8 Days Culture Tour – Caravansary & Bazaar

Tehran is a melting-pot of Persian, Turkish, Lori & many other cultures. You’ll find them all commingling within the Grand Bazaar of Tehran. Split into several corridors specializing in different types of goods, the bazaar stretches over 10 kilometres. Make friends with locals as you shop for spices, treats, carpets and handicrafts. You can even visit the World’s Smallest Teahouse. Take a walk in Tehran’s Historic District, where you can check out old restaurants, antique dealers and street vendors. Fly to Shiraz overnight.

Arrive before 8 am for the best views of sunlight hitting the glass-mosaic windows of the Nasir ol-Molk Mosque, or the “Pink Mosque”. After taking photos, explore the 11th c. Bazaar of Shiraz. Then it’s on to the Vakil Complex, a popular desert stop for Asian and European merchants on ancient trade routes. The complex features the Vakil Mosque, Vakil Bathhouse, and the historic caravansary. Dive into the Citadel of Karim Khan. Finish the night with the 14th c Tomb of Hafez the poet.

Start the day with the world-renowned Persepolis, once the center of the Persian Empire and one of the great capitals of the ancient world. The towering columns, remarkable relief carvings, and massive gateways are still imposing. Then it’s off to see the Naqsh-e Rostam Necropolis, massive tombs, carved straight into the mountainside. Spend some time at the final resting place of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the first Persian Empire, the Achaemenid dynasty, at Pasargadae. Rest the night in Isfahan.

After a night’s sleep, visit the 16th c. Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the seat of Iran’s Safavid dynasty. Dive deep into the earthen pathways, hidden courtyards and boutique shops of Qeysariye Bazaar. Marvel at Sheykh Lotfollah Mosque’s mesmerizing dome, Shah Mosque’s enchanting courtyard, & Ali Qapu Palace’s view. A quick walk and you’ll arrive at Chehel-Sotun Palace, the royal Safavid reception for foreign dignitaries. Finish the day with a Persian Cooking Class at a local homestay.

In the early morning, visit the 8th c. Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, a former Zoroastrian fire temple that was continually built upon over the centuries. Dive deep into local Iranian culture with a Persian Carpet Workshop. Learn about the process and history of Iran’s most famous handicraft. Finish off with the bright frescos of Vank Cathedral in the Armenian quarter of New Jolfa. End the night with local Zayandeh Rud river hangouts Khaju Bridge & Si-o-Se Pol Bridge. Rest the night in Isfahan.

Make your way to the sand dunes of Maranjab Desert, one of many tough terrains caravans had to cross. Arrive at the Maranjab Caravanserai, built in 1603 by Shah Abbas, one of the main stops along the Silk Road. Spend the day exploring the classic desert inn like ancient Chinese and European merchants coming to rest on the carpeted rooms and halls. Watch the desert sunset as you prepare to sit around for stories and a shared meal. Spend the night in a local eco-lodge or caravansary if available.

Start with the Agha Bozorg Mosque, a multilevel theological school that served as the center of Kashani life. Visit the Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse for a lesson in classic bathing. Stop by the opulent Abbasian House & Tabatabaei House, two examples of classical Iranian homes with exceptional architectural details, designed specifically for the desert. Visit an active Pottery Workshop to see Kashan’s traditional earthen handicrafts. After a quick stop in Fin Garden, head towards Tehran for IKIA.