Day 1 Tehran

    Iran's capital is exciting, noisy and chaotic. Home to 15 million people, Tehran is where the country's complex modern identity and illustrious Persian past collide.

Days 2-3 Shiraz

    Known as Iran's cultural capital, the very name Shiraz evokes images of ancient Persia: tranquil gardens, lavish mansions, colourful woolen rugs, art, philosophy and poetry.

Day 4 Nomad Stay

    Famous for the nomadic tribes who roam its lonely steppes, the barren landscape of Fars Province provides a stark contrast to the vibrancy and hospitality of its inhabitants.

Day 5 Eghlid

    Perched between the desert and the mountains, the town of Eghlid acted as the main gateway from the north to Persepolis in ancient times.

Day 6 Caravanserai Zein-o-din

    Situated in the desolate Dasht-e Lut desert, Zein-o-din is a classic small caravanserai built during the 16th century under the orders of Shah Abbas, who was constructed such hostels to promote business.

Days 7-8 Yazd

    The ancient desert city of Yazd was a major stop on the caravan routes to Central Asia and India during the Silk Road period and it retains a rustic feel.

Days 9-11 Esfahan

    The pearl in the Persian crown, Esfahan is quite simply one of the finest places in the Islamic world with a wealth of fine mosaic-tiled buildings and an enormous bazaar.

Day 12 Abyaneh

    Nestled at the foot of Mt Karkus, Abyaneh features houses that are arranged in a stair-step shape. Many of their doors are carved with beautiful patterns and poems.

Day 13 Kashan

    Home to some of the finest traditional houses in Iran, Kashan is a beautiful oasis city with a very long history - human settlements here date back to the 4th millennium BC.

Days 14-15 Tehran

    A visit to Tehran is a true cultural experience: explore teeming bazaars, chaotic streets, a host of interesting museums and the superb Golestan Palace with its exquisite marbled terraces and artistic treasures.