DAY 1: SHIRAZ > PERSEPOLIS > PASARGADAE > ABARKOOH > YAZD

On exit from Shiraz, we visit the Quran Gate, which is believed to give the blessing of the Holy Book to the travellers passing underneath. After an hour drive, we arrive in Persepolis to visit the magnificent remains from the ancient world in this 2500 years old ceremonial complex used for celebrating Nowruz, the Persian new year at the spring equinox, during the Achaemenid Empire. A short drive takes us to Naghsh-e-Rostam, a necropolis for Achaemenid kings and a collection of Sassanid rock reliefs. Next is Pasargadae, where we visit the tomb of Cyrus the Great and remains of the first capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Proceeding towards Yazd, we will have a stop in Abarkooh to visit Aghazadeh Mansion with its immaculate two-story windcatcher and an adobe ice-house. There is also an ancient Cypress tree in this town with an estimated age of 4000-5000 years, believed to be planted by Zoroaster. Today’s 450km. trip ends in Yazd.