The Sounds of Shiraz
Shiraz, Iran
From USD 77.00
Office phone number: +98 917 706 7418
The Sounds of Shiraz
Shiraz, Iran
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Calling all musicians, poets, and dreamers, this Shiraz tour was made for you! Learn about one of Iran’s most important poets whose words are still honoured today, then visit a traditional setar craftsman. Finish it all off with a visit to a local family for a total immersion in Iranian culture!
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Highlights
- Be enchanted by the elegant lyrics of Hafez, and learn the meanings behind his famous Persian poems
- Visit a setar workshop and learn how this traditional musical instrument is made by hand
- Lose yourself in another world as you listen to the relaxing sounds of classical Persian music
- Delight in home cooked Iranian delicacies and dishes with a local family
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Schedule details
- Duration: 6.5 hours
- Meeting point:
The main entrance of the Tomb of Hafez. Your guide will have a sign with the Urban Adventures logo on it.
View on Google Maps.
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 8.00 AM
- Ending point:
Tomb of Hafez
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, lunch with a local family, public transportation fees, entrance fee to Hafez’s tomb
Exclusions: Souvenirs and items of a personal nature, tips/gratuities for your guide, gift for the local host family.
If a day spent with poetry, music, and food sounds like the perfect day to you, then look no further than this tour!
Our Shiraz tour will begin at the Tomb of Hafez, where we’ll briefly introduce ourselves and get to know each other a bit. After all the niceties, we’ll enter the tomb and your guide will tell you all about the life and impact of Hafez, one of Iran’s most famous poets. The tomb itself has a tranquil atmosphere and an eye-catching garden, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Here, locals gather to read and discuss the wisdom, meanings, and even sorcery found in Hafez’s writings.
You’ll be able to enjoy traditional Iranian music being played at the tomb, while local families and couples walk around the garden reading and reciting some of Hafez’s famous works. Meanwhile, tucked away in the corners of this peaceful environment, local children of all ages attend classes where they read and discuss some of Hafez’s poems. We’ll be able to join them in experiencing Persian poetry, as we take in the joy and elegance of Hafez’s lyrics.
Note that the poetry readings will be in Farsi, without an English translation; however, your tour guide will provide a translation and explanation in English after the class/recitation is finished.
After a magnificent experience in the tomb, we’ll travel by taxi to a local workshop where they make the setar: a traditional Persian musical instrument. The setar master craftsman will show us how he makes the instruments by hand, before inviting us to enjoy his artistic performance of traditional Iranian music.
We’ll then make our way to a contemporary Iranian family home where we’ll join a local family for lunch. We’ll get to dive into a delicious Persian feast, made up of dishes that are rarely served in restaurants. We’ll end our tour with a steaming cup of Persian tea — good for the stomach, and good for the soul!
Please note that it is Iranian custom to bring a small token of thanks when you are a guest in someone’s home, and it will be greatly appreciated by the hosting family. (If it’s possible, bring something small from your country — the more personal the better!)
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, lunch with a local family, public transportation fees, entrance fee to Hafez’s tomb
Exclusions: Souvenirs and items of a personal nature, tips/gratuities for your guide, gift for the local host family.
Dress standard: Please note that both men and women should avoid wearing shorts. Women must wear long-sleeved shirts (no t-shirts or tank tops/singlets!).
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventures tour, you will be placed in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: Travellers under 13 years of age are not permitted to join this tour.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +98 917 706 7418
Email address: info@shirazurbanadventures.com
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