Complete Central Iran
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
One of the most enigmatic countries on earth, the modern face of Iran is just one facet of a culture that can trace its origins back to the Median tribes of classic antiquity. This comprehensive journey across the old Persian Empire encompasses many of the highlights of the country’s ancient and contemporary heritage, but also steers towards the more remote mountains and villages of Iran.
The journey will take you from mountain hiking trails, desert temples, oasis towns, rose ...
One of the most enigmatic countries on earth, the modern face of Iran is just one facet of a culture that can trace its origins back to the Median tribes of classic antiquity. This comprehensive journey across the old Persian Empire encompasses many of the highlights of the country’s ancient and contemporary heritage, but also steers towards the more remote mountains and villages of Iran.
The journey will take you from mountain hiking trails, desert temples, oasis towns, rose fields and remote villages, meeting Qashqai nomads and Bakhtiari Nomads along the way. Discover the history of these nomadic cultures and become familiar with their daily lives and activities as they welcome you into their camps.
Beginning in Tehran, you explore the mud brick houses and meandering alleyways of Abyaneh, unchanged for generations, before visiting the ancient Archaemenid capitals of Pasargadae and Persepolis and enjoying some time exploring the beautiful gardens and architecture of Shiraz and Isfahan, home to some of Iran’s greatest Islamic masterpieces.
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.
DAY 1: TEHRAN
DAY 1: TEHRAN
Arrive in Tehran and transfer to your hotel.
DAY 2: TEHRAN
DAY 2: TEHRAN
On your city tour today head to the bazaar to see the enormous market place with its shops and stalls, visit the 18th century Golestan Palace and the Archaeological museum. In the afternoon head for the crown jewels housed in the vaults of the Bank Melli, then visit the Reza Abassi Museum with its vast collection of Persian art and antiquities, the Iran Holy Defence Museum which is dedicated to the Iran-Iraq war or the Carpet Museum of Iran which houses more than 100 carpets from the 17th century onwards.
DAY 3: TEHRAN
DAY 3: TEHRAN
Today you will be trekking to Darband, a popular hiking trail into Mount Tochal, which towers over Tehran. The Persian term darband translates to "door of the mountain”. From Tajrish square you will climb 3km uphill, passing a beautiful waterfall, before reaching the entrance to Darband village. Choose to hike further or take the chair lift to more stunning views.
DAY 4: TEHRAN - KASHAN - ABYANEH
DAY 4: TEHRAN - KASHAN - ABYANEH
Leaving Tehran, drive south to Abyaneh, stopping first in Kashan, an oasis town famous for its harvest of roses. Visit the beautiful Fin Garden, built for Shah Abbas I in the early 17th century, which contains the remains of his two storey palace. Also of interest is the House of Borujerdi, originally a private nobleman's house of the 19th century and now a museum. Continue to the charming village of Abyaneh in the mountains, where you will stay overnight.
DAY 5: ABYANEH - NA'IN - MEYBOD - YAZD
DAY 5: ABYANEH - NA'IN - MEYBOD - YAZD
Leaving Abyaneh, begin your long drive through the desert to Yazd. About half way through you will stop at Na'in, a famous carpet making centre, and visit the Jame Mosque. Continue on to Meybod, about 60km from Yazd and visit the Narenj Castle (a mud-brick pre-Islamic fort). Arrive in the ancient city and caravan staging post of Yazd in the late afternoon.
DAY 6: YAZD - SHIRKUH - ABAR KUH
DAY 6: YAZD - SHIRKUH - ABAR KUH
Your drive today will take you to the mountains to hike to Shirkuh peak. A moderate hike, there are plenty of other options for those looking for an easier hike. You may choose to visit the agricultural village of Deh Bala before checking into your hotel in Abar Kuh. The town is great for wandering around; with the National Monuments of Abarkuh Cypressa, a 4000 year old tree, and the House of Aghazaheh, home to one of the most original ventilation systems and your accommodation for the night.
DAY 7: ABAR KUH - FARAGHE - EGHLID
DAY 7: ABAR KUH - FARAGHE - EGHLID
You will be driven to Faraghe for lunch before continuing to Eghlid to meet Qashqai nomads. Also known as Ghashghaei, they are a nomadic tribe originally from Turkey, who keep moving across the Zagros Mountains, a mountain range located in western Iran. You will become familiar with their daily life through milking, cooking, bread baking or taking part in their ceremonies. There is the option to stay in a nomadic tent or in a local house in Eghlid.
DAY 8: EGHLID - PASGARDAE - PERSEPOLIS - SHIRAZ
DAY 8: EGHLID - PASGARDAE - PERSEPOLIS - SHIRAZ
Depart for Shiraz, visiting the ancient sites of Pasgardae and Persepolis along the way. Pasargadae is home to the tomb of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire. Persepolis, capital of the Persian 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 late afternoon.
DAY 9: SHIRAZ
DAY 9: SHIRAZ
On today's full day sightseeing tour, you will visit the Vakil Mosque, the Eram Gardens and the tomb of Hafez, the Persian mystic poet which attracts locals to wander around and sit to recite poetry in the gardens. This afternoon visit the Naranjestan Palace built by Mohammed Reza and the beautiful Mausoleum of Shah Cheragh (King of the Lamp), close to the nomad's bazaar.
DAY 10: SHIRAZ - SISAKHT - MARGUN - YASUJ
DAY 10: SHIRAZ - SISAKHT - MARGUN - YASUJ
Today you drive north out of Shiraz visiting the village of Sepidan before stopping for a short walk into the pretty Murgon waterfalls. If time allows you could also drive 30 minutes past Yasuj to Sisakht which is a good base with which to do some walking in the Zagros mountains, there are many trails of various lengths in this mountainous and attractive part of Iran.
DAY 11: YASUJ - KUHRANG
DAY 11: YASUJ - KUHRANG
Today you will visit the Bakhtiari Nomads near Kuhrang. The Bakhtiari are primarily breeders of sheep and goats, which provide most of their cash income. The women are known for their expert weaving skills using horizontal looms and wool from their own sheep or goats. You will spend today learning about life here and the cultural significance of the clothing worn by the men. You have the option of staying in a nomadic tent or local house.
DAY 12: KUHRANG - ISFAHAN
DAY 12: KUHRANG - ISFAHAN
A full day sightseeing tour of Isfahan's magnificent buildings. Visit the Jameh Mosque showing many different architectural elements and the “Chehel Sotoon” Palace, or Forty Columns Palace, before continuing to the Armenian quarter of Isfahan to see Vank Cathedral. The cathedral combines beautiful elements of Armenian architecture with Persian design. Also visit the Hasht Behesht or Eight Heavens Palace and the curious Shaking Minarets.
DAY 13: ISFAHAN
DAY 13: ISFAHAN
Today enjoy a walking tour of the splendid Imam Square, the huge central square of Isfahan, surrounded on three sides by the exquisite Imam and Shaikh Lotfallah Mosques and the Ali Qapu Palace. Visit Isfahan's vast covered bazaar and see some of the historic bridges spanning the Zayandehrud river or perhaps sit in the gardens to enjoy the activity of the square.
DAY 14: ISFAHAN
DAY 14: ISFAHAN
A full day sightseeing tour of Isfahan's magnificent buildings. Visit the Jameh Mosque showing many different architectural elements and the “Chehel Sotoon” Palace, or Forty Columns Palace, before continuing to the Armenian quarter of Isfahan to see Vank Cathedral. The cathedral combines beautiful elements of Armenian architecture with Persian design. Also visit the Hasht Behesht or Eight Heavens Palace and the curious Shaking Minarets.
DAY 15: ISFAHAN - QOM - DEPART TEHRAN
DAY 15: ISFAHAN - QOM - DEPART TEHRAN
This afternoon you will be transferred to Tehran for your flight home, stopping at Qom en route. Qom is the 2nd holiest site in Iran - after Mashhad - which includes the Safavid shrine to Fatima with its golden domes and twin minarets. some of the shrines are inaccessible to non-Muslims but it is a fascinating visit as you'll be shown around by an English-speaking Mullah.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Abyaneh Hotel, Abyaneh
Set atop a hill overlooking the historic Abyaneh village, near the city of Kashan, is the family run Abyaneh Hotel. Be welcomed into the small yet characterful hotel providing fantastic views of the surrounding valley and traditional Iranian hospitality. Constructed of local materials, the hotels red stone appearance reflects the precious red clay of the mountains used to create the mud houses of Abyaneh, the “Red Village”. The hotel has 25 rooms in total featuring a simple décor and plenty of natural light, with some rooms offering panoramic views. In the foyer is an excellent coffee bar for mingling with guests and a colourful souvenir shop for buying handicrafts. The spacious restaurant serves a taste of traditional Iranian cuisine whilst the green balcony is perfect for soaking in the stunning scarlet mountain landscape, beautifully merging with buildings of the same colour. Wi-Fi is available.
Dad Hotel, Yazd
In the centre of Yazd close to the old city, the four star Dad Hotel is an historic building with a large courtyard garden. The site was first created in 1928 by Haj Abdolkhalegh Dad and then renovated in 2007 with the efforts of his son. The 88 rooms are traditionally decorated with coloured tiles and Persian carpets and categories include Single, Double/Twin, Triple, Family, Suite and Royal Suite. Each room has an en suite bathroom with a shower, satellite television, a hairdryer and Wi-Fi. There is a large restaurant which has a terrace for dining with panoramic views of Yazd or in more private, stylish tents. An additional restaurant is on the ground floor. Guests may also enjoy the underground pool (women AM, men PM), Spa, sauna, Jacuzzi and massage services.
Abbasi Hotel, Isfahan
Built during the reign of Shah Sultan Hussein in the 18th century, the four-star Abbasi Hotel was once a caravanserai meeting the needs of travelling merchants. The building is 300 years old and the historical background can be seen in the many paintings and patterns adorning the interior, as well as the artefacts in the beautiful gardens. Abbasi Hotel has 225 rooms and suites all featuring high-speed Wi-Fi, an LCD Television, a hair dryer, a safety box, coffee and tea facilities, a minibar and an en suite bathroom. Relax in the Sports Club complete with a pool, sauna, gym, Jacuzzi and massage service. You are spoilt for choice with multiple eateries including the Chehelsotoun Restaurant (holding up to 400 people), the Chashmandaz Restaurant located on the roof with a 360-degree view of Isfahan, the Naghsh-i-Jahan coffee shop offering sweet treats and pizza, the breakfast buffet room and the Sofrehkhaneh serving traditional Iranian cuisine.
Zandiyeh Hotel, Shiraz
The Zandiyeh Hotel is a new and well realised hotel in central Shiraz located very close to Kharim Khan Castle, it's a modern hotel, traditionally styled with all the amenities you'd expect and in a great location and is made up of 75 spacious rooms. WI-FI is available throughout the hotel but does come at additional cost. The hotel features a swimming pool and a very good traditional restaurant.
Espinas Hotel, Tehran
Espinas International Hotel is situated right in the heart of Tehran and is made up of 202 luxurious rooms, fitted with large en suite bathrooms with unparalleled city views. Each room comes equipped with a mini bar, hair dryer, tea and coffee station, telephone, TV and writing desk. The hotel has its own fitness centre, complete with steam room, sauna, pool and gym as well as a massage salon. There are also two restaurants in the Espinas, a traditional Iranian restaurant and a delightful Mediterranean restaurant that serves a variety of international dishes.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
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.
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We understand that flexibility is now a key factor when booking a holiday, and we believe our Covid Promise and Covid Viable Test provide that.
We believe these terms and conditions for making a booking are amongst the most generous in the travel industry right now, and we hope they will give you the confidence, when you feel ready, to go ahead and book your next adventure.
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.
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Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
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Dan is our Middle East expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
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