Silk Road Tour Itinerary

Northern Khorasan Province and the Silk Road

Description:

The Silk Road was an extensive transcontinental network of trade routes that connected East Asia, West Asia, South Asia, North Africa, Northeast Africa, and Europe with the Mediterranean world. It was named after the highly profitable Chinese silk trade that began during the Han Dynasty, which ruled China from 206 BCE to 220 CE.

At the height of the Silk Road's prosperity, the Persians played a crucial role as middlemen in the silk trade. They purchased silk from merchants arriving from the East and sold it to Western markets with a suitable markup. As a result, the land that later became Iran served as a vital link in this vast commercial network. The main route and many feeder routes crossed the country.

Throughout its history, Iran has welcomed conquerors who were captivated by the richness of its culture and eventually embraced its sophisticated customs and ancient traditions. In turn, the Persians absorbed the best elements of the cultures they encountered.

This process of cultural refinement created remarkable architecture, evident in the temples and palaces of ancient kings, the sky-blue domes of intricately decorated mosques and madrasas built after the arrival of Islam, and the exquisite handicrafts that continue to enchant travelers today.

Day 01: Arrival in Tehran

After welcoming you at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport, our guide will transfer you to a hotel in the city center. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax and explore Tehran at your leisure. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).

Day 02: Tehran Sightseeing

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be accompanied by an expert foreign language-speaking guide for a full-day sightseeing tour of Tehran. Highlights include the Traditional Bazaar, the National Museum of Iran, the Glassware and Ceramic Museum, and Niavaran Palace. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).

Day 03: Tehran to Mashhad

Today we fly to the holy city of Mashhad. After checking into the hotel and resting for a short time, we drive to Tus (17 km) to visit the Tomb of Ferdowsi, one of Iran's greatest poets and the author of the Shahnameh (The Book of Kings). Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).

Day 04: Mashhad Sightseeing

Enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Mashhad, including the Imam Reza Shrine, Kooh Sangi Park, and the Tomb of Nader Shah Afshar, the famous Iranian ruler of the Afsharid dynasty. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).

Day 05: Mashhad to Neyshabur to Sabzevar (240 km)

Today, we drive to Neyshabur to visit the Tomb of Omar Khayyam, the renowned Persian poet, mathematician, and astronomer. We then continue to Sabzevar and visit the Khosrogerd Minaret. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).

Day 06: Sabzevar to Bastam to Shahroud (250 km)

After breakfast, we drive to Bastam to visit the historic complex of Bayazid Bastami, one of the most important Sufi mystics in Iranian history. We then continue to Shahroud. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).

Day 07: Shahroud to Damghan to Semnan (176 km)

In the morning, we travel to Damghan and Semnan. In Damghan, we visit Tarikhaneh Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Iran, and Cheshmeh Ali. We then continue to Semnan for overnight accommodation. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).

Day 08: Semnan to Garmsar to Tehran (236 km)

Today we drive to Garmsar to visit the historic Dehnamak Caravanserai, a Safavid-era roadside inn, and Saru Castle. We then return to Tehran. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).

Day 09: Tehran to Saveh to Hamedan (337 km)

We depart Tehran and drive to Saveh before continuing to Hamedan. In the evening, we visit the Stone Lion (Shir-e Sangi), one of the city's most famous landmarks. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).

Day 10: Hamedan Sightseeing

Enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Hamedan, including Ali Sadr Cave, one of the world's largest water caves, and the Tomb of Baba Taher. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).

Day 11: Hamedan to Kermanshah (190 km)

Today we drive to Kermanshah. Upon arrival, we visit Emad o Dolah Mosque, one of the city's most beautiful historical mosques. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).

Day 12: Kermanshah Sightseeing

Enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Kermanshah. Depending on available time, visits may include Taq-e Bostan, Bisotun, the Bazaar, the Temple of Anahita, and the Hercules Statue. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).

Day 13: Kermanshah to Qazvin to Tehran (526 km)

In the morning, we begin our drive back to Tehran. En route, we stop in Qazvin for a short sightseeing tour, including Chehel Sotoun (Kolah Farangi), the Old Tehran Gate, and the Jameh Mosque. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).

Day 14: Tehran to Rey and Return to Tehran (20 km)

Today we drive to Rey, one of the oldest cities in Iran. We visit Tughrul Tower, Tapeh Mil, and Harun Prison.

In the afternoon, you will have free time in Tehran for shopping or independent exploration.

In the evening, we enjoy a traditional farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast and Dinner (B&B/D).

Day 15: Departure

At the scheduled time, the group will be transferred to Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport for the return flight home.