Classic Iran

Suggested Itinerary

Overview

Home to one of the oldest civilisations on earth, Iran can boast a cultural legacy of unparalleled scope. The lands of Cyrus the Great and the powerful Achaemenids, the Persia of antiquity once held sway over all the known world, from North Africa to the lands west of the Indus, before going on to play a leading role in a period that many saw as the golden age of Islam. This comprehensive journey into the heart of this fascinating country takes you across a historical land-scape that stretches ...

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.

EXPAND ALL ITINERARY DAYS
COLLAPSE ALL ITINERARY DAYS

Day 1 ARRIVE IN TEHRAN

Day 1 ARRIVE IN TEHRAN

Arrive in Tehran and transfer to your hotel. The country's largest city, Tehran bears the distinction of being Iran's 32nd national capital. Filled with a wealth of mosques, churches, Zoroastrian fire temples and synagogues, the city lies sandwiched between the snowcapped mountains of the Alborz ranges and the baking heat of the central desert which lies to its south.

Espinas Hotel

Day 2 TEHRAN

Day 2 TEHRAN

A full day's sightseeing tour of the Iranian capital includes a visit to some of the city's most impressive buildings including the majestic Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest of Tehran's historic monuments. You will also get a chance to visit the city's impressive National Museum, which combines the historic and cultural treasures of both the Archaeological Museum and the National Arts Museum and there is an option to visit the Contemporary Art Museum.

Espinas Hotel
Breakfast

Day 3 TEHRAN - KASHAN

Day 3 TEHRAN - KASHAN

Once a centre for high quality pottery and tile production, the historic oasis city of Kashan was also an important leisure destination for the Safavi kings and the beautiful gardens of Bagh-e-Fin were specifically designed to represent classic versions of Persian paradise. Created by Shah Abbas I, it is one of the most famous gardens in Iran and is filled with a wonderful collection of Safavid, Zandiyeh and Qajar buildings. There will also be a chance to visit the bazaar and the traditional bath house, before taking in the views of the city from the roof of a converted hammam.

Saraye Ameriha Hotel
Breakfast

Day 4 KASHAN - NA'IN - MEYBOD - YAZD

Day 4 KASHAN - NA'IN - MEYBOD - YAZD

Leaving Kashan behind this morning you drive on through the desert, stopping first at the major carpet making centre of Na'in. Home to the 10th century Jama Mosque, there will be a chance to visit the mosque and the nearby anthropological museum, before continuing on to the important Zoroastrian shrine of Chak Chak. Hidden deep within the desert, this small shrine is one of the most revered sites in the country, attracting thousands of pilgrims from across Iran and India. Back on the main road, you head next for the famous ceramics town of Meybord, before a late afternoon arrival in Yazd.

Dad Hotel
Breakfast

Day 5 YAZD

Day 5 YAZD

Yazd was a major centre of Zoroastrian thought even after the Arab conquests of Persia. With a history dating back over 3,000 years, it contains some of the finest examples of traditional Persian desert architecture left in the country and a tour of the city begins with a visit to the remarkable Zoroastrian, Towers of Silence. You will also visit the fire temple, before moving on to discover the beautifully restored set-ting of the Water Museum. An afternoon walk then takes in the high city walls, the Jama Mosque and Alexander's Prison, which today houses a number of craft and tea shops.

Dad Hotel
Breakfast

Day 6 YAZD - FARAGHE

Day 6 YAZD - FARAGHE

Departing Yazd this morning you drive through the desert landscapes to the Bavanat Valley, where a walk up into the mountains provides some spectacular views out across the valleys, with their small, lush pockets of fertile oases. Arriving at Faragheh Village in time for lunch, this afternoon you then head into the valley to meet up with the local nomads. Spending the afternoon in the presence of these timeless people provides a rare opportunity to learn something of their culture and lifestyles, before returning to your homestay in time for a traditional meal by the fire.

Faraghe Village Homestay
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 FARAGHE - PASGARDAE - PERSEPOLIS - SHIRAZ

Day 7 FARAGHE - PASGARDAE - PERSEPOLIS - SHIRAZ

There will be time for a walk around the village before leaving for the ancient site of Pasgardae, the capital of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire. The earliest known example of Achaemenid architecture, the city remains a stunning testimony to the artistry of the early Persian civilisation. Then it is on to Persepolis, the great capital of the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Darius I and destroyed nearly 200 years later by Alexander the Great. Before leaving you'll pay a visit to the spectacular Sassanid necropolis at Naqsh-e-Rustam, final resting place of Darius himself. Arrive in Shiraz this evening. 

Zandiyeh Hotel
Breakfast

Day 8 SHIRAZ

Day 8 SHIRAZ

A city of poets and gardens, Shiraz revels in its importance as a centre of Persian culture. Beginning with a wander through the traditional Qahqai bazaar and into the courtyard of the Shah Cheragh Shrine, you then move on to the Nasir al Molk Mosque, where you can enjoy the splendour of its tile work and stained glass, before taking in the blooms of the Narenjestan Gardens and Palace. Back in central Shiraz, you then visit the Vakil Mosque and Bazaar and the immense Citadel of Karim Khan, before ending the day at the tomb of Hafez, one of Shiraz's most celebrated poet. 

Zandiyeh Hotel
Breakfast

Day 9 SHIRAZ - ISFAHAN

Day 9 SHIRAZ - ISFAHAN

A long drive north today gets us into Isfahan late this afternoon. An Iranian proverb once described Isfahan as "...half of the world" and, indeed, this stunning city was once one of the largest anywhere on earth. Home to some truly exceptional examples of Iranian and Islamic architecture, its centrepiece is the magnificent Naqshe e Jahan Square, which provides the backdrop for an ice cream and an evening stroll through the bazaar later.

Abbasi Hotel
Breakfast

Day 10 ISFAHAN

Day 10 ISFAHAN

An exploration of the huge Naqshe e Jahan Square today provides an opportunity to explore one of the largest city squares on the planet. Surrounded on three sides by the exquisite Imam and Sheikh Loftallah Mosque and the Ali Qapu palace, this beautiful World Heritage Site covers an area of nearly 90,000 square metres. A climb up to the balconies of the Ali Qapu Palace provides the perfect vantage point from which to take in the tiled majesty of this truly unforgettable site.

Abbasi Hotel
Breakfast

Day 11 ISFAHAN

Day 11 ISFAHAN

Heading south of the river towards Joffa this morning you will pay a visit to the Armenian quarter, to view the beautiful 17th century Vank Cathedral. A mix of Persian and western styling, the church's interiors display a stunning array of gilded carvings and delicate blue and gold paintwork and the attached museum and library is a treasure trove of invaluable Armenian and medieval European manuscripts. Then it is time to enjoy a walk across the city's famous bridges and take in the splendours of its celebrated palaces, which boast some of the finest architecture in the whole city.

Abbasi Hotel
Breakfast

Day 12 ISFAHAN - ABYANEH

Day 12 ISFAHAN - ABYANEH

Leaving behind the majesty of Isfahan you'll head next towards the ancient mud brick settlement of Abyaneh, one of the most picturesque villages in the country. Lying deep in a valley, the village is riddled with a twisting network of alleyways that add character to a setting that has changed little over the intervening centuries. Staunchly traditional, the village is one of the oldest in Iran and the local people still proudly wear their distinctive local dress.

Abyaneh Hotel
Breakfast

Day 13 ABYANEH - TEHRAN

Day 13 ABYANEH - TEHRAN

The drive back to Tehran today stops at the Holy Shrine of Imam Khomeini, a fitting reminder of Iran's long road from the Achaemenid kings to the strict beliefs of Shia Islam. Still unfinished, this stunning mausoleum will be the centrepiece of a complex that covers some 20 square kilometres, housing a cultural centre, a university and room for more than 20,000 cars. Close by is the Behesht e Zahra, the cemetery dedicated to the thousands who died in the bloody Iran-Iraq War. A final afternoon is then spent on the slopes of the Alborz Mountains, in the prosperous resort of Darband.

Espinas Hotel
Breakfast

Day 14 DEPART TEHRAN

Day 14 DEPART TEHRAN

Transfer to the airport today for your onward flight home.

Breakfast

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.

GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED

14 days from £4,430

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 5476 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Wild Miles Club

When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:

Blue More than 10,000 points 2.5% discount
Bronze More than 30,000 points 5% discount
Silver More than 45,000 points 7.5% discount
Gold More than 60,000 points 10% discount

This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.

Positive Impact of this Trip

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

WHY WILD FRONTIERS?

Meet the expert, Dan

Dan is our Middle East expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.

Speak to Daniel by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258

Despite the unapparelled number of 'big ticket' sights there are to see in Iran, for me the greatest joy is walking the streets, sitting in tea houses, eating kaboob and shooting the breeze with the wonderfully friendly Iranian people.

OTHER ITINERARIES IN IRAN