Complete Central Iran

Suggested Itinerary

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 ...

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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 TEHRAN

Day 1 TEHRAN

Arrive in Tehran and transfer to your hotel.

Espinas 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.

Espinas Hotel
Breakfast

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.

Espinas Hotel
Breakfast

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.

Abyaneh Hotel
Breakfast

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.

Dad Hotel
Breakfast

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.

Breakfast

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.

Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Zandiyeh Hotel
Breakfast

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. 

Zandiyeh Hotel
Breakfast

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.

Yasuj Parsian Azadi Hotel
Breakfast

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. 

Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Abbasi Hotel
Breakfast

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.

Abbasi Hotel
Breakfast

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.

Abbasi Hotel
Breakfast

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.

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

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

15 days from £3,985

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