When: 27th Sept – 6th Oct 2025

Organised and led by Zirrar Ali, this will be our fourth tour in Iran. Over the course of 10 days, we will visit some of the most culturally rich and historically significant places in the country. Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to register early to avoid disappointment. Your space is not confirmed until a deposit is paid.

Registration

Tour Details

Mahinestan Raheb Boutique Hotel, Kashan

Pricing

Shared Room: £2,050

Private Room: £2,500

What’s included?

  • Tour guide (Fluent in English and Farsi)
  • In-depth walkthroughs of the history and culture of each place
  • All accommodation for the duration of the tour (We will stay in traditional Iranian boutique hotels wherever possible with the exception of Tehran)
  • Traditional Iranian Breakfast
  • Transportation for the duration of the tour, inc. domestic flight from Shiraz to Tehran.
  • Entrance fees to all attractions listed in the itinerary.

Not Included

  • International flights to and from Iran
  • Transport to and from to the airports
  • Lunch and dinners
  • Visa Application Fees.

Itinerary

The tour will start in Tehran and end in Shiraz. Return flights to Tehran will be provided.

The tour will last 10 days (10 nights) and include travel to:
  • Tehran (1 night)
  • Qom (stop over)
  • Kashan (1 night)
  • Isfahan (3 nights)
  • Nain (stop over)
  • Yazd (2 night)
  • Shiraz (3 nights)

Day 0 (Tehran) – The Meetup

  • Group meeting up. Arrive in Tehran at anytime and meet the rest of the group.

Day 1 (Tehran)

  • Visit the Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Tehran’s most historic royal complexes.
  • Stroll through the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest markets, rich with history, craftsmanship, and local culture.
  • Enjoy a traditional Iranian lunch within the Bazaar at a well-known eatery frequented by locals.
  • In the evening, head to Tajrish, in northern Tehran, to visit the revered shrine of Imamzadeh Saleh.
  • Conclude the day with a hike through the snow-capped trails of Darband, offering scenic views over Tehran, followed by dinner at a mountainside restaurant.

Day 2 (Qom/ Kashan)

  • Depart early morning after breakfast for Kashan, a town renowned globally for its exquisite carpets and tilework.
  • En route, stop in Qom, the religious heart of Iran, to visit the revered shrine of Fatima Masumeh, sister of the eighth Shia Imam.
  • Continue the journey to Kashan, arriving in the late afternoon to explore the city’s historic Grand Bazaar and enjoy tea at a traditional teahouse nestled within an old caravanserai.
  • Visit the architecturally distinctive Agha Bozorg Mosque, celebrated for its symmetrical design and spiritual ambience.

Day 3 (Kashan)

  • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and tea in the morning.
  • Visit the Tabatabaei, Hoseini, and Bani Kazemi Historical Houses, renowned across Iran for their architectural beauty, intricate design, and cultural significance.
  • Depart for Isfahan in the late afternoon.

Day 4 (Isfahan)

  • Arrive in Isfahan and visit the magnificent Naqsh-e Jahan Square, home to the iconic Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and the grand Shah Mosque commissioned by Shah Abbas.
  • In the evening, stroll along the historic Si-o-Se Pol Bridge and relax by the Zayandeh River, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
  • Conclude the day with dinner and time to unwind.

Day 5 (Isfahan)

  • Visit the Jameh Mosque of Isfahan (Friday Mosque), the oldest and largest mosque in the city, showcasing centuries of Islamic architecture.
  • Explore the lesser-known yet stunning Seyyed Mosque, admired for its exquisite tilework and serene atmosphere.
  • Enjoy a traditional Isfahani lunch, sampling local culinary specialities.
  • In the afternoon, visit the elegant Chehel Sotoun Palace, known for its grand pavilion, reflection pool, and Safavid-era frescoes.

Day 6 (Isfahan)

  • Begin the day with a visit to Jolfa, the historic Armenian Christian quarter of Isfahan, and explore the magnificent Vank Cathedral, renowned for its intricate frescoes and unique blend of architectural styles.
  • Take a leisurely walk through Jolfa, enjoying its charming atmosphere and sampling local coffee and tea offerings at nearby cafés.
  • In the evening, return to Naqsh-e Jahan Square to visit the Ali Qapu Palace, once the ceremonial gateway to Safavid power, offering panoramic views of the square from its upper terrace.

Day 7 (Yazd)

  • Depart Isfahan early in the morning after breakfast and begin the drive to Yazd.
  • Stop en route in the historic city of Nain to visit its Jameh Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Iran still in continuous use.
  • Arrive in Yazd, the spiritual heart of Zoroastrianism, and visit the haunting Towers of Silence, ancient funeral structures once used for sky burials.
  • Continue to the Zoroastrian Fire Temple, home to the sacred eternal flame that has been burning for centuries.

Day 8 (Yazd/ Shiraz)

  • Visit the stunning Jameh Mosque of Yazd, a masterpiece of Persian-Islamic architecture, and explore the surrounding ancient city and traditional bazaars.
  • Depart Yazd and begin the journey to Shiraz, stopping en route at Pasargadae to visit the tomb of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire and a symbol of Persian heritage.
  • Visit the tomb of Hafez Shirazi, the national poet of Iran and enjoy the evening vibe in the lush garden in which the tomb is located.

Day 9 (Shiraz)

  • Welcome to Shiraz – the city of poets, saints, and gardens.
  • Explore the historic Vakil Mosque and wander through the bustling Vakil Bazaar, rich in local crafts and traditional wares. Known for its carpets, jewellery and artwork.
  • Visit the tomb of Saadi, the beloved Persian poet and sage, set within a tranquil garden.
  • Pay your respects at Shah Cheragh, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Shiraz.

Day 10 (Shiraz)

  • Begin the day early with a sunrise visit to the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque), where the morning light illuminates the stained glass in a kaleidoscope of colour.
  • Visit the ancient ruins of Persepolis and Necropolis. A UNESCO heritage site.
  • Conclude the day with a stroll through the Eram Garden (Bagh-e Eram), one of the most famous and beautifully landscaped gardens in Iran.
  • Tour ends.

Please note the itinerary is subject to revision, and best efforts will be taken to ensure all places listed here are visited by you. In some cases one place might be substituted by another due to operating hours of a place, unforseen delays to our journey, or other circumstances.

What you can expect to see and do

Iran has so much to offer. Our aim is to take you to the heart of the country and show you as much as possible, at a comfortable pace. You’ll visit the major sights in each city – from palaces and ancient mosques to mausoleums, gardens, and lesser-known corners of the towns.

You’ll walk through the ancient ruins of Persepolis in Shiraz, explore the Zoroastrian fire temples and Towers of Silence in Yazd, and admire the magnificent mosques and palaces of the Safavid and Qajar dynasties in Isfahan and Tehran. We’ll immerse you in local culture and tradition as much as possible. You’ll enjoy Iranian cuisine, unwind in local cafés (especially in Isfahan and Shiraz), and listen to live music beneath the bridges and in the streets of Iran. A sight unique to Iran.

Who is this tour suitable for?

This tour is for anyone who has been curious about Iran and wants to explore its cultural, social, and spiritual dimensions. It is not a religious tour, and we aim to provide a secular and inclusive experience for all our guests. All we ask is that you come with an open mind, ready to appreciate the diversity and beauty of this remarkable country.

Iran is a very safe destination for all travellers, including women, and its people are known for their hospitality, respect, and warmth. While Iran is also a family-friendly country, this particular tour is not currently designed for families with young children. The itinerary involves long travel days and a full schedule, which may not be suitable for younger participants.

VISA

All EU citizens (except the UK) can obtain a visa on arrival at major airports in Iran. Please check individual visa requirements for your country if you are unsure. The visa process is two step. Firstly, an eVisa application must be made ($50) and then the visa must be picked up from an Iranian consulate or embassy (this might incur further charges and will vary depending on your nationality).