Discover the Wonders of Iran: An Unforgettable Tour
Classic Iran May Tour
Explore the beauty and history of Iran with our unforgettable May tour of its most iconic destinations. Journey through the stunning cities of Shiraz, Kerman, Yazd, Isfahan, and Tehran and discover the ancient wonders of Persia. Marvel at the intricate architecture of mosques and palaces, wander through vibrant bazaars, and experience the hustle and bustle of city life. With a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, this tour offers a truly captivating experience. Enjoy the warm hospitality of the Iranian people, savor delicious local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of this fascinating country. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
General info
Start date | Sunday 12 May 2024 |
End date | Sunday 26 May 2024 |
Days | 14 days / 13 nights |
Price | € 1,350 |
Including | Accommodation (shared) Transportation on the ground Local guide Breakfast Entry fees Visa support |
Excluding | International flights Single room (€ 435) Insurance Visa Lunch & dinner Tips for the guide Personal expenses |
Itinerary
Sunday 12 May – Shiraz
- Arrive at your own convenience in Shiraz. A city that is well connected to other parts of the world.
- Meet your other group members at the hotel with an introduction from our local guide.
- Overnight stay in Shiraz.
Monday 13 May – Shiraz
- Visit the Arg of Karim Khan (Zand Castle); this old fort is right in the middle of Shiraz.
- Walking tour of the souk in Shiraz.
- Highlight: We visit the tombs of Sa’adi and Hafez. Especially the poems of Hafez are still very popular in Iran.
- Eram Garden, a place where many locals come to relax.
- Overnight stay in Shiraz.
Tuesday 14 May – Shiraz – Persepolis
- We depart Shiraz for Persepolis and Necropolis.
- Highlight: Wander around the ruins of the UNESCO-heritage site. This was the main capital of the Achaemenid Empire.
- Return to Shiraz.
- Overnight stay in Shiraz.
Wednesday 15 May – Shiraz
- Highlight: See the well-known Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, famously known as the Pink Mosque. Here you’ll see stained glass, which gives the mosque a special color.
- Visit the Madrasah-ye Khan.
- See the impressive Shahcheragh Holy Shrine, with its many mirrors, one of the best shrines in the country.
- Jame Old Mosque, with its impressive mosaics.
- See the Narenjanstan Garden.
- Overnight stay in Shiraz.
Thursday 16 May – Shiraz – Lut Desert – Kerman
- We leave Shiraz head to the stunning Lut Desert.
- Highlight: Along the way we encounter various desert tribes and nomads living in the area.
- Admire the unique rock formations formed due to the constant warm weather in Kerman.
- After arrival in Kerman we’ll visit the incredible bazaar of Kerman in the old town.
- Overnight stay in Kerman.
Friday 17 May – Kerman – Yazd
- We leave Kerman and go westwards towards the city of Yazd.
- Highlight: We visit Sar Yazd and explore the famous Sar Castle.
- We continue our drive to Yazd.
- Highlight: Arrival in Yazd. The beautiful desert town of Yazd is a world apart from the other cities. Especially the old town has a magical feeling with its forest of wind towers.
- Learn about the wind and water towers, at the Water Museum.
- Visit the historical Dolatabaad Garden.
- Overnight stay in Yazd.
Saturday 18 May – Yazd
- Highlight: We go to the Amir Chakhmaq Complex, which is located in Yazd’s central square.
- See the Tower of Silence, the Zoroastrians believed that dead bodies should not be buried, so they left them here for vultures.
- Fire Temple, the place where Zoroastrians practiced their religion.
- Stroll around the local market to get a real feeling of the city.
- Overnight stay in Yazd.
Sunday 19 May – Yazd – Meybod – Isfahan
- Today we have a long drive to Isfahan.
- A quick stop at an old caravanserai.
- Highlight: See the Meybod Water Reservoir in the city of Meybod.
- Visit the Narenj Castle in Nain. One of the oldest villages in Iran.
- Arrival in Isfahan.
- Overnight stay in Isfahan.
Monday 20 May – Isfahan
- For many visitors, Isfahan is one of the highlights of Iran, one of the culturally richest cities in Iran.
- Highlight: We visit the world-famous Imam Square; it’s the biggest closed-off square in the world.
- See the Ali Qapu Palace and Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, located at the square.
- We visit the Chehel Sotun Palace, a UNESCO site located in the center.
- Overnight stay in Isfahan.
Tuesday 21 May – Isfahan
- Today you’ll have a free day in Isfahan. Of course, we’ll be here to advise you on your plans.
- In the afternoon it’s possible to join a cooking class. First we’ll buy the ingredients at the local market, before we start cooking.
- Overnight stay in Isfahan.
Wednesday 22 May – Isfahan
- Today we have another day to explore Isfahan.
- In the morning we’ll visit the Jame Mosque and the Vank Cathedral, two famous sights that are not to be missed in Isfahan.
- Highlight: Cross the Khaju and Siosepol bridges, where locals congregate for tea and good conversation.
- Overnight stay in Isfahan.
Thursday 23 May – Isfahan – Abiyaneh – Kashan
- We leave Isfahan and head to the north.
- Highlight: We drive to Abiyaneh, also known as the red village. It’s very touristy with locals, but still an impressive sight.
- We continue our drive to Kashan.
- Highlight: Upon arrival, we visit Birujedi House, an incredible house from 1857.
- Agha Bozorg Mosque, is a famous historical mosque.
- Walk around the old bazaar.
- Overnight stay in Kashan.
Friday 24 May – Kashan – Qom – Teheran
- Visit to the famous Fin Garden.
- We continue to Qom, which is the religious center of Iran and a special stop, as the Ayatollah resides in Qom.
- Visit to the Tomb of Fatimeh.
- Drive towards Teheran.
- Just before Teheran, we visit the mausoleum of Ayatollah Khomeini. This mega-complex is a memorial for the Ayatollah and is intended as a place for Iranians to gather.
- Overnight stay in the capital of Iran: Teheran.
Saturday 25 May – Tehran
- Highlight: We visit Golestan Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the formal royal Qajar complex.
- In the afternoon we’ll make a museum tour in Tehran, visiting the Archeological, Islamic and Jewelry Museum.
- Overnight stay in Teheran.
Sunday 26 May – Tehran
- Highlight: We head to the north of Teheran, towards the area known as Darband. A popular area for the younger generation to rest and relax.
- We visit the Sa’dabad Complex, which includes multiple palaces and buildings, including the white palace where Shah Reza Pahlavi and Farah Diba lived before they left the country.
- We take a short hike on Mount Darband, before we return to Tehran.
- Visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Carpet Museum.
- Airport drop off.
- End of the tour.