Overview
Ancient Persia was home to one of the human race’s greatest artistic flowerings. The scale and beauty of Persian architecture, painting, sculpture, pottery and poetry and sculpture will astound you. Step into our Persian Dreams and be bewitched!
Together we’ll spend 22 days travelling through this fascinating land to discover refined Islamic cities, colourful bazaars, ancient Persian ruins, glorious gardens and shimmering deserts. NZ Travel and Tour guarantees an authentic experience. We take care of every detail of your journey, leaving you free to relax and enjoy Iran’s beautiful culture and diverse scenery.
Our expert guides will take your Persian experience to the next level. Whether you’re relaxing in a tea-house in Tehran, exploring ancient cultural sites or breaking bread with nomads on the harsh Iranian plateau, you’ll be charmed by the warmth and hospitality of the Iranian people.
We believe Iran is a safe Middle Eastern country to travel in and we are proud of the part we play in helping our guests create memories that will last a lifetime. We’ll work hard to ensure your smooth travel through one of the world’s oldest (and yet little-known to Westerners) cultures.
See below for your Persian Dreams itinerary.
Start | Shiraz, Iran |
Finish | Tehran, Iran |
Duration | 20 Days |
Group size | Max 10 |
Room | Double/Twin |
Private Room | +740NZD |
Style | Comfort |
Theme | Explorer |
Physical rating | ⚫ ⚫ 〇〇〇 |
Transport | Private Mini Bus, Train, Public Transport |
Meals | 20 Breakfasts, 24 Meals (lunches and/or dinners), snacks and Souvenirs |
Accomodation | Hotel 3&4 star, Boutique Home Stay, Traditional Home Stay, Village Stay |
Highlights
Features
Our first day in Iran is in Shiraz, the beautiful city in South of Iran known as the Pearl of Persia. The very name evokes images of ancient times: exotic, tranquil gardens, lavish mansions, colourful woollen rugs, art, philosophy, poetry and of course, the famous Shiraz wine (although it is no longer found here). Shiraz is also a renowned centre of learning and boasts many of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the country. Shiraz is known as Iran’s cultural capital, home to two of Persia’s most famous poets in the 13th and 14th centuries, Hafez and Sa’adi, whose mausoleums are found here. People of Shiraz are famous for being laid back and relax, growing up surrounded by gardens and poetry.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening snack
We visit a mud-brick citadel – Arg-e karimkhan – from the 18th century, a time when the whole of Persia was ruled by Karim Khan from Shiraz and we enjoy the display of historic photos from the 19th and 20th centuries, and the legendary tales depicted on the tiles at the entrance gate.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch/ Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch/ Dinner
Today, we leave Shiraz to experience a unique stay at the organic eco-village of Bavanat in Bazm village.
On our way to Bavanat, we will stop at Pasargadae, an ancient city in old Persia. It was the first dynastic capital of the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus II the Great, in the homeland of the Persians, in the 6th century BC. Its palaces, gardens and the mausoleum of Cyrus are outstanding examples of the first phase of royal Achaemenid art and architecture, and exceptional testimonies of Persian civilization. We take our time to explore this UNESCO world heritage site.
The story of this modest Bavanat farmer is an extraordinary one. It began nearly 20 years ago when two German cyclists, lost in the rain, were welcomed in by Abbas Barzegar and given traditional Persian hospitality. Uneducated and poor, the father of three never expected that this simple act of kindness would lead to a profound change, not just in his own fortunes, but in the life of the community of Bavanat. The Germans, wanting to send thanks to their welcoming host, requested friends to call in on the family while visiting Iran. The story goes on, and we hear the rest from our host in the village.
Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
Yazd, this historic desert city was the major stop on the caravan routes to Central Asia and India during the Silk Road period – Marco Polo visited the city on his way to China – and it retains a rustic feel. Yazd is the heart of the Zoroastrian religion.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch/ Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch/ Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch/ Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch/ Dinner
Accommodation: Traditional homestay in a beautiful Oasis in the middle of the central desert of Iran.
Many travellers have passed through the area for many years. A good example is a famous Persian poet, philosopher and adventurer by the name of Nasser Khosro who passed through the area about 950 years ago and mentioned this area in his famous travel writings – very well known to literate Persian readers. As an example of the more well-known European travellers of the last few centuries; one can note the names of Seven Hedin and Alfonse Gabriel who visited Garmeh about a century ago. But why did these famous people noted Garmeh specifically? Well, this day is your chance to find the answer.
The documented history of human settlement in the area is as far back as 4,000 years ago but there exists some relatively reliable evidence that suggests human habitation as far back as 7,000 years ago. The main activity for the natives during this incredibly long period had been some form of agriculture and wresting sustenance out of the harsh and unforgiving conditions that are the reality of this land.
During more recent historical times (from about 2,000 years ago), the oasis was placed on the main route of the famous Silk Road and therefore the main trading route between China and Europe. We will have lunch before a desert safari to the heart of the sand dunes. We will catch the sunset as we enjoy a traditional drink around a bonfire.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch/ Dinner
Accommodation: Traditional Homestay in desert
Isfahan is simply one of the finest places in the Islamic world with tranquil gardens, picturesque bridges and superb palaces. Isfahan offers an abundance of fine Islamic buildings, most of which are covered with the blue mosaic tiles Iran is famous for, and an enormous bazaar, perfect for shopping for exquisite Persian carpets and unique silver handcrafts. A 16th-century rhyme called Isfahan ‘half the world’ and after this trip, you might agree.
Meals: Breakfast, Snack, Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch/ Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch/ Dinner
These 19th-century khans were funded by wealthy merchants and feature lovely courtyards, lush gardens and fine intricate relief designs carved into stone and stucco work. Khan-e Borujerdi was built in the 1840s for the affluent Tabatabaei family because a father set one condition of marriage – that his daughter must live in a home at least as lovely as his own.
18 years later, this exquisite Persian residential home, full of minute architectural details, was completed (though she did marry in the interim). Khan-e Tabatabei is known for its intricate stone reliefs, stucco and great mirror and stained-glass work.
Meals: Breakfast, Meals (lunches and/or dinners)
When completed, the Iranian’s believe the shrine will be one of the greatest buildings in the Islamic world. Revered as the father of the 1979 revolution, Imam Khomeni was buried here in 1989. His funeral was attended by an incredible 10 million people, making it the world’s biggest. People from all around Iran come here to pay their respects.
Meals: Breakfast, Snack, Dinner
We enjoy a culinary day starting with a walking tour of the Tajrish Bazar before our host chef shows us how to create the most delicious Persian dishes to enjoy for our 3-5 course dinner.
After breakfast, we will check out from the hotel and leave our luggage with the hotel reception.
Traveling is our passion. NZ Travel and Tour specialises in customising bespoke private and small group tours along the ancient Silk Road. We have carefully handcrafted itineraries along the following exotic destinations:
At NZ Travel and Tour, our niche focus is on exploring the authentic culture, history, beauty and cuisine of each region. With the help of our local experts, we take travellers on a journey of discovering the less visited gems, delivering unique experiences of a lifetime. Open communication, safety and comfort are at the forefront of our customer satisfaction.
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