Iran Carpet Tour: A Mix of History & Iranian Masterpieces Art

Iran's rich art history is intricately intertwined with the art of carpet weaving, inspired by nomadic art traditions. With over 2,500 years of recorded history, Iranian carpets hold a legendary status in the world of art. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns of Iranian carpets have earned them the highest position among folk arts in the country.

This tour introduces the central Iranian carpet weaving in museums and cities, including Kashan, Isfahan, Qom, and various regions throughout the country. In the Iran carpet tour, we pay special attention to the introduction of Iranian silk carpets in the cities of Qom and Isfahan, and you will see the most beautiful and unique hand-woven Iranian carpets.

Iranian carpet weavers, especially Iranian women carpet weavers, have played a significant role in preserving this traditional art form throughout the centuries. The presence and survival of carpets in Iran's history are a testament to the culture and artistry of its people, including those in villages, cities, and nomadic tribes. Thus, in Shiraz, the Numad's carpet weavers will be your hosts and will visit the best handmade Iranian Numad carpets.

In the Iran Carpet Tour, you will not only delve into the history of each region but also gain insights into the unique aspects of life and culture represented in the carpets. Explore the beauty and significance of Iranian traditional carpet weaving on a journey that transcends art and history.

Day 1: Arrive in Tehran Meet at the airport, transfer to the hotel, and rest.
Day 2 Tehran We start the Iran Carpet tour from the Iran Carpet Museum, where you can explore historical carpets and handmade rugs created by Iranian artists. Iranian carpets are renowned for their intricate designs and high-quality craftsmanship, a tradition that dates back thousands of years. The Iran Carpet Museum, open to visitors since 1979, is a stunning building that resembles a carpet-weaving loom. Its two floors are filled with a diverse collection of carpets, kilims, and handmade rugs, showcasing the evolution of this art form over centuries. After visiting the museum, our tour continues to the Golestan Royal Palaces, where you can see big-sized royal carpets. The Tehran Carpet Bazaar is your next destination, where you can see various types of Iranian carpets from all regions, making it a must-visit for any carpet enthusiast. End your day with a colorful memory of the best Iranian carpet and review the history of Iranian art.
Day 3 Tehran - Kashan (230 Km) Today, we move toward Kashan, known for being a historical center of Iran's carpet production. Along the way, we will stop at Qom City, often referred to as Iran Vatican, where you can admire and purchase some exquisite silk carpets. Upon reaching Kashan, a city steeped in history, we will visit the renowned Feen Garden. This Persian garden is intertwined with stories of kings' coronation ceremonies and a tragic event involving a famous Iranian minister in its bathhouse. Kashan is also home to various historical sites that showcase Iran's rich cultural heritage. After a day of exploration, a traditional hotel with Iranian artistic designs is waiting for you.
Day 4 Kashan Today, you will have the opportunity to explore some of the exquisite historical houses in Kashan, such as the Tabatabai, Brojerdi, and Abbasi houses. These houses are renowned for their stunning Iranian art and architecture. Next, we will visit the Agha Bozorg mosque, a unique mosque in Iran with two yards. In the afternoon, you will have the chance to wander through the bustling Kashan Bazaar, where you can admire a variety of silk, wool, and thread carpets. Take advantage of the opportunity to visit the traditional Dyeing Workshops, where you can witness the intricate process of creating these beautiful carpets.
Day 5 Isfahan Today, we will visit Isfahan, the most popular tourist city in Iran, with hundreds of historical monuments that amaze visitors. When you are walking in Isfahan, it seems that you are walking in a museum city; it is not for nothing that Isfahan is known as "half of the world or museum city. For tourists, Esfahan is a must-see, magic, attractive, and unforgettable city. Forget Paris; Esfahan is the most beautiful city in the world. The Iranians called it "Nesf-e-Jahan," meaning "Half of the World." Light and enjoy walking in the most beautiful part of Isfahan. The most important architectural monument of the Safavid period will guide you to the most critical part of Isfahan's history. Naghsh e Jahan Square is the most beautiful and largest square of the 16th century. A square with dozens of shops around it, as well as the most beautiful Safavid palaces and mosques, will attract the viewers. On your interpretive trail up to Naghsh e Jahan square, you will visit the most famous Safavid royal Palaces like Hasht Behasht Palace in the center of Baghe Bolbol (The Nightingale Garden) dates back to 1660, Chehel Sotoon Palace (The palace of official Safavid's ceremonies) and Alighapoo palace a Gem of Safavid Architecture. Then you visit the Abbasi Jame mosque, Sheikh Lotfolah Royal mosque, and Alighapoo Palace. In the afternoon, the carpet shops and workshops are calling you for an exciting visit. Isfahan rugs have excellent quality, using soft Kork wool (often with silk details or foundations) and a very tightly woven pile. The rugs woven in this city are among the most valuable in the world as a whole. The most popular design is a central medallion surrounded by vines or flowers, usually red, blue, or indigo, on an ivory background. Other popular design elements and motifs include a vase, garden, and tree of life designs, Shah Abbasi motifs, and pictorial pieces. The rugs' design is inspired by traditional motifs and patterns, nature, poetry, the great Iranian poets, and finally, the rich architectural history of the city.
Day 6 Isfahan Full-day tour program in Isfahan and visiting: Jame Atiq Mosque, old Zoroastrian fire temple, Shaking minarets, Julfa Armenian area, Vank cathedral, and the bridges over Zayandeh rood(33 bridges, Kajoo Bridge and Shahrestan Bridge), and Pigeons tower then transfer to the hotel and overnight.
Day 7 Isfahan - Yazd Morning drive to Yazd; on the way, we visit Naein city, the old Jame Mosque(1000 years old), Bazaar, and Narin castle. Nain is one of the essential cities in carpet production. Its carpets are well-known and remarkable in the world. Traditional carpet workshops produce the best hand-woven carpets of high quality. The town of Nain is famous around the world for its magnificent carpets. The history of making fine woolen men's cloaks and cloth-making dates back several centuries, but carpet weaving is less than two centuries old. All Nain rugs have symmetrical (Persian) knots, wool piles, and cotton warps. They are tightly cut for a better look. In some cases, silk wraps are used. Arrive Yazd transfer to the hotel and overnight.
Day 8 Yazd Full-day tour program in Yazd known as the "Bride of the desert" or city of Zoroastrians. In this city, you will see a collection of the best coexistence of religions(Jews, Zoroastrians, Moslems) with each other. Religious minorities have lived with Moslems and done their religious ceremonies for centuries. Your tour starts from the most famous square of Yazd or Amir Chakhmaq Square; then we continue our way to the Jame Mosque of Yazd, the old alleys with thatch walls, old houses, holy shrines, and old bathes would be the most enjoyable hiking trail during your walking tour. You will visit the Alexandre prison, the ancient Walls & Battlements of Yazd, and the Khan Bazaar. In the afternoon, you will visit the most famous Zoroastrian monuments, such as the Zoroastrian Fire Temple, the Zoroastrian museum, and the Silence Tower or Dakhme. Then, return to the hotel and overnight.
Day 9 Yazd - Shiraz Today, we drive to Shiraz, known as the city of poem & wine. Along the way, explore Abar Koo city, which includes the renowned 4000-year-old Cypress of Abarkouh and the impressive Ali Minaret. En route to Shiraz, we stopped at Pasargadae to visit the tomb of the great Cyrus, the founder of the Achaemenid dynasty. Arriving in Shiraz, transfer to hotel for an overnight.
Day 10 Shiraz Today, you will visit the most beautiful and original hand-woven carpets of Iranian nomads. A different way of weaving that has been preserved for centuries. Nomadic weavers, with their inherent art, artistic hands, and genius, create such beautiful carpets that fascinate all visitors. The Persian carpets weaved by Iranian Qashqai nomads have been prized, not least for their beauty, figural, and design elements, but for their high quality. These nomadic carpets are made with the best type of thread, which is made from the wool of local sheep. Also, they use natural dyes, such as Rubia tinctorum, Walnut, etc., to dye the threads. In the afternoon, we will visit the Karim Khan Tower, Nasir al Molk, Vakil mosque, and the Vakil Bazar of Shiraz.
Day 11 Shiraz -Tehran Today, we have a legendary tour to visit the Achaemenian and Sassanid historical heritages that will guide you to the deepest part of Iran's history. The Persepolis or Takht e Jamshid the most famous Achaemenian Capital. Naghsh e Rajab & Naghsh e Rostam included the Achaemenian tombs and the Sassanid bas relief. In the afternoon, I will return to Shiraz's domestic airport to fly to Tehran. Arrive in Tehran, transfer to the INt airport, and depart.