North of Iran Tour

Salaam! Welcome to Iran, the land of diverse culture and natural attractions. Your tour will start from Tehran, the big and modern capital of Iran. You will be transferred from IKA INTL to your hotel and considering your arrival time, you can enjoy some sightseeing in Tehran with your guide, including the National Museum of Iran, and the Abgineh Museum, displaying fascinating glassworks and ceramics.

This morning will be spent on visiting some historical attractions in Tehran. First you will explore the UNESCO listed Golestan Palace, the throne of the Qajarid kings, and where they held coronation ceremonies and crucial political meetings. Also view the Iran National Museum and then walk along Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and learn about the construction of Iranian bazaars and their important role in the society as a center of trading and communication. Return to your hotel and after freshening up go to the Tehran Train Station to take the overnight train to Gorgan, in the north of Iran. (Tonight’s train tickets will be reserved on a twin share basis in 4 bed compartments and the dinner will be served on the train.)

Rise early in the morning and enjoy the most scenic views from the train passing through forests and villages. Arrive in Gorgan, the center of the Golestan Province and drive for 93 kilometers to visit Gonbad-e Kavus (the Qabus Tower). This is the tomb of Qabus ibn Vashmgir, the Ziyarid ruler, and is known as the highest brick-made tower in the world, built on 1006 A.D. Gonbad-e Qabus is a UNESCO world heritage site. Then drive to Bandar Torkaman, home to Turkmen ethnic groups and walk along the traditional bazaar to meet locals wearing their unique colorful outfits. Then drive back to Gorgan and enjoy free time at the hotel.

Drive from Gorgan to Babolsar (183 km) in Mazandaran Province. On the way stop at Behshahr city, literally meaning “the best city”. This is one of the historical cities of Iran, which was a favorite residence of Shah Abbas, the Safavid king. Visit the Abbas Abad historical complex including the garden, the brick tower, the Safavid palace and the natural dam with the mansion at its center. Abbas Abad Garden of Behshahr is one of the nine Persian gardens recognized as a world heritage by the UNESCO. Continue toward Babolsar and enjoy the rest of the day by the Caspian seashore.

Drive along the Caspian seashore to Ramsar (198 Kms). On the way, visit Namak Abrood, which is a resort town. Ride the 2050-meter gondola (cable car) and enjoy the town’s superb views along the Caspian Sea. Continue your road trip to Ramsar, which is known as “the heaven on earth”. Visit the Ramsar Palace, also known as the Marmar Palace, which was one of the royal residences during the Pahlavi Dynasty.

In the morning drive to Javaher Deh (27 km). This is a village located above the clouds at the elevation of 2000 meters in the Alburz mountains. Drive back to Ramsar and continue to Bandar-e Anzali. Bandar-e Anzali is one of the most important ports in Iran, trading and tourism, with amazing natural beauty. Here you will relax on the golden beaches of Bandar-e Anzali and also take a boat ride on the Anzali lagoon, which is one of the best spots for birdwatching in Iran. Tonight you will stay at an eco-lodge in Bandar-e Anzali and enjoy having a home cooked meal with a local family.

Drive 90 kilometers and then pass the thousands of stairs to arrive at the medieval Rudkhan Castle, hidden in the heart of the northern forests. This military fortress dates back to the Seljuk Dynasty. Then drive to the Masooleh Village and spend your afternoon taking a rest in this scenic village, where the rooftop of one house is the balcony of the next one and no car is allowed to enter.

Say goodbye to beautiful Masooleh and drive to Rasht (63 km), one of the biggest cities of northern Iran, described as the city of creative gastronomy! Join your host in the traditional bazaar of Rasht and do some shopping. Then join your cooking class and learn to cook some local cuisines of Rasht.

Drive back to Tehran via Qazvin ( 327 kms) and visit the Safavid Chehel Sotun Palace and the Sepah Street, which is the first street constructed in Iran. Arrive in Tehran in the afternoon and check in to your hotel.

Your Northern Iran adventure will conclude today. After your hotel check out you will be transferred to IKA INTL Airport for your flight back home.