Highlights of Iran

This suggested itinerary in Iran offers a wonderful introduction to the country journeying from Tehran to Isfahan and Shiraz showcasing the archaeological and architectural highlights.

Highlights

• Isfahan - Discover the city of Isfahan home to beautiful Islamic architecture
• Excavations of Persepolis - Lose yourelf amidst this UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tehran
• Fin Garden - Wander the unexpectedly verdant gardens amidst the oasis city of Kashan
• Yazd - Explore labyrinthine bazaars and mud brick streets in Yazd

Itinerary

Day 1 - Tehran: Wander around the National Museum of Tehran and be taken back in time.

Day 2 - Tehran

Day 3 - Tehran - Isfahan: Wander the unexpectedly verdant gardens amidst the oasis city of Kashan.

Spend two days in the city of Isfahan with its wealth of stunning sites including three of the finest religious buildings anywhere in the Islamic world. Isfahan is also a wonderful place to meet and interact with the locals who are incredibly proud of this city. Home to the grand Imam Square, the world’s second largest public space and another of the countries UNESCO World Heritage Sites Isfahan is a city of incredible beauty with some of the most magnificent Islamic architecture on earth. Visit the square at night, drink tea below the floodlit, mosaic clad walls as locals mingle.

Day 4 - 6 - Isfahan: Discover the city of Isfahan home to beautiful Islamic architecture.

Day 7 - Isfahan - Shiraz

The fertile valley location of Shiraz resulted in an influx of scholars and artists during the 13th and 14th centuries, putting the city at the pinnacle of the Islamic world. Today, bustling bazaars sit alongside 18th century gardens and exquisite mosques. A short drive from Shiraz are the ancient ruins of Persepolis, a World Heritage Site and perhaps Iran’s most important archaeological site. The ceremonial capital of the Persian Empire these ruins date back to the 6th century.

Day 8 - Shiraz: Lose yourself amidst UNESCO World Heritage Site of Persepolis.

Day 9 - Shiraz - Yazd

The oasis town of Yazd dates back over 3000 years and is noted for its plethora of blue domes, soaring minarets and hundreds of wind towers. It is also still an important centre for Iran’s Zoroastrian community. The Towers of Silence can be found outside of the town and are a sacred place for Zoroastrians who do not believe in traditional burials. Instead these towers were a place to dispose of the dead. Traditionally, bodies would be left for the vultures however the government has now put an end to this practice. The location remains deeply spiritual and its haunting past gives it a somewhat eerie feel.

Day 10 - Yazd: Explore labyrinthine bazaars and mud brick streets in Yazd.

Experience traditional Iranian village life amidst the red mud brick houses of Abyaneh. The picturesque location at the foot of Mt Karkas offers a completely different experience to the cities of Iran. Explore steep, winding lanes, lined with traditional houses, terraced so that the roofs of some houses are just yards apart. Many village men dress in traditional wide bottomed trousers and black waistcoats while the women wear hijabs featuring traditional red flowers. Elderly residents still speak the ancient language of Middle Persian.

This is a chance to step into old world Iran. It is possible to overnight in the village in simple accommodation should you wish.

Day 11 - Yazd - Tehran

Day 12 - Tehran

This tour was developed in collaboration with Steppes Travel as part of a capacity building initiative for the World Heritage Journeys Silk Road project.