Salaam! Welcome to The Great Persia (Iran). You will be met at Tehran Airport by a local driver for a transfer to your hotel (approximately 1 hour). You may arrive in Tehran at any time today, with hotel rooms are generally available after 12 pm (midday). Then begin your tour of Tehran. visit The National Jewelry Treasury, (open from Saturday to Tuesday) the priceless and most unique jewelry collection in the world. Then visit Museum of Reza Abbasi, named after the most famous miniaturist of Safavid era. The museum, opened in 1977, exhibits artifacts dating back to prehistoric and Islamic periods, and is particularly rich in calligraphy. In the evening, have welcome dinner by The Great Persia.

Accommodation

• Tehran (1 night)

Included Activities

• Tehran - National Jewelry Treasury


• Tehran - Museum of Reza Abbasi

Meals Included

• Dinner

Special Information

An airport arrival transfer is included. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel. Once you have provided your details a transfer representative will be booked to meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
Please note that the Treasury of National Jewels is closed on Wednesday to Friday. If you would like to visit this museum, it is open from Saturday to Tuesday (2:00 PM - 4:30 PM), so we suggest allowing time either on Day 1 or at the end of your Iran adventure.

After breakfast drive to Rasht city in north of Iran. Rasht (the capital city of Gilan Province) is the largest city on Iran's Caspian Sea coast with Mediterranean climate that it's history goes back to the 13th century. Rasht is also a major tourist center with the resort of Masouleh. Those unfamiliar with Iran, are often startled to find a lush, semi-tropical jungle area in which tea and rice are grown. The clothing, with its full skirts covered with ribbons, comes from the village of Qassemabad. One of the most popular dances of this colorful region is the dance in which the tasks of growing and harvesting rice are depicted with mimetic movements. It is called Qassemabadi. In the afternoon, you will enjoy the great dance performance of Gilaki group.

Accommodation

• Rasht (1 night)

Included Activities

• Rasht - Gilaki group dance

Meals Included

• Breakfast

After breakfast drive to Masuleh village, It is located 60 km southwest of Rasht. You will have a full day tour in this thousand-year-old village which resembles an anthropological and architectural museum.

takes one back in time to the traditions of rural Iran and the simple agrarian life that used to dominate most of the country. Walk through the narrow alleys walled with brownish houses and discover the local culture.

The architectural style of the homes in Masouleh is stair shaped and is remarkable. They are continuous and uninterrupted and have been built in the heart of the mountain. A very interesting point about the homes in Masouleh is that courtyards and roofs are basically meaningless and do not serve their traditional roles and instead serve as pedestrian areas for passersby just like a street would.

It is also one of the best places to sample Iran’s vegetarian cuisine, most notably the dish Mirza Ghassemi, a regional specialty of smoky auberges’, burnt over hot coals and then gently fried with tender young garlic, plump tomatoes and plenty of local olive oil. have lunch in local house then drive to Ardebil visit Sheikh Safi o din complex, and drive continue to Sarein for accommodation.

Accommodation

• Rasht (1 night)

Included Activities

• Masuleh – Masuleh village tour


• Masuleh – have lunch in local house


• Ardebil - Sheikh Safi o din complex

Meals Included

• Breakfast


• Lunch

Morning drive to Tabriz on the way visit Kandovan village and drive continue to Tabriz. A historical capital, Tabriz is the largest city in the northwest of modern-day Iran, and the center of the country’s Azeri community. Green, mountainous, and metropolitan the city and its surrounds are a popular tourist destination.

Tabriz contains many historical monuments, representing Iran’s architectural transition throughout its deep history. Most of Tabriz’s preserved historical sites belong to Ilkhanid, Safavid and Qajar.

Among these sites is the grand Tabriz Grand Bazaar (UWH), It’s a historical market situated in the city center of Tabriz, Iran. It is one of the oldest bazaars in the Middle East and the largest covered bazaar in the world. It is one of Iran's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Next visit Blue Mosque, in the afternoon free time to visit El Goli park.

Accommodation

• Tabriz (1 night)

Included Activities

• Kandovan – Kandovan village tour


• Tabirz – Tabriz Grand Bazaar (UNESCO site)


• Tabirz - Blue Mosque


• Tabriz - El Goli park

Meals Included

• Breakfast

After breakfast excursion around Tabriz, discover two Armenian churches that were established here between 7th and 14th centuries AD: St. Thaddeus Monastery and the Saint Stepanos Monastery. Back to Tabriz and will enjoy Azeri dance performance in the afternoon. There are a number of Azerbaijani dances; these folk dances of the Azerbaijani people are old and extremely melodious. It is performed at formal celebrations and the dancers wear festival clothes or Chokha cloaks. It has a very fast rhythm, so the dancer must have inherent skill. Azerbaijan’s national dance shows the characteristics of the Azerbaijani nation. These dances differ from other dances with its quick temp and optimism. And this talks about nation’s braveness. The national clothes of Azerbaijan are well preserved within the national dances.

Accommodation

• Tabriz (1 night)

Included Activities

• Tabriz – St. Thaddeus Monastery & Saint Stepanos Monastery Tabriz – Azari dance group

Meals Included

• Breakfast

In the morning drive toward Bukan city. Bukan (or Bookan) lies between the two provinces of West Azarbayjan and Kurdestan. Its capital being the city of Bukan that lies en route from the city of Miandoab to Saqez. Bukan lies alongside the Simineh Rood River. Buke in the Kurdish language means bride and Bukan is its plural. As this area forms a cross-road when rural people after a marriage ceremony wanted to take their bride, they were compelled to cross en route from this vicinity to the other. Crossing this village, they used to dance and sing all together around the pool which is at present even exists and is considered to be a sightseeing area. The name Bukan comes from the Kurdish language.

In the afternoon visit Kurdish dance Kurdish dance is a group of traditional hand-holding dances. It is a form of round dancing, with a single or a couple of figure dancers often added to the geometrical center of the dancing circle. Kurds sing and dance in most of their festivals, birthdays, New Years, Newroz, marriage and other ceremonies. It’s noteworthy that these folkloric dances are mixed-gender.

The dancers, hand in hand, indicates their unity in history. These movements differ in different parts of Kurdistan from the variety point of views, and joy and worry have their own special place.  At night we will have the chance to have dinner with a kurdish local family.

Accommodation

• Bookan (1 night)

Included Activities

• Bukan - Simineh Rood River

• Bukan – Kurdistan dance group


• Bukan - Dinner with a local family.

Meals Included

• Breakfast


• Dinner

In the morning, drive toward kermanshah city. En the route we will visit Palangan village, In Palangan the roof of one house serves as the courtyard of the upper house. Close to this village we can see ruins of an ancient fort dating back to B.C. then drive to Kermanshah visit Taq-e bostan, it is a collection of rock reliefs and inscriptions dating back to Sassanid era on the southwest of Kermanshah. It is composed of two arches in large and smaller sizes and some rock reliefs. The reliefs depict coronation of the kings Khosrow Parviz, Ardashir II, Shapur II, and Shapur III. An eye-catching landscape of mountains and a spring has turned this place into a pleasant attraction.

Accommodation

• Kermanshah (1 night)

Included Activities

• Palanagn – Trekking in Palangan village


• Kermanshah – Taq e Bostan

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Morning after breakfast drive to Ahvaz, Ahvaz is the capital of Khuzestan province and the second hottest city of Iran. The city is popular because of its bridges, beautiful nights and warmhearted people.

In the Sassanid era, Ahvaz enjoyed glory and prosperity. Since Ahvaz lies close to the sea, it is one of the most prominent cities as regards commerce and trade. Ahvaz has experienced many tragic events during the course of history. Regional uprising and attacks by foreign forces have often caused heavy damages to this city. At night enjoy a special dinner on the beautiful shores of the Karun river.

Accommodation

• Ahvaz (1 night)

Included Activities

• Ahvaz – walking tour in the city

Meals Included

• Breakfast


• Dinner

Start day with excursion around Ahwaz. Visit the ancient fortress city of Shushtar to see the historical hydraulic system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The watermills can be traced back to Darius the Great in the 5th century B.C. and still supply water to the city. Continue to Susa.

We now visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Tchogha Zanbil and Susa. Tchogha Zanbil Located in ancient Elam (today Khuzestan province in southwest Iran), Tchogha Zanbil (Dur-Untash, or City of Untash, in Elamite) was founded by the Elamite king Untash-Napirisha (1275-1240 BCE) as the religious centre of Elam. The principal element of this complex is an enormous ziggurat dedicated to the Elamite divinities Inshushinak and Napirisha. It is the largest ziggurat outside of Mesopotamia and the best preserved of this type of stepped pyramidal monument. The archaeological site of Tchogha Zanbil is an exceptional expression of the culture, beliefs, and ritual traditions of one of the oldest indigenous peoples of Iran. Our knowledge of the architectural development of the middle Elamite period (1400-1100 BCE) comes from the ruins of Tchogha Zanbil and of the capital city of Susa 38 km to the north-west of the temple). Our next site is Shush, or Susa, the setting of the Biblical Book of Esther. Dating back to around 6000 BC, Susa was one of the great ancient cities of Iran and an important Elamite center until it was destroyed by the Assyrians in the 7th century BC. Across the river, visit the Tomb of Daniel, said to hold the remains of the Jewish prophet, and still a place of pilgrimage. You will enjoy the traditional dance performance of this region in the afternoon. The Persian Gulf dance, known as bandari (from the port cities) is performed in one of the hottest areas of the globe. The region has historically served as the trading depot and confluence of the Arabian, Persian, Indian, and African worlds. Under Islam these groups mixed and created a unique musical and dance tradition with elements of all of these areas the cloth for the traditional dress was often imported from India and other areas, which until this century were more accessible by sea than the arduous land routes from the interior of Iran.

 

Accommodation

• Ahvaz (1 night)

Included Activities

• Shushtar – historical hydraulic system


• Susa – Tchogha Zanbil


• Susa - Tomb of Daniel


• Ahvaz – Bandari dance group

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Today’s long drive to Shiraz takes us through the oil-rich province of Khuzestan and the tribal areas of Mamasani and Boyer-Ahmadi and into the upland province of Fars. At Bishapur, explore the remains of the city of King Shapur I, and six important rock carvings at nearby Tang-e Chogan. The temple at Shapur’s palace has been identified by several archaeologists as sacred to Anahita, the Zoroastrian goddess associated with the waters. Time permitting, visit the Sassanian rock carving at Sarab-é Bahram. Maybe you will have this chance to visit the nomads of Fars and become familiar with their traditional dance (it’s depended of your travel time). The Qashqai, like most nomadic peoples in Iran, continues to wear their colorful costumes as everyday wear. The tribal confederation of the Qashqai were made famous by two films, "Grass" and "People of the Wind", which depicted their nomadic lifestyle and the movements of their huge herds of animals from summer quarters to winter quarters, throughout the province of Fars in southwestern Iran. Their rugs, carpets, and other weavings are world famous. The women are famous for the dance chupi, while the men engage in stick play (chub-bazi) which invariably attracts the interest of anthropologists and filmmakers alike.

Accommodation

• Shiraz (1 night)

Included Activities

• Shiraz – Bishapur

• Shiraz – Tang-e Chogan.

• Shiraz - Qashqai Nomad & Dance

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Rise early this morning to catch the first rays of the sun as it seeps in through the stained glass of the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque. Continue to the Vakil Bazaar and the Khan citadel. Bazaar-e Vakil is regarded as one of the best markets in the country, specializing in fine carpets, handicrafts, textiles and spices. This afternoon, visit the vast complex of Bagh-e Eram (UNESCO site), known as the Garden of Paradise. Wander the grounds where artificial rivers run through the cypress trees before pooling in front of a colourful palace. This is one of 9 gardens in Iran that is part of the UNESCO World heritage of "Persian garden". It is huge and its architecture and layout was conceived to symbolize Eden and the four Zoroastrian elements of sky, earth, water and plants - and that is exactly how it feels: like a piece of paradise. Afterwards, visit the tomb of literary and folk hero Hafez. Nearby is the Aramgah-e Shah-e Cheragh – one of the holiest sites in Shiraz. The structure serves as a mausoleum to one of Imam Reza’s brothers and the forecourt is often packed with Shiite pilgrims. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries.

Accommodation

• Shiraz (1 night)

Included Activities

• Shiraz - Nasir al Molk Mosque


• Shiraz - Bagh-e Eram Garden (UNESCO site)


• Shiraz - City tour


• Shiraz - Hafez Tomb


• Shiraz - Shah-e Cheragh shrine

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Begin the day with a drive to Isfahan, on the way we will visit the remains of Persepolis (UWH) (approximately 1 hour) – once the center of the Persian Empire and considered as one of the great cities of the ancient world. The Takhte Jamshid complex of palaces was known as the historic marvel of the country, constructed over 150 years as the ceremonial capital of Darius I’s Achaemenid Empire. Continue on to Naqsh-e-Rajab – the site of four limestone rock face inscriptions and bas-reliefs that date to early Sassanid times. While today only small ruins remain from those once-magnificent structures, the site is still impressive. Nearby, at Naqsh-e Rostam, gaze upon the immense memorial carved for the Sassanian Ardashir I after his conquest of the Parthians. Then drive to Pasargadae (UWH), the tomb of Cyrus The Great. Drive continues to Isfahan.

Accommodation

• Isfahan (1 night)

Included Activities

• Persepolis - Entrance and Guided tour (UNESCO site)


• Persepolis - Naqsh-e Rustam Necropolis


• Shiraz – Pasargadae (UNESCO site)

Meals Included

• Breakfast

There’s plenty of time to soak up the sights and atmosphere of Esfahan, often considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Esfahan reached its peak during the reign of Shah Abbas I in 1587 when it was declared the capital of Persia, yet much of its past glory still remains despite the country’s capital later being shifted to Shiraz and then Tehran.

Begin today’s adventure through Esfahan with a guided visit to the Vank Cathedral, located in the Armenian quarter of the city. The striking interior of this building boasts gilded ceilings, intricate wall architecture and eye-catching paintings. The artwork of the dome depicts the Biblical story of Genesis, from the creation of man to the expulsion from the Garden of Eden. The church also plays home to a museum, full of historic manuscripts. Originally, Armenian Christians were brought to the cathedral by Shah Abbas I who placed great value in their skills as artists and merchants. They have been allowed to practice their religion in peace but are confined to this single area of the city.

Then visit Chehel Sotun palace, it’s an among the 9 Iranian Gardens which are collectively registered as one of the Iran’s 24 registered World Heritage Sites under the name of the Persian Garden. a pavilion constructed as a reception hall for visiting dignitaries by Shah Abbas II.

Continue discovering Esfahan with a guided walk through the Imam Square. Covering an area of 82,500 square meters, it’s the second-largest in the world. There are many grand buildings in the surrounding area such as the Ali Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Qeysarieh Portal and the majestic Imam Mosque.

In the evening we will see the beautiful bridges of Isfahan, Si-o-Se Pol bridge and Khaju bridge.

Accommodation

• Isfahan (1 night)

Included Activities

• Esfahan - Chehel Sotun palace. (UNESCO site)

• Esfahan – Vank church

• Esfahan – Naqshe jahan aq. (UNESCO site)


• Esfahan - Qeysariye Bazaar


• Esfahan - Sheykh Lotfollah Mosque


• Esfahan - Naghsh-e Jahan Square


• Esfahan - Ali Qapu Palace


• Esfahan - Si-o-Se Pol bridge and Khaju bridge

Meals Included

• Breakfast

We begin the day with we drive to Abyaneh village, Abyaneh has stepped structure with the roof of each house being the courtyard of the one above it. Because of its mountainous setting, Abyaneh stayed isolated for many years and people’s customs and language is untouched and preserved. In Abyaneh people speak Farsi with a special dialect belonging to the village only. They still use some words from the Parthian era (247 BC – 224 AD).

Men wear a very loose pair of pants and the women’s traditional costume consists of a long colorful dress, along with a special pair of pants, and a white long scarf with colorful floral design named Charghad.

 

Then drive to Kashan and visit Fin Garden. Fin Garden or Bagh-e-Fin is a great Persian garden and as one of the nine Persian gardens registered on UNESCO world heritage list. Next visit Tabataie’s house, in the afternoon free time and have farewell dinner in kashan.

Accommodation

• Kashan (1 night)

Included Activities

• Abyaneh – Abyaneh village tour


• Kashan – Fin garden (UNESCO site)


• Kashan – Tabatabaei house

Meals Included

• Breakfast


• Dinner

Transfer to International Tehran airport to take departure flight.