Iran Cultural Heritage Group 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	252-STN-XPL
START	Shiraz
FINISH	Tehran
Activity Level	Easy
REGION(S)	Central Iran
INCLUDED	MEALS: (10) Breakfast(s), (1) Lunch, (1) Dinner ACCOMMODATION: 9 nights’ accommodation: 3 nights hotel in shiraz , 2 nights traditional hotel in Yazd, 2 nights hotel in Esfahan, 2 nights hotel in Tehran TRANSPORTATION: Private tourist Van / Minibus according to number of travelers Airport pickup & drop off English Speaking guide
Excluded	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

Additional information

Group Size	Min 2, Max 8

Covers UNESCO World Heritage sites: Persepolis, Pasargadae, Yazd Old Town, Dolatabad Garden, Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Fin Garden, Golestan Palace
Blends Persian gardens, Zoroastrian traditions, Islamic architecture, poetic legacies, and vibrant bazaars
Offers walking tours and local encounters for cultural immersion

This Classic Iran group tour is one of our specially designed itineraries for first-time visitors who wish to explore the country’s cultural highlights and most iconic attractions. This 10-day overland tour starts in Shiraz and finishes in the capital city, Tehran, covering Iran’s five main tourist cities: Shiraz, Yazd, Isfahan, Kashan, and Tehran.

In each city, we have carefully selected the most significant attractions, including numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This guided tour features seven UNESCO-listed sites, spread across different destinations. In addition, several UNESCO Tentative List sites are included in the itinerary, making the journey even more enriching and distinctive.

This tour is designed for small groups of up to eight participants, ensuring a more personal and immersive travel experience. A limited number of fixed departure dates are available and can be found in the Dates & Prices tab.

The Classic Iran Tour can be operated year-round; however, the best time to travel is during spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Please note that Persian New Year (Nowruz), Iran’s longest national holiday, usually begins around 19 March and may last until 4 April. During this period, hotels are often fully booked nationwide, and major tourist sites are extremely busy with domestic travelers.

This 10-day cultural journey takes you through Iran’s most iconic cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Iran’s best tourist attractions and vibrant living traditions. Beginning in Shiraz, you will explore colorful mosques, poetic gardens, and the tomb of Hafez, along with excursions to Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam.

The route continues to Pasargadae, home to the tomb of Cyrus the Great, and Abarkuh, where you will see its remarkable 4,500-year-old cypress tree, before arriving in Yazd—the heart of Zoroastrian heritage, famed for its windcatchers and Persian gardens.

From Yazd, the journey proceeds via Meybod and Nain to Isfahan, where guided walking tours reveal historic bridges, royal palaces, and the magnificent Naqsh-e Jahan Square, surrounded by grand mosques and bustling bazaars.

On the way to Tehran, you will stop in Kashan to visit the Fin Garden (UNESCO), elegant traditional houses, and historic bathhouses. The journey concludes in Tehran with visits to Golestan Palace (UNESCO), Saadabad Palace, vibrant bazaars, Azadi Tower, and the modern Tabiat Bridge.

Day 1: Arrival in Shiraz

Upon arrival at Shiraz International Airport, an Adventure Iran representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. No activities are planned for today. Overnight stay at a hotel in Shiraz. (-, -, -)

Day 2: Shiraz City Tour

Today you will explore Shiraz, the city of renowned Persian poets. Visits include the beautiful Narenjestan-e Qavam Garden and the kaleidoscopic Nasir al-Molk Mosque (Pink Mosque), famous for its stunning play of light and color in the morning. Continue to the historic district to see Arg-e Karim Khan (exterior), the traditional bazaar, and Moshir Caravanserai. In the afternoon, visit the Mausoleum of Hafez, the great 14th-century Persian poet. Overnight stay in Shiraz. (B, -, -)

Day 3: Persepolis & Naqsh-e Rostam – Shiraz

Morning excursion to Persepolis, one of Iran’s earliest UNESCO World Heritage Sites, registered in 1979. Spend several hours exploring this vast ceremonial complex. Continue to Naqsh-e Rostam Necropolis, where the rock-cut tombs of Achaemenid kings (5th–4th century BCE) are carved into the cliff and later adorned with Sassanian reliefs (3rd century CE).

Return to Shiraz in the evening to visit Eram Garden (UNESCO), the Qur’an Gate, and Ali Ibn Hamzeh Shrine. Overnight stay in Shiraz. (B, -, -)

Day 4: Shiraz – Pasargadae – Abarkooh – Yazd

Depart Shiraz in the morning and visit Pasargadae, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. This was the first dynastic capital of the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great (559–530 BCE). En route, stop in Abarkooh to see the ancient Cypress Tree and the historic Aghazadeh Mansion, famous for its two-story windcatcher. Continue to Yazd. Overnight stay in Yazd. (B, -, -)

Day 5: Yazd City Tour

Full-day city tour of Yazd, including the Zoroastrian Fire Temple, where the sacred fire has been burning since 470 CE, and the Towers of Silence, once used for traditional Zoroastrian burial practices. Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Yazd, known for its wind towers and ancient water systems. Visit Amir Chakhmaq Square and Dolat Abad Garden (UNESCO). Overnight stay in Yazd. (B, -, -)

Day 6: Yazd – Meybod – Nain – Isfahan

Depart Yazd for Isfahan, stopping in Meybod, a historic desert town famous for pottery and tile-making. Visit Narin Castle, the pigeon tower, ice house, and caravanserai, with time to browse local handicrafts. Continue to Nain for a short stop and visit to the Jame Mosque.

Arrive in Isfahan in the evening and visit the iconic Si-o-se Pol (33-Arch) Bridge over the Zayandeh Rud River. Overnight stay in Isfahan. (B, -, -)

Day 7: Isfahan Walking Tour

Enjoy a full-day walking tour of Isfahan’s historic center. Begin by crossing Si-o-se Pol Bridge and walking along Chahar Bagh Abbasi Boulevard. Visit Hasht Behesht Palace and Chehel Sotoun Palace, set within a royal garden.

Continue to the magnificent Naqsh-e Jahan Square (UNESCO), surrounded by Ali Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Imam Mosque, Qeysarieh Gate, and the Grand Bazaar. Enjoy time at a rooftop café overlooking the square before shopping for handicrafts. Overnight stay in Isfahan. (B, -, -)

Day 8: Isfahan – Kashan – Tehran

Drive to Tehran with a stop in Kashan, one of Iran’s oldest cities, famous for rosewater and historic houses. Visit Fin Garden (UNESCO), Tabatabaei Historical House, and the Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse. Continue onward to Tehran. Overnight stay in Tehran. (B, -, -)

Day 9: Tehran City Tour

City tour of Tehran, including Golestan Palace (UNESCO), the Grand Bazaar, and Azadi Tower, a symbol of modern Iran. Overnight stay in Tehran. (B, -, -)

Day 10: Tehran – Departure

Visit Saadabad Palace Complex, the traditional Tajrish Bazaar, Imamzadeh Saleh Shrine, and the modern Tabiat (Nature) Bridge. Transfer to the airport for your international departure. (B, -, -)