Iran Cycling Tour in 22 Days
In Iran Cycling Tour in 22 Days, our mission is to introduce you to Persian’s historical sites, cultural traditions and natural beauty so that you, too, will cherish its heroic legacy and regard it as an inspiration for future generations. We have designed something special for our cycling clients: everything Iran has to offer is in your tour. Here! We are merely curators of its treasures.
This blessed land, a true world heritage site, is one of those celestial places on the planet where mankind once reached up and captured stars. The greatness and monumental creativity of the ancients’ efforts demand eternal recognition; indeed, emulation.
One of the amazing things about Persia is that it consists of more endearing places, often little known, than any guidebook can possibly detail. We can only show visitors a fraction of its secrets on one tour. Yet that glimpse alone, we trust, will lead our guests to likewise deeply cherish this land and in turn also seek to ensure its continuity in a pristine state. From this vision, our team helped devise the Eco Exchange program as a modest way to forge meaningful links between our clients and the Persia land and his people.
Day 1
Arrival to Tehran Airport early morning, meet an assist at airport by your tour guide. Transfer to Hotel.
Day 2
AM: First day of the tour; after the breakfast your guide would start the day with give a concise introduction about your travel itinerary. You are welcomed to share your question over any aspect of your travel and stay with her. Your tour would start at 8:30. however if you felt like to start your tour in evening because of any possible jet lag you are welcomed to inform your guide of your plan.
Our tour of Tehran begins with visiting the impressive Archaeological, Glass & Ceramic Museum, continues in the Tehran – morning tour of Carpet, Archaeological & Ethnological Museums followed by a visit to the shrine of Imam Khomeini. (BD)
In order to glean an overview of Iran’s rich history and culture, visits to three of Tehran’s museums are highly worthwhile.
Archaeological Museum
It is here where we are introduced to Iran’s long and fascinating history. The museum exhibits artifacts representing all periods in Persian antiquity, many discovered in sights visited during your tour. Lunch
PM:
Ethnological Museum
Here colorful displays help us to understand the ethnic diversity, which exists within Iranian society, by illustrating the customs and traditional dress of many of the country’s 100 tribal groups.
Dinner; our daily visits would be included special Iranian dinner at a local traditional restaurant or outdoor area.
Day 3
AM: Today, we depart north-westwards on a scenic route to the picturesque town of Rasht, perched on a Caspian Sea. Underway we keep exploring the small towns and scenic points by bike. Lunch
PM: Continue along the Sea to the coastal town of Rasht. Dinner
Day 4
AM: Today, we depart southwards by bike on a memorable excursion to the picturesque town of Masuleh, perched on a steep mountainside and surrounded by dense forest. Lunch
PM: After exploring the town, continue along the Sea to the coastal town of Bandare Anzali. Dinner
Day 5
AM: Bandar Anzali/ Ardabil/ Tabriz
This morning, we depart off from the Caspian Sea region toward the Azerbaijani areas of North West. A stop at Ardabil will include the Mausoleum of Sheikh Safi Ardabil, one of the finest historical examples of Persian art. Lunch
PM: Overnight Tabriz. Dinner
Day 6
AM:
Tabriz, center of Azerbaijani culture in Iran, an oasis at the foothills of Mt. Sahand , a silent volcano! Afternoon a visit to the BlueMosque known for its splendid tiles. We explore the Azerbaijan Museum with its ethnographical, archaeological and historical sections. Lunch
PM: Following you will visit Arg-e-Tabriz , the 14th Century citadel. Time to stroll the 15th-century covered bazaar. Dinner
Day 7
AM:Full day excursion to St. Thaddeus (Black) Church near Maku. Lunch
PM:Overnight Tabriz. Dinner
Day 8
AM: Drive to Maragheh to visit the three Seljuk towers. Lunch
PM: Maraghe. Dinner
Day 9
AM: Drive to Sanandaj , en-route visit Takht-e-Soleiman to see Sassanian fire temple. Lunch
PM: Sanandaj. Dinner
Day 10
AM: Drive to Hamedan undeway visit Sassanian bas-reliefs at Tagh-e-Bostan , the Achaemenian inscriptions and relief’s at Bisotoun and the Anahita Temple at Kangavar , we will get to see Bi-Sotoun, where the famous bas relieves are carved out of a dramatic mountain. This region hosts the most interesting and famous archeological sites in Iran. We view many Achaemenian inscriptions including one of about 1200 lines where we get insight into the hard fought battle of Darius, defeating the governors who tried to dismantle the Empire. Leaving the famous Tablets of Darius we visit the Temple of Anahita, the goddess of abundance and the guardian of water in ancient Iran. Lunch
PM: Hamadan, one of the oldest inhabited towns in the world; a full day tour of Hamadan will include a stop at the charming waterfall Ganjnameh before proceeding to the magnificent and dominating Avecinna Memorial and Baba Taher Tombs. Next follows a visit to Ester and Murducai the most important Jewish pilgrimage sight in Iran. Before we lose ourselves in the maze that is the colorful oriental Bazaar of Hamadan, we pay a visit to the famous 14th century Stone Lion. Dinner
Day 11
AM: Hamedan/ Isfahan
Drive to Isfahan via Kashan to visit the Fin Garden, Agha Bozorg Mosque and Boroujerdi House, overnight Isfahan. Lunch
PM:Dinner
Day 12
AM: Drive to Isfahan via Kashan, Abyane.On our scenic drive to Isfahan we stop at Kashan and Abyane villages, two attractive oasis town villages, and take in its attractive sights. We visit Tabatabaie Houses and Khan-e Boroujerdi, built as a private residence, now a charming museum with a lovely courtyard. We then take in the famous Fin Garden and witness its breathtaking pools, orchards and natural springs. Next we visit Agha Bozorg Mosque famous for its lovely portals and minarets. Lunch
PM: Isfahan. Dinner
Day 13
AM:
Isfahan
Persian’s most enchanting city! The magnificent capital of Safavid King Shah Abbas I (1587-1629) on the banks of the Zayandeh Rud River, was often described by the words: “Isfahan nesf-e Jahan” (Isfahan is half the world) and has long attracted travelers from all over the world. It is here where one can really appreciate the true grace and beauty of Persian heritage.
Full day city tour of sightseeing in this amazing city with afternoon dedicated to shopping and free at leisure walking tours: visit Imam Historical Square & Sheikh Lotfollah Mosques . Isfahan Carpet Bazaar and Isfahan River with its exquisite ancient bridges and teahouses.
Imam Square
Built in 1612 as a royal polo ground, and situated in the heart of the Safavid Capital, Imam Square is one of the largest and finest public spaces in the world.
Historically a hive of activity – filled with entertainers, story tellers, preachers and silk route caravans, it has entranced travelers throughout the generations.
The Bazaar
The atmospheric bazaar captures the ambiance of ancient Persia. It’s easy to spend many hours strolling here. The pungent scent of exotic spices , clang of coppersmiths at work , cries of merchants selling gold , carpets and handicrafts, all fill the series of long alleys radiating from Imam Square – fantastic!
Imam Mosque & Sheiklotfollah Mosque
Built between 1612 and 1638 these majestic structures lavishly adorned with exquisite tile work in hues of blue, turquoise and green, represent the culmination of over 1, 000 years of Islamic art and architecture.
The former was built as Esfahan’s central place of worship and Islamic learning. The latter, named in honor of the great Lebanese Sheik Lotfollah, was the private place of prayer and meditation for Shah Abbas.
No trip to Esfahan is complete without visiting the famous old bridges that cross the Zayandeh River. We take some time here to stroll along the river banks, mingle with the friendly residents and join the local folks for the famous Esfahan tea.
Bird’s Garden
Visiting an outdoor garden next to Zayande rood with a collection of Iran local Birds.
Ali Qapu Palace
Literally called “the sublime gate” in Farsi, this seven store palace, situated on the western sided of Imam Square, was principally the center of government during the Safavid Period.
The interior is wonderfully decorated with fine carvings, murals and mosaics and the main balcony gave the Shah and his family a commanding view of the polo matches held in the square and daily life in the city.
Forty Column Palace
There are only twenty elegant columns at the front of Shah Abbas’ royal reception hall actually, but their reflection in the pool gives the inspiration for the name.
Inside the visitor is treated to a superb display of frescoes and paintings, which cover the walls and depict scenes from the 16 & 17th centuries. Lunch
PM: Dinner; our daily visits would be included special Iranian dinner at a local traditional restaurant or outdoor area.
Day 14
AM: Drive to Yazd via Naeen.
Underway visiting Naeen Silk Carpet producing places, ancient sites underway and then H/D city tour in Yazd . A visit to the magnificent Masjid-e Jame and Amir-Chakhmaq Mosques. The following day we continue to the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence and the Fire Temple (where fire worship is still practiced) and then tour Doulat Abad Garden with its traditional ventilation shaft (wind tower). Lunch
PM: Optional:
**Camel riding tour in Desert and Overnight in Camping**
Dinner; our daily visits would be included special Iranian dinner at a local traditional restaurant or outdoor area.
Day 15
AM: Yard/ Zaynodin Caravanserai/ Kerman: Kerman, a land of mountains and deserts set in a beautiful natural setting. Kerman has a long and turbulent history.
On the way we have a chance to take our / in the middle of the dessert in Zaynodin Caravanserai, a
Lunch
PM: Our Afternoon tour of Kerman will include the old part of the city houses the famous Friday Mosque from the 14th Century, Ganj-Ali-Khan Bath Museum and the old bazaar.
Dinner; our daily visits would be included special Iranian dinner at a local traditional restaurant or outdoor area.
Day 16
AM:Today we visit Rayen. After lunch, we return to Kerman via Mahan, final home of the Sufi saint and poet Shah Nematollah Vali, a founder of a Dervish order still active in today Iran, who died in 1431. His tomb is a masterpiece of Persian architecture, nestled amidst peaceful gardens filled with fountains. Lunch
PM: Kerman. Dinner
Day 17
AM: Kerman/ Shiraz
Today, we enjoy a spectacular drive, departing Kerman to Shiraz, a land of mountains and deserts having a beautiful nature setting. We will make ample stops along its gorges, creeks, valleys, salt lakes and fig plantations. En route we visit Sar’vestan s remains of the 5th century Sassanian Palace. Lunch
PM: Shiraz. Dinner
Day 18
AM: Full day excursion to visit Persepolis, and Nagh – she rostam (Necropolis), Evening free at leisure and shopping.
Persepolis
No trip to Iran would be complete without a visit to Persepolis. The site is recognized as the best preserved remains of the great Persian Empire which , at its zenith , stretched from the Indus Valley to the Aegean Sea , encompassing Thrace , Armenia , Asia Minor , Assyria , and Lower Egypt.
Persepolis, meaning “Capital of Persia” in Greek, was founded by King Darius the Great who reigned between 521 and 486 BC, as the Ceremonial Capital of his Empire. Later, the city was further developed by Darius’ successors over a period of more than 150 years.
Today, you can see the remains of Persepolis’ grandeur which made this one of the finest cities of the ancient world – the Monumental Gateway, Palaces, Audience Halls, and the Treasury; and beliefs depicting the New Year ceremonies in which Heads of State from all over the Empire would travel to Persepolis to pay taxes in the form of lavish gifts for the Great King.
Naqsh-E-Rustam (Necropolis)
Literally “Picture of Rustam”, local supposition associated these four beautifully carved tombs cut high into the cliffs near Persepolis with the famous Persian mythical hero, Rustam.
In actual fact they are the tombs of the great Achaemenian kings of the 4th & 5th centuries BC: Darius the Great, Xerxes, Darius II and Artaxerxes.
Pasargadae
In the vast desert plain between Shiraz and Esfahan, lie the remains of the first capital of the Achaemenian (Persian) Empire. Pasargadae was established by King Cyrus the Great in the early 6th century BC as the empire’s seat of government and central military base. Lunch
PM: Dinner; our daily visits would be included special Iranian dinner at a local traditional restaurant or outdoor area.
Day 19
AM: Full day excursion to Bishapur, to see the Sassanian palace, bas-reliefs and Anahita Temple, overnight Shiraz.
Lunch
PM: Dinner; our daily visits would be included special Iranian dinner at a local traditional restaurant or outdoor area.
Day 20
AM: Half day excursion to the Ancient Sassanid ear sites at Firooz Abad. We will see the Girls castle, and Xeroxes palace. Lunch
PM: We also will see the fire temples of the Zoroastrians dating back to 2500 years ago. Dinner
Day 21
AM: Today we visit Fars Museum, an octagonal pavilion built by Karim Khan and housing historic artifacts relating to the province of Fars. Continue to visit the Eram Garden, the tombs of Saadi and Hafez- two of the most famous Persian poets , then the Mosque of Nasiro-el-Molk and Afif-Abad Garden. Lunch
PM: After lunch we continue to see the church of St. Simon the Zealot and the shrine of the 9th century martyr Shah-Cheragh, one of the most important Shiite shrines in Iran, and finally , the traditional bazaar. Dinner
Day 22
AM: Our Last-day tour of the capital starts off with the visit to the Carpet and ethnology museums. Afternoon we will have a walking tour in Jamshideh Park in the north of tehran. Jewels Museum After lunch we visit the Crown Jewels Museum to marvel at the Peacock Throne of the Shah & his other brilliant treasures (Subject to opening rules).
Carpet Museum
Persian rugs are considered to be among the finest in the world and the art of carpet weaving is believed to be as old as Persian history itself.
This museum contains a wonderful array of pieces dating back as early as the 15th century , ranging from stately court carpets to nomadic rugs distinguished by their lively, wild, naive designs. Lunch
PM: Dinner; our daily visits would be included special Iranian dinner at a local traditional restaurant or outdoor area.
Day 23
AM:Transfer to Airport / departure flight. End of the tour
