Qazvin Treasures: A Guided Day Tour
Qazvin, located just northwest of Tehran, is a city steeped in history, serving as a significant cultural and commercial hub over the centuries. This itinerary provides a comprehensive experience of Qazvin’s rich cultural heritage and historical significance, blending it with natural beauty and relaxation. Each day introduces different facets of the city and its surroundings, ensuring a memorable visit. Here’s a detailed 5-day itinerary to explore Qazvin and its surroundings:
5 Days
- Qazvin
- Qazvin
Highlights
- Duration: 5 Days
- Arrival: Qazvin
- Departure: Qazvin
- Wheelchair Access Available
- Iranian Cuisine Experience
- Iranian SIM card
- A Local’s Tour
- Professional Guidance: Each tour in Qazvin is led by a national guide proficient in several languages, ensuring visitors not only explore the 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 Qazvin. Guests will enjoy classic dishes such as Fesenjan and Qeyme Nesar, reflecting the region's rich culinary traditions and offering a deep dive into the unique culinary culture of the area.
- Comprehensive Itinerary: Our Qazvin tour is carefully designed to include key sites such as the Chehel Sotoun Palace, the Jameh Mosque of Qazvin, and the Sa'd al-Saltaneh Caravanserai, providing a thorough and insightful exploration of the city’s cultural, historical, and architectural 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
- Qazvin Grand Bazaar
- Sa'd al-Saltaneh Caravanserai
- Sabzeh Meydan (main square)
- Calligraphy Museum of Qazvin
- Chehel Sotoun Palace
- Jameh Mosque of Qazvin
- Bagh-e Melli Park
- Alamut Castle
- Barajin Park
Day 1: Explore Historical Qazvin
Morning: Begin your visit at the Qazvin Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest bazaars in Iran, where you can explore traditional crafts and sample local delicacies. Don’t miss the Sa’d al-Saltaneh Caravanserai, a beautifully restored marketplace.
Afternoon: Visit the Chehel Sotoun Palace, a Safavid-era palace with a stunning hall decorated with colorful frescoes and mirrored mosaics.
Evening: Stroll through the Sabzeh Meydan, the main square, and enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants offering traditional Iranian dishes.
Day 2: Museums and Cultural Sites
Morning: Head to the Qazvin Museum of History, located in a historic bathhouse, to learn more about the region’s rich past. Then, visit the Qajar Bathhouse & Anthropology Museum to see how bathhouses played a role in everyday Persian life.
Afternoon: Explore the Jameh Mosque of Qazvin, one of the oldest mosques in Iran, featuring stunning architecture and a blend of pre-Islamic and Islamic design.
Evening: Relax in the beautiful Bagh-e Melli Park and perhaps enjoy a light evening meal or tea at a café nearby.
Day 3: Day Trip to Alamut Castle
Full Day: Take a day trip to the historical Alamut Castle, the legendary fortress of the Assassins located in the Alborz Mountains. The journey offers breathtaking scenery and a peek into medieval Persian tales.
Evening: Return to Qazvin and spend your evening at leisure, perhaps trying out another traditional dining spot.
Day 4: Nature and Recreation
Morning: Visit the Barajin Park, located on the outskirts of Qazvin, for a morning in nature. The park offers walking trails, picnic spots, and beautiful landscapes.
Afternoon: Explore the nearby Caravanserai of Sa’d al-Saltaneh, if not fully explored on the first day, or head back to the city center for some souvenir shopping.
Evening: Enjoy cultural activities or a live performance at the Mir Emad Cultural House if available.
Day 5: Artistic Endeavors and Departure
Morning: Visit the Calligraphy Museum of Qazvin, which showcases Persian calligraphy from various eras, housed in a historic building.
Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxed lunch in the city center, and make sure to visit any sites or shops you may have missed during your previous days.
Evening: Prepare for your departure from Qazvin.
Qazvin, with its rich history and strategic location, serves as an excellent base for exploring a variety of cultural and natural sites in northern Iran. Here are some recommended excursions from Qazvin:
1: Behestan Castle
Distance: About 20 km from Qazvin.
Highlights: Explore the ancient Behestan Castle, located in the Mahneshan district. It’s an archeological site known for its historical significance and scenic beauty, ideal for those interested in history and nature.
2: Ovan Lake
Distance: Approximately 75 km north of Qazvin.
Highlights: Ovan Lake is a small alpine lake situated in the Alamut region. It’s a perfect spot for picnics, hiking, and enjoying the tranquil nature away from city life. The area around the lake is picturesque, especially during spring and summer.
3: The Dragon of Andabil
Distance: About 90 km northwest of Qazvin.
Highlights: Visit the Dragon of Andabil, a natural rock formation that resembles a dragon, located near the village of Andabil. It’s a fascinating site for nature lovers and those interested in unique geological formations.
4: Historic Churches of Qazvin Province
Distance: Various distances, with several located around 50-100 km from Qazin.
Highlights: Explore historic churches like the Cantor Church, which reflects the diverse cultural history of the area. These sites are especially significant for their architectural beauty and the peaceful rural settings in which they are located.
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