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Iran 12 day Tour (Blue Domes)

Tehran, Kerman, Shiraz, Yazd, Isfahan
4.5/5

Duration

12 days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

14 people

Languages

English, Español, Francais, German

Overview

Tour Type
This trip can be either booked as a private daily tour or scheduled departure group tour
Scheduled Group Tours 2023

May 19 – May 30   ⇢ English Speaking Group

Sep 08 –  Sep 19   ⇢ English Speaking Group

Sep 28 –  Oct 10    ⇢ English Speaking Group

 

 

Blue Domes is an Iran 12 day tour that takes you from the colorful palaces and Persian masterpieces of history, art and architecture to the oasis and desert landscapes which amaze every spectator by its unique scenery. You will visit the most attractive sights of the country in 12 days to experience the history and life style of Iranian people – whether it’s the Achaemenid capital at Persepolis or the astonishing Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan.

 

Iran 12 day tour – Info & Itinerary

The “Blue Domes” traces the magnificent legacies of the Persian Empire which will not fail to inspire, old desert towns, ancient citadels, the snow capped mountains, vast deserts, oasis towns and spontaneous engagement with the locals that provide surprise at every point of our diverse itinerary.

In this trip we will visit the country’s most important attractions that has no equal in the Islamic world. The brightest star of all is, of course, Isfahan; a name that recalls the majestic architectural and intellectual achievements of Persian Culture together with Kerman, ShirazYazdTehran, and Kashan.

Our “Blue Domes” Iran 12 day tour starts in the capital city of Tehran, then we fly south to Kerman, the region of Kalouts and citadels. The trip continues to Shiraz, the homeland of the Persian Poetry, and to the ruined ancient city of Persepolis – an incredible example of Iran’s world heritage sites.

Our trip returns to Tehran via Yazd and Isfahan; amazing cities famous for their Islamic architecture, ancient bridges, mosques, minarets, and Iranian Art and Handicrafts.

 

Duration: 12 Days 

Cities to be visited: Tehran, Kerman, Shiraz, Yazd, Isfahan, Kashan

 

✓ Iran 12 day tour
Iran, situated between Central Asia, Europe and Arabian peninsula, is among the most interesting destinations in the world. There are few places in the world which have a history and culture as rich as this remarkable country – Formerly known as Persia. This trip covers some most important highlights of Iran in the main cities of Tehran, Kerman, Shiraz, Yazd,  Isfahan and Kashan. You can also experience the lifestyle, local cuisine, and desert life.
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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival, Sightseeing in Tehran - O/N Tehran

After arrival at Tehran Airport (IKIA), our representative will meet and transfer you to your hotel to rest.

In the morning, we will visit the National Museum of Iran, where you can see fabulous historical items from 5000 BC to the advent of Islam in Iran which shows a brief history of our land.

After the museum we'll walk to the Golestan complex (a UNESCO World Heritage) the glories of the Qajar Era are played out across this complex of palaces set around an elegant garden, ornamented with mirrors, paintings, glazed tiles. After the visit we walk along the Grand Bazaar dating back to the Qajar era (almost 260 years old).
In the afternoon we will also visit the National Jewels of Iran located in the central bank of IRI.

Visits:
- Golestan palace
- National Museum of Iran
- Iran national Jewels Museum

Day 2: Afternoon flight to Kerman, O/N Kerman

Today we'll visit the residential palaces of Mohamad Reza Shah, his father and some members of the former Iranian royal family . Its huge garden occupying an area of 180 hectares , makes Sa'ad Abad the greatest cultural complex in modern Tehran consisting of 7 palaces. After this visit, a short stop at Tajrish local market will be a memorable experience.

- Afternoon flight to Kerman (Duration 01:25 h)

Visits: 
- Sa'ad Abad Palace Complex 
- Tajrish Local Market 

Day 3: Drive to Rayen Citadel, O/N Kerman

On this day we seize the opportunity to visit Rayen citadel, 100 km from Kerman. This ruined citadel was inhabited until 150 years ago and is believed to be 1000 years old.

On the way back we stop in a small town called Mahan, situated in the south of Kerman, where a UNESCO heritage site called Shazde Garden, appears right in the middle of an arid and flat desert. To complete the joy, we will then go to Shah Nematollah Vali shrine, A Sufi mystic and poet of 15th century. Spectacular Turquoise dome of the building is easily recognized from far away.

After return to Kerman, we finish the visits with Ganjali Khan Complex which consists of a traditional Bathhouse (Persian Hammam), a Bazaar, a Caravanserai and a Mint.

Visits:
- Ryan citadel
- Shah Nematolah Vali Shrine
- Shahzadeh Garden (UNESCO Site)
- Ganjali Khan complex
- Bazaar

Day 4: Drive to Shiraz , O/N Shiraz

Now it’s time to enjoy the nature through the long but very scenic road of Kerman - Shiraz. We will pass the mountains, fig lands, lakes and salt lakes. Near Shiraz there will be a short photo-stop at Maharlu Salt Lake to be fascinated by the pink color of water and -if in right season- there is also opportunity to watch migrant birds, such as Dalmatian Pelican and flamingos.

Sarvestan palace is also planned to be visited en-route. This Palace was built by the Sasanian king Bahram V (Or Bahram Goor) (r. 420-438), and dominates an immense, empty plain. The name "palace" is a bit misleading, because the monument's function is probably a royal hunting lodge.

Visits:
- Sarvestan Palace
- Maharlu Lake

Day 5: Sightseeing in Shiraz , O/N Shiraz

After breakfast, we will visit Nasir-al-Molk Mosque (or Pink Mosque) which was built by one of the princes of the Qajar Dynasty, in 1888. Its interior reveals a magnificent masterpiece of design with stunning pink color. We will then walk to continue the exploration in Shiraz old town at the beautiful orange-scented Narenjestan Garden, laid out in the 19th century. Today You’ll have free time to explore and shop in the Vakil Bazaar, home to hundreds of stores, and beautiful courtyards. We will end our sightseeing day in the lovely shrine of Ali bin Hamza, a shi'ite saint.

Visits:
- Narenjestan Garden
- Vakil Mosque
- Bazzar
- Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque
- Imamzadeh Ali bin Hamze shrine

Day 6: Visit Persepolis & Necropolis- O/N Shiraz

We visit Persepolis in the morning when the site is relatively not crowded. A comprehensive tour is provided bringing to life the history of this magnificent ruin. Ruler of the largest empire the world had ever seen, Darius I started constructing the great metropolis capital to serve as a ceremonial capital in around 512 BC. Subsequent Achaemenian kings, including Xerxes, added their own palaces over the next 150 years. A good three hours is needed to explore Persepolis.

A short drive away is the four impressive burial tombs of Darius and his successors, Naghsh-e Rostam, which have been hewn from the rock. After the group arrives back in Shiraz, the time will permit a good visit to tomb of Hafiz.

Visits:
- Half day tour of Persepolis Complex (UNESCO Site)
- Rock tombs of Naqsh-e Rustam
- Tomb of Hafiz

Day 7: Drive to Yazd via Pasargadae- O/N Yazd

We embark on the 450 km lovely drive from Shiraz to Yazd which in some parts is very picturesque.
En-route, we will stop at Pasargadae the first capital of the Achaemenian Empire that lies in ruins. Pasargadae reveals the tomb of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire under the Achaemenian dynasty in 500 AD.

Visits:
- Pasargadae – Tomb of Cyrus the Great (UNESCO Site)
- Abarkuh old Cypress tree

Day 8: Sightseeing in Yazd - O/N Yazd

Yazd is one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns of Iran. The old town of Yazd dominated by minarets, adobe structures, and the ingeniously-designed wind towers that served as cooling systems, would be a highlight of this trip. Yazd is also the center of Iran’s Zoroastrian community, which is where you’ll begin the day’s sightseeing.

Our visits start with Towers of Silence, where Zoroastrians used to leave dead bodies until the mid-1900s. According to Zoroastrian rules, dead should not be buried under ground. They were transported to these enclosures built on hill tops, where they were left to decompose.

The next site will be the Zoroastrian fire temple. At this still-active Zoroastrian Fire Temple, you’ll see a sacred flame that is said to have been burning for the past 1,500 years.

In Amir Chakhmaq Square, you’ll see a very impressive structure. Although more often described as the entrance to a now non-existent bazaar, the chief function of Amir-Chakhmaq structure is known as a Tekyeh (congregation place for rituals) and the square before it, was to host Ta'ziyeh (a cycle of passion plays commemorating the martyrdom of the third Imam of Shiites, Imam Hossein) which takes place once a year during the mourning month of Moharram. The site dating from fifteenth century is named after its builder, Amir Jalal Al-Din Chakhmagh, governor of Yard.

The next place to visit is the Friday Mosque of Yazd (Yazd Jame Mosque) built in 1324, where you can gaze upon the tallest mosque minarets in the country.

Visits:
- Yazd Jameh Mosque
- Mir Chakhmaq Complex
- Zoroastrian Fire Temple
- Towers of Silence

Day 9: Drive to Isfahan via Naein - O/N Isfahan

We embark on the 300km desert drive from Yazd to Isfahan which in some parts is aligned with Pistachio fields. We break the road at Naein (Nain) where we can have lunch and a short visit to one of the oldest mosques of Iran.

- Naein Jameh Mosque

Day 10: Sightseeing in Isfahan - O/N Isfahan

Today visits starts from Imam Square or Naqsh-e Jahan. This 17th-century complex is the second largest square in the world (after Tiananmen in Beijing)

In the square, you’ll visit the 17th-century Imam Mosque, easily recognized by its magnificent blue tile-work and soaring dome and minarets. It is known as the most beautiful mosque of Iran and a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. We will also visit Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, also known as the Ladies Mosque due to its function believed to be the private mosque of the King's wives. It is renowned for a bright color domed, where and its amazing interior.

The next stop will be at Aali Qapu Palace, where you’ll marvel at its beautiful music hall ceiling and the balconies where Safavid kings would sit to enjoy the polo competitions taking place in the square. We'll finish our exploration of the square by visiting the Qeisarieh Bazaar with hundreds of local shops selling traditional handicrafts and art. It’s a wonderful market to shop your souvenirs.

Next up is Chehel Sotun Palace, set in the middle of a beautiful garden in front of a huge reflecting pool. This graceful pavilion was built under Shah Abbas II for entertainment and court receptions. Chehel Sotoun meaning the "Forty Column" is a long-standing relic of the Safavid rule in Iran, which fascinates visitors with its amazing and original architecture. The splendid mural paintings of Chehel sotoun are just one of its many attractions.

Visits:
- Naqsh-e Jahan Square (UNESCO Site)
- Aali Qapu Palace
- Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
- Imam Mosque
- Chehel Sotun Palace (UNESCO Site)
- Isfahan famous Bridges (Si-o-seh & Khaju)

Day 11: Sightseeing in Isfahan - O/N Isfahan

- Hasht Behesht Palace
- Jameh Mosque
- Vank Cathedral Museum

Day 12: Drive to Tehran, via Abyaneh and Kashan /Departure

Kashan is an ancient oasis town, 250 km from Tehran, famous for rose water, hand-woven carpets and great architecture. Kashan was the favorite city of Shah Abbas the Great, the 16th-century king responsible for so much of Iran’s development. Located on an altitude of 1600 m on the rim of the central Salt Desert, the city dates back to prehistoric times. The city name probably means “summer houses built of wood and reeds". Archeological discoveries in the Sialk Hills which lie 2.5 miles (4 km) west of Kashan reveal that this region was one of the primary centers of civilization in pre-historic ages.

Visits
- Abyaneh ancient Village
- Fin Garden (UNESCO Site)
- Tabatabai Mansion
- Agha Bozorg Mosque & Madraseh

Included/Excluded

  • All Airport transfers
  • Hotel accommodation
  • Breakfast
  • Full-time transports
  • Domestic flight
  • Full-time Experienced guide
  • Visa support & reference code
  • International airfare
  • Personal insurance
  • Visa stamp fee
  • Lunch & Dinner
  • Tips & Portages

Tour's Location

Tehran, Kerman, Shiraz, Yazd, Isfahan

Reviews

4.5/5
Based on 1 review
Accommodation
5 /5
Transportation
4 /5
Service
4 /5
Guide (s)
5 /5

Johanna Romney

May 28, 2022

Smooth Service

Fantastic organisation! Great support from beginning to the end of the trip. The service was smooth and straightforward. My advisor was helpful. I would recommend... Read more
Fantastic organisation! Great support from beginning to the end of the trip. The service was smooth and straightforward. My advisor was helpful. I would recommend deal direct. The guide (Jamshid) was efficient and knowledgeable. Less
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