Iran, also known as Persia is the site to one of the oldest civilizations. It is the second largest country in the Middle East. Its rich history and culture is what drawn me to this country. I spent the first day exploring Tehran on my own, after which I joined the 8 day tour with key2persia. The tour brought me from Tehran to Shiraz, Persepolis, Necropolis, Esfahan, Abyaneh, Kashan, and finally back to Tehran again before I flew back to Doha.
Tehran is a vibrant metropolis and the capital of Iran. No visit to Iran would be complete without spending some time in this city. Further reading about this city and where I went: Tehran travel recommendation.
On the 1st day of the tour by key2persia I met with my fellow tour mate. A young lady from Australia and siblings (brother and sister) from USA. Just a small group, perfect! I didn’t join them on the first day as unfortunately, the tour guide decided not to follow the original itinerary. Well, there was a clause in the itinerary that mention that “priority in sightseeing may be changed due to time of arrival and preference of your guide”.
I have already went to the places the guide intended to go, on the day before. Discussed with the guide, and he agreed that I will go on my own but will be refunded all entrances tickets.
On the 2nd day, the tour brought us to Sa'ad Abad Complex with an immense area of 1,100,000 square meters and 18 magnificent historical palaces of 2 of we visited. This palace was built during the Pahlavi dynasty and was the residence of the last king of Iran. After lunch (all lunch was included in the tour price) we were transferred to the airport for our flight to Shiraz.
The international airport of Tehran is Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKIA) which is about an hour drive away from the center of Tehran. Domestic flights are handled by Mehrabad Airport which is located in the center of Tehran, around 5 minutes drive from Azadi Tower.
I flew from Tehran to Shiraz by Iran Air departing from Mehrabad Airport. Crew members were friendly. You can always take the overnight train from Tehran to Siraz which takes about 15 hours instead of just 1 and the half hours of flying.
We went to the Key2Persia’s office in Shiraz and met up with Aliye (lady in the middle), the sales and marketing manager of Key2Persia. She was prompt in answering our queries and was very helpful. We talk for a bit and paid for the the tour. No deposit was required beforehand. The man on the right was our tour guide from Shiraz onwards.
More info can be found on their website http://en.key2persia.com/home. Correspondences were done through emails via sales@key2persia.com.
On the 3rd day, we spent the whole day exploring Shiraz. Shiraz has been the centre of Persian culture for more than 2,000 years and used to be the country’s capital during Zand dynasty. There are a few attractions in Shiraz which I went including Nasir Al Molk Mosque, Mausoleum of Saadi & Hafez, Ali Ibn Hamze Holy Shrine and Eram Botanical Garden.
After having a traditional Iranian lunch, we continued on to the heart of Shiraz.
Arg of Karim Khan in downtown Shiraz together with Vakil Bazaar is just a walking distance to the hotel.
On the 4th day, we departed to Persepolis in the morning which is about an hour drive from Shiraz. This impressive palace complex is truly the highlight of this tour. Founded by Darius I in 518 B.C., Persepolis was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire (1st Persian Empire). It was built on an immense half-artificial, half-natural terrace, where the king of kings created an impressive palace complex inspired by Mesopotamian models. The importance and quality of the monumental ruins make it a unique archaeological site. It seems that Darius planned this impressive complex of palaces not only as the seat of government but also, and primarily, as a showplace and a spectacular centre for the receptions and festivals of the Achaemenid kings.
Ten minutes to the north of Persepolis stands the Necropolis. It is the burial place of Archaemenid kings.
After visiting Persepolis and Necropolis, I had buffet lunch at Laneh Tavoos Restaurant.
Yeah, eat all you can.
One of the best restaurants that I had dine in Iran. After lunch, we departed for Esfahan.
On the 5th and 6th day, we visited Esfahan. Esfahan prides itself in having fascinating historical garden palaces and squares. Imam Khomeini Square (picture above) is a huge square which is surrounded by buildings from the Safavid era. It is also home to a trio of Esfahan’s most popular sites, including the Ali Qapu Palace, Chehel Sotoun, Vank Cathedral, Manar Jonban, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and Shah Mosque.
Esfahan Grand Bazaar is also located here. In my opinion, this is the bazaar I enjoyed shopping most in Iran. It is organized and you won’t need to worry about getting lost here. I bought a Persian carpet at one of the shops near the Grand Bazaar.
And of course, no visit to Esfahan will be complete without visiting the famous bridges, Khaju Bridge and Si-Oh-Seh Pol.
On the 7th day, we departed to Kashan and on the way, I visited the UNESCO recognized village of Abyaneh, located at the foot of Mount Karkas.
Upon arriving at Kashan, we visited the Fin Garden and Tabatabaei House.
We conclude our tour on the 8th day where we left Kashan in the morning and straight to the airport in Tehran.
During the tour, the journey from Shiraz to Esfahan and from Esfahan to Kashan was pretty long. However, there are some nice views of the desert as we travel.
Just passing through. Just to let everyone know, transportation within the cities of Iran is not a problem. Plenty of cheap taxis around. You can even flag a taxi from Shiraz to Persepolis.
A surface to air missile (SAM) in the desert
So where did I stay in Iran?
I stayed the first night in Tehran at Khayyam Hotel. It is a budget hotel which is near Imam Khomeini Square. The price includes a simple breakfast.
Ferdowsi International Grand Hotel is the hotel which was included in my tour package. It is the only five star hotel in Tehran and has a for men only swimming pool.
I had hearty international breakfast in this hotel and the variety of food is good.
Niaysh Boutique Hotel where I stayed overnight in Shiraz. The hotel has a traditional style of Iranian architectural and located in downtown Shiraz.
Breakfast is not that appealing though.
It has a nice courtyard where we had our breakfast.
If you want to stay luxuriously is Shiraz, opt for the Shiraz Hotel which has five stars.
Setareh Hotel at Esfahan. Spent three nights here.
Hotel room of Setareh Hotel.
The food at its rooftop restaurant is excellent.
Setareh Restaurant at the rooftop of the hotel.
It also has good international buffet breakfast restaurant on ground floor.
Negarestan Hotel in Kashan is where we stayed for the night before departing for Tehran.
In other cities, there are much to see during the night. But there isn't much to see in Kashan during the night.
There are no alcoholic drinks sold in Iran. But you can have malt drink like Heyday instead.
Photograph with my tour guide and tour members before flying back to Doha. Said our goodbyes, before departing our separate ways. Overall, I give the tour a 4 out of 5 stars.
Fancy buying caviar, anyone? You can get it at Imam Khomeini International Airport.
The rarest and most expensive caviar come from beluga sturgeon that swims in the Caspian Sea, bordered by Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. Caviar produced in Iran is one of the most expensive in the world. Did I buy one? Nope, too $$$.
So, is it safe to visit Iran? Well, during our entire trip together with Americans and a Australian, no one was harassed. Everybody welcomed us with open arms.
Iran surprised me with its friendly people and hospitality. Now is the best time to visit Iran since the UN sanction towards Iran was lifted in 2016.
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