Persian Time Machine 15 Days

In order to experience the evolution of civilization you do not need a time machine. If you choose Persian time machine tour you will visit the primitive and modern civilizations via travelling to Chogha zanbil, Susa, Shush tar, Bishaboor, Shiraz, Pasargadae, Persepolis, Yazd, Isfahan, and Mashhad. Besides visiting the cities you can meet those who created these civilizations as well. They may live as past or have a modern live in the present.

We suggest you to choose this tour in autumn and winter or at the beginning of spring due to the hot weather in Ahvaz.

Day 1: arriving in Tehran & visiting Tehran

Upon your early ,morning arrival at the airport, you will be met by our representative carrying a card with our logo (transfer information) who will transfer you to your hotel. You will have time to rest and relax before our late morning tour of Tehran commences. Tehran, a modern metropolis, prides itself in having unique museums with immense and unrivaled collections and artefacts dating from the earliest onset of history to the present era.

Our tour begins with a trip to the Archaeological Museum, one of the rare places in the world where we will have the special opportunity to visit and experience the “evolution of mankind” through the marvellous display of historical remains.

Next on the agenda is our very much-awaited chance to savour the distinctive flavour of Iranian cuisine. Lunch will be taken in an exquisite traditional Iranian restaurant where we will sample a wide range of delightful Persian dishes and desserts.

Afterwards, we will visit a world of jewels in a priceless Crown Jewels Museum where we can see one of the two greatest diamonds, Darya-e-Noor (sea of light).

At the end of the day, we will get a chance to see a variety of Persian hand-woven carpets and rugs in the Carpet Museum which houses more than 100 spectacular pieces from all over Iran. On top of that, we will also be given an insight into the history of these carpets. Stay overnight in Tehran.

Attention: The priority in sightseeing may be changed due to the time of your arrival, preference of your guide and also official and unofficial holidays of some museums.

Day 2: visiting Tehran, fly to Ahvaz, drive 100 km to Susa

A morning visit to Sa'ad Abad Complex with an immense area of 1,100,000 square meters and 18 magnificent historical palaces (2 of which we will visit). This palace was built by Pahlavi dynasty and it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on us. And our Tehran excursion will end at the Ceramic Museum where we will be able to witness its construction with glorious ancient archaeology. Then we leave the hotel for a tasty Iranian lunch in a traditional restaurant. Afterwards we will transfer to the airport for the flight to Ahvaz then we will transfer to the Susa.

 Day 3: visiting Susa & shushtar(185 KM)

The remnants and the historical relics of Susa are testament to the fact that this city was established several years before the birth of Christ. This is the region where one of the first governments of the world was formed, resulting in the merger between the two cultures of the Iranian plateau and Mesopotamia. Pay homage to the tomb of Daniel which has attracted a steady flow of pilgrims from all over the Middle East. Next, be enchanted by the exquisite beauty of the Apadana palace and the historical castle of Susa. Fill our imagination with wonder with a visit to the magnificent Chogha Zanbil temple and discover the historical relics of Haft Tapeh. Then, visit the charming Shooshtar waterfalls and historical bridges. Stay overnight in Ahvaz.

 Day 4: driving to Shiraz(600 KM)

Depart Ahvaz for Shiraz where we will enjoy a beautiful drive through delightful country side. we will visit the historical embossed reliefs and the ruins of Sarab-e-Bahram, Bishapoor and Chogan strait. Bishapoor is an ancient city situated south of modern Fahliyan, on the ancient road between Persis and Elam. The road linked the Sassanid capitals Istakhr (very close to Persepolis) and Ctesiphon. Bishapoor was built near a river, at the same site there is a fort with rock-cut reservoirs and a river valley with six Sassanid rock relieves. We will also visit Anahita temple with its strange and interesting structure remaining dating back to Sassanid era. Stay overnight in Shiraz.

Day 5: visiting Shiraz

Shiraz has a reputation as an enlightened city that has been at the centre of Persian culture for more than 2,000 years, and was at one time the country's capital.

Shiraz is crowned as the heartland of Persian culture and this city of sophistication will never fail to conjure up images of roses and nightingales, gardens and poetry. Early in the morning, relish in the highlights of Shiraz when it was the capital of Iran during the Zand Dynasty. Be inspired by the glorious Karim Khan palace, the splendid Vakil mosque, Vakil Bazaar and Saray-e-moshir with its splendid architecture and interesting ethnic souvenir shops, Nasir Almolk mosque. Next, we will stop for a mouth-watering Iranian lunch at one of the traditional restaurants of Shiraz.

This gorgeous city in the province of Fars is home to famous poets such as Hafez and Sa'adi and historical sites from different eras stretching back 6,000 years ago can be found. Hafez is one of great poets who impressed everyone with his mastery. His poems give us a special feeling and the peace in his tomb is really outstanding. Sa’adi is a poet, philosopher and mystic who is known as the father of a alternative tourist. About seven previous centuries he travelled to different countries and cities. Then he collected all his experiences in verse and Rhyme prose in two books named Boustan and Golestan. These two books give you Lots of inspiration and information. We will get a chance to pay homage to tombs of these great poets. In the evening, we will visit Ali-Ebn-e-Hamzeh and be prepared to marvel at its beauties. Take a stroll through the Jahan Nama Garden and witness its tall and proud cedars. Finally visit the Delgosha Garden and Khajoy-e-Kermani tomb from where the perspective of the mysterious city of Shiraz will perpetuate in our mind. At night have dinner in a restaurant with specific atmosphere in the north of Shiraz.

 Day 6: an excursion to Persepolis & Necropolis(naghsh e- Rostam)

Our excursion for Today is Persepolis. 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. It seems that Darius planned this impressive complex of palaces not only as the seat of government but also, and primarily, as a show place and a spectacular centre for the receptions and festivals of the Achaemenid kings and their empire such as Nowroz(New Year, March 21st).

The next is Necropolis(Naghsh e- Rostam). Opposite Rahmat mountain, ten minutes drive to the north, proudly stands the Necropolis, the magnificent burial place of Achaemenid kings. The site also provides seven bas-reliefs dating back to Elamite and Sassanid period.

 Day 7: Driving to Zeinoddin via Pasargadae & Abar Kouh(490 KM)

On the way we will stop in Pasargadae to visit the most important and majestic monuments there. The tomb of Cyrus the Great, the originator and the great founder of the Achaemanian Empire, (500 years BC) is the oldest historical tomb. The wonderful architecture of his tomb, the vast fertile land over in the area alongside the brave personality of Cyrus the Great inspires the visitor. This Archeological area was and still continuesto be the worshiping place for the followers of several religions. Followed by the relief of the winged man and get familiar with its historical explanations some researchers gave specific theories regarding the relation between personality of Cyrus the Great and one of the prophets of Holy Book Bible. By visiting this majestic tomb you can have your personal thoughts about it.

Old trees in any region are the symbol of age and tell the truth that appropriate weather and nice condition lead to long life story of its weather and lifestyle which lead tolongevity. Abar Kouh which is a historical city is the area of historical sightseeing and wonderful desert architecture. Moreover the 4500 year old cypress tree in Abar Kouh is a marvellous attraction end after attraction. The beliefs of the beauty of the 4500 year old cypress tree leave a trace of eternity in the heart and on the mind of all travellers.

Afterward we will visit Zeinoddin, a Safavid Caravanserai in the heart of desert which has been restored in the best way possible and got gained twareds from UNESCO in 2005 and 2006.

Day 8: 56 km drive to Yazd & Yazd excursion.

Mehriz is located 30 KM south of the city of Yazd. Mehriz consists of one central district and five village centres. According to historians, the name belongs to "Mehrnegar" the beloved daughter of Anoushirvan, the Sassanid King. Mehriz was known, during the late Sassanid era (4th century AD), as a natural pleasant area. One of The most important places to visit in Mehriz is Saryazd.

Saryazd has a castle belonging to Sassanid era which was used as a haven in time of war. Another historical place out there is caravanserai in Saryazd which dates back to the Seljuk and the Safavid era. It is noteworthy that Saryaz is one of the best areas for growing pomegranates of Iran. After that we will transfer to Yazd.

Today’s tour includes visiting Dakhmeh (tower of silence, where Zoroastrians used to leave their corpse to be eaten by vultures). The Zoroastrian fire temples are the next stop. In the afternoon you will enjoy an interesting walking tour through the old district to see the wind catchers 

 Day 9: driving to Isfahan(330 KM)

Today, we will drive 300 km from Yazd to Isfahan which is in the vicinity of Dasht-e-Kavir and the attractive city of Nain. Nain is known as the city of cisterns and possesses around 80 cisterns. We will get a chance to visit one of the oldest and most important mosques of Persian Islamic architecture. Stay overnight in Isfahan.

 Day 10: Isfahan Excursion

Isfahan, the legendary city which never fails to enchant its visitors, is the pearl of traditional Islamic archeology. This city is revived by the works of contemporary artists. Isfahan prides itself in having fascinating historical garden palaces. Legend has it that the city was founded at the time of Tahmoures or Keykavous and because of its glories has been entitled “Half the World”. Our full day tour includes the famed Imam Square (Naqsh-e-Jahan), a huge square second in the world to Beijing's Tiananmen Square. Tour the architectural marvels of Sheikh Lotfollah and Imam Mosques, Aliqapu Palace, Chehel Sutoon and Hasht Behesht Palaces, and also visit one of the most famous bazaars in Iran, where we can purchase the arts & crafts for which Isfahan is so well renowned. Stay overnight in Isfahan.

 Day 11: Driving to Kashan(optional tour, 200 KM)

Today we will drive to Kashan,

the etymology of the city name comes from the Kasian, the original inhabitants of the city, whose remains are found at Tapeh Sialk dating back 9,000 years; later this was changed to "Kashian", hence the town name. Between the 12th and the 14th centuries Kashan was an important centre for the production of high quality pottery and tiles. In modern Persian word for a tile (kashi) comes from the name of the town.

So, as an optional tour, it is recommended to visit this city which is one of the highlights of Iran based on the Persinan( Iranian) Garden named FIN and the lovely traditional houses such as Tabatabaiha and Borojerdiha houses and some other historical places specially chosen by our tour guide and be acquainted with the previous century’s architecture, the Qajar era.

 Day 12: visiting Isfahan & fly to Mashhad

Isfahan’s Jame' mosque holds in itself the passage of several centuries of historical Islamic evolution. This mosque is a gallery of Islamic architecture in which the progress of the architecture from the outset of Islam till recent times is evident. Then we will visit Vank Church which is one of the most beautiful Armenian churches in the world and will undoubtedly capture the attention of every Christian. Our day will conclude with a visit to Monar Jomban, the tomb of a Sufi with its shaking minarets and some historical bridges. At Evening we will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Mashhad.

 Day 13: visiting Mashhad

Mashhad is a the city where the Shiite Imam Reza was martyred and thus it is an important site for Shiite Muslim Pilgrims. This huge complex is the first holy shrine in Iran. we will enjoy a full day city tour in Mashhad (Imam Reza Holy Shrine, Ferdosi Tomb, Nader Shah Museum). After visiting the holy shrine we will head to Tus to visit the tomb of Ferdosi, the great epic poet of 10th AD century. Ferdosi has written Shahnameh (literally "Letter of King"), the great epic in which the stories of Sohrab and Rostam are skillfully described. In Iran this book is considered as great as Iliad and Odyssey of Homer in western Greek. After that we will visit Harounieh, a interesting structure with unknown function in the old times.

 Day 14: driving to Neishaboor & visiting Neishaboor(140 KM) then drive back to Mashhad & fly to Tehran(01:30 Min)

This day we will drive to Neishaboor, where the tomb of Hakim Omar Khayyam-e Neishabouri who was the mathematician, astrologer, philosopher and poet of the 11th century AD is located. He talent was so great that the city became wellknown . Also we will visit the tomb of Attar, a famous mystic poet of Iran. Pay a visit to the tomb of Kamal-Al-Molk, the great painter of the contemporary period.

Day 15: depart Iran

Depart Iran the land of warmth and hospitality with fond memories.

Tour Services:

1.Invitation Letter for Iran visa

2.16 nights stay in middle class hotels

3.15 days transportation all across Iran

4.Experienced English speaking guide for 15 days

5.Breakfast and lunch

6.Domestic flights

7.All the entrance fees

9.Transfer by guide