Iran sightseeing tour

Tehran tour

The day will start with a visit to the Golestan Palace. This museum complex, regarded as an architectural masterpiece of the Qajar era (18th–19th centuries), is located close to the renowned Grand Bazaar. The Golestan Palace is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a prime example of the fusion of European design with traditional Oriental architecture.

During the tour, you will be immersed in the history of Iran during the 17th and 18th centuries and gain insight into the influence of the West on the country's developments. This influence shaped the architecture of the palace, as well as the culture and customs of Iran.

After lunch, you will visit Tabiat Bridge, an impressive three-storey structure connecting two parks. The bridge offers a stunning panoramic view of Tehran. Following a brief rest, you will continue your journey to Fars province and the enchanting city of Shiraz, which served as the capital of Persia during the 16th–19th centuries. Today, it is the capital of Fars (also known as Pars) province and is regarded as the cradle of Persian culture. The entire country of Persia derived its name from this province.

Ancient capitals of the Persian Empire

On the Shiraz tour, you will delve into the world of Persian poetry, visit the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (commonly known as the 'Pink Mosque'), and learn about the history of the Aryans' conquest of the Medes and the establishment of the great and glorious Persian Empire.

After lunch, you will set off for the birthplace of the Persian Empire – the ancient cities of Pasargadae and Persepolis.

Pasargadae is the earliest remarkable example of royal Achaemenid architecture. Built as the first capital of the Persian Empire by Cyrus the Great, it involved the contributions of various peoples from the vast state he established. The expansive Achaemenid Empire, stretching from the eastern Mediterranean and Egypt to the Indus River in India, is recognised as the first empire to embody respect for the cultural diversity of its peoples. This respect is reflected in its architecture, which became a unified representation of the diverse cultures within the conquered territories. Pasargadae marks the initial stage of this evolution in Persian architecture, which later reached its pinnacle in the city of Persepolis.

Persepolis dates back to the 6th–5th centuries BC. The ruins of the city, preserved in their original form, are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Persepolis served as the ceremonial capital of Persia. Each year, during the great Zoroastrian spring festival of Nowruz, representatives from the provinces — satrapies — gathered in the capital to pay tribute to the king and celebrate the New Year together. It is considered one of the most magnificent monuments in Iran’s history. Construction of the city spanned nearly 150 years, yet it was destroyed in a single day by Alexander the Great in 330 BC.

Today, Persepolis stands as one of the world's most exceptional archaeological sites, unrivalled in its ability to showcase the advanced development of one of the most ancient civilisations.

In the evening, you will arrive in Isfahan, the cultural capital of Iran.

Isfahan tour

You will begin your exploration of the city with a visit to Isfahan’s main attraction — Naqsh-e Jahan Square, an architectural masterpiece constructed in a remarkably short period of time.

All the monuments surrounding the square are visually stunning. Of particular note is the Royal Mosque, crowned by a semi-dome adorned with enameled faience mosaics on its interior. This Isfahan mosque remains the most renowned example of vibrant architecture, which flourished in Iran during the Safavid dynasty. Nearby stands the Ali Qapu Palace, serving as a grand entrance to the palace complex and the royal gardens beyond. The interior of the palace is adorned with paintings depicting various events and the achievements of Shah Abbas.

All the architectural elements of Naqsh-e Jahan Square, including the arcades, are richly adorned with enameled ceramic tiles and paintings featuring floral motifs such as flowering trees, vases, and bouquets. The square is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

After exploring the square, you will visit Vank Cathedral, an Armenian church. In the evening, following a brief rest, you will take a stroll to admire the architectural masterpieces of Si-o-se-pol and Khaju bridges.

The sights of Kashan. A trip to Abyaneh

You will set off early in the morning for the village of Abyaneh, renowned for its unique architecture, which has become a local treasure. The historic houses, constructed from red clay using ancient techniques, have been remarkably preserved in their original form, thanks to the desert climate. Interestingly, the lower floors of some houses serve as the roofs for others.

After walking through the streets of Abyaneh, you will continue to the ancient city of Kashan, situated along the historic Silk Road.

You will explore the historic mansion of a wealthy 19th-century carpet merchant, along with the nearby Sultan Amir Ahmad Hammam. The guide will share insights into the lifestyle of affluent merchants in 18th and 19th-century Iran, the architectural features designed to suit Kashan’s desert climate, and the lives of the city’s residents.

At Kashan’s historic bazaar, you will savour Iranian tea accompanied by traditional sweets, while listening to stories from local residents. You will also gain insights into the culture and traditions of Iran during the 18th to 20th centuries.

After dinner, you will head to Tehran and check into a hotel near the airport to relax before the departure.