Persia Vision: 12-Day Iran Tour

Arriving in Ahvaz, you’ll be transferred to the hotel for a short rest before your tour of Khuzestan begins.

Today’s tour includes: a riverside walk (to visit some bridges and places related to Mandaeism); Moein-o Tojar Caravanserai; Shadegan Ponds (with a quiet and rich environment for natural life); and Minoo Island where you can experience a traditional life style in a Mozif, a special structure belonging to this region that dates back to Sumerian times and made entirely out of reed. We return to Ahvaz in the evening.

Today we have an excursion to three World Cultural Heritages (Susa, Choghazanbil, and Shushtar). You will visit Susa, (a standout amongst the most significant urban areas of the Mesopotamia where you will have the chance to see the remaining parts of landmarks from 5000 years ago). We have also an opportunity to see the Tomb of Daniel (the biblical prophet). Heading to Shushtar you will visit, on the way, Choghazanbil ziggurat, an ancient Elamite complex. You will likewise have a look at Shushtar historical Hydraulic System (an intricate irrigation system).

Leaving Ahvaz for Shiraz (563 km), this is an outing through different atmospheres and scenes (our trip begins from 60 meters above sea level and proceeds to an elevation of 1,600 meters)!

We will visit, en route, Bishapur City (known for its bas-reliefs and the remainders of a Sasanian city) and the Anahita Temple, the name of which is depicted from Anahita (goddess of water). A short walk around Tange Chogan, the rough walls here are home to six huge bas-reliefs cut out of limestone.

We arrive in Shiraz around evening time.

Our Morning tour starts by visiting Arg-e Karim Khan, Vakil Mosque, and Vakil Bazaar. Next, you’ll visit Nasir Almolk Mosque enjoying the intricate tile work and wonder about how well thought out this monument is.

We also stroll through Narenjestan which is so called due to the abundance of sour orange trees. In the afternoon we will visit Shah Cheragh Shrine (a tranquil place with a peaceful atmosphere to get a glimpse of Iranian Shia holy shrines) and the Tomb of one of the most renowned Iranian poets Hafez. If we still have more time we’ll visit more places.

Today we go on an excursion to visit three major spots: the UNESCO World Heritage site, Persepolis, undoubtedly one of the most impressive sites in Iran with an immense quantity of structures carved out of stones.

We then move to Naqsh-e Rustam (a standout amongst the most tremendous and amazing ancient locales of the Achaemenid Empire involving the enormous tombs of Persian kings going back to the first millennium B.C.).

We might end our excursion by visiting Pasargadae (optional), home to the Tomb of Cyrus the great, returning to Shiraz during the evening.

We are going to hit the road again. Moving from Shiraz to Kerman, we might have time to visit the Salt Lake. Our main goal for today is visiting the Sassanid Palace at Sarvestan (90 km southeast  of Shiraz).

This large monument was built in the 5^th century A.D. and is one of the best samples of Sasanian architecture. The structure, made of mortar and stone, more likely has had fine decorations, which partially survive. We’ll arrive in Kerman during evening staying overnight in the city.

Today we go on an excursion to visit the following spots: Mahan, Rayen, and Shahdad (122 km). We are going to visit Shazdeh Garden in Mahan (35 Km). It is an expansive garden as an oasis in the desert.

Next, we visit Rayen Castle (104 km). It is an adobe monument (covering a 20,000 m2 area) and a remaining image of the residential fortresses in the ancient time that dates back to the Sassanid era. We then continue to reach Shahdad Kalout (desert) with eye-catching formations built by wind erosion of compacted sand.

We are going to have a half-day tour of Kerman before moving to Yazd through Zein-o-Din Caravanserai. The city tour includes visiting the Ganjali Khan Complex (square, Bathhouse, bazaar, Caravanserai, and Mosque).

Next, we are going to visit Zein-o-Din Caravanserai located on the Silk Road which was until 1500 A.D. the main trade route between Asia and Europe. Circle in plan, the caravanserai is a two-storied structure with a water pool and a courtyard. We’ll be continuing our trip arriving in Yazd during the evening.

We will start today’s tour with Towers of Silence (Zoroastrian Constructions for the Ritual of Death in the past).

Next, we visit Zoroastrian Fire Temple and its Sacred Eternal Flame, Water Museum, Amir Chakhmaq square, Dolat Abad Garden (well known for having the tallest Badgir/wind catcher in Iran and likely in the world, standing over than 33m), and the impressive, congregational Jameh Mosque.

On our strolling tour of the old district of the city, in the evening, we’ll have a look at Alexander’s Prison.

Today, we will drive to Isfahan (350 km), having a chance to take a look at the Caravanserai Complex of Meybod. We also visit Pigeon Tower (with an exceptional design) and Meybod Ice House, both of which are Eco-friendly inventions.

We have additionally a look at the tile and ceramic workshop and Narin Historical Castle. Once in Nain, we have the opportunity to visit Jame Mosque (the city’s premier attraction). We arrive in Isfahan toward the evening, having enough time to visit the historical bridges.

In the morning we are going to see the UNESCO World Heritage site Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the delightfully proportioned and decorated Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Imam Mosque, and richly beautified Ali Qapu Palace.

After lunch, we’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Chehel Sotoun Palace and Garden (the dominant feature of which is its brilliant veranda with a wonderfulness and magnificence that spots it among the world’s most noteworthy structures).

Next, we’ll visit the Persian Bazaar to be introduced to Iranian handicrafts and workshops.

This morning will be devoted to the rest of the city, seeing Jaame Mosque (representing the maturation of the Persian style mosque) and Vank Cathedral (meaning convent or monastery in Armenian language best known for its architectural merits and tile works).

The paintings in the church are magnificent and the combination of Islamic architectural styles and Christian patterns are evident.  In the afternoon we’ll complete the tour walking by the river viewing the historical bridges. We’ll then depart from Isfahan in the evening.