Morning flight to Shiraz — the cultural capital of Iran, where Hafez and Saadi were born and the air smells of orange blossoms. We start with the Karim Khan Citadel — a massive 18th-century pink-brick fortress located in the heart of the city. We visit the Mausoleum of Hafez — it is always lively here, as Iranians come to read poetry by the grave of their beloved poet, practice divination with his book, and make wishes.
Then we head to Vakil Bazaar — one of the most atmospheric in Iran, with vaulted ceilings, carpet rows, the scent of spices, and rosewater in the air. In the evening, we visit Eram Garden — a Persian paradise garden with cypress trees, roses, and a palace with tiled facades reflected in water channels.
At the end of the day, we relax in one of the cozy local cafés with tea and hookah, feeling as if we’ve stepped into another era. Before dinner, we visit Shah Cheragh Mosque, one of the most important Shia shrines in the country.
Night in Shiraz.

On our way out of Shiraz, we stop at the Quran Gate, believed to bless all travelers who pass beneath it. Then we drive to Persepolis — the majestic 2,500-year-old ceremonial complex of the Achaemenid Empire, once used to celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year at the spring equinox. Walking among its grand columns and stone reliefs, we touch the heart of the ancient Persian world.
A short drive brings us to Naqsh-e Rostam, the royal necropolis of Achaemenid kings and a stunning collection of Sassanid rock reliefs carved into the cliffs. We continue to Pasargadae, the first capital of the Achaemenid Empire, where we visit the tomb of Cyrus the Great.
Heading toward Yazd, we stop in Abarkuh to explore the Aghazadeh Mansion, famous for its elegant two-story windcatcher, and see a traditional adobe ice house. Here we also visit one of Iran’s oldest living witnesses — an ancient cypress tree estimated to be 4,000–5,000 years old, believed to have been planted by Zoroaster himself.
Today we cover about 450 km, arriving in the desert city of Yazd by evening. Overnight in Yazd.

Yazd, located in the very heart of Iran and in a remote desert region, has largely escaped major battles, including the Mongol invasions. The city is a living example of how limited resources were used to survive in the desert.
We begin the day at the Amir Chakhmaq Complex, home to the city’s iconic facade and a site for important religious ceremonies. Next, we visit the Water Museum, beneath which a qanat — an ancient water supply system — can be seen, demonstrating the art of water management in an arid climate. Our next stop is the Jameh Mosque of Yazd, with its majestic portal and soaring minarets.
Then we walk through the narrow streets of the Old City, famous for its adobe architecture and wind towers. After the Arab conquest, Yazd became a refuge for Zoroastrians and remains the center of Iran’s Zoroastrian community to this day. We visit the Fire Temple, where the sacred flame is believed to have been burning since around 470 AD. Next, we see the Towers of Silence, which were used by Zoroastrians until a few decades ago for excarnation — the deliberate exposure of bodies to the sun to be cleansed by vultures.
Our next stop is Dowlatabad Garden, a Persian garden with a pavilion and the tallest wind tower in Iran. The tour ends with a visit to a Zurkhaneh — a traditional Persian gymnasium where we can witness ancient Persian athletic rituals.
Overnight in Yazd.

On our way to Isfahan, we stop in the historic town of Meybod to explore the Sassanid-era Narin Castle, one of Iran’s oldest fortresses. We also visit Chapar Khaneh, the old postal station, and a Safavid caravanserai — one of the 999 inns built by order of Shah Abbas. Nearby, we see a traditional pigeon tower, part of a network of dovecotes used to house pigeons and collect their droppings as natural fertilizer for farming.
Continuing toward Isfahan, we visit the desert town of Naein to see the Jameh Mosque of Naein, one of Iran’s oldest mosques, still preserved in its original form. We also explore the Pirnia Historical House, now an anthropological museum showcasing desert life.

The day concludes as we arrive in Isfahan, covering approximately 320 km (200 miles). Overnight in Isfahan.

Isfahan was one of the largest cities in the world during the 16th–17th centuries and served as the capital of the Safavid dynasty. Today we begin at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Naqsh-e Jahan Square, one of the largest city squares in the world. Here we visit Ali Qapu Palace, a six-story masterpiece; the Royal (Imam) Mosque, a highlight of Persian Islamic architecture; Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, the private mosque of the royal court; and Chehel Sotoun Pavilion, also known as the “40 Columns” Pavilion.
Next, we wander through the labyrinthine Qeysarieh Bazaar, starting from the northern side of the square and finishing at the Old Jameh Mosque of Isfahan — another UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest standing mosques in Iran.
We then explore Jolfa, the Armenian quarter of the city, visiting Vank Cathedral, a remarkable example of Christianity in Iran. Our next stop is along the banks of the Zayandeh River, where we see several historic bridges, including Siosepol and Khaju, two of the city’s most beautiful landmarks.

The day concludes with a stroll down Charbagh Street, or “Four Gardens Street,” a historic avenue in the heart of Isfahan. Overnight in Isfahan.

On our journey to Tehran, we begin with a stop in Abyaneh, the “Red Village.” This charming village, with its red mud-brick houses, feels like a living museum of traditional Iranian architecture and lifestyle — perfect for wandering its narrow streets and soaking in the history.
Next, we head to Kashan to explore some of its stunning historic houses and the famous Fin Garden, a beautiful example of a Persian garden where we can stroll among fountains, flowers, and shaded paths.
Continuing toward Tehran, we stop in Qom, one of Iran’s most important religious centers, to visit the Holy Shrine of Hazrat-e Masuma. Finally, on the outskirts of Tehran, we finish the day at the Mausoleum of Imam Khomeini.
Today’s journey covers around 475 km (295 miles), with plenty of walking and exploring along the way.