ENCRYPTED IRAN

Our trip begins from Ahvaz. After arrival at the airport and some rest at the hotel, we leave to Shushtar city (95 km) late in the morning and visit its historical astonishing hydraulic system. Then we return to hotel in Ahvaz.

On our second day in Khuzestan province we have planned to visit Izeh (180 km) to discover more mysteries from Elamites through the reliefs in Eshkaft Soleyman and Kool Farah.

Today we leave Ahvaz in the morning for Khorramabad (330 km). On the way we go to Chogha Zanbil world heritage site and Haft Tappeh museum (120 km from Ahvaz), home to outstanding mementos from Elamites in Iran. After arrival in the city, we visit Falak-ol-Aflak castle, a Sassanid monument which today’s city has its roots in it.

Heading to Kermanshah (310 km) we leave Khorramabad late in the morning. By then we visit more highlighted monuments including Sang Nebeshteh (an epitaph) and Brick Tower. After arrival in Kermanshah, we go to visit Behistun complex (45 km) and its magnificent mythical relief.

Today we leave hotel after breakfast to continue our visits including Tekyeh Mo’avenol Molk, Taq Bostan area and reliefs. In the evening we have some time to visit the local shops and buy some local sweets.

Our trip continues to Hamadan. By leaving hotel after breakfast and visiting Anahita temple on our way, we arrive in the city at noon (185 km) after the lunch break at one of restaurants in Hamedan, we head to visit tomb of Baba Tahir
and Achaemenid Ganjnameh inscriptions in the afternoon.

Today we visit Alavian dome from Seljuk period and tomb of Avicenna, regarded as one of the most significant thinkers, writers and scholars of the Islamic golden age. In the afternoon we go to the tomb of Esther and Mordechai which is believed to be the most important pilgrimage site for Jews in Iran. As our today’s final visit, we go to the remnants Hegmatana (Ecbatana) the ancient capital of Medians which is still being excavated.

Today we get back on track to next city, Isfahan, which is one of the most beautiful cities of Iran (510 km) with a short stop in Delijan to have lunch.

We are going to spend an unforgettable day in Isfahan. As our first visit we go to Naqsh-e Jahan square (which means The Image of the World) with four highlighted sites located around it: Imam mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah mosque, Ali Qapu and Traditional Bazaar. After enjoying our lunch near one of world’s largest squares, we head to Hasht Behesht and Chehel Sotoun palace.

Today we leave hotel for one of most charming cities of Iran, Shiraz (480 km). On the way we visit Pasargadae, the remnants of first Persian garden and tomb of the most popular King of ancient Iran, Cyrus the Great. Arriving early at night to Shiraz, we have time on our own to enjoy our first dinner in this wonderful city or have some rest at the hotel, getting ready for tomorrow’s adventures.

Our first day visits start with Karimkhan citadel and continues to Vakil historical complex with its bath, bazaar and mosque, one of the sites which has played an important politic role while Zand dynasty ruled the country. Afterwards we enjoy our lunch at the heart of the city and go to Narenjestan-e Qavam garden. At night, tomb of Hafez with its mystic sorrounding atmosphere would become one of everlasting scenes from Iran in our minds.

Our second day in Shiraz is allocated to visiting Persepolis (60 km from Shiraz), the glorious monument of ancient civilization of Persia with total area of 125,000 square meters. Afterwards we go to Naqsh-e Rustam relief which is close to Persepolis. Finally we return to hotel while entering the city through Quran gate.

In order to visit country’s capital on our last days in Iran, we leave Shiraz in the morning to have our lunch in Tehran (1hr 15 min flight). Then we head to Tehran’s mountainous area, Darband to have a light trekking, watching its livelihood and enjoy fresh air.

To discover the history behind today’s capital of Iran we go to Golestan palace complex, visiting its royal palaces and then visit National Museum of Iran. After lunchtime we go to Treasury of National Jewels and at night enjoy our farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant.

And finally it’s time to bid farewell to Iran as we get transferred to the airport early in the morning for our return flight home.