ANCIENT AND ISLAMIC IRAN

Trip description 
Ancient and Islamic Iran’ incorporates many of the celebrated landmarks of central Iran. From the ancient ruins of Persepolis, the ceremonial and spiritual capital of the vast Persian Empire, to the most famous relics of 18th-19th century Shiraz; from the city’s renowned gardens to the evocative tombs of the highest figures in classical Persian literature; from the 6th century BC UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) of Cyrus the Great’s capital of Pasargadae on to the historical city of Yazd with its magnificent 14-century mosque, the amazing desert architecture with cleverly-designed wind towers, and impressive structures such as the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence; and culminating in an enchanting experience of Isfahan, the monumental capital of 17th-century Safavid Persia and home to Iran’s finest works of Islamic art and architecture, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Naqsh-iJahan Square.    
DAY ACTIVITY OVERNIGHT

Day 01
Arrive in TEHRAN. Morning to rest in the hotel. Afternoon visit to the Archaeological section of the National Museum, and Golestan Palace (WHS) TEHRAN 

Day 02
Full day city tour of TEHRAN to include the Carpet Museum, and Sa’adabad Palace. Evening flight to Shiraz 
SHIRAZ 

Day 03
Full day city tour of SHIRAZ to explore its main highlights including the  Nasirol-Mulk Mosque, Citadel of Karim Khan Zand, Pars Museum, Vakil Bazaar, VakilMosque,Naranjestan Museum, Eram Gardens (WHS), Ali-EbinHamze, tombs of Sa’di and Hafez 
SHIRAZ 

Day 04
Full day excursion to Persepolis (WHS), Naqsh-e Rostam (Necropolis), Naqsh-e Rajab,  
SHIRAZ 

Day 05
Drive to Yazd via Pasargadae (WHS), picnic lunch, stop en route at ABARKOUH to see its 14-century Jami‘ Mosque 
YAZD 

Day 06
Full day city tour of the city of Yazd to include the 14th-century Jami‘ Mosque, shrines of SeyyedRokneddin and Davazdah(Twelve) Imam, Prison of Alexander, Water Museum, Tekkeh of Amir Chaqmaq, Dawlatabad Gardens, modern Zoroastrian fire temple, and Towers of Silence 
YAZD 

Day 07
Drive to Isfahan, stop en route in MEYBOD to see its mud-brick citadel, urban caravanserai, Ice House, and Pigeon Tower. In NAIN stop at Mohammadiye to see the traditional wool-weaving, visit the 10th-century Jami‘ Mosque of Nain and the Ethnological Museum before driving on to Isfahan 
ISFAHAN 

Day 08
Full day city tour to explore the monumental capital of Safavid Persia, opportunity to visit most of the main attractions of Isfahan including ChehelSutun palace, Shahrestan Bridge, Khaju Bridge, SioSe Pol, the monuments surrounding the vast Naqsh-iJahan Square(WHS) including Ali Qapu Pavilion, ShaikhLutfollah Mosque, Abbasi(Imam) Mosque, and the monumental entrance to Qayssarieh Bazaar 
ISFAHAN 

Day 09
Half day city tour of Isfahan to see the great 12th-century Jami‘ Mosque of Isfahan, on to Armenian Quarter to visit VankCathedral, and enjoy the balance of the day at Naqsh-iJahan Square for shopping and dinner at a traditional restaurant 
ISFAHAN 

Day 10
Drive to Tehran via ABYANEH and KASHAN. Visit Traditional houses of Tabatabai and Borujerdi, TeppeSialk and Fin Gardens (WHS) in Kashan. Drive on to Tehran with a tea break en route and a photo stop at the Imam Khomeini Mausoleum. Return flight home 
TEHRAN   

* The itinerary has the possibility to change depending on date & time of arrival & departure