12-Day Central Iran Desert Tour Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Shiraz

Welcome to Shiraz!
Upon arrival at Shiraz International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, you can either relax or explore the city, depending on your arrival time.

Highlights

• Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque): Famous for its stunning stained glass windows and vibrant light displays.
• Eram Garden: A beautiful Persian garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with lush greenery and historic architecture.
• Vakil Bazaar: A traditional marketplace where you can shop for local handicrafts and Persian rugs.
• Vakil Mosque & Bathhouse: Explore these iconic structures that exemplify Persian architecture.

Optional (if time permits)

• Saadi’s Tomb: Visit the serene tomb of the Persian poet, Saadi, located in a beautiful garden.
• Hafez’s Tomb: Pay homage to Hafez, one of Iran’s most revered poets, in a picturesque garden setting.

Transfer Distance/Time
Airport to Hotel: 15 km (20-30 minutes)

Accommodation
Homa Hotel or Shiraz Grand Hotel

Day 2: Persepolis & Drive to Yazd

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll drive 45 km to the ancient site of Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Wander through the ruins, discovering monumental palaces, reliefs, and royal tombs.

Highlights

• Persepolis: Explore the ancient ruins of this grand city, founded by Darius I in 518 BC. Key sights include the Apadana Palace, Gate of All Nations, and the Persepolis Museum.
• Naqsh-e Rustam: Visit the royal necropolis, where you can see the tombs of Darius the Great and Xerxes.

Transfer Distance/Time
Shiraz to Persepolis: 45 km (45 minutes)
Persepolis to Yazd: 320 km (5 hours)

Accommodation
Moshir Garden Hotel, Yazd

Day 3: Yazd Sightseeing

Today is dedicated to exploring Yazd, one of the world’s oldest cities, famous for its mud-brick architecture and desert landscapes. Start with a visit to the city’s historic sites and finish with a tour of its old town.

Highlights

• Jameh Mosque of Yazd: Admire the stunning architecture and beautiful tilework of this mosque.
• Amir Chakhmaq Complex: A beautiful 15th-century building known for its symmetrical arches.
• Zoroastrian Fire Temple: Visit the sacred fire temple that has been burning for over 1,500 years.
• Bāgh-e Dolat Abad: A 18th-century Persian garden with a tall windcatcher.

Optional (if time permits)

• Old City of Yazd: Explore the narrow alleyways, mud-brick houses, and historic qanats that make Yazd a UNESCO-listed city.

Transfer Distance/Time
Hotel to Attractions: Short distances, all within the city (10-15 minutes each)

Accommodation
Moshir Garden Hotel, Yazd

Day 4: Yazd – Meybod – Kharanaq – Garmeh

After breakfast, embark on a scenic desert drive through the fascinating towns of Meybod and Kharanaq before arriving at Garmeh, a peaceful desert village.

Highlights

• Meybod: Visit the Narin Castle, an ancient structure, and explore the icehouse and caravanserai.
• Kharanaq: Discover the ruins of this ancient desert village, famous for its mud-brick architecture and abandoned structures.
• Garmeh: Experience traditional desert life in this tranquil village surrounded by the vast desert landscapes.

Transfer Distance/Time
Yazd to Garmeh: 350 km (5 hours)

Accommodation
Garmeh Desert Lodge

Day 5: Garmeh – Mesr

Today, visit the neighboring desert village of Mesr. Walk through the sand dunes and salt deserts, experiencing the serene beauty of Iran’s central desert region.

Highlights

• Garmeh Village: Take a walking tour to learn about the village’s qanat system and desert life.
• Mesr Village: Visit this quiet, picturesque village nestled in the desert.
• Salt Desert & Dunes: Take a scenic walk through the desert, exploring the unique salt formations and sand dunes.

Transfer Distance/Time
Garmeh to Mesr: 120 km (2 hours)

Accommodation
Mesr Desert Lodge

Day 6: Mesr – Na’in – Isfahan

After breakfast, drive toward Isfahan, with a stop in Na’in, a historic town famous for its 10th-century mosque and Persian architecture.

Highlights

• Na’in Jameh Mosque: Visit this ancient mosque with beautiful tilework and a peaceful atmosphere.
• Isfahan: Arrive in Isfahan in the afternoon and explore the city at your own pace.
• Zayandeh Rud River: Walk along the river and admire the iconic bridges that cross it.

Transfer Distance/Time
Mesr to Na’in: 160 km (2.5 hours)
Na’in to Isfahan: 120 km (2 hours)

Accommodation
Abbasi Hotel, Isfahan

Day 7: Isfahan Sightseeing

Spend today exploring Isfahan, one of Iran’s most historically and architecturally rich cities.

Highlights

• Meidan-e-Imam (Imam Square): A UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounded by majestic buildings like the Shah Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace, and Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque.
• Isfahan Grand Bazaar: Explore the bustling covered market, one of the largest in the Middle East.
• Si-o-se-pol (33-Arch Bridge): A beautiful historic bridge that spans the Zayandeh Rud River.

Optional (if time permits)

• Chehel Sotun Palace (40-Pillar Palace): Visit this stunning palace with beautiful frescoes and a serene garden.

Transfer Distance/Time
Hotel to Attractions: Short distances, all within the city (15-20 minutes each)

Accommodation
Abbasi Hotel, Isfahan

Day 8: Isfahan Sightseeing

Continue exploring the fascinating city of Isfahan today with a focus on its architectural treasures and cultural gems.

Highlights

• Chehel Sotun Palace (40-Pillar Palace): A stunning palace surrounded by a beautiful garden.
• Jameh Mosque of Isfahan: Explore this grand mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.
• Vank Cathedral: An Armenian church adorned with frescoes and tilework.

Optional (if time permits)

• Khaju Bridge: One of the most famous bridges in Isfahan, known for its elegant design.

Transfer Distance/Time
Hotel to Attractions: Short distances, all within the city (15-20 minutes each)

Accommodation
Abbasi Hotel, Isfahan

Day 9: Isfahan – Abyaneh – Kashan

After breakfast, drive to Kashan, with a stop in the picturesque village of Abyaneh. This traditional village is famous for its red mud-brick houses and unique culture.

Highlights

• Abyaneh: Explore this charming village nestled in the foothills of the Karkas Mountains, known for its preserved traditions and unique architecture.
• Kashan: Visit Kashan’s historical houses and Persian gardens.

Transfer Distance/Time
Isfahan to Abyaneh: 215 km (3.5 hours)
Abyaneh to Kashan: 100 km (1.5 hours)

Accommodation
Kashan Traditional House or Manouchehri House, Kashan

Day 10: Kashan – Tehran

This morning, visit some of Kashan’s architectural gems before driving to Tehran, the bustling capital city of Iran.

Highlights

• Fin Garden: A UNESCO-listed Persian garden with beautiful fountains and traditional landscaping.
• Tabatabai House & Borujerdi House: Stunning examples of traditional Kashan architecture, featuring intricate tilework and windcatchers.

Transfer Distance/Time
Kashan to Tehran: 250 km (3.5-4 hours)

Accommodation
Espinas Palace Hotel or Azadi Grand Hotel, Tehran

Day 11: Tehran Sightseeing

Spend the day exploring the dynamic capital of Tehran.

Highlights

• Golestan Palace: A lavish Qajar-era palace, famous for its exquisite mirrorwork and regal architecture.
• National Museum of Iran: Learn about Iran’s rich history, from prehistoric to Islamic times.
• Milad Tower: One of the tallest towers in the world, offering panoramic views of Tehran.
• Treasury of National Jewels: Marvel at Iran’s collection of world-renowned jewels, including the famous Peacock Throne.

Transfer Distance/Time
Hotel to Attractions: Short distances, all within the city (15-20 minutes each)

Accommodation
Espinas Palace Hotel or Azadi Grand Hotel, Tehran

Day 12: Tehran Sightseeing

On your final day in Tehran, continue to explore more of the city’s key sights.

Highlights

• Sa’dabad Complex: A group of palaces and museums that once housed the Pahlavi royal family.
• Tehran Grand Bazaar: One of the largest traditional markets in the Middle East, perfect for shopping and exploring.
• Azadi Tower: A symbol of Iran’s modern history, offering great views of the city.

Optional (if time permits)

• Tajrish Bazaar: A more traditional, less touristy market, where you can experience local life.

Transfer Distance/Time
Hotel to Attractions: Short distances, all within the city (15-20 minutes each)

Accommodation
Espinas Palace Hotel or Azadi Grand Hotel, Tehran

12-Day Central Iran Desert Tour Services

• Included Services

  1. Private Transportation:
     Comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicles for all transfers and tours.
  2. Guided Tours:
     An English-speaking driver-guide will accompany you throughout the trip to provide insights, cultural context, and assistance.
  3. Accommodation:
     • 3-star hotels, boutique guesthouses, and traditional accommodations where specified.
     • Unique lodging experiences, such as the cave dwellings in Meymand and desert camps in Shahdad.
  4. Meals:
     • Daily breakfast and lunch included.
     • Opportunity to savor regional specialties and local cuisines.
  5. Entrance Fees:
     All entry tickets to sites listed in the itinerary.
  6. Trekking and Exploration Support:
     • Guided trekking in areas like Shadab Castle and Shahdad Kalouts.
     • Arrangements for ferry rides to islands like Qeshm and Hormoz.

  Exclusions

  1. International Flights:
     Flights to/from Tehran are not included.
  2. Travel Insurance:
     Guests are required to arrange their own travel insurance.
  3. Visa Fees:
     Assistance with visa application may be provided, but the visa cost is not included.
  4. Meals Not Mentioned:
     Dinner and snacks are not part of the package.
  5. Personal Expenses:
     Souvenirs, optional tours, tips, and any services outside the package.

   

  Booking and Cancellation Policy

  • Advance booking required, with a detailed breakdown of payment stages.
  • Cancellation policy to be confirmed based on the provider’s terms.

  Cancellation Policy

  General Terms

  1. All cancellations must be made in writing and communicated via email to [info@persiatrek.com].
  2. The effective date of cancellation will be the date the written notice is received.

  Cancellation Charges

  • More than 60 days before departure:
    Full refund .
  • 59 to 31 days before departure:
    50% of the total trip cost will be refunded.
  • 30 to 15 days before departure:
    25% of the total trip cost will be refunded.
  • 14 days or less before departure:
    No refund will be provided.

  No-Show Policy

  • If the client fails to appear on the day of departure, no refund will be issued.

  Force Majeure Clause

  • In the event of unforeseen circumstances beyond the provider’s control (e.g., natural disasters, political instability, pandemics, or other force majeure events), the provider reserves the right to offer a rescheduling option or partial refund based on recoverable costs.

  Optional Travel Insurance

  We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover potential cancellation costs, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen circumstances