13-Day Iran Grand Tour from Shiraz through Yazd, Isfahan and Tehran

1

Day 01

Arrival and Shiraz City Discovery

• You will be welcomed by your guide and driven to the hotel for check-in. After some rest and breakfast, the excursion will begin.
• On this day, to get to know Shiraz, the city of poems, flowers, and birds, we will explore the city.
• Since you may be tired from the flight the night before and have had a full day today, the evening is reserved for rest and free time.
• Visits: Carimkhan Citadel, Vakil Bazaar, Vakil Mosque, Vakil Hammam, Eram Garden, Sa'di's Tomb, and Shahcheragh Holy Shrine.
• Stay in Shiraz.

2

Day 02

Shiraz Art, Nature, and Firuzabad

• Today is dedicated to the colours of art and nature. We will start at the Pink Mosque, and after about two hours of exploring the city, we will continue to Firuzabad, the first capital of the Sassanid dynasty. Depending on the season, we may also visit the Pink Lake.
• In the city, we will visit Hafez's Tomb and seek his blessing to make the day more romantic.
• Visits: Pink Mosque, Narenjestan Ghavam, Ardeshir Palace, Pink Lake, and Hafez Tomb.
• Stay in Shiraz.

3

Day 03

From Shiraz to Yazd via Ancient Persia

• On this day, we will learn about the history of the Persian Empire, beginning with Pasargad, Persepolis, and Naghshe Rustam.
• These sites will be visited on the way from Shiraz to Yazd. Depending on opening hours and sunset time, you may also have the chance to visit a 4,500-year-old cypress tree sacred to Zoroastrians.
• Visits: Pasargad, Persepolis, and Naghshe Rustam.
• Stay in Yazd.

4

Day 04

Yazd and Its Zoroastrian Heritage

• In Yazd, you will discover the coexistence of Muslims and Zoroastrians in the same city.
• Yazd is also the city of sweets, so do not miss the chance to taste them.
• Your full-day visit in Yazd includes the Silence Tower, the Zoroastrian Fire Temple and Cultural Gallery, Dolat-Abad Garden, Amirchakhmagh Square, a walk through the Old City of Yazd, and Jame Mosque.
• The Water Museum is also highly recommended.

5

Day 05

Desert Heritage from Yazd to Isfahan

• Leave Yazd for Isfahan, but on the way you will visit two of Iran's most beautiful desert cities, Meybod and Naein. After these visits, you will continue to Isfahan.
• Visits in Meybod: Pigeon Tower, Narin Castle, Safavi Caravansarai, and Zilou Workshop.
• Visits in Naein: Aba-Bafi Workshop and the antique Jame Mosque.
• Stay in Isfahan.

6

Day 06

Isfahan's Architectural Masterpieces

• I will not spoil the story of Isfahan. Just know that you will visit the jewel of Iran, the city of architecture, art, handicrafts, and food.
• Isfahan is known as the world's creative city of handicrafts.
• Today is one of the most physically demanding days of your tour because 90% of it will be on foot.
• Visits: Naghshe Jahan Square, Abbasi Jame Mosque, Sheykh Lotfollah Mosque, Aalighapou Edifice, and Chehelsotoun Palace.
• Sunset will be spent in a rooftop cafe with a great view over the square.
• Stay in Isfahan.

7

Day 07

Old Isfahan and New Julfa

• Start with the antique Jame Mosque of Isfahan. It is a museum of architecture, calligraphy, and stories.
• The other visits are Vank Cathedral, the Armenian District of New Julfa, and 33-Pol Bridge.
• Do not miss Armenian coffee in this area with Gata, the Armenian bread or cookie.
• Stay in Isfahan.

8

Day 08

Isfahan Culture, Music, and Shopping

• This is your last day in Isfahan and the best time for shopping in the city of handicrafts. Your guide will show you reliable and certified shops and workshops licensed by the Heritage and Handicraft Organization.
• Visits: Khadjou Bridge, the Music Museum including a live concert, a Persian bathhouse to experience Iranian culture, and a walk along Chaharbagh Abbasi Pedestrian Street.
• Tonight, we need to repack our baggage.

9

Day 09

Natanz and Abyaneh on the Way to Kashan

• Leave Isfahan for Kashan, but on the way we have two beautiful places to visit.
• First, after about a 1.5-hour drive from Isfahan, we will arrive in Natanz, a city that feels like a huge garden and enjoys cool weather.
• Visits: Jame Mosque, Sheykh Samad's Tomb beside an 800-year-old plane tree, traditional ceramic workshops, and Chartaghi, a Sassanian fire temple.
• Then move to Abyaneh to visit the reddish ruby of the Karkas Mountains. You will spend 1-2 hours in the village before continuing to Kashan. We may also visit Kashan Bazaar in the afternoon.
• Stay in Kashan.

10

Day 10

Kashan Desert Architecture and Daily Life

• Enjoy a full-day visit in Kashan and learn how people survived in the desert.
• Visits: Tabatabaei-ha House, Boroujerdi-Ha House, Sultan Ahmed Hammam, Fin Garden, Kashan Bazaar, Agha Bozorg Madrasa, and the Puppet and Toys Museum.
• Stay in Kashan.

11

Day 11

From Kashan to Tehran's Historic Landmarks

• Leave Kashan for Tehran. It will take about 2.5 to 3 hours to reach the beginning of Tehran. We will go directly to visit Golistan Palace and the Ancient Iran Museum. Tehran traffic is heavy, so we must manage our time carefully for today's visits.
• Visits: Imam Khomeini's Tomb, Golistan Palace, Ancient Iran Museum, and Azadi Tower or Square.
• Stay in Tehran.

12

Day 12

Palaces and Museums of Tehran

• Today, we will visit the Saad Abad Palace Complex and the house of the last king of Iran at Niavaran Palace in the north of Tehran.
• Visits: Saad Abad Palace (Mellat, Green, Omidvar Brothers), Niavaran Palace, Carpet Museum, and Milad Tower.
• Stay in Tehran, or transfer to the airport for your return flight to your country.

13

Day 13

Departure from Tehran

• Check out and leave Tehran for IKA for your return flight.