Spiritual Highlights of Iran
Accommodation
6 Nights at 3-Star Hotels
Tour Details
- Group Size: 2 – 12
- Distance: 1050 km
- Altitude: 1214 m – 1575 m above see level
- Physical Rate: 1 out of 5
- Date Available: Weakly on Saturdays
- Range: 12 – 75 year old
- Theme: Cultural
- Tour Code: STC108
Highlights
- In-depth familiarity with Iran’s classical architecture
- Street walks to visit local culture
- A visit to the glorious ancient Persian Empire
- Visit old atmospheric Abyaneh
- Marvel at the glittering Achaemenid Palaces in Persepolis
- Discover the azure tiles of the stunning monuments in Naqshe Jahan Square, Isfahan
- Stroll through old mansions in the cradle of civilization, Kashan
- Taste the romance of Persian Poetry in Shiraz
- Enjoy a fascinating insight into Qom
- Savor the smell of citrus blossoms and fruit strolling around the city of poets, Shiraz
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Iran (Shiraz)
Upon your arrival, our representative welcomes you at Shiraz International Airport. You will be transferred to your hotel to check into your room. After serving your breakfast, your tour starts with a visit to the city of Shiraz. You start your sightseeing by visiting Nasir-alـ Mulk mosque whose pink arrays invite you to a profound silence. Then, you head into Khan School to get familiar with one of the developed schools of the Safavid Dynasty. At this school, Mulla Sadra, who was the great philosopher of the East, has published many books. The next site you are going to visit is Narenjestan Qavam, which was formerly an educational institute for the famous orientalist, Arthur Pope. Arthur Pope and his wife have used the place for doing researches and have changed it into a museum. In the evening, you will have a walking tour to see the exterior view of Karim Khan Citadel and go shopping in Vakil Bazaar. If you feel like tasting a local desert, make sure to try Faloodeh, which is the most delicious dessert in the city. The final plan for today is the visit to Shah Cheragh. You will enjoy the light of the lamps there. Shah Cheragh is the holy shrine of a person who is sacred to the Iranians and is highly respected by them. The construction of the shrine dates back to the 12th century, and many travelers visit the place annually.
Overnight: Shiraz, Meals:B, L, D
Day 2: Persepolis & Naqsh-e Rustam
Today we move toward Yazd. Before arrival, you will see some parts of the rich history of Iran. In many history books, you have undoubtedly heard the name of the Cyrus Cylinder as the oldest declaration of human rights. Yes, today is the time to get familiar with part of the Achaemenid Empire. That is why your tour guide will take you to the Persepolis. Persepolis is a very famous historical monument, which dates back to many centuries before Christian and had been a place for the reign of the Achaemenid Kings. To continue your trip, you stop at Naqsh-e Rustam and visit four tombs of the ancient kings. After lunch, we will back to Shiraz. The free afternoon is at leisure.
Overnight: Shiraz, Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Pasargadae & Isfahan
After breakfast, we drive to explore the Tomb of Cyrus the Great, the king was known as the Savior of the Jews in the Old Testament. After getting familiar with the majesty and glory of the Achaemenid Empire, you drive to Isfahan. By the end of the day, you have time to visit the old bridges of Khaju and Si-o-seh Pol where local people are singing songs and passing happy time near each other.
Overnight: Isfahan, Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Isfahan
Today, Iran beauty awaits to welcome you. You will arrive in Isfahan. In this city, Chehelsotun Palace, which is an excellent example of a Persian garden, is a UNESCO site you are going to explore. The Safavid kings have previously used the palace as a palace for welcoming the foreign ambassadors. Naqsh-e Jahan Square is another UNESCO site, which awaits you. It is one of the most beautiful and oldest squares in the whole world and embraces the four other attractions of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace, Abbasi Mosque and Qeisarieh Bazaar. If you would like to locate yourself in Naqsh-e Jahan, you need to know that Ali Qapu Palace is situated on the West side of the square. The palace is a six-story building that leads you to its music hall on the sixth floor by the help of spiral staircases. In the afternoon, we pass the time in the shops around the square and get familiar with a variety of local souvenirs. In the evening, you get prepared for another visit to Naqsh-e Jahan Square where you get mesmerized by the magnificent Sheikh Lotfullah Mosque. There will be free time at the markets around the square to enable you to chat with the local people and salespeople and see how they are buying and selling goods.
Overnight: Isfahan, Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Isfahan
We highly recommend you to wake up early this morning because we have a lot to do. After breakfast, you head into Atiq Jameh Mosque, which is registered by UNESCO and is regarded as an encyclopedia of different styles of Iranian architecture. You will have a walking tour in the nearby Jewish Quarter. Jewish people stepped into the country in the first millennium before Christian and resided in central Iran. Your guide will give you sufficient information about this religion and the way Jewish people lived in the country. Next step is Jolfa Quarter where Christian people were requested to live by order of Shah Abbas who was the Safavid King. You have time to get familiar with the Christian people of Iran and learn about their way of life. Then, your guide takes you to Vank Cathedral that is home to many picturesque paintings depicting the stories of the Bible. Afterward, you will enjoy the traditional Iranian music at the Music Museum and learn about all the old and modern Iranian musical instruments.
Overnight: Isfahan, Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Abyaneh, Kashan, Qom
We make our way to Kashan. In the middle of the way, we head out to Abyaneh village located in the northwest of Natanz. Upon arrival at the village and crossing through the alleys, you’ll face with the stepped view, red-colored houses and local clothing of villagers. If you want to hit one of the village doors, check the doorknockers on. There are two doorknockers on the door. One for men and one for women! Each one has a different sound. Try them! We then leave Abyaneh to Kashan where you are going to visit some of the best houses in size and design including Borujerdiha House, We’ll also have an opportunity to take a look at the historically significant Fin Garden (World Heritage Site) with a unique system for pools and fountains. In the evening we’ll be on a road trip to Tehran visiting the Shia holy city of Qom. (It depends on your departure time, visiting the city of Qom is an optional based on your preference). The sacred shrine of Fatima Masumeh sibling of Imam Reza is the highlight of Qom. We end our journey at Imam Khomeini International Airport.
Overnight: -, Meals: –
Destinations
What’s Included
Transport
Private Car (2 Pax), Van (3-5 pax), Mini-bus (6-9 pax), Middle-bus (10-14 Pax)
Transfer
Airport – Hotel – Airport Transfer
Meals
All Meals and mineral water on this trip are included
Visa
Iran Visa (Reference Code)
Entrance
All Entrance Fees Are Included
Guide
Professional Tour Guide
Wifi
Free Wifi
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
- A single supplement is available on this tour
- You will get to the rest of your group with a domestic flight if you arrive in another city of Iran
- Flights before and after the tour are not included
- Free Wi-fi in all hotels
- It may sometimes happen 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 the time of your itinerary allows you will visit the missed sites on other remaining days.
- Your private minibus 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
Handicraft Workshop
It’s the time to get familiar with Isfahan handicraft. Minakari is a miniature painting with azure color that has been suited to the brand of Isfahan “turquoise domes city.” Join us to see the art of locals.
Persian Music
If you are thinking about Iranian music, we are here to help! Get ahead of the Music Museum and listen to the Iranian mystics music.
Dates & Prices
| Group Size (Pax) | DBL Room | SNGL Room | Date Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9-12 | October 2018- 10 March 2019 | ||
| 5-8 | October 2018- 10 March 2019 | ||
| 2-4 | October 2018- 10 March 2019 |
Check Availability
Direct Reservation
