Urmia Treasures: A Guided Day Tour
Urmia, a city in northwestern Iran, offers a mix of cultural heritage, historical sites, and stunning natural landscapes. This itinerary offers a blend of cultural, historical, and natural explorations, making your stay in Urmia a well-rounded and memorable experience. Here’s a detailed 4-day itinerary to explore Urmia and its surroundings:
4 Days
- Urmia
- Urmia
Highlights
- Duration: 4 Days
- Arrival: Urmia
- Departure: Urmia
- Wheelchair Access Available
- Iranian Cuisine Experience
- Iranian SIM card
- A Local’s Tour
- Professional Guidance: Each tour in Urmia is led by a knowledgeable local guide fluent in multiple languages. This ensures that visitors not only explore the city's deep historical and cultural layers 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 Iranian cuisine in Urmia. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy authentic dishes that reflect the rich culinary traditions of the region, providing a deep insight into Urmia unique culinary culture.
- Comprehensive Itinerary: Our Urmia tour is meticulously crafted to include key sites such as the Urmia Bazaar, Church of Nane Maryam, and the Hasanloo archaeological site, 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
- Urmia Bazaar
- Urmia Museum
- Urmia Lake Park
- Church of Nane Maryam
- Se Gonbad
- Ancient village of Kandovan
- Silvaneh area
- Hasanloo archaeological site
Day 1: Discover Urmia
Morning: Start your day at the Urmia Bazaar, an excellent place to immerse yourself in local culture and pick up some unique souvenirs, like local spices or hand woven crafts.
Afternoon: Visit the Urmia Museum, which showcases archaeological finds from the region including pre-Islamic and Islamic artifacts.
Evening: Take a stroll around Urmia Lake Park, a popular spot among locals for its beautiful sunset views over what remains of Lake Urmia.
Day 2: Urmia Historical Sites
Morning: Visit the Church of Nane Maryam, the oldest church in Iran, dating back to the Sasanian period. It’s an important historical site that reflects the city’s diverse religious history.
Afternoon: Head to the Se Gonbad, a Seljuk-era tower with a unique conical dome, located near the city center.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dinner at one of Urmia traditional restaurants, trying local dishes such as Dizi or Kebab.
Day 3: Day Trip to Kandovan
Full Day: Take a day trip to the ancient village of Kandovan, about 130 kilometers southeast of Urmia. This unique village is famous for its homes carved out of volcanic rocks, somewhat similar to those in Cappadocia, Turkey. Explore the village, meet local artisans, and perhaps sample some of the herbal honey or handcrafted items sold by villagers.
Evening: Return to Urmia.
Day 4: Nature and Adventure
Morning: Travel to the Silvaneh area, located in the mountains east of Urmia. It’s ideal for hiking and enjoying the lush greenery during the spring and summer months or for snow sports in the winter.
Afternoon: Visit the Hasanloo archaeological site, home to the famous “Lovers’ Gold Cup” dating back to the 1st millennium BC.
Evening: Prepare for your departure from Urmia, reflecting on the memories of your travels through this diverse and historical region.
Urmia, located in northwestern Iran, is surrounded by some fascinating destinations that are perfect for day trips and excursions. Here are some recommended excursions around Urmia:
1: Lake Urmia National Park
Distance: The park surrounds Lake Urmia, just a short drive from the city.
Highlights: Once one of the largest salt lakes in the Middle East, Lake Urmia has significantly reduced in size but remains a significant ecological area. The national park offers opportunities for bird watching, especially during migration seasons, and beautiful landscapes for photography.
2: Maku Free Zone
Distance: About 220 km northwest of Urmia, near the borders with Turkey and Armenia.
Highlights: This free trade zone offers not only shopping opportunities with a range of imported goods but also stunning natural scenery. Nearby attractions include the Qareh Kelisa (Black Church), an ancient Armenian monastery listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
3: Salmas
Distance: About 70 km north of Urmia.
Highlights: Visit the historical city of Salmas, which is known for its diverse cultural background and significant archaeological sites. It’s a great spot to learn more about the various ethnic groups that have influenced the area.
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