Exploring Iranian Culture & Heritage in 9 days – 9 Days – 8 Nights

Detailed Itinerary

Day (1): Shiraz (Arrival) (B)

Upon your arrival at Shiraz International Airport (SYZ) our representative will meet and greet you; and then, move to the Hotel.

(We can arrange a domestic ticket and airport transfer in Tehran for those who wish to arrive in Tehran International Airport)

Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day (2): Shiraz (B,D)

After breakfast, we will visit the famous Nasir-al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque). Its interior reveals a magnificent masterpiece of design with stunning colors. This is a space where light and worship intertwine.

Then we will visit the Karim Khan Citadel from outside which was built during the Zand Dynasty. We’ll have time to explore and shop in the bustling Vakil Bazaar, home to hundreds of stores, beautiful courtyards, and even an ancient caravanserai.

After that, we’ll visit the lovely garden Tomb of Hafez, one of our most outstanding poets to feel the taste of Persian Literature. Hafez is one of the great poets who impressed everyone with his mastery. His poems give us a special feeling and the peace in his tomb is outstanding.

Hospitality Experience:

In the afternoon, we prepare dinner with a Shirazi family. Very welcoming and friendly, this experience also allows you to discover the essence of Iran through a Persian family, recipes, stories, and the pleasure of sharing a meal.

Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day (3): Shiraz – Persepolis – Yazd (440 km) (B)

Leaving Kashan behind, your first stop this morning will be in Abyaneh village. Abyaneh village is We have a full day of driving today to reach our destination of Yazd. The first and only Iranian city to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety. The mud-brick city of Yazd is famous for its famous wind catchers, qanats, Zoroastrian colony, silk, special sweets and much more.

We will have some stops on our way. The legendary city of Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the former capital of Darius the Great founded in 518 BC. There was no more impressive construction in the ancient world. And later, Necropolis (Naghsh-e Rostam), a place were four of the most famous kings of Achaemenid are buried.

Then, we will have an excursion to Pasargadae (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Tomb of Cyrus the Great, and the former capital of the Achaemenid Empire. We will spend some time exploring the site and though not as striking as Persepolis, there is a great viewpoint where we can look over the site and the surrounding area.

Continue to Yazd and check in to our hotel.

Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day (4): Yazd (B)

Yazd is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Iran. Its silhouette is punctuated by minarets and ingeniously designed wind towers that capture desert breezes to cool homes during the hot summer months. Yazd is also the center of the Zoroastrian Community in Iran, where we will start the day of sightseeing.

At the Tower of Silence (also called Dakhmeh), we will discover one of the rites of this ancient pre-Islamic religion. Until the mid-1900s, when a man dies, his immortal soul, three days later, is carried away by the wind to the place of judgment, on the bridge of Chinvat. Corpses were considered impure objects that could not be put in the ground, in water, or even thrown into fire without infecting one of these three elements. Only the king’s corpse was divine and therefore entitled to a tomb.

At the still-active Zoroastrian Fire Temple (Atashkadeh), we will see a flame that has been burning for 1500 years. It is an important place of pilgrimage for the faithful and our expert guide will offer you additional insight into one of the oldest monotheistic religions in the world.

After The temple, we will have a short distance to the Mehrban Polad Museum of Documents and Manuscript. It is regarded as one of the best museums in the city, showcasing historical and artistic treasures, including the oldest copies of the Avesta and beautiful manuscripts. It also features a place for enjoying Zoroastrian refreshments, and is located in the Zoroastrian neighborhood, which, while not in the city center, is easily accessible.

In the Amir Chakmaq Square, we will see an impressive Hussainiya – a congregational hall for Shia commemoration ceremonies. With three levels of recessed alcoves, all perfectly proportioned, its façade is one of the city’s most photographed landmarks.

The Sahib al-Zaman Zurkhaneh, located in the historic Amir Chakhmaq complex, is the most renowned zurkhaneh in Yazd and is celebrated as one of the city’s oldest and largest athletic venues. We will have the opportunity to experience one of the world’s oldest sports in this historic location in Yazd.

The next place to visit is the Jame Mosque of Yazd, built in 1324, where we can see the tallest minarets in the country. Next to the mosque is the Fahadan District, where we will stroll in the mud-brick and narrow allies of the district.

Among the many other historical sites to visit in Yazd are beautiful old houses and the Dowlat Abad Garden (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Standing by the long reflecting pool in the garden, we will be shaded by ancient cypress trees. In front of us is an 18th-century hexagonal pavilion with a beautiful stained-glass window and a graceful wind tower, the tallest in Iran. All around are flowering fruit trees and other ornamental plants and trees.

Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage Experiences:

In Yazd we will have the chance of experiencing two other most incredible Iranian UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages such as Caligraphi Art and Traditional Gymnasium (Zurkhaneh).

Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day (5): Yazd – Meybod – Isfahan (320 km) (B)

Before leaving Yazd behind, we will visit a Qanat in Yazd. The Qanat system has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its remarkable engineering and historical significance in water management.

Our overland journey continues to the small town of Meybod, where our first impression might be its striking monochromatic architecture of desert brick. But set along an ancient trade route, Meybod also offers several fascinating sites to visit including its Narin Castle, Caravanserai, Ice-House, and Pigeon Tower.

Our first stop in Meybod is at the Narin Castle a 2000-year fortress from the Sassanid Dynasty. then, continue to the Shah Abbasi Caravanserai, a typical Safavid style, this ancient desert Inn features verandahs, shaded passageways, and nearly 100 rooms– some of which are now used as artisan workshops. After that, at the local Ice-House, we’ll learn about the thick-clay construction and subterranean chamber that allowed residents to have ice and food storage before refrigeration– even during the intense desert heat of summer. Our last stop before leaving Meybod is at the Pigeon Tower. There, we will get more familiar with the ancient system of Agriculture in order to fertilize.

Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day (6): Isfahan (B)

Our exploration starts in the Chehel Sotun Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Set in a landscaped and forested park in front of a tranquil reflecting pool, this graceful pavilion was built by Shah Abbas II for entertainment and court receptions. Entering through a portico with twenty slender wooden columns, we’ll discover soaring halls embellished with frescoes, paintings, and mosaics; the Hall of Mirrors is especially breathtaking!

Before heading to our next destination, let’s explore Iranian Miniature Art, a traditional painting style dating back to the 13th century. Known for its intricate detail and vibrant colors, these miniature works often depict historical events, poetry, or everyday life. This art form holds deep cultural significance in Iran, reflecting the values and stories of Persian civilization, and remains respected and celebrated today.

Then, we will experience Carpet Weaving. A traditional craft that creates rugs and carpets on looms by hand. Originating in cultures like Persia, it involves intricate designs and skilled craftsmanship, typically using natural fibers such as wool or silk. Handwoven carpets are valued for their quality and artistry, reflecting cultural heritage and local patterns.

Next up is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Naghsh-e-Jahan Square (Royal Square). This 17th-century site is one of the largest public spaces in the world. Here in the square, we’ll visit the 17th-century Shah Mosque, revered as a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and easily recognized by its magnificent tile-work and soaring cupola and minarets. We will also visit the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, also known as the Ladies Mosque, as it was built for the Shah’s harem, renowned for its brightly colored domed ceiling, where the light creates the image of a peacock. In the Ali Qapu Palace, we’ll marvel at its beautiful music rooms and the balconies where Safavid kings would sit to enjoy the polo matches unfolding in the square below. We’ll end our exploration of the square by visiting the Qeisarieh Bazaar. With hundreds of local vendors that specialize in traditional arts and crafts, it’s a wonderful place to shop for pottery, enamel, jewelry, and delicately inlaid board games.

visiting the famous Si-o Se Pol (33-Bridge) which is one of the most beautiful historical bridges of Iran will be our last attraction to visit tonight.

Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day (7): Isfahan – Kashan – Tehran (440 km) (B)

Check out after breakfast, as a last stop in Isfahan we will have time to visit another beautiful historical bridge of this city, Khajou Bridge. This bridge is famous for its magnificent tiling and brickwork.

Proceed to Kashan, a town originally famous for its Rose Water, Textiles, and Ceramic Production.

In Kashan we will start our sightseeing by visiting Fin Garden (UNESCO World Heritage Site); a relaxing and visually impressive Persian garden with water channels all passing through a central pavilion. There is also the chance to buy some rose water, a local specialty, outside of the site.

Later, we will visit Tabatabaei Historical House, the best example of Iranian architecture.

Afterward, we continued our journey to Tehran.

Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day (8): Tehran (B)

This morning, we will take you to a World Heritage Site, the lavish Golestan Palace. Built during the Qajar Dynasty, which rose to power in the late 1700s, this fabulous walled complex is centered on a landscaped garden with tranquil pools.

Then, we will walk around Tehran Grand Bazaar. The second largest traditional bazaar in Iran after Tabriz.

In the afternoon, we will visit the National Museum of Iran, where we can see fabulous historical items from 5000 BC to the advent of Islam in Iran which shows a brief history of our land.

Overnight stay at Camp or Local House.

Day (9): Tehran (Departure)

Our representative will transfer you to the Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) according to your flight time.