Best Iran Classic Tour

10 Days

Duration

Easy

Activity Level

Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov

Best Months

Cultural & Heritage

Activity Type

Classic

Travel Styles

The most efficient and affordable cultural-historical classic tour of ancient Persia, designed for first-time visitors to Iran. Explore the must-visit destinations of Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Yazd, and Kashan.

TOUR CODE	124-STN-XPL
START	Tehran IKA airport
FINISH	Tehran IKA airport
Activity Level	Easy
REGION(S)	Central Iran
INCLUDED	MEALS: (9) Breakfast(s), (1) Lunch, (2) Dinner ACCOMMODATIONS: 9 nights accommodation: 2 nights hotel in Tehran, 2 nights hotel in Isfahan,2 nights hotel in Shiraz, 2 nights traditional hotel in Yazd, 1 night traditional hotel in Kashan TRANSPORTATION: Supply all road transfers with different vehicles: Tourist bus for transportation between cities, private car/cab for intra-city transportation and train Airport pickup & drop off English Speaking guide
Excluded	Entrance fees for the sites according to the itinerary International airfare, airport and departure taxes and excess baggage charges Travel Insurance and the cost of medical immunizations Entry fees for the sites mentioned in the itinerary Any other service not included in the itinerary Airport pick up and drop off (optional) Meals not listed on the itinerary Tip to guide and driver Any extra hotel costs such as early check in or late checkout, laundry, mini bar used in the room

Visiting 5 of Iran’s main tourist cities
Exploring 7 essential UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Iran
Discover Persepolis, the ancient capital of the Achaemenid empire
Discover water museum to learn about the Persian Qanat (UNESCO)
Sightseeing in Qeysarriyeh (Isfahan), Vakil (Shiraz) and Tehran Grand Bazaar
Special walking tour along the historical UNESCO World Heritage city of Yazd
Visiting three UNESCO Persian gardens (Eram, Chehel Sotun and Dolat Abad)
Photography of the most beautiful mosques of Iran in Shiraz, Isfahan and Yazd
Experience of staying in historical renovated Persian Caravanserai (Boutique hotel)
Visiting Zurkhaneh, Ancient Iran’s wrestling sport (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage)
Tasting of the best Persian traditional food in historical restaurants along with traditional music

With 28 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Iran ranks among the top 10 countries in the world for cultural and historical treasures. Beyond these officially recognized sites, countless other unregistered yet extraordinary landmarks make Iran a dream destination for cultural travelers. Fortunately, many of these heritage wonders lie along the renowned Classic Iran travel route—the path we have carefully designed for Iran’s Best Classic Tour. This journey takes you through the country’s most iconic cities—Tehran, Kashan, Isfahan, Yazd, and Shiraz—where history comes to life in breathtaking palaces, ancient monuments, and grand mosques. Some UNESCO-listed sites also await along the way, adding depth to this immersive cultural experience.

Our tailor-made itinerary covers seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, along with many other historical and architectural marvels. You will explore magnificent royal palaces, timeless bathhouses, and some of Iran’s most awe-inspiring mosques—masterpieces of Islamic architecture that frequently appear on lists of the world’s most beautiful religious sites. No cultural journey through Iran is complete without experiencing its vibrant bazaars, where the scent of spices lingers in the air, and artisans showcase exquisite Persian carpets, intricate handicrafts, and unique souvenirs. For those who love to connect with locals, this tour offers countless opportunities to meet Iran’s famously warm and hospitable people, whose kindness and generosity will make a lasting impression.

And, of course, food plays a crucial role in understanding Iran’s rich cultural tapestry. As you travel from the north to the south of the country, you’ll savor the diverse flavors of Persian cuisine, each dish telling a story of the region it comes from. Join us on this unforgettable journey through time, where every city, every monument, and every encounter adds another layer to the story of Iran’s remarkable heritage.

Your ten-day cultural tour of Iran begins in Tehran, the country’s bustling capital. You’ll start with a walking city tour through the historic heart of downtown Tehran, exploring the magnificent Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there, we travel south to Isfahan, often referred to as the cultural and artistic capital of Iran. This city is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking mosques, true masterpieces of Islamic art and architecture. You’ll also visit Gheysariyeh Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest bazaars in the Middle East, where history and commerce intertwine.

Continuing south, our next stop is Shiraz, the city of poets and romance, where you’ll explore its enchanting highlights, including the stunning Pink Mosque and the serene Eram Persian Garden (a UNESCO site). No visit to Shiraz is complete without a journey to Persepolis, the grand capital of the Achaemenid Empire and one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites.The adventure continues in Yazd, an ancient UNESCO-listed desert city known for its Zoroastrian heritage. You’ll wander through its labyrinth of narrow alleys, a paradise for street and architectural photography, and uncover the secrets of this mysterious city.

The final stop on your journey is Kashan, a city renowned for its historical mansions and beautiful boutique hotels, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of Persian architecture.Join us for an unforgettable exploration of Iran’s history, culture, and architectural wonders, where every city tells a unique story of the past and present.

Day 1: Arrival in Tehran

The first day of the trip is dedicated to arriving in Iran. Most travelers arrive in Tehran in the early morning of the second day of the trip, but your room has been reserved for those arriving from 2:00 PM today. Travelers arrive in Iran on different flights and at different times, and flight schedules vary. Therefore, no activities have been planned for this day except for transferring travelers to the hotel. Overnight stay at a hotel in Tehran. (-, -, -)

Day 2: Tehran City Tour

We’ll spend the whole day visiting the capital’s main attractions in the city center. You’ll pass through historic neighborhoods, which were once major trade districts, and witness local traditions on this day of exploration. You’ll visit the Grand Bazaar of Tehran, the UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace (Qajar Dynasty), the National Museum of Iran, the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, and Honarmandan Park (the Iranian Artists’ Forum). Overnight stay at a hotel in Tehran. (B, -, D)

Day 3: Transfer to Isfahan (440 km, 4.5 hrs) – Isfahan City Tour

We will travel to Isfahan early in the morning and check in to your hotel. We’ll start our half-day tour by visiting the UNESCO-listed Jameh Mosque of Isfahan (Masjed-e Jame). Then, we will explore the Jolfa neighborhood, home to a colony of Armenian Christians, and visit Vank Cathedral, known for its lavishly ornate interior that blends Islamic and European architectural features. In the evening, we’ll take a stroll to Khaju Bridge, one of the historic bridges spanning the Zayanderud, the largest river of the Iranian Plateau. Overnight stay at a hotel in Isfahan. (B, -, -)

Day 4: Isfahan Walking Tour

On our walking tour, we’ll visit the magnificent Naqsh-e Jahan Square (UNESCO), the Chehel Sotun Palace (Forty Pillars), and Hasht Behesht Palace (Eight Heavens), while exploring some of the world’s most beautiful mosques, including the Sheikh Lotfollah and Imam Mosques. We’ll also visit the breathtaking six-story Ali Qapu Palace. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a walk along the elegant Si-o-seh Pol Bridge (33 Pol) and Chahar Bagh Abbasi Street, the most beautiful and renowned street in Isfahan. Overnight stay at a hotel in Isfahan. (B, -, -)

Day 5: Isfahan Bazaar – Transfer to Shiraz (420 km, 5 hrs)

We will spend half the day exploring the bazaar. After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll visit the Qeysarieh Gate and wander through the dazzling Grand Bazaar of Isfahan, an excellent place to admire Persian handicrafts and purchase souvenirs. Check-out from the hotel is at noon. In the afternoon, we will leave Isfahan and travel to Shiraz, a journey of about 5 hours. After checking in at the hotel, we will go for an evening walk to experience the nightlife of Shiraz, the city of lovers. Overnight stay at a hotel in Shiraz. (B, -, -)

Day 6: Shiraz Sightseeing & Walking Tour

Your Shiraz sightseeing tour begins with a walking tour to the famous, brightly colored Nasir al-Molk (Pink Mosque). You’ll continue exploring Shiraz with a visit to the fragrant Naranjestan Garden. Our next stop is Shah Cheragh, the Mausoleum of the Kings of Light, a sacred monument. We’ll then proceed to the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of Iran’s most authentic marketplaces. It’s the perfect place to stop for tea at one of the many teahouses or cafés. Next, we’ll visit Vakil Mosque and Vakil Bath (Hamam-e Vakil), both connected to the bazaar. Our city walk will take us past Karim Khan Zand Citadel, an excellent spot for photography. In the late afternoon, we’ll visit Eram Garden, a UNESCO-listed Persian garden. In the evening, we’ll visit Hafeziyeh, the mausoleum of Hafez, the great Persian poet, a revered site for many Iranians. Overnight stay at a hotel in Shiraz. (B, -, -)

Day 7: Persepolis – Drive to Yazd (440 km, 5.5 hrs)

Early morning, we’ll drive to Marvdasht (50 km north of Shiraz) to explore Persepolis, one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites. Also known as Takht-e Jamshid, it was one of the first Iranian sites registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. After spending a few hours in this remarkable setting, we’ll continue to Naqsh-e Rostam, about 13 km northwest of Persepolis, where the magnificent Achaemenid tombs await us. This ancient necropolis is on UNESCO’s tentative list for registration. In the afternoon, we will drive to Yazd (about 4 hours). After checking in to our historical hotel, we will spend some time walking through the old part of the ancient city to familiarize ourselves with the UNESCO-listed Yazd. Overnight stay at a traditional hotel in Yazd. (B, -, -)

Day 8: Yazd City Tour

We will start our city tour by visiting Dakhmeh (the Tower of Silence), a unique Zoroastrian burial site. Then, we’ll visit the Zoroastrian Fire Temple, where the sacred flame has burned for over 1,500 years. Next, we’ll see the Amir Chakhmaq Complex, one of Yazd’s most photographed landmarks. Here, you can also try famous Yazdi sweets like Baklava and Qottab! Our next stop is the magnificent Jameh Mosque of Yazd, a stunning 14th-century structure. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Water Museum to learn about the Persian Qanat system (UNESCO). Strolling through the twisting streets of the historic center, we’ll explore the bazaar and take photographs of the city’s oldest areas. We’ll then visit Dolat Abad Garden, a UNESCO-listed Persian garden featuring the world’s tallest wind tower (badgir). In the evening, we’ll try to visit a Zurkhaneh (House of Strength), an ancient spectacle blending Sufism, nationalism, music, and sport (Intangible UNESCO site). Overnight stay at a traditional hotel in Yazd. (B, -, -)

Day 9: Train to Kashan (390 km, 4-5 hrs) – Kashan City Tour

We’ll take an early morning train to Kashan, experiencing travel through Iran’s central desert. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to the historic center and check in to our boutique hotel. In the afternoon, we’ll take a walking tour, exploring highlights in the historic district. We’ll visit the Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse, Agha Bozorg Mosque, the Boroujerdi House (Qajar Dynasty), and the lavish Tabatabaei House. If time permits, we’ll explore the old Bazaar of Kashan, which features caravanserais like Aminoddowleh Timcheh. We’ll have a tea break at a traditional teahouse (converted hammam). In the evening, we’ll gather at a historic restaurant for a farewell party, sharing photos and saying goodbye. Overnight stay at a boutique hotel in Kashan. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Kashan – Transfer to IKA Airport (210 km, 2 hrs) – Departure

Today is the last day of the tour, and no activities are planned. Travelers will be transferred separately by private car to IKA Airport based on their flight schedules. (B, -, -)

This itinerary is an intensive version of the two-week Iran Classic Tour, designed for travelers with limited time. Depending on the season and daylight, we may need to shorten visits or skip a few sites. Travelers should be prepared for long days with early departures and late returns.
If train tickets are unavailable, we will travel by tourist bus from Yazd to Kashan.
Check-out time at the Kashan hotel is 12:00 noon.

Start Dates	Finish Dates	Status	Group Size	Price	Single Supplement	Deposit	Comment
12 April 2025	18 April 2025	Cancelled	4-8	€ 990	€ 180	€200	–
25 October 2025	31 October 2025	Available	4 -8	€ 990	€ 180	€200	–
11 April 2026	17 April 2026	Available	4-8	€ 990	€ 180	€200	Guaranteed to depart
24 October 2026	30 October 2026	Available	4-18	€ 990	€ 180	€200	Guaranteed to depart