18-Day Glories of Persia

We get up early morning and begin the day with a trip to the National Museum of Iran; an institution formed of two complexes; the Museum of Ancient Iran which was opened in 1937, and the Museum of the Islamic Era which was opened in 1972.It hosts historical monuments dating back through preserved ancient and medieval Iranian antiquities, including pottery vessels, metal objects, textile remains, and some rare books and coins.We will see the “evolution of mankind” through the marvelous display of historic relics.

Next on the list is visiting the Golestan Palace, the former royal Qajar complex in Iran’s capital city, Tehran. It is one of the oldest historic monuments of world heritage status belonging to a group of royal buildings that were once enclosed within the mud-thatched walls of Tehran’s Arg (Citadel). It consists of gardens, royal buildings, and collections of Iranian crafts and European presents from the 18th and 19th centuries. Then we go for a walk through bazaar. Bazaar, in Iran, is the economic life of the country. Moreover, social relations are formed here and a fairly wide range of people get the chance to socialize more. It is also a logical place for political parties to rule their own policies. Soon after we go to have lunch.

If possible Jewelry Museum will be visited according to train ticket timing. Our Tehran excursion will end at the priceless National Jewelry Museum where we will visit a world of jewels, one of which includes one of the two greatest diamonds; Darya-e-Noor (sea of light). Afterwards we will transfer to the train station to leave for Shiraz. Stay overnight in train.

Sightseeing: The National Museum of Iran, Golestan Palace, Bazaar, National Jewelry Museum

Shiraz has a reputation for being an enlightened city that has been at the cultural heartland of Iran for more than 2,000 years. It had once been the country’s capital. Shiraz is crowned as the heartland of Persian culture, and this city of sophistication will never fail to conjure up images of roses and nightingales, gardens and poetry. Early in the morning, relish in the highlights of Shiraz when it was the capital of Iran during the Zand Dynasty. Be inspired by the glorious Karim Khan Palace, the splendid Vakil Mosque, Vakil Bazaar and Saraye Moshir with its splendid architecture and interesting ethnic souvenir shops, and the Nasir Almolk Mosque.

Next, we will stop for a mouth-watering Iranian lunch at one of the traditional restaurants in Shiraz. This gorgeous city is home to famous poets such as Hafez and Sa’adi, and historical sites from different eras dating back to 6,000 years ago can be found. Hafez is one of the great poets who impressed everyone with his mastery. His poems give us a special feeling and the peace in his tomb is really outstanding. Saadi is a poet, philosopher and mystic who is known as the father of tourism. He travelled to different countries and cities about seven centuries ago. Then he collected all his experiences in verse and rhyme prose in two books named Boustan and Golestan. These two books give you lots of inspiration and information. We will get a chance to pay homage to the tombs of these great poets.

In the evening,we will visit the Eram Garden, a complete sample of Persian garden registered by UNESCO as a world heritage.Then we will visit Ali-Ebn-e-Hamzeh and be prepared to marvel at its beauties. Next, We will take a stroll through the Jahan Nama Garden and witness its tall and proud cedars. Finally we will visit the tomb of Khajoy-e-Kermani from where the perspective of the mysterious city of Shiraz will remain in our mind.On the way to the hotel, we will pay a visit to Shah-e Cheragh. This is one of the most beautiful shrines in Iran with its beautiful dome, wonderful lighting and Mirror-work. Stay overnight in Shiraz.

Sightseeing: Karim Khan Palace, Vakil Mosque, Vakil Bazaar, SarayeMoshir, Nasir Almolk Mosque, the tombs of Hafez and Saadi, Ali-Ebn-e-Hamzeh, Jahan Nama Garden, Eram Garden, and the tomb of Khajoy-e-Kermani , Shah-e Cheragh

In the morning, we first pay a visit to Persepolis. Founded by Darius I in 518 B.C., Persepolis was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire. It was built on an immense half-artificial, half-natural terrace, where the king of kings created an impressive palace complex inspired by Mesopotamian models. The importance and quality of the monumental ruins make it a unique archaeological site. It seems that Darius planned this impressive complex of palaces not only as the seat of government but also, and primarily, as a showplace and a spectacular center for the receptions and festivals of the Achaemenid kings and their empire such as Nowruz.

The second place we stop by is Necropolis. Opposite Mount Rahmat, ten minutes to the north, proudly stands the Necropolis, the magnificent burial place of Achaemenid kings. The site also provides seven bas-reliefs dating back to Elamite and Sassanid periods. On the way, we will stop by Pasargadae which was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire in ancient Persia under Cyrus the Great who had issued its construction. Overnight stay in Aghamir cottage or Ojagh e Seyed Karim.

Sightseeing: Persepolis, Necropolis & Pasargadae

Today we hit the road to the Lut Desert, widely referred to as Dasht-e Lut (literally meaning “Emptiness Plain”). It is a large salt desert located in the provinces of Kerman and Sistan and Baluchestan. It is the world’s 27th-largest desert and was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List on July 17 2016. The surface of its sand has been measured at temperatures as high as 70°C, making it one of the world’s driest and hottest places. We will trek through the desert and enjoy its natural beauties. Then we head for the unique yardangs in Shahdad desert. On the way, we will visit Lake Bakhtegan, Dehmurd village, Herat and Rafsanjan which is famous for its pistachio. We stay overnight in a traditional house in DolatAbad village.

Sightseeing: Lake Bakhtegan, Dehmurd village, Herat and Rafsanjan cities, the Lut Desert, Kaluts

The following morning, after a night of stars-watching, you will have a safri in Kaluts. This sunrise safari is an outstanding experience. The warmth of the desert sun with the simple and cool early morning breeze is going to be a pleasant experience for you. Then we leave for Kerman.

Along the way, we make a short stop in Mahan, which is well-known for the tomb of Shah Ne’emat Ollah-e-Vali, the great Sufi leader, and Shazdeh Garden (Prince’s Garden), a historical Persian garden located 6km away from Mahan in Kerman province. The garden is rectangular-shaped, 5.5 hectares in size, enclosed by a wall. It consists of an entrance structure and gate at the lower end and a two-floor residential structure at the upper end. The land between these two is ornamented with water fountains that use the natural incline of the land to power them. The garden is a fine example of Persian gardens that make the most of climate and land formations. Next you will visit the interesting Rayen Castle which is a replica of the Bam Citadel. We stay overnight at a hotel in Kerman.

Sightseeing: Safari in Kaluts, The tomb of Shah Ne’mat Ollah-e Vali,Shazdeh Garden, Rayen Castle

Today we hit the road to Zeinoddin or Fahraj. In the past, for safety, people used to travel in small or large groups called caravans. Each caravan traversed 6 farsakhs (1 manzel) every day. Farsakh is a historical Iranian unit for measuring distance, equal to 6.24 kilometers. Passing through a manzel, the caravan arrived at a caravansary in which they could stay to rest and relax. Saryazd, Fahraj, and Zeinoddin were the first caravansaries on the roads between Yazd, Shiraz, Kerman, and Sirjan. Staying overnight in one of these caravansaries will be an unforgettable experience if there is a vacancy by luck. Zeinoddin Caravanserai is a Safavid Caravanserai in the heart of desert restored in the best way possible. It got two awards from UNESCO in 2005 and 2006.

On the way to Zeinoddin or Fahraj, we will visit the rocky village of Meymand, a very ancient village located near Shahr-e Babak city in Kerman Province. Meymand is believed to be a primary human residence in the Iranian Plateau, dating back to 12,000 years ago. Many of the residents live in the 350 hand-dug houses amid the rocks, some of which have been inhabited for as long as 3,000 years. Stone engravings nearly 10,000 years old are found around the village, and deposits of pottery nearly 6,000 years old attest to the long history of settlement at the village site. On 4 July 2015, the village was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. We stay overnight in a caravansary.

Sightseeing: Fahraj or Zeinoddin caravanserai,the rocky village of Meymand

On the way to Yazd, first we will visit Mehriz which is located 30 kilometers south of the city of Yazd. It consists of one central district and five village centers. According to historians, the name belongs to “Mehrnegar” the beloved daughter of Anoushirvan, the Sassanid King. Mehriz was known, during the late Sassanid era (4th century AD), as a natural pleasant area.

The next place we will stop by on the way is the Saryazd Castle which is a historical castle built during Sassanid Dynasty (the 3th_ 7th century) in Saryazd village. The castle has been one of the oldest and largest bank safe-deposit boxes in Iran and the world where cereals, money, gold and jewelry were kept during invasions. The castle has nested concentric walls with impregnable high towers that is surrounded by a moat. The moat has a width of 6 meters and a depth of 3 to 4 meters. The castle has two doors that one is a main door and another is a guardian door. The castle has three floors that are made with mud brick.

Then we continue all the way to Yazd. On our way to the hotel, we will pay a visit to Zoroastrian Towers of Silence; circular raised structures built by Zoroastrians for excarnation (for dead bodies to be exposed to carrion birds), and Fire Temple; the place of worship for Zoroastrians. At night, we will visit Amir Chakhmaq Complex; a prominent structure noted for its symmetrical sunken alcoves.It is a mosque located on a square of the same name. It also contains a caravanserai, a tekyeh (a place where Shiite gather for mourning of Muharram), a bathhouse, a cold water well, and a confectionery.At night, the building is lit up after twilight hours after sun set with orange lighting in the arched alcoves which makes it a spectacle. Stay overnight in Yazd.

Sightseeing: Mehriz, Saryazd Castle, Zoroastrian Towers of Silence & Fire Temple, Amir Chakhmaq Complex

Yazd, the oldest adobe city in the world which is surrounded by the 4000m summit of Shirkooh and two majestic deserts of Iran, Dasht-e-Kavir and Kavir-e Loot. This ancient UNESCO-registered city is furnished with mosques of stunning beauty. The co-existence of the splendid fire temples and the holy sites of different religions astonish every visitor. Today’s tour includes visiting the Jame Mosque, the old city of Yazd, the 15th-century domed school known as Alexander’s Prison because of a reference to this apparently dastardly place in a Hafez poem. Whether the deep well in the middle of its courtyard was in fact built by Alexander the Great and used as a dungeon seems doubtful, no matter what the guide says. The building is worth a look for the small display on the old city of Yazd, but mostly the fee covers access to a warren of craft workshops.

Then we continue with Dowlatabad Garden; an authentic Iranian garden that annually attracts thousands of domestic and foreign tourists. This is a complex built according to the original Iranian architectural style and consists of a large garden and some buildings.

Afterwards we head for Yazd Water Museum. This 124- year-old Museum displays the tool, techniques used for the past 4000 years in Iran in creating underground waterways (called Qanats) and connecting them to the city and field locations for agricultural and other uses. Yazd water museum was set up in 2000 in the wake of the first international conference on qanat in Yazd. The museum building has once been a merchant’s house built in 1929. Two qanats are running beneath the museum at different levels, which are reachable through a special stairway called Payab. This museum has put on display a variety of water objects from qanat to water ownership documents. The museum is one of the best tourist destinations in Yazd, which receive hundreds of visitors every day. Finally we pay a visit to confectionery and handicraft workshops. Stay overnight in Yazd.

Sightseeing: Jame Mosque, Old City, Alexander’s Prison, Dowlatabad Garden, Yazd Water Museum, confectionary and handicraft workshops

Today we leave Yazd for Isfahan (around 300 kms) at 8 in the morning. On the way, first we will visit Maybod; an ancient city that goes back to pre-Islamic arena and is the home to many ancient points of interests. It was the capital of Iran during the Mozaffarid period. Mozaffari kingdom originated from Meybod where the first king was born. One of the oldest castles in Iran is Narin Castle in Meybod, which dates from the Sasanid. It is one of the most important relics of the province dating back to the period before the advent of Islam to Iran, and has been recorded as one of the national buildings. This ancient castle has been constructed on the top of Galeen hill and overlooks the city.

Then we drive to the beautiful city of Nain. More than 3,000 years ago, the Persian learned how to construct aqueducts underground (qanat in Persiankariz) to bring water from the mountains to the plains. In the 1960s this ancient system provided more than 70 percent of the water used in Iran. Nain is one of the best places in all the world to see these qanats functioning. We will stop by an abaya-weaving workshop and Jame Mosque in Nain. The abaya “cloak”, sometimes also called an aba, is a simple, loose over-garment covering the whole body except the head, feet, and hands, worn by clergymen and some women in parts of the Muslim World. Jameh Mosque Nain is one of the oldest mosques in Iran, and the town of Nain, close to Yazd is itself one of the oldest in Iran. Dating back to the 9th century, with its interiors dating back to the 11th century (as indicated by its Seljuki brickwork) the heritage listed mosque is actually still in use as a mosque today. The mosque is built in the “Khorasani style”, which refers to the first style of architecture appearing after the Muslim Conquest of Persia. The style is notable for its combination of Islamic and pre-Islamic influences. The carvings in the stone and wood are elaborate and beautiful.
In the end, we move to Varzaneh which is famous regionally and all over the world for its spectacular desert having the highest sandy dunes. Here we will pay a visit to Jame Mosque and Ghoortan citadel of Varzaneh, have lunch in a local house, and finally hit the road to Isfahan. (On this day, complying with the conditions, the tour guide will do his best to show you into as many sites as possible in each city). Stay overnight in Isfahan.

Sightseeing: Narin Castle in Meybod, Jame Mosque & abaya-weaving workshop in Nain, Jame Mosque & Ghoortan citadel in Varzaneh

Isfahan, the legendary city which never fails to enchant its visitors, is the pearl of traditional Islamic archeology. This city is revived by the works of contemporary artists. Isfahan prides itself in having fascinating historical garden palaces. Legend has it that the city was founded at the time of Tahmoures or Keykavous and because of its glories has been entitled “Half the World”.
Today we start our tour with the famed Imam Square (Naqsh-e-Jahan), a huge square second in the world to Beijing’s Tiananmen Square.

Then we pay a visit to the architectural marvels of Sheikh Lotfollah and Imam Mosques, Aliqapu Palace, Chehel Sutoon and Hasht Behesht Palaces, and finally visit one of the most famous bazaars in Iran, where we can purchase the arts and crafts for which Isfahan is so well renowned. Stay overnight in Isfahan.

Sightseeing: Imam Square, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Imam Mosque, Ali Qapu, Chehel Sotoun, Hasht Behesht, Bazaar

Today we continue our tour of the city with a visit to Isfahan’s Jame’ Mosque which holds in itself the passage of several centuries of historical Islamic evolution. This mosque is a gallery of Islamic architecture in which the progress of the architecture from the outset of Islam till recent times is evident. Then we will visit Vank Cathedral which is one of the most beautiful Armenian churches in the world and will undoubtedly capture the attention of every Christian. Afterwards, we will stop by Menar Jonban; the tomb of a Sufi with its shaking minarets and some historical bridges. Our day will conclude with a visit to Allahverdi Khan Bridge popularly known as Si-o-seh pol; the bridge of thirty-three spans. It is one of the most famous examples of Safavid bridge design and the longest bridge on the Zayanderud (the largest river of the Iranian Plateau in central Iran) with the total length of 297.76 meters. We take the night flight to Mashhad. Stay overnight in Mashhad.

Sightseeing: Jame’ Mosque, Vank Cathedral, Menar Jonban, Si-o-seh pol

Mashhad is the second most populous city in Iran, located in the northeast of the country, close to the borders of Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. The city is most famous and revered for housing the tomb of Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam. Every year, millions of pilgrims visit the Imam Reza shrine and pay their tributes to Imam Reza.In the afternoon, we will first visit the holy shrine of Imam Reza. It is actually a live museum in which you can see a wonderful collection of throughoutthe-history masterpieces by the best artists of mirror work, stucco work, moqarnas (stalactite work), marquetry, wood carving, stone carving, carpet weaving. Visiting the shrine will give you a real insight into Iranian art and sociology from the remote past to the present. Then we will pay a visit to the Astan Quds Razavi Central Museum, a major museum complex inaugurated in 1964. Its collections contain Islamic art and historical artifacts;the Museum of Quran and Precious Objects, the Museum of Carpets, the Museum of Armaments, the Museum of Coins and Medals, the Museum of Fine Arts, and so on.we stay overnight in Mashhad.

Sightseeing: the holy shrine of Imam Reza, Astan Quds Razavi Museum

Nishaburis a city in the Khorasan Province, in northeastern Iran, situated in a fertile plain at the foot of the Binalud Mountains. The city was founded in the 3rd century by Shapur I as a Sasanid satrapy capital. Nishabur later became the capital of Tahirid dynasty and was reformed by Abdullah Tahir in 830, and was later selected as the capital of Seljuq dynasty by Tughril in 1037. From the Abbasid era to the Mongol invasion of Khwarezmia and Eastern Iran, the city evolved into a significant cultural, commercial, and intellectual center within the Islamic world. What remains of old Nishabur region is a 3500-hectare “Kohandejh” area, south of the current city of Nishabur. We will pay a visit to the tomb of Omar Khayyam, a scholar, mathematician, astronomer, philosopher, and poet. Born in Nishabur, in northeastern Iran, at a young age he moved to Samarkand and obtained his education there. Afterwards he moved to Bukhara and became established as one of the major mathematicians and astronomers of the Islamic Golden Age. He also wrote numerous treatises on mechanics, geography, mineralogy, astronomy and music.

We will also visit the tomb of Attar, a Persian mystic poet and theoretician of Sufism, from Nishabur, who had an immense and lasting influence on Persian Poetry and Sufism. Then we will go to visit Shadyakh, one of the main Palaces, Gardens and Great Neighborhoods of old Nishabur that was established by Abdullah ibn Tahir al-Khurasani in the 9th century AD, becoming more important and populated after that. Some notable people like Attar lived there. Attar’s tomb is now in that area. This palace was perhaps completely ruined in 13th century AD. Archaeological excavations began in 2000 there and continued for around 2 years. Buildings (possibly a palace), skeleton, equipment and other items were found there. Now Shadyakh is a national Iranian monument, with a registration number of 10910. Our day will conclude with a visit to the Museum of Nishabur. We stay overnight in Mashhad.

Sightseeing: the tombs of Khayam & Attar, Shadyakh, Museum of Nishabur

Today we move to Shahroud by Pardis train at 6:00 a.m. (if train tickets aren’t available, you will transfer by private cars paying the price difference). Upon our arrival in Shahroud, we will transfer to the hotel and have lunch (we highly recommend that you stay overnight in the Chahjam Desert). In the evening, we will visit the tombs of the great theosophists Abolhasan Kharghani and Bayazid Bastami in the beautiful villages of Kharaghan and Bastam and get to know the literature, culture, and Sufism in Iran.

Then we move towards Chahjam Desert (about 80 km), walk through the desert at night, see the beautiful trees and bushes in the desert, have dinner in a beautiful oasis and drink tea under the starry sky of the desert, and get to know Qanat in the desert; an old system of water supply from a deep well. We keep up with demand and stay overnight in Chahjam Desert or at a hotel in Shahroud.

Sightseeing: the tombs of Abolhasan Kharghani & Bayazid Bastami, Chahjam Desert

Today we first move to Abr village. Then we transfer to Abr forest at the foot of Chogholgir mountain range. It’s a valley covered with dense forests in a short distance to the desert filled with the clouds risen from the moisture of the Caspian Sea. Descending the heights towards Shirinabad village, we are above the clouds. Taking this route, hiking or biking, we’ll pass through an ocean of clouds, and we’ll be below clouds at the foot of the valley. (We’ll take the route of Alang road, if Shirinabad Abr route is not in a good condition). Afterwards we will transfer to Gonbad-e Kavus where the highest brick tower in the world (Kavus tower) lies, take photos wearing Iranian Turkmen’s clothing. Finally we transfer to Gorgan, have dinner in Naharkhoran and stay overnight in Gorgan.

Sightseeing: the natural beauties of Abr Forest & Abr Ocean, Gonbad-e Kavus

Today we first move to Bandar-e Torkaman; a port on the Caspian Sea, visiting the best horse-breeding centers and horse riding pistes, and the culture and traditions of the Turkmen. Then we move to Ashooradeh Island by boat, have dinner in the island, walk through the island, and visit workshops yielding caviar. Afterwards we move to Miankaleh by boat visiting the birds and enjoying the beauties in the region. Finally, we transfer to Gorgan and stay overnight in Gorgan.

Sightseeing: the natural beauties of Gorgan, Bandar-e Torkaman, Ashooradeh & Miankaleh

Today we take the flight to Tehran and visit the remaining sites there. What comes last is our transfer to IKA and depart from Iran, the land of history, culture, nature, beauty and hospitality, of which you will have fond memories forever. (In “Glories of Persia”, we didn’t consider it necessary to book a hotel for this night. On request, we can book the hotel at IKA for some hours or a whole night in accordance with your departure time).

Sightseeing: Visit Azadi tower and remaining sites of Tehran