When in doubt, book this tour!
Gilan - - Tabriz - Tehran - Shiraz - Isfahan - Kashan

Iran economic Tour: Journey Through Iran's History

EducationalFood & CulinaryIn-depth CultrulShopping
Travel Style: Historical & Cultural
Tour length: 17 Days
Age Range: 1 to 40
Tour Code: hi09
Operated in English
50%
Price
Price per day $82
From
$2818 $1409

The tour is available. You can customize it as you wish.

Have a Question?

Itinerary

Iran, since 1935 has been one of the critical regions of 9,000 years of civilization. Located at the West and Asia crossroads, it has been a link, a crossroads, and a relay. It entered world history with the Achaemenid Empire. (“The world is a body. Persia is its heart.”) – Nizami (12th century)

Day 1, Arrival in Tehran

Arrive at Tehran airport, be greeted by your guide, and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2, Shiraz

Visit the city of Tehran, the metropolis and capital of modern Iran. Explore the Golestan Palace complex and the grand bazaar. Visit the main museums such as the Archaeological Museum, the first museum in Iran, and the Glass and Ceramic Museum with its extraordinary glass and pottery collection. If open, visit the Jewelry Museum and the Carpet Museum. Flight to Shiraz. Overnight in Shiraz.

Day 3, Shiraz

Explore the city of Shiraz, known as the city of love, poetry, roses, and nightingales. Shiraz is famous for its gardens and mild climate. The day is dedicated to exploring the Narenjestan Garden, the Citadel of Karim Khan, the Eram Garden, and the Pink Mosque. Overnight in Shiraz.

Day 4, Shiraz

The morning is devoted to the most important legacy of the Achaemenid Empire, Persepolis, and the Achaemenid necropolis of Naqsh-e-Rostam. After returning to Shiraz, the city of famous poets such as Hafez and Saadi, visited the tomb of Hafez or Saadi. Explore the main monuments, such as the Vakil Bazaar, the Vakil Mosque, and the Moshir Caravanserai. Overnight in Shiraz.

Day 5, Yazd

Depart in the morning towards Zeinoddin. On the way, visit Pasargadae, the first capital of the Achaemenids. The highlight of the visit is King Cyrus the Great's isolated, simple, and imposing tomb. Overnight in Zeinoddin Caravanserai

Day 6, Yazd

In the morning, take a walk around Zeinoddin Caravanserai. Caravanserais are places where merchant caravans stop and seek shelter. At noon, depart for Yazd. On the way, visit the village of Cham, a small Zoroastrian village with its sacred cypress tree, which is 3,500 years old. Visit a nearby Tower of Silence, where Zoroastrians used to expose their deceased to vultures overnight in Yazd hotel.

Day 7, Yazd

Visit the city founded under the Sassanids. The morning is dedicated to Zoroastrian worship. Explore the Fire Temple (Atashkade), whose fire has been burning for nearly 1,500 years, and then visit the two Towers of Silence (Dakhme) perched on two hills at the foot of the mountains. In the afternoon, visit the Friday Mosque, Amir Chakhmaq Square, and the bazaar. Overnight at Yazd Hotel.

Day 8, Isfahan

In the morning, visit Yazd: the old Fahadan neighbourhood, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon, depart for Isfahan. On the way, visit the ancient Friday Mosque of Nain. In the evening, arrive in Isfahan, known as the "City of a Thousand and One Nights."

Day 9, Isfahan

Visit Isfahan, one of the most picturesque cities in the world, which, according to a Persian saying, is "half the world." Visit the Friday Mosque, considered the encyclopedia of mosque architecture in Iran. Take a walk along the banks of the Zayande Rud, the only river in the Iranian plateau, and discover the famous bridges of the Thirty-three Arches and Khaju Bridge, dating back to the 17th century. Overnight in Isfahan.

Day 10, Isfahan

The morning is dedicated to continuing the city tour: the Forty Columns Pavilion, the Royal Square, also known as "Image of the World" (Naghsh-e-Jahan), and the surrounding monuments such as the Imam Mosque, Lotfollah Mosque, and Ali Qapu Palace. Free time in the late afternoon at the grand bazaar. Overnight in Isfahan.

Day 11, Kashan

Depart in the morning towards Abyaneh. This traditional village is arguably the most famous in Iran. Its houses are built on the steep slope of a beautiful valley. Continue the journey to Kashan, famous for its 19th-century bioclimatic houses and rose water. Overnight in Kashan.

Day 12, Tabriz

Visit the Agha Bozorg Madrasa, Tabatabai House, Borujerdi House, the neolithic site of Tapeh Sialk on the city's outskirts, and Fin Garden on the city's western border. In the afternoon, depart for Tehran. Transfer to Tehran airport for Tabriz.

Day 13, Tabriz

Tabriz is the capital of East Azerbaijan province. It is located on the course of the Talkheh River (also known as Aji-Chāi), near Lake Urmia, close to the borders of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Armenia. Discover the Blue Mosque or Masjed-e Kabud. This mosque is visited for its architecture and its decorated mosaic of glazed ceramics, one of the most beautiful examples of Islamic art. Visit Elgoli Park, the most famous garden in Tabriz. Then visit the Azerbaijan Museum, Arg-e Ali Shah, the Constitution House of Tabriz, Khaneh Mashrouteh, and the bazaar. Dinner and overnight at the hotel

Day 14, Ardabil

Depart for Kandovan, which is like Cappadocia; several houses are carved into volcanic tuff cones, perched on the slope of a hill. Continue to Ardabil, located between the Caspian Sea to the east, the Republic of Azerbaijan to the north, and the province of Azarbaijan to the west. It was and still is an important centre for carpet production. Visit the Mausoleum of the founder Safi Al-Din, the ancestor of Shah Ismail, the founder of the Safavid dynasty in the 16th century. Dinner and overnight at the hotel

Day 15, Anzali

Depart to the shores of the Caspian Sea along a route that will show you remarkable natural and climatic contrasts in just a few hours. Take a boat trip in the marshes at the heart of a bird sanctuary. Then, head towards Anzali. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16, Tehran

Stroll through the village of Masuleh, one of the oldest in Iran, recently classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Depart for Qazvin, located south of the Alborz Mountains and neighbouring Tehran and the Caspian regions. Discover the Sad ol Saltaneh Caravanserai, the Qarante Colonnes Palace, and the Imamzadeh Hossein Mausoleum. Return to Tehran.

Day 17, Tehran

Transfer to Tehran airport for the return flight.

Places You'll See

What's Included

Accommodation
4-star and 5-star hotels, traditional houses.

Flights
Domestic flights

Guide
Service of an experienced English-speaking guide.

Meals
Buffet breakfast at the hotel, lunch, and dinner in typical Iranian restaurants.

Transportation
In a recent, air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver.

Travel insurance

Entrance Tickets
Entrance tickets to museums and archaeological sites mentioned in the program.

Sim Card

Map

Good to Know

Visa Requirements
Check visa requirements well in advance and ensure you have all necessary documentation. Iran typically requires travelers to obtain a visa in advance, although some nationalities may be eligible for a visa on arrival.

Dress Code
Respect the local culture by dressing modestly, especially for women. For women, this usually means wearing a headscarf, long sleeves, and loose-fitting clothing that covers the body.

Language
Learn a few basic phrases in Persian (Farsi). While many Iranians speak English, especially in tourist areas, knowing some Persian will enhance your experience and interactions with locals.

Currency
The official currency of Iran is the Iranian Rial (IRR). It's advisable to carry cash as international credit and debit cards are not widely accepted due to banking restrictions. Be aware of the current exchange rate and exchange money at official exchange offices or banks.

Photography
While photography is generally allowed in tourist areas, it's best to ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially women. Avoid taking photos of sensitive government buildings or military installations.

Transportation
Iran has an extensive network of buses, trains, and domestic flights, making it relatively easy to travel between cities. Consider booking tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Safety
Iran is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, exercise normal precautions and stay updated on current events. Follow local news and government advisories.
2 Reviews About This Tour

  • brea90 says:
    April 2, 2024 at
    Well organized tour, very good accommodation, excelent quality of tasted food including the one on markets. Professional guides, professional drivers. There is nothing to complain about. I’ll certainly come back to Iran. One comment: please leave more time to visit Isfahan.
    Reply
  • etienne says:
    April 2, 2024 at
    My wife and I really enjoyed this trip. All of the stops on the trip were full of cultural things specific for that location, so we got a feeling for traditions of each country, just like the brochure said. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and made it an education experience. We made friends easily with others and it made the city excursions so much more lively.
    Reply