Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tehran,Iran

Today you will make your own way to your selected gateway Airport for your international flight to Tehran. Embark on an inspirational journey through Persia and discover this country's deep and rich history. Upon Arrival at IKA International Airport, meet and greet by a Viantours Travel representative and be transferred to your pre booked hotel in the heart of Tehran. You will have time to refresh before embarking on an enthralling tour of this city on the following day.

Overnight: Tehran

Day 2: Tehran Sightseeing

Tehran is the largest and most ethnically and culturally diverse city in Iran. The morning starts with a visit to the sumptuous Golestan Palace Complex (UNESCO World Heritage Site), where you enjoy visiting a masterpiece of the Qajar era, embodying the perfect integration of Persian crafts and architecture with Western influences. Next, you will spend some time taking a leisurely stroll around the Tehran Bazaar, which is located a few steps far from Golestan Palace and is one of the largest covered ones in the world. In the afternoon, you visit the National Museum of Iran displaying the most impressive collection of prestigious relics and historical findings. The collection here displays the nation's rich history and civilization. On the same routing, you will stop enjoying visiting Taabiat Bridge(Nature bridge), which is the largest and the most beautiful pedestrian overpass built in the capital city. After this beautiful day in Tehran, you will return to your hotel with vivid memories.

Overnight: Tehran
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Tehran to Abyaneh

This morning commences on a breathtaking drive south to Abyaneh. On the scenic route along the salt desert to this ancient village, first, you move to Kashan, a fantastic Town to visit the Fin Garden, which is one of the most beautiful Persian Gardens dating back to the 17th century. Then continue exploring the awe-inspiring House of Boroujerdiha. In the afternoon, you wander through the historical red mud village of Abyaneh, where the locals still walk in traditional colorful costumes and live according to their deep-rooted culture. Finally, you will stay overnight in this picturesque hill village.

Overnight: Abyaneh
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Abyaneh to Isfahan

You start the day early and head out from Abyaneh on a three-hour drive south to the fabulous city of Isfahan. As the 17th-century capital of the Safavid Empire, Isfahan is for many visitors the climax of the trip. There is a lot to see in this wonderful dazzling capital of Ancient Persia. In the afternoon, upon arrival in Isfahan, you can head out to wander along the Zayande Rud River to visit Si-o-Se Pol and Khaju Bridges that are the popular meeting points for the locals.

Overnight: Isfahan
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Isfahan Sightseeing

This day is devoted to the exploration of the most glorious city of Iran, Isfahan. Following breakfast, your guide leads you for a fascinating sightseeing tour around the most brilliant tourist attractions of Isfahan historical sites. Immerse in Isfahan sophisticated charms and discover the UNESCO heritage-listed Naghshe Jahan Square, the world’s second-largest one with four amazing landmarks at different sides; the iconic Shah Mosque, the exquisite Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace and Isfahan Grand Bazaar. In the afternoon, after a short break for tea and some sweets in one of the most beautiful Traditional Teahouses, you take a relaxing walk through the Isfahan Grand Bazaar and explore elaborate traditional Persian handicrafts, artworks, and lovely souvenirs of the city. This exciting adventure in Bazaar marks the end of today’s tour; then, you will be driven safely back to the hotel.

Overnight: Isfahan
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Isfahan Sightseeing

After breakfast, you meet your tour guide at the hotel lobby and go on a half-day guided city tour of the magnificent Isfahan that is located in the lush plain of the Zayande Rud River. Today you start your exploration of the city with visiting the intricately decorated Chehel Sotoun Palace, intended to be the most fabulous palace of its time, and an architectural masterpiece in the form of garden that Shah Abbas II built for court receptions in the late 17th century. 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 in the city, or revisiting some more favorite sites in Isfahan. After this delightful evening well spent, return to your accommodation.

Overnight: Isfahan
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Isfahan to Varzaneh

We start the day early and head out from Isfahan on a three-hour drive east to the desert town of Varzaneh, where you can get familiar with the local lifestyle and culture. The first fantastic place you see here is Gavchah (Ox-well Complex), where an ox moves on a corridor with a slight slope, called Gav Chah, to take the water-filled bucket from the well. You continue east looking for amazing Dovecote to explore; pigeon guano was used across Iran as a natural fertilizer for melon and cucumber fields. To gather this precious resource, these old towering structures were built for the pigeons to live and to produce fertilizer. In the afternoon, you go to Varzaneh desert, and you could try walking on the sand.

Overnight: Varzaneh
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Varzaneh Desert to Yazd

Today you will leave the desert and stop off in the fascinating ancient city of Naien along the way. This city also offers several fascinating historical sites to visit including its Ancient Friday Mosque, where you wander through the compound, learning the meaning behind its different Sunni architectural elements and the old town with numerous castles and reservoirs. Then drive to Yazd, one of the most alluring cities in Persia. The ancient desert city of Yazd is well-known for its unique desert architecture, regarded by UNESCO as one of the ancient towns on Earth, perfectly adapted to the harsh weather conditions of the surrounding desert. The Zoroastrian religion also survives in here where you visit the Temple of Eternal Fire. Afterward, 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 up is Amir Chakhmaq Complex, where you will admire an awe-inspiring and prominent landmark comprising of a large square, a caravanserai, a mosque, a water reservoir, several wind catchers and a portal for Shia religious gatherings and ceremonies. Yazd is also renowned for its sweets and confections. All Iranian and foreign visitors to this desert city must visit the local treasure of Haj Khalifa Confectionery in Amir Chakhmaq Square. Here, you can try the famous Iranian Baklava Pastries, Ghotab (donut hole-shaped cookies), Lozenârgil (coconut diamonds), and Pashmak (cotton candy). Then, in the old historical Fahadan District, you can stroll through the winding alley of the town of Fahadan. At the end of today's adventure, you will be transferred to the hotel to enjoy an evening at your leisure.

Overnight: Yazd
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Yazd to Kerman

This morning, as soon as we have our breakfast, we head out from Yazd on a five-hour drive northwest to the desert city of Kerman. You are stopping off at the fascinating Zein-O-din, where you stay in a 16th century renovated circled Caravanserai with panoramic views of the desert, one of the so-called old motels on the Silk Road. This old, dilapidated building was completely renovated by local artists, and the result is an incredible iconic tourist attraction. Then continue your trip to Kerman, one of the most alluring cities in Persia. In the late afternoon, you will be driven to Kerman city center to explore the authentic identity of the city. You can take a stroll through Kerman Grand Bazaar as well as the Ganj Ali Khan Complex, where you can pay a visit to the Kerman Friday Mosque, an Ganj Ali Caravanserai, and a Central Square. To wrap up your tour, if time permits, you can opt to have a tea or Shisha in a beautiful Traditional Teahouse here! The rest of the evening is free to enjoy at your leisure.

Overnight: Yazd
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Kerman to Shahdad Desert

After breakfast, you will start the morning of your tour right with an exploration of an iconic tourist attraction in Mahan; the Tomb of Shah Nematollah Vali, Mahan's most famous shrine, will be your first stop. This impressive sacred complex is dedicated to the spirit of the late Shah Nematollah, Iranian poet, sage, and a great Sufi leader (1330-1431) and is believed to be the burial place of him. Marvel at the intricate design of this mind-bending mausoleum! Then it is time to make the way to Rayen, to the most famous Sassanid Citadel that reflects a unique blend of the cultural heritage of ancient Persian, a town that Marco Polo visited in the 13th century. Wandering through the narrow alleys of this beautifully preserved original castle is like taking a step back in time. Next up is a visit to one of the significant Persian treasures, the famed Shazdeh Garden (UNESCO World Heritage Site). You spend some great time strolling through this beautiful garden and enjoying its fantastic atmosphere. In the afternoon, a two-hour drive from Mahan to Shahdad awaits you; Your driver will drive you through a mountainous road into the heart of the Lut desert. From here, it will take 20 min to get to the Kalut Desert to enjoy visiting the Kaluts, the marvelous sand formations that form the mysterious ghost of the Dasht-e Lut. Next up is trekking in the desert where you visit Nebka Desert Trees and Qanats (ancient water reservoirs). Time permitting, you can enjoy camel riding across the desert. Marvel beauty of the sky and the stars during the night is charming.

Overnight: Shahdad
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Shahdad to Shiraz

You depart early today on a journey to the capital city of Persian literature and history, Shiraz! Enjoy the stunning views as you travel along with the Zagros mountain range. On the way, feel free to stop the driver from taking pictures of desert villages and the surrounding landscape. En route, 15 km west of the town of Neyriz, visit Bakhtegan Salt Lake, with a surface area of 350,000 hectares (1.4 million acres), the lake is Iran's second-largest salt lake. It used to attract thousands of birds, including huge flocks of flamingos. The next site will be Maharloo Salt Lake, also known as Pink Lake, a seasonal salt lake situated 27.0 km southeast of Shiraz; the lake salt is rich in potassium. A stop will be made here for taking photos and enjoying the spectacular views before proceeding to Shiraz. After you check in to your hotel, you will get the chance to enjoy wandering around the hotel.

Overnight: Shiraz
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12: Shiraz Sightseeing

This memorable day takes you first to three incredible Persian highlights. Your guide will explain the history of Persia through the various styles of Persian architecture across the centuries from the Achaemenian to the selukids dynasties. You will wander through 2500 years of Persian history of Persepolis that was once the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Darius the Great founded this palatial complex in the 6th century BC. Persepolis embodies all the glory as well as the fall of the Persian Empire. It was here that the Achaemenid kings received their subjects and celebrated the Persian New Year. You can explore all palaces there in Persepolis and immerse yourself in Persian civilization. Then you will proceed to Naghsh-e Rostam, the ancient Achaemenid Necropolis where you will visit four gigantic royal tombs and some Sassanian Rock Reliefs. In the afternoon, back to Shiraz and in this most elegant city, you will visit the Quran Gate. Next, enjoy a relaxing afternoon back at your hotel.

Overnight: Shiraz
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13: Shiraz Sightseeing

You will take a full day of sightseeing to explore both the past and present of Shiraz today. In this charming city with unique sites to visit, you will first visit the Tomb of the Persian Mystic Poet Hafez with its beautiful 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, then mixed with a touch of lemon juice. The afternoon will be devoted to discovering the colorfully decorated Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque (the Pink Mosque), where sunlight streaming through its large colored glasses and windows. Next up is a beautiful visit to the Naranjestan Garden, an architectural marvel from the Qajar era and a shining 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. This evening, enjoy a well-earned dinner in a top restaurant arranged by your guide. After admiring the landmarks of Shiraz, you will be transferred to the international airport for your return flight home.

Overnight: Shiraz
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14: Depart for Home

Sadly, it is time to leave this beautiful and diverse country behind today, hopefully with plenty of vivid memories!