DAYS 1 – 3 Tehran, Iran Arrive in Tehran on Day 2 and embark on a city tour which will include the Central Bank and a viewing of the crown jewels, including a 182-carat diamond and a globe covered with nearly 51,000 gemstones. Visit the Rose Garden Palace, which houses a museum dedicated to Iranian life in the various provinces of the country; the National Archaeological Museum; and a carpet exhibition where you will learn about the various styles and designs of Persia’s most famous export.
Espinas International Hotel, Tehran
DAYS 4 & 5 Hamadan Visit the archaeological sites of Taq-e-Bostan with its spectacular 6th-century bas reliefs; the 5th-century B.C. site of Bisotun and the Achaemenian Rock inscriptions. Immerse yourself in ancient history including the tombs of Bab Taher, and Esther and Mordecai.
Parsian Azadi Hotel, Hamadan
DAY 6 Tabriz En route to Tabriz, stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Takht-e Suleiman (Throne of Solomon), one of Iran’s most important ancient holy sites. Then explore Tabriz, Iran’s most welcoming city, with visits to the ancient Blue Mosque and one of the oldest and largest bazaars in the Middle East.
Pars Hotel, Tabriz
DAYS 7 & 8 Kandovan Drive to the mysterious 13th-century village of Kandovan; many of its homes have been carved into cone-shaped, compressed volcanic ash formations. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Church of St. Thaddeus. Back in Kandovan, your unique hotel has been carved from the rock itself.
Laleh Kandovan International Rocky Hotel, Kandovan
DAYS 9 & 10 Yazd Return to Tehran, stopping at the residence of the Ayatollah Khomeini before catching your flight for Yazd. In the evening light you may see the famous Towers of Silence on the hilltops outside of Yazd. Visit medieval mosques, traditional wind towers and beautiful architecture in this fascinating and remote outpost.
Safaieh Hotel, Yazd
DAYS 11 – 15Pasargadae, Shiraz, Persepolis & Isfahan Drive to Shiraz via Cyrus the Great’s capital of Pasargadae where you will visit Cyrus’ austere tomb, his opulent palace and the ruins of this once-great city. Then enter Shiraz, once the cradle of royal civilization in Persia. The city offers a multitude of delights, including the great university; the mausoleum of one of Persia’s greatest poets, Hafiz; and the incredible bazaar. Then spend a day exploring the ruins of Persepolis. Travel to Isfahan, one of the most beautiful cities in Iran and the 17th-century capital of the Safavid Dynasty. You’ll see palaces and gardens, churches, mosques and the extensive Isfahan Bazaar with its hundreds of shops offering everything under the sun.
Homa Hotel, Shiraz & Aobrbasi Hotel, Isfahan
DAYS 16 & 17 Abyaneh, Tehran & Depart for Home After breakfast, depart Isfahan for Abyaneh, a beautiful remote mountain village and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Kashan to visit the unique Boroujerdi Residence and beautiful Find Garden. On Day 17 you will be taken to the airport for your flight home or on to your next destination.
Espinas International Hotel, Tehran
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Enjoy small group access to this little-visited heart of Persia! Explore the ruins of Persepolis, spend two overnights in a unique cave hotel set amid the amazing volcanic landscape of Kandovan, and witness the holy city of Takht-e Suleiman, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Join Travcoa on this exciting, new Escorted Journey