From Gardens to Deserts: Discovering Iran's Rich Heritage
This 15-day Iran Nature & Culture Tour takes you through the historical depth, lush gardens, lively bazaars, and peaceful deserts of Iran. Starting in Tehran, it explores Kashan, Abyaneh, Isfahan, Yazd, and Shiraz, along with the deserts of Rig-e Jenn and Mesr, offering a blend of Iran’s rich traditions and modern life.
15 Days
Highlights
- Duration: 15 Days
- Arrival: Tehran
- Departure: Tehran
- Iranian Cuisine Workshop
- Iranian SIM card
- Experience of natural and Historical Sites
- Tehran and Kashan: Start in Tehran, immersing in its modernity before exploring Kashan. Discover the serene Fin Garden and the historic Boroujerdi House, showcasing traditional Persian architecture.
- Abyaneh to Isfahan: Travel from the picturesque Abyaneh to the splendid Isfahan. Admire Isfahan's iconic bridges and the stunning Imam Square, reflecting its rich Safavid-era history.
- Desert Adventures: Venture into the deserts, from Rig-e Jenn to the oasis of Garmeh. Experience the tranquility of Iran's deserts, offering a stark contrast to city life.
- Yazd to Shiraz: Explore Yazd’s Zoroastrian sites and wind towers, then proceed to Shiraz, a city celebrated for its gardens and poetic heritage. Finish the journey in Tehran, where tradition and modernity coexist beautifully.
Hotspots
- Tehran Bazaar
- Persepolis
- Pasargadae
- Golestan Palace
- Carpet Museum
- Ali Qapu Palace
- Hafezieh
- Rig-e Jenn Desert
- Mesr Desert
- Nasir-al-Mulk Mosque
- Sio-se-pol Bridge
- Abyaneh Village
- Dowlat Abad Garden
- Boroujerdi House
- Fin Garden
Day 1: Arrival in Tehran
Welcome to Iran! Arrive at Imam Khomeini International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Tehran for rest.
Day 2: Tehran to Kashan
Travel south from Tehran to Kashan, a city celebrated for its traditional houses, Fin Garden, and vibrant bazaar and hammams. Explore the UNESCO-listed Fin Garden, visit the historical Boroujerdi House, and enjoy a tea break in a converted hammam within the bazaar area.
Day 3: Kashan to Abyaneh to Isfahan
Depart Kashan for the picturesque village of Abyaneh, known as the Red Village for its distinctive clay houses. Continue to Isfahan, the 17th-century capital of the Safavid Empire, and explore its famous bridges, including Shahrestan, Sio-se-pol, and Khaju.
Day 4: Explore Isfahan
Discover Isfahan’s Imam Square, including the Shah Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace, and the Qeisarieh Bazaar. Conclude the day with a visit to Chehel Sotun Palace and enjoy panoramic city views from Mount Sofe.
Day 5: More of Isfahan
Visit the Masjed-e Jamé, a UNESCO site showcasing Islamic architecture. Explore the Armenian quarter, visiting Vank Cathedral and the Music Museum. Afternoon visits include Hasht Behesht Palace and Garden, with time to interact with locals.
Day 6: Isfahan to Rig-e Jenn Desert
Day 7: Mesr Desert
Explore the Mesr Desert in central Iran for its historical significance and beautiful desert landscape. Enjoy an evening campfire and stargazing before returning to a local village for the night.
Day 8: Garmeh
Journey through the desert to Garmeh, enjoying its palm gardens and staying at Ateshooni House for unique musical entertainment.
Day 10: Discover Yazd
Tour Yazd, a city known for its wind towers, Zoroastrian heritage sites including the Tower of Silence and Fire Temple, Amir Chakhmaq Square, and the Friday Mosque. Explore Dowlat Abad Garden and other historic sites.
Day 11: Yazd to Shiraz via Pasargadae
Drive to Shiraz, visiting Pasargadae and Naqsh-e-Rustam en route. Explore Persepolis before continuing to Shiraz for the night.
Day 12: Explore Shiraz
On Day 12, begin your exploration of Shiraz by visiting the Nasir-al-Mulk Mosque, also known as the Pink Mosque, to witness its stunning stained glass windows in the morning light. Afterward, head to the peaceful Narenjestan Garden to admire its traditional Persian garden layout and elegant pavilion. Reserve the afternoon for a visit to the imposing Karim Khan Citadel, a fortress that offers a glimpse into the rich history of Shiraz. This leaves your evening free to leisurely explore the surroundings and perhaps enjoy some local cuisine.
Day 13: Shiraz to Tehran
On Day 13, begin with exploring the lively Vakil Bazaar for traditional Iranian crafts and souvenirs, then visit the tombs of Hafez and Saadi. These activities offer a deep dive into Shiraz’s cultural and literary essence. Wrap up your morning and early afternoon with these explorations before catching a flight back to Tehran, concluding your enriching journey through Shiraz.
Day 14: Tehran Sights
Visit Golestan Palace, Tehran Bazaar, the National Museum of Iran, and the Carpet Museum. Experience the blend of Persian tradition and history.
Day 15: Departure from Tehran
Transfer to Imam Khomeini International Airport for your departure, concluding your journey through Iran’s rich cultural landscape and natural beauty.