8 Day Classic Iran Central Cities Expedition

8 Day Classic Iran Central Cities Expedition Itinerary

8 Day Classic Iran Central Cities Expedition Day 1: Tehran

Home to over 15 million people, Tehran is a melting pot of the cultures and traditions that comprise Iran. Today we will take the time to explore the city’s Grand Bazaar, the Qajar-era Golestan Palace, and the National Museum of Iran.

Please note that we most of our guests will arrive in Tehran either late evening on November 14 or early morning on November 15. As such this night prior to the start of the tour will be included in the price.

Accommodation: Traditional hotel
Meals: Breakfast

8 Day Classic Iran Central Cities Expedition Day 2: Kashan & Esfahan

On our second day of this classic Iran itinerary, we will get an early morning start in order to make our way south toward the famed city of Esfahan, making a stop in Kashan on the way.

After about 3 hours on the road, we will reach the small city of Kashan where we will have a bit of time to explore its famous historic houses that all date to the 18th and 19th centuries. We will also take a brief time to see the grand Agha Bozorg Mosque and the beautiful Sultan Amir Ahmad Bath House.

In the afternoon we will continue our drive to Esfahan where we will watch sunset over Naqsh e Jahan Square.

Drive time: ~5 hours
Accommodation: Traditional hotel
Meals: Breakfast

8 Day Classic Iran Central Cities Expedition Day 3: Esfahan

Today we will explore the grand architecture within Naqsh e Jahan that helped to gain Esfahan the saying ‘Esfahan is half of the world. This includes the mesmerizing dome of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Shah Mosque’s lovely courtyard, the grandiose tiling of Shah Mosque, and Ali Qapu Palace’s view out over the square.

After lunch, we will get lost amongst the stalls of Bazaar e Bozorg, and make the quick walk over to Chehel Situn Palace. In the later afternoon, we’ll have some time to check out the historic bridges of Esfahan.

Accommodation: Traditional hotel
Meals: Breakfast

8 Day Classic Iran Central Cities Expedition Day 4: Naein, Maybod, Yazd

On the 4th day of this classic Iran itinerary, we will get another early start to depart Esfahan for the desert highlights of Maybod, Chak Chak, and Kharanaq on the way to Yazd.

In Maybod we’ll get to explore the Narin Fortress and Shah Abbasi Caravanserai, Chak Chak famous for its Pir e Sabz Fire Temple, as well as a quick pop into the ancient mudbrick village of Kharanaq.

About 1 more hour of driving from the Maybod area will finally bring us to Yazd where we will have time to roam around the desert city and try some of its famous shirini (sweets).

Drive time: ~4 hours
Accommodation: Traditional hotel
Meals: Breakfast

8 Day Classic Iran Central Cities Expedition Day 5: Yazd

Today we will visit the highlights that make Yazd a much-loved city in Iran. We’ll visit the 13th century Jameh Mosque, which was built over a Sassanid-era fire temple. After, we will wander the narrow, mud-brick streets to visit the Amir Chaqmaq Complex, which contains a caravanserai, and a bathhouse.

In the afternoon will also take time to learn how underground water channels kept the city hydrated in its early days with a visit to the Yazd Water Museum before heading off to see the famous Ateshkadeh Zoroastrian Fire Temple to see the holy fire that has been burning there since 470 AD.

We will finish our 5th day of this Iran itinerary by seeing the ancient Zoroastrian Towers of Silence where of sky burials once took place.

Accommodation: Traditional hotel
Meals: Breakfast

8 Day Classic Iran Central Cities Expedition Day 6: Persepolis

Early in the morning, we will begin our long nearly 5 hour drive to our final destinations on this Iran tour of Persepolis and Shiraz.

We will arrive in Persepolis in the early afternoon where we will have time to explore the once great capital of the Persian Empire and then take time to visit the nearby Naqsh e Rostam Necropolis that is carved right into a mountainside.

After we’ve spent the afternoon immersed in Iran’s ancient history, continue to Shiraz where we will move into our final traditional hotel on our tour of Iran.

Drive time: ~5 hours 30 minutes
Accommodation: Traditional hotel
Meals: Breakfast

8 Day Classic Iran Central Cities Expedition Day 7: Shiraz

In the morning we will get an early start in order to reach the famous Nasir al Molk pink mosque when it opens to see the famous stained glass reflections illuminated by the rising sun in the morning. After taking a moment to bask in the early morning beauty we will continue exploring the remainder of the mosque. We’ll also take some time out today to visit the Citadel of Karim Khan, and the Vakil Mosque and bathhouse.

Drive time: ~1 hour
Accommodation: Traditional hotel
Meals: Breakfast

8 Day Classic Iran Central Cities Expedition Day 8: Shiraz

Departures from Shiraz throughout the day today.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included?

Single Supplement

Single supplement is $350 for those wanting single rooms each night.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory in order to participate on any tours as well as to comply with entry to the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is your responsibility to make sure that the travel insurance you choose provides adequate coverage. With that said, we can help you get the proper travel insurance policy that covers Iran as there are not many policies that do so.

All passengers on our trips must have a travel insurance policy that covers international medical expenses. It’s also recommended to choose a plan that covers international airfare (ie: in the event of trip cancelation).

Terms & Conditions

Itinerary changes: Itineraries are subject to changes, though we strive to visit all destinations listed on the itinerary. Causes for changes can range from inclement weather, poor road conditions, political unrest, and many other things that are completely out of our control. Changes to an itinerary are not subject to a refund.

Booking: A 40% deposit is required to reserve a spot on this departure. Reservations are on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Deposits: Deposits are refundable up to 30 days after the date the deposit was received. After the 30 day mark, they are no longer refundable.

Final payment: Final payment is due at least 30 days prior to the trip date.

Payments: Payments can be made by bank wire, Venmo, or Paypal.

Airfare: Airfare is not included in the price of the trip.

Travel insurance: Travel insurance is required in order to join this trip. The policy must cover international medical treatment, trip cancellation, and reimbursement of the tour cost if the tour is canceled.

Cancellations (by passenger): Cancellation of the trip by you is not refundable. In some situations, we can apply the trip fee (minus deposit) toward a future departure of your choosing.

Cancellations (by us): If we have to, unfortunately, cancel a trip you will be refunded your money paid to us, however other expenditures outside of the expedition will need to be settled with your travel insurance (ie: airfare, hotel bookings outside the tour, etc).

Dietary restrictions: We can and do try to accommodate meal requirements for passengers. Please let us know well in advance of any dietary restrictions and/or allergies so that we can plan for you.

Accommodations: On this trip, we will be staying in comfortable traditional hotels.