Very Iran 7 day tour
Very Iran: 7 Days Tour
Persian culture, history, and warm hospitality attracts travelers worldwide. After decades of isolation, Iran now welcomes those eager to explore the cradle of civilization. Be among the first to experience this emerging ancient land. Journey through ancient sites, marvel at stunning Islamic art and architecture, and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Iranian hospitality.
In this 7 days tour, the itinerary will allow you to visit all the highlights and muse see, plus, some of the desert heritage towns. This 7 day Iran tours takes in Tehran, Isfahan Yazd and Shiraz and so many cities in between.
Day 1: Tehran
The tour begins at Bagh-e-Melli, once called Parade Square, where landmark buildings from Reza Shah’s era (early 20th century) stand. Next, the National Museum showcases over 7,000 years of Iranian history with a remarkable collection of archaeological artifacts arranged chronologically.
Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, follows, offering a glimpse into the Qajar dynasty’s (18th-19th century) headquarters. The journey continues through the bustling Grand Bazaar of Tehran, leading to the world-renowned Treasury of National Jewels. The tour concludes at the former US embassy, known as the Den of Espionage after its 1979 seizure, a key event in the Iran-US hostage crisis.
Overnight in Tehran
Day 2: Tehran – Qom – Kashan – Abyaneh – Isfahan (470km)
On the way to Isfahan, the journey begins with a brief stop at the Holy Shrine of Hazrat-e-Masumain Qom city. Moving on to Kashan, we explore stunning historical houses and stroll through Fin Garden, a remarkable example of Persian garden design. Continuing toward Isfahan, we stop at Abyaneh, the famous “Red Village,” where traditional red-brick homes and a well-preserved old Iranian village offer a glimpse into Iran’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.
Overnight in Isfahan
Day 3: Isfahan, half of the world
The journey begins at Naghsh-e-Jahan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s largest city squares. The tour includes Ali Qapu Palace with its six floors, the Royal (Imam) Mosque, a masterpiece of Persian Islamic architecture, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, the private mosque of the royal court, and Chehel Sotoun Pavilion, famous for its forty columns.
Next, we weave through the maze of Qeysarieh Bazaar, starting at the northern side of the square and finishing at the Old Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, another UNESCO site and one of Iran’s oldest surviving mosques. The journey continues in Jolfa, the city’s Armenian quarter, where we explore Vank Cathedral, a testament to Christianity’s history in Iran.
Moving to the banks of the Zayandeh River, we admire Isfahan’s iconic bridges, including the stunning Siosepol and Khaju bridges. The day concludes with a stroll along Charbagh Street, a historic boulevard meaning “Four Gardens,” in the heart of Isfahan.
Overnight in Isfahan
Day 4: Isfahan – Nain – Meybod – Yazd (320km)
Driving toward Yazd, we stop in the desert town of Naein to explore the Jameh Mosque, one of Iran’s oldest mosques that has preserved its original form. Next, we visit Pirnia Historical House, now an anthropological museum showcasing the traditional desert lifestyle.
Continuing to the historic town of Meybod, we explore the ancient Sassanid-era Narin Castle, one of Iran’s oldest fortresses. The journey includes a visit to Chapar Khaneh, the old postal station, and the Safavid Caravanserai, part of the network of 999 roadside inns built under Shah Abbas. A stop at a pigeon tower reveals the ingenious dovecotes once used to house pigeons and collect their droppings as fertilizer for agriculture.
Overnight in Yazd
Day 5: Yazd
Yazd, nestled in the heart of Iran’s desert, has stood resilient against major battles, including the Mongol invasion. This city showcases ingenious adaptations for survival in harsh conditions.
The journey begins at Amir Chakhmaq Complex, where Yazd’s iconic facade serves as a backdrop for religious ceremonies. Next, we explore the Water Museum, where an underground qanat reveals ancient water management techniques. The Jameh Mosque of Yazd follows, boasting a magnificent portal and towering minarets.
Wandering through the Old Town’s narrow alleys, we admire its distinctive earthen architecture and towering windcatchers. Yazd, a longtime sanctuary for Zoroastrians after the Arab conquest, remains a spiritual center for the community. A visit to the Fire Temple offers insights into this ancient faith, with a sacred flame believed to have burned since 470 AD.
Next, we head to the Towers of Silence, once used for excarnation, where Zoroastrians placed their dead for vultures to consume. The tour continues at Dowlatabad Garden, home to a stunning pavilion with Iran’s tallest windcatcher. Finally, we experience the energy of a Zoorkhaneh, a Persian traditional gym, where athletes perform ancient martial exercises.
Overnight in Yazd
Day 6: Yazd – Abarkuh – Pasargadae – Persepolis – Shiraz (470km)
The journey to Shiraz begins with a stop in Abarkooh, where we explore Aghazadeh Mansion, featuring a striking two-story windcatcher and a traditional adobe ice-house. In the same town, we admire an ancient cypress tree, estimated to be 4,000–5,000 years old, believed to have been planted by Zoroaster.
Continuing to Pasargadae, we visit the tomb of Cyrus the Great and the ruins of the first capital of the Achaemenid Empire. The adventure moves to Naghsh-e Rostam, home to the rock-cut tombs of Achaemenid kings and remarkable Sassanid bas-reliefs.
A short drive leads to Persepolis, an awe-inspiring 2,500-year-old ceremonial complex where Achaemenid kings celebrated Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Before reaching Shiraz, we stop at the Quran Gate, a historic entrance once believed to bless travelers passing beneath it.
Overnight in Shiraz
Day 7: A day in Shiraz
The day begins at Qavam Mansion, where an orange garden surrounds exquisite Qajar-era interior decorations. Next, we explore Nasir al-Molk Mosque, known as the Pink Mosque for its vibrant stained-glass windows. The journey continues at Shahcheragh Shrine, a significant religious site in Iran.
Wandering through Vakil Bazaar, we experience one of the finest traditional covered markets in Iran. Exiting the bazaar, we admire Vakil Mosque, distinguished by its spiral pillars and green marble minbar. Nearby, Vakil Hammam showcases an authentic Persian bathhouse, complete with wax figures illustrating age-old traditions.
Karimkhani Citadel, the stronghold of the Zand dynasty, stands as our next stop. Later, we visit Eram Garden, a UNESCO-listed site and part of Shiraz’s botanical gardens. The program concludes at Hafiz Memorial, where Iranians gather to honor the beloved 14th-century poet.