Semester Break Classic Iran Tour 6N/7D

Day 1: TEHRAN

We meet at Istanbul Airport’s international departure terminal. After completing ticketing, baggage, and customs formalities, we board Mahan Air’s scheduled flight to Tehran. Upon arrival, we meet our guide and driver and embark on a one-hour journey to Tehran city center. The name Tehran translates to “Hot Place” in Persian and boasts a rich history dating back to the Neolithic era. Spread across a vast plain at the foothills of the Elburz Mountains, the city features traditional architecture, often comprising two- or three-story brick buildings. During our city tour of Tehran, we visit the iconic Azadi Square, the Imam Khomeini Mausoleum, and the city’s broad, bustling avenues. After our tour, we enjoy dinner and check into our hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 2: TEHRAN - SHIRAZ

Following breakfast at the hotel, we continue our panoramic tour of Tehran, exploring sites that shed light on Iran’s deep historical roots. Our first stop is Golestan Palace, built during the Qajar dynasty with influences from European architecture. Next, we visit the Toghrul Tower in the historic city of Rey, a remarkable example of Seljuk architecture. We also explore the National Museum of Iran, home to a wealth of artifacts that reflect the country’s long and illustrious history. Later, we take a domestic flight to Shiraz. Upon arrival, we visit the tomb of Saadi Shirazi, the renowned poet and philosopher best known for his works Bustan and Gulistan. Following this meaningful visit, we enjoy dinner and check into our hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 3: SHIRAZ - PERSEPOLIS

Before sunrise, we depart for the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, popularly known as the Pink Mosque due to its use of pink-colored tiles. The mosque’s interior comes alive in the morning sunlight, creating a breathtaking kaleidoscope of colors. We then head to Narenjestan Karim Khan Citadel, an imposing 14-meter-high fortress built for defensive purposes, which remains remarkably well-preserved. Our panoramic tour of Shiraz continues with visits to Karim Khan Citadel and the Vakil Bazaar. The bazaar also houses the Vakil Mosque, famous for its floral tilework added during the Qajar era. After free time for shopping and lunch, we proceed to the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rustam. Persepolis was established in the late 6th century BC by Darius I and served as the capital of the Persian Empire for centuries. At Naqsh-e Rustam, we explore the rock-cut tombs of Achaemenid kings and Sasanian rock reliefs. Returning to Shiraz, we visit the Shah Cheragh Mausoleum before dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4: SHIRAZ - YAZD

After breakfast, we depart for Yazd, a UNESCO World Heritage city famed for its unique desert architecture, wind towers, and surreal landscapes. Upon arrival after a six-hour journey, we visit Jameh Mosque and the Amir Chakhmaq Complex, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. Yazd’s city center, filled with cultural treasures, offers an authentic glimpse into its historical roots. Next, we visit the Zoroastrian Fire Temple, which is believed to house a flame burning since 470 BC. Our tour also includes the Towers of Silence (Nekropolis), sacred Zoroastrian burial sites that exude a mystical aura. After our explorations, we enjoy dinner and settle into our hotel for the night.

Day 5: YAZD - ISFAHAN

Following breakfast, we head to Isfahan, often called "Half the World." This enchanting city, conquered by Muslims in 640 AD, became the capital under Seljuk ruler Tughril Beg and flourished under his grandson Malik Shah. Our panoramic city tour includes views of Isfahan’s iconic historic bridges. We then visit Naqsh-e Jahan Square, one of the largest squares in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The square is surrounded by significant landmarks, including the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace, and the Chehel Sotoun Palace. The latter features 20 columns reflected in its pool, creating the illusion of 40 columns. Afterward, we take a break for tea or coffee before heading to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 6: ISFAHAN - KASHAN

After breakfast and hotel check-out, we complete our exploration of Isfahan with a visit to the Atiq Grand Mosque, a prime example of Seljuk architecture. We then travel to Kashan, a city with a rich history along an ancient caravan route. Our tour includes the UNESCO-listed Fin Garden, featuring water channels and the historic bathhouse where Amir Kabir was assassinated. We also explore the archaeological site of Sialk Hill and the Boroujerdi House, a remarkable example of traditional Persian residential architecture. Afterward, we enjoy dinner and check into our hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 7: KASHAN - QOM - TEHRAN

Following breakfast, we depart for Qom, a city renowned for its religious significance and madrasas. Here, we visit the Hazrat Masumeh Shrine, a revered pilgrimage site. We then travel to Rey to visit the Toghrul Tower, the burial site of Seljuk ruler Tughril Beg. After completing our tour, we transfer to Tehran Airport for our return flight to Istanbul aboard Mahan Air’s scheduled service.

Important Notes: Guests should bring slippers and a prayer mat, as not all stops may have access to mosques or prayer facilities. Our guide will assist in identifying suitable prayer locations. The itinerary may be subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, as determined by the guide with agency approval. Participation in the tour constitutes acceptance of these conditions.

Day 2: TEHRAN - SHIRAZ

Following breakfast at the hotel, we continue our panoramic tour of Tehran, exploring sites that shed light on Iran’s deep historical roots. Our first stop is Golestan Palace, built during the Qajar dynasty with influences from European architecture. Next, we visit the Toghrul Tower in the historic city of Rey, a remarkable example of Seljuk architecture. We also explore the National Museum of Iran, home to a wealth of artifacts that reflect the country’s long and illustrious history. Later, we take a domestic flight to Shiraz. Upon arrival, we visit the tomb of Saadi Shirazi, the renowned poet and philosopher best known for his works Bustan and Gulistan. Following this meaningful visit, we enjoy dinner and check into our hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 3: SHIRAZ - PERSEPOLIS

Before sunrise, we depart for the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, popularly known as the Pink Mosque due to its use of pink-colored tiles. The mosque’s interior comes alive in the morning sunlight, creating a breathtaking kaleidoscope of colors. We then head to Narenjestan Karim Khan Citadel, an imposing 14-meter-high fortress built for defensive purposes, which remains remarkably well-preserved. Our panoramic tour of Shiraz continues with visits to Karim Khan Citadel and the Vakil Bazaar. The bazaar also houses the Vakil Mosque, famous for its floral tilework added during the Qajar era. After free time for shopping and lunch, we proceed to the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rustam. Persepolis was established in the late 6th century BC by Darius I and served as the capital of the Persian Empire for centuries. At Naqsh-e Rustam, we explore the rock-cut tombs of Achaemenid kings and Sasanian rock reliefs. Returning to Shiraz, we visit the Shah Cheragh Mausoleum before dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4: SHIRAZ - YAZD

After breakfast, we depart for Yazd, a UNESCO World Heritage city famed for its unique desert architecture, wind towers, and surreal landscapes. Upon arrival after a six-hour journey, we visit Jameh Mosque and the Amir Chakhmaq Complex, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. Yazd’s city center, filled with cultural treasures, offers an authentic glimpse into its historical roots. Next, we visit the Zoroastrian Fire Temple, which is believed to house a flame burning since 470 BC. Our tour also includes the Towers of Silence (Nekropolis), sacred Zoroastrian burial sites that exude a mystical aura. After our explorations, we enjoy dinner and settle into our hotel for the night.

Day 5: YAZD - ISFAHAN

Following breakfast, we head to Isfahan, often called "Half the World." This enchanting city, conquered by Muslims in 640 AD, became the capital under Seljuk ruler Tughril Beg and flourished under his grandson Malik Shah. Our panoramic city tour includes views of Isfahan’s iconic historic bridges. We then visit Naqsh-e Jahan Square, one of the largest squares in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The square is surrounded by significant landmarks, including the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace, and the Chehel Sotoun Palace. The latter features 20 columns reflected in its pool, creating the illusion of 40 columns. Afterward, we take a break for tea or coffee before heading to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 6: ISFAHAN - KASHAN

After breakfast and hotel check-out, we complete our exploration of Isfahan with a visit to the Atiq Grand Mosque, a prime example of Seljuk architecture. We then travel to Kashan, a city with a rich history along an ancient caravan route. Our tour includes the UNESCO-listed Fin Garden, featuring water channels and the historic bathhouse where Amir Kabir was assassinated. We also explore the archaeological site of Sialk Hill and the Boroujerdi House, a remarkable example of traditional Persian residential architecture. Afterward, we enjoy dinner and check into our hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 7: KASHAN - QOM - TEHRAN

Following breakfast, we depart for Qom, a city renowned for its religious significance and madrasas. Here, we visit the Hazrat Masumeh Shrine, a revered pilgrimage site. We then travel to Rey to visit the Toghrul Tower, the burial site of Seljuk ruler Tughril Beg. After completing our tour, we transfer to Tehran Airport for our return flight to Istanbul aboard Mahan Air’s scheduled service.

Important Notes: Guests should bring slippers and a prayer mat, as not all stops may have access to mosques or prayer facilities. Our guide will assist in identifying suitable prayer locations. The itinerary may be subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, as determined by the guide with agency approval. Participation in the tour constitutes acceptance of these conditions.