Isfahan, Half The World Tour

Isfahan / Shiraz (Persepolis) – Classic Cultural Tour

“Florence of the Orient,” “Persia’s masterpiece,” “The Intrigue of Iran,” and the famous saying “Isfahan Nesf-e Jahan” (Isfahan is half the world) all describe the splendor of a city shining along its life-giving river at the heart of Iran.

When you enter the city, it seems as if it has been preparing itself for an impromptu royal visit. It is a city of inspiring architecture, elegant mosques, churches, graceful palaces, beautiful gardens, and magnificent bridges — a city made for the refreshment of humanity, as Robert Byron once described it.

Day 1: Tehran

Tehran / Iran Capital City (Arrival): After welcoming you at Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport, our guide will transfer you to a hotel in the city center. For the rest of the day, you are free to explore Tehran at your leisure. Bed & Breakfast.

Day 2: Tehran

After a good breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer you with an expert foreign-language-speaking guide for a full-day sightseeing tour of Tehran, including the Traditional Bazaar, Archaeological Museum, Glassware & Ceramic Museum, and Niavaran Palace. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast.

Day 3: Shiraz

Early in the morning, fly to Shiraz and proceed directly for an excursion to Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam, the great cliff face bearing the four rock-cut tombs of the Achaemenid Dynasty (500 B.C.), along with Sassanian rock reliefs. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast.

Day 4: Shiraz – Isfahan

Today we will visit Eram Garden, a 19th-century historical site, and the Quran Gate of Shiraz. Then we will drive to Isfahan and check in at the hotel. In the evening, enjoy sightseeing of the three famous bridges on the Zayandeh Rud River. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (3*).

Day 5: Isfahan

Full-day sightseeing tour of Isfahan, including Chehel Sotoun Palace (Forty Columns Palace), which lies in the center of a large garden and contains several halls and rooms decorated with marble and impressive gilded artwork. Visit Meidan-e Naghsh-e Jahan (Image of the World Square), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jameh Mosque, Shah Mosque, and the Bazaar.

In the evening, enjoy a walk along the Zayandeh Rud riverside. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast.

Day 6: Isfahan

Full-day city tour of Isfahan to visit the Armenian Quarter and Vank Cathedral, one of the most striking churches in the world, famous for its gilded ceiling and paintings. Also visit the tombs of the famous American Iranologist Professor Arthur Upham Pope and his wife, located on the bank of the river. Overnight at the hotel in Isfahan. Bed & Breakfast.

Day 7: Kashan

Today we will drive to Kashan and, en route, visit Abyaneh, a living historical village where people still dress in traditional historical clothing and preserve ancient architectural styles. Then visit the Borujerdi House and the Fin Complex, including the historic bathhouse in Kashan. Overnight in Kashan. Bed & Breakfast.

Day 8: Tehran

Drive to Tehran via Qom and enjoy sightseeing there. Check in at the hotel in Tehran. In the afternoon, the group is free for leisure. In the evening, we will enjoy a traditional dinner at a traditional restaurant. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast / Dinner.

Day 9: Departure

The group will be transferred to the international airport for the return flight home.