Iran: Ancient Persia from Tehran to Isfahan

• Visit 7 cities of ancient Persia
• We will meet the sunset in the most beautiful
• desert
• Find out where the city of flowers and poets
• We will see how the strange signs of the Persian alphabet are applied.
• Visit the Grand Bazaar of Tehran, the center of Eastern life
• Taste the local kitchen
• Learn about the tea traditions of Iran
• Buy home a lot of oriental sweets.
• Try camel meat according to the legendary recipe
• Get acquainted with the secrets of the famous Persian carpets, Aladdin flew on one of these
• Walk through the Palace of Roses, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• We will go to a place that is considered a paradise for selfies, but in fact – a real mirror palace.
• Let’s hear the legends of the Shah’s harem, who loved ballet so much.
• Let's go to the smallest teahouse in the world.
• Explore the Persian gardens, mausoleum of the 14th century
• At sunset, rise the tallest building in Tehran, overlooking the entire city
• Visit the most beautiful mosques in Iran, take incredible pictures
• Traditional Iranian Rose Water Ice Cream
• The parrot will draw us a lucky ticket with a prediction of good luck.

Iran: Ancient Persia from Tehran to Isfahan

Day 1. Welcome to Tehran! We will meet you at the airport, get acquainted with the group, relax. Dinner, passing the group instruction with a guide. Hotel night.

Day 2. We will start our amazing expedition in Tehran, where we will visit the famous Rose Palace – Golestan, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can enjoy its magnificent architecture and cultural heritage. Then we will go to the center of oriental life – the Grand Bazaar, where we will immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of traditional trade and buy unique goods and souvenirs. Visit the National Museum of Iran, where you will learn about the rich history and culture of this amazing country. And then we go to the symbol of Iran, the Azadi Tower, which is an important symbol of freedom and independence. In the evening we will fly to Shiraz (flight included in the tour price), where you will find a cozy hotel in the city center.

Day 3. Amazing Shiraz or, as it is called, the city of flowers and poets! One of the main attractions of Shiraz is the Nasir-or Molk Mosque, also known as the "Mosque of Roses" or "Pink Mosque" is the oldest mosque in Shiraz, it was built in the late XIX century. We will also visit the magnificent tomb of the Persian poet Hafiz, where you can feel the spirit and greatness of his work. The ancient Vakil caravanserai is also waiting for you with its rich history. Today it has become one of the oldest oriental bazaars and has acquired unique products. After a busy day we will relax in a cozy hotel in the city center. The mosque is located in the city center, which makes its visit very convenient. The second, unofficial name - "Mosque of Roses" or "Pink Mosque" was assigned to this building because of its unique painting. The entire facade of the mosque is decorated with bizarre flowers, mostly roses, which gives it a unique beauty and charm. The journey will continue in the Persian garden, where you can experience the exceptional atmosphere and beauty of nature. Also in the program is a visit to the mosque of Ali Ibn Hamza Holli, which was built in pre-seljuk times. It is also known as a selfie paradise because every inch of its interior is covered with countless mirrors. The decoration amazes with its splendor. Mirror tiles that adorn the walls and domed ceiling are shimmering with colors and shades, creating a magical aura. These unique reflections and plays of light add special beauty and grandeur to this sacred site. When visiting the temple of Ali Ibn Hamza, strict rules and etiquette must be observed.

Day 4. We move to Yazd, a city with a rich history and cultural heritage. But before that we will stop for a visit to Persepolis, one of the capitals of the powerful Achaemenid Empire. The Iranians also call this place – Pārsa, Takhte Jamshid – “the throne of Jamshid”. Persepolis is an archaeological complex located on a small hill. The city flourished for many years and was destroyed after the conquest of the powerful Achaemenid Empire (Persian Empire during the reign of the Achaemenid kings) by the famous commander Alexander the Great. Here we can walk through its ruins and see the majestic structures left after the prosperity of the ancient Persian Empire. This place is full of mysteries and historical significance. The second stop is the necropolis, where the tombs of the ancient kings of the Persian Achaemenid dynasty are located: Darius I, Xerxes I, Artaxerxes I and Darius II. These are four huge tombs carved into a sheer rock, surrounded by large bas-reliefs. Here you can feel the greatness and power of these rulers, as well as learn from their rich history. Upon completion of our historic adventures, we will head to Yazd, where you will find a cozy hotel in the city center. Here you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere of this beautiful city.

Day 5: Yazd is one of the most ancient and unique cities in Iran. With its rich history, cultural heritage and architectural wonders, it attracts tourists from all over the world. The city is famous for its architecture, which has been preserved for many centuries. Its narrow winding streets, traditional palaces and magnificent mosques create an atmosphere full of the spirit of antiquity. One of the main symbols of Yazd is its towers of winds, known as "badgir". These architectural structures serve for natural ventilation and cooling of buildings in hot climates. They are a unique example of the engineering skills of the ancient Persians. The city is also known for its ceramic products and textiles. Local craftsmen create amazing handicrafts including carpets, silk products and ceramic utensils. We will visit the most mysterious place in Yazd – the Towers of Silence or the Towers of Silence. This is probably the most unusual cemetery in the world! The Towers of Silence, also called Dahme or Kale-e Hamusha, are unique burial places for Zoroastrians. The followers of one of the world’s oldest religions still live peacefully in Iran. Many of their customs are more than two and a half thousand years old. For many of us, their cemeteries may seem like a monstrous relic of the distant past. They even look more like fortresses than places for eternal rest. The dead body of a person is considered unclean by Zoroastrians and cannot come into contact with earth or water. Bodies cannot be burned because fire is sacred. For the disposal of corpses, they came up with an original way. On the high hills were built round towers with large wells inside. Also visit the Temple of Fire, one of the most important sacred sites in Yazd. Inside the temple there is a sacred fire that has been burning for centuries. It is a symbol of worship and spirituality for followers of the Zoroastrian religion. The Temple of Fire is of great historical significance and reflects Iran’s rich heritage. In 1999, it was officially listed as a National Monument of Iran, confirming its uniqueness and importance to the country’s cultural heritage. We are pleased to announce that recently the building of the temple has become open to tourists. This gives us a unique opportunity to see and feel the spiritual energy of this place, as well as to become familiar with the history and rituals associated with fire.

Day 6. Our next destination is Isfahan, a majestic city of history and culture. Upon arrival, we will visit the famous Pigeon Tower, which is also known as the Burje-i-Khomeini. Built in the 16th century, this beautiful structure served as a refuge for thousands of pigeons considered sacred in Iranian culture. Next, we look into the ancient caravan shed, a place that served as shelter and parking for travelers, usually for merchant caravans. Opposite the caravanserai is an amazing building - the Ice House. This is an architectural structure that was used to store ice harvested in winter. The Ice House is an example of traditional Iranian engineering. Its unique architecture has been specially designed to create optimal ice storage conditions throughout the year, even in forty-degree heat. And finally, in the sunset rays, we will visit one of the best Persian gardens - the famous Douletab! We will take bright photos, and at the end of our busy day in Yazd, you will have free time to explore the city and enjoy its unique atmosphere.

Day 7. Isfahan, the magnificent city of Iran! It offers us a variety of cultural and historical attractions. One of them is Shah Square, which is rightly included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The square is a symbol of grandeur and beautiful design, embodying the richness and beauty of Iranian architecture. The Lutfulla Mosque, located on Shah Square, impresses with its luxury and exquisite ornament. Its architecture reflects the Iranian style of art, and inside the mosque you can enjoy the unique atmosphere and spiritual power of the place. Further, already at the entrance to Isfahan, we will visit the Narin fortress, built in the fourth millennium BC. According to legend, the fortress of Narin was founded by the giant Dal, by order of Solomon. The final point of our day will be a visit to the Cathedral mosque of Isfahan. The Jami Mosque in Isfahan, also known as the Cathedral Mosque, is a truly unique architectural monument and an important heritage of history. Since 2012, it has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The construction of the mosque began in 771, and this process continued for many centuries, almost until the twentieth century. Throughout all eras, architects have constantly updated and decorated the mosque, introducing new artistic and architectural elements. This has created a unique blend of styles and influences that make Jami Mosque a truly curious place to visit. The Shah Mosque, also known as Imam Masjid, is another important landmark of Isfahan. Its majestic domes and elegant minarets stand out on the city skyline, attracting the attention of all who come here. Inside the mosque you will find beautiful details of the mosaic and carvings that give it a special beauty. The palace, the residence of Persian rulers in Isfahan, will be one of our most exciting stops. This magnificent palace is the epitome of luxury and splendor of the Persian Empire. Stunning rooms, exquisitely decorated rooms, beautiful palace gardens and ornamented facades create an impressive atmosphere that allows you to imagine yourself in the era of power and wealth of Persian rulers. We will attend a concert of traditional musical instruments in Isfahan, immerse ourselves in the world of the Iranian musical tradition and feel its emotional power. The Cathedral of St. Christ, located next to Shah Square, is another magnificent architectural structure. Its unique design combines elements of Persian and Christian art, creating a beautiful symbiosis of the two cultures.

Day 8. On the last day of our expedition, we will go to Tehran and on the way we will stop at the high-mountain authentic village of Abinak, located at the foot of Mount Karkaza. This place is imbued with the atmosphere of Iranian culture. In Abinak we will visit the Bath of Sultan Amir, with its unique architectural style and authentic setting of traditional Iranian baths. Then we will visit the luxurious Tabatai House Museum, which illustrates the way of life of the Iranian family. Here we will see beautiful interiors, decorations and household items, demonstrating the richness of Iranian culture. Another of the amazing places we will visit on our way will be the Aga Bozorg, a magnificent Islamic complex in Kashan, considered one of the best in the world. Here we can admire the unique architecture of the mosque and madrasah, get acquainted with historical facts and feel the spirit of Islamic religion and culture.

Tour dates:

May 1, 2024 - May 8, 2024

2 June 2024 - 9 June 2024

• Tehran-Shiraz domestic flight
• 4 and 5 star hotels (double - accommodation)
• All transfers along the route on a comfortable bus or minivan with air conditioning and an experienced driver (depending on the number of participants)
• Breakfast
• Drinking bottled water throughout the tour
• Transfer from the airport
• Russian-speaking guides
• All entrance fees and permits
• Assistance in filling out the questionnaire on the website of the Iranian Foreign Ministry