Unearthing Iran's Desert Mysteries
Iran Desert Tour: In just seven days, this tour captures the essence of Iran. You’ll visit the famous cities of Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz, along with tours of Kashan and Abyaneh. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to see 6 UNESCO World Heritage sites within this short time.
13 Days
Highlights
- Duration: 13 Days
- Arrival: Tehran
- Departure: Tehran
- Wheelchair Access Available
- Iranian Cuisine Workshop
- Iranian SIM card
- More than 1000 km road trip in the deserts of Iran
- Embark on an exciting day in the central deserts of Iran, exploring the famous Bafgh Desert, located near Yazd. Enjoy diverse activities like trekking, optional camel riding (extra charge), night treks, visiting ancient villages, and interacting with locals.
- Enjoy the beauty of nature with an overnight stay at one of Iran's most picturesque desert camps in Matin Abad, immersing yourself in the serene desert landscape.
- Visit and stay at the historic Zein-o-din Caravanserai in Iran's desert, complemented by a scenic road trip through the Central Iranian Desert.
- Explore and stay in the beautiful village of Bavanat, experiencing the authentic rural lifestyle and local culture.
Hotspots
- UNESCO World Heritage
- Persepolis
- Pasargadae
- Golestan Palace
- Masjed Jame Isfahan
- Eram Garden
- Zein o Din Caravanserai
- Sadie Tomb
- National Museum of Iran
- Abyaneh village
- Tape Silak
- Chehel Sotoun
- Persian Gardens
- Matin Abad Camp
- Bafgh Desert
Day 1: Tehran
Arrive, meet and greet at the airport, and transfer to the Hotel. Depending on your arrival flight, the following morning, we will begin a full-day tour of the capital, Tehran (If you arrive early, you will need an extra night in Tehran). You will start with a walking tour through old Tehran and visit the old Gate of Tehran, Golestan Palaces, Imam (former Royal) Mosque and the Grand Bazaar, a large roofed old shopping complex. Overnight Tehran.
Day 2: Matin Abad
Early morning drive to Kashan. In Kashan, you will visit the prehistoric sites dating back 6000 years, Tappeh Sialk, Boroujerdiha & Tabatabaee’s house and Badgiras (Wind-Catchers). Continue to Abyaneh, eat lunch, and visit the picturesque mountain village of Abyaneh. In the evening, drive to Matin Abad camp. Overnight Matin Abad.
Day 3: Matin Abad
Desert tours of Matin Abad: Early in the morning, after breakfast, season allowing, we will go camel riding (Optional – Camel riding is not included in this tour, and extra charges will occur if you wish to ride a camel). Highly experienced local guides accompany our desert tours in Matin Abad. You will continue your day on a bike (if you wish). Bike rides through landscapes of dunes and mountain gorges; desert walks at night under unbelievably bright star-lit skies. Overnight in Matin Abad.
Day 4: Yazd
Drive to Yazd in the morning. Meet and greet your local guide, and transfer to the Hotel. Overnight in Yazd.
Day 5: Yazd
Full-day city tour of Yazd to visit Towers of Silence, Fire Temple, Friday Mosque, Dowlat-Abad Gardens, Zoorkhaneh (Power House), Amir Chakhmakh Square and the local bazaar. Overnight Yazd.
Day 6: Yazd
In the morning, we start another fantastic day in the central deserts of Iran with an excursion to the Bafgh Desert. This dessert is very popular with locals and travelers alike. There are so many activities to do besides trekking. These activities include camel riding, season allowing (Optional – Camel riding is not included in this tour, and extra charges will occur if you wish to ride a camel)., night treks, visiting ancient villages, and even eating and mingling with the locals. Overnight Yazd.
Day 7: Zein O Din Caravanserai
Today, we are heading towards Zein o Din Caravanserai to experience an incredible day of desert life. Caravanserai is the ancient equivalent of hotels, where travelers would stay and relax after traveling through hot deserts all day. Overnight Zein O Din Caravanserai.
Day 8: Bavanat
Early morning departure (overland) towards Bavanat village. Bavanat is one of Iran’s eco-tourism centers and is indeed an oasis. Sightseeing in Bavanat village and visiting its beautiful walnut forests, Imamzadeh, and Qanats, the traditional system of Iranians for distributing water. (Visiting nomads depends on your travel date; you can have a memorable experience with nomads living in April and September). Overnight Bavanat.
Day 9: Shiraz
Iran Desert Tour continues!
Drive to Shiraz. En route, you will visit Pasargad, Naghshe Rostam and 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 the Achemaenian era. Overnight Shiraz.
Day 10: Shiraz
We will start our Shiraz tour by the Karmikhani complex, the residential palace of the Zand dynasty. We continue to Vakil complex, Vakil Mosque, Bazar, and the public bath remaining from his reign. We also visited the colorful Nasirolmolk mosque. In the afternoon, we will visit the Eram Garden, Naranjestan Palace, and the tombs of world-famous poets Hafez and Saadi. Overnight Shiraz.
Day 11: Isfahan
Drive to Isfahan. Arrive in the afternoon and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, we will head to the banks of the Zayanderud River, the city’s soul. Several historical bridges over this river were 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 paddling on a boat from one to the other. 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 was the official center of the city when it was the Safavid Capital (17th Century). We will visit the famous Imam Mosque (Royal Mosque) on the square’s southern side, which has incredible architecture and tile work. We then visited the multistory Aliqapu Palace, which stood on the western side of the court, 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.
Day 13: Isfahan - Tehran
Starting another wonderful day in Isfahan, we start in the morning by visiting the Friday Mosque, followed by Chehelsotun (forty columns) palace. We will then see the Vank Cathedral and the city’s Armenian Quarter. Depending on your departure home on the evening flight to Tehran, we can transfer you directly to the International Airport or stay another night in Tehran at your leisure. We will take you to the airport the following day.