Armenia & Iran Historical Tour

Arrival at Yerevan airport, transfer to the hotel. Yerevan is the capital of Armenia, its largest city and the administrative, cultural, and industrial centre. Yerevan is often referred to as the city of contradictions where modernity is interweaving with antiquity. It is filled with a cosy atmosphere, there is no hustle and bustle and you will feel friendliness and hospitality. More interesting facts about Yerevan you will learn the next day during your guided city tour.

The day will start with a trip to Geghrad Monastery which is famous for its rock architecture. After your return to Yerevan, you will have a city-tour around Yerevan. You will see famous Cascade Complex, the building of Opera and Ballet Theatre after A. Spendiarian, the Republic Square. You will visit the Museum of History of Armenia, the repository of ancient manuscripts and research institute Matenadaran, and the Armenian Genocide memorial complex dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Those who wish can visit the museum at the memorial. At the end of the day, you will have an opportunity to taste famous Armenian brandy at Ararat brandy factory.

The day will start with a trip to Echmiadzin, the religious center of Armenia. Here you will see Echmiadzin Cathedral and visit Echmiadzin museum-treasury. It houses the famous spear that pierced the body of Christ, fragments of the Noah’s Ark, the crown of thorns, the cross on which Christ was crucified, and many other Christian relics. On the way back you will have the opportunity to visit the ruins of the temple of Zvartnots. Further on the program is a trip to Lake Sevan – a pearl of Armenian nature and one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world.

This day you will start your journey to the south of Armenia. By a long and very picturesque and diverse road, you will go towards Goris, a small town in the south of Armenia. On the way, you will visit Noravank monastery and taste wine in Areni village which is famous for its winemaking. Later you will stop to visit Tatev Monastery – the gem of Armenian medieval architecture located at the edge of a deep gorge. Arrival to Goris and stop for overnight.

This day you will head to Armenia-Iran border which lies between Agarak and Nordooz villages. After passing the customs the tour will continue to Tabriz city for an overnight.

In the morning you will start your tour around Tabriz – one of the biggest cities in Iran. You will visit the Blue Mosque, the house-museum of Amir-Al- Mulk and the big bazaar known for its oriental sweets. In the evening you will have a flight to Shiraz town – the beautiful historical town full of amazing gardens.

The day will start with a city tour around Shiraz. The programme includes visits to Nasir-al-Mulk Mosque and Narenjestan Palace. It is called Narenjestan because of the abundance of sour orange trees there. You will also visit the Tombs of famous Persian poets Hafiz and Saadi. The next places to visit are Eram garden – one of the most beautiful gardens in Iran and the Arg of Karim Khan which resembles a medieval fortress. At times, the citadel was used as a prison. Today, it is a museum operated by Iran’s Cultural Heritage Organization.

This day you will head to Yazd – one of the most ancient towns in Iran. On the way, you will stop to visit the historic Quran Gate and then you will have a tour to the ruins of Persepolis and Pasargadae ancient cities. Today, Persepolis is one of the most popular tourist sites in the Eastern region. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. On the way, you will also visit Pasargadae – the ancient Persian city, the first capital of the Achaemenid empire. In the evening you will reach Yazd town and stay there for a rest.

On the 9th day, you will have a city tour around the old part of Yazd famous for its unique Persian architecture. You will visit Dovlat-Abad garden, explore the Amir Chakhmagh complex, and see Zoroastrian silence towers and the Ice Tower.

The day will begin with a trip to Isfahan, the third largest city in Iran. After your arrival in Isfahan, you will have a sightseeing tour around the city which is especially known for its unique bridges. You will see the most famous of them, in particular, the longest bridge of Isfahan – the bridge of Sio Se Pol, thrown across the River Zaande. Further you will walk along the largest square of Isfahan – Naksh-e Jahan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here is located the palace of Ali Qapu, which is a huge 48-meter building. It was built in the XVII century by Shah Abbas I. Later you will visit the Loftolla Mosque an example of the outstanding architecture of Iran. At the end of the day, you will visit the local bazaar to buy souvenirs.

The second day in Isfahan will be dedicated to the most popular sights of the city. You will see the Jame mosque (the UNESCO object in Iran), the Minaret Jonban, Chekhel Sotoun Palace, Armenian Church Vank, Khasht Bekhesht Palace.

Today we will drive to Tehran and pass Kashan city – a city of Elam period of history. We will visit the historical Tabatabaei House. It is one of the most beautiful traditional houses of Kashan that was built by Mr. Tabatabaei who was a famous businessman about 200 years ago. We will also visit the historical Persian Fin garden. We will have a stop in Kashan and continue our trip to Tehran.

The day will start with the tour around the capital of Iran, Tehran. You will see Golestan Palace, the National Museum (or jewelry museum), Milad and Azadi towers. At the end of the long tour, you will have a pleasant walk in Ab-O-Atash garden.

Transfer to the airport, departure