunning muqarnas tiles and bricks. Another must see attraction is the Aqa Bozorg Mosque. This mosque dates back to Qajar period and is one of the best examples of mosque be constructed in relation to the local climate. Pay attention to wind tower of this mosque as it cools the mosque. We leave Aqa Bozorg Mosque to Abassian House. This house is a masterpiece of traditional Iranian houses that will make memorable moments for you. This house is made up of five floors with five courtyards at its corner. It is interesting to know that several films have been made in this house. We leave this historic house to the Fin Garden (World Heritage Site). Upon entering into this great garden, the first thing that catches your attention is the tall trees and the water which flows through the small streams everywhere in the garden. Maybe such a space in the heart of the desert will make you wonder. The most important thing that happened in this garden is the murder of Amir Kabir, the highly regarded minister of Naser-al-Din Shah during the Qajar period, which is known as a terrible incident among Iranians.
Overnight: -, Meals: B, L, D
Transport: Train
Day 14: Tehran (Departure)
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Destinations
What’s Included
Transport
Train, Domestic Flight, Private Car (2 Pax), Van (3-9 pax), Middle-bus (10-20 pax)
Transfer
Airport – Hotel – Airport Transfer
Meals
13 Breakfast, 13 Lunch, 13 Dinner (Local Restaurants, Sometimes Fresh Local Products)
Visa
Iran Visa (Reference Code)
Entrance
All Entrance Fees Are Included
Guide
Professional Tour Guide
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
SIM
Iranian SIM Card
Personal Insurance
Not Covered in the Tour Price
Flight
International Flights Are Not Included
Other Fees
Visa Stamp Fee, Tips & Portages Are Not Included
Trip Notes
- It may happen sometimes to face official holidays during your trip. On such occasions, some of the monuments may be closed. Your guide will replace some other attractions or activities to fill your time. If time of your itinerary allows you will visit the missed sites on other remaining days.
- Your private mini bus is equipped with an air conditioning system.
- In this package, travelers will have some long walking’s. Please be prepared for this activity and take your sneakers with you.
Activities
Cone-shaped Village
Take a look on Iranian village life in the heart of stone. You’ll never know until you go. Getting familiar with man-made cliffs is an experience that deserves to try it once.
Labyrinth Bazaar
Tabriz eye-catching bazaar is suitable for buying handmade leather shoes and handmade carpets. You will be amazed at seeing how elegance are silk carpets. You’ll experience breathing the old- fashioned atmosphere of Iran.
Handicraft Workshop
You’d have a choice of beautiful handicraft to learn how Khātam is made by decorating the surface of wooden articles with delicate pieces of wood. It makes a sufficiently diverting break from sightseeing.
Persian Hammam
Don’t hesitate to try Hamamm whenever you’ll travel to Iran. Just think when you’re sitting in those heated rooms how many of Iran’s most important decisions have been dreamt up. Try to know about Iran traditional life style.
Dates & Prices
Price is on request
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