Iran 30 day Tour (Persia in Depth)

This morning explore Saadabad Palace, the opulent residence of former Persian monarchs nestled in the foothills of the Alborz Mountains. Stroll through Tajrish Bazaar, a charming local market rich in colors, aromas, and everyday life. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Azadi Tower, Tehran’s architectural landmark, symbolizing modern Iran. As evening falls, enjoy a leisurely walk across the Tabiat Bridge, offering great skyline views and a relaxed café atmosphere.
Later, take a short domestic flight to Ahvaz.

Drive to Susa, one of the world’s oldest cities and once the capital of the Elamite and Achaemenid empires. Visit the Apadana Palace ruins, the Daniel Prophet Shrine, and nearby Chogha zanbil zigourat. Continue to Shushtar, famous for its ancient hydraulic system, a UNESCO-listed marvel of engineering.

Depart for Shiraz through scenic mountain roads, stopping at the Sasanian city of Bishapur, built by King Shapur I in the 3rd century AD. See the remains of palaces, mosaics, and rock reliefs. visit the carvings of Tange Chogan. Arrive in Shiraz, known as the city of poets, gardens, and nightingales.

Spend a full day exploring Shiraz. Visit Nasir-al-Mulk Mosque known as the Pink Mosque with its dazzling stained glass, Eram Garden (UNESCO), and Vakil Bazaar & Mosque. In the evening, visit the tomb of Hafez, Iran’s most beloved poet, surrounded by fragrant gardens. at the end of the day you can visit the beautiful Shahcheragh shrine.

Drive to the magnificent Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire, built by Darius I and Xerxes I. Explore the royal staircases, Apadana Hall, and Gate of All Nations. Nearby, visit Naqsh-e Rustam, where the tombs of Persian kings are carved into cliffs. Return to Shiraz for the night. drive to Pasargadae to visit tomb of Cyrus the great.

Travel toward Kerman, stopping at Sarvestan Palace, a Sasanian-era monument famous for its domed hall and fine stucco work and Maharloo lake. Continue to Kerman through desert landscapes.

Begin your day with a visit to Mahan, a serene town nestled at the foot of the mountains and renowned for the Shahzadeh Garden (Bagh-e Shahzadeh), a breathtaking example of Persian garden design featuring terraced pools, fountains, and lush greenery set against a desert backdrop. Continue to the Mausoleum of Shah Nematollah Vali, the resting place of the great 14th-century Sufi mystic and poet, whose spiritual influence still draws pilgrims today.
In the afternoon, travel to Rayen to explore its imposing mud-brick citadel, a remarkably preserved fortress reminiscent of the famous Bam Citadel. Wander through the ancient alleyways and towers, imagining life in centuries past.

Explore the cultural treasures of Kerman, beginning with the Ganjali Khan Complex, a magnificent 17th-century ensemble featuring a richly decorated bathhouse, mosque, caravanserai, and vibrant bazaar. Take time to browse through stalls filled with spices, copperware, and handmade textiles.
In the afternoon, drive eastward toward Yazd, stopping to spend a memorable night at the Zein-ol-Din Caravanserai, a beautifully restored circular inn once serving Silk Road travelers. Under the starry desert sky, enjoy the peaceful silence and timeless atmosphere of this historic site.

Arrive in Yazd, one of Iran’s most enchanting and ancient cities, celebrated for its UNESCO-listed desert architecture and labyrinthine old quarters. Stroll through Amir Chakhmaq Square, admire the exquisite Jameh Mosque with its towering minarets, and wander the narrow lanes lined with windcatchers (badgirs) — ingenious cooling towers that define Yazd’s skyline.
In the afternoon, discover Yazd’s Zoroastrian heritage by visiting the Fire Temple, where a sacred flame has burned for over 1,500 years, and the haunting Towers of Silence, once used for traditional sky burials.

Depart Yazd and travel northwest to Meybod to visit the famous caravanserai of Meybod, then drive to Naein, a quiet desert town famous for its ancient Friday Mosque, one of the oldest in Iran, and its traditional weaving workshops, where artisans craft fine wool cloaks and carpets. Continue to Isfahan, often described as “Half the World” for its unmatched beauty and architectural grandeur. As you arrive, enjoy your first glimpse of the city’s elegant boulevards and blue-tiled domes.

Spend the day discovering the splendor of Naqsh-e Jahan Square (Imam Square), one of the largest and most magnificent city squares in the world. Visit the Imam Mosque, an icon of Persian architecture; the intimate and beautifully proportioned Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque; and the Ali Qapu Palace, once the Safavid royal residence, offering sweeping views of the square below.
Later, stroll through the Isfahan Bazaar, where you can watch craftsmen at work and shop for fine miniatures, enamelware, and carpets.

Today, delve deeper into Isfahan’s cultural tapestry with a visit to the Jolfa Quarter, home to the Vank Cathedral, showcasing a remarkable fusion of Armenian and Persian artistry. Explore its frescoes, gilded altar, and museum chronicling the Armenian community’s history.
Later, enjoy a leisurely walk along the city’s historic bridges — Si-o-Se Pol (33 Arches Bridge) and Khaju Bridge — where locals gather to chat, sing, and enjoy the river views. End the day relaxing in the Chehel sotoun palace garden , a peaceful royal retreat from the Safavid era.

Depart Isfahan and drive through the rugged Karkas Mountains to reach Abyaneh, a striking red-mud village known for its stepped architecture and inhabitants who still wear traditional colorful costumes and speak an ancient dialect.
Continue to Kashan, a city famed for its exquisite historic houses such as Tabatabaei and Borujerdi, both adorned with stained glass, mirrorwork, and delicate plaster carvings. Stroll through the Fin Garden (UNESCO), a masterpiece of Persian landscape design.

Depart Kashan for Hamadan, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in Iran and once the ancient Median capital of Ecbatana. Upon arrival, visit the Ganjnameh Inscriptions, cuneiform carvings of Darius and Xerxes on a mountain face, and the Tomb of Avicenna (Ibn Sina), the great philosopher and physician of the Islamic Golden Age. Explore Hamadan’s local bazaar, known for traditional leather goods and ceramics.

Enjoy a full-day excursion westward to Kermanshah, surrounded by lush mountains and valleys. Visit Taq-e Bostan, a series of remarkable rock reliefs depicting Sasanian kings and hunting scenes carved into the cliffs. Continue to Bisotun (UNESCO), where the monumental trilingual inscription of Darius the Great recounts his rise to power. Return to Hamadan in the evening.

Journey north to Takab, home to the awe-inspiring Takht-e Soleyman (UNESCO), a vast archaeological complex that once served as a royal sanctuary of the Sasanian Empire and an important Zoroastrian fire temple. The ruins are dramatically set around a natural crater lake, shimmering with turquoise water. Explore the ancient fire temple, royal residences, and fortifications before settling in for the night.

Drive toward Tabriz, stopping at Kandovan Village, a unique settlement where homes are carved directly into conical volcanic rocks — often compared to Cappadocia in Turkey. Meet locals who have preserved their traditional lifestyle within these remarkable dwellings. Continue through scenic mountain landscapes to Tabriz.

Spend the day exploring the historic treasures of Tabriz, once a major Silk Road hub. Visit the vast Tabriz Grand Bazaar (UNESCO), one of the oldest and most extensive covered markets in the world; the beautiful Blue Mosque, famed for its intricate turquoise tiles; and the Azerbaijan Museum, showcasing regional history and art. End the day with a relaxing walk around El Goli Park, a popular lakeside retreat.

Take a scenic drive north to Jolfa, near the borders with Armenia and Azerbaijan. Here, visit the St. Stepanos Monastery (UNESCO), an exquisite Armenian church hidden in a rugged mountain valley, dating back to the early Christian period. Enjoy the dramatic landscapes of the Aras River Valley before returning to Tabriz in the evening.

Drive eastward to Sar’ein, a charming spa town nestled near the city of Ardabil and renowned for its natural thermal hot springs. The mineral-rich waters are believed to have healing properties, offering the perfect chance to unwind after days of exploration.

Travel to Ardabil, visiting the Sheikh Safi-al-Din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble (UNESCO) — a masterpiece of Iranian-Islamic architecture and the resting place of the founder of the Safavid order. Continue through the Heyran Pass, a spectacular mountain route offering breathtaking views of misty forests and rolling hills. Arrive at Anzali Port on the Caspian Sea coast.

Depart for Masouleh, a picturesque stepped village where the rooftops of one home serve as the pathways for the one above. Surrounded by forested mountains, it’s one of Iran’s most photogenic destinations. then visit Ghale Rudkhan, a magnificent stone fortress hidden in the green mountains near Fuman, Gilan ProvinceKnown as the “Thousand-Step Castle”, dates back to the Sassanian era and was later strengthened during the Seljuk period. Reached by a scenic hike through dense forest, the castle stretches across rugged peaks with tall towers and ancient walls that once guarded the region.
Arriving back to we will visit Anzali Lagoon, one of the most beautiful and important wetlands along the Caspian Sea. It’s famous for its lush reeds, floating water lilies, and diverse wildlife, including dozens of bird and fish species. The lagoon serves as a vital ecological habitat and a serene destination for bird-watching and boat rides.

Head inland toward Zanjan, a city known for its craftsmanship and historical landmarks. Visit the Rakhtshooy Khaneh (Old Washhouse Museum), a fascinating glimpse into traditional community life, and explore the local bazaar, bustling with traders selling knives, sandals, and copperware.

On your way back to Tehran, stop at Soltanieh Dome (UNESCO), one of the world’s largest brick domes and a masterpiece of Ilkhanid architecture. Continue to Qazvin, a former Persian capital, to visit the Chehel Sotoun Pavilion and stroll through its lively bazaar and Shazde hussain shrine before reaching Tehran in the evening.

Fly to Mashhad, the spiritual heart of Iran and the country’s most important pilgrimage destination. Visit the magnificent Imam Reza Shrine Complex, a vast and ornate ensemble of courtyards, domes, and museums that draws millions of visitors each year. Later, explore the local bazaars, famous for saffron, turquoise, and handicrafts. Don’t miss trying the city’s signature saffron ice cream.

Take a morning trip to Tus, birthplace of the epic poet Ferdowsi, and visit his grand mausoleum surrounded by peaceful gardens. In the afternoon, head to Torqabeh and Shandiz, two verdant valleys near Mashhad known for their cool climate, traditional restaurants, and local handicrafts. Enjoy dinner at a garden restaurant.

Drive west to Neyshabur, the city of poets and philosophers. Visit the elegant Tombs of Omar Khayyam and Attar of Neyshabur, both set in tranquil gardens. Continue to Bastam, a small but spiritually rich town associated with Sufi mystics, where you can explore old mosques, mausoleums, and caravanserais.

Travel back to Tehran, reflecting on your remarkable journey through Iran’s diverse landscapes and civilizations. visit Tarikhane mosque in Damghan, one of the oldest mosques of Iran.