PERSIAN GULF GATEWAY

We begin our journey in the largest island of Iran, Qeshm. After arrival at the airport and transfer to hotel, we spend some time visiting the city, located in the Strait of Hormuz.

Today we head to discover the mysterious nature of this southern island of Iran. So we enter the first and only national geopark of Iran, then visit dhow workshops before enjoying the taste of local seafood. After lunchtime we visit amazing Mangrove trees as well as Laft village and its highlights including old wind catchers, Naderi castle and Tela wells before returning to the hotel.

Today we have the unique experience of visiting Dolphins in their natural habitat. So we go to Hengam Island, a small oasis south of Qeshm Island. After enjoying local food and handicraft there, we return to Qeshm and visit wondrous Khorbas caves before heading to the hotel.

On our third day in the island, we head to small island of Hormuz early in the morning and enjoy a local breakfast. By the noon we take a short excursion to Portuguese castle and island’s beautiful nature. Returning to Qeshm to have lunch, we visit other highlights of the island such as its historical castle and Geopark museum.

Today we are heading to Shiraz and to take the flight, we head to Bandar Abbas in the morning (1 hr). Arriving at the city in the evening and having some rest, we get ready to visit one of most charming cities of Iran tomorrow.

Our first day in Shiraz is allocated to visit Pasargadae (135 km from Shiraz), the remnants of first Persian Garden and tomb of the most popular King of ancient Iran, Cyrus the Great. After having lunch and visiting Naqsh-e Rustam relief, we head to Persepolis (60 km from Shiraz), the glorious monumental ruins of ancient civilization of Persia with total area of 125,000 square meters, then we return to hotel while entering the city through Quran gate.

Excursions on second day start with Karimkhan citadel and continues to Vakil historical complex with its bath, bazaar and mosque. Enjoying our lunchtime at the heart of city, then we go to Narenjestan-e Qavam garden and Nasir Al-Molk mosque. After visiting tomb of Saa’di, the mystic atmosphere tomb of Hafez at night would become one of everlasting scenes from Iran in our minds.

Today we leave hotel after breakfast to continue our way to one of the most beautiful cities of Iran, Isfahan (480 km). After having lunch on the way, we arrive in Isfahan in the afternoon while having enough time to spend the evening
visiting two of city’s historical bridges, Siose Pol and Khaju to get a picture of people’s livelihood in the area.

We are going to spend an unforgettable day in Isfahan. Today we visit Naqsh-e Jahan square (The Image of the World it means) with four highlighted sites located around it: Imam mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah mosque, Ali Qapu and Traditional Bazaar. After enjoying our lunchtime near one of world’s largest squares, we head to Hasht Behesht and Chehel Sotoun palace.

Today we should leave hotel to head to Capital of Iran, Tehran (450 km) in the afternoon. Before that still there is enough time to keep visiting Isfahan by going to Vank church and Jame’ mosque of Isfahan, which is a stunning
illustration of the evolution of mosque architecture over twelve centuries. Heading to Tehran, we leave Isfahan after lunchtime and get to country’s capital at night.

On the last day of our trip to understand the most about history of city, we visit some highlights such as Golestan palace complex, Iran National Museum and Treasury of National Jewels which is known as the most dazzling collection of gemstones and jewelry known in the world. At night we enjoy our farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant.

And finally it’s time to bid farewell to Iran as we get transferred to the airport early in the morning for our return flight home.