Roundtrip Iran - Classical Persia
10 Days Starting in Shiraz, Fars Province, Iran and ending in Tehran, Tehran Province, Iran
Visiting: Shiraz, Persepolis, Yazd, Meybod, Isfahan, Tehran
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IRAN
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 16
Age range:
14-80
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Halal
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
A cultural trip that will show you both modern Iran and ancient Persia. This is a roundtrip through the Persian lands especially recommended to culture seekers showing both the modern face of Iran and the ancient remains of Persia like it was 2500 years ago. For more than 300 years Persia has played central role in the Greeks, Arabian, Mongolian and the Turkish empires, having influenced all of them to some extend (art, scientific, philosophical or religious aspects). Nowadays Iran remains widely misrepresented and little understood by the general public. We follow the steps of several renown conquerors, that invaded these lands during the ages like Alexander the Great, Chingiz Khan, Timur etc. The tours is rather diverse not only because of the cultural highlights that we will visit. The nature of Iran also amazes with alternating landscapes – deserts, oasis, green areas, orchards etc. Highlights: ? Persepolis - Persepolis is the Greek name of the ancient town of Parsa, one of the capitals of the Persian Empire, included in UNESCO’s World Heritage ? Isfahan (Esfahan) - Isfahan is the third largest city in Iran and it’s called Orient’s Florence ? Yazd - one of the largest cities built almost entirely out of adobe
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Shiraz (Iran)
Location: Shiraz
Accommodation: Hotel
Arrive Shiraz International Airport and transfer to our hotel for overnight. -/-/-
Day 2 : Shiraz
Location: Shiraz
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Celebrated as the heartland of Persian culture for over 2000 years, Shiraz has become synonymous with education, nightingales, poetry and wine. It was one of the most important cities in the medieval Islamic world and was the Iranian capital during the Zand dynasty (AD 1747–79), when many of its most beautiful buildings were built or restored. Our city tour includes a visit to Karim Khan Complex, Nasir Almolk Mosque, Vakil Mosque and bazaar, the tombs of the famous Persian poets Hafez and Saadi. Overnight in Shiraz. B/L/-
Day 3 : Persepolis And Naghsh-E-Rostam
Location: Persepolis
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Founded by Darius I in 518 B.C., Persepolis was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire. It was built on an immense half-artificial, half-natural terrace, where the king of kings created an impressive palace complex inspired by Mesopotamian models. The importance and quality of the monumental ruins make it a unique archaeological site. Next is Necropolis - the burial site of the Achaemenid kings (Naghsh-e-Rostam).
Drive back to Shiraz for overnight. B/L/-
Day 4 : Shiraz - Yazd
Location: Yazd
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
En route to Yazd (430 km) we visit Pasargadae and the tomb of Cyrus the Great. Pasargadae was the first dynastic capital of the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus II the Great, in Pars, homeland of the Persians, in the 6th century BC. Its palaces, gardens and the mausoleum of Cyrus are outstanding examples of the first phase of royal Achaemenid art and architecture and exceptional testimonies of Persian civilization. Arrive Yazd late in the afternoon. Hotel overnight B/L/-
Day 5 : Yazd
Location: Yazd
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Yazd is located in the middle of the Iranian plateau, close to the Spice and Silk Roads. It bears living testimony to the use of limited resources for survival in the desert. Water is supplied to the city through a qanat system developed to draw underground water. The earthen architecture of Yazd has escaped the modernization that destroyed many traditional earthen towns, retaining its traditional districts, the qanat system, traditional houses, bazars, hammams, mosques, synagogues, Zoroastrian temples and the historic garden of Dolat-abad.
On our city tour we visit to Dowlat abad garden, Tower of Silence, Fire temple, Jame mosque, Mir Chakhmagh Mosque, Water Museum. Overnight hotel in Yazd. B/L/-
Day 6 : Yazd - Meybod - Isfahan
Location: Meybod, Isfahan
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Morning drive to Isfahan (270 km), with stop in Meybod visit the Caravanserai and Narin Castle , continue road to Isfahan. Overnight in Isfahan. B/L/-
Day 7 : Isfahan
Location: Isfahan
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Isfahan was once one of the largest and most important cities in Central Asia, positioned as it is on the crossroads of the main north-south and east-west trade routes that cross Central Asia. The city was the splendid capital of the Seljuq and Safavid dynasties, and is renowned for its beauty, which has given rise to the Iranian saying that “Isfahan is half the world”.
We have a full day of city tour including Naghsh-e-Jahan Square with Imam & Sheikh Lotfolah Mosques and Alighapou Palace and the bazaar; Sheikh Lotffollah Mosque and in the evening visit the Old bridges of the city. Overnight in Isfahan. B/L/-
Day 8 : Isfahan - Teheran
Location: Tehran
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we continue the city tour with Vank Church - one of the most beautiful Armenian churches, Monar Jomban (The Shaking Minarets),Chehen Sotun Palace before we continue our journey to Teheran (450 km). B/L/-
Day 9 : Teheran
Location: Tehran
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
A morning visit to Tabiat Bridge and Sa'ad Abad Complex (The Summer Palace of the Shah) - we visit two out of the 18 historical palaces. Overnight hotel in Teheran. B/L/-
Day 10 : Departure From Teheran (Iran)
Location: Tehran
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to Imam Khomeini Airport and departure B/-/-
What's Included
All transport according to itinerary. Group transfer from Shraz and to Teheran airport
What's Not Included
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Insurance
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International Travel
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Meals
Drinks and meals not mentioned in the program
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Tourist visa
Tourist visa (depending on your nationality).
Citizens of many countries are eligible for a 15-day tourist visa upon arrival at the airport.
To receive the visa, you need to receive a pre-approval visa grant notice, which we can provide for you.
The visa is then received and paid upon arrival at the airport (price: about 78 - 90 EUR).
Please, check in advance if you are eligible to this.
If not, we will provide the necessary documents, so you can obtain Iranian visa in your local Consular Office in advance.
NB! No Israeli stamps or visa are allowed in your passport! IMPORTANT: *Citizens of Canada, the USA and the UK are not eligible to get visa on arrival and need to get their visa from the local Iran embassy after receiving the grant notice.
The visa fee for these nationalities might be higher and is paid in the respective embassy.
We can assist with providing grant notice and other necessary documents.
Since the process for obtaining visa for the above-mentioned nationalities might take up to 2 months, we do not guarantee you will receive it if you sign up for the tour less that two months before the departure date.
*Visa information is updated April 2023.
There might be changes at the time of your trip and all information should be confirmed at the time of booking.
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Tips and personal expenses
Mode of Transport
All transportation on this trip is done by a comfortable air-conditioned tourist coaches.
Accommodation
The accommodation on this trip is in standard 3* hotels (unless otherwise requested) with breakfast included.
Check out our Q&As
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Tourist visa for Iran
Visa: Citizens of many countries are eligible for a 15-day tourist visa upon arrival at the airport. To receive the visa, you need to receive a pre-approval visa grant notice, which we can provide for you. The visa is then received and paid upon arrival at the airport (price: about 78 - 90 EUR). Please, check in advance if you are eligible to this. If not, we will provide the necessary documents, so you can obtain Iranian visa in your local Consular Office in advance. NB! No Israeli stamps or visa are allowed in your passport! IMPORTANT: *Citizens of Canada, the USA and the UK are not eligible to get visa on arrival and need to get their visa from the local Iran embassy after receiving the grant notice. The visa fee for these nationalities might be higher and is paid in the respective embassy. We can assist with providing grant notice and other necessary documents. Since the process for obtaining visa for the above-mentioned nationalities might take up to 2 months, we do not guarantee you will receive it if you sign up for the tour less that two months before the departure date. *Visa information is updated April 2023. There might be changes at the time of your trip and all information should be confirmed at the time of booking.
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Food & Drinks:
Iran is relatively inexpensive country. Prices for meals vary from 5-6 EUR per meal in a mid-range restaurant to 10-15 EUR in a more expensive one. Importing and consuming alcohol is strictly forbidden in the country
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
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Credit and debit cards:
Credit and debit cards are not accepted in Iran. ! You need to bring all the money you need for your stay cash in EUR or USD. If you bring USD, make sure your bills are from the new series ( with a blue ribbon woven into the center of the $100 bill).
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, they are
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Who is this trip suitable for
This is a classical cultural trip of Iran that includes the country’s main historical cities and highlights. The tour is suitable for first-time visitors to Iran of all ages.
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, they are
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Dress-code:
There is a dress code that needs to be followed in all public places in Iran. - Men: Shorts and tank tops are not allowed. Men should wear long trousers and shirts that cover the shoulders. - Women: Women's clothes should not emphasize the body shape, preferred clothing is trousers with long tunic/shirt on top that covers the thighs. Women must wear hijab (a scarf that covers the hair and neck at all times in public spaces).
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes, group transfer from Shiraz airport and Teheran airport is included
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
There will be Penguin tour leader at min. 8 people
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Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 14, 2025Saturday - Monday
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Low Deposit
Penguin Travel requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 46 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of penguin travel charges.
Up to 46 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.