Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Shiraz

Today, you will make your way to your selected gateway Airport for your international flight to Shiraz, Iran. Embark on an exclusive and unique small group journey through magnificent Persia and discover this country's rich history and archaeological wonders. Upon Arrival at Shiraz International Airport, meet and greet your tour guide and be transferred to your pre-booked hotel in the heart of the city. You will have time to refresh before embarking on an enthralling tour of this city brimming with culture and history on the following day.

Overnight: Shiraz

Day 2: Shiraz Sightseeing

You will take a beautiful day of sightseeing to explore both the past and present of Shiraz today. In this charming city with exciting sites to visit, you will first visit the Tomb of the Persian Poet Hafez with its flower-filled gardens. Next, you will have time to explore and shop in the bustling Vakil Bazaar. Before leaving the Bazaar, sample the local Saffron ice cream and the Shirazi Faloodeh. It is a delicious combination of rice noodles, iced rosewater, and sugar mixed with lemon juice. The afternoon will be devoted to discovering the colorfully decorated Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque (the Pink Mosque), where sunlight streams through its colored glasses and windows. Next up is an exciting visit to the Eram Garden, an architectural marvel from the Qajar era and a precious gem among all the typical Persian Gardens in Shiraz with its sour orange and palm trees. Time permitting, for the rest of the afternoon, you will visit Hamzeh Shrine, a revered Shia shrine noted for the glittering mirror work adorning its central dome. After admiring the iconic landmarks of Shiraz and having a delicious dinner in a traditional restaurant, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Overnight: Shiraz
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 03: Shiraz to Yazd via Persepolis

You will leave the charming city of Shiraz behind and drive to Yazd. This memorable day takes you first to three incredible Persian highlights. Your guide will lead you through 2500 years of Persian history, Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage Site), once the Achaemenid Empire's ceremonial capital. Darius the Great founded this palatial complex in the 6th century BC. You can pass through all the palaces in Persepolis and immerse yourself in millennia of history and the tunnel of time. Later, you proceed to Naghshe Rostam, the ancient Achaemenid Necropolis and Sassanian Rock Relief. Then, you proceed to Pasargadae (UNESCO World Heritage Site), once the first capital city of the Achaemenid Empire. Cyrus, the Great King of the Achaemenes, built this palatial complex in the sixth century BC. You will continue driving to Yazd in the late afternoon and check into your hotel.

Overnight: Yazd
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Yazd to Isfahan via Naein

After a pleasant breakfast, you will start the sightseeing tour to explore the ancient desert city of Yazd, which is well known for its unique desert architecture, regarded by UNESCO as one of the old towns on Earth, perfectly adapted to the harsh weather conditions of the surrounding desert. The Zoroastrian religion also survives where you visit the Temple of Eternal Fire. Next, you set out for the old Towers of Silence on the edge of the city, where, in the past centuries, the bodies of deceased Zoroastrians were placed and exposed to scavenger birds, which, as per their beliefs, is the most sacred method of dealing with the dead. Next is the Amir Chakhmaq Complex, where you will admire an awe-inspiring and prominent landmark comprising a large square, caravanserai, mosque, water reservoir, wind catchers, and a portal for Shia religious gatherings and ceremonies. Yazd is also renowned for its sweets and pastries. All Iranian and foreign visitors to this desert city must visit the local Haj Khalifa Confectionery next to the Amir Chakhmaq Square. Here, you try the famous Iranian Baklava Pastries, Ghotab (Doughnut hole-shaped cookies), Lozenârgil (coconut diamonds), and Pashmak (cotton candy). After visiting the highlights in Yazd, you drive to Isfahan. En route, you will stop off at the fascinating ancient city of Naein. This city also offers several fascinating sites, including its Ancient Friday Mosque> and the Old Town. Then, continue your trip to Isfahan, where you will stay for two nights.

Overnight: Yazd
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Isfahan Sightseeing

This beautiful day is devoted to exploring the most glorious city of Iran, Isfahan. Following breakfast, your guide will lead you to a fascinating sightseeing tour around the most brilliant attractions of historical sites. Immerse in Isfahan's sophisticated charms and discover the UNESCO heritage-listed Naghsh-e Jahan Square, the world's second-largest one with four impressive landmarks at four sides: Imam Mosque, the exquisite Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace and Isfahan Grand Bazaar where you can visit some workshops of artists who paint miniature on camel bone or weave magnificent Persian carpets. In the late afternoon, after a short break for tea and some sweets in one of the most beautiful Traditional Teahouses, you will take a relaxing walk through the Isfahan Grand Bazaar and explore elaborate Persian handicrafts, artworks, and lovely souvenirs of the city.

Overnight: Isfahan
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Isfahan Sightseeing

After a delicious breakfast, you meet your tour guide at the hotel lobby and go on a half-day guided city tour of the magnificent Isfahan, located on the lush plain of the Zayande Rud River. Today, you start your exploration of the city by visiting the intricately decorated Chehel Sotoun Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site), intended to be the fabulous palace of its time and an architectural masterpiece in the form of a pavilion that Shah Abbas II built for court receptions in the late 17th century. Later, you can head out to wander around the Zayandeh River to visit the two 17th-century Bridges called Si-o-Se Pol and Khaju, which are popular meeting points for the locals. The rest of the day is yours to explore the hidden spots of this charming city independently; you may enjoy walking through the beautiful Chahar Bagh Street, the lively hub of the city, or revisiting some more favorite sites in Isfahan. Later, you will be picked up from your hotel by your local guide and be taken to a family's home, where you will be greeted with traditional Persian drinks. Having a traditional homemade dinner with a Persian family is a perfect way to explore the secrets of Persian culinary habits and get close to the authentic lifestyle of the locals in Isfahan. Meanwhile, you can also enjoy talking to the family members and sharing your ideas about life in Persia. After this delightful evening well spent, you will return to your accommodation.

Overnight: Isfahan
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Depart for Home

Today marks the end of your tour of Persia. You will be transferred to Isfahan International Airport to catch your onward or homebound flight.