Iran - Ancient Persia in Depth (15 days)

There can be few countries about which so little is known as Iran, but its old name of Persia conjures up images of opulent buildings, lavish gardens and magnificent ancient sights. But for most travellers the most rewarding aspect of the trip will be the incredibly friendly Iranian people who greet foreigners with warmth that is seldom found elsewhere.

Day 1 & 2: TEHRAN - Arrival day. Morning visit to the shrine of Imam Khomeini. Overnight sleeper train to Kerman. Approx. 14-hour train ride (though delays may occur)
Day 3: KERMAN - Check in to our hotel before enjoying a tour of this well preserved ancient city with its lively bazaar. In the afternoon we drive to the oasis city of Mahan where we visit the exquisite shrine of the sufi saint Shah Nematollah Vali set against a picturesque backdrop of barren mountains.
Day 4: YAZD - Drive to Yazd. Yazd is home to many followers of the ancient Persian religion - Zoroastrianism. We visit the Fire Temple, the Towers of Silence, and the Wind Towers in the Old City of Yazd. (B) Approx 5-6 hours driving
Day 5: PASARGAD - SHIRAZ - Today we continue to Shiraz via Pasargad, the ancient Achaemenian capital. We visit the tomb of Cyrus the Great that dates back more than 2,500 years. Approx. 7 hours driving
Day 6: SHIRAZ - PERSEPOLIS - Morning guided tour of the magnificent remains at Persepolis. In the afternoon we enjoy a guided tour of Shiraz, a city that has always been a great centre of learning and is celebrated for its beauty and the shrines to its famous poets.
Day 7: ESFAHAN - Drive to Esfahan via the beautiful caravanserai at Izadkhast. In the evening we have a panoramic tour of the old bridges in Esfahan and the chance to visit a traditional teahouse.
Day 8: ESFAHAN - A World Heritage site, Esfahan is perhaps the most beautiful of all the cities in Iran with an abundance of traditional Islamic architecture, ancient mosques, shrines and palaces. We have a full day to explore with our guide.
Day 9: ESFAHAN - Full free day to wander through this enchanting city or visit the exotic bazaar to haggle for souvenirs.
Day 10: NATANZ - ABYANEH VILLAGE - We continue to the village of Abyaneh, stopping on the way to visit the Jame Mosque and the shrine of Imamzadeh Abdolsamaad in Natanz; a significant example of traditional Persian architecture. Abyaneh is one of the oldest settlements in Iran, and its historic importance has recently been recognised by UNESCO. We enjoy a picnic lunch, followed by a free afternoon to take in the beauty of the architecture and the surrounding scenery.
Day 11: KASHAN - QOM - HAMADAN - In the morning we drive to Kashan, a small city built at the site of an oasis. We have the chance to view the city's traditional buildings, such as the Boroujerdi House, originally the home of a samovar merchant - the extensive gardens and atmospheric covered bazaar. Later we drive to Qom, the second holiest city in Iran and then continue to Hamadan, which has been inhabited since the second millennium BC.
Day 12: KERMANSHAH - SANANDAJ - After some time spent exploring Hamadan, we drive to Kermanshah, an important stop on the ancient caravan routes to Baghdad. After a tour of the city, which includes some of its most impressive monuments, we continue to Sanandaj.
Day 13: TAKHT-E SOLEIMAN - ZANJAN - Takht-e Soleiman, the 'Throne of Solomon' is one of Iran's most interesting archaeological sites, where the ruins of a large, fortified settlement have been built around a small lake on a hilltop. It also claims to be the birthplace of Zoroaster, founder of the ancient Zoroastrian religion. We visit the site before heading to Zanjan to spend the night.
Day 14: ZANJAN - TEHRAN - We tour Zanjan, famous for the intricate handicrafts produced by its people, before returningto Tehran via Soltaniyeh and Qazvin.
Day 15: TEHRAN

Operated by Imaginative Traveller (ITAN)

Departures: March to September (excludes August)

Contact us for more information, current costs and to make a booking on this small group adventure