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Days
13
Price from
3550USD
Map of Ancient Persia In Depth including Iran, Islamic Republic Of

Colour, charisma and ancient cultures combine in Iran

Join Peregrine for this foray into one of the world’s most fascinating and lesser-visited countries – Iran. See the best of Ancient Persia on a round-trip from Tehran, experiencing breathtaking mosques, stepped hillside villages, cleverly designed wind towers (badgirs) and bazaars full of colour and aroma. Uncover layers of a chequered history, and discover the fusion of Islam, Jewish, Zoroastrian, Christian and Baha’i influences. Spend 13 days with a group of likeminded travellers and a local leader eager to provide insight into the stories and people of this enchanting nation.

Start
Tehran, Iran
Finish
Tehran, Iran
Destination
Iran
Style
Peregrine
Code
PGAP
Physical rating
Trip rating
18 reviews
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Peregrine trips are now operated by Intrepid Travel

Why you'll love this trip

  • Visit Yazd – once a major stop along the ancient Silk Road – and discover the role religion plays in the city, from the impressive Jameh Mosque to the Zoroastrian towers and temples.

  • Enjoy a special dinner with a Zoroastrian family dining in a garden of pomegranate and tamarind trees in Nartitee, and consider booking in on a hands-on Persian cooking class in Shiraz.

  • Explore one of the greatest cities of antiquity in Persepolis. The relief carvings and towering columns will leave you in no doubt that this was once the centre of the known world.

  • Soak up the sights and atmosphere of the jewel in Persia’s crown – the beautiful town of Esfahan. Feel the past glory at Imam Square and its surrounding palaces and mosques.

  • Your local leader is on hand each day to give you an insight into Iran’s rich history and take you to the best bazaars, making your adventure in this off-beat country a breeze.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Before travelling to Iran, we recommend that you refer to your governments travel advisory before booking any tours to Iran, as this may affect insurance policies.

  • Part of travelling with Peregrine means respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments. It is very important that you adhere to a strict dress code – particularly for women – in what may be quite warm weather. Upon arrival in Iran, all women must wear a headscarf and must also have their arms and legs covered. Men must also be conservatively dressed.

  • Alcohol is strictly forbidden in Iran and severe penalties will be incurred by anyone attempting to bring it into the country. Drug laws are also extremely strict, and travellers face lengthy jail terms if caught. Other prohibited items include pork, material deemed obscene by Iranian law (which can include non-pornographic materials like fashion magazines), and controversial literature. These will all be confiscated by customs officials. Upon arrival, you as a foreigner will likely be whisked through customs but note that random bag checks do occur.

  • It's becoming increasingly difficult to confirm preferred hotels due to limited four-star options in the region. While we will always look to the next suitable alternative, in some cases these may not be centrally located. It's important to note that local star ratings may not match those you are used to. In some locations, the three-star hotels are a better quality (and location) than the four-star hotels and are priced accordingly.

  • The pathways around some of the sites may be uneven, rocky or dusty. Some of the guided trips may involve quite a lot of walking in the elements, especially in the heat. Please bring comfortable walking shoes and be prepared with hats, sunscreen, water or layers for cooler weather.

  • Iran is a big country and you’ll cover a lot in two weeks, which means some long travel days and a busy itinerary. All land travel is in private air-conditioned buses, with regular stops along the way.

  • In 2021, Ramadan will take place from 12 April to 11 May. Travelling during this holy month can be a rewarding cultural experience. However, some regular services may not be available during the daytime, such as restaurants or coffee bars, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider your travel arrangements carefully before booking travel for this period.

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Itinerary
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Welcome to Iran! You will be met at Tehran Airport by a local driver for a transfer to your hotel (approximately 1 hour). You may arrive in Tehran at any time today, with hotel rooms are generally available after 12 pm (midday) and an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. Until then, the rest of your day is free to explore your surroundings. Home to 15 million people, Tehran is exciting, noisy and chaotic – it’s the country's beating heart. Highly recommended today is to visit the Treasury of National Jewels – be sure to time your visit, as it is closed on some days. In the evening, you could take a seat at a coffee shop or find a local restaurant for dinner – be sure to ask your group leader for their recommendations.
Accommodation
  • Tehran Grand Hotel II or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Tehran - Carpet Museum of Iran
  • Tehran -Treasury of National Jewels
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
An airport arrival transfer is included. This transfer is only valid if arriving on day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Peregrine. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel. Once you have provided your details a transfer representative will be booked to meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Please note that we use a local supplier for your arrival airport transfer. As tourism is a developing industry in Iran, your driver may not speak English.

Continue discovering of Tehran with a full-day tour, beginning at the World Heritage-listed Golestan Palace – an opulent masterpiece of the Qajar era embodying early Persian design. Continue with a stroll through Tehran's bustling bazaar before visiting the National Museum. While it may not look as inspiring as other city buildings from the outside, inside is a treasure trove of Iran's rich history. Keep your eye out for the Salt Man from Zanjan – preserved in salt for centuries.
Accommodation
  • Tehran Grand Hotel II or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Tehran - City Tour
  • Tehran - National Museum of Iran
  • Tehran - Golestan Palace
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that the Treasury of National Jewels is closed on Wednesday and Thursdays and is not included today. If you would like to visit this museum, it is open from Saturday to Tuesday, so we suggest allowing time either on Day 1 or at the end of your Iran adventure.

Drive to Kashan in the morning – a merchant town known for its high-quality ceramics, silks, carpets and fine houses. Visit the lush Bagh-e Tarikhi-ye Fin (Fin Garden), a classical Persian garden that contains Kashan's Fin Bath. This is where Amir Kabir – the Qajarid chancellor and a nationalist hero – was murdered under the orders of King Nadir al-Din in 1852. Spend time at the fascinating Tabataei House. Built in the 1840s for the affluent Tabatabaei family, exceptional attention was paid to every architectural detail of this building as dictated by the geography and climate of the area. Spend the evening in Kashan and experience Iranian hospitality as your group shares an evening meal with a local family, before spending the night in a traditional Iranian-style house.
Accommodation
  • Morshedi House II or Morshedi House I or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kashan -Tabatabaei Historical House
  • Kashan - Bazaar
  • Kashan - Fin Gardens (entrance fee and guide)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

After breakfast, depart for the ancient desert city of Yazd. Once a major stop on so-called caravan routes to Central Asia and India during the Silk Road period, it's also known as the heart of the Zoroastrian religion. Stop en route in the quiet town of Ardestan, located on the edge of the central deserts. This small village has retained a lot of its charm – it’s full of old clay houses sitting on top of underground aqueducts which draw water from the mountains to the plains. Continue to Aqda to enjoy a Persian lunch in a beautifully restored house. Relax over lunch and maybe take a walk through the village. Arriving in Yazd in the late afternoon, indulging your sweet tooth with a visit to a renowned confectionery maker at Haj Khalifeh Ali Rahbar. Taste generations of expertise at the oldest and most well-known sweet shop in the city, where treats are made with traditional techniques. Spend the evening in a classic hotel in Yazd.
Accommodation
  • Dad Hotel (Feature Stay) or Laleh Traditional Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Yazd - Aqda Traditional House Lunch
  • Yazd - Traditional sweet shop visit and tasting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
It is sometimes difficult to confirm your Feature Stay in Yazd, and for this reason, we have selected an alternative unique accommodation experience in Yazd, which is the Laleh Hotel. If you would like to confirm in advance which hotel your tour will stay at, please check with a Peregrine booking agent 30 days prior to departure.

Explore the old part of the city in the morning, heading to the Amir Chakmaq complex, and walking through the narrow kuches (lanes), past courtyards, ornate doors and mud-brick buildings. One of the most distinctive features of Yazd is the badgirs (wind towers) that capture even the softest of breezes before sending them to the buildings below. It’s an ancient air conditioning! Afterwards, visit two vestiges of Yazd’s Zoroastrian heritage on a trip to the Fire Temple and the Towers of Silence. Zoroastrianism, dating back over 4000 years, was the state religion of Iran before the arrival of Islam. In Zoroastrian, fire and water are agents of ritual purity, and the fire in the Atashkadeh Fire Temple is said to have been continuously burning since AD470. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner experience, travelling to the village of Taft to the house of Nartitee. Here, every corner of this small village home tells a story. Among the house’s pomegranate and tamarind trees, experience remnants of a 2500-year-old culture as you enjoy a simple meal.
Accommodation
  • Dad Hotel (Feature Stay) or Laleh Traditional Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Yazd - Zoroastrian Fire Altar and Towers of Silence
  • Yazd - Amir Chakhmaq Complex
  • Yazd - City Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

This morning, travel from Yazd to Shiraz (approximately 6 hours). On the way, stop at the ice houses of Abarkuh. Ice houses were known in Iran as early as the 17th century BC and used as recently as 50 years ago. The Abarkuh Cyprus is the focal point of this village and is believed to be 4500 years old – a popular symbol of 'life and beauty'. Relax a while and gaze on the beauty of this tree – said to be the oldest living organism in Iran. Continue to Shiraz, arriving in the late afternoon.
Accommodation
  • Parsian Shiraz or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Abarkooh - Cypress of Abarkooh
  • Abarkooh - Ice Houses
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today is dedicated to exploring Shiraz. Many of the local ruins date from around AD260 where Valerian, the only Roman emperor to have ever been a prisoner of war, lived out his last days in captivity. Rise early this morning to catch the first rays of the sun as it seeps in through the stained glass of the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque. Continue to the Vakil Bazaar and the Khan citadel. Bazaar-e Vakil is regarded as one of the best markets in the country, specialising in fine carpets, handicrafts, textiles and spices. This afternoon, visit the vast complex of Bagh-e Eram, known as the Garden of Paradise. Wander the grounds where artificial rivers run through the cypress trees before pooling in front of a colourful palace. Afterwards, visit the tombs of literary and folk hero Hafez and Sa'di. Nearby is the Aramgah-e Shah-e Cheragh – one of the holiest sites in Shiraz. The structure serves as a mausoleum to one of Imam Reza’s brothers and the forecourt is often packed with Shiite pilgrims. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries.
Accommodation
  • Parsian Shiraz or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Shiraz - Saadi and Hafez Tombs
  • Shiraz - Eram Garden
  • Shiraz - City Tour
  • Shiraz - Nasir al-Mulk Mosque
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Begin the day with a drive to the remains of Persepolis (approximately 1 hour) – once the centre of the Persian Empire and considered as one of the great cities of the ancient world. The Takhte Jamshid complex of palaces was known as the historic marvel of the country, constructed over 150 years as the ceremonial capital of Darius I’s Achaemenid Empire. Continue on to Naqsh-e-Rajab – the site of four limestone rock face inscriptions and bas-reliefs that date to early Sassanid times. While today only small ruins remain from those once-magnificent structures, the site is still impressive. This evening, you have the option to participate in a highly recommended hands-on cooking class. The class is held in a local home and runs for approximately 3-4 hours, with all directions and recipes provided in English. You may also choose to explore the town and enjoy an Iranian meal in a restaurant.
Accommodation
  • Parsian Shiraz or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Persepolis - Entrance and guided tour
  • Persepolis - Naqsh-e Rustam Necropolis
Optional Activities
  • Shiraz - Home-cooking Class - EUR60
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Depart from Shiraz and head towards Esfahan (approximately a 6-hour drive). Along the way, stop for a guided tour of Pasargadae – an ancient city built by Cyrus the Great that precedes Persepolis. It’s may not be as well preserved as Persepolis, but still reflects the architectural genius of the Achaemenids, its beauty of simplicity and balance. This afternoon, arrive in Esfahan, and in the evening, take a stroll down to the Zayandeh River and witness the historic bridges arching over the water. The stunning Si-o-Seh Pol (bridge of 33 arches) lights up at night, best viewed either on the banks of the river or at a local teahouse. While away some time in this magical location, truly one of the most atmospheric that Iran has to offer.
Accommodation
  • Keryas Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Pasargad - Pasargadae (entrance fee and guide)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

There’s plenty of time to soak up the sights and atmosphere of Esfahan, often considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Esfahan reached its peak during the reign of Shah Abbas I in 1587 when it was declared the capital of Persia, yet much of its past glory still remains despite the country’s capital later being shifted to Shiraz and then Tehran. Begin today’s adventure through Esfahan with a guided walk through the Imam Square. Covering an area of 82,500 square meters, it’s the second-largest in the world. There are many grand buildings in the surrounding area such as the Ali Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Qeysarieh Portal and the majestic Imam Mosque. Otherwise, the rest of the day is free for more independent exploring of the city.
Accommodation
  • Keryas Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Esfahan - Qeysarie Bazaar
  • Esfahan - Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
  • Esfahan - Naqsh-e Jahan Square
  • Esfahan - Ali Qapu Palace
  • Esfahan - City Tour
  • Esfahan - Esfahan Music Museum
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Continue discovering Esfahan with a guided visit to the Vank Cathedral, located in the Armenian quarter of the city. The striking interior of this building boasts gilded ceilings, intricate wall architecture and eye-catching paintings. The artwork of the dome depicts the Biblical story of Genesis, from the creation of man to the expulsion from the Garden of Eden. The church also plays home to a museum, full of historic manuscripts. Originally, Armenian Christians were brought to the cathedral by Shah Abbas I who placed great value in their skills as artists and merchants. They have been allowed to practice their religion in peace but are confined to this single area of the city. The rest of the afternoon is free. Why not visit the city bazaar – an easy place to get lost among its appealing colours and aromas.
Accommodation
  • Keryas Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Esfahan - Vank Cathedral
Optional Activities
  • Esfahan - Chehel Sotun Palace - IRR500000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, begin the journey back to Tehran, stopping in Iran's second holiest city for the opportunity to visit the Shirne of Fatima Masumeh. On arrival back in Tehran, and after checking in to the hotel, head to the Tabiat Nature Bridge for the afternoon. Spend some time relaxing over a light meal at one of the many restaurants by Ports Park, situated on one side of the bridge. On the other, the rolling trees of Taleghani Park offer a great opportunity for a stroll.
Accommodation
  • Tehran Grand Hotel II or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Qom - Orientation walk
  • Tehran - Tabiat Nature Bridge
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

With no activities planned for today, your adventure in Iran will come to an end today after breakfast.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

Transport

Private aircon bus

Accommodation

Comfortable Standard Hotel (10 nights) Feature Stay (2 nights)

Included Activities

  • Tehran - Carpet Museum of Iran
  • Tehran -Treasury of National Jewels
  • Tehran - City Tour
  • Tehran - National Museum of Iran
  • Tehran - Golestan Palace
  • Kashan -Tabatabaei Historical House
  • Kashan - Bazaar
  • Kashan - Fin Gardens (entrance fee and guide)
  • Yazd - Aqda Traditional House Lunch
  • Yazd - Traditional sweet shop visit and tasting
  • Yazd - Zoroastrian Fire Altar and Towers of Silence
  • Yazd - Amir Chakhmaq Complex
  • Yazd - City Tour
  • Abarkooh - Cypress of Abarkooh
  • Abarkooh - Ice Houses
  • Shiraz - Saadi and Hafez Tombs
  • Shiraz - Eram Garden
  • Shiraz - City Tour
  • Shiraz - Nasir al-Mulk Mosque
  • Persepolis - Entrance and guided tour
  • Persepolis - Naqsh-e Rustam Necropolis
  • Pasargad - Pasargadae (entrance fee and guide)
  • Esfahan - Qeysarie Bazaar
  • Esfahan - Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
  • Esfahan - Naqsh-e Jahan Square
  • Esfahan - Ali Qapu Palace
  • Esfahan - City Tour
  • Esfahan - Esfahan Music Museum
  • Esfahan - Vank Cathedral
  • Qom - Orientation walk
  • Tehran - Tabiat Nature Bridge

Essential trip information

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