Itinerary

1. Day 1: Pickup at Ahvaz - Arrive at Shushtar

   • Pick up from the Ahvaz airport.

   • After breakfast, have a short visit to Ahvaz and Karoon River before starting with an introductory tour of Shushtar. 

   • Then, drive to Haft-Tappeh (excavation site, which consists of dozens of hills) and Tchogha-Zanbil (This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a ziggurat of the Elamite domination era). 

   • In the afternoon, visit Shushtar’s historical watermills with your Iranian tour guide. 

   • Have lunch in the traditional Mostofi Museum and Restaurant.

   Overnight in Shushtar.

2. Day 2: Shimbar - Mt. Zogros

   • This morning, drive to Negin Bridge and Shimbar Waterfall.

   • Have lunch in a local home. In case you have more free time, visit Dezpart Steps. 

   • In the afternoon, hike for 3-4 hours to reach the Nomad’s black tent in Mt. Zagros. 

   • Enjoy the views & lovely weather in the evening. 

   • Tonight, under a starry sky, savour a hot meal & camp in a cosy tent to gather our strength for the next day, which is the day of KUCH (Migration)!

3. Day 3 &4: An Expedition to Nomad Land (Kuch Festival)

   • Go on a pilgrimage to the first group of nomads. They are Bakhtiari nomads living in the Zagros Mountain ranges, the most authentic nomads of Iran. 

   • Indulge in ‘Kuch’ (Migration) with them by living a nomadic lifestyle for a few days. It is like a ‘living museum’ of the indigenous people of Iran. That’s why it is called an ‘Odyssey’.

   • In the morning, take in the spectacular view of the flock wandering around the green pastures. It is the day of Migration: A Great Day for the Nomads. For 3 days, you will hike for 42 km and accompany them in their epic migration in the Zagros mountain ranges. ‘Flexibility is a keyword since there is no fixed plan due to the Nomads’ flexible routine (sometimes you face some unexpected adventures to which you need to adapt yourself).

4. Day 3 & 4: An Expedition to Nomad Land (Kuch Festival)

   • While moving behind the flock in Zagros mountainous regions, don’t forget to enjoy the area's scenic beauty. You are all surrounded by imposing mountains or oak trees with the sound of sheep’s bell in your ears. Take photos and soak up the view. 

   • In the afternoon, when the Nomads stop moving & set up the black tent, explore the spectacular surroundings. Spend a night under the starry sky in the lower mountain temperatures.

5. Day 5: An Expedition to Nomad Land (Kuch Festival)

   • On day 5, have breakfast with the nomad family.

   • Say goodbye & continue your expedition to an amazing mountain village called Khouye. After 3 days of migration with the nomads, a comfortable and cosy village house would be a perfect lodge.

   • Here, you will see vast fruit gardens and wonderful old village houses. From the village, you will also have a fabulous view of the surrounding mountains.

   Stay in the village for the night.

6. Day 6: Depart Nomads - Back to Civilization

   • After breakfast, have the chance to go through the village.

   • Then, after bidding farewell to your host family, go to an amazing historical stepped village: Sar Agha Seyyed Village. 

   • Here, have the chance to see the old village houses where the yard of one house is the roof of the other. Zagros has always been the highest and hardest part of each nomadic migration. For more than thousands of years, Nomads have stopped in this village on their way to summer or winter pastures.

   • Hike for 15 minutes and visit a salt mine near the village. 

   • Then, continue the road to Chelgerd, where you will stay in a Hotel.

   • See Koohrang Spring which is the next awesome destination. It is the biggest spring in Iran.

   For the night, get back to the hotel.

7. Day 7: Visit Isfahan

   • At noon, reach Isfahan. Enjoy sightseeing in Isfahan, which is famous for its unique Persian architecture. 

8. Day 8: Isfahan

   A Persian proverb says, ‘Isfahan is half of the world’ refers to its many palaces, mosques, gardens, bridges, etc. 

   • Visit some famous places in Isfahan like Naghshe Jahan Square, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Shah Mosque and Ali Qapu.

   • The afternoon is yours to have some rest. 

   • Then, arrive at Chehel Sotoun Palace, Si-o-se Pol Bridge, Khaju Bridge. Enjoy the rich history and culture of Isfahan. 

   • Rest in the hotel.

9. Day 9: Go to Shiraz

   • Move to Shiraz. 

   • In the evening, visit Hafez. Hafez, the most famous Persian poet, is buried here. People believe Hafez’s poems give them clues to their future. You can try your chance by his tomb too.

10. Day 10: Shiraz and Qashqai Nomads

    • Visit some other monuments & historical places like Narenjestan & Karim Khan-e Zand Complex, where Karim Khan invited the best architects & artists to work on his citadel.

    • The highlight of day 10 is the Pink Mosque with its otherworldly colourful colours. When you step inside the mosque, it is not hard to see why people call it Pink or Rainbow Mosque. 

    • In Shiraz, see its vast green gardens. At noon, it is time to go and live with the nomads of the area called Qashqai Nomads. They are the second biggest Nomad Tribes in Iran who speak Turkey language. 

    • Again here among Qashqai Nomads, you have the opportunity to step back in time and explore another main ethnic group in Iran. 

11. Day 11: Qashqai Nomads - Perspolis

    • Again here among Qashqai Nomads, you will have the opportunity to explore another main ethnic group in Iran. 

    • After staying a night with them, move to Naqsh-e Rostam & Persepolis, the ancient capital of the Achaemenid Empire, located in Kuh-e Rahmat (Mountain of Mercy). It is among the world’s greatest archaeological sites.

12. Day 12: Maymand

    • First, a big farewell to Shiraz and then, get prepared for the last group of Iran Nomads who live in one of Iran's most fantastic authentic villages, Maymand. This village is registered in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

    • In Maymand, you are going to stay with semi-nomadic agro-pastoralists villagers in an unusual form of housing, which you’ll find quite wonderful. The hand-carved cave dwellings are extraordinary since they remind you of ancient times when people inhabited caves. You are going to have a serene night in these caves in Maymand Moon Ecolodge.

13. Day 13: Kerman - Mahan

    • In Kerman, head to Jabalieh Dome, which is the next ancient national monument you will visit to know more about the history and architecture of Kerman.

    • Then, you are going to have a wonderful time walking around the ancient bazaar of Kerman. The age of this grand bazaar goes back to 600 years ago. 

    • Then, in 15 minutes, reach Mahan District.

    • Visit Shah Nematollah Vali Shrine & Mahan Garden, which is the garden of Prince Mahan. Apart from the historical point of view, experience the contrast between the lush green environment of the garden and the desert-like environment of the outside.

14. Day 14: Tehran

    • Fly to Tehran & prepare for a return to your home. 

    • If you have time, visit Golestan Palace, Grand Bazaar of Tehran, Melli Garden, Jewelry Museum and Tabi’at Bridge.