Ardabil Daily Tour: A Guided Day Tour
Ardabil, located in the northwest of Iran, is a city rich in cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes, including hot springs, lush forests, and the impressive Mount Sabalan. This itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of Ardabil’s rich cultural legacy and beautiful natural surroundings, ensuring a memorable visit to this lesser-known but fascinating part of Iran. Each day introduces different aspects of the region, from historical sites and local bazaars to stunning natural landscapes and thermal springs, making your stay varied and enriching. Here’s a detailed 4-day itinerary to explore Ardabil and its surroundings:
4 Days
- Ardabil
- Ardabil
Highlights
- Duration: 4 Days
- Arrival: Ardabil
- Departure: Ardabil
- Wheelchair Access Available
- Iranian Cuisine Experience
- Iranian SIM card
- A Local’s Tour
- Professional Guidance: Each tour in Ardabil is led by a knowledgeable local guide who is fluent in multiple languages. This ensures that visitors not only delve into the deep historical and cultural layers of the city but also receive comprehensive answers in their preferred language, significantly enhancing their touring experience.
- Culinary Delights: The tour highlights unique local dining experiences that offer the best of traditional Persian cuisine in Ardabil. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy authentic dishes that reflect the rich culinary traditions of the region, providing a deep insight into the unique culinary culture of Ardabil.
- Comprehensive Itinerary: Our Ardabil tour is meticulously crafted to include key sites such as the Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble, the Ardabil Archaeological Museum, and Shorabil Lake, offering a thorough and enriching exploration of the city’s cultural, historical, and natural landmarks.
- Convenient Transportation: Comfortable and reliable transportation is provided throughout the tour, ensuring timely arrivals at each landmark and a smooth, enjoyable travel experience for all participants, from the initial pick-up to the final drop-off.
Hotspots
- Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili Dome
- Ardabil Archaeological Museum
- Shorabil Lake
- Ardabil Bazaar
- Sarein
- Mount Sabalan
- Hot springs
Day 1: Discover Ardabil
Morning: Start your visit at the Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This complex is a masterpiece of Iranian architecture and includes a library, mosque, school, mausoleum, cistern, hospital, kitchens, bakery, and some offices.
Afternoon: Visit the Ardabil Archaeological Museum to learn about the region’s history and view artifacts dating from pre-Islamic and Islamic periods.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, trying regional specialties like Ash-e doogh (yogurt soup).
Day 2: Nature and Recreation
Morning: Drive to Shorabil Lake, located within the city. You can enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake, pedal boating, or simply relax in the serene environment.
Afternoon: Visit the Ardabil Bazaar for some local shopping. Here, you can find hand-woven carpets, traditional jewelry, and other handicrafts.
Evening: Return to the lake area for a sunset view and dine at one of the lakeside restaurants.
Day 3: Day Trip to Sarein
Full Day: Take a day trip to Sarein, a town famous for its hot springs, located about 30 kilometers from Ardabil. Spend the day relaxing in various mineral hot springs, each reputed to have different therapeutic properties.
Evening: Explore local eateries in Sarein and enjoy traditional dishes, like grilled lamb and local dairy products.
Day 4: Outdoor Adventures
Morning: Early morning departure to Mount Sabalan. If you’re up for it, take a guided trek up the mountain, which is the third-highest peak in Iran and famous for its crater lake at the summit.
Afternoon: Depending on your morning activity, relax in the hot springs at the base of Mount Sabalan or explore the surrounding areas.
Evening: Return to Ardabil.
Ardabil, a city known for its rich history and stunning natural surroundings, serves as an excellent base for various excursions that showcase the beauty and heritage of this part of Iran. Here are some great excursions from Ardabil:
1: Meshkin Shahr Suspension Bridge
Distance: About 90 km west of Ardabil.
Highlights: Visit the Meshkin Shahr Suspension Bridge, one of the Middle East’s longest suspension bridges. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and the Sabalan mountain range. Nearby, you can also visit the Sheikh Heydar tomb, an important historical and cultural site.
3: Neor Lake
Distance: About 48 km northeast of Ardabil.
Highlights: Neor Lake is situated between the provinces of Ardabil and Gilan and offers a picturesque setting for fishing, boating, and hiking. The area around the lake is serene and is a popular spot for camping and bird watching.
4: Heyran Pass
Distance: About 100 km north of Ardabil, towards Astara.
Highlights: The Heyran Pass is part of the road that connects Ardabil to the Caspian Sea. This route offers stunning views of the Alborz mountain range and is considered one of the most beautiful roads in Iran. There are cable cars that offer panoramic views of the lush landscapes.
