Iran UNESCO Highlights

This tour focuses on diverse cultures, history, crafts, cuisine and people of Iran in one of the oldest and greatest civilizations in history. In this tour, taste the food, experience the lifestyle & see nine cultural heritage sights of Iran, listed under UNESCO's World Heritage List.

ITINERARY
Day 1: Tehran
Upon your arrival, you will be met by our Iranian team waiting for you with your name on a board at the gate. After a welcome, you will be transported to your hotel. There are no activities planned until the evening when we have a welcome meeting. The rest of the day is at your leisure to let you recover from your flight. After the meeting, you could try some fine Iranian cuisine at a local restaurant.

Additional Notes: Flights often arrive very late at night or early in the morning in Tehran. Keep in mind the evening welcome meeting when booking your travel. Overnight in Tehran. (B, L, D)

Day 2: Tehran
Today, we will spend the day visiting some of the spectacular sites of Tehran with a local guide including: Golestan Palace, The Archeological section of the National Museum and Crown Jewel museum.

Golestan Palace is one of the oldest monuments also listed in UNESCO world heritage site in Tehran. It consists of gardens, royal buildings and museums. The National Museum of Iran is located in Tehran and consists of two parts, the Museum of Ancient Iran and the Museum of Islamic Era with treasures of great antiquity some of them from 9000 years ago. Later, we will visit Crown Jewel Museum which has the most dazzling collection of gemstones and jewelry known in the world.

In the evening we would fly to Yazd. At your hotel, rest till the next day.

Overnight in Yazd. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Yazd
Following a sumptuous breakfast in the heart of Yazd, the world's first mud brick city, your full touring will start by visiting Dakhme (Towers of Silence), Fire Temple, Amir Chakhmaq Complex, Fahadan Neighborhood, and Dowlatabad Garden.

Yazd, the first city of Iran to be listed as a UNESCO heritage city has surprises in every corner. Dowlatabad Garden is registered on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Today, you will learn more about the fascinating customs of one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions and take in the unique architecture of this city with some free time to relax in a tea-house, or wander the old bazaars.

Overnight in Yazd. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Pasargadae
After breakfast, we will depart for Pasargadae, another UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

Today we will drive towards Shiraz in the morning and embark on a visit to Pasargadae.

Its palaces, gardens and the mausoleum of Cyrus are outstanding examples of the first phase of royal Achaemenid art and architecture and exceptional testimonies of Persian civilization. We will later embark on an hour drive to Shiraz.

Day 5: Shiraz
Spend the day visiting highlights of Shiraz. Today’s excursion includes Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Vakil bazaar, Arg-e Karimkhan, Eram Garden & Hafez Tomb.

Eram garden is famous for its tall cypress trees, this UNESCO-listed garden is designed to complement a Qajar-era pool and palace. In order to see a distinctive mosque, visit The Nasīr al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz. Your trip to Shiraz wouldn’t be complete without honoring the Iranian poet Hafez. Later on this day, you will be transferred to hotel to rest and get ready for the morning excursion.

Day 6: Persepolis
Today we will drive towards Isfahan in the morning & approximately a one hour drive en route you will visit Persepolis & Naghsh-e Rostam.

Persepolis is registered as a UNESCO world heritage site, a historical site 60 km north of Shiraz.

what many feel is the greatest embodiment of Persian culture.The sheer expanse of Persepolis was awe inspiring to all its visitors, most of whom were subjects from the various part of the Empire who would come to Persepolis bearing gifts and to pay homage to the rulers. While much of Persepolis has been renovated, restored or destroyed, one cannot help being struck by the sheer scale and beauty of what remains. In the evening, we drive to Isfahan.

Day 7: Esfahan
Today is a long day, but filled with lots of wonderful visits. You check out of your hotel and head toward today’s excursion including Naghsh-e Jahan Square Complex, Imam mosque, Ali Qapu, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and Qeysarieh Bazaar.

First you pay a visit to Naqshe Jahan Square which is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the second biggest public square in the world which is an amazing tourist attraction in Iran.

Later, we visit Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Imam Mosque, Ali qapu, Bazar, Cehel Sotun Palace and a garden in the center of Isfahan. All around Naqshe Jahan Square are buildings and shops, there will be plenty of time to devote to visiting this area. You could find high quality souvenirs and handicrafts in the Bazaar. Looking up at the ceiling of the mosques, one can easily see how the carpet designers were influenced by the designs of Persian carpets of subsequent centuries

Day 8: 
Spend another full day exploring this gorgeous city. By nearly unanimous opinion, Isfahan is the city that visitors and Iranians alike, will see as Iran‘s truly beautiful city. Today you explore Vank Cathedral, Jame Mosque & Siosepol and Khajou Bridges.

Siosepol is the longest bridge on the Zayanderud (about 297 meters) and a good example of Safavid bridge design. Khaju is known as the finest bridge in Esfahan, serves both as a bridge and a dam. There is also a Pavilion in the middle of the bridge with a view of the river and the city. At night we have dinner at a local restaurant and taste another favorite Iranian dish.

Day 9:
Have breakfast in Isfahan and head toward Kashan, visiting the Fin Garden & Agha Bozorg Madrasa en route.

Fin Garden was made over 400 years ago and is the oldest Persian garden. The cypress trees were fed from a spring located behind the garden and the splashing water moving in the pools and fountains made a relaxing atmosphere for the kings. Later, drive toward Qom and visit Fatima Masumeh Shrine before your drive to Tehran to rest at your hotel.

Day 10: Back to Tehran
Free time in Tehran before your transfer is arranged to the airport for departure flight(s) from Tehran.