Iran ancient cities (7 days)

Iran ancient cities tour detailed itinerary

Day 1:Arrival Isfahan , Isfahan sightseeing

Very early arrival in Isfahan (in the case of a transit via Tehran: reception by our team, transfer to the domestic airport and flight to Isfahan). After the visa formalities, welcome by your guide and have a good breakfast.

Discovery of the Naqsh-e Jahan Square, literally meaning “the image of the world”, one of the most majestic works in human history, with fountains and a pond surrounded by lawns where you can stroll or to rest.

A harmonious ensemble commanded by King Shah Abbas at the time of the Safavids at the beginning of the 17th century: the mosque of Imam, the mosque of Sheikh Lotfollah, the palace of Ali Qapou and the covered bazaar, whose entrance Main overlooks the square. The whole site is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Accommodation: Hotel.

Transfer: 1h to 1h30

Day 2: Isfahan sightseeing

Day of visit of Isfahan.

In the morning you visit Chehel Sotoun palace which is  the palace with forty columns, still Safavid era, the great mosque on Friday, whose foundations date back to the tenth century and Safavid bridges on the Zayandéroud river, wonders of the Persian architecture.

In the afternoon, the city of Isfahan is open to you: everyone can walk around the streets, gardens and shops. The seductive power of Isfahan comes from the fact that she has the secret of beautiful things. You will find the most beautiful rugs, the essences of flowers, the finely chiselled metal, the pottery, the fabrics …

Return to the hotel for the 2nd night.

Accommodation: Hotel.

Day 3: Isfahan – Varzeneh – Yazd

In the morning depart for the Varzaneh Desert, the last village before the swampy expanse of Gaukhuni Lake, where the Zayandeh River running through Isfahan is lost in the desert. We visit the caravanserai, the citadel of Ghurtan, the Yousefi House, traditional house that houses the local museum, the 12th century bridge, dovecotes, wind towers, water tanks.

Then the road leads us to Nain where we visit the very old Friday mosque and the adjoining desert museum. Arrival in Yazd at the end of the day and check in for 2 nights at the hotel, in a renovated traditional house.

Accommodation: Hotel.

Transfer:  4h30 to 5h

Day 4: Yazd sightseeing

Visit Yazd: the old center, labyrinth of covered streets, with its houses equipped with the characteristics of the wind, the Friday mosque, the covered bazaar, the square Mir Chaqmaq, the Zoroastrian fire temple, where the priests always keep lit the sacred fire, the towers of silence, ancient Zoroastrian cemeteries, and the bazaar. Return to the hotel for the 2nd night.

Accommodation: Hotel.

Day 5: Yazd – Tchaktchak – Kharanaq – Abadeh

In the morning, we continue the visit of the Yazd region: the Zoroastrian fire temple of Chakchak, nestled in a cliff, the citadel and the caravanserai of Kharanaq. We then cross the chain of Shir Kuh, which rises to more than 4000m, and arrive at Abarkuh, a small town formerly on the edge of a now dry lake. Here, 4500 years ago, the first Aryan settlers planted a sacred cypress, one of the oldest trees in the world. Continuation for Abadeh. Overnight in a modest hotel, but that allows us to attend a private concert of Iranian music.

Accommodation: Hotel.

Transfer: 5h30 to 6h

Day 6: Abadeh – Persepolis – Shiraz

On the way back in time … Pasargades, first, the capital of Cyrus the Great, the Achaemenid king whose extent of conquests, 2500 years ago, was unparalleled. We will be able to see his tomb and the ruins of his palaces. 70km away, in Naqsh-e Rostam, the gigantic royal tombs dug in the mountain await us, severe and mysterious. Opposite, Persepolis, the capital wanted by Darius the Great: two centuries of construction where the know-how of the various provinces of the empire was exerted, a delicious mixture where the Persian style was born. We will take all the time necessary to immerse ourselves in this magical atmosphere. Continue to Shiraz (45km) and arrive late afternoon. Installation at the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel.

Transfer:  3h30 to 4h

Day 7: Shiraz sightseeing

Visit of the mausoleum of the poet Hafiz, pilgrimage of the lovers, the palace of Bagh-e Eram, the mosque Nasr-ul Mulk, the “pink mosque”, the twin mausoleums of Chah Tcheragh and the covered bazaar, next to the fortress Karim Khan. Late afternoon free. Last dinner in town, room available before departure for the airport at night.

Iran ancient cities tour Services included

 Private car for other road transfers.

Three-stars  hotel, local standards, double room base.

Meals  at the restaurant.

Drinks: as a precaution, in Iran, it is better to treat the water. Tea and infusions are served during the day.

Each participant travels on foot with a light backpack, carrying only personal items needed for the (half) day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc.). The rest of the luggage, available in the evening at the hotel or camp, is transported by camels or vehicles.

• Full board for the whole trip
• Supervision by professional cultural guide.
• Entrances to the monuments and museums planned for the program