Royal Square or Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan, 17th century.
Photo: ©Patrick Ringgenberg.
If you're looking for an overview of Iran's cultural heritage, and a quick introduction to the country, this trip could be a good choice. It combines the museums of Tehran and a visit to Shiraz, a city celebrated for its poets and mystics, with Isfahan, the country's most beautiful city, and the most impressive remains of the ancient Persian empire of the Achaemenids (Persepolis and Pasargadae).
Best seasons: April-May, September-October
Hotel categories: very good
Special difficulties: none
Flight to Teheran. Overnight in Tehran.
Visit to the Golestan Palace, the National Museum of Iran (pre-Islamic and Islamic art) and the Reza Abbasi Museum. Overnight in Tehran.
Drive to Isfahan (440km). En route, visit the Borujerdi House and Fin Garden in Kashan. Visit also the village of Abyaneh. Overnight in Isfahan.
Visit to Iran's most beautiful city: the Royal Square or Naqsh-e Jahan (with the Imam Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace, Lotfollah Mosque), the Friday Mosque, Chehel Sotun and Hasht Behesht Palaces, the bazaar, the ancient bridges (Si o seh Pol, Khwaju), the Armenian quarter (Vank Church). Overnight in Isfahan.
Continue your visit to Isfahan. Overnight in Esfahan.
Drive to Shiraz (480km), visiting several ancient Iranian sites along the way: the tomb of Cyrus at Pasargadae, the Achaemenid palace complex at Persepolis, the necropolis of Naqsh-e Rostam. Overnight in Shiraz.
Visit to the historic heart of Shiraz: the tomb of Hafez, the Vakil mosque, the Nasir ol-Molk mosque, the citadel of Karim Khan Zand, the Vakil bazaar, the Narenjestan house, the Khan's madrasa. Overnight in Shiraz.
Depart Shiraz for Europe.
| Price | |
|---|---|
| ------ Euros | 2 people in a double room |
| ------ Euros | 4 people in a double room |
| ------ Euros | 6 people in a double room |
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| Double room accommodation in the best hotel categories available | Single room supplement |
| Transfer and transportation | International flight (price on request) |
| English-speaking local guide for the entire duration of the trip | Visa fees |
| Full board | Cancellation and accident insurance |
| Entrances to the sites mentioned in the program | Tips |
| Mineral water bottles | Personal purchases |
| A SIM card from an Iranian operator | |
| Documentation |
I've always tried to push myself technically and to push myself visually. That's been part of the journey.
These products are limited: