Northwest Iran Heritage: Tehran, Qazvin, Zanjan, Tabriz & Ardabil

About this tour

A journey through Iran's green northwest, where the Silk Road crossed the mountains. Visit the great dome of Soltaniyeh, the vast covered bazaar of Tabriz, the cave village of Kandovan, Armenian monasteries on the Aras river and the Sufi shrine of Sheikh Safi in Ardabil — six UNESCO World Heritage sites in one private programme.

Comfortable hotels, a private car with driver, an English-speaking guide and a domestic flight back to Tehran make the route easy.

Best time to go: May–October

Highlights

• Golestan Palace, Tehran (UNESCO)
• Soltaniyeh Dome (UNESCO)
• Takht-e Soleyman (UNESCO)
• Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex (UNESCO)
• Armenian Monastic Ensembles — St. Stepanos (UNESCO)
• Sheikh Safi al-din Shrine, Ardabil (UNESCO)
• Kandovan cliff village

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day 1

   Arrival in Tehran

   Private airport welcome and transfer to the hotel; evening walk and welcome dinner.

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

   Tehran → Qazvin

   Golestan Palace (UNESCO) in the morning, then drive to Qazvin: Chehel Sotoun pavilion and the old bazaar.

   Overnight: Selected 4★ hotel, Qazvin or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3. Day 3

   Qazvin → Soltaniyeh → Zanjan

   Soltaniyeh Dome (UNESCO), one of the largest brick domes in the world, then Zanjan and its traditional knife bazaar.

   Overnight: Selected 4★ hotel, Zanjan or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4. Day 4

   Zanjan → Takht-e Soleyman → Tabriz

   The Sasanian fire temple and crater lake of Takht-e Soleyman (UNESCO), continuing to Tabriz.

   Overnight: Pars El Goli Hotel, Tabriz (5★) or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5. Day 5

   Tabriz

   Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex (UNESCO), the Blue Mosque and El Goli park at sunset.

   Overnight: Pars El Goli Hotel, Tabriz (5★) or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6. Day 6

   Tabriz → Jolfa → Tabriz

   Along the Aras river to the Armenian Monastery of St. Stepanos (UNESCO) and the border landscapes of Jolfa.

   Overnight: Pars El Goli Hotel, Tabriz (5★) or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7. Day 7

   Tabriz → Kandovan → Ardabil

   Kandovan, a village carved into volcanic cones, then on to Ardabil.

   Overnight: Selected 4★ hotel, Ardabil or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8. Day 8

   Ardabil

   Sheikh Safi al-din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble (UNESCO); afternoon at Sareyn hot springs or lake Shorabil.

   Overnight: Selected 4★ hotel, Ardabil or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9. Day 9

   Ardabil → Tehran, departure

   Domestic flight to Tehran and private transfer for your international departure.

   Meals: Breakfast

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