• 8 Days / 7 Nights
• Rating : 15

8 Day Iran Tour

Cultural Expedition A Journey Through History and Heritage

Get ready for an unforgettable 8-day journey through Iran, a land where ancient history, vibrant culture, and architectural splendor converge. This meticulously crafted tour takes you from the bustling capital of Tehran to the poetic city of Shiraz, the desert gem of Yazd, and the mesmerizing beauty of Isfahan. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wander through bustling bazaars, marvel at intricate mosques, and immerse yourself in the warmth of Persian hospitality. Perfect for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and curious travelers, this itinerary offers a deep dive into Iran’s timeless treasures.

Day 1: Tehran – Gateway to Persia
Morning: Arrive at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport, where you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel for a brief rest.
Afternoon: Begin your adventure with a half-day tour of Tehran, Iran’s vibrant capital. Visit the Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing Qajar-era architecture with its opulent mirror halls, lush gardens, and vibrant tilework. Continue to the Grand Bazaar of Tehran, a labyrinth of shops selling spices, carpets, jewelry, and handicrafts. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and savor local street food like dizi (a traditional lamb stew).
Evening: Transfer to the airport for a short domestic flight to Shiraz, the city of poets and gardens. Check into your hotel for an overnight stay in Shiraz.

Day 2: Shiraz – City of Poets and Gardens
Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, famously known as the Pink Mosque. Arrive early to witness sunlight streaming through its stained-glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the tiled interior. Next, explore the Vakil Complex, including the Vakil Mosque with its stunning spiral columns, the Vakil Bathhouse (now a museum showcasing traditional Persian bathing culture), and the bustling Vakil Bazaar, perfect for picking up rosewater, saffron, or handmade souvenirs.
Afternoon: After lunch, visit the Tomb of Hafez, the revered Persian poet, where locals gather to read his lyrical verses. Continue to the Tomb of Saadi, another literary giant, set in a serene garden. End the day at the Eram Garden, a UNESCO-listed Persian garden with fragrant cypress trees, colorful flowerbeds, and a charming Qajar-era pavilion.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Shirazi dinner, perhaps featuring khoresht gheimeh (split pea stew), before retiring for an overnight stay in Shiraz.

Day 3: Shiraz to Persepolis and Yazd – Echoes of Ancient Empires
Morning: Depart early for Persepolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BCE). Wander through its grand ruins, including the Gate of All Nations, Apadana Palace, and intricate bas-reliefs depicting ancient tributes. Next, visit Pasargadae, another UNESCO site, home to the tomb of Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid Empire.
Afternoon: Continue your journey to Yazd, stopping en route to marvel at the 4500-year-old Cypress of Abarkuh, one of the world’s oldest living trees, standing tall in the desert.
Evening: Arrive in Yazd, a desert city known for its wind towers and Zoroastrian heritage. Check into a traditional hotel, often a restored caravanserai, and spend the night in Yazd.

Day 4: Yazd – Desert Jewel of Zoroastrian Heritage
Morning: Embark on a full-day tour of Yazd, starting with the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence, ancient hilltop structures used for sky burials in Zoroastrian tradition. Take in the panoramic views of the desert landscape. Next, visit the Zoroastrian Fire Temple, home to a sacred flame burning continuously since 470 CE, tended by priests in a serene courtyard.
Afternoon: After lunch, explore the Amir Chakhmaq Complex, a striking façade with symmetrical sunken alcoves, especially beautiful at sunset. Wander through Yazd’s Old Town Bazaar, a UNESCO-recognized maze of mud-brick alleys filled with sweets (like baghlava), textiles, and copperware. Conclude the day at the Yazd Water Museum, which showcases the ingenious qanat system—ancient underground channels that brought water to the desert.
Evening: Dine on Yazdi specialties like ash-e sholi (a hearty herb soup) and stay overnight in Yazd.

Day 5: Yazd to Isfahan – Villages and Heritage
Morning: Depart Yazd for Isfahan, stopping at Meybod, a historic town. Visit the Pigeon Tower, an eco-friendly structure once used to collect guano for fertilizer, and the Narin Castle, a 2000-year-old mud-brick fortress offering insights into ancient defensive architecture.
Afternoon: Continue to Naein, a charming village known for its textile traditions. Tour a cotton weaving workshop to see artisans craft intricate fabrics by hand. Visit the Jame Mosque of Naein, a 10th-century masterpiece with a beautifully carved mihrab and underground prayer hall.
Evening: Arrive in Isfahan, the “Half of the World,” and check into your hotel. Enjoy a leisurely evening stroll along the Zayandeh River before an overnight stay in Isfahan.

Day 6: Isfahan – Jewel of Persian Architecture
Morning: Begin your full-day tour at Naqsh-e Jahan Square (Imam Square), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest public squares. Explore the Ali Qapu Palace, a six-story marvel with a music room featuring intricate stucco work. Visit the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, renowned for its glowing dome and delicate tile mosaics. Admire the Imam Mosque, a masterpiece of Safavid architecture with towering minarets and a grand turquoise dome.
Afternoon: Wander through the Qeysarieh Bazaar, where artisans sell miniature paintings, enamelware, and handwoven carpets. Enjoy lunch at a traditional teahouse, sampling biryani Isfahani.
Evening: As the sun sets, visit the iconic Si-o-se-Pol Bridge (33 Arches) and Khaju Bridge, both illuminated and bustling with locals. End the day with a unique cultural experience at a Zoorkhaneh, a traditional Persian gym where athletes perform rhythmic exercises to drumbeats and poetry. Overnight in Isfahan.

Day 7: Isfahan to Tehran – Cultural Crossroads
Morning: Start with a half-day tour of Isfahan’s Christian heritage in the Jolfa Quarter. Visit the Vank Cathedral, a 17th-century Armenian church adorned with vivid frescoes and a museum detailing Armenian history in Iran. Stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of Jolfa, lined with cafes and boutiques. Next, explore the Jame Mosque of Isfahan, a UNESCO site showcasing 800 years of Persian architectural evolution, from Seljuk to Safavid styles.
Afternoon: Depart for Tehran by road (approx. 5-6 hours). Enjoy the scenic drive through Iran’s central plains.
Evening: Arrive in Tehran and check into your hotel. Spend a relaxing evening, perhaps dining on chelow kabab, Iran’s national dish. Overnight in Tehran.

Day 8: Tehran – Farewell to Iran
Morning: After breakfast, transfer to Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport for your return flight, carrying memories of Iran’s rich heritage and warm hospitality.

This 8-day tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and local experiences, ensuring an immersive journey through Iran’s most iconic destinations.