HIGHLIGHTS OF IRAN

We will meet you in IKA airport and transfer you to the hotel. We have a lot to venture, numerous places to visit, so get some good rest to get up all energetic and fresh in the morning. O/N Tehran . (L-D)

A full day Sightseeing in Tehran including: We will enjoy ourselves while visiting Golestan Palace (WHS) one of the oldest of the historic monuments in the city of Tehran. The glory and perfection in design of this building will surpass all your expectations of beauty. It consists of gardens, royal buildings, and collections of Iranian crafts and European presents from the 18th and 19th centuries. Next we visit National Museum of Iran which holds an incredibly wide range of pre-Islamic as well as post-Islamic remaining works including pottery vessels, metal objects, textile remains, and some rare books and coins. Make sure not to miss Treasury of National Jewels Museum (Opened from Sat to Wed). Here is the most dazzling collection of gemstones and jewelry known in the world; the most spectacular objects have been placed on public display and form one of the country’s principal tourist attractions, then we will have a panoramic visit from Azadi Tower. At night we will drive to the tallest tower in Iran and 17th-tallest freestanding structure in the world, Milad Tower is a multi-purpose tower standing at 435 meters from base to the tip of the antenna. This landmark accommodates a variety of sections and parts on each floor ranging from a cafeteria, a public art gallery, a library to a five-star hotel.
O/N Tehran

We will start our day by visiting SaadAbbad Palace is a great way to become more familiar with various historical, cultural and artistic aspects of Iran. At the foot of the Alborz ranges, north of Tehran, lays Sa’ad Abad Palace. The glorious structure was first erected as summer residence of Qajar kings and now is turned into a majestic museum to represent the finest works of art from Iranian and non-Iranian artists to a large number of visitors, then we will have a visit of one the famous museum in Tehran Reza Abbasi Museum, there we visit Darband Mountainside where most Iranians spend their leisure time in the nature to enjoy spectacular sceneries and great food in its restaurants in the mountain. It is a fabulous choice to breathe some fresh air and be away from the air-pollution of the mega city, then we will visit Tajrish Bazaar one of the oldest areas of Tehran. This center of commerce is decorated with well-designed arches. The bazaar has many passage ways leading to different sections where you can purchase a variety of goods and products. In the next we will transfer to Airport to have flight to where the Capital of ancient Persia located in, Shiraz.
O/N Shiraz

In the morning you will open your eyes to a majestic city; Shiraz, the home to numerous internationally-recognized Poets and Rose is waiting to welcome you right outside your hotel room. After being served with a tasteful and delicious breakfast, your exiting tour will begin; we will visit Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, a master piece of innovation and creation. Sun rays will paint the floor and the columns with various and vibrant colors by passing through the colorful window glasses. Afterwards, you will be taken to see colorful paradise that named Eram Garden (WHS), in the next we will move to Karim Khan Citadel, a well-built fort, and a most see monument. Then we move on to enjoy the fabulous architecture of Vakil Mosque and Vakil Bath and admire the beauty of carpets, rugs, and woven handicrafts found in Vakil Bazaar, then we get to Moshir Saray a traditional Bazaar, we will call it a day by Hafez Tomb, one of the most prominent poets of Iran.
O/N Shiraz

We will start the fifth day by having an existing excursion to the history of ancient Persia by visiting Persepolis (WHS), a complex accommodating a cluster of palaces. Afterwards we will visit Naghsh-e Rostam which is an ancient Necropolis, a large ancient cemetery with elaborate tomb monuments. Here you can see a group of ancient Iranian rock reliefs cut into the cliff, from the Sassanid periods. We will continue to have the privilege by visiting Pasargadae (WHS), where Cyrus the Great is resting for centuries. These ruins are among the only remains reflecting the glory of ancient Persian Empire. Then we will back to Shiraz.
O/N Shiraz

After travelling back to the history, now it’s time to appreciate a not very common face of the nature, by visiting salt lakes. We first go to Maharlu Lake to be fascinated by the pink color of this Salt Lake. Sarvestan palace would be our next stop. This palace has been erected on a land as big as 25 hectares and is one of the earliest rock stones structures built in Sassanid-era. We will finish the day by going to a Salt Lake of Bakhtegan which hosts some specific species of emigrant birds, such as Dalmatian pelican and flamingo.
O/N Kerman

On this day at first, we seize the opportunity to enjoy visiting Ganjali Khan Complex which encompasses a Traditional Bathhouse, well-designed Bazaar, a Caravanseray and a Mosque with divine and spiritual atmosphere. For the next part of the day, we will travel to an area called Mahan, situated in south of Kerman, where a green patch, known as Shazde Mahan Garden (WHS), appears right in the middle of an arid and sterile Desert. This land mark is a dazzling pavilion at far end of the pool which is located on top of the garden and water flows down from a stair-like path to the entrance gate. To complete the joy, we will then go to Nematollah Vali Mausoleum. The spectacular Turquoise dome of the building is easily recognized from far away.
O/N Kerman

The home to Zoroastrians, Yazd still holds Fire temples, with fires burning for 2500 years now. The city also has great reputation for its remarkable wind towers providing us with natural air conditioning system to blow cool and pleasing air in the middle of the burning summer. One may also remember Yazd by the Pahlavani and Zoorkhane rituals. On the way to Yazd you will have the chance to visit Zein-o-Din Caravanseray in a relatively short stop. The caravanserai has offered cozy stay and accommodation for passing caravans. Mehr-Padin Castle.It’s located in Mehriz, is sure among the parts of your tour that you will not forget. This glorious castle was built 600 years ago. It has two defensive battlements and nine circular towers. Exterior space of the castle is surrounded by a vast moat and interior space of the castle is surrounded by two mud brick fences. Mehriz city is famous for its beautiful and spectacular gardens. One such garden is Pahlavan Pour Garden (WHS) which dates back to the late Qajar era; it can you can keep you away from the hectic lifestyle, at least for a few hours, by its cold water stream running right through the middle of the garden with stout and soaring trees standing at its sides. At top of the garden there is a pavilion with an impressive design. All in all, the features found in this garden reflect the shifting trend from traditional styles of building gardens to more modern ones which can be seen today. Fahraj Mosque demonstrates the simple architectural characteristics of the early Islamic centuries. It is among the oldest extant mosques in Persia. The beauty of the mosque is embedded in its simplicity; its modest internal courtyard is lined with clay tiles and every visitor surely receives a relaxing and soothing vibe from the building.
O/N Yazd

Reaching Yazd, we begin by visiting Zoroastrian’s Tower of Silence which a circular and raised structure built by Zoroastrians on top of a hill. It was used for incarnation for dead bodies to be exposed to carrion birds. We next have the chance to visit Yazd Fire-Temple, a place of worship for Zoroastrians, which contains in its heart a 2500-year-old fire and the Zoroastrians’ Museum containing numerous ancient writings. We will experience walking through narrow allies of Fahadan District with tall mud and straw walls, which are reminiscent of the ancient architecture of the city. The passages of the city were previously replete with arcs, curves, and bends, wide enough for just two or three pedestrians to walk through. Among in numerable attractions of Yazd, here we will visit Amir Chakhmakh Complex. The complex is decorated by along rectangular pool, surrounded by small shops; not only can one enjoy shopping for souvenirs from such traditional and local shops which mainly sell handicrafts, but he/she can also rest their eyes on alluring beauty of the architecture of the mosque. Last but not Least, is Dowlat Abad Garden (WHS) which is renown all across the globe due to its tallest wind tower of the world.
O/N Yazd

In the morning drive to Isfahan, En-route to Isfahan, we will have a short stop in Meybod. The city receives great credit for minting-coins workshops which we also will visit. On the way to Isfahan we stop to visit Narin Castle Remains located in the middle of historical texture of Meybod. Another must-see monument in Meybod is Shah-Abbasi Caravanserai built in Safavid era. Just like travelers in the past who could rest and recover from the day’s journey, we also stop here on our way to Isfahan to enjoy the architecture of the structure having rooms all around it traditionally used as shops and stores. Now it is time to visit Mud-Brick Ice house which has a shaped of an up-side down cone which has a subterranean storage space; it was often used to store ice, but sometimes was used to store food as well. We should leave Meybod to visit Nain Jame Mosque situated in the old texture of the city. The Mosque was built after the Mohamad’s Mosque in Medina.
O/N Isfahan

Get ready to visit half of the world; Isfahan was once the capital of Persia and one of the largest cities in the world. Even today, the city retains much of its past glory. This hub of creativity was rightly granted the title “Half-of-the-World” due to its flourishing commerce and a great variety of astonishing arts ranging from poetry and handicrafts to unique architectural styles. We begin our journey through Isfahan by visiting Chehel-Sotun Palace. This architectural masterpiece is a pavilion in the midst of a park at the far end of a long pool which is a typical design of all Persian Gardens. The palace has been constructed for the King’s entertainment and receptions during Safavid-era. ChehelSotun Palace literally means “Forty Columns” which was inspired by the twenty slender wooden columns supporting the entrance pavilion, which, when reflected in the water of the fountain, are said to appear to be forty. The most startling feature of the pavilion is the brilliant interior design and paintings which includes fabulous roofs, old tile-covered floors, and painted walls featuring scenes of battles and celebrations hold by the king. Chehel-Sotun Palace is not just an old building; it tells us about history and each and every crack on the walls or the floors holds a story of the past. We will continue our tour to Meidane Emam (Naghsh-e-Jahan) (WHS) Square which is an oblong-shaped square built in Safavid era. The square with its lively atmosphere has always been a perennial tourist attraction; it is

bordered on all sides by aesthetically remarkable monumental buildings linked by a series of two-storied arcades of shops. The monuments surrounding the square are named, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, The Pavilion of Ali-Qapu and Imam Mosque situated on the south side of the Shah square. The mosque was built during Safavid period by the order of the first Shah Abbas of Persia. The undeniable beauty and Sophistication in design of the mosque do mirror ages and years of experience in constructing mosques by Iranians. All parts of the mosque have been woven together in great harmony to present a seamless, matchless whole. Religious concepts along with traditional symbols are all fully tangible in the design of the structure. The dome of the mosque standing on top with tall Minarets soaring into the sky, seem to invite every passerby in to worship and pray the Lord. Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, standing on the eastern side of Naghsh-e-Jahan Square, is considered as one of the marvels of Persian architecture. Every element of the building is a true embodiment of elegance; it enchants every viewer by its dome changing color from dawn to dusk. There is an underground corridor offering a passage from the building to Ali-Qapu palace which is going to be the next piece of history to visit. The Pavilion of Ali-Qapu is a grand palace located on the western side of the Naghsh-e-Jahan Square, opposite of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque. The building was named Ali-Qapu which means “great gate” in as much as it was right at the entrance to the Safavid palaces which stretched from the Naghsh-e-Jahan Square to the ChaharBagh Boulevard. The structures were a symbol of the government’s power and was originally used as a place to hold important political negotiations. Ali-Qapu is rich in naturalistic wall paintings; they abound with floral, animal and bird motifs. The building is also embellished with mirrors, arcs and magnificent colorful tiles, in the next we will have a free time for visiting Grand Bazaar, after that we will move for visit Siyosepol which literally means 33 arches is abridge highly ranked as being one of the most famous examples of Safavid bridge design. It is the longest bridge on Zayandeh Rood River connecting east of Isfahan to its west. Then visit another well-known bridge over Zayandeh Rood River called Khaju and next to see the oldest bridge on Zayandeh Rood River. The Zayandeh Rood River can be considered as a contributing factor to the growth of the population and the economy of the city; it helped established Isfahan as an influential center, and gave a green landscape to Isfahan, a city in the middle of a desert.
O/N Isfahan

We are going to have a great day with a great start, first thing in the morning we will visit Jame-Mosque (WHS). This is one of the oldest mosque still standing in Iran claiming its place as a masterpiece in Persian architecture for its structural clarity and geometric balance. The mosque is renewed for reflection classic art in a traditional and Islamic structure. We then should not miss Vank Cathedral which is one of the most celebrated examples of the colorful architecture to mirror Christians’ religious and spiritual concept. Menar Jonban will be the next site to visit, a monument located that its construction began in the 14th century famous for shaking minarets.
O/N Isfahan

In the morning while being Isfahan drive to IKA airport, on the way to Kashan we will visit Abyaneh. The village has a brilliant architecture; houses are constructed using peculiar reddish hue mud. The other attractive feature of the place is the women clothes which have colorful and happy patterns and under-knee skirts.
Abyunaki people have persistently maintained this traditional costume, and visit visit Fin Garden (WHS) a lush garden renowned as being the very epitome of the Persian garden. In the garden you can enjoy a delightful atmosphere as water from a natural spring flows through a series of turquoise-colored pools and fountains. Then we will visit Tabatabaei Traditional Houses, Tabatabaei Traditional house is a perfect place to gain an insight as to how great taste of art and exquisite workmanship can come together to build a splendid house about 2 centuries ago.
O/N Tehran. Airport Hotel

You will be transferred to the Airport for departure.
Saying goodbye is never easy, but it is time to go to the airport. Iran is a kind of place that you cannot get enough of it and to appreciate its beauty thoroughly in such few days is not possible. Therefore, until next time we will have the honor to host you here in Iran take care and enjoy your flight.