Highlights of Persia

Today We Visit Golestan Palace, The Archaeological Section of the National Museum and Crown Jewel Museum. then In the evening, we fly to Yazd.

Today, we explore the Old City of Yazd and the attractions in and around it. We enter the old city (Fahadan Neighborhood) where in addition to enjoying its amazing ambiance and architecture we visit Amir Chaqmaq complex, Dowlatabad Garden, world heritage site, and Zoroastrian sites including Yazd Fire Temple and Towers of Silence are the other places we visit.

We leave Yazd in the morning to get to the Shiraz. On our way we stop in Pasargadae, a pilgrimage center for most Iranians! Here, Cyrus the Great, the founder of Achaemenid Empire, the one who brought so much glory and pride for Persians is buried. The only significant thing left from the city of Pasargadae, the first capital of Achaemenids, is the tomb of Cyrus the Great. We also visit the Abarkouh Mosque en route.

Today, we have a full day city tour of Shiraz. We begin our tour with Nasir al-Mulk Mosque where we have one of the most photogenic mosques in the world to frame! Then, we visit the heritage from 18th century when Karim Khan Zand chose Shiraz as his capital: Arg-e Karim Khan Zand, a castle and the Zand dynasty seat of government; Vakil Complex including a colorful and somehow romantic mosque, a hamamm now functions as a ethnographic museum, and the lively busy Vakil Bazaar; to have some relaxing moments we go to Eram Garden, registered as world heritage site under the title of Persian Garden. Peace and life are two words best describing the garden.

If we wish to learn about Achaemenid Empire (550-330 BCE), the best place to go is Persepolis, a world heritage site, where we can hear rich stories about the rise, flourish and demise of the first significant world empire. The huge columns, well-preserved bas-reliefs, huge griffins and gigantic tombs carved into cliffs are among the attractions of the Persepolis. Close to Persepolis there is a necropolis, Naqsh-e Rostam, which houses tombs of four Achaemenid Emperors carved into the cliff. In addition to the tombs, there are some bas-reliefs illustrating Sassanid kings and their glories, Naqsh-e Rajab (224-651CE).

Compared to Shiraz and especially Yazd, Isfahan has more experience with tourists! Its heritage is unrivaled in Iran and even Islamic world. The old and architecturally stunning bridges of Si-o Se Pol and Khaju allow us to have an image of the 17th century Safavid era. This image will become whole after visiting Naqsh-e Jahan Square and the monumental buildings of Abbasi Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and Ali Qapu Palace Pavilion on its sides. These monuments are connected to each other through a two-story covered bazaar named “Qeysariyeh Bazaar” which we visit soon after.

Visiting Vank Cathedral, Jam-e Mosque and Si-o-Se Pol and Khajoo Bridges.
Transfer to Hotel and Rest.

Today We Drive to Tehran and we have two Stops in Qom and Kashan. In Qom we Visit “Fatima Masumeh Shrine” and in Kashan we Visit beautiful Iranian Garden with a unique Architecture Called “Fin Garden”. Then we Visit “Aqa Bozorg Madrasa” which is a school for Religious Clerics.
Transfer to Hotel and Rest.
Overnight in Tehran.

Transfer to Airport and Fly Back Home.