Itinerary

DAY 1

You will be met on arrival and taken to your hotel. This afternoon, tour the ancient capital city, nestled at the foot of the snow-capped Alborz Mountains. The largest city in the Middle East, Tehran overflows with religious history — historic mosques, churches, synagogues and ancient Zoroastrian fire temples. Tour the National Museum of Iran, the Abhineh Museum (housed in a 19th century Qajar mansion), and the Sa’ad Abad Palace. (L, D)

Laleh Hotel, Tehran

DAY 2

This morning visit Tehran’s Grand Bazaar — a city within a city. Later this afternoon fly to Yazd, a true oasis in the middle of the desert, and one of Persia’s oldest cities. Yazd with more than 3,000 years of history and culture seems untouched by modernity. (B, L, D)

Moshir Garden Hotel, Yazd

DAY 3

Though the ancient religion of Zoroastrianism was marginalized by the Islamic conquests of the 7th century, it is still strong today in Yazd. During today’s sightseeing, you can see the Zoroastrian influence throughout the city. Tour the Jame Mosque, a colorful example of 12th century Persian architecture and a mosque still in use today. (B, L, D)

Moshir Garden Hotel, Yazd

DAY 4

On your drive this morning visit the small mountainous Zoroastrian village of Cham, continue to the city of Abarquo, to see the incredible 4,000-year-old Cypress tree. Next stop is Passargad, the first capital of the Iranian tribes and the Achaemenian empire, to visit the huge limestone Tomb of Cyrus the Great. Late afternoon arrive in Shiraz, the city of poets, roses and nightingales. (B, L, D)

Homa Hotel, Shiraz

DAY 5

Enjoy a full day exploring Shiraz, the cradle of the royal Persian civilization. Visit the 18th-century Eram Gardens, home to the Sarv-e Naaz Cypress tree, the inspiration for many Persian folk songs. Explore the Narenjistan Gardens and Narenjistan Museum, and the Tomb of Hafez, a 14th-century poet known for his lyrical poems or ghazals. Also, visit the Tomb of Saadi, a medieval poet, and the Nassirolmolk Mosque, known as the ‘Pink Mosque’ because of its unique red and pink tiles. (B, L, D)

Homa Hotel, Shiraz

DAY 6

Today visit Persepolis, the pride of the Achaemenian kings until it was destroyed by Alexander the Great in 330 BC. Impressive for its size, the complex also offers astounding examples of intricate sculpture and graceful limestone architecture. Stop to see Naqsh-e-Rostam, an archaeological site dating back to 1000 BC. Back in Shiraz visit the peaceful Afif Abad Garden before your evening flight on to Isfahan. (B, L, D)

Abbasi Hotel, Isfahan

DAY 7

Located in the lush plain of the Zayandeh River, beautiful Isfahan was the 17th-century capital of the Safavid Dynasty. Visit the ornate bridges of Shahrestan, Kajou and Sio-se-pol, and stroll the Armenian Quarter with its notable churches, including the Cathedral of Vank and the Chehel-Sotun Palace. Next see the ancient Friday mosque, the Chehel Sotoun (forty pillars) Palace and the Pigeon Tower and Hasht-Behesht Pavilion/Park. (B, L, D)

Abbasi Hotel, Isfahan

DAY 8

Enjoy another day exploring Iran’s third largest city. Walk through Naghsh‐e Jahan Square, one of the biggest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by many notable buildings from the Safavid era, we explore the Ali Qapu Palace, built by decree of Shah Abbas the Great in the 1600s. From the balcony you can see the incredible blue domes of the Shah and Sheikh Lotfollah mosques, famous for their magnificent tile work. Finish the day with a visit to the extensive Queisarieh Bazaar, with its vaulted mile long street linking the old and new city. (B, L, D)

Abbasi Hotel, Isfahan

DAY 9

Return to Tehran today, stopping en route to visit Naein, once world‐famous for its production of exquisite carpets, now revered for its 19th‐century stucco decoration, including intricate geographic, floral and calligraphy work. Next visit the ancient mountain village of Abyaneh, and then Kashan’s Sialk Hillocks, one of the primary centers of pre‐historic civilization. In Kashan visit the Fin Garden and Fin Bath, the houses of Tabatabaeiha and Broujerdiha, with their beautiful courtyards and elegant stained glass windows, and the Agha Bozorgh Mosque. (B, L, D)

Laleh Hotel, Tehran

DAY 10

Your full day city tour includes the Carpet Museum and the Contemporary Arts Museum with its vast collection of international sculptures. See the Raza Abbasi Museum and visit the Crown Jewels Museum, with its display of elaborate crowns, thrones, jewel laden swords and shields. (B, L, D)

Laleh Hotel, Tehran

DAY 11

Today you are taken to the airport for your flight home or on to your next destination. (B)

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