Description

Welcome to the hidden world of Iran. Travel through this fascinating country to discover refined Islamic cities, colourful bazaars, ancient Persian ruins, fascinating nomads and shimmering deserts. Whether you're relaxing in a teahouse in Tehran, enjoying guided tours of ancient cultural sites or breaking bread with nomads on the harsh Iranian plateau, the warmth and hospitality of the Iranian people is endearing and the profound beauty of their land is mesmerising.

Highlights

• Taste traditional Iranian cuisine on a homestay.
• Travel across the Iranian plateau.
• Explore the busy streets of Tehran.
• Spend a night with a nomadic family.
• Ponder life in Persepolis on a guided tour.
• Admire the delicate beauty of Esfahan.
• Gain an insight into the lives of Silk Road traders.

Itinerary

Day 1 Tehran

Iran's capital is exciting, noisy and chaotic. Home to 15 million people, Tehran is where the country's complex modern identity and illustrious Persian past collide.

Days 2-3 Shiraz

Known as Iran's cultural capital, the very name Shiraz evokes images of ancient Persia: tranquil gardens, lavish mansions, colourful woolen rugs, art, philosophy and poetry.

Day 4 Nomad Stay

Famous for the nomadic tribes who roam its lonely steppes, the barren landscape of Fars Province provides a stark contrast to the vibrancy and hospitality of its inhabitants.

Day 5 Eghlid

Perched between the desert and the mountains, the town of Eghlid acted as the main gateway from the north to Persepolis in ancient times.

Day 6 Caravanserai Zein-o-din

Situated in the desolate Dasht-e Lut desert, Zein-o-din is a classic small caravanserai built during the 16th century under the orders of Shah Abbas, who was constructed such hostels to promote business.

Days 7-8 Yazd

The ancient desert city of Yazd was a major stop on the caravan routes to Central Asia and India during the Silk Road period and it retains a rustic feel.

Days 9-11 Esfahan

The pearl in the Persian crown, Esfahan is quite simply one of the finest places in the Islamic world with a wealth of fine mosaic-tiled buildings and an enormous bazaar.

Day 12 Abyaneh

Nestled at the foot of Mt Karkus, Abyaneh features houses that are arranged in a stair-step shape. Many of their doors are carved with beautiful patterns and poems.

Day 13 Kashan

Home to some of the finest traditional houses in Iran, Kashan is a beautiful oasis city with a very long history - human settlements here date back to the 4th millennium BC.

Days 14-15 Tehran

A visit to Tehran is a true cultural experience: explore teeming bazaars, chaotic streets, a host of interesting museums and the superb Golestan Palace with its exquisite marbled terraces and artistic treasures.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Guesthouse, Hotel, Nomad Tent

Transport

Bus, Plane, Private Bus

Important notes

This trip starts at 12noon on day 1