Iran
Iran Culture and History Tour
Iran Culture and History Tour
Experience 17 days cultural trip.
Discover the history and culture of one of the world’s oldest civilisations. Visit a country that is enduring international sanctions and finding a way to cope. Modern Iran is an Islamic Republic. We will find out what this means for the people who live there.
The Iranian tour begins and ends in Tehran, the modern capital of this ancient land. We travel to nine destinations within the country. Along the way, we take in many of Iran’s world heritage sites and see a variety of landscapes.
Obtaining a visa to travel in Iran requires pre-authorisation. Timeless Travel will assist you in this process and you will be able to purchase a Visa upon arrival in Tehran.
Top 5
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Persepolis, Pasargadae, Takht-e Soleiman, the Soltaniyeh Dome, the Golestan Palace, and the Fire Temple and the Towers of Silence.
- Discover Iran’s splendid ancient and modern mosques, minarets and mausoleums.
- Explore Esfahan, home to Naqsh-e Jahan Square, surrounded by covered bazaars and home to the architectural jewels of the Safavid Empire
- Visit Yazd, a Silk Road oasis town, home to the oldest Zoroastrian fire temple and the haunting Towers of Silence.
- Be inspired by Shiraz, known as the city of poets, literature, wine, and flowers and visit two famous Persian Gardens, the Bagh-e Eram and the Narenjestan-e Ghavam.
Tour Program
Day 1
Tehran
Upon arrival we will transfer to the hotel for lunch. For those arriving on a different flight, a taxi from Iman Khoumeini International Airport to the hotel will cost approximately $US10. In the afternoon, we will visit the Sa’dabad Palace complex and the Carpet and Glassware Museums. (L and D)
Accommodation: 2 nights at the Parsian Enghlab Hotel or similar.
Accommodation: 2 nights at the Parsian Enghlab Hotel or similar.
Day 2
Tehran
Today we explore the sights of Tehran including the National Museum of Iran, the Den of US Espionage, the Golestan Palace, Tehran Lourve Museum and the Azadi (Freedom) Monument. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Parsian Enghlab Hotel or similar.
Accommodation: Parsian Enghlab Hotel or similar.
Day 3
Bandar-e-Anzali
Today we will drive north via Rasht to Bandar-e Anzali (Anzali Port), on the southern shore of the Caspian Sea. Owing to its position and climate, the surrounding districts are characterised by green fields and forests. En route we visit the 1,000 year old village of Masuleh. Built into the steep slope of the Alborz Mountains, the roof of one house is the yard of the house above and also the pavement in the village. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: 1 night at the Sefid Kenar Hotel, or similar.
Accommodation: 1 night at the Sefid Kenar Hotel, or similar.
Day 4
Zanjan
Today we will enjoy a walk along Anzali’s waterfront. We will hire boats and ride out onto the sea. We journey through marsh lands in the so-called lagoon. In the afternoon we drive northwest to Zanjan. Its geographical conditions, abundant water sources, and fertile soil have made the area suitable for farming and animal husbandry. Most villages of the province are of ancient origin. Here we visit the UNESCO listed Soltaniyeh Dome, which lies on a plain between two mountains. The capital in Persia during the time of the Ilkhanid Mongols (circa 1300), the mausoleum of Soltaniyeh has the world’s third largest brick dome. It was described by historian Michael Axworthy (2007) as “one of the grandest monuments of Iranian Islamic architecture.” (B, L, D)
Accommodation: 1 night at the Grand Hotel Zanjan or similar.
Accommodation: 1 night at the Grand Hotel Zanjan or similar.
Day 5
Takab
Today en route to Takab, we will visit the great Sassanian religious site of Takht-e Soleiman (the ‘Throne of Solomon”). This UNESCO listed religious site dates back to 800 BCE. The water filled crater and fire temple located here were of great symbolic significance to Zoroastrianism and are associated with the volcanic history of the area. For those with enough energy, the climb to the top of Zenlan conical peak affords stunning views of the surrounding countryside. We spend the night in Takab, a hilly market town. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: 1 night at the Bouali Hotel or similar.
Accommodation: 1 night at the Bouali Hotel or similar.
Day 6
Hamadan
Today we drive four hours to Hamadan with a stop at the Ali Sadr Caves, the largest cave in the world containing water. We explore the caves by paddle boat, and have lunch at the site. We then continue to Hamadan, the capital of Persia under the Achaemenids. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: 2 nights at the Baba Taher Hotel, or similar accommodation.
Accommodation: 2 nights at the Baba Taher Hotel, or similar accommodation.
Day 7
Hamadan
Today we visit the ancient stone inscriptions at Ganjnameh. We will also climb the Ibn-e Sina Tomb and explore the Tomb of Esther and Mordechai, a Jewish burial site. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Overnight at the Baba Taher Hotel, Hamadan, or similar.
Accommodation: Overnight at the Baba Taher Hotel, Hamadan, or similar.
Day 8
Kashan
Today we drive southeast to Kashan, the first of the large oasis towns along the Qom-Kerman road which runs along the edge of the Dasht-e Kevir desert. Here we enjoy the restful shade of cupola-covered houses and the coolness of pleasant gardens with water fountains. We visit Fin Garden, designed for Shah Abbas I, as well as Khan-e Tabatabi and Khan-e Borujerdi, merchant houses built in the late 1800s. The greenery and lively atmosphere of this well-tended oasis town stands out against the surrounding desert. Tonight we stay at a beautiful Kashani traditional house. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: 1 night at the Negin Traditional House, or similar.
Accommodation: 1 night at the Negin Traditional House, or similar.
Day 9
Esfahan
Today we will continue to travel south, visiting Abyaneh village on the way to Esfahan. A common saying during the Safavid (1502-1722) period was that “Esfahan was half the world.” Today the city is arguably Iran’s most beautiful city. The wonderful buildings may be attributed to Shah Abbas who made the town his capital in 1598. These have added to the considerable wealth of history already preserved in buildings from earlier periods. On arrival we visit the Vank Cathedral, in the old Armenian quarter of the city. In the evening we visit the Khaju Bridge, built by Shah Abbas II. The bridge doubles as a dam, and has always been as much a meeting place as a bearer of traffic. The bridge features two levels of terraced arcades, the lower containing locks to regulate the water flow. One can still see original paintings, tiles, and the remains of stone seats built for Shah Abbas to sit on and admire the views. A pavilion was built in the centre exclusively for his pleasure. We also visit Sio She Pol (33 arches) Bridge before checking in to our hotel. Dinner will be at an Armenian restaurant Firooz. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: 2 nights at the Piroozy Hotel, or similar.
Accommodation: 2 nights at the Piroozy Hotel, or similar.
Day 10
Esfahan
We have a full day exploring Esfahan, beginning with visits to Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Ali Qapu palace, Imam and Sheikh Lotfollah mosques and the Gheisarieh Bazaar. After lunch, we will visit Chehel Sotoun (Forty Pillars reception hall and pleasure pavilion) to view its frescoes and have some free time before dinner to return to and explore the bazaar. For those interested in purchasing a rug, miniatures or saffron we will visit workshops and learn about these Iranian icons. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Overnight at the Piroozy Hotel, or similar.
Accommodation: Overnight at the Piroozy Hotel, or similar.
Day 11
Yazd
Today we continue travelling south to Yazd, one of the Iranian strongholds of Zoroastrianism, famous for its fire temples. En route we stop at Meybod to visit the Narein Castle. We will also visit the Towers of Silence on the outskirts of Yazd, before checking into our hotel. The towers were used by the Zoroastrians to dispose of the dead and to avoid contaminating the soil with a body. Tonight we will dine at Caesars restaurant. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Two nights at the Safaiieeh Hotel or similar.
Accommodation: Two nights at the Safaiieeh Hotel or similar.
Day 12
Yazd
Today we explore the old city of Yazd. Its adobe buildings, the street plans, wind towers, and the qanat water supply system are a wonderful reflection of Persian architecture and ingenuity and as a response to the local desert environment. We also visit the Bagh-e Dolat Garden and Yazd’s Ateshkadeh (Zoroastrian Fire Temple). In the evening we will enjoy the lively atmosphere of a Zurkanah show. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Overnight at the Safaiieeh 4 Star Hotel, or similar.
Accommodation: Overnight at the Safaiieeh 4 Star Hotel, or similar.
Day 13
Shiraz
Today we continue on through desert scenery to Shiraz. En route we visit the ancient Abarqu Cypress tree (said to be 4,000 years old) and the UNESCO listed site of Pasargadae, where Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid dynasty is entombed. We arrive in Shiraz, city of poets, late in the afternoon. Shiraz has a rich and turbulent history. It was spared destruction by Genghis Khan’s forces as well as the forces of Timur who followed 160 years later. Several earthquakes and Afghan raids however, have destroyed much of the area. Shiraz was resurrected as the Iranian capital in the mid18th century during the Zand dynasty. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: 3 nights at the Park Hotel, or similar.
Accommodation: 3 nights at the Park Hotel, or similar.
Day 14
Shiraz
Today we visit Persepolis, founded by Darius I in 518 BCE. Persepolis, the capital of the Achaemenid Empire, is located about 60 kilometres northeast of Shiraz. It was built on an immense terrace. The importance and quality of the monumental ruins make it a unique archaeological site. We also visit the Royal Necropolis (Naghsh-e-Rostam), before driving back to Shiraz to visit the Eram Garden (Paradise Garden). The tombs of Hafez, a 14th century poet, and Sa’di, a 13th century poet will be visited early evening. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Overnight at the Park Hotel, or similar.
Accommodation: Overnight at the Park Hotel, or similar.
Day 15
Shiraz
The day is spent exploring the sites of Shiraz such as Narenjestan Palace, Nasir-o-Molk Mosque (Pink Mosque), the Arg-e Karim Khan and the Zand complex (a citadel). There will be time to wander through the bazaar. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: Overnight at the Park Hotel, or similar.
Accommodation: Overnight at the Park Hotel, or similar.
Day 16
Tehran
This morning we will complete our visits in Shiraz and fly to Tehran. (B, L, D)
Accommodation: 1 night at the Parsian Enghelab Hotel, or similar.
Accommodation: 1 night at the Parsian Enghelab Hotel, or similar.
Day 17
Tehran
This morning we visit the National Jewel Museum and any other Tehran sights that remain unvisited. We will visit Ayatollah Koumeini’s Mausoleum if time permits. Our tour ends with a transfer to the airport for those booked on the evening flight. (B, L)
Inclusions / Exclusions
What’s included in our Iranian Tour:
- 16 nights of hotel accommodation
- 16 breakfasts, 16 lunches, and 16 dinners
- One internal flight Shiraz to Tehran
- Transport in comfortable and modern coaches.
- All excursions, entrance fees, and local guides.
- Gratuities and necessary tips.
- Services of tour leader for the duration of tour.
- Visa Reference Number and supporting documents, required to apply for the Visa.
What’s not included in our tour:
- International airfares and departure taxes
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Iranian Visa fee (Euros 150)
- Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, drinks (non-alcoholic) and laundry.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any requests for further information about this tour or any others offered by Timeless Tours.
