Iran Culinary Tour

Upon your arrival at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, our representative will warmly greet you. You will then be transferred to your hotel for check-in and rest.

Accommodation: 

Vernus 3-star hotel or a similar option in Tehran

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Today, we will head to Fouman, making a stop at Roudbar, known as the center of olive production in Iran.

Next, we will continue our journey to Masouleh, a thousand-year-old village nestled in the foothills of Gilan. This picturesque village takes you back in time to experience the traditions of rural Iran and the simple agrarian life that once prevailed across the country. Masouleh is also a perfect place to savor Iran’s vegetarian cuisine, especially the regional specialty Mirza Ghassemi. This dish features smoky aubergines roasted over hot coals and gently fried with tender young garlic, ripe tomatoes, and plenty of local olive oil.

Afterward, we’ll head north to Fouman City, where we’ll stay at a tea garden. Here, you’ll have the chance to experience and learn about tea cultivation, discover different types of tea, visit a beehive, and enjoy a local treat, the northern cookie known as “Koloocheh.”

Accommodation:

Tea Bagh in Fouman

Included Meals:

Breakfast

After breakfast, we’ll spend more time exploring the garden, taking a special walking trek to discover its various parts and enjoy its beauty.

Next, we’ll head to Ziba Kenar, another charming village in Gilan Province. Here, we’ll spend several hours with a local family, engaging in activities such as fishing, gardening, shopping at the local wet market, and learning how to cook traditional dishes.

In the evening, we’ll return to Rasht.

Accommodation:

Pamchal 3-star hotel or a similar one in Rasht 

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Before we leave Gilan Province, we’ll take some time to visit the Gilan Rural Heritage Museum, which offers a detailed depiction of the lifestyles, cultures, and traditions of the rural areas of the region. The museum showcases aspects of daily life, work, housing, local foods, and much more, giving us a deeper understanding of life in northern Iran.

Next, we’ll visit Saravan Forest Park, one of the oldest and most unique forest fields in Gilan. Known for its diverse plant species, it is a rare natural gem, not just in Iran, but globally.

Afterward, we’ll continue our journey to Tehran.

Accommodation:

Vernus 3-star hotel or a similar one in Tehran

Included Meals:

Breakfast

This morning, we will visit the luxurious Golestan Palace, a World Heritage Site. Built during the Qajar Dynasty, which rose to power in the late 1700s, this magnificent walled complex is set around a beautifully landscaped garden with serene pools. Afterward, we’ll explore the Tehran Grand Bazaar, the second largest traditional bazaar in Iran after Tabriz.

For lunch, we will dine at one of the most famous restaurants in the bazaar, the Muslim Restaurant, which has been a local favorite since the 1990s.

In the evening, we’ll spend time with a local family from Bushehr, a city in the south of Iran known for its unique traditions, music, food, and lifestyle. In their home, we will learn how to prepare their traditional dishes, including their special dessert, Ranginak.

Accommodation:

Vernus 3-star hotel or a similar one in Tehran

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Leaving Tehran behind, we’ll head south to Kashan, a town historically known for its textiles, rose water, and ceramic production.

Our first stop will be Fin Garden (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a serene and visually stunning Persian garden featuring water channels that flow through a central pavilion. Here, you'll also have the opportunity to purchase rose water, a local specialty.

Next, we will visit the Tabatabaei and Boroujerdi Traditional Houses, two iconic examples of traditional Iranian architecture, built around 130 years ago during the Qajar dynasty by renowned Iranian architects.

Our final visit in Kashan will be to the Sultan Amir Ahmad Bath, often referred to as the "bride of baths" by Iranians due to its extraordinary architecture and design.

Accommodation:

Negin 3-star hotel or a similar one in Kashan

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Our overland journey continues to the small town of Meybod, where we'll be struck by its unique, monochromatic desert brick architecture. Situated along an ancient trade route, Meybod offers a variety of fascinating sites, including the Narin Castle, Caravanserai, Ice-house, and Pigeon Tower.

Next, we’ll continue our journey to Yazd.

Tonight’s dinner in a local restaurant will provide an opportunity to experience the daily life of a smaller Iranian city. With a more relaxed atmosphere than Tehran or Isfahan, the residents of Yazd may appear a bit more reserved, but they are warm, friendly, and eager to engage with tourists.

Accommodation:

Ketrova 3-star hotel or a similar one in Yazd

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Yazd (UNESCO World Heritage City) is one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns in Iran. Its distinctive skyline is dotted with minarets and ingeniously crafted wind towers, designed to capture desert breezes and cool homes during the sweltering summers. Yazd is also the spiritual center for Iran’s Zoroastrian community, where we’ll begin today’s sightseeing.

Our first stop is the Tower of Silence, an ancient Zoroastrian site once used for sky burials, where the deceased were laid to rest above ground, away from the elements of earth or fire.

Next, we’ll visit the Zoroastrian Fire Temple, home to a sacred flame believed to have been burning for over 1,500 years. This active pilgrimage site offers fascinating insights into one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions.

In Amir Chakhmaq Square, we’ll admire the stunning façade of a grand Hussainiya, with its perfectly symmetrical tiers of recessed alcoves—a truly iconic landmark in Yazd.

We will then visit the Jame Mosque of Yazd, built in 1324, famed for its exquisite tile work and towering minarets, the tallest in Iran. A stroll through the historic Fahadan District offers an enchanting glimpse of Yazd’s ancient charm.

Among Yazd’s many historical treasures is the Dowlat Abad Garden (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Standing beside the garden’s tranquil reflecting pool, we’ll be shaded by ancient cypress trees and marvel at the world’s tallest adobe wind-catcher.

Accommodation:

Ketrova 3-star hotel or a similar one in Yazd

Included Meals:

Breakfast

We’ll embark on a full-day journey to reach Shiraz, taking in fascinating historical and cultural landmarks along the way.

Our first stop is in Abarkooh, where we will visit the legendary Abarkooh Cypress, estimated to be over 4,000 years old — one of the oldest living trees on Earth.

Continuing our drive, we’ll arrive at Pasargadae (UNESCO World Heritage Site). This site, the former capital of the Achaemenid Empire, houses the Tomb of Cyrus the Great, a figure of immense historical significance. Though not as visually grand as Persepolis, Pasargadae offers serene views and captivating insights into Persia's glorious past.

For lunch, we’ll experience an authentic encounter with Qashqai Nomads (subject to season and migration patterns). These are among the last nomadic tribes in the world, and we’ll get a firsthand look at their traditional way of life — from shepherding and baking bread to milking sheep and preparing meals by an open fire.

Upon reaching Shiraz, we’ll make a quick stop at the Quran Gate, a beautiful historical monument, perfect for capturing a memorable photo.

Accommodation:

Arg 3-star hotel or a similar one in Shiraz

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Our journey begins at the elegant Chehel Sotun Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Nestled within a serene landscaped park, this stunning pavilion was built by Shah Abbas II for entertainment and court receptions. Its portico boasts twenty slender wooden columns that reflect beautifully in the pool, creating an illusion of forty pillars. Inside, you'll be captivated by intricate frescoes, dazzling mosaics, and the spectacular Hall of Mirrors.

Next, we’ll head to the magnificent Naghsh-e Jahan Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site), one of the world’s largest public squares, dating back to the 17th century. Key highlights within the square include:

• Shah Mosque: A masterpiece of Islamic architecture, famous for its exquisite tilework, grand cupola, and towering minarets.
• Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque: Known as the Ladies Mosque, this architectural gem features a spectacular domed ceiling where light forms the stunning image of a peacock.
• Ali Qapu Palace: Explore its splendid music rooms and the balconies where Safavid kings once watched polo matches in the square.

We’ll conclude our time at the square with a visit to the Qeisarieh Bazaar, where hundreds of vendors showcase traditional arts, crafts, pottery, enamel, jewelry, and finely inlaid board games.

Don’t miss the opportunity to savor Isfahan’s famous sweets like Poolaki (a delicate, rosewater-infused confection) and Gaz.

Before the day ends, we’ll visit the iconic Si-o-Se Pol and Khajou Bridges, where mingling with locals adds a memorable cultural touch to your experience.

Accommodation:

Traditional 3-star hotel or a similar one in Isfahan

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Our journey continues at another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jamé Mosque of Isfahan. Spanning nearly five acres in the heart of the city, this architectural masterpiece may seem simple at first glance but reveals intricate details and bold design elements upon closer inspection. As one of the oldest congregational mosques in Iran, its 12-century-long construction and adornment reflect pivotal periods in Islamic architecture.

Next, we’ll visit the historic Armenian Quarter, where a deeper understanding of the region’s cultural complexity unfolds. A highlight is the 17th-century Vank Cathedral, renowned for its richly adorned interior and captivating blend of Islamic and European architectural influences.

For lunch, enjoy Aash Reshteh, a hearty Persian soup packed with legumes, fresh herbs, and noodles, often served with a drizzle of Kashk, a tangy fermented whey sauce with a unique flavor reminiscent of parmesan and goat cheese.

In the afternoon, we will drive back to Tehran for some well-deserved rest at the hotel.

Accommodation:

Vernus 3-star hotel or a similar one in Tehran

Included Meals:

Breakfast

An ALMATOUR representative will transfer you to Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in time for your scheduled flight, ensuring a smooth and comfortable departure.