Upon
your pre-dawn arrival in Tehran airport, you will be cordially received by
our representative carrying our logo show card (transfer
information) who will direct you for transfer to your
hotel. You will have time to rest and relax before your morning tour of
Tehran commences.
Tehran, a modern megalopolis,
prides itself in having unique museums with immense and unrivaled
collections and artifacts dating from the earliest onset of history to the
present era.
Your tour begins with a trip to
the Archeological Museum, one of the rare places in the world where you will
have the special opportunity of visiting and experiencing the “evolution of
mankind” through the marvelous display of historical relics.
Next on the agenda is your very
much-awaited chance to savor the distinctive flavor of Iranian cuisine.
Lunch will be set in an exquisite traditional Iranian restaurant where you
will sample a wide range of delightful Persian dishes and desserts.
Afterwards, you will visit
a world of jewels in a priceless Crown Jewels Museum one of which is one of
the two greatest diamonds, Darya-e-Noor (sea of light).
At the end of the day, you will
get a chance to see a variety of Persian hand-woven carpets and rugs in the
Carpet Museum which houses more than 100 spectacular pieces from all over
Iran. On top of that, you will also be given an insight into the history of
these carpets. Stay overnight in Tehran.
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Day 2: Tehran, Fly To Shiraz |
A morning visit to Sa'ad Abad
Complex with an immense 1,100,000 square meters and 18 magnificent historical palaces
(2 of which you will visit)
will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on you.
Subsequently, you will be
acquainted with the world of Iranian arts with a trip to the Reza Abbasi
Museum which boasts a diverse collection of different art forms.
Your Tehran excursion will end at the Ceramic
Museum where you will be able to witness its construction with glorious
ancient archaeology. Afterwards, you will be transported to the airport for
an hour’s flight to Shiraz. This is followed by a transfer to your hotel in
Shiraz and en route you will be able to see the Shah-Cheragh (King of the
Light) shrine from outside. Stay overnight in
Shiraz.
Shiraz
is crowned as the heartland of Persian culture and this city of
sophistication will never fail to conjure up images of roses and
nightingales, gardens and poetry. This gorgeous city in the province of Fars
is home to famous poets such as Hafez and Sa'adi and historical sites from
different eras stretching back 6,000 years ago can be found there.
Early in the morning, relish in
the highlights of Shiraz when it was the capital of Iran during the Zand
Dynasty. Be inspired by the glorious Karim Khan palace, the splendid Vakil
mosque, Vakil Bazar and Saray-e-moshir with its splendid architecture and
interesting ethnic souvenir shops, Nasir Almolk mosque.
Next, you will stop for a
mouth-watering Iranian lunch at one of the traditional restaurants of Shiraz
(Hammam-e-Vakil if possible).
In the evening, you will visit AliebneHamzeh and be prepared to marvel at its beauties. Take a stroll
through the Jahan Nama Garden and witness its tall and proud cedars.
Not forgetting the two famous
Persian poets, Hafiz and Sa'adi, whose mysterious poems are everlasting in
the Persian language, you will get a chance to pay homage to their tombs.
Finally visit the Delgosha Garden
and Khajoy-e-Kermani tomb from where the perspective of the mysterious city
of Shiraz will perpetuate in your mind. At night have dinner in a nomadic
region (Yord cultural complex) and immerse yourself in the world of the
valiant Persian nomads. Stay overnight in
Shiraz.
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Day 4: An Excursion To Persepolis |
Be
prepared to be inspired by the magnificence of Persepolis. This gem of
ancient Persia which dates back 2530 years ago is the result of the
exquisite works of a conglomeration of fine artists and architects from
various nations under the Archaemenid Empire.
Next, you will visit Koh-e-Rahmat
which is sided east of Persepolis and considered as a sacred mountain in
ancient Persia.
Followed by Necropolis where you
will marvel at the massive tombs of Old Persian kings. Necropolis is a
collection of a variety of awe-inspiring historical relics from different
pre-Islamic eras. Stay overnight in Shiraz.
Drive to visit Firooz-abad. This historical
city was one of the capitals in the Sassanid era. The monuments remained
from that period such as the splendid Ghaley-e-dokhtar (Girl Castle)
and Ardeshir Palace with its unique architecture have decorated this
city. On the other hand this city is one of the pathways of the Qashghai
nomads, a Turkish tribe mostly in Fars Province. In specific seasons you
can see them on the move. In the evening fly to Isfahan. Stay overnight
in Isfahan.
Isfahan,
the legendary city which never fails to enchant its visitors, is the pearl of
traditional Islamic archeology. This city is revived by the works of
contemporary artists.
Isfahan prides itself in having fascinating historical garden palaces. Legend
has it that the city was founded at the time of Tahmourass or Keykavous and
because of its glories has been entitled “Half the World”.
Your full day tour includes the famed Imam Square (Naqsh-e-Jahan), a huge square
second in the world to Beijing's Tiananmen Square. Tour the architectural
marvels of Sheikh Lotfollah and Imam Mosques, Aliqapu Palace, Chehel Sutoon and
Hasht Behesht Palaces, and also visit one of the most famous bazaars in Iran,
where you can purchase the arts & crafts for which Isfahan is so well renowned.
Stay overnight in Isfahan.
Isfahan’s Jameh mosque holds in itself the passage of several centuries of
historical Islamic evolution. This mosque is a gallery of Islamic
architecture in which the progress of the architecture from the outset of
Islam till recent times is evident. Then we will visit Vank Church which is
one of the most beautiful Armenian churches in the world and will
undoubtedly capture the attention of every Christian.
Your day will conclude with a visit to Monar Jomban,
the tomb of a Sufi with its shaking minarets and some historical bridges.
Stay overnight in Isfahan.
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Day 8:
Drive To Abyaneh, Kashan |
Today, you will visit the UNESCO
recognized village of Abyaneh, located at the foot of Mount
Karkas and in the vicinity of desert. Appreciate the serenity of this quaint
village with its splendid archaeology and meet the dwellers who speak, live
and dress in the original Persian style.
Next, hop on to Kashan and visit
Tabatabaiha and Borojerdiha house and some other historical places specially
chosen by your tour guide and be acquainted with the previous century’s
architecture, the Qajar era. Stay overnight in Kashan.
Hamadan
is believed to be amongst the oldest Iranian cities and one of the oldest in
the world. Hamadan is a green mountainous area on the foothills of the
3574-meter Alvand Mountain, in the mid west of Iran. The city is 1850 meters
above sea level.
Tour the
mausoleums of the philosopher/mathematician Ibn Sina (Avicenna), and Baba
Taher.
Ibn Sina
often referred to by his Latinized name Avicenna was a Persian
physician, philosopher, and scientist who was born in 980 in Kharmaithen
near Bukhara, now in Uzbekistan (then Persia), and died June 1037 in
Hamadan, Persia (Iran). Baba Taher is known as one of the most revered and
respectable early poets in Persian literature. Most of his life is clouded
in mystery.
The Dervish
Monastery of Gonbad-e-Alavian dates from the twelfth century and is noted
for its brilliant stucco designs. Later, tour the shrine of Esther &
Mordecai, the most important Jewish pilgrimage site in Iran. A Jewish
presence in Hamadan remains today. Stay overnight in Hamadan.
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Day 10:
An Excursion To Kermanshah |
Drive westward to
Kermanshah. In an old town called Kangavar you will visit the Anahita
Temple-the mother goddess of abundance and guardian of water in ancient
Persia. Carry on the old caravan route to Bistoon dating
back to the Middle Paleolithic. The Achaemenian inscriptions offer details
in 1,200 lines about the battles of Darius the Great who fought against the
governors trying to dismantle the Empire originally founded by Cyrus. This
was the site where the decisive battle took place, leaving the famous
Tablets of Darius. Nearby in the village of Sahneh you can visit the tomb of Ostad Khalil Alinejad the best
player of Tanboor in the world.
In Kermanshah
visit the Sassanian rock carvings of
Tagh-e-Bostan. These bas-reliefs, cut from the stone cliff, depict royal
scenes of battles and hunts reflecting the glorious history of the
Sassanid Kings. Drive back to Hamadan. Stay overnight in Hamadan.
Drive to Tabriz.
Azerbaijan is home to one of the most cultured and bravest races in
Iran-the Azeris. Be impressed by the profundity and richness of Azeri
culture, language, music, dance and literature. It will be a wonderful
opportunity for you to rub shoulders with the Azeris and learn more
about the origins of the Constitution Revolution. This evening is free at your
leisure. Stay overnight in Tabriz.
You will visit Tabriz and
see the impressive tomb of Shahriar, the great Iranian poet. A trip to
the following should not be missed and you will also visit the exotic
bazaar with an interesting array of ethnic crafts on sale, see the
exquisite Jameh and Kabood Mosques and explore the interesting
collections of the Azerbaijan and Constitution Revolution Museums. After lunch, you
will be transported to the fascinating village of Kandovan and be amazed
by its unique and picturesque architecture.
Kandovan is located in the westward of Tabriz. After passing the city of
Oskoo and beautiful mountainous scenery we will reach this marvelous
village.
The special architecture is the reason of its universal reputation. Its
dwellers carved the rocks of mountains and settled their lives there.
The archeologists have estimated the antiquity of this village to 3000
years ago.
The main activities of people in this splendid village are ranching,
husbandry and gardening.
The scene of piping in the rocks of the mountain indicates the
co-existence of human being and its surrounding environment. Kandovan is
a beautiful sample of presence and using of nature in men’s life. Stay
overnight in Tabriz.
Ardabil
is a historical, beautiful and unforgettable city which is located in the
skirts of Sabalan Mountain (the bride of Iran Mountains). In this city the
Safavid dynasty tooke place. You will visit the mausoleum of Sheikh Safi-ad-Din-e-Ardabili.
It is an impressive ancient monument, comprising the following components:
the mausoleums of Sheikh Safi and Shah Isma'il, Chini khaneh (meaning the
house of chinaware), a mosque, Jannat Sara (meaning the house of paradise),
Khanaqah (the house of Dervishes), Cheragh Khaneh (the house of lamps),
Shahid khaneh (the house of martyrs) and Chelleh Khaneh (the place where
devotees shut themselves up during the forty days of Lent). The mausoleum of
Sheikh Safi, the famous dome of which is called "Allah-Allah" has an
octagonal interior.
Near
Ardabil (25 KM) is the city of Sarein which is well-known for its spas.
There you can enjoy the remedial benefits of those spas. Stay overnight in
Sarein.
This day tour you will visit the historical village of Masooleh. Its
architecture is one of the inquests in the world which is registered in
UNESCO. Masooleh architecture is unique. The buildings have been built
into the mountain and are interconnected. Courtyards and roofs both
serve as pedestrian areas similar to streets. Masooleh does not allow
any motor vehicles to enter, due to its unique layout. It is the only
village in Iran with such a prohibition. However, the small streets and
many stairs simply also wouldn't make it possible for vehicles to enter.
Yellow clay coats the exterior of most buildings in Masooleh. This
allows for better visibility in the fog. Stay overnight in Masooleh.
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Day 15: Drive To
Anzali Swamp |
You will visit the Anzali swamp which is one of the most
beautiful and biggest swamps in the world. There are lots of beautiful
flowers such as water lily, lots of unique birds and the silence
there will hush you. Stay overnight in Anzali.
Drive to Ramsar, free at leisure in this green city.
It is the bathing resort of
the Caspian, and by far the most beautiful site of the whole coast. Wooded hills
roll down nearly to the beach itself while the powerful outlines of the Alborz
mountain range form an impressive background. Ramsar was a popular
vacation resort for visiting Americans during the Shah's era. It continues to
serve as an important tourist destination for Iranians. It also offers thermal
stations, green forests of the Alborz Mountains and the palace of the last Shah.
Stay overnight in Ramsar.
Drive to Chaloos and visit Namak-abrood. There you will go up its beautiful
green mountain by means of tele-cabin. Drive to Tehran.
Stay overnight in Tehran.
Embark on a morning tour to the Golestan Palace, known as the "Rose Garden". Constructed as a residence during the Qajar Dynasty, the Palace complex offers an oasis of silence and shade in the heart of Tehran. The last two Pahlavi Kings coronation ceremonies were held in the Palace, and much of its former splendor is on display. Your final afternoon in Tehran is at your leisure to do any last minute shopping or exploring.
Stay overnight in Tehran.
Last but not least, depart Iran – the land of
warmth and hospitality with fond memories.
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1. Iran visa
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2. 18 nights stay in middle class hotels
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3. Transportation vehicle for 19 days all across Iran during the trip
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4. Experienced English speaking guide for 19 days
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5. Breakfast and lunch
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6. Domestic flights
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7. All the entrance fees
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8. Special offers
9.Transfer by guide
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Visits: Tehran, Shiraz, Persepolis, Isfahan, Kashan, Abyaneh, Hamadan, Kermanshah, Tabriz, Ardabil, Ramsar,
Masooleh, Firoozabad, Chalus, Anzali swamp.