DAY 1: ISFAHAN

Iranians claim Isfahan is half the world! One of the largest cities of the world in the 16-17th centuries, and the capital of Safavid dynasty. We start today’s program in UNESCO World Heritage site of Naghsh-e-Jahan Sq., one of the largest city squares in the world, where we will visit Aliqapu Palace (in 6 floors), The Royal (or Imam) Mosque (one of the masterpieces of Persian Islamic architecture),  Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque (private mosque of the royal court) and Chehelsotoun (40-columns) Pavilion. We will then stroll through the labyrinth of Qeysarieh Bazaar, starting on the northern side of the square and ending at The Old Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, another UNESCO world heritage site, one of the oldest still standing mosques in Iran. We then visit Jolfa, the Armenian quarter of the city, where we visit Vank Cathedral, a showcase of Christianity in Iran. Our next stop will be on the banks for Zayandeh River, where we can visit several historical bridges, including  Siosepol and Khaju, the two most beautiful bridges of the city. The tour ends with a walk on Charbagh Street, literally the four gardens, a historical street in the heart of Isfahan.