🏛️ 20-Day Iran Grand Discovery – From Ancient Capitals to Desert Horizons
Embark on a 20-day journey through the timeless heart of Persia — a land of empires, poets, mountains, and deserts.
From the royal palaces of Tehran to the legendary Alamut Castle, the ancient wonders of
Hamadan and Kermanshah, the romantic gardens of Shiraz, and the golden dunes
of the Mesr Desert, this comprehensive adventure reveals the depth and diversity of Iran’s cultural and natural heritage.
Wander through UNESCO World Heritage sites, explore bustling bazaars, connect with local communities, and trace over
2,500 years of history in cities like Kashan, Yazd, Kerman, and
Isfahan. From the peaks of Alborz to the silence of the desert, every moment of this expedition
unveils another layer of Iran’s enduring beauty.
🏰 Tehran – The Modern & Historical Capital (2 Nights): Explore Golestan Palace (UNESCO), the National Museum, bustling Grand Bazaar, and the iconic Azadi & Milad Towers. Experience the blend of Qajar elegance and contemporary life.
🏔️ Qazvin & Alamut Castle (1 Night): Journey through the scenic Alborz Mountains to discover the legendary Alamut Fortress — the “Eagle’s Nest” of the Assassins. Visit Qazvin’s Chehel Sotoun Pavilion and Jame Mosque, one of Iran’s oldest.
🏛️ Hamadan – Cradle of Civilization (2 Nights): Visit the ancient city of Ecbatana, the Tomb of Avicenna, Esther & Mordechai’s Tomb, and explore prehistoric wonders at Ganj Nameh Inscriptions.
🕍 Kermanshah – Echoes of Empire (2 Nights): Discover the monumental Taq-e Bostan rock reliefs, Bistoon (Behistun) Inscriptions (UNESCO), and traditional Kurdish culture in local bazaars and villages.
🏞️ Khorramabad – Hidden Gem of Lorestan (1 Night): Explore the ancient Falak-ol-Aflak Castle, set against mountain backdrops, and enjoy the region’s riverside charm and folklore.
🌸 Kashan – Persian Elegance (1 Night): Visit the Fin Garden (UNESCO), Tabatabaei & Borujerdi Houses, and the historic Agha Bozorg Mosque. Learn about rosewater traditions and Persian hospitality.
🏜️ Mesr Desert Village – Oasis of Silence (2 Nights): Experience the stunning sand dunes of the Dasht-e Kavir. Enjoy camel rides, stargazing, and traditional village stays in the golden desert landscape.
🏛️ Yazd – City of Windcatchers (2 Nights): Visit Amir Chakhmaq Square, the Fire Temple, and Towers of Silence. Explore Yazd’s old mud-brick town (UNESCO) and the iconic Dolat Abad Garden.
🌋 Kerman – Gateway to the Desert (2 Nights): Explore the mystical Ganjali Khan Complex, Shahdad Desert’s Kalouts, and Rayen Citadel. Discover the blend of desert architecture and caravan history.
🌷 Shiraz – Poetry & Paradise (2 Nights): Visit Persepolis and Pasargadae (UNESCO), the Nasir al-Mulk “Pink” Mosque, Hafez Tomb, Eram Garden, and Vakil Bazaar.
💎 Isfahan – The Jewel of Persia (3 Nights): Marvel at Naqsh-e Jahan Square (UNESCO), Shah Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and Ali Qapu Palace. Visit Chehel Sotoun, Vank Cathedral, and join a Persian cooking class for an authentic cultural experience.
📋 Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Tehran
Arrive at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA). Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Relax or enjoy an evening walk in the capital’s lively streets.
Overnight in Tehran.
Day 2 – Tehran: Palaces & Museums
Golestan Palace: Qajar-era masterpiece with intricate mirror work and royal halls.
National Museum: Discover artifacts from 5000 years of Persian civilization.
Grand Bazaar: Wander through traditional lanes filled with spices, carpets, and crafts.
Azadi Tower: A national symbol representing the gateway to modern Tehran.
Overnight in Tehran.
Day 3 – Tehran → Qazvin & Alamut Castle
Drive toward Qazvin, once the capital of the Safavid dynasty. Visit Chehel Sotoun Pavilion and Jame Mosque. Continue through scenic mountain roads to explore the legendary Alamut Castle — the fortress of the Assassins, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
Overnight in Qazvin.
Days 4–5 – Hamadan: Cradle of Civilization
Drive to Hamadan, one of the world’s oldest cities. Visit the Tomb of Avicenna, Esther & Mordechai’s Tomb, and Ganj Nameh Inscriptions carved into rock by Darius the Great. Explore the Ecbatana Ancient Hill and local handicraft bazaars.
Overnight in Hamadan.
Days 6–7 – Kermanshah: Legends of the West
Taq-e Bostan: Magnificent Sassanid rock reliefs depicting royal hunting scenes.
Behistun (Bistoon) Inscriptions: UNESCO site with ancient multilingual carvings ordered by Darius I.
Kermanshah Bazaar: Discover Kurdish culture, handmade crafts, and local delicacies.
Overnight in Kermanshah.
Day 8 – Khorramabad: Lorestan’s Hidden Gem
Visit the majestic Falak-ol-Aflak Castle, overlooking the city from a green hilltop. Learn about Lorestan’s history, enjoy the natural surroundings, and mingle with hospitable locals.
Overnight in Khorramabad.
Day 9 – Kashan: Persian Elegance
Fin Garden: UNESCO-listed Persian garden with historic significance.
Tabatabaei & Borujerdi Houses: Ornate merchant homes with windcatchers and frescoes.
Days 10–11 – Mesr Desert Village: Oasis of Silence
Head deep into the Dasht-e Kavir Desert and spend two magical nights in the traditional village of Mesr. Enjoy camel riding, sand dune trekking, and stargazing under pristine desert skies. Experience authentic Iranian desert hospitality and village life.
Overnight in Mesr Village.
Days 12–13 – Yazd: City of Windcatchers
Amir Chakhmaq Square: Yazd’s iconic landmark surrounded by shops and lights.
Fire Temple & Towers of Silence: Explore Zoroastrian heritage and sacred traditions.
Dolat Abad Garden: Home to Iran’s tallest windcatcher, surrounded by fountains.
Yazd Old Town: Wander through UNESCO-listed mud-brick alleys and rooftop cafés.
Overnight in Yazd.
Days 14–15 – Kerman & Shahdad Desert
Ganjali Khan Complex: Historic bazaar, hammam, and caravanserai ensemble.
Shahdad Desert: Visit the surreal Kaluts formations — one of Earth’s hottest and most stunning deserts.
Rayen Citadel: A smaller yet well-preserved version of Bam Citadel.
Overnight in Kerman.
Days 16–17 – Shiraz & Persepolis: City of Poets
Persepolis & Pasargadae: UNESCO sites showcasing Achaemenid grandeur.
Nasir al-Mulk Mosque: The world-famous “Pink Mosque” with colorful stained glass.
Hafez Tomb & Eram Garden: Enjoy Shiraz’s poetic soul and garden elegance.
Vakil Bazaar & Citadel: Bustling markets filled with spices and local crafts.
Overnight in Shiraz.
Days 18–20 – Isfahan: The Jewel of Persia
Naqsh-e Jahan Square: One of the world’s largest squares with magnificent mosques and palaces.
Shah & Sheikh Lotfollah Mosques, Ali Qapu Palace: Safavid masterpieces of tilework and design.
Vank Cathedral: Persian-Armenian architecture and art.
Chehel Sotoun: Garden palace known as “Forty Columns.”
Cooking Class: Join locals to prepare traditional Persian dishes and enjoy dinner together.
Transfer to Isfahan Airport for your departure. Farewell to Persia, with memories of timeless heritage and heartfelt hospitality.
Overnight in Isfahan.
Navigating a new culture
🕌 Authentic Experiences
Wander through ancient bazaars in Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz, sampling saffron sweets, pistachios, and Persian delicacies.
Stay in traditional boutique hotels and desert eco-lodges in Yazd and Mesr Village for a true local experience.
Join a Persian cooking class in Isfahan to learn time-honored recipes and share a meal with locals.
Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Persepolis, Pasargadae, Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Golestan Palace, and Yazd Old Town.
Admire spectacular natural landscapes — from the Alamut Mountains to the Shahdad Kaluts Desert — and enjoy desert stargazing under the Milky Way.
Listen to traditional Persian music, meet local artisans, and experience the warmth of Iranian hospitality throughout your journey.
Embark on a 20-day voyage across Iran’s cultural heartlands — from ancient capitals and poetic cities to silent deserts and vibrant bazaars.
This journey offers a perfect balance of history, art, cuisine, and authentic encounters that reveal the soul of Persia.
🎟️ Reserve your spot today and experience the magic of Iran — where every sunrise unveils a new chapter in history.
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Key Experiences & Features
Recommended: Family / Couples / Solo Travelers
Transportation: Sedan A/C
Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (Easy)
Meals: Daily Breakfast Included
Accommodation: Traditional Boutique Hotel / Modern Comfort Hotel
Activities: Walking / Sightseeing / City Tour
Duration: Full Day (Approx. 6–8 Hours)
Best Season: Spring & Autumn (Mild Weather)
Included
✔️ Visa authorization assistance
✔️ Comprehensive travel insurance
✔️ Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
✔️ Comfortable accommodation throughout the tour
✔️ Private, air-conditioned ground transportation
✔️ Professional English-speaking guide
✔️ Entrance fees to all listed attractions (Optional)
✔️ Daily breakfast
✔️ 24/7 on-trip support
Excluded
❌ Visa processing fees
❌ International airfare
❌ Lunches, dinners, and mid-day snacks
❌ Gratuities for guides and drivers
❌ Personal expenses such as laundry, internet, minibar, and souvenirs
❌ Activities or services not included in the scheduled itinerary
❌ Additional costs resulting from unforeseen events (e.g., natural disasters, strikes, or delays)
