Persian Sands

We head into downtown Tehran to visit the National Museum of Iran, with exhibits dating back 35,000 years. We also see the splendid former royal Qajar complex of Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then we wander through the Grand Bazaar and marvel at the world’s most magnificent jewellery collection at the Treasury of National Jewels.

Overnight Tehran Enghelab 4 star breakfast & lunch

After breakfast we leave for the Maranjeb Desert. On the way we stop at Kashan to visit the exquisite, World Heritage-listed Fin Garden and Agha Bozorg Mosque, noted for the symmetry of its design. Finally, we visit Borujerdi House, an excellent example of Persian desert-vicinity architecture. We will spend the night at the 16^th century Maranjab Caravanserai

Overnight Maranjab Maranjab Kervanserai breakfast & lunch

We begin the day with a short visit to Abyaneh Village, one of the oldest settlements in Iran. We continue on to the wonderful city of Isfahan, famed for its Persian-Islamic architecture, where we take an evening walk from Si-o-she Pol (Thirty Three Bridges) to Khajou Bridge.

Overnight Isfahan Piroozy 4 star breakfast, lunch & dinner

We start the day by visiting the Safavid emperors’ palaces of Chehel Sotoun (“The Palace of Forty Columns”), Hasht-Behesht (“The Palace of Eight Paradises”) and Aali Qapu (“The Royal Palace”). Then we take a walk through Naqsh-e Jahan Square (a UNESCO World Heritage site) to the Imam and Sheikh Lotfollah mosques before heading to the Armenian district of Jolfa for a tour of Vank Cathedral.

Overnight Isfahan Piroozy 4 star breakfast & lunch

We depart in the morning for Yazd, with a couple of stops on the way to visit the 9^th century Jame Mosque (still in use) and the Old Bazaar in the desert city of Naein. Then we’ll visit Narin Castle at Meybod, an ancient city dating back to pre-Islamic times.

Overnight Yazd Safaieh 4 star breakfast & lunch

Yazd is also known as the City of Windcatchers. We’ll spend a full day sightseeing, starting with the striking Amir Chakhmaq Complex. Next we’ll see Badgir (wind towers) and explore the Grand Mosque of Yazd, fabled for its magnificent dome and mosaic work. We’ll also visit the Zoroastrian Fire Temple and Tower of Silence. We spend the night at another 16^th century caravanserai.

Overnight Yazd-Kerman Highway Zeinoddin Caravanserai breakfast & lunch

We begin by touring the very ancient stone village of Maymand (UNESCO World Heritage Site). It’s believed humans have lived in this area for over 12,000 years. Then we continue on to the city of Kerman, known for its Zoroastrian fire temples.

Overnight Kerman Govashir 3 star breakfast & lunch

We’ll make a morning visit to the enormous Ganjali Khan Complex, and then on to Jabalieh or Rock Dome, an octagonal stone monument dating back to 2,000 BC.

Overnight Kerman Govashir 3 star breakfast & lunch

We leave Kerman after breakfast to visit the World Heritage-listed walled Shazdeh (Prince) Garden in Mahan and the 1,000 year-old mud brick citadel of Rayen. Then we marvel at the amazing Kalouts (natural rock formations) in the desert.

Overnight Kerman Govashir 3 star breakfast & lunch

We drive to Shiraz, renowned for its poetry and gardens. On the way, we visit the palace of the 3^rd century Sassanid emperor, Ardeshir. The design of this rugged, powerful-looking structure is unique to the architects of the province.

Overnight Shiraz Karimkhan boutique breakfast & lunch

We explore one of ancient Persia’s oldest cities, beginning at the World Heritage-listed Bagh-e Eram (“Garden of Paradise”). We move on to Nasir al-Mulk Mosque and Narenjestan-e Qavam (“Qavam’s Orange Garden”—named for its sour orange trees). Then we visit Arg-e Karimkhani (“Citadel of Karimkhan”), Vakil Bazaar and the Shah Cheragh Mausoleum. Finally, we’ll see the last resting places of two of Iran’s greatest poets, Hafez and Sa’adi.

Overnight Shiraz Karimkhan boutique breakfast & lunch

We’ll leave Shiraz in the morning for a full day excursion to Persepolis (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the ancient capital of the Achaemenid Empire dating back to 515 BC. We’ll also visit the awe-inspiring Naqsh-e Rostam tombs of Achaemenid and Sassanid emperors before heading to Pasargad, containing the tomb of Cyrus the Great. We return to Shiraz for an evening flight to Tehran.

Overnight Tehran Engelhab 4 star breakfast & lunch

Another full day of sightseeing. We’ll visit the 19th century Sa’d Abad Palace, the stately Niavaran Palace Complex; and wander through the Tajrish Bazaar, set in one of the oldest parts of the city. We cap off the day and the end of the tour with a farewell dinner.

Overnight Tehran Enghelab 4 star breakfast, lunch & dinner

The tour concludes after breakfast, with a transfer to IKA Airport for your departure flight. Khoda hafez—goodbye. We wish you a safe journey and many happy memories of your Persian Sands tour!