Oasis in the desert

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  TEHRAN

  • Tehran, the capital of Iran, located on the slopes of the Elburz mountains, is the most liberal and secular city in the country. Although it does not have a millennia-old history like other cities you will visit during the trip, it is home to several of the most beautiful museums in the world. First, we will visit the Jewelry Museum, which holds the largest collection of jewelry in the world, inherited over the centuries by the Persian dynasties that ruled the country. Visit to the archaeological museum. Continuation of visits at the Golestan Palace.

• day 2

  Kerman

  • Visit of the Ganjali Khan complex, one of the famous leaders during the reign of Shah Abbas of the Safavid dynasty. Jame Mosque, sanctuary of Shah Nematolah Vali. The Grand Bazaar of Kerman is one of the important places in the city and one of the oldest bazaars in Iran (after the Tabriz Bazaar, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site). A UNESCO World Heritage site, just 30 minutes south of Kerman, the Shazdeh Mahan Garden stands like a magnificent mirage in the arid desert. Inside its walls is a splendid garden, Eden, with tall trees and fresh water springing directly from the mountain.

• day 3

  Shahdad

  The distance by road between the city of Kerman and Shahdad is 95 km. Shahdad is located on the edge of the Lut desert. Kalut is formed by the combination of two words: "Kal" meaning "village" and "Lut" meaning "desert" in Persian. There are many castles and caravanserais in Shahdad and the surrounding area. There are "Nebkas" (desert vases) near Shahdad, some of which reach a height of 10 meters. Night in camp or caravanserai.

• day 4

  Bam - Kerman

  Bam is a city in Kerman province. The distance from Kerman to Bam is 189 km. Archaeological discoveries of ancient qanāts in the southeastern suburbs of Bam date back to the beginning of the 2nd century BC. Arg-e-Bam, the citadel of Bam, is the most representative example of a fortified medieval city built using a vernacular technique with layers of mud (Chineh) combined with mud bricks (Khesht). Visit of Arg-e-Bam, Rayn castle, then return to Kerman.

• day 5

  Shiraz

  After breakfast, drive to Shiraz and embark on an exciting city tour. Shiraz is the city of roses, poets, and nightingales. Visit the beautiful Nasir al-Mulk Mosque. Every morning, this magnificent mosque is illuminated with all the colors of the rainbow through its stained glass windows, hence its nickname, the Pink Mosque. Visit the Karim Khan Fortress, then the Vakil complex, which includes the Vakil Mosque, the traditional bazaar, and the baths. Also visit Hafezieh and Saadieh, the tombs of the famous poets Hafez and Saadi. Discover the Eram Garden, one of the most beautiful and monumental gardens in Iran, as well as Narenjestan-e-Qavam, which literally means the orange garden of Qavam, one of the historical buildings of Shiraz dating back to the Qajar dynasty.

• day 6

  Marvdasht

  Today, the ruins of the site represent a pale testimony to the city's glorious past, but the still visible archaeological remains leave no doubt about the splendor of the refined high-lows, the grandiose colonnades, the imposing gates, and the monumental staircases. The visit to the site includes the rock tombs of Naqsh-e-Rostam, attributed to Darius I and his successors, as well as Naqsh-e-Rajab, where three precious Sassanid bas-reliefs can be found.

• day 7

  SHIRAZ – YAZD

  • Departure for Yazd with a stop on the way at Pasargadae. Although this site is not as well preserved as Persepolis, its ruins stand out for their solitary beauty. It is a true journey into the past, under the reign of Cyrus the Great, in the 6th century BC, when this city was built. Continuation to Yazd with a second stop at Abarqu, where the oldest cypress tree in the world is located, with impressive dimensions, dating back 4000 years. This city is known for having been an important caravan center along the Silk Road and preserves the Agha Zadeh palace, which will strike you with the purity of its architectural lines and their disarming harmony with the environment.

• day 8

  Yazd

  Yazd, the oldest adobe city in the world, is surrounded by the summit of Shirkooh, rising to 4,000 m, and by two majestic deserts: Dasht-e-Kavir and Kavir-e-Loot. This ancient city is endowed with mosques of impressive beauty. The coexistence of splendid fire temples and holy places of different religions amazes all visitors. Today's visit includes the discovery of Dakhmeh (tower of silence, where the Zoroastrians left the dead to be devoured by vultures). We will see the Zoroastrian fire temple, which falls into three categories of importance. We will also visit the wonderful water museum, the Jame’ mosque, and the Doulat Abad garden.

• day 9

  Naein, Isfahan

  • Departure for Isfahan. First stop after 52 km and visit of Meybod, a magnificent city dating back about 1800 years. Here you will visit the Narin Castle, built during the Sassanid era, the ancient cisterns, the pigeon tower, and a post office used in ancient times. Continue your journey to Isfahan by visiting the famous Imam Mosque (Royal Mosque) and the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque (or Ladies' Mosque). Also visit the Ali Qapou Palace, with several floors, as well as the copper and goldsmiths' bazaar. After lunch, visit Chehel Sotoun, or the "Forty Columns" palace. Leave the square and head towards the banks of the Zayanderud River, the soul of the city, to stroll on the historic bridges: the Si O Se Pol bridge (with 33 arches) and the most famous ones.

• day 10

  Isfahan

  Isfahan is proud to possess fascinating historic palaces. According to legend, the city was founded during the time of Tahmoures and, because of its glories, it is nicknamed "half of the world". Our full-day excursion includes the famous Imam Square (Naqsh-e-Jahan), one of the largest squares in the world. Visit the architectural wonders of the Sheikh Lotfollah and Imam mosques, the Ali Qapu palace, as well as the Chehel Sotoun and Hasht Behesht palaces. You will also visit one of the most famous bazaars in Iran, where we can buy the arts and crafts for which Isfahan is so well known.

• day 11

  Isfahan, Kashan, Tehran

  • Departure for Tehran (500 km) On the way to Isfahan, we will visit the UNESCO-recognized village of Abyaneh, located at the foot of Mount Karkas and near the desert. Enjoy the serenity of this picturesque village with its splendid architecture and meet the inhabitants who speak, live, and dress in the original Persian style. You will visit the Fin Garden, one of the most famous gardens in Iran, the Aghabozorg Mosque, as well as the historic house of Kashan. Arrival in Tehran in the evening. O/N Tehran.