17-Day Iran Highlights Sightseeing Tour from Tehran with Desert Adventure

• Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your English-speaking Iran tour guide. Rest and relax for the remainder of the day.

• In the morning, visit the only World Heritage Site in the capital, Golestan Palace. Here, you can stroll through the royal gardens and observe the unique collection of crafts and antiques on display.

• See the heart of the Iranian economy at the Grand Bazaar of Tehran.

• Explore the Glassware and Ceramics Museum, which takes you through the history of Iran with a chronologically detailed exhibition.

• Have lunch with a downtown resident in his home.

• In the afternoon, examine the invaluable displays at the National Jewels Museum.

• Cross Tabiat Bridge, the largest pedestrian overpass in Tehran.

• Have an organic breakfast by the river in the north of the city.

• Then go shopping at the local markets.

• After lunch, your tour guide will take you to the historic Niavaran Palace Complex, the residence of an ancient king.

• Then witness Milad Tower, the tallest tower in Iran, which stands 435 m high from its base to the tip of the antenna.

• Take the evening flight from Tehran to Shiraz.

• Begin the day by visiting Nasir-Al-Molk, also known as the Pink Mosque.

• Inspect the Victorian-era-inspired paintings at Narenjestan Palace.

• Witness the luxurious gardens and palace of Zinat-Ol-Molook.

• Visit the mausoleum of Hafez, the great Persian poet.

• Have lunch and taste exquisite Iranian cuisine at a resident's home.

• In the afternoon, go for a walk in the old neighbourhood.

• Take in the exterior view of the former Royal Palace.

• See the mosque of twisted columns, Vakil Mosque.

• Shop at the main bazaar of Shiraz, Vakil Bazaar.

• Observe one of the religious hubs of the country at the mausoleum of Shah-Cheraq.

Dinner at a charming restaurant.

• Visit Persepolis, the largest stone monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Have lunch at a nice outdoor place. Afterwards, scale a rocky mountain to visit a Persian cemetery.

• Return to Shiraz and enjoy some free time.

• Explore the remains of Pasargadae, the capital of the Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus the Great.

• Continue to Meymand to reach the remote village dating back 12,000 years.

Dinner and overnight stay in the open rooms of a house in the mountains.

• Go for a light hike in Rageh Valley.

• Then transfer to Mahan to see the Fortress of Rayen, the second-largest fortress in the country.

• Traverse through Shazdeh Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Start the day by visiting the mausoleum of a great Sufi.

• Leave for the famous Kalout desert. Have fun in the desert sands as you drive a 4x4 through it and go for a hike. Witness the breathtaking desert sunset.

Have dinner and spend the night in your tent in the desert.

• After breakfast, leave for Kerman. Upon arrival, have lunch and check in at a simple and charming hotel.

• Go to a hammam and experience a traditional massage.

• Explore the Ganj-Ali Khan Complex in the afternoon, including its hammam, bazaar, caravanserai, and mosque.

• In Rafsanjan, stroll through the pistachio fields and visit the pistachio sorting centre.

• Then visit the village of Audraj to see the oldest pistachio tree, the caves of Chah-Darya, and the old cemetery.

• Continue to Zeinoddin to witness the sunset from the roof of Iran's only rounded caravanserai.

• Explore the ruins of Saryazd Fortress.

• Go to the Tower of Silence to see the king vulture.

• Visit the Zoroastrian Fire Temple to see the sacred fire.

• Visit the central square of Yazd, Amir-Chaqmaq, and its surroundings.

• See the sunset in the old district of Fahadan, the largest clay city in the world.

• Visit Dowlat Abad Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see the tallest wind tower in the country.

• Continue to Meybod to visit a ceramic and pottery workshop in one of the pottery capitals of Iran.

• Stop at a caravanserai in Meybod to see a dovecote.

• Make a stop in Naeen to visit the troglodyte workshops of the weavers.

• Arrive in Varzaneh and witness the sunset over the dunes.

• See Iran's largest mosque and a paradise of architecture and art, the Jame Mosque of Esfahan.

• Have lunch in a charming restaurant. Then enjoy the music of live concerts at the Museum of Music.

• Take a late afternoon walk to some of the city's unique bridges and boulevards.

• Have an organic breakfast (optional) in an old royal garden and take in the view of Safavid Palace.

• Visit the largest enclosed square in the world, the Royal Square.

• Take in some of the most beautiful mosques in Iran, including Sheikh-Lotfollah Mosque and the Mosque of Abbassi.

• Have a traditional lunch.

• In the afternoon, pleasure your eyes during a stroll through the Craft Bazaar.

• Witness the sunset at the Royal Square.

• Visit Qeysarieh Bazaar to see its famous entrance.

• Relax at an authentic tea house.

Dinner in a restaurant at the Royal Square.

• Explore the traditional village of Abyaneh.

• Continue to Kashan. Upon arrival, visit the Garden of End, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Inspect the harmony of nature and architecture at the ancient Iranian houses, including Tabatabai House. If there is time, also visit Sultan Amir Ahmad's Hammam.

• See a masterpiece of the 19th century, Aqa-Bozorg Mosque.

• Visit the famous caravanserai of the bazaar, Amin-O-Doleh.

• Continue to the desert to witness the sunset over the dunes.

• Stay overnight at an authentic caravanserai of the Silk Road.

• Walk to Namak Lake of Qom. The lake is 1 m deep at its deepest point.

• Explore the underground city of Noush Abad, the largest underground city in the world.

• After lunch, explore the famous illuminated cave of Naragh.

• Arrive in Tehran at the airport hotel to prepare for the return flight.

• Transfer to the airport for your return flight.