Welcome to Shiraz, where your slow travel experience begins by easing into the rhythm of modern city life. After settling in, we’ll spend the afternoon at Shiraz Mall, taking our time to explore and observe how the local youth engage with the city’s modern culture. A visit to Hypermarket Soroush allows you to experience the contrast between luxury goods and everyday life. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a relaxed meal at the food court, where you can savor a variety of dishes, from traditional Iranian meals to local fast food, offering a leisurely taste of Shiraz’s evolving culinary scene. This unhurried pace allows you to fully engage with each experience, in line with the essence of slow travel.

Step into the timeless heart of Shiraz as we journey through the city’s ancient streets. Like a walk through a living time tunnel, the historic Vakil Bazaar, Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, and Zinat-al-Molk House invite you to lose yourself in the stories and architecture of centuries past. Here, every corner tells a tale, and the unhurried pace lets you soak in the rich heritage of this city, where time seems to stand still. As the day drifts into the afternoon, we’ll head to Kuh-e-Darak (Darak Mountain) for a serene escape into nature. The group will settle down for a quiet meditation as the sun sets, painting the sky in soft hues, filling you with peace. Surrounded by the cool mountain breeze, we’ll set up a cozy picnic, where you can enjoy tea, coffee, and light snacks, savoring every moment of calm before heading back. This tranquil end to the day will leave you refreshed and fully immersed in the beauty of slow travel.

We take a slow, reflective journey beyond the city to the ancient sites of Persepolis, Naqsh-e Rostam (Necropolis), and Pasargadae. As we step into Persepolis, the grandeur of the ruins invites you to pause and absorb the stories etched into every stone, where the Persian Empire once thrived. Moving slowly through the site, the architecture speaks to the richness of the past. At Naqsh-e Rostam, the towering tombs carved into cliffs remind us of the power and legacy of Persia’s greatest rulers. The serenity of this place encourages quiet reflection. Finally, at Pasargadae, the resting place of Cyrus the Great, we embrace the peaceful surroundings, taking time to fully appreciate the simplicity and beauty of the landscape. A slow lunch of locally sourced food allows you to savor the flavors of the region, connecting deeply with the land and history.

We journey to the tranquil plains of Sepidan to experience the timeless rhythm of nomadic life. Here, in the heart of nature, we’ll step into a world where time slows down, and every moment is savored. The nomads welcome us into their black tents, their traditional homes woven from the fabric of their lives. We’ll sleep under the vast open sky, surrounded by the scent of fresh mountain air and the simplicity of a life close to the land. Throughout the day, we’ll immerse ourselves in their way of living—kneading dough and baking bread over an open flame, watching skilled hands weave intricate patterns into carpets and black tents. As we milk the sheep and taste the fresh, warm milk, we connect with the land and the deep-rooted traditions of these resilient people. As evening falls, we gather around the campfire, the flames dancing in the quiet of the night. Stories are shared, music played, and we feel the warmth of community in every smile and gesture. This day is about more than just seeing; it’s about living slowly, connecting with the earth, and embracing a way of life that honors simplicity and tradition.

We head to the serene village of Javarg, where time slows down and nature’s beauty unfolds. The crisp air and lush greenery welcome us as we explore the untouched landscape. We’ll ride horseback through open fields, feeling the connection with the earth, letting the gentle rhythm of nature guide us. Along the way, the breeze carries the scent of smoky, fire-cooked food, which we’ll enjoy over an open flame, savoring each bite in the company of nature. As night falls, we lay beneath a sky scattered with stars, each one a reminder of how vast and beautiful this world is. With deep breaths and quiet minds, we savor the moment, letting go of everything but the here and now. It’s a day that leaves us with a gentle ache of longing, a reminder of the beauty in slowing down and simply being.

We immerse ourselves in the poetic heart of Shiraz. At Hafez’s Tomb, the air feels heavy with meaning, the verses of his poetry seemingly carried by the breeze. The architecture mirrors the rhythm of his words—slow, deliberate, full of life. Among the cypress trees and blooming roses, we walk, feeling the quiet invitation to pause and reflect. We continue to the Eram Garden, where the harmony of nature and architecture envelops us. The scent of jasmine, the flow of water, and the lush greenery create a peaceful, timeless space. Each step through the garden is a reminder of the beauty in moving slowly, appreciating every detail. At Saadi’s Tomb, the atmosphere is calmer, contemplative, shaded by towering trees. The slow passage of time is felt in the silence, and we connect deeply with the wisdom and depth of his poetry. It is here, in the gardens and tombs of these poets, that we truly feel the essence of slow travel—an immersion not just in the place, but in the poetry and philosophy of a culture that knows the value of slowing down to savor life’s beauty.

we dedicate the morning to gathering treasures of Iranian culture to take back home. The vibrant bazaars of Shiraz invite us to explore their scents and flavors—fragrant saffron, colorful spices, and sweet faloudeh that melts on your tongue. Bottles of aromatic borage, bitter orange blossom, and chicory distillates capture the essence of Shiraz, a taste of the city’s soul to savor long after we leave. Each purchase feels like carrying a piece of this place with us, a memory sealed in the flavor of spices or the cool sweetness of traditional drinks. As the morning winds down, we make our way toward the airport, with our hearts full and our bags heavy with the richness of Iran. With a final glance back at this timeless land, we take our leave, bound for home but forever touched by the slow, beautiful rhythm of Shiraz.