Iran Classic Tour 9-Day

Salaam! Welcome to Tehran the capital city of Iran, with 14 million residents and a variety of attractions, from modern art galleries, architectural monuments and parks to historical legacies from the Pahlavi and Qajar dynasties. Considering your arrival time, you can take a city tour in the afternoon and visit some attractions like the Holy Defence Museum of Tehran or the Tabiat Bridge (the Nature Bridge).

Tehran has been the capital of Iran since the Qajar Dynasty, therefore this city is home to many royal palaces. Today you will visit the Golestan Palace, the royal Qajar complex protected as a UNESCO world heritage, the Iran National Museum and the labyrinth of Tehran’s Grand Bazaar. Finish your city tour by visiting the Carpet Museum which is a collection of fascinating Persian carpets.

Start your road trip towards Isfahan (448 km). En route stop in the historical city of Kashan and visit the Tabatabai House and Borujerdi House to get acquainted with the old Persian houses and amazing interior ornaments. You will also explore the lush Fin Garden, one of the nine Persian Gardens on the UNESCO world heritage list. You will arrive in Isfahan in the evening and visit two of the historical bridges crossing over Zayandeh River, the Khaju and Si o Se Pol Bridges.

Glorious Isfahan is known as the pearl of Persia and according to an old description, Isfahan is called “half of the world!” This city was the capital of Iran during the Safavid Dynasty, when the best examples of Islamic art and architecture were built in Iran. First visit the great Naqsh-e Jahan Square and the monuments around it, including the Ali Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and Shah Mosque. The whole Naghsh-e Jahan complex is protected as a world heritage by UNESCO. Then browse the handicrafts bazaar of Isfahan and visit the Chehel Sotun Garden and Palace (another Persian garden on the UNESCO heritage list), displaying fascinating wall paintings.

Continue your Isfahan city tour, by exploring the magical Isfahan Jaame Mosque housing architectural gems from the 11th to the 19th centuries. This UNESCO world heritage site is also known as the encyclopedia of Iranian architecture. Then walk through the Armenian New Julfa Quarter which is home to a big population of Armenians who have been living in this city since the reign of Shah Abbas the Great, and visit the Vank Church. In the afternoon enjoy listening to some Iranian music at the Music Museum of Isfahan.

Say goodbye to the memorable city of Isfahan and drive to Yazd (323 km). Yazd is the biggest adobe city in the world with magnificent architecture including narrow alleys, wind catcher towers and mud-brick houses. Yazd is also the center of the followers of Zoroastrianism, an ancient religion in Iran. Today you will visit the two heritages sites of this religion, the Tower of Silence and the Fire Temple. Then walk through the atmospheric old quarter of the city, which is enlisted as a UNESCO world heritage and learn about water management and Qanats at the Yazd Water Museum. In the afternoon visit the lush Dowlat Abad Garden. 

Hit the road and drive towards Shiraz, the city of roses and nightingales (440 km). On the way stop to visit Pasargadae where the glorious tomb of Cyrus the great, founder of The Persian Empire is located. Then visit Persepolis, the ancient ceremonial capital of the Achaemnid kings dating back to 518 B.C. Walk through the amazing ruins of Persepolis and feel the glory of ancient Persia. Also explore the Naqsh-e Rostam, (Necropolis) as impressive as Persepolis, where the tombs of Persian kings were carved into the rocks of a mountain . Arrive in Shiraz in the afternoon and check in at your hotel.

In the morning visit the charming Nasir al Molk Mosque, known as the Pink Mosque. Then explore the Naranjestan-e Ghavam and walk through the atmospheric Vakil Bazaar. Have a homemade local lunch with a local Shirazi family and experience Persian hospitality. Continue your Shiraz city tour by visiting the UNESCO listed Eram Garden and Tomb of Hafez.