14 Days Local Immersion Tour – Baluchistan & Beyond

Start the day with the historic Sa'dabad Palace Complex in Northern Tehran, a 300-hectare complex built by the Qajar and Pahlavi monarchs, next to the house of the current president. After this, you could revisit the Old Bazaar of Tehran and purchase some souvenirs, or visit the world’s smallest teahouse. You could also visit Milad Tower, Tehran’s tallest highrise, or the iconic Azadi Tower, an amalgam of classic and modern Iranian art. Fly to Chabahar overnight.

Start the morning with the Ramin Beach. The serenity of the waters crashing down on the soft sands make for perfect beachside pictures. Once you soaked up the sun and sand, visit the Ramin Fishing Jetty for a taste of the local fish market. Afterwards, head towards Chabahar’s Pink Lake. Depending on the recent precipitation and planktonic activities in the lake, the water will have different shades of pink. Support the natives by buying some unique, locally-sourced pink salt from merchants along the lake. In the afternoon, head towards Gwadar Bay, situated in the Gulf of Oman, next to the Iran-Pakistan border. Then it's off to see the Mangrove Forests of Gwadar Bay. Return to Chabahar for the night.

After breakfast, take time to explore the city of Chabahar. Controlled by British, and later the Portuguese in the 17th century, Chabahar is Iran's closest and best access point to the Indian Ocean. Visit the Sayyed Ghulam Al-Rasul Tomb, India’s 800-year old link to Chabahar. Visit the Chabahar Telegraph building, built by the British during the late Qajar-era. Time permitting, visit the Chabahar Bazaar, where you can buy Pakistani henna, local spices, and bright-colored geometric Baluchi cloth. Finish the day across Chabahar Bay in Konarak Port. Spend time relaxing on the turmeric-colored sands of Pozm Tiyab beach, next to the sound of waves crashing against its rocky shores.

After breakfast, drive 8 hrs from Chabahar to Bam. Enjoy views and untouched scenery of Southern Iran. Get a feel for the landscapes caravans had to traverse on their way from East Asia to Europe and Africa. One the most important trade routes since the Sassanid-era, Bam’s strategic position resulted in its continual habitation up until the mid-19th c. Once in Bam, visit the World Heritage listed Arg-e Bam Citadel. Explore the earthen massive fortress, enchanting city ruins, barren bazaar and Jewish quarters. Spend the night in nearby Bam.

In the morning, head towards Lut Desert. After a deep hike into Keshit Canyon, arrive in the incredible natural springs of Keshit Waterfall, a lush oasis in the middle of the desert. Then it’s off to see the pre-Islamic mudbrick Rayen Castle. Inhabited up to 150 years ago, the castle and adjoining city are remnants of ancient textile trade route glories. Explore the towering Yardang bedrock formations and enjoy the star-spattered skies of nearby Shahdad Kalout Desert. Finish the night at Shahdad Desert Camp.

In the morning, head towards Kerman, a major trade hub for classic caravans. Visit the famed 17th c. Ganjali Khan Complex, a fine example of Safavid-era engineering and design. Explore the ancient bathhouse, bazaar and the caravanserai. Drive 3-4 hours to the self-contained, pre-Islamic village of Maymand. The village is composed of ancient cave dwellings carved straight into the bedrock. Spend the night in a Cave Dwelling Homestay and become familiar with your nomadic hosts and their lifestyle.

In the morning, head towards Shiraz. Start with the World Heritage-listed Persepolis, once the center of the Persian Empire and one of the great capitals of the ancient world. The towering columns, remarkable relief carvings, and massive gateways are still imposing. Take time to also explore the Naghshe-e Rostam Necropolis, a royal graveyard of massive tombs, carved straight into the mountainside, from the Achaemenids to the Sassanids.

Relax in the World Heritage-listed Eram Garden before visiting the Citadel of Karim khan. A former prison, the citadel has been converted to a giant garden, complete with local vendors. A quick stop at the Tomb of Hafez, the worldwide- renowned Persian poet, and it’s off to the exquisitely-decorated Ali Ibn Hamza Mausoleum. Stop by Pars Museum, a historic collection housed within the royal reception of the Zand dynasty located within Nazar Garden. Sleep in Shiraz.

Arrive before 8 am for the best views of sunlight hitting the glass-mosaic windows of the Nasir ol-Molk Mosque, or the “Pink Mosque”. After taking photos, explore the 11th c. Bazaar of Shiraz. Then it’s on to the Vakil Complex, a popular desert stop for Asian and European merchants on ancient trade routes. The complex features the Vakil Mosque, Vakil Bathhouse, and the historic caravansary. Finish the night alongside new friends as you eat dinner with locals. Sleep in a traditional hotel for the night.

In the morning, head towards the ancient Safavid capital of Isfahan. On the way, stop by the final resting place of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the first Persian Empire, the Achaemenid dynasty, at Pasargadae. Known as the father of Iran, Cyrus is repeatedly mentioned in several acclaimed holy and historic texts and is known as one of the first monarchs to impose equal rights laws in the history of civilization. At night, visit the Khaju Bridge & Si-o-Se Pol Bridge in Isfahan, local hangouts along the Zayandeh Rud river.

After a night’s sleep, visit the 16th c. Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the seat of Iran’s Safavid dynasty. Dive deep into the earthen pathways, hidden courtyards, and boutique shops of Qeysariye Bazaar. Marvel at Sheykh Lotfollah Mosque’s mesmerizing dome, Shah Mosque’s enchanting courtyard, & Ali Qapu Palace’s view. A quick walk and you’ll arrive at Chehel- Sotun Palace, the royal Safavid reception for foreign dignitaries.

In the early morning, visit the 8th c. Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, a former Zoroastrian fire temple that was continually built upon over the centuries. Dive deep into local Iranian culture with a Persian Carpet Workshop. Learn about the process and history of Iran’s most famous handicraft. Finish off with the bright frescos of Vank Cathedral in the Armenian quarter of New Jolfa. Spend the night in Isfahan.

In the morning, make your way to Kashan. Time permitting, visit the Agha Bozorg Mosque, a multilevel theological school that served as the center of Kashani life. Stop by the Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse for a lesson in classic bathing. You might have time to see the Abbasian House & Tabatabaei House, two examples of opulent homes with exceptional attention paid to every architectural detail, designed specifically for the desert. After a quick stop in Fin Garden, head towards Tehran for IKIA.