Discover the Medes & Elamites
Roots of Iran’s early history
Iran Group
9-Day Western Iran History and Mountain Group Tour
A unique Iran cultural journey exploring the often-overlooked and fascinating region of West Iran. This tour delves into ancient Median, Sassanian, and Achaemenid history in provinces like Hamedan and Kermanshah, combining major historical sites with dramatic mountain scenery.
Plan this trip
- Tehran Arrival & Drive to Hamedan
- Hamedan: Medes & Avicenna
- Hamedan to Kermanshah: History Road
- Kermanshah to Dezful
- Khuzestan: Ancient Water Systems
- Susa & Chogha Zanbil Excursion
- Dezful to Khorramabad
- Khorramabad to Tehran
- Tehran Departure
- Duration
- 9 days
- Travel style
- group
What this tour includes
Hamedan & Kermanshah Heritage
History and tradition united.
An off-the-beaten-path journey
Rich in culture and geology.
Scenes along the itinerary
Your Tailor-Made Journey
This is a robust and thoughtfully designed sample itinerary, specifically created to explore the historical depth and mountain landscapes of West Iran. This itinerary is challenging but highly rewarding, offering a distinct cultural encounter away from the popular classic tours and is intended for experienced Iran cultural journey enthusiasts.
01Day 1 – Tehran Arrival & Drive to HamedanTehran Arrival & Drive to Hamedan
Arrive at IKA, meet your guide, and begin the drive directly west to Hamedan. Check into the hotel and enjoy an evening orientation walk.
02Day 2 – Hamedan: Medes & AvicennaHamedan: Medes & Avicenna
Full day of exploration in Hamedan, the ancient Ecbatana. Visit the presumed tomb of Esther and Mordechai, the Hegmataneh Hill (ancient Median settlement), and the Mausoleum of the great philosopher Avicenna.
03Day 3 – Hamedan to Kermanshah: History RoadHamedan to Kermanshah: History Road
Drive south towards Kermanshah. En route, visit the magnificent Sassanian rock reliefs of Taq-e Bostan and the colossal historical inscriptions of Bisotun (UNESCO), a key Achaemenid site.
04Day 4 – Kermanshah to DezfulKermanshah to Dezful
Morning exploration of Kermanshah, focusing on its historical bazaar and the Tekyeh Mo'aven al-Molk. Begin the long drive south to the city of Dezful in Khuzestan province.
05Day 5 – Khuzestan: Ancient Water SystemsKhuzestan: Ancient Water Systems
A full day dedicated to the unique historical structures of Khuzestan. Visit the spectacular ancient hydraulic system of Shushtar (UNESCO) and the historical city of Susa (UNESCO).
06Day 6 – Susa & Chogha Zanbil ExcursionSusa & Chogha Zanbil Excursion
Visit the remaining ruins of the ancient city of Susa and the remarkable ziggurat of Chogha Zanbil (UNESCO), a massive Elamite structure dating back to the 13th century BC.
07Day 7 – Dezful to KhorramabadDezful to Khorramabad
Drive north from Khuzestan into the mountainous Lorestan province. Visit the impressive Sassanian-era Falak-ol-Aflak Castle (Gerdab Stone Castle) overlooking the city of Khorramabad.
08Day 8 – Khorramabad to TehranKhorramabad to Tehran
A long but scenic drive back to Tehran. Reflect on the diverse historical periods encountered during the journey, from Elamite to Sassanian. Enjoy a farewell dinner in Tehran
09Day 9 – Tehran DepartureTehran Departure
Transfer to Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) for your departure, concluding this unique West Iran mountain and history tour.
All our Iran group tours are real, practical, and designed for genuine travellers who wish to explore the rich history and unique, less-visited landscapes of West Iran.
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