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

On a 450km. drive to Shiraz, we visit Aghazadeh Mansion with its immaculate two-story windcatcher and an adobe ice-house in Abarkooh. There is also an ancient Cypress tree in this city with an estimated age of 4000-5000 years, believed to be planted by Zoroaster. After 2 hours drive, we arrive in Pasargadae, visiting the tomb of Cyrus the Great and remains of the first capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Another hour drive takes us to Naghsh-e-Rostam, a necropolis for Achaemenid kings and a collection of Sassanid rock reliefs. Before arriving in Shiraz, we will have a long stop 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. Today’s program ends with a short stop at the Quran Gate. Travellers passing underneath the gates were believed to receive the blessing of the Holy Book. (Total drive 460km./285 miles)