Shiraz Treasures: A Guided Day Tour
Shiraz, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and as a heartland of Persian civilization, offers a wealth of historical sites, gardens, and cultural experiences. This itinerary gives you a balanced view of Shiraz, showcasing its ancient legacies, beautiful gardens, and rich cultural sites, making your stay memorable and enriching. Here’s a detailed 5-day itinerary for exploring Shiraz:
5 Days
- Shiraz
- Shiraz
Highlights
- Duration: 5 Days
- Arrival: Shiraz
- Departure: Shiraz
- Wheelchair Access Available
- Iranian Cuisine Experience
- Iranian SIM card
- A Local’s Tour
- Professional Guidance: Each tour in Shiraz 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 Persian cuisine in Shiraz. Guests will enjoy traditional dishes such as Faloodeh, Shirazi Salad, and Kalam Polo, offering a deep dive into the unique culinary culture of the region.
- Comprehensive Itinerary: Our Shiraz tour is carefully designed to include key sites such as the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Eram Garden, and the tombs of Hafez and Saadi, providing a thorough and insightful exploration of the city’s cultural, historical, and natural 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
- Nasir al-Mulk Mosque
- Narenjestan-e Ghavam
- Arg of Karim Khan
- Vakil Bazaar
- Zinat Al-Molk House
- Eram Garden
- Tombs of Hafez and Saadi
- Shah Cheragh
- Quran Gate
- Pars Museum
- Persepolis
- Naqsh-e Rustam
- Delgosha Garden
- Jahan Nama Garden
- Ali Ibn Hamzeh Holly Shrine
Day 1: Discover the Heart of Shiraz
Morning: Start at the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque), famous for its stained-glass windows that cast a beautiful light in the morning. Then, walk to the nearby Narenjestan-e Ghavam, a traditional and historic house known for its ornate decorations and beautiful gardens.
Afternoon: Visit the Arg of Karim Khan, an imposing fortress right in the city center, then explore the historic Vakil Bazaar nearby, perfect for shopping and trying local snacks.
Evening: Relax in one of Shiraz’s famous gardens, such as Eram Garden, known for its variety of plants and beautiful landscaping.
Day 2: Poets and More Historical Sites
Morning: Visit the tombs of Hafez and Saadi, two of Iran’s most celebrated poets. Both sites offer peaceful settings where you can enjoy traditional Persian architecture and landscaping.
Afternoon: Head to the Shah Cheragh, a funerary monument and mosque that is a major pilgrimage site, known for its stunning mirror tilework interior.
Evening: Spend some time at the Quran Gate, a historic gate at the northeastern entrance of the city, and enjoy a panoramic view of Shiraz from the nearby park.
Day 3: Day Trip to Persepolis and Necropolis
Full Day: Take a day trip to Persepolis, one of the most important sites of the ancient Achaemenid Empire, located about an hour from Shiraz. Explore this vast complex of palaces and temples, and don’t miss the nearby Necropolis (Naqsh-e Rustam), where you can see impressive rock tombs of Persian kings.
Evening: Return to Shiraz and have a relaxing dinner at a traditional Persian restaurant.
Day 4: More Gardens and Religious Sites
Morning: Visit the Delgosha Garden and the nearby Jahan Nama Garden for a morning walk among flowers and landscaped paths.
Afternoon: Explore the Ali Ibn Hamzeh Holly Shrine, admired for its beautiful dome covered in mirrors and an atmosphere of tranquility.
Evening: Stroll through the Haft Tanan Museum and the surrounding park.
Day 5: Modern Shiraz and Departure
Morning: Spend your last day visiting modern attractions such as the Pars Museum, located in the middle of the Zinat Al-Molk House. It offers a quick look at some historical artifacts and provides insights into the history of Shiraz.
Afternoon: Before heading to the airport, grab lunch at a local café and do any last-minute shopping for souvenirs like Persian carpets or handicrafts.
Exploring the areas surrounding Shiraz offers a fantastic opportunity to see some of Iran's most significant historical sites and breathtaking landscapes. Here are some highly recommended excursions from Shiraz:
1. Pasargadae
Distance: Approximately 135 km northeast of Shiraz.
Highlights: Visit the tomb of Cyrus the Great and the remains of his capital, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Pasargadae provides a unique look at the early Achaemenid architecture and urban planning.
2. Firuzabad and the Palace of Ardeshir
Distance: About 110 km south of Shiraz.
Highlights: Explore the ancient city of Firuzabad, where you can see the Palace of Ardeshir, built by the founder of the Sassanian Empire. The nearby Qashqai nomads provide a glimpse into traditional lifestyles, and the landscape is characterized by rugged mountains and lush valleys.
3.Bishapur, Kazerun, and Shapur Cave
Distance: Approximately 130-140 km from Shiraz.
Highlights: The ancient city of Bishapur offers ruins from the Sasanian era, including fascinating rock reliefs at Tang-e Chogan that depict royal conquests and ceremonies, providing insights into the critical period between the Parthian and Islamic eras. Nearby, visit Kazerun to see additional Sassanian reliefs. A hike to Shapur Cave reveals a giant, remarkably preserved statue of Shapur I, set within a stunning natural cave.
4. Maharloo Lake
Distance: About 27 km southeast of Shiraz.
Highlights: Best visited in the late spring or summer, Maharloo Lake is known for its pink waters due to high concentrations of algae and minerals. It offers picturesque landscapes and is a great spot for photography.
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