Iran, also called Persia and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia.
Iran is home to one of the world's oldest civilizations,beginning with the formation of the Elamite kingdoms in the fourth millennium BC. It was first unified by the Iranian Medes in the seventh century BC, and reached its territorial height in the sixth century BC, when Cyrus the Great founded the Achaemenid Empire, which became one of the largest empires in history. The empire fell to Alexander the Great in the fourth century BC and was divided into several Hellenistic states.
6:30am-9:30am : Shiraz
11:00am-12:30pm : Arg-e Karimkhan
Explore Arg-e Karimkhan, a museum that once served as a fortress and prison. Built in the 12th century under the Zand dynasty, this massive structure provided work for the period's top architects and artists. Originally used as a royal residence and a seat of administrative power, the renovated fortress now houses displays of traditional Iranian clothing, still worn in many parts of the country.
1:00pm-2:30pm : Shah-e-Cheragh Shrine
Shiraz's most important pilgrimage destination, Shah-e-Cheragh Shrine features tombs of Shi'a brothers Amir Ahmad and Mir Mohammad, killed here during the Sunni Abbasid persecution in 835. Two gilt-top minarets flank the tulip-like tiled dome of this mosque and funerary monument. Inside, numerous mirrors reflect light in all of its elaborately designed rooms. A large pool in the front courtyard features evenly spaced fountains and reflects the impressive entrance door plated with gold, which devotees kiss upon entrance. Apparently, entrance is forbidden to non-Muslims unless you know a local.
3:00pm-4:00pm : Nasir al-Mulk Mosque
With its colored glass arches and polychrome faience, Nasir al-Mulk Mosque showcases a mesmerizing blend of rainbow colors and intricate shapes. Pink and deep blue tiling give the structure its nickname, the "Pink Mosque." Built from 1876 to 1888, the mosque also features a large pond in the inner courtyard reflecting colored light passing through the stained glass. With five concave ceilings, elaborately carved pillars, and an impressive winter prayer hall, the mosque stands out as an architectural masterpiece. A small museum onsite details various donations to the mosque.
4:30pm-6:00pm : Vakil Bazaar
Roam the bustling stalls of Vakil Bazaar, the most famous marketplace in Shiraz’s historic trading neighborhood. Believed to have originated in the 11th century, the bazaar is known for its lively atmosphere and Zand-era architecture, boasting broad paths and vaulted brick ceilings. Browse the vibrant stores and hunt for bargains on aromatic spices, traditionally woven carpets and clothing, as well as a variety of jewelry and handicrafts.
10:00am-12:00pm : Qur'an Gate
Once the city's main point of entry, Qur'an Gate stands majestically at the northeastern end of Shiraz. Initially constructed in the 10th century, the gate was restored several times over the centuries to the monumental sight you see today. Look up to the room located on top of gate, previously home to two handwritten Qurans, now preserved in a nearby museum.
1:00pm-4:30pm : Persepolis
With ruins dating back as early as 515 BCE, Persepolis ruins (a World Heritage Site), present a singular look at ancient Persian architecture. The city, built from grey limestone and marble, served as the capital of the Achaemenid Empire, originally built up under the reign of Darius I. Ransacked and pillaged by armies of various empires over the centuries, including by Alexander the Great in 330 BCE, few structures remain intact. Check out the ruins of the gate, with their carved-horse reliefs, and the "Apadana" building, where emperors greeted foreign visitors that contains intricately carved staircases.
5:00pm-5:30pm : Ka'ba-ye Zartosht
10:00am-12:00pm : Vakil Mosque
See decorative floral tiles, characteristic of the art of that period, in the mosque as well as in the garden. The minbar, or pulpit where the prayer leader (or imam) stands to deliver sermons, is a true masterpiece, made entirely out of green marble.
12:30pm-2:00pm : Eram Garden (Baq e Eram)
A historic Persian-style garden and a World Heritage Site, Eram Garden (Baq e Eram) dates to the 13th century and features a famed pavilion intricately decorated with colorful tiles, an ornamental pool, and date palms. Take a stroll along the cypress trees and meticulously manicured lawns adorned with a variety of colorful flowers, making it a scenic backdrop for some memorable shots.
2:30pm-3:00pm : Ali Ibn Hamzeh Holly Shrine
Feel the intimate atmosphere at Ali Ibn Hamzeh Holly Shrine. Learn about history from the friendly locals at the tomb of Emir Ali, who died during his mission to help Imam Reza. Admire the stained-glass window art, whose beauty matches the intricately carved door, but be fully enchanted by the Venetian mirror work covering the walls. Look up at the Shirazi dome to see the full capacity of the artwork. Employees at the shrine provide chadors to women, so don't worry about bringing your own.
3:30pm-4:30pm : Tomb of Hafez
A monument to a great Persian poet, Tomb of Hafez rises up from the banks of the Rukn-Abad River. The much-loved wordsmith was laid to rest in the surrounding gardens in 1390, his memorial constructed and renovated throughout the centuries. Placed within the lush gardens, the pavilion still maintains some of its 18th-century features, including all of its original columns. Uncover the work of Hafez through the engraved facades and marble tombstone, featuring a selection from his literary canon of over 600 poems.
5:00pm-6:00pm : Tomb of Saadi
Pay your respects to the legendary Persian poet Saadi at Tomb of Saadi. Lush gardens surround the picturesque blue and white tomb, along with a few cafeterias out front selling traditional Iranian deserts, notably "shirazi faloodeh" and traditionally served ice cream known to be among the best in town. Inside, the tomb's walls have seven verses of Saadi’s poems etched into them, along with a small fish pond where locals stop to make a wish.
10:00am-12:00pm : Ali Qapu Palace
Pay a visit to Ali Qapu Palace, a grandiose royal structure that overlooks Isfahan's Imam Square. Built in the late 16th century by Shah Abbas I of the Safavid dynasty, the palace stretches along the entrance of what once represented a vast complex of royal residences. Step inside to admire the intricate decorations on the walls, visit the music hall famed for its acoustics, and climb up to the colonnaded terrace to enjoy the panoramic view of the historic square.
12:30pm-3:30pm : Naqsh-e Jahan Square
Dating back to construction at the turn of the 17th century, Naqsh-e Jahan Square represents a sprawling piazza that now holds World Heritage Site status. The square sits between two large mosques, the historic bazaar, and a palace. Edged by these monumental architectural feats and containing a reflective fountain at its center, the square is an open public space that invites local and visiting families and groups of friends out into its expanse. Shop for souvenirs at the bazaar, whose stalls sell traditional pottery and other handicraft items.
4:00pm-6:00pm : Vank Cathedral
An Orthodox Christian gem in Isfahan's Jolfa quarter, Vank Cathedral displays a striking blend of Armenian and Safavid architecture. Enter to admire its two adjacent vaults--one with masterfully vivid depictions of scenes from the Bible and the other ornate with Islamic patterns. Built in 1606 and expanded in 1655, the church accommodated the needs of Armenian refugees from the Ottoman lands. Stop in its library to see intricately painted miniatures of gospels on display. A museum within the complex details the life of Isfahan's Armenian community.
10:00am-11:00am : Jameh Mosque of Isfahan
Pay a visit to the World Heritage Site of Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, a sprawling mosque complex that has been restored and decorated many times over the past millennium. Built in the 11th century, with origins going back as far as 841 CE, the mosque displays the evolution of the Iranian architectural style in the many details and structures that have been added under different rulers throughout the centuries. Admire its grandiose domes and intricately decorated tiles, or take a guided tour to find out more about the mosque’s rich history.
11:30am-12:30pm : Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
A true masterpiece of Safavid Iranian architecture designed by a famous poet-architect, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque boasts some of the most impressive tile designs in the country. Visit the mosque to see its exterior use of Esfahan's signature blue and turquoise tiles in intricate patterns. On the inside, marvel at the complexity of harmonious mosaics, elaborate dome designs with cream-colored and deep blue tiles that change nuances during the day. Built in 1602-1619 as a private mosque for the royal court, the edifice stands in contrast to the lavish public mosque nearby.
1:00pm-3:00pm : Khaju Bridge
Spanning the Zayandeh River with 21 graceful stone arches, Khaju Bridge creates a striking profile. Take a scenic walk across the structure, which extends 132 m (433 ft) in length and a little over 20 m (65 ft) in width. Explore corridors of its upper arches to get the best view of Isfahan. Stone platforms at the foot of the arches make a popular gathering spot for locals who come to listen to the river and socialize. Originally built by Tamerlane's successors, the bridge underwent a major renovation in 1642-1667 by Shah Abbas II following the model of a 33-arch bridge downstream.
3:30pm-4:30pm : SioSe Pol Bridge
With 33 stone arches spanning the Zayande River, SioSe Pol Bridge cuts an impressive double-deck figure. The bridge extends for some 300 m (984 ft) across the largest river in central Iran, a true masterpiece of stone masonry constructed in yellow brick and limestone by one of the greatest mathematicians of his time. Marvel at this feat of stonemasonry while walking the 14 m (46 ft) wide lane across the bridge, completed in 1602. Explore the side corridors of its upper deck, as the water rushes below. One of the most impressive bridges in Iran, this well-lit structure makes an exhilarating spectacle day and night.
5:00pm-6:00pm : Chehel Sotoun
Visit Chehel Sotoun, an intricately decorated 17th-century palace built to entertain foreign delegates. A long pool leads up to the palace, surrounded by rich greenery and reflecting off the distinctive 20 pillars at the entrance, creating a picturesque scene. Inside you’ll find that every inch of the palace walls is covered in murals by unknown artists, depicting historical events or simply celebrating love and life. Amenities include an audio guide and a coffee shop indoors.
10:00am-12:00pm : Zoroastrian Fire Temple
See the flame allegedly lit in the 4th century at Zoroastrian Fire Temple. The temple, built in 1934, houses one of nine existing Atash Behram flames, which represent the most revered type of fire a Zoroastrian temple can possess. Step into the Achaemenid-style building, surrounded by a peaceful garden, to observe the sacred flame, brought from Aqda to Yazd when the temple was established. The iconic flame, situated behind a glass enclosure, supposedly traces its origins to an elaborate ritual in which 16 priests collect 32 types of fire and join them in a consecration ceremony.
12:30pm-2:00pm : Zorastrian Towers of Silence
Witness the remains of a Zoroastrian tradition of excarnation at Zorastrian Towers of Silence, which once received dead bodies for purification. Imagine the dead, separated by age and gender, in three concentric circles on the top of a funerary plateau, where they literally turned to ashes after the work of vultures. Economical, well-aired, and egalitarian, this 3,000-year-old climate-appropriate practice was outlawed in 1979. What remains of these intriguing brick structures, called dakhmas or deme, was nicknamed by a British colonial translator who identified a similar practice in Mumbai. Wear hiking boots if you want to climb the hilltop tower and get a guide for details on Zoroastrianism.
2:30pm-3:00pm : Silk Road Gallery
3:00pm-3:30pm : Jameh Mosque of Yazd
Detailed mosaics and intricate brick work mark Jameh Mosque of Yazd, a prime example of Persian Azari-style architecture. You may recognize this 12th-century mosque from its picture on Iran's 200-rial banknote. Built on the site of a Sassanid fire temple and adorned with colorful tiles and bricks, this mosque remains one of the most important landmarks in the region.
4:00pm-6:00pm : Old City
Discover the narrow, labyrinthine alleyways of Old City, one of the oldest settlements in the world, famed for its historic Persian-style buildings and Zoroastrian temples. The remote town boasts thousands of years of history and includes well-preserved underground lanes and mud-brick structures suited to the area's desert climate. Admire the mosques and temples, browse the silk and handicraft shops, or sample the pastries and nougat sweets that make this city a huge draw for choosy food lovers.
10:00am-11:30am : Azadi Tower
Commemorating the 2,500th anniversary of the Persian Empire, Azadi Tower stands 50 m (164 ft) tall. Built in 1971 in a modernist style with traditional influences, the marble-clad tower combines Sassanid, Achaemenid, and Islamic designs. At night, lights illuminate this iconic Y-shaped landmark, while fountains and gardens adorn its base and a museum underneath it details the Iranian revolution. A copy of the British-held Cyrus Cylinder is on display inside the tower. Climb the stairs or take an elevator to the top for a panorama of Tehran.
12:00pm-2:30pm : Milad Tower
Rising high above Tehran's urban landscape, Milad Tower provides panoramic views of the city. Featuring a revolving restaurant and observation deck, the tower opened in 2009, fast becoming an iconic structure on the city's skyline. Take the elevator to the top floors, where you can grab a bite to eat some 300 m (984 ft) above ground, or stop at the public art gallery surrounded by sprawling vistas of Tehran. With a total height of 435 m (1,427 ft), this structure remains one of the tallest tower in the world.
3:00pm-5:30pm : Golestan Palace
A persuasive testament to the wealth and glory of Qajarian kings, Golestan Palace, also known as "Roseland Palace" features carefully landscaped gardens surrounded by impressive historic buildings. Inspired by the grandness of European palaces, Nasser al-Din Shah started to build this complex on the site of an earlier Safavid-era citadel from the mid-19th century. The complex--which is a listed World Heritage Site--boasts 17 edifices, including residential palaces, halls used for coronations and royal weddings, and museums. See the collections of royal portraits, decorative arts, ethnic costumes, and presents from European royalty. Compare the photographs of court life to pictures of everyday life in 19th century Iran. The highlights include a royal throne of yellow alabaster supported by human and demon figures and the famous hall of mirrors.
WELCOME TO QUM TODAY AFTER GETTING REFRESHED WE WILL PROCEED TO SEE MAZARE AQDAS OF MASSOM E QUM BIBI FATIMA BINTE MOOSA QAZIM (MOOSA QAZIM DAUGHTER)
GILAN :: HAZRAT ABU SALEH MUSA JANGI DOST RADIALLAHO ANHO
TODAY WE WILL VISIT THE GRAVE OF HAZRAT ABU SALEH MUSA JANGI DOST RADIALLAHO ANHO AT GILAN THE FATHER OF SULTANUL AWLIYA SARKARE GAUSE AZAM DASTAGIR
TEHRAN & TOCHAL
TODAY WE WILL VISIT THE SHRINE OF BIBI SHAHR BANU (WIFE OF IMAM HUSSAIN) AND WE WILL ALSO GET THE CHANCE TO HAVE THE AUSPICIOUS VIEW OF THE SNOW FILLED MOUNTAINS AND LOCAL SIGHT SEEING
SIMNAN & BOSTAM
TODAY WE WILL VISIT THE GRAVEYARD OF SIMNAN WHERE AL UD DAULA SIMNANI IS RESTING (THE GREAT PIR O MURSHID OF MAKHDOOM ASHRAF JHANGIR SIMNANI) AND ALSO WILL GET A CHANCE TO VISIT HAZRAT IMAM YAHYA IBN E MOSSA KAZIM (SON OF MOOSA KAZIM), WE WILL ALSO VISIT BOSTAM FOR TAKING THE BLESSINGS OF HAZRAT BA YAZEED E BOSTAMI AND HAZRAT SULTAN AZA BINTE IMAM JAFFER US SADIK
KHARKAN NISHAPUR & MASHAD
TODAY WE WILL GET A CHANCE INSHALLAH TO VISIT THE GRAVE OF HAZRAT SHAIKH ABUL HASAN KHARKANI AND OTHER PLACES LIKE QADAMGAH HAZRAT IMAM ALI RAZA, IMAM MAHROOQ BINYE ZAINUL ABEDIN, HAZRAT FARIDUDDIN ATTARI (SHEIKH SAADHI PEER O MURSHAID) AND SHAYAR UMAR KHAYAM
MASHAD
TODAY WILL BE OUR FINAL DAY IN IRAN AND WE WILL TAKE THE BLESSINGS OF OUR 8TH IMAM ALĪ IBN MŪSÄ€ AR-RIá¸Ä€ (ARABIC: علي ابن موسى الرّضا), ALSO KNOWN AS MARGHAD-E EMAM REZA (FARSI), HARAM-E EMAAM REZA (FARSI) AND OVERNIGHT WE WILL BE MOVING TO NAJAF, THIS WILL MARK THE END OF OUR JOURNEY TO IRAN, THE IRAQ PACKAGE HOLDERS WILL MOVE TOWARDS NAJAF WHEREAS REST WILL BE MOVED TO RESPECTIVE AIRPORTS FOR THEIR ONWARD JOURNEY
• Includes flight ticket
• Accommodation 3 to 4 Star
• 1day city Tour
• Breakfast complimentary