21 Day Iran Cultural Tour

21 Day Iran Cultural Tour

Touch the Diversity

From € 2575

Style:

Cultural (Essentials of Iran)

Starts in:

Tehran

Ends in:

Tehran

Destinations:

Tehran, Kashan , Abyaneh, Isfahan, Yazd, Shiraz, Southern Islands, Rasht, Tabriz, Ardabil

Duration:

21 Days

Physical Rating:

1/5

Group Size:

2 - 10

Accommodation:

14 nights at 4-star hotels, 5 nights at traditional guesthouse, 1 night at an eco lodge

Tour Description

The 21-day tour provides you with a deeper experience of Iran. It contains a balanced combination of Iran’s history, culture, and nature. The first 11 days are devoted to Iran’s must-sees: Tehran the capital, desert cities of Kashan, Isfahan, Yazd, and finally, Shiraz, the Persian Empire remnant. The trip becomes more adventurous in the next 4 days through Persian Gulf’s mysterious islands and nature. Yet, the beauties of Iran’s natural attractions are not finished. 5 days in the northern parts will amaze you: old civilizations, hot springs by the mountain foothill, green forests, and the Caspian Sea. On this 21-day tour, you meet Iranian ethnic diversity, which entails a variety of Persian food and myriad interaction with locals. It is as if traveling to different continents in just one country.

The 21-day tour provides you with a deeper experience of Iran. It contains a balanced combination of Iran’s history, culture, and nature. The first 11 days are devoted to Iran’s must-sees: Tehran the capital, desert cities of Kashan, Isfahan, Yazd, and finally, Shiraz, the Persian Empire remnant. The trip becomes more adventurous in the next 4 days through Persian Gulf’s mysterious islands and nature. Yet, the beauties of Iran’s natural attractions are not finished.

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Itinerary

  • Day 1 | Tehran

    Experiences

    • Airport pickup
    • Tabiat Bridge
      Tehran’s largest pedestrian overpass with modern architecture
    • Bame Tehran
      A recreational place and a full view of the city at Tehran Heights
    • Sa’adAbad Palace:
      History Moment

      A complex of palaces at Tehran’s foothills that used to be the summer residence of two Iranian dynasties.
    • Welcoming Dinner
      Have you ever tasted Persian dishes?

    Story of the day

    Today is the day of the stylish northern part of Tehran. You’ll feel the vibe of the capital of Iran and visit this affluent city from above Tabiat Bridge over highways. There you can see a mountain dominating Tehran. Depending on your arrival time, you’ll see other places north of Tehran.

     

    Accommodation

      4-Star Hotel in Tehran

  • Day 2 | Tehran

    Experiences

    • Golestan Palace
      UNESCO World Heritage; in the center of Tehran from the 18th century
    • Tehran Bazaar
      People & Local Life Moment

      The old maze-like market in the heart of Tehran. This 10-kilometer path is the best place to visit people closely.
    • National Museum of Iran
      History Moment

      Largest Museum in Iran with many treasures of Iran’s historical and ancient monuments.
    • Treasury of National Jewels
      One of the world’s richest collections of jewels and diamonds

    Story of the day

    Today, you’ll see a different aspect of Tehran: Tehran’s downtown. Once, a royal region, Tehran Grand Bazaar is the trading heart of Tehran. You will dive into real life through its corridors and history through surrounding monuments.

     

    Accommodation

      4-Star Hotel in Tehran

  • Day 3 | Kashan

    Experiences

    • Drive to Kashan
    • Borujerdi House
      Art & Architecture Moment

      A vast mansion with full details of Iran’s traditional architecture which was once for a wealthy merchant.
    • Puppet Museum
      An escape to the cozy world of childhood
    • Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse
      An old bath and sauna with stunning tiles, paintings, and arcs
    • Tepe Sialk
      History Moment

      An ancient site and one of the world’s oldest civilizations that dates back to 6000 BC.
    • Fin Garden
      UNESCO World Heritage; A Persian Garden on the verge of the desert

    Story of the day

    Kashan’s 200-year-old amazing houses show you how people have adapted to living in the desert. At the 7000-year-old Teppe Sialk see the remains of one of humanity’s oldest civilizations. For a happy ending, loosen your spirit in the freshening Fin Persian Garden.

     

    Accommodation

      4-star boutique hotel in Kashan

  • Day 4 | Abyaneh & Isfahan

    Experiences

    • Abyaneh Village:
      People & Local Life Moment

      A different stop at a historic red village; it is 2500 years old.
    • Drive to Isfahan
    • Khaju Bridge and Si-o-se-pol Bridge:
      People & Local Life Moment

      A walking tour over the Zayanderud River at a spirited hangout with songs and music.

    Story of the day

    Closer and deeper interaction with locals is the highlight of today. Abyaneh is an ancient village that somehow has preserved its old aura and villager lifestyle. Later, we continue our journey to the great city of Isfahan and over its old bridges, a popular hangout for the locals to enjoy.

     

    Accommodation

      4-Star Hotel in Isfahan

  • Day 5 | Isfahan

    Experiences

    • Naqsh-e Jahan Square
      UNESCO World Heritage; the Iranian architecture landmark
    • Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque:
      Art & Architecture Moment

      An architectural masterpiece of Iranian mosques architecture and tilework from the Safavid Empire in the 17th century.
    • Shah Mosque
      UNESCO World Heritage; an elegant iconic dome piercing the sky
    • Ali Qapu Palace:
      History Moment

      The official residence of Safavid Emperors with historically valuable paintings and mosaic work.
    • Chehel Sotoun Palace
      UNESCO World Heritage; A pleasant and freshening Persian Garden
    • Jameh Mosque of Isfahan
      UNESCO World Heritage; one of the oldest preserved mosques in Iran
    • Grand Bazaar of Isfahan
      The elegant market of precious Persian carpets and else.
    • House Dinner:
      People & Local Life Moment

      A different supper; a Persian-style meal in an Iranian home, together with an Iranian family.

    Story of the day

    Isfahan is well-known for Naqsh-e Jahan Square. Its beautiful mosques stun anyone. The Great Jameh Mosque is the oldest building of its own. Cherish all your senses through the luxurious mazes of the Grand Bazaar. In the evening, it’s time to enjoy an Iranian dinner in an Iranian home.

     

    Accommodation

      4-Star Hotel in Isfahan

  • Day 6 | Isfahan & Varzaneh

    Experiences

    • Vank Cathedral:
      Religion Moment

      A splendid old church in Jolfa, Isfahan’s Armenian neighborhood.
    • Drive to the Varzaneh desert
    • Varzaneh Desert Camp:
      Nature Moment

      The magic of the desert’s beauty, peace of starry nights, and the shining of a salt lake.

    Story of the day

    Our last moments in Isfahan get spiritual in the splendid Vank Great Church. Please keep it for the next stop, the Varzaneh Desert. It is one of the most beautiful desert areas in Iran. The locals’ authentic lifestyle and the virgin nature would raise your spirit.

     

    Accommodation

      Eco-lodge in Varzaneh

  • Day 7 | Yazd Zoroastrians

    Experiences

    • Chak Chak:
      Religion Moment

      A sacred Zoroastrian shrine in the mountain.
    • Tower of silence:
      Religion Moment

      A different burial space; the Zoroastrians used to leave the corpses there for the carrion birds.
    • Fire Temple & Museum of Zoroastrians:
      Religion Moment

      This temple holds a sacred fire that has been lit for more than 1500 years.

    Story of the day

    Yazd is the cradle of Zoroastrianism. The oldest sacred fire has been lit in the fire temple for centuries. The temple is still active and embraces pilgrims and visitors of any religion. From the sacred shrine in Chak Chak Mountain to the Tower of Silence burial zone you’ll see a brief history of Zoroastrians.

     

    Accommodation

      4-Star Hotel in Yazd

  • Day 8 | Yazd

    Experiences

    • Jame Mosque:
      Art & Architecture Moment

      The great congregational site from 800 years ago with priceless picturesque architecture.
    • Fahadan Neighborhood:
      People & Local Life Moment

      The aroma of thatch within ginger adobe walls is the most memorable thing in this 1000-year-old neighborhood.
    • Amir Chakhmaq Square
      A ritual center known for its symmetrical arched cloves
    • Water Museum
      A display of the Iranian genius freshwater system in the desert
    • Saheb Al Zaman Zurkhaneh
      A traditional gym for Iranian martial arts
    • Dowlatabad Garden
      UNESCO World Heritage; a lively Persian Garden in a desert city!

    Story of the day

    The vibe of Yazd is only sensible in its old neighborhoods. There you see welcoming people, their long history, symmetric architecture, and ancient traditions. See how their ancestors have adapted to the desert by creating a fresh water supply system and building windcatchers to cool their houses.

     

    Accommodation

      4-Star Hotel in Yazd

  • Day 9 | Abarkuh & Pasargadae

    Experiences

    • The Cypress of Abarkuh:
      Nature Moment

      The 3rd oldest tree in the world. It is 4500 years old that literally symbolizes life and hope.
    • Abarkuh Ice House
      An ancient adobe structure to store ice in the old times
    • Pasargadae:
      History Moment

      UNESCO World Heritage; The majestic capital of ancient Persia’s Achaemenid Great Empire dates back to 559–530 BC.

    Story of the day

    Find out about the oldest cypress tree in Iran and Asia in Abarkuh, near Yazd. And another wonder is yet to see. There is this iceberg-like adobe building that used to be the ancient refrigerator of the desert. This day finishes by the capital of the Great Persian Empire, near Shiraz.

     

    Accommodation

      Traditional Guesthouse in Pasargadae

  • Day 10 | Persepolis & Shiraz

    Experiences

    • Persepolis:
      History Moment

      UNESCO World Heritage; A ceremonial complex of ancient Persian kings, The earliest remains of Persepolis are from 515 BC.
    • Necropolis:
      History Moment

      Ancient Iranian rock reliefs cut into the cliff, from both the Achaemenid and Sassanid periods.
    • Tomb of Hafez
      The famous poet of love and mystics rests here

    Story of the day

    Persepolis is the remains of a very ancient civilization of the world. It was once a vast empire from east to west. The stone reliefs of the Necropolis will leave you breathless of the glory back then. Later, you can soothe your mind at Hafez Tomb and enjoy its peaceful aura.

     

    Accommodation

      4-Star Hotel in Shiraz

  • Day 11 | Shiraz

    Experiences

    • Pink Mosque:
      Art & Architecture Moment

      The Nasir al-Mulk Mosque with its Orsi-stained glasses create a colorful spiritual feeling of awe.
    • Vakil Complex
      3 Shiraz popular highlights; Bazaar, Mosque, and bath
    • Arg of Karim Khan
      A castle for the king, Karim Khan, built in the 11th century
    • Eram Garden
      UNESCO World Heritage; A Persian garden with a palace as its sparkling jewel
    • Shah Cheragh Shrine:
      Religion Moment

      A holy tomb that was erected first in the 12th century.

    Story of the day

    Let’s hit for a Shiraz vibe. Walk through the corridors of the most beautiful bazaar in Iran. Vakil bazaar is part of a 900-year-old complex. Shiraz is the city of Persian poems and melody. Combined with the aroma of orange blossoms, it cuddles your senses to the heavens.

     

    Accommodation

      4-Star Hotel in Shiraz

  • Day 12 | Bandar Abbas & Qeshm

    Experiences

    • Flight from Shiraz to Bandar Abbas
    • Indians Temple:
      Religion Moment

      A different place in Muslim Iran; an Indian-style architecture from the late 19th century with Indian idols.
    • Cruise to Qeshm Island
    • Portuguese Castle:
      History Moment

      A red castle from Portuguese colonial days in the 16th century.

    Story of the day

    Welcome to the southern city of Bandar Abbas by the Persian Gulf. Here, you’ll see a totally different monument: an Indian temple and its Vishnu god. Then, we transfer to the biggest island of the Persian Gulf: Qeshm. A long history is awaiting us there.

     

    Accommodation

      Traditional Guesthouse in Qeshm

  • Day 13 | Persian Gulf

    Experiences

    • Stars Valley:
      Nature Moment

      The unique geological phenomenon with statues made due to the erosion of sand, earth, and stone.
    • Naz Island:
      Nature Moment

      Two tidal islands, a special ecosystem for invertebrates and other aquatic animals.
    • House Lunch:
      Hospitality Moment

      Southern families are popular for their welcoming nature. You’ll feel like a member of their family.
    • Cruise of Hengam Island:
      People & Local Life Moment

      Go around the beautiful Island to see the beach life and interact with locals at the local bazaar.

    Story of the day

    It is the day of wonders: the Martian-like Star Valley, the Naz Island that sinks every day, hanging out with the kindest people of all, and stepping on the colorful ground of the Persian Islands.

     

    Accommodation

      Traditional Guesthouse in Qeshm

  • Day 14 | Qeshm Island

    Experiences

    • Chahkooh Canyon:
      Nature Moment

      The unique geology of the erosion of sedimentary rocks along with ancient local wells.
    • Mangrove Forests of Hara:
      Nature Moment

      Strange salt-water trees 3-8 meters high that submerge in the high tides.
    • Laft Village:
      People & Local Life Moment

      A historical port next to Hara Forest, and cool architecture.

    Story of the day

    Today, we are going to the heart of everything: in the heart of a mysterious canyon, in the middle of the giant Hara mangrove forest, and in the middle of Laft Village from 1800 years ago which is still lively

     

    Accommodation

      Traditional Guesthouse in Qeshm

  • Day 15 | Hormoz Island

    Experiences

    • Cruise to Hormoz Island:
      Nature Moment

      With its colorful soils, Martian mountains, and red ochre beaches, Hormoz is truly called the rainbow island.
    • Red Soil Beach
      A crimson beach due to Hormoz’s precious red ochre soil
    • Silence Valley
      Known as the goddess of salt with firm rock salty gem
    • The Valley of Statues
      Tall strange-shaped rocks out of volcanic materials
    • Rainbow Cave
      A 30-40 long cave with a colorful arc through the whole path
    • Turtles Beach
      An isolated tidal beach that is home to turtles and sea creatures
    • Hormuz Carpet of Soil
      A large colorful pattern out of Hormoz soils by the Persian Gulf

    Story of the day

    The red island is the land of wonders and mysteries! Its chromatic soil, eroded rocks and mountains, the colorful top of the cave near the sea are beautiful paintings of nature through centuries. And the sea animals like dolphins accompany you everywhere.

     

    Accommodation

      Traditional Guesthouse in Hormoz

  • Day 16 | Tabriz

    Experiences

    • Transfer from Hormoz to Bandar Abas
    • Flight from Bandar Abas to Tabriz
    • Blue Mosque:
      Art & Architecture Moment

      The blue tilework, golden calligraphy lines, and unique patterns from the 15th century.
    • Azerbaijan Museum:
      History Moment

      The second largest collection of Iran’s historical and precious artifacts from all eras.
    • Iron Age Museum:
      History Moment

      A 4000-year-old cemetery with 38 buried bodies of men, women, and children.
    • Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex
      UNESCO World Heritage; The largest covered bazaar in the world
    • Arg of Tabriz:
      History Moment

      One of the tallest and oldest walls in Iran, the remnant of a large fort around old Tabriz from the 14th century.
    • Poets Tomb
      Built in the mid-1970s, it holds many souls of Iranian poets, mystics, and famous people of Tabriz city.

    Story of the day

    From the southern regions we fly to the northwestern Tabriz. In just a couple of hours, your trip context changes dramatically as if you are in another country. The weather, the locals’ culture, and else are different. Tabriz has lot to tell via its historical bazaar, mosques, and rich literature.

     

    Accommodation

      4-Star Hotel in Tabriz

  • Day 17 | Tabriz

    Experiences

    • Kandovan Rocky Village:
      History Moment

      Cave Houses, from 3000 years ago around the time when the Zoroastrian, Medes and Persians inhabited the region.
    • Eynali Mount:
      Nature Moment

      Red Soil Mountains, Impressive views of Tabriz from the mountains that are sacred to the Zoroastrian community.
    • Shahgoli Park:
      People & Local Life Moment

      A large historic park with a beautiful artificial lake.
    • House Dinner:
      Hospitality Moment

      An Iranian family invites us to their home for a homemade dinner.

    Story of the day

    Today we discover the natural face of Tabriz. We go for the unique rocky “Kandovan” village in the mountains and the red-colored mountain of Eynali in the northern part of Tabriz. Also, Shahgoli Park, a popular hangout for the locals and a house dinner gives you a chance to meet embracing people.

     

    Accommodation

      4-Star Hotel in Tabriz

  • Day 18 | Ardebil

    Experiences

    • Drive to Ardebil
    • Meshgin Shahr:
      Nature Moment

      A city on the foothills of Sabalan with the longest suspension bridge in the Middle East.
    • Sheikh Safi al-Din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble:
      History Moment

      UNESCO World Heritage: A complex with bazaars, baths, squares, palaces, graveyards, and Safavid Kings’ shrines.
    • Sarein Hot Springs
      Small city full of hot springs, best place for relaxing

    Story of the day

    Meshgin Shahr is on the foothills of the Sabalan summit with eye-catching scenery. Ardebil is famous for the Khaneghah of Sheikh Safi al-Din, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and also the Sufi’s house. To recreate the journey’s tiredness swim in the awesome Sarein hot springs.

     

    Accommodation

      4-Star Hotel in Ardebil

  • Day 19 | Jungles and Sea

    Experiences

    • Road trip, Hyrcanian Forests:
      Nature Moment

      A UNESCO World Heritage; the stretched forest from 25 to 50 million years ago is a scenic road in the north.
    • Gisoom Beach:
      Nature Moment

      The unique scene of having both the Caspian Sea and the Gilan forests in one place.
    • Anzali Port
      Iran’s main port and seaside resort on the Caspian Sea

    Story of the day

    Today is the day of the road trip on one of the most beautiful roads in the north of Iran. Towards the Anzali port, we pass the UNESCO World Heritage property of Hyrcanian forests. We’ll also visit Gisoom beach where you can see the Caspian Sea on one side and the amazing green forests on the other.

     

    Accommodation

      4-Star Hotel in Anzali

  • Day 20 | Rasht & Masuleh

    Experiences

    • Anzali Lagoon:
      Nature Moment

      A great location for bird watching and spotting unique wildlife.
    • Rasht:
      People & Local Life Moment

      One of the liveliest cities in Iran with unique nightlife and picturesque scenes.
    • Masuleh:
      History Moment

      Interconnected buildings in the mountains of Masuleh date back to around 10 AD.
    • Drive to Tehran

    Story of the day

    Iran’s north is the prototype of lush nature. Anzali lagoon and its unique beautiful birds would amaze anyone. Rasht, this fabulous city is full of historic buildings and local bazaars. After passing green rolling hills and rice paddies, we arrive at Masuleh, a small village on the steep a mountain.

     

    Accommodation

      4-Star Hotel in Tehran

  • Day 21 | Tehran

    Experiences

    • Your free time
    • Airport Drop Off

    Story of the day

    It is the last day of your journey and a good time to review the days passed. The itinerary is free today so you have enough time to plan to spend your time as you wish.

Our Passengers On 

Experience an epic trip

We are here to help you throughout your trip to Iran

What’s included?

 Visa

Official Iran Visa reference number

Airport pick-up, drop-off
Domestic flight from Shiraz to Bandar Abbas
Cruise from Bandar Abbas to Qeshm, Hengam and Hormuz Domestic flight from Bandar
Abbas to Tabriz
All land transportation by Air-co vehicles

14 Nights at 4-star hotels
5 Nights at guest house
1 Night at eco lodge

20 Breakfast
3 Dinner
Daily snacks & bottled mineral water

Local English-speaking cultural guide
24/7 Support from company throughout your trip

Entrance Fees to the mentioned monuments in the itinerary
Local Debit Card
Iranian Sim Card + Internet Data

International airfares, taxes, surcharges
Tips
Meals not mentioned in the inclusions.
Travel Insurance
Other expenses such as laundry, mini bar used in the room, etc.

Inclusion

Visa

Official Iran Visa reference number

Transportation

Airport pick-up, drop-off
Domestic flight from Shiraz to Bandar Abbas
Cruise from Bandar Abbas to Qeshm, Hengam and Hormuz Domestic flight from Bandar
Abbas to Tabriz
All land transportation by Air-co vehicles

Accommodations

14 Nights at 4-star hotels
5 Nights at guest house
1 Night at eco lodge

Meals

20 Breakfast
3 Dinner
Daily snacks & bottled mineral water

Guide & Support

Local English-speaking cultural guide
24/7 Support from company throughout your trip

Additional Services

Entrance Fees to the mentioned monuments in the itinerary
Local Debit Card
Iranian Sim Card + Internet Data

Exclusions

International airfares, taxes, surcharges
Tips
Meals not mentioned in the inclusions.
Travel Insurance
Other expenses such as laundry, mini bar used in the room, etc.

We Are Flexible!!

We’ve defined 6 different moments for our Iran tour packages. They are the bolder aspects of each site or experience. As you fill out the enquiry form, let us know your preferences and which moments connect to you more deeply. We’ll make any changes necessary to your itinerary to align with your needs.

All Moments in your trip

Which one is your favorite? Share your interests with us in the Enquiry form

Pricing

For Private Tours

A 40% Surcharge would apply for solo travelers.
Volume discounts would apply for groups.

Months Price / person
March, April, May
€ 2795
Jun, July, August
€ 2575
September, October
€ 2695
November, December, January, February
€ 2575

Enquiry Form

Booking Terms & Conditions

Payment method

After finalizing the price of the tour you have selected, you should pay a deposit equal to 25% of your tour cost. Then, we will issue a booking confirmation. You should pay the rest (75%) in cash at the beginning of your tour in our office in Iran.

Cancellation policy

In case you cancel your tour booking, cancellation fees will apply:

• Up to 90 days before arrival: We’ll fully refund the paid deposit.

• 90-60 days before arrival: We’ll refund 50% of the paid deposit.

• 60-30 days before arrival: We’ll refund 25% of the paid deposit.

• From 30 days before arrival to actual arrival: We will hold the deposit (25% of the package price) as a cancellation fee.

How Is This Trip Responsible?

Before the tour starts, the necessary information (e.g., Etiquette) is given to our travelers

Local guides and drivers collaborate with us

We eat at least 3 meals in local restaurants

6 nights we sleep at local places

We help you to have a better and easier interaction with locals

It is not just sightseeing; we provide true to life experiences

We go to local-traditional markets

Cars we use are fuel-efficient

We try our best to use less plastic and make less waste in our trip

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IranAmaze organizes a variety of tours for all travel interests and types. If you’d like to see all of our Iran tours and get to know the diverse experiences you could have in Iran, please visit our Iran tours page.