Tour Highlights
• Journey to Tehran, the city of colorful lights, intriguing sounds, and never ending motion.
• Visit Nasir al Molk Mosque (Pink Mosque) and Vakil Complex (Vakil Bath, Vakil Bazaar, Vakil Mosque, and Vakil Citadel) in Shiraz.
• Discover Persepolis, the ancient capital of Darius the Great.
• Experience Iranian hospitality and a traditional family dinner at a local house in Shiraz.
• Explore Yazd, the city of Zoroastrians, wind catchers, and mud brick architecture.
• Spend a full day in Isfahan visiting Imam Square, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Shah Mosque, and Ali Qapu Palace.
• Wander through the historic bazaar in Kashan.
• Meet Iranian people and be welcomed to their country.
• Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites and UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• Visit beautiful Persian Gardens.
Inbound Persia Tour and Travel Agency – Iran Epic Tour.
Our Travel Route Map
"We’ve marked your destinations (Iran’s cities) on this map so you can find your favorite spots and plan your route. See the full itinerary below."
Trip Itinerary
Arrival at IKA International Airport – we will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. You will have time to rest before our morning tour begins. To avoid heavy traffic, taking the subway is the best way to visit Tehran. We take the subway and charter taxis so we make the most of the day and visit as many sites as possible. This also gives us a much better chance to get acquainted with Iranian people.
We leave the hotel at 9:30 for a trip to the Iran National Museum, where we will see a variety of Persian civilizations and cultures during different ages and become familiar with Iranian history. Then we visit Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Golestan Palace is a masterpiece of the Qajar era, embodying the successful integration of earlier Persian crafts and architecture with Western influences. Built around a garden featuring pools and planted areas, the Palace’s most characteristic features and rich ornaments date from the 19th century. It became a centre of Qajari arts and architecture and has remained a source of inspiration for Iranian artists and architects to this day. Afterward, we visit Tehran's Bazaar and enjoy the city. Overnight in Tehran.
We leave Tehran and drive to Kashan, stopping to admire Azadi Tower as we depart. Kashan is one of Iran’s most popular tourist destinations, with a 7,000 year history. We visit the beautiful UNESCO registered Fin Garden during our stay, as well as the Tabatabai and Boroojerdi Houses – outstanding examples of upmarket historical houses typical of Kashan.
Then we continue to Isfahan. As the 17th century capital of the Safavid Empire, Isfahan was one of the world’s greatest cities – architecturally striking, wealthy beyond imagination, and politically powerful. Its grandeur inspired the rhyming proverb: Isfahan nesf e jahan (Isfahan is half the World).
We begin our exploration by visiting some of the centuries old bridges that span the Zayandeh River. The 14th century Shahrestan Bridge evokes the greatest aqueducts of ancient Rome and is the oldest bridge in Iran. Other famous bridges are Si o Seh Pol and Khaju. There are sluice gates below to let water run off in spring, and beautiful stone archways above each gate – a great acoustic place for singing. You can always find a man or group singing under the bridge. You have the chance to chat with them and listen to their songs. Overnight in Isfahan.
Today we explore Imam Square (Naqsh e Jahan Square) , one of the largest city squares in the world, built by Shah Abbas I in the early 17th century. In 1979 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The square is surrounded by important Safavid era buildings: the Shah Mosque on the south side, Ali Qapu Palace on the west, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque on the east, and the Isfahan Grand Bazaar opening to the north.
We also visit Chehel Sotoun (literally “Forty Columns”), a royal pavilion built by Shah Abbas I to receive ambassadors and international guests. It is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with eight other Persian Gardens. Overnight in Isfahan.
We travel to the historical UNESCO registered city of Yazd, located in the middle of the Iranian plateau, 270 km southeast of Isfahan, close to the Spice and Silk Roads. Since 2017, the historical city of Yazd has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yazd is one of the most beautiful mud brick cities in the world, with a wide range of attractions bringing tourists from around the globe. The city has many titles: the City of Wind Catchers, the City of Bicycles, the City of Sweets, the City of Qanats, and the City of Fire and Sun.
In the evening we visit a Zorkhaneh – a combination of martial arts, strength training, and music, a tradition that dates back to ancient Persia. Afterward, we visit Amir Chakhmagh Square and walk through the city’s mud brick alleys. Overnight in Yazd.
Yazd dates from the Sassanid era (2,000 years ago) and was called Isatis in those days. The word Yazd means “Clear of Filth” and also “Worship, Praise and Adoration”. It is the second largest mud brick city in the world remaining from ancient times.
In the morning we visit the Zoroastrian Fire Temple and then drive to Dowlat Abad Garden, famous for its tall wind catcher. In the evening we walk through the city’s narrow alleys with a local family and enjoy this traditional city. Overnight in Yazd.
On the way to Shiraz, we visit Persepolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded by Darius I in 518 B.C., Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. It was built on an immense half artificial, half natural terrace, with an impressive palace complex inspired by Mesopotamian models. It was used for royal receptions and festivals such as Nowruz (the Persian New Year).
Next we visit Naqsh e Rostam (Necropolis) , the magnificent burial place of Achaemenid kings, with seven bas reliefs dating back to Elamite and Sassanid periods. Overnight in Shiraz.
This morning we take a walking tour to visit Nasir al Molk Mosque (Pink Mosque) and Naranjestan Garden. Then we explore the alleys and lanes of the popular Vakil Bazaar – a great spot to sit, chat, and enjoy a glass of orange blossom tea. We also visit Vakil Mosque, Vakil Bath, and Vakil Citadel.
After lunch, we head to Bagh e Eram (Eram Garden) , known as the Garden of Paradise, where we wander through its beautifully manicured gardens. Overnight in Shiraz.
Our tour finishes and you will depart Iran, the land of warmth and hospitality, with fond memories. We will transfer you to Shiraz International Airport for your flight home.