The sun and the lion

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Reception at IKA & Visit of Tehran

  Upon your arrival before dawn at IIKA airport, you will be greeted by our representative holding our logo-show-card (transfer information), who will guide you and transfer you to your hotel. You will have time to rest and relax before our morning tour of Tehran. Tehran, a modern megacity, is proud to possess unique museums with immense and unrivaled collections, as well as artifacts dating from the beginnings of history to the present era.

• day 2

  Visit Tehran

  Our visit begins with a trip to the Archaeological Museum, one of the rare places in the world where we have the special opportunity to visit and discover the evolution of humanity through the magnificent exhibition of historical relics. The next item on the agenda is our long-awaited chance to savor the distinctive flavor of Iranian cuisine. Lunch will be served in an Iranian restaurant where we will taste a wide range of delicious Persian dishes and desserts. Next, we will visit a world of jewelry in the invaluable Crown Jewels Museum, which houses one of the two largest diamonds in the world, the Darya-e-Noor (Sea of Light). At the end of the day, we will have the opportunity to see various hand-woven Persian rugs and carpets at the Carpet Museum, which houses more than 100 spectacular works from all over Iran. We will also get an insight into the history of these carpets. Overnight in Tehran.

• day 3

  Kashan

  Drive 200 km to Kashan via Abyane. Visit the Tabatabaiha and Borojerdiha houses in Kashan, as well as other historical sites specially selected by our guide, and get acquainted with the architecture of the previous century.

• day 4

  Ispahan

  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.

• day 5

  Visit Isfahan

  Isfahan, the legendary city that never fails to enchant its visitors, is the pearl of traditional Islamic archaeology. This city is revived by the works of contemporary artists. 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 called "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, the Chehel Sotoun and Hasht Behesht palaces, and also discover one of the most famous bazaars in Iran, where we can buy the arts and crafts for which Isfahan is so well known.

• day 6

  Isfahan

  The Jame Mosque of Isfahan presents several centuries of historical evolution of Islam. This mosque is a gallery of Islamic architecture in which the progress of architecture, from the beginning of Islam to a recent era, is evident. Next, we will visit the Vank Church, which is one of the most beautiful Armenian churches in the world and will undoubtedly attract the attention of all Christians. We will also discover some historical bridges. The evening is free, at your leisure.

• day 7

  Naein

  Jandaq Village: For an insight into rural life in the desert and its surroundings, a short trip to Jandaq is ideal. An ancient castle located here is an interesting place to visit and explore.

• day 8

  Mesr

  The warm villages of the central desert are one of the favorite types of ecotourism in Iran, visited each year by many Iranians and foreign ecological tourists. Khour, Mesr, and Garme are the most well-known regions in the south of the desert, which deserve more attention. Perhaps the village of Mesr is one of the most amazing natural sites in Persia, especially for those who love to discover the harsh but beautiful nature of the desert. Mesr (which means Egypt in English) is located 30 km north of the city of Khour, in Isfahan province. The village is accessible by two almost unpaved roads. Khour is a city located about 35 km away. The other road comes from the city of Jandagh, which is about 45 km away. The climate there is dry and hot due to its location in the southern part of Iran's central desert. The village is somewhat desert-like. There are not many facilities, but there is a telecommunications center for making calls and a generator producing electricity for the village. Moreover, despite the harshness and remoteness compared to other tourist activities in Iran, the number of visitors during the year is very high, half of whom are foreigners. Thus, the inhabitants know tourists very well and are ready to welcome them and provide some services to somewhat facilitate your trip.

• day 9

  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 10

  Yazd Atash Bahram

  Yazd Atash Bahram, which in Farsi is Atash Kadeh (Fire Temple), is the eternal fire temple in Yazd. The name Atash Bahram (Victorious Fire) more precisely defines the grade of the consecrated fire in the temple, rather than the temple itself. However, the name has come to designate the temple that houses the highest degree of fire used by Zoroastrians. The Yazd Atash Bahram is said to be the only Iranian temple housing an Atash Bahram. The plaque of the temple in the city of Yazd calls the temple an Atash Kadeh (Fire Temple), a more general name for a temple containing a consecrated fire (temples without consecrated fires are called Dar-e Mehrs or Darbe Mehrs). The Zoroastrians of Yazd held a Gahambar to protect the Dakhme area. Some time ago, the Zoroastrians of Yazd organized the Gahambar ceremony, where on one side were the Dakhme mountains (Crypt) and on the other side, the water reservoir built by a water supply organization. This reservoir crosses the Dakhme area and is under construction in the domain that had been endowed to the Zoroastrians.

• day 11

  Shiraz

  On the way, we will make a few stops at Pasargadae to visit the most important and majestic monuments. The tomb of Cyrus the Great, the great Achaemenid emperor (500 years before Christ), is the oldest historical tomb. The wonderful architecture of his tomb, the fertile land, and the courageous personality of Cyrus the Great will impress visitors. It was a place of worship for followers of several religions, and it still is. Very close by is a relief representing a mysterious winged man, and there are many theories as to what it symbolizes. The next visit today is Persepolis. Founded by Darius I in 518 BC, Persepolis was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire. It was built on a huge terrace, half-artificial, half-natural, where the king of kings created an impressive palace complex inspired by Mesopotamian models. The importance and quality of the monumental ruins make it a unique archaeological site. It seems that Darius designed this impressive palace complex not only as the seat of government, but also and above all as a place of spectacle and a spectacular center for the receptions and festivals of the Achaemenid kings and their empire, such as Nowruz. Next, the necropolis. Facing Mount Rahmat, ten minutes to the north, the necropolis proudly stands, a magnificent burial place of the Achaemenid kings. The site also features seven bas-reliefs dating from the Elamite and Sassanid periods.

• day 12

  Shiraz

  Shiraz is crowned as the heart of Persian culture, and this city of sophistication will never fail to evoke images of roses and nightingales, gardens and poetry. Early in the morning, enjoy the highlights of Shiraz, when it was the capital of Iran during the Zand dynasty. Be inspired by the glorious Karim Khan Palace, the splendid Vakil Mosque, the Vakil Bazaar and Saray-e-Moshir with its splendid architecture and interesting ethnic souvenir shops, as well as the Nasir-Al-Molk Mosque. We will then stop for an Iranian lunch in one of Shiraz's traditional restaurants. This magnificent city is home to famous poets such as Hafez and Saadi, as well as historical sites from different eras, dating back 6000 years. Hafez is one of the great poets who impressed everyone with his mastery. Saadi is a poet, philosopher, and mystic, known as the father of tourism. About seven centuries ago, he traveled to different countries and cities, then gathered all his experiences in prose and verse in two books named Boustan and Golestan.