Traveling to Iran during Nowruz
(Persian New Year)
The longest Iranian holiday
Persian New Year or Nowruz is one of the special dates for Iranians. It starts on the 20th of March (1st of Farvardin) and continues for about 2 weeks till the first of April (13th of Farvardin) which is the day Called Sizdah Bedar. Nowruz is the start of spring. It is the month that the earth wakes up from its hibernation and breathes. It is the time of flowers blooming and pleasant winds of spring blowing. Although traveling in Nowruz could be tempting for most travelers.
What Iranians do during Nowruz ?
Many Iranians plan for these two weeks in advance. For most, it is their longest holiday of the year and they plan to make the most of it with their family and friends. What better time to visit other cities of Iran and sightsee their numerous historical sites?
Main famous tourist cities of the country (Like Isfahan, Shiraz, Yazd, Kashan, and …) become busy. Most hotels will get booked early. All public transportation will be full and all roads leading to these cities will be crowded with private cars. You may visit most sites with local tourists from other cities. In the end, this can make you give up on seeing some parts of it.
The only city that will do 180 and become quiet and peaceful is Tehran the Capital. Citizens of Tehran won’t take this time for granted. They usually plan a holiday for themselves. Despite this, most people from other cities prefer the cities mentioned above and won’t come to Tehran for the holidays. The streets are mostly with no traffic, sites and museums are likely to be empty, and the air is clear and mostly windy. If you wish to explore Tehran for some days, we highly recommend you travel at this time, but if you want to visit other cities or plan to visit Iran for the first time, you may see Iranians a lot on the Classic route. Iran is always a good idea. Don't hesitate and book your tour to Iran now.
Trip Highlights
What you experience
• Gathering with the local people of a region for the first night of the Persian New Year at a traditional house or a local eco-lodge.
• Learning about the stories, rituals, activities, foods and other specificities of Nowruz events in an authentic setting.
• Having the opportunity to witness and participate in the real atmosphere of the most important and beloved tradition in Iran.
• Observing the variety of customs related to Nowruz in different parts of the country.
• Sharing special local foods only cooked for this event, beverages, delights and delicacies with locals.
• Discover UNESCO world heritage and UNESCO intangible cultural heritage
• Visiting Persian Gardens
• Discover Persepolis, home of Darius the Great
• Explore Silk Road or Royal Road
Trip Itinerary
Day 01: Shiraz Arrive in Shiraz with Turkish airline
Sightseeing: Nasir al Molk Mosque , Narangestan Garden , Karim Khan Palace, Vakil Mosque, Vakil Bazaar, SarayeMoshir (Moshir Caravanserai) , Eram Garden, Hafez Tomb and Saadi Tomb.
Upon your pre-dawn arrival at Shiraz airport, our representative, carrying our logo show card (transfer information), will meet and transfer you to your hotel. You will have time to rest and relax before our morning tour of Shiraz begins. 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 been the capital. It 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, we 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 SarayeMoshir 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 outstanding. Saadi is a poet, philosopher, and mystic who is known as the founder of alternative tourism. He traveled 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 and stay overnight in Shiraz.
Day 02 : Persepolis and Necropolis and Yazd City
Sightseeing: Persepolis and Necropolis
In the morning, we first pay a visit to a UNESCO World heritage site ,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. Stay overnight in Yazd.
Day 03 : Yazd
Sightseeing: Jameh Mosque of Yazd, Old City, Alexander’s Prison, Tomb of the 12 Imams, Dowlatabad Garden, and Zourkhaneh
Yazd a UNESCO CITY is 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-Lut. This ancient city is furnished with mosques of stunning beauty. The co-existence of the splendid fire temples and the holy sites of different religions astonishes every visitor. Today’s tour includes visiting the Jameh Mosque of Yazd, taking a walk through the old city of Yazd, and visiting the 15th-century domed school known as Alexander’s Prison. Whether the deep well in the middle of its courtyard was 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. We move on to the Tomb of the 12 Imams; the early-11th-century brick Tomb forming one side of Zaiee Sq. in the heart of Yazd's historic old city. The once-fine, but now badly deteriorated inscriptions inside bear the names of the Shiite Imams, though none are buried here. The tomb was closed at the time of writing. 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 and afterward, we will visit Zourkhaneh in the evening. It is a combination of martial arts, strength training, and music. Way before bodybuilding, Persians used to practice weightlifting in Zoorkhaneh. Stay overnight in Yazd
Day 04 : Yazd , Isfahan
Sightseeing: Fire temple, Vank cathedral Church and Sio-se-pol Bridge
Today we leave Yazd for Isfahan (around 300 kms) after visiting Yazd fire temple. Yazd fire temple, is stated to have been burning since about 470 AD during the Sassanid Dynasty. Back then, the fire was in Pars Karyan fire temple in the southern Pars Province. In the morning after we visit this magnificent fire temple. Then we drive to Isfahan to visit Vank cathedral church. which is one of the most beautiful Armenian churches in the world and will undoubtedly capture the attention of every Christian. Then we will continue our exploration of the city by visiting some of the centuries-old, still elegant bridges that span Zayandeh River. The 14th-century Shahrestan Bridge, for example, evokes the greatest aqueducts of ancient Rome and is the oldest bridge in Iran. Other famous bridges on Zayandeh River are Sio-ce-pol and Khaju. There are sluice gates below the bridge to let the water run off the Zayandeh River in the spring, and there are beautiful stone archways above each gate. These archways provide a great acoustic place for every man who wants to sing. You can always find a man or a group of men singing under the bridge. The songs are usually about betrayal or unrequited love. You have the chance to chat with these men and listen to their songs. Stay. Overnight in Isfahan.
Day 05 : Isfahan
Sightseeing : Imam Square (Naghshe Jahan Square) Ali Qapu Palace , Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque , Shah Mosque and Isfahan Grand Bazaar and Chehel setoon Palace
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 with Europeans, Ottomans, Indians, and Chinese coming to its court– the heart of a vast Persian Empire that stretched from the Euphrates River in present-day Iraq to the Oxus River in Afghanistan. Indeed, its grandeur inspired the rhyming proverb, Isfahan nesf e jahan (Isfahan is half of the World). Imam Square of Isfahan is one of the largest city squares in the world and was Built by Shah Abbas I the Great at the beginning of the 17th century. This amazing site in 1979 was designated a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. Must see this place. Imam square is surrounded by important historical buildings from the Safavid era. The Shah Mosque is situated on the south side of this square. On the west side, you can find Ali Qapu Palace. Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque is situated on the eastern side of this square and the northern side opens into the Isfahan Grand Bazaar. They are an impressive testimony to the level of social and cultural life in Persia during the Safavid era. Afterward, we will visit Chehel Sotoun, literally meaning forty columns, is a royal pavilion that was built by Shah Abbas I as a place to receive ambassadors and international guests. The Chehel Sotun Palace, along with eight other gardens, is registered as a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE under the name of the Persian Gulf. Overnight in Isfahan.
.jpg "Tour to shah Mosque , Isfahan Iran . Inbound Persia Travel Agency")
Day 06 : Kashan
Sightseeing: Tabatabai , Boroojerdi Houses and Fin Garden
We will drive to Kashan. Kashan is a popular tourist destination in Iran and attracts a large number of tourists each year. Kashan has a 7000-year history and we will visit the beautiful UNESCO REGISTERED SITE ( Fin Garden ) during our stay. Also, we will visit both Tabatabai and Boroojerdi House, outstanding examples of upmarket historical houses typical of Kashan. Overnight in Tehran.
Day 07: Tehran
Sightseeing: Iran National Museum , Golestan Palace, Tabiat Bridge (Nature Bridge) Ab-o Atash Park (Water and Fire ) Park
In the morning we will visit the Iran National Museum, where we will get a chance to see a variety of Persian Civilizations and cultures during different ages and become familiar with Iranian history. Then we pay a visit to Golestan Palace. Golestan Palace is a masterpiece of the Qajar era, embodying the successful integration of earlier Persian crafts and architecture with Western influences. This amazing Palace in 2003 was designated a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. Afterward, in the evening we will visit the Nature Bridge and 2 parks of water and fire. Overnight in Tehran.
.jpg "Tour to nature bridge , Tabiat Bridge. Inbound Persia Travel Agency.")
Day 08 : Tehran
END TOUR
Our tour finishes and you will depart Iran, the land of warmth and hospitality with fond memories. We will transfer you to IKA International Airport to depart from Iran.
Optional
14 Days Group Tour
Day 09 : Rasht , Fooman , Masouleh village
Sightseeing : Rasht Excursion and Rudkhan Castle , Masouleh Village and photography and bird watching in Masouleh
In the morning we drive to Rasht city to experience the local Bazaar of Rasht, visit the Gilan Rural Heritage Museum, and taste Iranian foods, Because the variety of food in this city caused it to be registered as a creative city of food by UNESCO in 1994. Rasht’s food is very diverse, and whatever taste you have, you will be treated to a delicious meal in the world of Rashti’s delicacies . Then we drive to Fooman city to visit Rudkhan Castle , it is a brick and stone medieval castle which once was a military complex. Then visit Masouleh village with its unique architecture. The buildings are interconnected and have been built into the mountain. The Courtyards and roofs both serve as pedestrian areas similar to streets. No vehicle or motor is permitted to enter to the city. You walk in the city and enjoy local people selling their handicrafts and stay overnight in Masouleh village.
Day 10 : Anzali Port
Sightseeing : Anzali Lagoon , Lighthouse, Bird watching , Bazaar and Caspian sea
In the morning we drive to Anzali port and you will visit the most beautiful lagoon with lotus flowers. There you can watch birds flying in the sky. It is a memorable scene. You can taste local seafood here and wander in the Bazaar and taste local sweets and food., you can even visit an old lighthouse and memorable sunset on the beach. Overnight in Anzali.
Day 11 : Ardebil , Sarein
Sightseeing : Sheikh Safi od- Din Mauseoleum , Archaeology museum , Ilkhanid Mosque
The city tour starts right after arriving in Ardabil. and when we arive we will visit the Sheikh Safi- od- Din Mausoleum (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE) and then archaeology museum and Ilkhanid Mongol (Jame’a) mosque. Then we drive to visit Sarein and stay overnight in Sarein.
.jpg "Tour to Sheikh Safi -od-Din Mauseoleum. Inbound Persia Travel Agency.")
Day 12 : Tabriz
Sightseeing : Tabriz Bazaar , El Goli , Blue Mosque (Kabood Mosque )
Today we drive to Tabriz. Visitors enjoy the sightseeing here such as the former Shah Goli or the present Eil Goli (the Shah’s pool) which is the name of a large park in Tabriz. Then, we will visit the exotic bazaar which is one of the oldest bazaars of the Middle East and the largest covered traditional bazaar in the world and a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. The next place to visit is Kabood (Blue) Mosque Remainings of a Great Mosque Kabood or Jahanshah which dates back to 870 CE after the supervision of Jahanshah’s wife, Jan Beigum Khatoon. Overnight in Tabriz.
Day 13 : Kandovan , Tabriz
Sightseeing : Kandovan Village and city Excurtion
In the morning we drive to Kandovan village. Kandovan volcanic village (approx 152 km roundtrip). After passing the city of Oskoo and beautiful mountainous scenery we will reach this marvelous village. The special architecture of Kandovan is the reason of its universal reputation. Its dwellers carved the rocks of mountains and settled their lives there. The archeologists have estimated the antiquity of this village to 3000 years ago. The main activities of people in this splendid village are ranching, husbandry and gardening. The scene of piping in the rocks of the mountain indicates the co-existence of human beings and the surrounding environment. Kandovan is a beautiful sample of the presence and use of nature in men’s lives. Then we will return to Tabriz the evening is your leisure time.Overnight in Tabriz.
Day 14 : Tabriz
END TOUR
Our tour finish and you will depart Iran, the land of warmth and hospitality with fond memories. Today we move to Tabriz International airport ( Shahid Madani international airport ) and you can leave Iran.
On this auspicious day, may joy and love guide you. Have a wonderful Iran Nowruz Tour with Inbound Persia Travel Agency.
IRAN is always a good idea.