16-Day Cultural Tour of Iran: Explore Ancient Heritage, Historic Sites & Persian Traditions”
This 16-day Cultural Tour of Iran offers an unforgettable journey through the country’s most iconic destinations. Discover ancient wonders, architectural masterpieces, and vibrant traditions as you travel through Tehran, Zanjan, Tabriz, and beyond. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Blue Mosque and Takht-e Soleyman, visit historical bazaars, and immerse yourself in Persian culture. With a perfect blend of sightseeing, history, and local experiences, this itinerary is ideal for those seeking an in-depth cultural adventure in Iran.
16-Day Cultural Tour of Iran summarized program
Day 1: Arrival in Tehran
Day 2: Tehran Sightseeing
Day 3: Tehran to Zanjan via Qazvin
Day 4: Zanjan to Ardabil
Day 5: Ardabil to Tabriz
Day 6: Tabriz Sightseeing
Day 7: Day Trip to Qarah Kelisa and St. Stephanos Abbey
Day 8: Journey to Orumiyeh via Khoy and Maku
Day 9: Orumiyeh to Saqqez via Hasanlu
Day 10: Takht-e Soleyman to Kermanshah
Day 11: Kermanshah Exploration
Day 12: Kermanshah to Hamadan
Day 13: Hamadan Sightseeing
Day 14: Hamadan to Qom via Malayer and Arak
Day 15: Return to Tehran
Day 16: Departure
16-Day Cultural Tour of Iran detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tehran
- Highlights: Arrival in Tehran, meet your guide, and transfer to your hotel for check-in.
- Transfer Distance/Time: Tehran Airport to hotel (approx. 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic).
- Accommodation: Overnight in Tehran.
Day 2: Tehran Sightseeing
- Highlights: Visit Sa’dabad Palace, Ostad Motahari Mosque, National Museum, Azadi Tower, and Imam Bazaar. Optional evening visit to northern teahouses.
- Transfer Distance/Time: Local sightseeing within Tehran (short transfers).
- Accommodation: Overnight in Tehran.
Day 3: Tehran to Zanjan via Qazvin
- Highlights: Explore historic buildings in Qazvin, visit the Soltaniyeh Dome (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and continue to Zanjan.
- Transfer Distance/Time: Tehran to Zanjan (approx. 330 km / 5 hours).
- Accommodation: Overnight in Zanjan.
Day 4: Zanjan to Ardabil
- Highlights: Scenic drive through the Elburz Mountains to Ardabil. Visit Sheikh Djibrail Mausoleum in Kalkhoran and Ardabil Bazaar.
- Transfer Distance/Time: Zanjan to Ardabil (approx. 330 km / 5.5 hours).
- Accommodation: Overnight in Ardabil.
Day 5: Ardabil to Tabriz
- Highlights: Explore the Sheikh Safi Mausoleum in Ardabil before traveling to Tabriz, the vibrant capital of East Azerbaijan.
- Transfer Distance/Time: Ardabil to Tabriz (approx. 220 km / 3.5 hours).
- Accommodation: Overnight in Tabriz.
Day 6: Tabriz Sightseeing
- Highlights: Visit the Blue Mosque, Arg-e Ali Shah Mosque, Friday Mosque, Azerbaijan Museum, and Tabriz Bazaar, one of Iran’s most famous.
- Transfer Distance/Time: Local sightseeing within Tabriz (short transfers).
- Accommodation: Overnight in Tabriz.
Day 7: Day Trip to Qarah Kelisa and St. Stephanos Abbey
- Highlights: Explore the mountains of West Azerbaijan, including Qarah Kelisa (Armenian Church) and St. Stephanos Abbey. Return to Tabriz.
- Transfer Distance/Time: Tabriz to Qarah Kelisa and St. Stephanos Abbey (approx. 380 km round trip / 6-7 hours driving).
- Accommodation: Overnight in Tabriz.
Day 8: Journey to Orumiyeh via Khoy and Maku
- Highlights: Stop at Bastam Fortress and visit Thaddeus Abbey in Maku before continuing to Orumiyeh.
- Transfer Distance/Time: Tabriz to Orumiyeh (approx. 280 km / 5 hours).
- Accommodation: Overnight in Orumiyeh.
Day 9: Orumiyeh to Saqqez via Hasanlu
- Highlights: Drive along Orumiyeh Sea, visit Hasanlu archaeological site, and see the Median Fortress in Ziwiyeh before arriving in Takab.
- Transfer Distance/Time: Orumiyeh to Saqqez via Takab (approx. 300 km / 6 hours).
- Accommodation: Overnight in Takab or Saqqez.
Day 10: Takht-e Soleyman to Kermanshah
- Highlights: Discover the UNESCO-listed Takht-e Soleyman, Zendan-e Soleyman, and the Prison of Solomon before heading to Kermanshah.
- Transfer Distance/Time: Takab to Kermanshah (approx. 270 km / 5 hours).
- Accommodation: Overnight in Kermanshah.
Day 11: Kermanshah Exploration
- Highlights: Visit Taq-e Bostan, take a short city tour, and enjoy a free afternoon to explore.
- Transfer Distance/Time: Local sightseeing within Kermanshah.
- Accommodation: Overnight in Kermanshah.
Day 12: Kermanshah to Hamadan
- Highlights: Travel along the historic caravan route, stopping at Bisotun’s inscriptions, Anahita Temple in Kangavar, and Godin Tepe before arriving in Hamadan.
- Transfer Distance/Time: Kermanshah to Hamadan (approx. 200 km / 3 hours).
- Accommodation: Overnight in Hamadan.
Day 13: Hamadan Sightseeing
- Highlights: Discover Meydan-e Imam Khomeini Square, Ibn Sina’s Tomb, Hegmataneh Hill, and Hamadan Bazaar. Enjoy panoramic views from Abasabad Hill.
- Transfer Distance/Time: Local sightseeing within Hamadan.
- Accommodation: Overnight in Hamadan.
Day 14: Hamadan to Qom via Malayer and Arak
- Highlights: Stop at Nush-i Jan Fortress, travel through Arak, and visit the Shrine of Fatimah al-Masumeh in Qom (subject to permit).
- Transfer Distance/Time: Hamadan to Qom (approx. 320 km / 5 hours).
- Accommodation: Overnight in Qom.
Day 15: Return to Tehran
- Highlights: Travel to Tehran, visit the Archaeological Museum, and enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Iranian restaurant.
- Transfer Distance/Time: Qom to Tehran (approx. 150 km / 2.5 hours).
- Accommodation: Overnight in Tehran.
Day 16: Departure
- Highlights: Early morning transfer to the airport for your return flight.
- Transfer Distance/Time: Hotel to Tehran Airport (approx. 30-60 minutes).
- Accommodation: N/A.
16-Day Cultural Tour of Iran Services
Included Services
- Private Transportation:
Comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicles for all transfers and tours. - Guided Tours:
An English-speaking driver-guide will accompany you throughout the trip to provide insights, cultural context, and assistance. - 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.
- Meals:
- Daily breakfast and lunch included.
- Opportunity to savor regional specialties and local cuisines.
- Entrance Fees:
All entry tickets to sites listed in the itinerary. - 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
- International Flights:
Flights to/from Tehran are not included. - Travel Insurance:
Guests are required to arrange their own travel insurance. - Visa Fees:
Assistance with visa application may be provided, but the visa cost is not included. - Meals Not Mentioned:
Dinner and snacks are not part of the package. - 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
- All cancellations must be made in writing and communicated via email to [info@persiatrek.com].
- 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
16-Day Cultural Tour of Iran required equipment
- Sunglasses
- Sun creams
- Headlight
- Sticks , poles
- Light trekking shoes
Price : from 1800$
1PAX : 3100$
2 PAX : 2300$
3-5 PAX : 2050$
6-8 PAX : 1850$
9-10 PAX : 1750$
11 and more : 1600$
Duration : 16 days
Valid from : November to March
Age requirement : +3
Physical rating : 1
Join in : Tehran
End in : Tehran
Max Altitude : 2000m
Accommodation
Cities: 3 stars Hotel
Villages : Guesthouse
Meals :
16 Breakfasts
16 lunches
Transportation :
Private car all the road trip
If you want something else :
Customize your own package
