Visiting the world’s first Christian country, along with one the most ancient civilizations appeals to many travelers, not to mention the historical & cultural ties between Iran and Armenia. Travelling in Iran and Armenia, you will get to know their cultures and traditions see historical monuments and learn how they have influenced each other throughout the millennia. In this tour, we have combined the better of the two worlds. From the poets of Shiraz and mosques of Isfahan to Cathedrals and museums of Armenia, they are all included in this itinerary.

Tehran    Mashhad    Shahrud    Damghan    Qazvin    Zanjan    Tabriz    Kandovan

Day 1 - Shiraz

Arrival to Shiraz, meet and greet at the airport. Transfer to hotel. Overnight Shiraz.

Day 2 - Shiraz

We will start our Shiraz tour by Karmikhani complex, residential palace of Zand dynasty. Karim Khan Zand, the founder of Zand dynasty who chose Shiraz as his capital, we will then continue to Vakil complex, Vakil Mosque, Bazar and public bath that are remaining from his reign. We also visit the colorful Nasirolmolk mosque. In the afternoon we will visit Eram Garden, Naranjestan Palace and the tombs of world famous poets Hafez and Saadi. Overnight Shiraz.

{rokbox}images/stories/tours/shiraz/2/*{/rokbox}

Day 3 - Yazd

Early morning drive to Yazd in the heart of Iran. On the way, you will be visiting the most magnificent city of the ancient world, Persepolis, which is now registered as a UNESCO world heritage site. Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Persian Empire during Achemaenian era. We continue our trip by visiting Naghsh-e-Rostam, the Achaemenian necropolis (city of the dead) and Pasargadae (the capital of Cyrus the great & his resting place). Overnight in Yazd.

Day 4 - Yazd

Full-day city tour of Yazd. Visit the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence, and the Fire Temple. In the afternoon, we will visit the famous Jameh and Mir-Chakhmaq Mosques as well as the beautiful water museum; overnight stay in Yazd.

Day 5 - Isfahan

Drive to Isfahan via Naiin to visit its beautiful Jameh Mosque and its traditional weaving factory. Arrive in Isfahan in the afternoon, meet & greet transfer to hotel. In the evening, Siosepol (33-arch) and khaju bridges are the most famous bridges in Isfahan. We enjoy visiting these two interesting bridges, drinking tea at the tea house below the bridge, walking along the river bank or paddle on a boat from one to the other. Overnight Isfahan..

Day 6 - Tehran

We start our full-day tour of Isfahan at the UNESCO world heritage site of Naghsh-e-Jahan Sq., once a royal polo court, this site has been the official center of the city, when the city was the Safavid Capital (17th Century). We will visit the famous Imam Mosque (Royal Mosque), located the southern side of the square with wonderful architecture and tile-work. We then visit the multi story Aliqapu Palace, stood on the western side of the square, from which the Safavid kings used to view the polo games and ceremonies. Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque (or Ladies Mosque) is located on the opposite side of the square and is visited next. We will stroll through the traditional bazaar surrounding the square, before we gather again for the lunch. The bazaar which goes deep to the north is known traditionally as Qeysarieh bazaar. Late evening flight to Tehran. Overnight Tehran.

Day 7 - Yerevan

A full-day tour of the capital, Tehran. Starting with a walking tour through old Tehran and visiting the old Gate of Tehran, Golestan Palaces, in the afternoon we will have a tour of the magnificent national museum of Iran before transfer to Tehran’s international airport late in the evening for your departure flight to Yerevan.

Day 8 - Yerevan

Meet your guide at Yerevan Airport and transfer to your hotel. Visit Erebouni Fortress & Citadel. Continue your tour to Hanghtanak (Victory) park where you can see the monument of Mother Armenia; overnight Yerevan.

Day 9 - Yerevan

After breakfast we go on an excursion to Matenadaran- the depository of ancient manuscripts. A visit to "Ararat" Factory built in 1887.   Overnight Yerevan.

Day 10 - Yerevan

After breakfast, take an excursion to The Holy Etchmiatsin- the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the worldwide Armenian Church; overnight Yerevan.

Day 11 - Yerevan

Visit to the north-west to the country. Travel through the Ararat Valley, one of the oldest cultivated valleys on earth, to the highlands of the northwest, with alpine terrain and wind-swept vistas.  In the spring, the wildflowers blanket the mountainsides with carpets of red poppies, yellow corn flowers and blue snowdrops. Visit to Giumri, the second city of Armenia and home of the largest collection of 19th century architecture in the Caucasus, Armenia's "Belle Époque" quarter. Visit includes Family Care's Hotel Villa Kars and the city's continuing struggle to overcome the 1988 earthquake which killed 24,000 inhabitants. Return to Yerevan in the afternoon. Overnight Yerevan.

Day 12 - Yerevan

After breakfast, take a trip to Lake Sevan – the emerald of Armenia- and visit  the 9th century Seven Monastery. The tour will continue on to the mountainous and forest region of Dilijan, and then to the magnificent complex of Hagharttsin Monastery which dates back to the 11th century; overnight Yerevan.

Day 13 - Yerevan

After breakfast, take an excursion trip to Khor Virap, from where you can have a great view of The Biblical Mountain Ararat- one of the most popular destinations in Khor Virap. Continue your tour to The Noravank Monastery- a 13th century Armenian Apostolic Church; overnight Yerevan.

Day 14 - Departure

Transfer to the Yerevan Airport for your departure flight. 

What plans or ideas do you have for your itinerary?

Tell us about the sort of itinerary you have in mind. In particular, places you want to visit, accommodation you have in mind, activities you would like to do and any special interests you have (e.g. temples, local history, wildlife etc). The more information you provide the better.