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Bisotun inscription

Bisotun inscription, also known as Dariush inscription, is a massive rock relief with multilingual inscription at Mount Bisotun 30 km away from Kermanshah. The inscription was established by Darius the Great (550–486 BC), the king of Achaemenid dynasty. The inscription was written in th...

Bisotun inscription, also known as Dariush inscription, is a massive rock relief with multilingual inscription at Mount Bisotun 30 km away from Kermanshah. The inscription was established by Darius the Great (550–486 BC), the king of Achaemenid dynasty. The inscription was written in three different cuneiform script languages: Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian. It explain the victorious of Darius the Great in diffrent conflicts and revolts in 525 rows. The rock relief also depicts all the nine rebels. The King recieves grace of God and says: By the grace of Ahuramazda I am king; Ahuramazda has granted me the kingdom.

Taqe Bostan

Taqe Bostan complex is an ancient site in the north of Kermanshah which dates back to Sassanid Empire. There are series of large rock reliefs carved on the mountains around the 4th century AD. The rock reliefs demonestrate diffrent cermonies in Sassanid court: investiture of Ardashir II...

Taqe Bostan complex is an ancient site in the north of Kermanshah which dates back to Sassanid Empire. There are series of large rock reliefs carved on the mountains around the 4th century AD. The rock reliefs demonestrate diffrent cermonies in Sassanid court: investiture of Ardashir II; arc of Shapour II, III; investiture of Khosro Parviz; Scene of boar and deer hunting; Nike godnesses; Dowlatshah rock relief; Khosro Parviz riding his horse (Shabdiz). The rock reliefs were constracted in the vicinity of an amazing lake!

Anubanini Rock Relief

The Anubanini petroglyph is a rock relief from the third millennium BC and is located in Kermanshah Province, Iran. The rock relief is believed to belong to the Lullubi culture and is located 120 kilometers away from the north of Kermanshah, close to S...

The Anubanini petroglyph is a rock relief from the third millennium BC and is located in Kermanshah Province, Iran. The rock relief is believed to belong to the Lullubi culture and is located 120 kilometers away from the north of Kermanshah, close to Sarpol-e Zahab. In this rock relief, Anubanini, the king of the Lullubi, puts his foot on the chest of a captive. There are 8 other captives, two of them kneeled behind the Lullubian equivalent of the Akkadian goddess Ishtar (recognisable by the four pairs of horns on her headdress and the weapons over her shoulders) and six of them standing in a lower row at the bottom of the rock relief. Pascal Coste has painted the rock relief in 1840. This rock relief is very similar to the Behistun Inscription to such extent that it was said that the Behistun Inscription was influenced by it. There's also an inscription in the Akkadian language. The date of the rock relief is known to be about 4800 years ago. It was damaged during the Iran-Iraq war.

Khan School

 َAn old school placed at the center of Shiraz , which was was one of the biggest study-centers of Iran. It was founded by the governor of Shiraz(Allaah'Verdi Khan Gorji), in the early 18 century AD. It was once among the scholastic centers by the order of Shah Abbas safavi. I...

 َAn old school placed at the center of Shiraz , which was was one of the biggest study-centers of Iran. It was founded by the governor of Shiraz(Allaah'Verdi Khan Gorji), in the early 18 century AD. It was once among the scholastic centers by the order of Shah Abbas safavi. Its great arches decorated with beautiful tiling and the anthemion ornamentation used in its architecture, the invocation and inscription of holly numbers in different sections of it. The school consists of five classrooms standing in for five holly figures of shiia (namely, Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, Ali, his groom, Fatima, his daughter, and their two sons, Hassan and Hussein) and among these classrooms one was exclusively at the service of Mullah'Sadra the Iranian famous philosopher.

The original building has been extensively damaged by earthquakes and only the impressive portal at its entrance has remained you can enjoy seeing engrossing art inside the outer arch and some intricate 

Saray Moushir

Saraye Moshir is a separate part of Vakil Bazaar. It is a perfect place to rest, and have Faloodeh or ice cream and relax by the beautiful pond, and even buy more souvenirs! Saraye Moshir is located in the heart of historical Vakil Bazaar on its southern side, You might not notice that you a...

Saraye Moshir is a separate part of Vakil Bazaar. It is a perfect place to rest, and have Faloodeh or ice cream and relax by the beautiful pond, and even buy more souvenirs! Saraye Moshir is located in the heart of historical Vakil Bazaar on its southern side, You might not notice that you are entraning this Bazaar, because the architecture is like the main building. But, there are some items in this spot that will make you feel different compared to other parts of Bazaar. Like when you reach the southern part of Vakil Bazaar, you will see an old door with tactful architecture and traditional Persian door knobs on it. As you pass the entrance, you will see an octagon yard with tall plane trees and the pleasant smell of sour orange blossoms will caress your nose (if you plan to visit this place in spring, of course). There are shops all around the site in two stories, and in the middle of the yard, you can find the pool which became more attractive because of the flowers pot like geranium. This cozy traditional bazaar is more than 250 years old. It was built in the order of Mirza Abolhassan MoshirolMolk, a governor of Shiraz province. Its original function was a place for shopping, but throughout the history, due to its unique features, architecture, and the fact that it is more private rather than other parts of Bazaar, it performed as a museum, traditional restaurant, and Tea-Serving center. If you are lucky enough, you might have the chance to meet the guardian of Saraye Moshir. He is lovely and mellifluous, and he wears a traditional costume.

Vakil Bazar

Vakil Bazar in Shiraz, was built in 11th Century by Karim Khan Zand as part of a plan to make Shiraz into a prominent trading center. This amazing Bazar is a trade hub for merchants selling spices, rugs, handmade copper pieces, antiques, Persian sweets and much more.

The mixture of col...

Vakil Bazar in Shiraz, was built in 11th Century by Karim Khan Zand as part of a plan to make Shiraz into a prominent trading center. This amazing Bazar is a trade hub for merchants selling spices, rugs, handmade copper pieces, antiques, Persian sweets and much more.

The mixture of colors and smells in this old Bazar makes a nice and possetive atmosphere. This isn’t just a tourist trap like you find at similar spots around the world. Vakil Bazaar is a place where locals actually do their shopping. 

The gorgeous vaulted brick ceiling regulates the temperature of the building by keeping it cool in summer and warm in winter. This makes it a great place to escape the heat which can at times during the summer, be suffocating.

It reallyfeels good just to go walk among the people there.

Vakil Bath

As one of the greatest bathes of the whole Zand dynasty, Vakil bath has been constructed by consideration of the most modern architectural methods of those ages. The bath has been constructed by the order of KarimKhan Zand, the most powerful king of Zand dynasty, in order to be used as a royal an...

As one of the greatest bathes of the whole Zand dynasty, Vakil bath has been constructed by consideration of the most modern architectural methods of those ages. The bath has been constructed by the order of KarimKhan Zand, the most powerful king of Zand dynasty, in order to be used as a royal and public Bath through different parts.

If you are going to Vakil bazar, then you should put a 15-20 minutes time to visit this hamam as well. This is not a turkish hammam; in this hamam you will find its own culture: some monuments (made of wax) are placed there to show you how people used to take shower and use this bath.

Zinat Al-Moluk House

Zinat Al-Moluk House is a remnant from Qajar era. As you pass the entrance door of the house, you would be amazed by a fantastic yard having a nice blue pool in the middle. The pool is surrounded by some small gardens full of trees and flowers. Your eyes would take rest looking at the green avail...

Zinat Al-Moluk House is a remnant from Qajar era. As you pass the entrance door of the house, you would be amazed by a fantastic yard having a nice blue pool in the middle. The pool is surrounded by some small gardens full of trees and flowers. Your eyes would take rest looking at the green available in Zinat Al-Moluk House in Shiraz. Then you would see a house generally made of woods that throw you to 100 years ago. The magnificent sash windows, wooden doors, wooden ceiling, just name it. Most parts of the ceiling are painted with eye catching pictures and figures. In addition to the nice ambience of the house, the wax statues of famous Iranian people are also on display in this house. 

Azadeghan Teahouse

If you go to Isfahan, don't miss the Azadegan Tea House in the bazaar. You can eat lunch, or just a cup of tea 

Hafiz Tomb

The city of Shiraz, located in the south-west of Iran is famous for its roses, gardens, and poems. Saadi and Hafez Shirazi, two world-renowned poets have...

The city of Shiraz, located in the south-west of Iran is famous for its roses, gardens, and poems. Saadi and Hafez Shirazi, two world-renowned poets have been the reason for naming this city “the city of literature”. The love poems of Hafiz with their mystical interpretations can be specifically assigned to anybody when reading them.

Hafiz was born in 1326 A.D.He believed that life is too short and human beings should enjoy their lives so that they will not regret anything. Hafiz and his beliefs were greatly admired by Goethe, the great modern German literature genius. 

The tombstone of Hafiz lies in a beautiful garden which is another sample of Persian gardens. The architecture of this monument is amazing.The mausoleum has 8 pillars which signify the century when he lived.

Iranians love Hafiz and his poetry and respect him a lot. During the feasts and ceremonies such as Yalda night when families gather together, they read lines of poetry from Hafiz. As they believe that Hafiz informs them about the future. In top things to do in Shiraz,make sure to visit tomb of Hafez and also let him tell your future. This can be done at the entrance to the garden where you can buy cards with their translations on them.

Iran Articles

Si-o-seh pol

Allāhverdi Khan Bridge (Persian: پل الله‌وردی‌خان‎‎), popularly known as Si-o-seh pol (Persian: سی وسه پل‎‎; [ˈsiː oˈseh ˈpol], “The bridge of thirty-three spans”)[2] is one of the eleven bridges of Isfahan, Iran and the longest bridge on Zayandeh River with...

Allāhverdi Khan Bridge (Persian: پل الله‌وردی‌خان‎‎), popularly known as Si-o-seh pol (Persian: سی وسه پل‎‎; [ˈsiː oˈseh ˈpol], “The bridge of thirty-three spans”)[2] is one of the eleven bridges of Isfahan, Iran and the longest bridge on Zayandeh River with the total length of 297.76 metres (976.9 ft). It is highly ranked as being one of the most famous examples of Safavid bridge design.

It was constructed by the finance and the inspection of Allahverdi Khan Undiladze chancellor of Shah Abbas I, an Iranian ethnic Georgian, it consists of two rows of 33 arches from either sides, left and right. There is a larger base plank at the start of the bridge where the Zayandeh River flows under it, supporting a tea house which nowadays is abandoned due to the shortage of water and the river drought.

Monar Jonban

The Monar Jonban (Shaking Minarets), or Menar-e-jomban, is a monument located in Isfahan, in central Iran. Construction began in the 14th century to cover the grave of Amu Abdollah Soqla. Its notable feature is that if one of the minarets is shaken, the other minaret will shake as well.

...

The Monar Jonban (Shaking Minarets), or Menar-e-jomban, is a monument located in Isfahan, in central Iran. Construction began in the 14th century to cover the grave of Amu Abdollah Soqla. Its notable feature is that if one of the minarets is shaken, the other minaret will shake as well.

History

The iwan (eyvān) and porch were probably erected shortly after 1316 as a shrine for Amu Abdollah Soqla, a hermit buried here. The brick minarets were constructed later, and are probably of Safavid dynasty era origin (c. 15th—17th centuries).

The iwan is 10 metres (33 ft) high and 10 metres (33 ft) in width, the minarets are 7 metres (23 ft) taller and are 4 metres (13 ft) in circumference.[1] The roof above the shrine contains some skilled brickwork.

Shaking minarets

The minarets are responsible for the fame of the otherwise architecturally unremarkable shrine. Because of the ratio between the height and width of the minarets and the width of the iwan, if one minaret is shaken, the other will shake in unison. This example of coupled oscillation can be observed from ground level.

Structural damage
The wooden beams on the upper part of the minarets have been placed there to facilitate the shaking of the minarets, but the presence of wood in the brickwork causes other complications. The repeated shaking has been responsible for considerable structural damage.

Shaking by visitors is in theory restricted to once every twenty minutes. However, particularly during holidays, there is a constant stream of people who experiment with the phenomenon. The damage is locally believed by some to have been incurred during the periods of occupation by British soldiers.

Imanshahr shaking minarets
There is another pair of shaking minarets also in Isfahan Province, at Imanshahr, of the earlier Ilkhanid dynasty era. They were built during the time of Öljaitü (1280—1316). These have lost the upper two thirds of their height.

 

Darband

Darband was formerly a village close to Tajrish, Shemiran, and is now a neighbourhood inside Tehran's city limits. It is the beginning of a very popular hiking trail into the Mount Tochal, which towers over Tehran. A chair lift is also available for those not interested in hiking.

...

Darband was formerly a village close to Tajrish, Shemiran, and is now a neighbourhood inside Tehran's city limits. It is the beginning of a very popular hiking trail into the Mount Tochal, which towers over Tehran. A chair lift is also available for those not interested in hiking.

The Persian word "darband" means gateway or door of the mountain ("band", a variation of "vand" and "fand", meaning mountain).

Darband is where many Iranian giants of art and culture such as Iraj Mirza, Mohammad Taghi Bahar, Forough Farrokhzad, Abolhasan Saba, Ruhollah Khaleghi, Rahi Moayeri, and Darvish-khan are buried (Zahir o-dowleh cemetery).

Darband has a suitable climate all year round, and sees heavy snowfall every year.

The initial start of the trail at Darband is about 250 metres long and is dotted with a number of small cafes and restaurants. These are quite popular and are busy in the evenings, as locals and tourists alike visit the many hooka lounges (locally called qavekhane sonnati) along the trail.

Top Iran Tours

$1500 Per Day

14 days around Iran Tehran to Tehran

14 days Tehran to Tehran

Day 1

Arrival at Tehran, meet your private tour guide, transfer to Hotel, Overnight Tehran.

Depending on your arrival time and your preference, have choices of Northern Tehran sightseeing.

Enjoy diner by the Darband streams where you can see young Tehran citizens walk up and down the stream.

 

Day2: Old Tehran Walking Tour

...Read more

14 days Tehran to Tehran

Day 1

Arrival at Tehran, meet your private tour guide, transfer to Hotel, Overnight Tehran.

Depending on your arrival time and your preference, have choices of Northern Tehran sightseeing.

Enjoy diner by the Darband streams where you can see young Tehran citizens walk up and down the stream.

 

Day2: Old Tehran Walking Tour

Let’s walk together in Tehran most chaotic area! The central part of Tehran. We will go to visit a palace which have seen three dynasties and more than 7 kings lived there and 4 kings had crowning ceremonies in it, Golestan Palace.  After enjoying a cup of coffee in Golestan palace garden we can go to the enormous bazaar of Tehran and ramble through it, when we get enough of it, let’s enjoy a traditional Persian food or a Kebab.

After lunch we will go to National museum of Tehran and get the chance to know these thousands- year- old priceless pieces.

If it is days between Saturday and Tuesday we can substitute National Jewelry museum with any of the main attractions.

 

Day 3: Kashan

 

On the way to Kashan, we may stop in Qom to see the mullah’s city and give a visit to Masuma shrine, th second holy shrine in Iran.For visiting this shrine ladies are supposed to wear traditional way of hijab which will be provided by shrine officials.

Giving a visit to Fin Garden in Kashan then move to the center of the city and enjoy lunch in one of Kashan’s historical houses.

After lunch doing some sightseeing: Broujerdi & Tabatabii Houses the residence of merchants who brought the Persian carpet into fame more than a century ago.

Accommodation : Historical house

 

Day 4: Deset and ities in the middle of Desert

If you are not claustrophobic we will walk in the corridors of underground shelter in Nushabad, Near  Kashan and after that we will head to Abu Zeid Abad  to enjoy desert and Dunes.

After visiting a two floor Qanat in Ardestan we will head to Nain.

Going to Nain a city in the middle of desert where we can  give a visit to one of the oldest touristic mosque in Iran and having a scenery of a ruined castle by the side of it. If it’s not a public holiday we can visit caved handmade textile workshops in Mohammadieh.

Overnight Ardakan or Aqda

Day 5 :

In the morning Drive to Chak Chak a Zaroastrian fire temple in the mountains.

Then on the way to Yazd visit Maybod and its attractions Dovecots were old form of land fertilizer factory which are extinct now. Though you can see one of the renovated ones in Meybod and if we are lucky and the pottery workshop is open we will make vase of our own!

After Checking in to the hotel and a short rest going to Mirhakhmagh and a two floor water reservoir where Iranian traditional body building takes place in it.

 

Day 6 :

Yazd is the city of Zoroastrian’s: visiting Ostudans(grave), Temple, and if you like a new museum about their lifestyle.

We will walk through narrow turning allies and visit the magnificent entrance of Jame mosque with its tall minarets and amazing ceramic work.

Dowlat Abad Garden is a Persian garden which was built centuries ago.

In the evening we will enjoy tea in one of roof café in old part of town to enjoy sunset.

Early night to be ready for the next day long drive.

 

Day 7 :Pasargad

To day we have one of the longest drive on our way to Pasargad.

On the way we will stop in Abarkuh by the 4000 years old cypress tree and enjoy a good cofee  there. Then drive the rest of the way to Pasargad, near Pasargad there is a restaurant which serves Pasargad’s local food which is specializedto that area and cooked by local housewives.

After this enjoyable lunch,  Let’s go to a place where Persians are the most proud of, Cyrus the great tomb!

Over night Aghamir eolodge in Sa’adatshahr.

 

Day 8: Persepolis, necropolis

( probably you have read all about this main site ) so I keep calm and let you enjoy it with a dedicated guide of Persepolis!

In the evening meet warm Iranians in Hafez tomb reciting his poems.

Overnight Shiraz

 Day 9:

Early in the morning visit the marvelous glass and light work in Nasirolmolk mosque.

Explore the beauties of Zand architecture: Vakil mosque, Vakil Hammam  and

AttractiveMoshir Serai In  bazaar with tantalizing handy crafts and artwork.

 

Day 10 drive to Isfahan

 

You’ll enjoy the 33Bridge and Khajoo Bridge after checking in to your hotel in Isfahan.

 

Day 11 :Isfahan

Marvel at the amazing royal square (Meydan-e- Naghshe Jahan).

Imam mosque perplexing features besides the impressive tile work at Sheikh Lotfollah mosque will give you the impression of how perfect were Persian tiles art, then it’s the time for plaster art in music room at Aliqapoo palace to amaze you after enjoying lunch we can enjoy the beauty of  Chehel sotune (40 columns).

Accommodation: 3* hotel

 

Day 12: Isfahan

Going to the Armenian neighborhood, visiting  Vank church which has the characteristic of Zoroastrian Muslim and Christianity all to together after that we and enjoy live traditional Persian music at music.

If you were in the mood of short hike we may go to Ruins of Zoroastrians fire temple to have a panoramic view of Isfahan.

Did you know there were shaking minaret in Isfahan which literally shakes with 5 Richter if you shake the other brick minaret with pushing and pulling by hands?!

Accommodation: 3* hotel

Day 13: Abyane

Visit this exotic village which was so remote that they could keep Their language safe after Muslim Invasion and still talk in old Persian language named Pahlavi.

On the way Natanz

Overnight Abyaneh

Day 14:

Depending on your departure time Drive To IKIA

Drive 4 hours to Air port.

Location
Shiraz
Iran
Yazd
Isfahan
Duration
7 or more days
$2535 Per Day

Cultural Tour

It's one of the most popular tour of Persia that allows people to visit central of Iran including Tehran, Kashan, Esfahan and Shiraz. These cities have a lot of world Heritage sits such as Persepolis of Shiraz, Naqsh-e-Jahan SQR, Persian Gardens. 

 

Day 1- Tehran

Landing at IKIA, Transferring to hotel for refreshing rest, Tehran city tour

Day 2- Kashan

Drive to Kashan, pearl of desert. Kashan city tour

...Read more

It's one of the most popular tour of Persia that allows people to visit central of Iran including Tehran, Kashan, Esfahan and Shiraz. These cities have a lot of world Heritage sits such as Persepolis of Shiraz, Naqsh-e-Jahan SQR, Persian Gardens. 

 

Day 1- Tehran

Landing at IKIA, Transferring to hotel for refreshing rest, Tehran city tour

Day 2- Kashan

Drive to Kashan, pearl of desert. Kashan city tour

Day 3- Abiyaneh 
Drive to Abiyaneh village, where it is popular for its culture, architecture and landscape

Day 4- Esfahan

Drive to one of the most beautiful cities of Persia. in the afternoon visit Armenian quarter and one of the marvelous churches, 

Day 5- Esfahan

Visit Naqsh-e-Jahan SQR including AAli qapu palace, Impressive royal Mosque and Sheikh Lotf allah mosque.

Day 6- Esfahan

Free day

Day 7- Yazd

Drive to  Yazd, the oldest adobe city of the world, en route visit Nain

Day 8- Yazd

Yazd city tour, Towers of silence, Fire temple, Jame mosque, Water museum. 

Day 9- Zein al din

Drive to Zein al din caravansary where it is located in the heart of desert. 

Day 10- Shiraz

Drive to Shiraz, city of flowers and poetry, en route visit Pasargadae

Day 11- Shiraz
Shiraz garden tour will get under way by visiting Eram Garden, Naranjestan garden, Sa'di Garden tomb and Hafez Garden tomb. After waking tour of Zand complex including Fortress, Vakil bazaar and mosque

Day 12-  Persepolis

Excursion to Persepolis, free afternoon

Day 13- Departure

Travelers will leave the country with sweet memories. 

Inclusions:

1- Iran visa authorization code
2- 12 nights of accommodation in mid-range hotels (B&B)
3- 12 days of guided tours with a professional English Speaking tour guide
4- 12 days of private transport
5- All entrance fees
6- All airport pick ups.

 

Location
Isfahan
Shiraz
Iran
Duration
7 or more days
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