
Day 1: Arriving Tehran, transfer to Kashan, visiting Kashan, driving to isfahan via Abyaneh
Upon your pre-dawn arrival at the Imam Khomeini (IKA) airport, you will be cordially received by your PTA tour guide carrying our logo show card (transfer information), whereupon you will be transferred to Kashan. Once you are checked into the hotel, your morning tour of Kashan will begin which will include visiting Tabatabaiha and Boroojerdiha houses and other historical sites specially chosen by your tour guide to acquaint you with the architecture of the previous century, the Qajar era.
In the afternoon you will head for Isfahan. En route you will visit the UNESCO recognized village of Abyaneh, located at the foot of Mount Karkas and in the vicinity of the desert. You will appreciate the serenity of this quaint village with its splendid archaeology and meet the dwellers who speak, live and dress in original Persian style.
Attention: The priority in sightseeing may be changed due to the time of your arrival, preference of your guide and the official and unofficial holidays of some museums.
Day 2: Visiting Isfahan, fly to Shiraz
Isfahan, the legendary city which never fails to enchant its visitors, is the pearl of traditional Islamic archeology. This city has been revived by the works of contemporary artists.
Isfahan prides itself in its 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 in Isfahan continues with a visit to the famed Imam Square (Naqsh-e-Jahan), a huge square second in the world to Beijing's Tiananmen Square. You will tour the architectural marvels of the Sheikh Lotfollah and Imam Mosques, Aliqapu Palace, Chehel Sutoon and Hasht Behesht Palaces. This tour also includes a stopover at one of the many well-known Isfahani bazaars, where you can purchase the arts & crafts for which Isfahan is so well renowned.
Fly to Shiraz at night.
Day 3: Visiting Shiraz
Shiraz, a city that has been at the center of Persian culture for more than 2,000 years, has the reputation as being a progressive city. This city of sophistication that was once the country's capital is crowned as the heartland of Persian culture. Shiraz will never fail to conjure up images of roses and nightingales, gardens and poetry.
Early in the morning, you will relish in the highlights of Shiraz by visiting sites that were full of life when this city was the capital of Iran during the Zand Dynasty. You will 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, and the Nasir Almolk mosque. Next, you will stop for a mouth-watering Iranian lunch at one of the traditional restaurants of Shiraz.
This city in the province of Fars is home to famous poets such as Hafez and Sa'adi as well as historical sites from different eras stretching back 6,000 years ago. Hafez was one of Persia’s greatest poets who has impressed the world with his poetic mastery. A trip to the site where he is buried and honored is likely to stir the hearts and minds of the visitors.
Sa’adi was a poet, philosopher and mystic. About seven centuries ago Sa’adi recorded all his experiences from his travels to different countries and cities in verse and rhyme prose in two books, Boustan and Golestan. These two books inform and inspire the reader. You will have the chance to pay homage to this great poet when you visit his burial site which is set amidst beautiful gardens and pools.
In the evening, you will visit Ali-Ebn-e-Hamzeh marvel at its beauties. You will take a stroll among the tall and proud cedars of the Jahan Nama Garden. The evening tour ends with visits to the Delgosha Garden and Khajoy-e-Kermani Tomb.
Day 4:an Excursion to Persepolis & Necropolis, fly to Tehran
Your excursion for this day takes you to 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 this king of kings at that time created an impressive palace complex inspired by Mesopotamian models. The historical 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 center for the receptions and festivals of the Achaemenid kings and their empire, such as for the celebration of Nawruz.
Your next stop will be Necropolis. Opposite the mountain of Rahmat, a ten-minute drive to the north, proudly stands the Necropolis, the magnificent burial place of Achaemenid kings. This is also the site of seven bas-reliefs dating back to Elamite and Sassanid period.
Fly to Tehran at night.
Day 5: Visiting Tehran, depart Iran
Your tour begins with a trip to the Archeological Museum, one of the rare places in the world where you will have the special opportunity to visit and experience the “evolution of mankind” through a marvelous display of historical relics.
Next on the agenda is your very much-awaited chance to savor the distinctive flavor of Iranian cuisine. Lunch will be set in an exquisite traditional Iranian restaurant where you will have the opportunity to sample a wide range of delightful Persian dishes and desserts.
Afterwards, you will visit a world of priceless jewels at the Crown Jewels Museum, including one of the greatest diamonds in the world, Darya-e-Noor (Sea of Light).
At the end of the day, you will get a chance to see a variety of Persian hand-woven carpets and rugs in the Carpet Museum which houses more than 100 spectacular pieces from all over Iran. This includes an explanation of the history of these carpets.
Transfer to the IKA airport at night and embark on your departure flight.