A sample 10-day cultural route for travel agencies and tour operators exploring an Iran program: Shiraz, Persepolis, Taft, Yazd, Isfahan, Abyaneh and Tehran.
ATS supports program development and destination-partner introductions. The suggested journey combines architecture, gardens, regional food and craft, with opportunities to discuss community encounters and workshops. Host participation and private visits must be arranged with consent and confirmed by the destination partner.
Use this route for discussion, rather than as a confirmed departure. Share your agency, market, dates, group profile, guiding language and access needs. Accommodation, transport, visits, inclusions and commercial terms are set out in a tailored written proposal. Current official travel advice, entry rules, insurance and operational feasibility must be assessed before planning proceeds.
This sample route combines city visits, historic sites and longer overland journeys. Discuss walking levels, seasonal conditions, accommodation standards and guiding language with the destination partner.
Workshops, family visits, artist meetings and other hosted experiences are possibilities to explore, subject to host consent, suitable group size and availability. They are not guaranteed by this outline. Confirm the final route, operational feasibility, inclusions and current travel requirements in the written proposal.
Arrive in Shiraz, where you’ll meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Take some time to rest and prepare for your cultural exploration of the city, known for its historic gardens and Persian poetry.
Overnight: Shiraz
Begin your day in Shiraz, the City of Poets, Literature, and Gardens, with a visit to the iconic Vakil Mosque, a stunning example of Persian tilework. Wander through the Narenjestan Garden, an elegant Qajar-era mansion.
At midday, explore the Ali Ibn Hamzeh Shrine, before heading to the Zandiyeh Complex, including the Vakil Citadel, Bathhouse, and Bazaar—a hub for local crafts.
In the afternoon, visit the Tomb of Hafez, a serene spot where you can interact with locals who come to honor the revered poet.
Overnight: Shiraz
Travel to Persepolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the ancient capital of the Achaemenid Empire, where you’ll explore iconic landmarks like Darius’ Palace and the Hall of 100 Columns. Continue to Naqsh-e Rustam, the royal necropolis housing the tombs of Persian kings. End your day in a village, staying in a rural residence where you’ll enjoy the peaceful countryside under the stars.
Overnight: Rural residence
After breakfast, head to Taft (337 km), with a stop in Abarkuh, home to the legendary 4,000-year-old Cypress Tree.
Continue to Taft, where you’ll stay with a Zoroastrian family. This unique experience allows you to learn about the traditions, weddings, and rituals of the Zoroastrian religion, one of the world’s oldest belief systems.
Overnight: Taft (local house)
Take a short drive to Yazd (25 km), an ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage site. Start your tour at the Amir Chakhmaq Complex, visiting the bazaar and mosque.
Continue to the Jameh Mosque and stroll through the historic Fahadan district, where narrow alleys are lined with mud-brick homes. In the afternoon, discover the Zoroastrian Fire Temple and the Towers of Silence, ancient Zoroastrian burial sites.
Overnight: Yazd
After breakfast, travel to Isfahan (321 km), known as the Pearl of Persia. Stop in Homa Abad to visit a 17th-century home-turned-guesthouse and enjoy the traditional Persian lunch.
Upon arrival in Isfahan, check into your hotel and explore the Jolfa district, the heart of Iran’s Armenian Christian community. In the evening, visit the iconic Khajoo Bridge and the 33 Arches Bridge, both beautifully illuminated at night.
Overnight: Isfahan
Spend the day exploring the treasures of Isfahan, starting at Naqsh-e Jahan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the second-largest square globally. Visit the stunning Shah Mosque, renowned for its intricate tilework and grand dome, followed by the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, a true masterpiece of Islamic architecture. In the afternoon, enjoy free time shopping at Isfahan’s bazaar.
Overnight: Isfahan
Start your morning with a visit to the Chehel Sotun Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its forty columns reflected in the surrounding water. Next, journey to the historic village of Abyaneh (177 km), famous for its red-brick houses and residents in traditional dress.
Continue your drive to Tehran (322 km), where you’ll take part in a Persian cooking workshop.
Overnight: Tehran
Spend the day discovering Tehran using public transport. Begin with a visit to the award-winning Nature Bridge, designed by Leila Araghian. Then, head north to Tajrish, a charming neighborhood near the mountains, where you can explore the vibrant Tajrish Bazaar and enjoy fresh produce and local delicacies.
In the afternoon, trek through the picturesque Darband Mountains, followed by a visit to the Sa’ad Abad Palace Complex, the former residence of the Pahlavi royal family.
Overnight: Tehran
Transfer to Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKIA) for your flight home.
ATS connects travel agencies and tour operators with destination partners for cultural program development. This sample itinerary is a starting point for discussion. The scope of support, responsibilities and any fees or referral arrangements are confirmed individually in writing.
ATS discusses target markets, destination-partner introductions and cultural travel development with DMCs and travel businesses. Marketing and representation activities depend on the agreed scope. Enquiries do not guarantee distribution, sales or a partnership.
Share your intended dates, target market, group profile, guiding language, pace and access requirements with ATS. We can discuss adaptations with the relevant destination partner, who confirms feasibility, availability and inclusions before a program is agreed.
Prices, payment schedules, cancellation conditions and refunds are specified by the contracting provider in its written proposal and agreement. ATS does not promise standard commission, credit or payment terms through this website. Submitting an enquiry creates no booking or payment obligation.
Use Discuss This Program or email bita@authentictravel.ca with your agency name, target market, approximate group size, dates and program requirements. ATS will review your enquiry and discuss suitable next steps and possible introductions.
Tailored program planning
Destination-partner introductions
Cultural travel development

