Tehran    Mashhad    Shahrud    Damghan    Qazvin    Zanjan    Tabriz    Kandovan

The diversity of the natural environment and the ethnic composition of Iran have created diverse forms of rural settlements with varying aspects. Among rural settlements in Iran, there exist unique types, causing wondering of every viewer; villages which portray an interesting and wonderful visage of ancient Iranian civilization.

Day 1: Tehran

Arrival in Tehran and transfer to hotel; overnight Tehran.        

Day 2: Kerman

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 domestic airport. Fly to Kerman in the evening, transfer to hotel. Overnight Kerman.

Day 3: Kerman

Full-day excursion to Rayen to visit the Arg-e-Rayen; en-route visit the Shah Nematolah-e Vali Shrine and the Prince Gardens at Mahan; overnight Kerman.

Day 4: Meymand

Half-day visit of Kerman to see the Ganj-Ali Khan Complex (bath, caravanserai and bazaar) and the Grand Mosque. Then, drive to Meymand Village. Stay overnight in a beautiful hotel in a rocky village. 

Day 5: Meyman

Spending another wonderful day in the village of Meymand, an impressive, ancient village with man made and natural caves that are still used as house near Shahr-e-babak city. Unlike other ancient villages, Meymand has retained its culture. Living conditions in Meymand are harsh due to the aridity of the land and to high temperatures in summers and very cold winters. The Village consists of a number of amazing natural and manmade caves that are still used today for housing and shelter. Currently a scarce population of 150 people continues to live there. The origins of Meymand date back to the time when the inhabitants of the Persian plateau had not yet started to bury their dead in traditional graves but rather placed them inside crypts carved in the mountain. This belief has been attributed to followers the goddess Mithra.. Overnight Meymand.

Day 6: Bavanat

Drive to the beautiful village of Bavanat, the hub of Iran’s eco-tourism where you can take stroll in the beautiful nature of Zagrous mountain range. Overnight in Bavanat to visit the nomads and spend some time in the nature; overnight Bavanat.

Day 7: Bazm Village

After home-made breakfast at a local house, leave for the surrounding springs and enjoy a light walk through the mountains and move towards the walnut forest: A 20 kms long forest situated amid a green valley. (Visiting the nomads is only possible from April until September). Overnight stay in a traditional house in Bazm Village.

Day 8: Shiraz

Drive to Shiraz; en -route visit Persepolis the most magnificent city of the ancient world, Naghsh-E-Rustam, Naghshe Rajab and Passargade (the resting place of Cyrus the great), overnight Shiraz.

Day 9: Shiraz

City tour of Shiraz to visit The Eram Garden,the Nasiro- Molk Mosque,the  Narenjestan Palace, the tombs of poets Hafez and Saadi and the Ali ebn-e- Hamza Shrine; overnight Shiraz.

Day 10: Sepidan

Drive to Sepidan , located in the heart of the Zagrus Mountain, and spend some time with the local people seeing their daily life and traditions. Have a delicious outside dinner prepared by a local cook. Sleep overnight in this beautiful village.

Day 11: Isfahan

Drive to Isfahan; Upon arrival We will head to the banks of Zayanderud river, the soul of the city. There are several historical bridges over this river, erected during the Safavid era (17th Century). Siosepol (33-arch) and khaju bridges are the most famous ones. 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.overnight Isfahan.

Day 12: Isfahan

In the morning 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.; overnight Isfahan.

Day 13: Abyaneh

Drive to Abyaneh, a fascinating village with ochre colored houses, lattice windows, fragile wooden balconies and many splendid views. Abyaneh village is one of the most stunning and interesting tourist attractions in Iran from various viewpoints. During your Iran visit, it will be an unforgettable experience to pay a visit to this village.  Overnight Abyaneh.

Day 14: Qom - Departure

Drive to Imam Intl. Airport. En route, we will visit the city of Kashan and its beautiful gardens. Depending on your departure flight we may be able to visit the holy city of Qom and visit its famous shrine on your way to the airport.

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