Explore the Ancient City of Yazd
Discover the unique architecture and rich culture of this UNESCO World Heritage city.
Iran Group
Grand Persia: History and Desert 14 Day Group Tour
A two-week cultural journey through Iran that goes beyond the classic itinerary, exploring ancient empires, desert cities, and the distinct heritage of the South-East, including Kerman and its surrounding arid landscapes.
Plan this trip
- Tehran Arrival & Modern City
- Tehran: Heritage & Art
- Drive to Kashan & Traditional Houses
- Drive to Isfahan via Abyaneh
- Isfahan: Half the World Square
- Isfahan: Christian & Islamic Art
- Drive to Yazd: Desert Architecture
- Yazd: Zoroastrian Heritage
- Drive to Kerman
- Kerman Excursion: Mahan & Rayen
- Shahdad Desert Kaluts
- Drive to Shiraz
- Shiraz: Empires and Poets
- Shiraz Departure
- Duration
- 14 days
- Travel style
- group
What this tour includes
Discover the Vast Scale of History
A concise journey through the ancient legacies of Persepolis, Pasargadae, and Kerman.
Feel the desert’s calm.
Spend a night under the stars near the Shahdad Kaluts.
Scenes along the itinerary
Our Crafted Path
This is an expansive and thoughtfully designed sample itinerary, crafted for genuine travelers seeking a complete understanding of Persia's historical and geographical diversity. It expertly links the iconic classical sites with the dramatic landscapes and unique cultures of the central and eastern deserts, providing a rewarding and well-paced journey.
01Day 1 – Tehran Arrival & Modern CityTehran Arrival & Modern City
Arrive at IKA, transfer to hotel. Depending on arrival time, visit the contemporary Tabiat Bridge for an evening walk and a view of the city.
02Day 2 – Tehran: Heritage & ArtTehran: Heritage & Art
Full day dedicated to Tehran's heritage: Golestan Palace (UNESCO), National Museum of Iran, and the magnificent National Jewels Museum (if available).
03Day 3 – Drive to Kashan & Traditional HousesDrive to Kashan & Traditional Houses
Drive south to Kashan. Explore the famous Fin Garden (UNESCO) and visit the exquisitely decorated historical merchant houses, such as the Borujerdi House.
04Day 4 – Drive to Isfahan via AbyanehDrive to Isfahan via Abyaneh
Travel towards Isfahan. En route, stop at the beautiful red historical village of Abyaneh to observe its distinct culture and architecture. Continue to Isfahan.
05Day 5 – Isfahan: Half the World SquareIsfahan: Half the World Square
Full-day exploration of the Naqsh-e Jahan Square complex (UNESCO), including the Shah Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and Ali Qapu Palace.
06Day 6 – Isfahan: Christian & Islamic ArtIsfahan: Christian & Islamic Art
Visit the beautiful Vank Cathedral in the Jolfa Armenian Quarter and the historic Jameh Mosque of Isfahan (UNESCO). Enjoy an evening walk on the Si-o-Se Pol Bridge.
07Day 7 – Drive to Yazd: Desert ArchitectureDrive to Yazd: Desert Architecture
Drive east to Yazd, the UNESCO World Heritage City. Check into a traditional hotel. Begin exploring the unique mud-brick architecture and wind-catchers.
08Day 8 – Yazd: Zoroastrian HeritageYazd: Zoroastrian Heritage
Focus on Yazd's ancient Zoroastrian roots: visit the Fire Temple (Atash Bahram) and the historical Towers of Silence. Explore the Fahadan Quarter and the Amir Chakhmaq Complex.
09Day 9 – Drive to KermanDrive to Kerman
A significant drive south-east to Kerman. Upon arrival, visit the grand Ganjali Khan Complex, including the Bazaar, Mosque, and Hammam.
10Day 10 – Kerman Excursion: Mahan & RayenKerman Excursion: Mahan & Rayen
Day trip outside Kerman. Visit the beautiful Shazdeh Garden (UNESCO Persian Garden) in Mahan and the historic mud-brick citadel of Rayen Castle.
11Day 11 – Shahdad Desert KalutsShahdad Desert Kaluts
Drive to the Shahdad Desert area. Explore the otherworldly formations of the Kaluts (yardangs) in the Lut Desert (UNESCO). Enjoy a sunset view and an overnight stay near the desert camp.
12Day 12 – Drive to ShirazDrive to Shiraz
A long but rewarding transit day. Drive from Kerman to Shiraz, passing through diverse landscapes. Arrive in Shiraz in the late afternoon.
13Day 13 – Shiraz: Empires and PoetsShiraz: Empires and Poets
Morning excursion to the legendary Persepolis (UNESCO) and Naqsh-e Rostam. In the afternoon, return to Shiraz to visit the tombs of poets Hafez and Saadi.
14Day 14 – Shiraz DepartureShiraz Departure
Visit the Nasir-al-Mulk Mosque in the morning. Transfer to Shiraz International Airport for your departure, concluding this grand Iran cultural tour.
All our Iran group tours are real, flexible, and designed for genuine travelers who seek a complete, in-depth exploration of Persian history, culture, and dramatic landscapes.
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