15 Days Iran Cultural-Natural Tour

Persian Gulf

Feel Free within Nature

The Glory of Iranian Culture

We spend the whole day sightseeing Shiraz. We visit Vakil historical complex (Public Bath, Bazar, Mosque), Narenjestan historical complex, Nasir-al Molk mosque (aka Pink Mosque), Shahcheraq holy shrine and Jame Atigh mosque.

Welcome to the Persian Empire

An early start takes us to Persepolis* (Takht-é Jamshid), the heart of the Persian Empire, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, our explorations take us to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pasargadae* to see the impressive, elevated Tomb of Cyrus. Then we go back to Shiraz to visit Eram Persian Garden* with its beautiful cypress-lined avenues leading to an elegant summer palace.

Live Like Cavemen

In the morning, we check out of the hotel to visit Tashk international wetland**. The site lies in the eastern Zagros Mountains, 50-160 km east of Shiraz, and includes two very large salt-lakes that one of them is called Tashk. Then after having lunch, we arrive at Meymand rocky village*. The village of Meymand, which has been inscribed in the list of the UNESCO World Heritage in 2015, is one of the most exceptional living complexes that has been formed according to the needs of human beings.

O/N Cave guesthouse in Meymand

Looking for Ganj (treasure)

In the morning after checking out of the hotel, we move toward Kerman. In Kerman, we visit Ganj Ali Khan historical complex and old bazaar. Ganj Ali Khan Complex is constructed during Safavid dynasty and is included of a caravanserai, a water reservoir (Ab Anbar), a mosque, a school, a square, a bazaar, and a bathhouse.

Glory of Desert

Today we continue visiting rest of Kerman. We start by visiting Mahan Persian Garden*, a great example of Persian gardens, where you can get relaxed in. It also represents a high contrast between a lush garden and a harsh desert in the background. Then we visit Shah Nematollah Tomb*. A Sufis who have traveled a long way to pay homage to their Sufi master Shah Nematollah Vali in his shrine. Then we leave Kerman and go to Shahdad Historical City.

Imaginary Desert Fort

In the morning, we explore in Kaluts in the Lut desert*. It is created by the wind and rain, and they are the unique structures in the desert. From a distance, they look like the ruins of an enormous legendary city with grand palaces and buildings both short and high. We will also visit the world’s biggest Nebkhas with regard to the height and vastness on its west side. Then we go to Zein-Aldin caravanserai. The caravanserai is situated on the ancient Silk Road. It is one of 999 such inns that were built during the reign of Shah Abbas I to provide facilities to travelers.

Religion Crossway

Today the beautiful city of Yazd and its culture. We start by visiting the Zoroastrian Tower of Silence or Dakhma, where the bodies of the deceased were placed, to avoid contaminating the earth as a Zoroastrian funerary tradition. Then we visit Old adobe city of Yazd* which is located in the remote desert and is built almost entirely of adobe. To deal with the extremely hot summers, many old buildings have magnificent wind towers, with large underground areas to circulate cooling air. We finish the day by visiting Jame mosque of Yazd.

O/N Yazd

Feel the Adobes

Today, after checking out of the hotel, we go to Naein to visit its historical parts. There are some of the most outstanding monuments in all of Iran. Then we drive to Isfahan. Iranians say that their lovely city is “half the world”. We explore Isfahan in night time and visit two historic bridges calles Si-o-Se-Pol and Khaju.

O/N Isfahan

The Glory of Iranian Arts

We spend the whole day exploring Isfahan. First, we visit the magnificent Jameh Mosque of Isfahan* with its famous Uljaitu Mihrab of the Il-Khanid Period. Then we continue on to the Naqhsh-e Jahan Square*, yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gigantic open plaza is framed by a wall of arches and surrounded by two of the Islamic world’s most impressive mosques, the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque* and the Shah Mosque*. Both houses of worship contain magnificent architecture and tile-work, and finish the day by visiting Aliqapoo Palace*.

Looking on Central Desert’s Life

Kashan Life

In the morning, after checking out of the hotel, we will visit Fin Persian Gardens*, another one of the UNESCO Persian Gardens. Then on our way, we visit Ouyi underground city. The underground city of Ouyi (Noushabad), located 5km north of Kashan, is considered a notable piece of ancient architecture. After arriving in Kashan, we will visit one of the historical houses in Kashan. Then we move toward staying the night in Imam Khomeini International Airport.

Missing Persia