Persepolis, Naqsh-e Rostam and Pasargadae Tour

Persepolis:

The tour starts by visiting Persepolis or Takht-e Jamshid, the capital of the Achaemenid Empire, and also a showplace for the receptions and festivals. The city is located in a flat raised area and was built by Darius I and completed by his successors and is one of Iran's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Walk past the Gate of All Nations and its Lamassu colossi Human-Headed Winged-Cows to get to the glorious Apadana Palace and the Hundred-Column Hall. Their gigantic columns are topped with double-bull statues where Legends and Myths get resurrected to narrate the stories of great days of the Persian Empie.

Naqsh-e Rostam:

Next stop will be the Royal Necropolis of Naqsh-e Rostam where four powerful kings of the Achaemenid Empire expect your arrival. There are four colossal tombs carved into the side of the rocky cliff, above each, there is a panel with a relief. The main relief above the Tomb of Darius I indicates the power of the Achaemenid Empire, as the entire scene is supported by throne bearers that represent the 28 nations ruled by him. 

Below the tombs you can see Sasanian rock reliefs which vary in subject, the most important one exhibits the triumph of Shapur I over the Roman emperor Valerian and Philip the Arab.

Pasargadae:

Last but not least is Pasargadae one of the oldest residences of the Achaemenid kings, the first dynastic capital of the Achaemenid Empire and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area consists of significant Palaces, Gardens, and Monuments. You will visit the Tomb of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire. 

Cyrus also proclaimed the world's first charter of human rights. After conquering the city of Babylon, he freed the slaves, gave people the right to choose their religion, and established racial equality.