Overview
Join our "Highlights of Iran in 8 Days" group tour, perfect for first-time travelers on a budget. This tour covers the historical cities of Tehran, Kashan, Isfahan, Yazd, and Shiraz, following the popular "Classic Route" of Iran. Enjoy the camaraderie of group travel while exploring Iran's rich heritage with a private guide, private transportation, and comfortable medium-class accommodations. Suitable for all ages, this group tour offers an affordable and immersive experience, running on flexible dates to fit your schedule.
What’s Included
- Meals
8 breakfasts
- Transport
1 domestic flight Shiraz-Tehran, 8 days with an English-speaking guide and private transportation in an SUV (with A/C) capable of accommodating up to 4 people.
- Accommodation
7 nights in the hotels mentioned in the itinerary or similar
- Additional Services
Visa Authorization Letter, Travel insurance for up to 30 days with the coverage of 10K EUR
- Not Included
International flights, meals, entrance fees, personal expenses (like shopping)
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Tehran
The Must-See's
Welcome to Tehran!
Our journey begins at the majestic Golestan Palace, where you'll encounter the legacy of Iran's most iconic rulers, from the Qajar dynasty to the Pahlavi Shahs. Next, we'll delve into history at the National Museum of Iran and marvel at the opulence in the Treasury of National Jewels. We'll then take a charming tea break at the world’s smallest café, nestled within the bustling Tehran Grand Bazaar.
Accommodation: Saina Hotel
Transportation: English Speaking private driver-guide
Day 2: Tehran
Nightlife and Local Picnics
Let’s head north!
Today, we’ll immerse ourselves in the opulent lifestyle of the Pahlavi family at their summer residences. Our first stop is the Sa'dabad Complex, followed by Niavaran Palace, where you can see the royal family’s everyday belongings. We'll wander through their expansive gardens and explore a few of the art museums on site. For lunch, we'll head to the charming Darband area, known for its picturesque mountain views and cozy restaurants. In the evening, we’ll visit Ab-o-Atash Park to enjoy its enchanting musical fountains. Then, we’ll cross the stunning Tabiat Bridge for some selfies with the glittering Tehran skyline.
Accommodation: Saina Hotel
Transportation: English Speaking private driver-guide
Day 3: Kashan
Historical Houses
As we journey towards Kashan, our first stop will be the iconic Azadi Square, a symbol of Tehran’s modern history. We'll then grab some of the original Sohan (a saffron toffee) to snack on along the way. Once in Kashan, we’ll explore the breathtaking Fin Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the crown jewel of Persian gardens. Next, we’ll visit the most beautiful historical houses in Iran, including the exquisite Borujerdi and Tabatabai Houses. After a delicious lunch, we’ll head to the magnificent Agha Bozorg Mosque and its grand theological school.
Accommodation: Adib House Boutique Hotel
Transportation: English Speaking private driver-guide
Day 4: Isfahan
Meet Iran Minorities
Once we reach Isfahan, our first stop will be the magnificent Naqsh-e Jahan Square. From a terrace, we'll enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire square. Then, we’ll visit its iconic landmarks one by one, including the stunning Shah Mosque, the exquisite Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and the grand Ali Qapu Palace. We'll also explore the Grand Bazaar (Gheysarieh), where you can personally visit the handicraft workshops. Later, we’ll visit the beautiful Chehel Sotun Palace, known for its stunning frescoes and gardens. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a leisurely stroll and a delicious dinner at a cheerful restaurant near the Si-o-se-pol or Khaju Bridge.
Accommodation: Isfahan Traditional House
Transportation: English Speaking private driver-guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change or modify this itinerary?
Our daily plans within each city are mere suggestions from our travel experts, but once you arrive at any city, you’re free to pick and choose those attractions and activities that interest you the most, without any prior notice or planning. But if you want to change the main framework and schedule of the itinerary (e.g. add extra days or exclude some cities) contact our support team.
Do I get any free time?
Yes. Since this is not a group tour, but a private tour just for you, you are free to pick and choose those attractions and activities that interest you the most, and our guides will do their best to fulfill your wishes. So you can ask for as much free time as you want in each city.
Can I put off any activities that don’t interest me?
100%! In our private tours, as opposed to the usual group tours, you always have the freedom to pick and choose between the activities available in each city and replace the ones you don’t like with the attractions that you find more desirable.
How far in advance do I need to book my trip?
The sooner you book your trip, the higher your chances of finding better hotels available, especially during high seasons such as April, May, September, and October, when good hotels and driver guides have been sold out for months.
What payment methods do you accept? Will I be able to pay on arrival?
We accept both bank payments and debit/credit card payments. With some special tours, you can pay a prepayment in advance and pay the rest in cash later on your arrival.
Can I book this trip with my friends?
Absolutely! Our private groups can be booked by solo travelers, large groups, and everything in between. If you want to travel as a large group, you can select the number of travelers by scrolling down on the “travelers” tab on the booking card on the right side of this page.
In which languages do you operate this private tour?
Our private tours are available in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, and Chinese. But, if you want a guide fluent in a language not specified here, let us know and we’ll do our best to find the perfect person for you.
Is this trip physically demanding?
Not at all. This private tour comes with your own personal driver and doesn't include any routes that a traveler could find challenging.
What is the required dress code?
Ladies need a scarf to cover their hair, a more-or-less long shirt that covers their arms and comes down to just above their hips, and long pants that come down to their ankles. How skinny or baggy you want your clothing to be is entirely up to you. Within those bounds, get as creative and colorful as you wish!
For gentlemen, shorts and sleeveless shirts are a no-no. Everything else is completely fine!
Do I need a visa to travel to Iran?
Depending on which country you are from, you most probably do. Luckily, will not only obtain a visa for you within 2 business days, but we’ll also give you a full refund if your application gets rejected.
What insurance do I need?
Unfortunately, most international insurance companies do not cover Iran. But you don’t have to worry, because the travel insurance included in this package covers your trip to Iran.
I couldn’t find the answer to my question. What do I do?
If you have any further questions, contact us at [email protected], and we’ll be more than happy to help you ASAP.