Through Lut Desert to Persian Culture "Private" - 14 Days

Our driver/guide will be at the airport as you arrive and will drive you to your hotel to have a good night’s rest.

Day two in Tehran begins with the incredible Golestan Palace; this amazing landmark contains more than a dozen historic buildings, including the beautiful Mirror room. The tour moves along by walking around the Grand Bazaar of Tehran, where you can take in the splendid aroma and lively colors.

You will then move on to your next stop, which is the National Museum of Iran. There you will stroll through the rich history of Iran and see many incredible treasures, like the statue of Darius the Great. After an extensive dive through the history of Iran, you will be guided to the airport to leave the capital for the destination of Shiraz. In Shiraz, you will be taken to your hotel and get ready for the rest of your days.

The Famous Pink Mosque or Nasir-ol-Molk is at its best look in the early morning when sunlight shines through its colorful stained-glass windows to spread beauty through the entire room. The colors, along with the empty halls, make early mornings, after sunrise, the best time to visit this amazing mosque.

Passing the Karim Khan Citadel, you will witness the exterior design of this historical, artistic masterpiece, and move to the Vakil Complex. This astonishing complex dating back two centuries ago is made up of the Vakil Bazaar, Traditional Vakil Bathhouse (Hammam), and the gorgeous Vakil Mosque. At this point, you will find yourself among the three most important aspects of Iranian culture.

Lastly, you will visit the Tomb of Hafez, the Persian poet of love and spirituality, with its marble stones and famous design. After visiting Hafez, you will be guided to your hotel to rest after an incredible day.

The morning after, you will begin your journey to Kerman. On the way, you are going to visit the ancient capital of the Achaemenid Empire, Persepolis. Persepolis is one of many of Iran’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites that will make you feel like you are walking through the glorious days of the Persian Empire. You will see the amazing giant statues of Persian myths and Gods.

Next, you will visit the Necropolis of Naqsh-e Rostam, another ancient gem, glowing in the heart of the mountains in the shape of reliefs. These amazing structures are the resting place of four of the greatest kings of ancient Persia, and in the middle, a mesmerizing artwork in the rocks portrays the Triumph of Shapur I over Valerian, The Roman Emperor.

Before heading to Kerman, there’s one last stop, and that is Pasargadae. This ancient city was once the glorious capital of the Achaemenid Empire and today is known for the stone structure that is the tomb of Cyrus the Great. Your visit to this 2500-year-old piece of history ends by entering the city of Kerman, where you will be taken to your hotel to get ready for your camping in the desert.

You will spend four days in the Lut Desert, a UNESCO site full of wonders and surprises.

A team of professional desert tour guides takes you to visit Keshit Canyon, which is a canyon made by earthquakes and erosion. You can swim in this canyon, and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of these miraculous oases.

Your next stop, Shahdad Kalouts, is the largest and most famous collection of Kalouts in the world. Kalouts are massive ridges of sand made by erosion and shaped like buildings. Shahdad Kalouts are so large and impressive that they can be seen from outer space. 

You will also see Nebkas, which are trapped dunes formed around desert plants. These natural flower vases sometimes get up to 12 meters in height. Salt River is another surprising phenomenon in the middle of the Lut Desert. This miracle and its white salt-crusted riverbed become active in fall and winter. Enjoy the magical reflection of Kalouts and Sand dunes in this river.

Your tour of the desert comes to an end, and you will begin your move to the city of Yazd. Once you reach the city of windcatchers, you will have the chance to roam freely in the city, rest, and dream once again about the desert sky.

You’ll start the morning by seeing the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence, also known as the Sky Burials. The towers were used to expose corpses to vultures to be eaten and rid of impurities and demons. Today, you can visit this amazing place and learn about the ancient Zoroastrian traditions.

Next, you will visit the magnificent eternal fire at the Zoroastrian Fire Temple. This holy fire has been burning for more than 1500 years. Zoroastrians consider fire as a purity agent and believe that it is a representation of God’s Wisdom.

After the Fire Temple, you will head over to the Amir Chakhmaq complex. The building and its surroundings are made up of a caravanserai, water reservoir, unique mosque, and a traditional bathhouse.

Walking down Majed Jameh street, you will reach the Jameh Mosque of Yazd, the masterpiece of Islamic architecture with its blue tiles has the tallest minarets in Iran. The tenth day of your trip ends by getting transferred to your hotel and relaxing.

You’ll start your day by moving towards Isfahan, and on the way, you will find a mountainous ancient village right in the middle of the desert. According to locals, Kharanaq is a village made out of mud-bricks that date back to 4000 years ago. You will walk through its narrow alleyways and take in its fantastic architecture.

Chak Chak is next on the itinerary, the Holy Zoroastrian temple that its name resembles the drops of water. Legend has it that the daughter of the last Sassanid king, Nikbanoo, disappeared into this mountain while trying to escape the Arab invaders. It is said that the water dripping from the walls of this cave are her tears.

Meybod city will be the last stop before Isfahan. This historical city is famous for the 2000-year-old Narin Castle, the historical Caravanserai, and the unique Pigeon Tower it holds within itself. This adventurous day finishes by reaching the city of turquoise domes, Isfahan, and getting to your hotel.

The morning will begin by visiting the magnificent Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the world’s second-largest historical square dating back to the Safavid era. There you will see the fantastic Shah Mosque with patterns on its glorious dome and tiled walls that represent heaven and create a pleasant atmosphere.

After the Shah mosque, you will move on to the beautiful Ali Qapu Palace. The Palace was once the royal government building and is decorated with delicately shaped plaster carvings and miniature paintings. Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is next on the list, this majestic structure was the royal family’s private mosque, and has a very different style and color which gives it a certain uniqueness.

Chehel Sotoun Palace comes next on the itinerary; this Palace is actually a pavilion right in the middle of a vast garden. What makes this place so magical is the reflection of the Palace in the long pool in front of it.

Next, you will walk passed the historical bridges of Isfahan that stretch over the Zayandeh Rud River, Khaju and Si-o-se-pol, you will reach the Armenian Jolfa neighborhood. There, you will find the Holy Vank Cathedral and witness its breathtaking paintings. The cathedral will be the end of this day, and you will be transferred to your hotel to rest.

You will start this day by moving towards the capital. On the way to Tehran, you will visit the Red Village, Abyaneh. The amazing structure of this village, along with its wonderful colors, creates an unforgettable landscape.

One of the main attractions of this great village is the traditions and customs that the people of Abyaneh have preserved for hundreds of years, their traditional clothes. Where women wear wide white scarves with pink flower patterns, colorful shirts, and loose black skirts, and men wear long loose pants with traditional hats. Here you can walk through the narrow alleys, observe the historical culture, and visit the Zoroastrian Fire Temple.

You will then say goodbye to the Red Village and continue your journey to Tehran, where you will be transferred to your hotel in the evening. You can use this time to explore the city by yourself.

The last day of your trip to Iran gives you some time to roam freely in the capital and then be transferred to the airport based on your departure time.