Classic Persia: Tehran, Kashan, Isfahan, Yazd & Shiraz

About this tour

Iran's great cities in one unhurried journey. From royal Tehran to the gardens of Kashan, the blue-tiled squares of Isfahan, the desert city of Yazd and the poetry and ruins of Shiraz, this programme links eight UNESCO World Heritage sites with comfortable hotels, private transport and an expert guide.

The pace is relaxed, meals are taken in well-chosen restaurants and traditional houses, and every transfer is private. A domestic flight from Shiraz back to Tehran saves a long drive at the end.

Best time to go: March–June and September–November

Highlights

• Golestan Palace, Tehran (UNESCO)
• Fin Garden, Kashan — Persian Garden (UNESCO)
• Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan (UNESCO)
• Jameh Mosque of Isfahan (UNESCO)
• Historic City of Yazd (UNESCO)
• Dowlatabad Garden, Yazd (UNESCO)
• Persepolis and Pasargadae (UNESCO)
• Eram Garden, Shiraz (UNESCO)

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day 1

   Arrival in Tehran

   Private meet-and-greet at Imam Khomeini Airport and transfer to the hotel. Time to rest; welcome dinner.

   Overnight: Espinas Palace Hotel, Tehran (5★) or similar Meals: Dinner
2. Day 2

   Tehran: palaces and museums

   Golestan Palace (UNESCO), the National Jewels Museum (when open) and the National Museum of Iran; evening at Tabiat Bridge.

   Overnight: Espinas Palace Hotel, Tehran (5★) or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3. Day 3

   Tehran → Kashan

   Drive to Kashan. Fin Garden (UNESCO), the historic merchant houses Tabatabaei and Boroujerdi, and the old bazaar.

   Overnight: Manouchehri House, Kashan (boutique) or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4. Day 4

   Kashan → Abyaneh → Isfahan

   The red-clay mountain village of Abyaneh, then on to Isfahan for an evening at Si-o-se Pol and Khaju bridges.

   Overnight: Abbasi Hotel, Isfahan (5★ historic) or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5. Day 5

   Isfahan: half the world

   Naqsh-e Jahan Square (UNESCO): Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace and the bazaar. Chehel Sotoun palace garden.

   Overnight: Abbasi Hotel, Isfahan (5★ historic) or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6. Day 6

   Isfahan

   Jameh Mosque of Isfahan (UNESCO), the Armenian quarter of Jolfa and Vank Cathedral; free afternoon for handicrafts.

   Overnight: Abbasi Hotel, Isfahan (5★ historic) or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7. Day 7

   Isfahan → Nain → Yazd

   Through the desert via Nain. In Yazd, walk the Historic City (UNESCO) with its windcatchers and mud-brick lanes.

   Overnight: Dad Hotel, Yazd (traditional 4★) or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8. Day 8

   Yazd → Pasargadae → Shiraz

   Dowlatabad Garden (UNESCO), then Pasargadae (UNESCO) and the Tomb of Cyrus on the way to Shiraz.

   Overnight: Shiraz Grand Hotel (5★) or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9. Day 9

   Shiraz and Persepolis

   Persepolis (UNESCO) and Naqsh-e Rostam in the morning; Eram Garden (UNESCO), the tombs of Hafez and Saadi in the afternoon.

   Overnight: Shiraz Grand Hotel (5★) or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10. Day 10

    Shiraz → Tehran, departure

    Nasir al-Mulk (Pink) Mosque at sunrise light, Vakil Bazaar, then domestic flight to Tehran and private transfer for your international departure.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included

• Hotels as listed (or similar), double/twin room
• Meals as listed in the itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
• Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver for all transfers and sightseeing
• Licensed English-speaking guide throughout
• Domestic flights within the itinerary
• All entrance fees in the programme
• Travel insurance inside Iran
• 24/7 support from Armoon Travel

Not included

• International flights to/from Iran
• Iran visa (Armoon Travel can arrange it separately)
• Personal expenses, drinks and tips
• Anything not listed as included

Frequently asked questions