Pure Persia

Welcome to Tehran! You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure.

Tehran is quite often smoggy and manic. Many travellers do not spend much time here at all. Although it is a concrete jungle, there is a fascinating side to this hectic city. Expect bold fashion statements, a range of ethnic and international restaurants, chic cafes and plenty of museums and art galleries.

What Tehran lacks in history, it makes up for it with impressive museums. Stay: Escan Alvand Hotel or similar (D)

This morning following breakfast, depart Tehran at 8am and head to Eera. The drive is approx 2 hours.

Changing vehicles in the village, before venturing up into the hills, once reaching our starting point, it is time to then start walking tour down the hill and alongside the flowing river. Lunch today is a barbecue of kebabs which will fuel you as you continue our walk through the lush fields of this protected area of outstanding natural beauty.

This national park is an important ecosystem of lakes, mountains and grasslands. Due to its diverse ecology, many species of birds, mammals including brown bears, reptiles, amphibians and fish call Lar National Park home. For centuries local people who have adopted a nomadic way of life have explored the riches of the land and its seasonal offerings.

Later afternoon, you will arrive to your first camp site where you will mingle with the nomads and taste their cuisine and learn their traditional baking skills. Stay 2 Nights: camping (B/L/D)

An early start this morning as you observe the start of the daily life of the nomads and the movement of their cattle. Feel free to join in and help as they herd and shuffle their animals along.

Following an early breakfast, it is time to continue your walk. Walking for around 4 hours before stopping for lunch, later this afternoon we will reach our next camp site which is not too far from the beautiful Lar Lake.

Heavy rainfall and snowfall in the area result in pure natural fresh water which forms permanent springs, streams and river to this lake. This area is well known in for its natural poppy fields which cover a vast area around the lake in the spring and also for its exclusive red dotted trout fish. If the weather is warm, feel free to take a swim. (B/L/D)

At dawn and after breakfast, walk along the lake to reach Div Asiab before returning to Tehran after lunch. This evening, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shiraz. Upon arrival, we will be met and transferred to our hotel. Stay 2 Nights: Elysee Hotel or similar (B/L/D)

It is time to explore Shiraz – the heart of Fars province, the cradle of Persian civilisation. You will visit Persepolis, which is probably the most impressive pre-Islamic monument in Iran, with its astonishing columns, ceremonial staircases, chambers and stunning reliefs celebrating the triumphs of the Achaemenids. You will also visit the necropolis of Naqsh-e Rostam near, the burial place of Achaemenids emperors. You will then drive back to Shiraz for a stroll through the Bazaar and a visit to the tomb of the great Iranian poet, Hafiz. (B/L/D)

This morning, following breakfast, you will be transferred to stay with a nomad tribe in the Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad province. This area is famous for its natural beauty of thick oak, Persian turpentine and maple forests, and is home to various nomadic tribes. This province has come to be known as the ‘Nature Capital' of Iran because of its lush vegetation, fertile soil and scenic waterfalls. It is also a wonderful place to witness wildlife and there are many eco tourism projects now starting in this area to help protect it.

Enjoy visiting the nomads of this region. You have the opportunity to experience their daily life, taste the traditional food such as Nan-e Baleat, a dark brown traditional bread made from acorn flour, Sholeh Massi, a soup made with dough (Persian yogurt drink), rice, pennyroyal and caramelised onion, served with fresh local butter and perhaps Ash-e Kardeh, a soup made with a local herb named Kardin (Biarum bovei) that is marinated in lime juice and cooked with rice and wheat. Stay: Nomad Camp (B/L/D)

Depart this morning for a full day drive to Yazd, (385 km), during which you will pass through the Zagros mountains which offer breathtaking landscapes. En-route, you will visit Abarkuh, a small town which has some fine examples of the early Islamic architecture and is home to the Abarkuh Cypress, a magnificent centuries old tree. Yazd itself is a spectacular desert town. With its quaint winding alley ways and traditional mud-brick houses, it is sure to be one of your highlights. Stay: Moshir Garden Hotel or similar (B/L/D)

Yazd has been the centre of Zoroastrian culture so your day covers the Fire Temple and towers of silence. In the afternoon, stroll through the old town visiting its historical sites: the stunning Friday Mosque, Amir Chachmaq square and pavilion and the magnificent Dolat Abad garden with its unique wind tower. Stay: Moshir Garden Hotel or similar (B/L/D)

Another early morning start for the 322 km drive to Esfahan. Travel through some stark yet mysterious deserts with surprise hamlets of civilisation scattered through this almost desolate region. Enjoy a break in the journey at Narin Castle, the caravansary complex in Meybod, about 55 km outside Yazd. Your next stop is the small town of Nain, the town which gave its name to one of the finest carpets. Nain is home to one of the earliest and most beautiful mosques. Continuing onwards to Esfahan, you will arrive in the early evening.

Esfahan's profusion of tree-lined boulevards, Persian gardens and important Islamic buildings gives it a visual appeal unmatched by any other Iranian city, and the many artisans working here underpin its reputation as a living museum of traditional culture. Walking through the historic bazaar, over the picturesque bridges and across the Unesco-listed central square are sure to be highlights of your holiday. Stay: Bekhradi Hotel or similar (B/L/D)

Enjoy an unrushed two days of strolling in Esfahan. Visit Nesf-e Jahan (half the world) which is full of architectural jewels and also a great centre for trade and handicrafts. During our two-day stay in Esfahan you will visit the highlights of the city with time to explore the bazaar and shop in the many boutiques of the great square.

The great Naqsh-e Jahan Square (Maidan-e Imam) is surrounded by the 16th and 17th C Mosques, a magnificent palace and arcades and the entrance to the 17th century bazaar, full of life and things to buy and an architectural gem in its own right. You will visit the Jame Mosque – a magnificent complex, built from the 10th to the 17th C – a miracle of space and decoration. Continue on to Julfa, the historic Armenian neighbourhood with churches displaying a disorienting mix of Christian symbols and liturgy with a distinct Iranian architectural style.

On day 10, you will go and sit under the Khajou bridge, where locals practice their singing. Your guide will purchase some local sweets and you will enjoy spending several hours listening to local music scene and chatting with the younger generation about art, music and life in Iran.

On the evening of day 11, in the afternoon, drink tea at the gorgeous Azadegan tea house. After drinking tea, you will go to the house of an Esfahani lady where you will learn to cook local dishes with her before dining together and really embracing local hospitality. Stay: Bekhradi Hotel or similar (B/L/D)

Another early morning drive to Tehran (just over 450 km). En route you will visit the ancient city of Kashan where you will go to Fin Garden, a 16th to 19th classic Persian walled garden, full of flowing water and little pavilions. Enjoy lunch in Kashan followed by visits to one or two traditional palazzos. Arrive in Tehran late in the evening for a relaxing dinner and a well deserved night's rest. Stay: Ibis Airport Hotel

Following breakfast, the day is yours at leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)