Undiscovered Iran
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Home to some of the world’s most spectacular Islamic treasures, Iran is a dazzling fusion of cultures and traditions, with the more remote areas of this vast country providing a rich haven for a significant Kurdish minority. Delve a little deeper into its ancient culture on this remarkable journey into the heart of one of the oldest civilisations on the planet. After a chance to explore some of the highlights of the Iranian capital, you’ll fly on to Ahwaz and the southern province ...
Home to some of the world’s most spectacular Islamic treasures, Iran is a dazzling fusion of cultures and traditions, with the more remote areas of this vast country providing a rich haven for a significant Kurdish minority. Delve a little deeper into its ancient culture on this remarkable journey into the heart of one of the oldest civilisations on the planet. After a chance to explore some of the highlights of the Iranian capital, you’ll fly on to Ahwaz and the southern province of Khuzestan, once the capital of the old Elamite Kingdom. Pay a visit to the once great Elamite city of Susa and explore the World Heritage site of Choga Zanbil, before following the road north, towards the Kurdish heartland of Kermanshah. Explore Achaemenid and Parthian ruins, take a boat ride through the underground caves of Ali Sadr and visit the holy city of Qom, before continuing across the desert to Yazd, one of the oldest cities in the world. Following the caravan routes of the old Silk Road you then continue to Kerman, from where you will fly on to Mashad, Iran’s holiest city and the site of the revered shrine of Imam Reza.
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 ARRIVE TEHRAN
Day 1 ARRIVE 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 - AHWAZ - SHUSHTAR
Day 3 TEHRAN - AHWAZ - SHUSHTAR
In the morning you will fly to Ahwaz, capital of the southern province of Khuzestan. This area was once the capital of the Elamite Kingdom and there are remains from both the Parthian and Sassanian periods. On arrival drive to Shushtar with its bridges built during the Sassanian period.
Day 4 SHUSHTAR - CHOGA ZANBIL - DEZFUL
Day 4 SHUSHTAR - CHOGA ZANBIL - DEZFUL
Depart Shushtar and continue to the well-preserved Ziggurat of Choga Zanbil, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ziggurats are more closely associated with the Euphrates civilisations of Iraq and only a couple have been found in Iran. Your final stop before Dezful will be Susa, a site of immense importance in ancient times though today the area's many iconic statues and bas reliefs are now located in the Louvre in Paris.
Day 6 DEZFUL - KERMANSHAH
Day 6 DEZFUL - KERMANSHAH
Following the road north, travel to Kermanshah in the west of the country, home to a large Kurdish minority. Visit nearby Taghe Bostan with its marvellous Sassanian bas reliefs dating from the 4th century AD. The Sassanid kings chose a beautiful setting for their rock reliefs at an historic Silk Road caravan route waypoint and campground next to a sacred spring that empties into a large reflecting pool at the base of the mountain cliff.
Day 7 KERMANSHAN - HAMEDAN
Day 7 KERMANSHAN - HAMEDAN
Visit the archaeological site of Bisotun dating from the Achaemenid and Parthian times then continue to the village of Lalejin, famous for its pottery. Also take a boat ride through the enormous Ali Sadr underground caves, before arriving in Hamedan, one of the oldest centres of civilisation in Iran situated on a high plain with snow-capped Mount Alvand in the background.
Day 7 HAMEDAN - QOM - KASHAN
Day 7 HAMEDAN - QOM - KASHAN
In Hamadan visit the Mausoleum of Avicenna and the tomb of Esther. Continue to the holy city of Qom, which is now a place of pilgrimage with some magnificent mosques and shrines (tourists cannot gain entry to the majority of the buildings). Continue to Kashan, a World Heritage Site oasis town, and visit the beautiful Fin Garden and Agha Bozorg Mosque.
Day 8 KASHAN - YAZD
Day 8 KASHAN - YAZD
Leaving Kashan, travel through the desert to Yazd, one of the oldest cities in the world and the centre of Zoroastrianism. Yazd is an architecturally unique city and it is also well known in Iran for the high quality handicrafts, especially silk weaving and its sweet shops. On your afternoon tour explore the old city with its labyrinthine alleyways and see the “badgirs” or wind towers which provide natural air-conditioning during the summer heat.
Day 9 YAZD
Day 9 YAZD
A day for further exploration with your guide. Visits include the Zoroastrian Fire Temple or “Ateshkadeh” - where a sacred flame has burned nonstop since around 470 AD -, the Towers of Silence - traditional Zoroastrian burial grounds where the dead were left to be picked off by vultures-, Mir Chakhmagh Mosque, the Tomb of the 12 Emams and the Doulat Garden. The afternoon is left free for your own exploration.
Day 10 YAZD - KERMAN
Day 10 YAZD - KERMAN
Depart across the desert along the ancient caravan routes of the Silk Road, passing pistachio plantations and caravanserais, to Kerman. Stop off at the Zeyn Od Din Caravanserai. It is one of 999 such inns that were built during the reign of Shah Abbas I to provide facilities to travellers. After checking into your hotel in Kerman enjoy a city sightseeing tour including the blue-tiled Friday Mosque, the bazaar and Ganj-Ali bathhouse, built by Ganj Ali Khan, governor of Kerman, in the 19th century.
Day 11 KERMAN - MAHAN - RAYEN - KERMAN
Day 11 KERMAN - MAHAN - RAYEN - KERMAN
Today drive to Mahan, a lovely oasis village, home to the Mausoleum of Shah Nematollah Valli, founder of the Sufi order. Take a walk in the cool Shahzadeh Garden with its collection of pools, against their backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Continue to Rayen, a town through which Marco Polo passed during the Middle Ages and whose architecture he much admired.
Day 12 KERMAN - MASHHAD
Day 12 KERMAN - MASHHAD
Leaving Kerman late morning fly to Mashad, Iran's most holy city and pilgrimage site. In the afternoon visit the holy shrine of Imam Reza and the surrounding buildings which are one of the marvels of the Islamic world. You will also visit the Koranic Museum.
Day 13 MASHHAD
Day 13 MASHHAD
This morning continue sightseeing in Mashad then visit the tomb of the famous Persian poet Omar Khayyam in nearby Neishabour. Enjoy some free time wandering around the Mashad Bazaar before sampling some delicious local cuisine for your final evening.
Day 14 DEPART MASHHAD
Day 14 DEPART MASHHAD
Transfer to the airport where your tour ends.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
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.
Azadi Hotel, Hamedan
The Azadi is a comfortable hotel located in quiet area of Hamadan in the foothills of Alvand. The hotel is air conditioned and offers free wifi, luggage room and safe deposit boxes, wake up, laundry and room service. The reception is 24 hours.
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.
Parsian Kermanshah, Kermanshah
A four star hotel in the centre of Kermanshah with plenty of marble and Persian carpets. Rooms are a good size with modern furnishings and are very well finished and maintained. The large lobby is home to a coffee shop, there is also a tea room and the 6th floor restaurant is light with large windows giving views our over the industrial city.
Saraye Ameriha Hotel, Kashan
The four star Saraye Ameriha Hotel is a historical and traditional house that was inhabited by the Ameriha family during the years of the great silk road. The building itself has been intricately designed and restored, and the rooms have a traditional Iranian decor. The courtyards are filled with plants and fountains, and the hotel itself is a peaceful retreat after a day of sightseeing. The rooms are fitted with either double or twin beds, en suite bathrooms and air conditioning. Guests can enjoy a tea or coffee in the small tea room, and meals are served in the hotel restaurant.
Tabib Shoushtar, Shushtar
Set in one of the most beautiful traditional houses in Shushtar, originally built 200 years ago during the Qajar era, the Tabib Shoushtar is a small, boutique property. There are only nine guest rooms, each with their own architectural styles, an en suite bathroom and refrigerator. Relax in the gorgeously tiled open courtyard with large benches, allowing an escape from the bustle of the city centre, only a five minute walk away. There is Wi-Fi and air conditioning at the property.
Hotel Rating
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.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
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WILD MILES
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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.
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HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
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Dan is our Middle East expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Daniel by calling
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