Iran VI

Note: this is a rough sample itinerary and may vary its order or parts of it based on our local crew’s guidance and knowledge of the situation in every region.

Day 1: Tehran

• Arrival at IKA Airport at 6:00 a.m on the Turkish Airlines flight. Transfer downtown to explore some of Tehran’s wonders, such as Golestan Palace, also known as Palace of Flowers is the vestige of Iranian civilization and UNESCO WHS. The complex consists of 17 palaces, museums and halls in different locations for special purposes. For lunch we’ll go try local delicacies at the Tehran Grand Bazaar, sure to be one of the highlights of your trip.
• Afternoon exploring some of the main highlights of the capital: Milad and Azadi Towers, the main train station and the former US Embassy.
• Overnight in Tehran.

Day 2: Shiraz.

• We’ll take an early morning flight to Shiraz and begin our exploration of the city by visiting Nasir-Olmolk Mosque. Mostly known as the “Pink Mosque”, the mosque comes to life with the sunrise and colours dance throughout the day like whirling dervishes. Naranjestan-e-ghavam complex ,a significant representation of Iranian architecture during ‘Qajar” period, is your next stop. Karimkhan Citadel, a huge reconstruction of the original building, the magnificent Vakil Mosque, the only major mosques surviving from the late Zand period and Vakil Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world housing over 100 shops, are today’s sightseeing. The highlight of today is likely to be a short walk under the blossoms of sour orange trees concluding with tasting a delicious Shirazi desert named Faloode in the beautiful old district of Zandiye.
• Overnight in Shiraz.

Day 3:  Persepolis

• Early morning you’ll be taken to the jewel of the country. Drive from Shiraz for an hour to get to Persepolis as a magnificent pre-Islamic Persian ruins from Achaemenid dynasty registered as a UNESCO WHS. Later drive to Necropolis (Naghsh-e Rustam) that is also a registered world heritage and hosts Achaemenid, Sassanian, Elamite and Qajar tombs, bass relieves and  inscriptions.
• After our visit, we’ll drive north to Yazd for a drastic change of scenery.
• Overnight in Yazd.

Day 4: Yazd.

• Today’s sightseeing in Yazd includes visits to Amir Chakhmaq Square and the Old Jame Mosque, one of the five most important mosques in Iran. By their mystery and charm, the alleys and streets were actually designed to wonder anyone who walks through them. Stroll the beautiful district and taste authentic Iranian confection in one of the best confectioneries of Iran, Haj Khalife. Tower of Silence and Fire Temple as the masterpieces of Zoroastrianism are waiting for you. Finally, to round off our busy day in Yazd, we’ll head out this evening to Zoorkhane – an exciting, building resembles ancient temples or cellars in which sports are done in a roofed area.
• Overnight in Yazd.

Day 5: Isfahan

• On the way to Isfahan, we’ll visit the city of Naien and its partially reconstructed ruins of Castle, Jame Mosque and Carpet Weaving Workshops.
• In the evening, we’ll have some free time to enjoy Isfahan at our own pace, wander the Bazar, buy souvenirs etc…
• Overnight in Isfahan.

Day 6: Isfahan

• Visit the stunning Naqsh-e Jahan Square, have a peaceful and tranquil moment at Sheikh Lotfollah and Imam Mosques and explore the Ali Qapoo palace – to name a few highlights. This evening your adventure continues as you further explore the stunning Isfahan with visits to Vank Cathedral, or the Church of the Saintly Sisters, which is placed in one of the oldest parts of Isfahan called Jolfa. Jolfa is an entertainment district and its semi-archaic architecture has stayed untouched until now.
• Overnight in Isfahan.

Day 7: Abiyane and Tehran

• The next stop on your adventure is Abiyane village, a picturesque reddish village. You will be
  taken through reddish brown houses and mountainous scenery which is widely regarded as one
  of the most scenic places in Iran.
• Overnight in Tehran.

Day 8: Goodbye & Fly out

• After breakfast, the saddest moment of any Expedition: saying goodbye! If you are interested in extending, we will continue with a 4-day optional add-on from Tehran to Qeshm. More details provided upon booking.