Persia at a Glance – 8 Days

Arrive at Mehrabad International Airport, where our representative will meet you. Transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight.

After breakfast, check out and visit the Golestan Palace in the heart of Tehran. A world UNESCO site, the palace complex features a blend of traditional Persian design with European influences, characterized by its intricate tile work, grand halls, and lush gardens. See the Throne Hall, adorned with ornate mirrors and chandeliers, and the Marble Court, renowned for its elegant design.

Then visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, steeped in history. It offers a diverse range of goods, including textiles, spices, jewelry, carpets, and traditional Persian crafts. Later, visit the National Museum of Iran. Established in 1937, it is housed in two main buildings: the Archaeological Museum and the Islamic Period Museum. The French architect Andre Godard created the Archaeological Museum, which features ancient Persian sculptures, pottery, and inscriptions as well as other artifacts from Iran’s pre-Islamic history. The Islamic Period Museum, a later addition, focuses on Iran’s Islamic era, with displays of calligraphy, textiles, and art. In the evening, take a flight to Shiraz.

Overnight..

After breakfast, explore the city, starting with Nasir-Al-Mulk Mosque, also known as the Pink Mosque. It features vibrant stained glass windows that bathe the interior in a spectrum of colors. Then visit Narenjestan Garden, built during the Qajar era in the late 19th century. Its highlight is the ornate Qavam House, a grand residence adorned with stunning tile work, intricate stuccowork, and mirrored halls. Later visit the Karim Khan Citadel, constructed during the 18th century under the rule of Karim Khan Zand, the founder of the Zand dynasty. Today, it stands as a symbol of Shiraz’s rich historical heritage and is a significant landmark for visitors. Continue to Vakil Bazaar renowned for textiles, spices, carpets, and handicrafts, reflecting the rich cultural and commercial heritage of the region.

Overnight.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Visit the legendary sites of Persepolis, Necropolis and Pasargadae enroute to Isfahan. Arrive and check in to your hotel.

Overnight.

After breakfast, explore Isfahan, starting with Chehel Sotoun Palace, also known as the Palace of Forty Columns, which was designed as a grand reception hall for royal ceremonies and diplomatic gatherings. The name “Chehel Sotoun,” meaning “forty columns,” refers to the reflection of the palace’s twenty columns in the surrounding pool, creating the illusion of forty.

Next, see Naghsh-e Jahan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site that captures the historical and architectural splendor of Iran’s golden age. Visit Shah Mosque, also known as the Imam Mosque, completed in 1629 during the reign of Shah Abbas I. It is one of the central architectural masterpieces of the Safavid dynasty, and its architectural elegance and quality of craftsmanship make it a prominent symbol of Islamic art.

Later, visit Aali Qapou Palace. Built in the early 17th century under Shah Abbas I, it was a royal residence and a venue for grand receptions and ceremonies. Its upper floors offer panoramic views of the adjacent Naqsh-e Jahan Square. The Ali Qapu Palace’s elegant design, combining elements of Persian art and architecture, is a landmark in Isfahan.

Then visit Qaisarieh Bazaar with its grand entrance, adorned with intricate tilework and a soaring vaulted ceiling. Explore its covered alleyways lined with shops selling textiles, spices, carpets, traditional handicrafts, and more. Visit Khajoo Bridge and Si-o-se Pol Bridge.

Overnight.

After breakfast, check out and travel to Kashan. Arrive, check in and then explore Tabatabaei and Boroujerdi Historical Houses. Later, visit Sultan Amir Ahmad Bath, a remarkable example of traditional Persian bathhouse architecture. Its architectural ingenuity includes a sophisticated heating system that utilized an underground furnace to provide warmth. Visit Fin Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is celebrated for its cultural heritage and its embodiment of the Persian garden tradition. The garden is meticulously arranged around a central axis with a series of interconnected courtyards, lush greenery, and a series of water features, including fountains and pools.

Overnight.

After breakfast, check out and return to Tehran. Arrive and check in to your hotel. In the evening visit the Azadi Tower, also known as the Freedom Tower. Completed in 1971 to commemorate the 2,500th anniversary of the Persian Empire, the tower is a striking example of modern Iranian architecture. Standing at 45 meters (148 feet) tall, the tower is set atop a large, open plaza and is adorned with decorative tilework. It is a prominent symbol of national pride and is a central feature of Tehran’s skyline.

Overnight.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

End of tour