7-Day Western Iran Heritage Expedition

Morning departure westward to Qazvin (approximately 2 hours), once the Safavid capital before Isfahan.

• Sa’d al-Saltaneh Caravanserai – one of the largest preserved urban caravanserais in Iran.
• Qazvin Bazaar and historic alleyways.
• Lunch around 13:30.
• Chehel Sotoun Palace (Qazvin) – Safavid pavilion with decorative frescoes.
• Optional visit to Jameh Mosque of Qazvin.

Evening at leisure for independent walking or café stop.

Local Food & Products – Qazvin: Qeimeh Nesar, baklava, traditional sweets

Overnight: Qazvin

Drive toward Zanjan (approximately 3 hours total including stops).

• Soltaniyeh Dome (UNESCO) – 14th-century Ilkhanid masterpiece and one of the largest brick domes in the world.
• Continue to Zanjan.
• Lunch around 13:30.
• Zanjan Bazaar – long covered market complex.
• Rakhtshooy Khaneh – restored traditional laundry house.

Local Food & Products – Zanjan: Malak Kabab, local cheeses, Malileh-kari (filigree silverwork)

Overnight: Zanjan

Early departure toward Takht-e Soleyman (approximately 2.5–3 hours drive).

• Takht-e Soleyman (UNESCO) – Sasanian-era fire temple complex surrounding a volcanic lake.
• Optional visit to Zendan-e Soleyman (ancient crater site).
• Lunch near the archaeological site around 13:30.

Continue south toward Hamadan (approximately 3 hours). Arrival in the early evening.

Local Food & Products – Region: Wild mountain herbs, honey, dried fruits, Abgoosht (Hamadan specialty)

Overnight: Hamadan

Hamadan, ancient Ecbatana, is one of Iran’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.

• Avicenna Mausoleum – tribute to the philosopher and physician Ibn Sina.
• Alavian Dome – Seljuk-era funerary monument with intricate stucco decoration.
• Ganjnameh Inscriptions – Achaemenid rock inscriptions set in mountain landscape.
• Lunch around 13:30.
• Optional walk through Hamadan Bazaar.

Local Food & Products – Hamadan: Pickled vegetables, grapes, walnut sweets

Overnight: Hamadan

Scenic drive through central Iran toward Kashan (approximately 5–6 hours).

• Arrival and hotel check-in.
• Lunch around 13:30.
• Fin Garden (UNESCO) – classical Persian garden design.
• Traditional merchant houses such as Borujerdi House or Tabatabaei House.
• Evening walk through Kashan Bazaar.

Local Food & Products – Kashan: Rosewater, Koloocheh cookies, herbal distillates

Overnight: Kashan

Morning optional visit to Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse for rooftop views over the mud-brick skyline.

• Departure to Tehran (approximately 2–2.5 hours).
• Lunch en route around 13:30.
• Transfer to Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA).

Departure from Iran