The Essence of Iran tour, a 7-day/6-night package, is a brief but intense trip that takes the traveler to the most visited cities of Iran with spectacular UNESCO world heritage sites and it will serve as an introduction to the culture and history of this beautiful country. The tour starts in Shiraz covering fantastic attractions in Shiraz including Persepolis and Pasargadae, the remains of Achaemenid empire. It continues to Esfahan with its awe-inspiring Naghsh-e Jahan Square and amazing Islamic Architecture and finally to Kashan, a phenomenal oasis in the middle of the desert. Another attraction site is the pre-Islamic village of Abyaneh with its history of the Zoroastrian faith. The tour ends at Tehran Airport.
Itinerary in details:
Day 1: Flight Origin / Shiraz
Take the flight to Shiraz. Arrive in the capital of Iran. Meet at the airport and transfer to your hotel accommodation in Shiraz.
Day 2: Shiraz
Full day visit to the city of Shiraz and its numerous attraction sites including the Grand Bazaar, Vakil Mosque and Bath, Arge Karimkhan, Eram Garden, the Nasir ol Molk Mosque, the Garden of Narenjestan Ghavam, the Koran Gate, Shah Cheragh Mausoleum.
Hotel accommodation in Shiraz.
Day 3: Shiraz / Persepolis / Pasargadae / Esfahan
Head to Esfahan, the city known as the Pearl of East. On the way, you first stop to see the four cave-like Achaemenid royal tombs of Naghsh-e Rajab and Naghsh-e Rostam (the portrait of Rostam). After a few kilometers, you entered the ancient city of Persepolis, the remains of the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. The next stop is in Pasargadae, the capital of the Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus the Great. Continue the route to Esfahan.
Hotel accommodation in Esfahan.
Day 4: Esfahan
A full day of sightseeing in Esfahan, visiting the great Naghsh-e Jahan Square, Grand Bazaar, Shah Mosque (Imam Mosque), Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Jame Mosque of Esfahan, and AliQapu Palace.
Hotel accommodation in Esfahan.
Day 5: Esfahan
Another full day sightseeing in Esfahan visiting Chehel Sotun Palace and Hasht Behesht Palace, take a stroll in the Armenian district of Jolfa and its narrow alleys visiting Vank Cathedral, spending time to see the historical bridges of Zayandeh Rood especially Si-o-Se Pol and Khaju Bridge.
Hotel accommodation in Esfahan.
Day 6: Esfahan / Abyaneh / Kashan
Begin road trip to Kashan (216 km), the city of badgirs (wind-catchers). On the way, you visit the red mud-brick village of Abyaneh which is one of the oldest villages of Iran keeping the history and culture of the Zoroastrian faith (the ancient pre-Islamic religion of Iran). Arrive in Kashan to visit the historic Tabatabaei House, historic Bath House of Sultan Amir Ahmad, Agha Bozorg Mosque and school, and the historic Borujerdi House.
Hotel accommodation in Kashan.
Day 7: Kashan / IKIA, Tehran airport – Flight Tehran / Origin
Morning sightseeing in Kashan including the historical Garden of Fin (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and archaeological remains of Tepe Sialk. Head to Tehran airport for the return flight home.
End of trip.
Note: Some museums and tourist attractions are closed on certain days. Depending on the selected tour date, the itinerary may be subject to slight changes.