Hamedan Treasures: A Guided Day Tour
Hamedan, one of the oldest cities in Iran and perhaps one of the oldest in the world, offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. This itinerary offers a comprehensive view of Hamedan’s rich cultural and historical legacy, blended with engaging trips to natural and historical sites nearby. Each day introduces different aspects of the region, from its ancient roots to its natural wonders, ensuring a memorable visit. Here’s a detailed 4-day itinerary to explore Hamedan and its surroundings:
4 Days
- Hamedan
- Hamedan
Highlights
- Duration: 4 Days
- Arrival: Hamedan
- Departure: Hamedan
- Wheelchair Access Available
- Iranian Cuisine Experience
- Iranian SIM card
- A Local’s Tour
- Professional Guidance: Each tour in Hamedan is led by a national guide proficient in several languages, ensuring visitors not only explore the ancient and rich historical and cultural heritage of the city but also receive answers to their questions in their preferred language, enhancing their overall experience.
- Culinary Delights: The tour features specially selected local dining experiences that showcase the best of traditional Persian cuisine in Hamedan. Guests will enjoy classic dishes such as Dizi and Kebab, reflecting the region's rich culinary traditions and offering a deep dive into the unique culinary culture of the area.
- Comprehensive Itinerary: Our Hamedan tour is carefully designed to include key sites such as the Ganjnameh Inscriptions, the Avicenna Mausoleum, and the Ecbatana Ancient City, providing a thorough and insightful exploration of the city’s cultural, historical, and archaeological landmarks.
- Convenient Transportation: Comfortable and reliable transportation is provided throughout the tour, ensuring prompt arrivals at each landmark and a seamless, enjoyable travel experience for all participants, from the initial pick-up to the concluding drop-off.
Hotspots
- Ganjnameh Inscriptions
- Avicenna Mausoleum
- Ecbatana Ancient City
- Hegmataneh Archaeological Museum
- Tomb of Baba Taher
- Hamedan Bazaar
- Ali Sadr Cave
Day 1: Discover Hamedan
Morning: Start your exploration at the Ganjnameh Inscriptions, ancient inscriptions carved into a rock face by order of Darius the Great and Xerxes of the Achaemenid Empire. Located in the Alvand mountain range, it’s a great spot to enjoy some early history and a view of the city.
Afternoon: Visit the Avicenna Mausoleum, dedicated to the famous Persian polymath Avicenna (Ibn Sina). This modern architectural complex also houses a library and museum.
Evening: Stroll through the Ecbatana Ancient City, which was once the capital of the Medes and later a summer residence for Persian kings. Spend your evening exploring the remnants of this ancient site.
Day 2: Museums and Historical Sites
Morning: Begin your day at the Hegmataneh Archaeological Museum, located within the Ecbatana site. This museum displays artifacts from the area’s long history, from the Median to Islamic periods.
Afternoon: Visit the Tomb of Baba Taher, an 11th-century Persian poet. The tomb is an octagonal structure with a beautiful turquoise dome. Later, explore the Hamedan Bazaar for local crafts and souvenirs.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional dinner in one of the local restaurants, trying dishes such as “Dizi” and “Kebab”.
Day 3: Nature and Recreation
Full Day: Take a day trip to the Ali Sadr Cave, located about 100 kilometers north of Hamedan. It’s one of the world’s largest water caves, where you can enjoy a boat ride through its stunning subterranean waterways. The cave features large, beautiful calcite crystals and otherworldly formations.
Evening: Return to Hamedan and relax at a local café or teahouse, perhaps trying some of the local pastries or ice cream.
Day 4: Day Trip to Kermanshah
Full Day: Embark on a day trip to Kermanshah, about 190 kilometers southwest of Hamedan. Visit the famous Bisotun Inscription, a multilingual inscription that provided a key to deciphering cuneiform script. Also, explore the Taq-e Bostan, an impressive site with large rock reliefs from the era of Sassanid kings.
Evening: Return to Hamedan.
Hamedan serves as a fantastic base for exploring a range of unique natural and historical sites in western Iran. Here are some noteworthy excursions from Hamedan:
1: Lalejin
Distance: About 20 km north of Hamedan.
Highlights: Lalejin is renowned for its pottery and ceramics, often referred to as the pottery capital of Iran. Visitors can explore numerous workshops and showrooms, watch artisans at work, and purchase unique handcrafted items.
2: Kangavar
Distance: About 100 km south of Hamedan.
Highlights: Explore the site of Anahita Temple in Kangavar, believed to have been dedicated to the Persian goddess of water and fertility. The site combines architectural styles from both Greek and Persian traditions.
3: Tuyserkan
Distance: About 100 km south of Hamedan.
Highlights: Visit Tuyserkan, known for its walnut orchards and beautiful rural landscapes. The town also has a rich history in walnut woodcarving, with local workshops creating intricate furniture and decorative items.
4: Malayer
Distance: About 100 km southwest of Hamedan.
Highlights: Malayer is another center for woodworking in Iran. The city offers a glimpse into traditional Persian woodcraft techniques and is an excellent place to purchase finely crafted wooden products.
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