8 Day cultural tour: caravanserai and bazaar

Tour type

Daily tour

Group size

4 people

languages

English

The tour starts from:

Tehran

period of time

8 days

End of the tour in:

Tehran

Overview

This is a private tour package. We know you enjoy your privacy. That’s why all our tours are private, flexible and planned around your schedule. All tour packages can be 100% customized at no extra cost. Just let us know what you want to add.

Explore Iran like a traveling merchant along the Silk Road. Visit the ancient and prosperous markets of the current capital of Tehran, Achaemenian city, Shiraz and Safavid capital, Isfahan. Spend the night in the classic caravanserais of Maranjab and Kashan.

travel style

Historical – artistic

age category

Above 5 years

meals

Only breakfast, lunch and dinner

Transportation

ride – air

degree of accommodation

5-star hotel – villa with pool

Equipment

• suitable shoes
• Personal medications
• small bag

This tour includes:

– Visa

– Travel insurance

– Airport transfer

– Types of Iranian and foreign cars

– A domestic flight

– Private ground transportation

– English speaking guide

– Iranian SIM card

– Bank card

– Driver

– Insurance

– The entrance fee of the mentioned buildings

– breakfast lunch dinner

– 24-hour support

– Specialized tour guide for all regions of Iran

– Free entertainment

– Snack

– With the possibility of personalizing the trip

– Brochure of gifts and souvenirs of Iran and tourist areas of Iran

Travel program

Tehran

The seat of Iranian power in the last 3 centuries, Tehran is rich in history and influence. Go to the Golestan Palace registered in the World Heritage in the center of Tehran. 18th century This complex was the main residence of the Qajar period, a masterpiece of hand-painted tiles, in a lush garden. After a quick stroll through the city park, arrive at the National Museum of Iran, which houses artifacts from ancient and medieval Iran, from the Achaemenid to the Sasanian period. Rest the night in Tehran.

Tehran is a melting pot of Iranian, Turkish, Lori and many other cultures. You will find all of them in Tehran Grand Bazaar. This market, which is divided into several specialized corridors in all kinds of goods, stretches for more than 10 kilometers. Make friends with the locals while shopping for spices, foods, carpets and handicrafts. You can even visit the smallest tea house in the world. Stroll through the historic district of Tehran, where you can see old restaurants, antique dealers, and street vendors. Fly to Shiraz overnight.

Shiraz

Arrive before 8am for the best views of the sunlight hitting the glass windows of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, or the “Pink Mosque”. After taking pictures, explore the 11th century. Shiraz market. Then it’s on to Vakil Complex, a popular desert stopover for Asian and European traders on ancient trade routes. This complex has Vakil mosque, Vakil bath and historical caravanserai. Dive in Karim Khan Citadel. End the night with the tomb of the 14th century poet Hafez.

Start your day with the world-famous Persepolis, once the center of the Persian Empire and one of the great capitals of the ancient world. The towering columns, high reliefs and massive gateways are still imposing. Then we move on to see Naghse Rostam Cemetery, the massive tombs, carved directly into the mountainside. Spend some time at the final resting place of Cyrus the Great, the founder of Iran’s first empire, the Achaemenid dynasty, in Pasargad. Rest the night in Isfahan.

Esfahan

After a night’s sleep, visit the 16th century. Naqsh Jahan Square, the headquarters of the Safavid dynasty of Iran. Dive into the dirt paths, hidden courtyards, and boutique shops of the Qaisarieh market. Marvel at the mesmerizing dome of the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, the mesmerizing courtyard of the Shah Mosque, and the view of the Aali Qapu Palace. A quick walk takes you to Chehlsetun Palace, the Safavid royal reception for foreign dignitaries. End the day with an Iranian cooking class at a local home.

Visit the 8th century in the early morning. Jame Mosque of Isfahan, the former fire temple of Zoroastrians, which was continuously built over the centuries. Dive deep into local Iranian culture with the Iranian Carpet Workshop. Get to know the trend and history of Iran’s most famous handicrafts. Finish with the bright frescoes of the Vanak Cathedral in the Armenian quarter of New Jolfa. End the night with the local hangouts of Zayandeh Rood, Paul Khajo and Paul Siwa-se Paul. Rest the night in Isfahan.

Maranjab

Make your way to the sand dunes of the Maranjab Desert, one of the many difficult terrains the caravans had to cross. Arrive at Maranjab Caravanserai, built in 1603 by Shah Abbas, one of the main stops on the Silk Road. Spend the day exploring the classic desert inn, as ancient Chinese and European traders lounged in the carpeted rooms and halls. Watch the desert sunset as you prepare to sit down for stories and a shared meal. If available, spend the night at a local ecotourism lodge or caravanserai.

Start with the Agha Bozor Mosque, a seminary that was the center of Kashani life. For classical bath training, visit Sultan Amir Ahmad Bath. Visit the luxurious Abbasid House and the Tabatabai House, two examples of classical Iranian houses with exceptional architectural details, designed specifically for the desert. Visit an active pottery workshop to see traditional Kashan pottery crafts.