A direction stretched on the outskirts of southern Zagros, 35 km south of Shiraz, is a real collection of virtually unknown natural beauties such as an easy capturing 3200 m altitude peak, a protected area covered by worthy fauna and flora species, the surpassingly large and excellent pomegranate gardens of the globe, a miraculous sulfuric spring and natural fields of well-famed Shirazi narcissus.
In this tour, we will gradually ascend from 1600 m up to 3200 m and then by a sudden descend reach 600 m, thanks to this elevation shifts we will experience diverse climatic conditions.
This tour is highly recommended to those living in the cold-temperate countries.
Day 1:
Leave Shiraz towards the village of Darengoun (35 km). Ascend Delou mount via Khani gorge to capture the peak after 5 hours. Go on trekking for another 5 hours towards the village of Maleh Galeh in a route covered by chestnut trees and different kinds of valuable bushes of which myriads of herbal medicaments are produced. Set up tent near the village of Maleh Galeh.
Day 2:
Trek from Maleh Galeh to the village of Mesghan via Dareh Darya, a sulfuric stunning spring with some extraordinary curative effects. Then take a breath in the largest pomegranate gardens of the globe. Pomegranate is a delicious fruit, the juice of which refines blood and its core has curative effects on digestive system. Eating pomegranate will surely be one of the highlights due to the revitalizing and possibly inexperienced feeling which offers. Stay overnight near Gareh river.
Day 3:
Leave Mesghan via Gareh valley and Sariz Jan village towards Gareh village. Pay a visit to the exotic flora along the way. In the afternoon, enter Gareh and explore in the delightful wild fields of narcissus, then transfer to Parishan Lake and set up tent to stay overnight.
Day 4:
Boat around Parishan Lake to visit the rare migrant birds of the world. Cover the road towards Shiraz and visit Bishapour, Chogan gorge, Sarab-e Bahram and seven fanciful lakes known as Haft Barm.
Day 5:
Shiraz has a reputation as an enlightened city that has been at the centre of Persian culture for more than 2,000 years, and was at one time the country's capital.
Shiraz is crowned as the heartland of Persian culture and this city of sophistication will never fail to conjure up images of roses and nightingales, gardens and poetry. Early in the morning, relish in the highlights of Shiraz when it was the capital of Iran during the Zand Dynasty. Be inspired by the glorious Karim Khan palace, the splendid Vakil mosque, Vakil Bazaar and Saray-e-moshir with its splendid architecture and interesting ethnic souvenir shops, Nasir Almolk mosque. Next, we will stop for a mouth-watering Iranian lunch at one of the traditional restaurants of Shiraz.
This gorgeous city in the province of Fars is home to famous poets such as Hafez and Sa'adi and historical sites from different eras stretching back 6,000 years ago can be found. Hafez is one of great poets who impressed everyone with his mastery. His poems give us a special feeling and the peace in his tomb is really outstanding. Sa’adi is a poet, philosopher and mystic who is known as the father of a alternative tourist. About seven previous centuries he travelled to different countries and cities. Then he collected all his experience in verse and Rhyme prose in two books named Boustan and Golestan. These two books give you Lots of inspiration and information. We will get a chance to pay homage to tombs of these great poets.
In the evening, we will visit Ali-Ebn-e-Hamzeh and be prepared to marvel at its beauties. Take a stroll through the Jahan Nama Garden and witness its tall and proud cedars. Finally visit the Delgosha Garden and Khajoy-e-Kermani tomb from where the perspective of the mysterious city of Shiraz will perpetuate in our mind.
At night have dinner in a restaurant with specific atmosphere in the north of Shiraz. Stay overnight in Shiraz.
Day 6:
Our excursion for Today is Persepolis. Founded by Darius I in 518 B.C., Persepolis was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire. It was built on an immense half-artificial, half-natural terrace, where the king of kings created an impressive palace complex inspired by Mesopotamian models. The importance and quality of the monumental ruins make it a unique archaeological site. It seems that Darius planned this impressive complex of palaces not only as the seat of government but also, and primarily, as a show place and a spectacular centre for the receptions and festivals of the Achaemenid kings and their empire such as Nowroz.
The next is Necropolis. Opposite the mountain of Rahmat, ten minutes driving to the north, proudly stands the Necropolis, the magnificent burial place of Achaemenid kings. The site also provides seven bas-reliefs dating back to Elamite and Sassanid period.
Day 7:
Isfahan, the legendary city which never fails to enchant its visitors, is the pearl of traditional Islamic archeology. This city is revived by the works of contemporary artists.
Isfahan prides itself in having fascinating historical garden palaces. Legend has it that the city was founded at the time of Tahmourass or Keykavous and because of its glories has been entitled “Half the World”.
Your full day tour includes the famed Imam Square (Naqsh-e-Jahan), a huge square second in the world to Beijing's Tiananmen Square. Tour the architectural marvels of Sheikh Lotfollah and Imam Mosques, Aliqapu Palace, Chehel Sutoon and Hasht Behesht Palaces, and also visit one of the most famous bazaars in Iran, where you can purchase the arts & crafts for which Isfahan is so well renowned. Stay overnight in Isfahan.
Day 8:
Isfahan’s Jameh mosque holds in itself the passage of several centuries of historical Islamic evolution. This mosque is a gallery of Islamic architecture in which the progress of the architecture from the outset of Islam till recent times is evident. Then we will visit Vank Church which is one of the most beautiful Armenian churches in the world and will undoubtedly capture the attention of every Christian.
Your day will conclude with a visit to Monar Jomban, the tomb of a Sufi with its shaking minarets and some historical bridges. Stay overnight in Isfahan.
Day 9:
Today, en route to Kashan you will visit the UNESCO recognized village of Abyaneh, located at the foot of Mount Karkas and in the vicinity of desert. Appreciate the serenity of this quaint village with its splendid archaeology and meet the dwellers who speak, live and dress in the original Persian style.
Next, hop on to Kashan and visit Tabatabaiha and Boroojerdiha houses and some other historical places specially chosen by your tour guide and be acquainted with the previous century’s architecture, the Qajar era.
Day 10:
Today you will head to Tehran via visiting Qom and pay homage to the holy shrine of Fatima. You will catch a glimpse of Imam Khomeini’s shrine and return to Tehran. Stay overnight in Tehran.
Day 11:
A morning visit to Sa'ad Abad Complex with an immense 1,100,000 square meters and 18 magnificent historical palaces (2 of which you will visit) will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on you.
Subsequently, you will be acquainted with the world of Iranian arts with a trip to the Reza Abasi Museum which boasts a diverse collection of different art forms.
Your Tehran excursion will end at the Ceramic Museum where you will be able to witness its construction with glorious ancient archaeology.
Day 12:
Depart Iran – the land of warmth and hospitality with fond memories.