8-Day Iranian Civilisations Tour from Tehran via Persepolis

You'll be welcomed to the Land of Persia and begin your first day after an exotic breakfast. Familiarize yourself with the imperial history of the country with visits to the following places:

• Sa'dabad Palace Complex, the official residence of the president of Iran.

• Visit the Cinema Museum of Iran and enjoy your coffee alongside it in Ferdows Garden.

• Head to the airport for a short flight to Shiraz after breakfast and checking out from your Tehran hotel. You will visit the following places: Eram Garden (a UNESCO Site), Hafez Tomb, one of the two memorial structures erected in memory of the celebrated Persian poet Hafez, and Saadi Tomb, the tomb and mausoleum dedicated to the Persian poet Saadi.

On the third day, pay a visit to the following places in the Zand complex, Shiraz:

• Karim Khan Castle, a citadel built during the Zand dynasty.

• Vakil Hamam, an old public bathhouse.

• Old Bazaar, offering handcrafted souvenirs, rugs, tapestry, and local sweets.

• Jameh Mosque, the oldest mosque in Shiraz.

• Pink Mosque, located in the Gawd-i Arabān quarter.

• On the way to Yazd, visit three important historic sites in Shiraz, Fars Province, Iran: Persepolis, Pasargadae, and Necropolis (cemetery). These places represent the Achaemenid style of architecture.

Become familiar with Zoroastrian culture in this ancient city. Because of generations of adaptation to its desert surroundings, Yazd has a unique Persian architecture and is also called the city of wind towers. Visit the following places:

• Amir Chakhmaq Complex and Square, noted for its symmetrical sunken alcoves.

• Jameh Mosque, the congregational mosque of Yazd city.

• Tower of Silence, built by Zoroastrians for excarnation.

• Old City of Yazd, located in the middle of the Iranian plateau.

• In the morning, after visiting the fire temple, head to Isfahan. Isfahan is a place to savor the high refinements of Persian culture and get lost in its old bazaar streets. Visit the following places at Naqsh-e Jahan Square:

  Jameh Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and Ālī Qāpū Palace.

Before leaving Isfahan, visit an awesome church there. On the way back to Tehran, stop in Kashan city to see the following historic spots:

• Tabātabāei House Museum, a historic museum built during the reign of the Qajar dynasty.

• Borujerdi House Museum, built by architect Ustad Ali Maryam for the bride of Borujerdi.

• Old Bazaar, famous for mosques, tombs, plazas, arcades, baths, and water reservoirs.

• On your last day in Tehran, do some local shopping.

Time to say goodbye to this grand city. Do not forget to share your trip memories!