Persia and the Arabian Nights

Free time; we will drop you off in the Grand Bazaar area, with its many covered streets, alleys and hundreds of shops.

We will stop on the outskirts of Tehran to visit the Mausoleum of Imam Khomeini, considered the founder of the Islamic Republic and whose construction began in 1989, after his death. The immense complex of over 20 square kilometers is a cultural and tourist center that also houses a seminary and a university of Islamic studies.

Tens of thousands of pilgrims visit Qom every year. Qom is known for being a major center of Shia Islamic studies and is home to numerous religious schools and seminaries, as well as Al-Mustafa Islamic University, which attracts students from all over the world. Accompanied by an Islamic scholar we will visit the sacred mausoleum (courtyards and outdoor areas) and he will introduce us to Islam in its Shiite branch, enveloping us in the atmosphere of this holy place. After that, we´ll visit Imam Khomeini´s house. Free time in the city´s bazaar, with its many shops specializing in prayer and religious objects. Lunch included.

We´ll stroll through the gardens, the palace and the baths.

Its cool climate, red clay houses, its own cultural traditions (including an ancient dialect and traditional dress) and its mausoleum will leave us with indelible memories.

Arrival at the end of the day. We are in a city with an impressive architectural and cultural heritage: mosques, palaces, bridges and bazaars with delicious handicrafts. This city, inhabited for over 5000 years, was the capital of the Persian Empire. Upon arrival, we´ll walk across the historic Si-O-Se Pol Bridge, "the bridge of thirty-three arches" illuminated.

We are at the center of Persian culture, inhabited for more than 4000 years. A city of nightingales and poets, it was the capital of Persia for a period in the 18th century. In the afternoon we will visit 2 of the mausoleums of the great names of Persian literature born in Shiraz, the gardens and the mausoleum of Hafez of Shiraz , a Sufi poet and mystic of the 14th century and who today remains one of the most beloved figures by the Iranian people, who memorize his verses or seek advice in his texts and the gardens and mausoleum of Saadi , another great Persian poet of medieval times with a deep sensitivity. popular in this city.

This World Heritage Site was built 2700 years ago to be the capital of the Achaemenid empire. Its stone palaces, its carvings showing historical and ritual scenes, as well as details about the kings and the court, show us one of the first great cultures of humanity.

Nearby we will visit Naghsh Rostam, the cemetery of the emperors with their tombs in the stone. After the visit, we´ll return to Shiraz, where we´ll visit the Nasir Almolk Mosque (Pink Mosque) to admire the light filtering through the colorful stained glass windows, the Naranjestan Qavam Garden, and the Zandyeh compound , which includes the Vakil Bazaar, Saray-e Moshir, Vakil Mosque, Vakil Bath, and Karim Khan Citadel. We will return to the hotel for a short break and before heading out for dinner with a local family in their home (Note: if there is a case this is not possible, a dinner in a restaurant with live music will be included).

Meymand is believed to have been one of the oldest residences in Iran, dating back 12,000 years. Many of the inhabitants live in the 350 houses carved by hand among the rocks. Lunch included.

We will be able to see its beautiful "wind towers" that help keep homes cool since ancient times.

Later we will visit Bagh Shazdeh , a beautiful garden with springs and green trees in the middle of the desert declared a World Heritage Site.

Arrival in the provincial capital. We are in a religious and conservative city that also has a Zoroastrian minority. We visit the Ganjali Khan enclosure, where the magnificent bazaar, the cistern and the old baths and caravanserai are located. Lunch included. In the afternoon, we´ll visit the Fathabad Garden , a historic garden in the middle of the desert on the outskirts of Kerman. Free time.