Iran Culinary Tour

Great! Let's begin our tour today by visiting the National Museum of Iran, where we can learn about the rich history and culture of the country we are visiting. As we walk from the National Museum to Golestan Palace and through the bustling bazaar, we'll experience the captivating old texture of Tehran. Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a true gem in the heart of Tehran, and we will explore its stunning architecture and intriguing history.

Next, we will stroll through the lively alleys of Tehran Grand Bazaar, where we can engage with the friendly locals and capture some beautiful photographs. Once we've had enough time to rest, we'll head to Tajrish Bazaar to purchase the necessary ingredients for our dinner menu. We'll then visit a restaurant where, under the guidance of a professional chef, we can use our culinary skills to prepare some delicious dishes using our newly acquired ingredients.

As you will be cooking the food of your own country, we would love for you to suggest some dishes that we can enjoy together. After cooking and savoring our tasty dinner, we will return to our hotel to prepare for the Iran Culinary Tour, which begins tomorrow.

Accommodation

Standard: Ferdowsi Grand Hotel (5*)

We'll have breakfast before embarking on our Iran Culinary Tour to the northern region, where we'll be awestruck by the natural beauty of Iran. Our first stop will be in Manjil city, where we'll savor a delectable lunch while enjoying the view of the Manjil Dam and windmills. Continuing our journey, we'll make our way to the charming village of Masouleh, known for its traditional architecture and location amidst the lush forests of northern Iran.

Upon arrival, we'll check into a local guesthouse where we'll stay and have the opportunity to cook with a local grandmother. Today, we've selected two famous northern dishes, Mirza Ghasemi and Baghala Ghatogh, which can be served as both main and appetizer dishes in Iran. Together, we'll prepare these scrumptious meals and learn new cooking techniques.

After indulging in our homemade dinner, we'll settle in for a cozy night's sleep in the village, surrounded by the warmth and hospitality of the locals.

Accommodation

Standard: Masouleh Local House

We'll be visiting the culinary capital of Iran, where the country's UNESCO-listed dishes are sure to tantalize our taste buds. We've already cooked two of these famous dishes together. Before arriving in Rasht, we'll explore the stunning Saravan Swamp, and throughout our Iran Culinary Tour, we'll make sure to take in all the captivating historical and natural wonders of Iran.

Upon reaching Rasht, we'll take a lunch break and some rest before getting ready for an exciting dinner. We'll head to the Rasht fish market with a professional chef to purchase fresh seafood and ingredients for our northern-style seafood and kebab dinner. At a beautiful restaurant in Rasht, we'll cook together under the guidance of the chef, preparing four of Rasht's traditional dishes, including fish fesenjan, sour kebab, sour herb stew, and chicken sour. If you prefer a vegetarian menu, we can offer some delicious vegetarian dishes as well.

It may take some effort, but once we taste the flavors of these dishes, we'll be in for a treat. After tonight's culinary adventure, we'll return to our hotel to unwind and recharge.

Accommodation

Standard: Kadus Hotel (5*)

Rasht is a city with such a rich culinary heritage that one could spend an entire month there just cooking and learning. However, on our Iran Culinary Tour, we must move on and explore the diverse and delicious foods of other Iranian cities. Before we depart, however, we'll take the opportunity to learn how to make a delightful and delectable pastry at one of Rasht's renowned pastry shops. We'll make and sample the popular and tasty Rashti sweet bread before bidding farewell to the city.

From there, we'll board a flight to the magnificent city of Shiraz, which is sure to leave us awestruck. After arriving and settling into our hotel, we'll take a break for lunch before heading to the stunning Eram Garden. Here, we'll be surrounded by natural beauty and tranquility, which will prepare us for an evening of cooking up some delicious food.

For dinner, we'll have the pleasure of being guests of a hospitable Shirazi family. We'll spend a lovely time together, learning how to cook delicious food under the guidance of the mother of the family, who is a professional cook like many Iranian mothers. Together, we'll prepare a mouthwatering feast of Alu Do Piyazeh dish, Shirazi cabbage rice (Kalam Polo), and Shirazi herb meatballs (Koofteh Sabzi) with Shirazi salad, all according to the menu we have in hand. We'll shop for the ingredients together in the local market and then follow the mother's instructions to cook the dishes.

After we've cooked up a storm, we'll head to Hafeziyeh, one of Shiraz's famous landmarks, to spend the rest of the evening with this wonderful family and learn more about the lifestyle of Shirazi people.

We'll end the night back at our hotel, feeling content and satisfied after a day of exploring the rich culinary traditions of Iran.

Accommodation

Standard: Zandiyeh Hotel (5*)

Today, we have an exciting plan to spend time with Iranian tribes in their own territory. Our destination is the city of Firuzabad, where we will join some of the fascinating Qashqai Nomads  in their traditional camp. Upon arrival, we'll be welcomed into their black tents and enjoy a cup of tea as per their customs. After taking a brief rest, we'll prepare some delicious food with the Qashqai people. Our menu for today is centered around the famous Qashqai kebab, which we'll be cooking with the friendly Qashqainomads of Firuzabad. After savoring this delicious kebab for lunch, we'll get to know the Qashqai culture better by participating in their activities. We'll go horseback riding, bake bread, and even practice archery, making the most of every moment of this unique experience. To add to the experience, we'll also enjoy two local soups, Aash-e-Baneh and Aash-e-Alo, for our evening meal. This extraordinary experience will stay with us forever, and we'll cherish the memories we create today. After watching the sunset, we'll head back to our hotel in Shiraz to rest and, if we're hungry, enjoy a delicious dinner.

Accommodation

Standard: Zandiyeh Hotel (5*)

The Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, also known as the Pink Mosque, is a stunning masterpiece of Iranian architecture. Its pink tiles shine brilliantly in the sunlight, creating a breathtakingly beautiful sight. To witness this spectacle, we'll begin our day with a visit to this mosque and bring along one of our most talented photographers to capture the moment. After exploring the mosque, we'll take a leisurely stroll towards the Vakil Bazaar, where we'll experience the bustling energy of Shiraz's daily life, as well as marvel at the charming architectural works of the Vakil Mosque and Bathhouse. For lunch, we highly recommend trying Abgoosht, a hearty meat and bean soup that is one of Iran's most beloved dishes. In the afternoon, we'll venture to two of Iran's most magnificent ancient sites, the Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage) and the Naqsh-e Rustam. These sites are a treasure trove of history and culture, and we'll be captivated by their beauty and grandeur. As the day comes to a close, we'll head to a local homestay in Pasargadae, where we'll be warmly welcomed into a charming and cozy atmosphere. If we have the energy, we can lend a hand to the local cook and help prepare a light dinner of delicious local dishes. This will be a day full of magical experiences and unforgettable memories that will stay with us forever.

Accommodation

Standard: Pasargadae Local House

Cyrus the Great, a legendary king of ancient Persia, is known for his human rights charter, which he wrote over 2500 years ago. To pay tribute to this noble king, we'll begin our journey with a visit to his tomb and the historic site of Pasargadae. After exploring this ancient city, we'll continue towards Abarkuh, a beautiful town surrounded by the stunning desert landscape of central Iran. As we get closer to the city of Yazd, we'll be immersed in the colors and fragrances of the desert, creating a truly unforgettable experience. In Abarkuh, we'll have lunch at a charming local homestay and visit the 4,500-year-old cypress tree of Abarkuh, which is considered to be one of the oldest living organisms on earth. Next, we'll make our way to the city of Taft, renowned for its lush pomegranate gardens and friendly locals. We'll stay at a cozy local homestay for the night and prepare a traditional Zoroastrian dish called "Choghortmeh" for dinner. This delicious vegetarian dish is a popular dish among the followers of this ancient religion and other Iranians alike. We'll cook it together and learn more about the fascinating culture and customs of the Zoroastrians in Iran. Throughout our journey, we'll have the opportunity to meet with locals and immerse ourselves in their customs and traditions. This will be a truly enriching experience that will give us a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Iran.

Accommodation

Standard: Taft Eco Lodge

It's high time we explore the beautiful city of Yazd on a cultural tour of Iran. We'll begin our journey by visiting its historical landmarks, including the Jame Mosque, wind towers, and the stunning Amir Chakhmaq Square. After a day full of sightseeing, we'll retreat to our luxurious hotel for a scrumptious lunch and some much-needed rest. After recharging our batteries, we'll delve deeper into the heart of Yazd's rich history by wandering through its historic adobe alleys, exploring the vibrant bazaar, and admiring the magnificent Alexander's Prison. Later, we'll head to a cozy rooftop café to enjoy the stunning panoramic view of the city and learn how to cook some delicious local dishes like Ashkanah and sour plum stew with the help of a professional chef. As we cook, we'll witness the magical sunset over the city of Yazd, creating a truly unforgettable experience. We'll indulge in a delectable Yazdi dinner before heading to the Dolat-Abad Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to unwind in its tranquil atmosphere and marvel at the world's tallest wind tower. This cultural tour of Yazd will be an incredible opportunity to immerse ourselves in the rich history and culture of Iran and create lasting memories.

Accommodation

Standard: Dad Hotel (4*)

Let's begin our day with a visit to the Zoroastrian fire temple and pay homage to the holy fire. This ancient flame is considered a symbol of purity and has been burning for centuries. After this spiritual experience, we'll head to a pastry workshop to learn the secrets of making Yazd's famous sweets. Yazd is renowned for its mouth-watering confections, and we'll have the chance to bake some traditional sweets like Baghlava, Qottab, and Yazdi cake. It will be a fun and delicious experience that will leave us craving for more. After enjoying a delightful lunch, we'll leave Yazd and head towards the magnificent city of Isfahan, known as "Half of the World" for its stunning architecture and rich history. We'll spend the night in a charming hotel and indulge in a delicious dinner, savoring the flavors of Persian cuisine. This cultural tour of Iran will be a perfect opportunity to immerse ourselves in the country's rich heritage, discover its culinary delights, and create unforgettable memories.

Accommodation

Standard: Abbasi Hotel (5*)

Today, we have an exciting hiking trail planned that will take us through some of Isfahan's most famous landmarks. We'll begin at the beautiful Forty Columns Palace, adorned with captivating paintings, and make our way to Naqsh-e Jahan Square, where we'll witness the grandeur of Iranian architecture through the magnificent Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and the Shah Mosque. We'll also get the chance to explore Isfahan bazaar and visit some of the city's renowned metalworking workshops. These are all unique attractions that can only be found in Isfahan, making this an unforgettable experience. After indulging in a delicious lunch and some downtime, we'll visit one of the world's most beautiful churches, the Vank Cathedral. Its intricate paintings and captivating architecture make it a must-see attraction. Next, we'll get our hands dirty in the kitchen and learn how to cook three of Isfahan's most famous dishes: Biriani, Mast Khoresh, and Kebab-e Mashhadi. We'll have the opportunity to cook these mouth-watering dishes with a local family, under the guidance of the mother of the household. It will be an exciting culinary adventure, and we'll get to experience the warmth and hospitality of Isfahan's locals. After this exceptional experience with the Isfahani family, we'll take a leisurely stroll across the historic Si-o-se-pol and Khaju Bridge to enjoy the stunning scenery and help aid our digestion. We'll then return to our hotel for a restful night's sleep, with memories that will last a lifetime.

Accommodation

Standard: Abbasi Hotel (5*)

If you were to ask any Iranian about the delicious dessert that Isfahan is famous for, they would undoubtedly give you the same answer: "Gaz." Gaz, which enjoys worldwide recognition, is one of Iran's most delectable desserts. To learn how to make this mouth-watering treat, we will visit a pastry workshop where we can learn from a skilled pastry chef. After our sweet adventure, we will head towards the charming and picturesque village of Abyaneh. It is one of Iran's most beautiful and ancient villages, and we will take our time exploring its charming and historic alleys. No trip to Iran would be complete without a visit to its deserts, so for our final experience, we will go to the Matinabad Eco Camp in the desert. The desert in this region is stunning, and the eco-camp is an excellent place to stay. Once we are settled, we will light our lanterns and venture into the desert at night. Walking in the desert at night is an unforgettable experience, and we will spend the evening around the campfire, singing songs and enjoying a delicious dinner. This will be a memorable experience in this enchanting desert camp.

Accommodation

Standard: Matin Aabad Eco Camp (3*)

Let's savor a delicious breakfast before we lace up our hiking boots, as we're about to embark on a trek through the heart of the desert. Are you ready to go? We'll spend about two hours walking through the breathtakingly beautiful desert, taking in the awe-inspiring sights along the way. We'll have the chance to ride camels and bikes if you're interested. We'll also spend time on the sandy dunes, and in the heart of the desert, we'll cook two of Iran's most famous dishes: Joojeh Kabab and Kabab Kubideh! As we set up our campfire, we'll begin cooking with the stunning desert scenery as our backdrop. Today will be an unforgettable experience, and we'll conclude our Iran cooking tour by leaving the desert and heading to the Imam Khomeini Airport Hotel. Reflecting on this trip, we realize we've learned how to cook a variety of delicious Iranian dishes. We sincerely hope you've enjoyed this journey, and we would be thrilled to see you again in Iran for another cooking tour. Wishing you safe travels!

Accommodation

Standard: Remis Hotel (4*)

Goodbye, Today, according to your flight schedule, you are leaving Iran towards your city and country. Of course, the DeyTrips team hopes to see you again in Iran very soon so that we can experience a more beautiful and exciting trip together. We also wish you a comfortable and safe flight