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Day
01: Arrive Tehran
On arrival, we are welcomed to Tehran, the pearl of Persia.
After checking into our hotel, we enjoy a leisurely evening
and rest up, before our formal itinerary of exploring this
country rich in history and culture begins. Laleh Hotel, Tehran
(1 night)
Day 02: Tehran / Yazd (Flight)
Our morning tour of Tehran will include the Glass and Ceramic
Museum and Sa'dabad Palace followed by the Archaeological Museums.
The fine collection includes a stone sculpture of a winged
lion from Susa and a 6th Century B.C. audience hall relief
of Darius the Great from the Treasury at Persepolis. The museum
has items dating back from the Sumerian Period (4500 B.C.).
Afternoon transfer to the airport for a flight to Yazd, located
in the heart of Iran, Yazd was a major stop on the international
caravan routes to Central Asia and India. The architecture
of Yazd is the most traditionally Persian to be found.
Safaiyeh Hotel, Yazd (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 03: Yazd
As Yazd is home of the more traditional Persian architecture,
we begin our day with a visit to the Zoroastrian Towers of
Silence and Fire Temple (where a fire is still kept burning
from 5 century AD). We continue to the magnificent Masjed-e
Jameh and Amir-Chakhmaq Mosques and then tour Doulat Abad Garden
with its traditional ventilation shaft (wind tower). (B, D)
Day 04: Yazd / Shiraz (Drive 409 kms / 252 miles)
Morning depart for Shiraz via Passargadae - the capital of
Cyrus the Great where we will also visit his tomb. Shiraz,
traditionally known as the city of Roses and Nightingales,
and rightly so, is the home of the finest Persian lyrics as
well as the cradle of the Persian Civilization. Homa
Hotel, Shiraz (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 05: Persepolis
Persepolis is the last and ultimate expression of the ancient
Middle East. Nearly 2500 years ago, construction for its magnificent
structure was begun by Darius the Great with the intent to
make it the focus of the mighty Achemenian Empire. Our tour
will also include the Naqsh-e-Rustam where hewn out of a cliff
rest the tombs believed to be of Darius I and II, Atraxerxes
and Xerxes I. (B, D)
Day 06: Shiraz / Esfahan (Flight)
Our day is spent exploring Shiraz where we start with a visit
to the picturesque Eram Garden, famous for its cypress trees.
Next we visit the tombs of Persia's best-known poets: Saadi
and Hafiz. While there, why not enjoy a cup of chai at the
wonderful atmospheric teahouse where one sit on a floor of
cushions and mingle with the locals. Our next stop takes
us to the "modern" Nasirol-Molk mosque and the pretty
Afif-Abad Garden followed by a visit to the Church of Saint
Simmon the Zealot with the famed stained glass windows. This
wonderful day culminates with a trip to a labyrinthine bazaar.
Evening we take a flight to Esfahan - another highlight and
a not-to-miss city in any tour of Iran. Legend has it that
Esfahan was founded at the time of Tahmourass or Keykavous.
During the Safavid Era (16th / 17th Century AD.), Esfahan is
a city of Gardens and Palaces; a trade center recognized by
the saying, "Esfahan is half of the world". Abbasi Hotel, Esfahan (3 nights) (B, D)
Day 07: Esfahan
Esfahan is a city one can never forget. Our tour of this magnificent
medina begins with a visit to Hacht Behesht Palace, a charming
garden palace, built in 1680, with impressive mosaics and stalactite
moldings. Then we are off to see the richly decorated and serene
Armenian Vank Church followed by the glorious Friday Mosque.
No trip to Esfahan is complete without visiting the famous
old bridges that cross the Zayande River. We take some time
here to stroll along the riverbanks, mingle with the friendly
residents and join the local folks for the famous Esfahani
tea. (B, D)
Day 08: Esfahan
Our morning begins with a visit to the Emam Khomeini Square.
This majestic square, built in 1612, is constantly bustling
with activity. Then, we take in the beautifully proportioned
and decorated 17th century Masjed-e Sheikh Lotfollah and then
off to see the magnificent Emam Mosque - one of the most stunning
buildings in Iran. Next, a visit to the 6-story Ali Ghapu Palace
followed by a tour of the most impressive pavilion and garden,
Chehel Sutoon Place built with 40 pillars by Shah Abbas. We
finish off this day of exploration with a trip to the most
famous bazaar in Iran. (B, D)
Day 09: Esfahan / Tehran (Drive 256m / 414 Kms)
On our scenic drive to Tehran we stop at Kashan, an attractive
oasis town, and take in its attractive sights. We visit Tabatabaie
Houses and Khan-e Borujerdi, built as a private residence,
now a charming museum with a lovely courtyard. We then take
in the famous Fin Garden and witness its breathtaking pools,
orchards and natural springs. Next we visit Agha Bozorg Mosque
famous for its lovely portals and minarets. After lunch, we
visit the exquisite Shrine of Fatima in Qum and later we view
the Tomb of Ayatollah Khomeini. Laleh Hotel,
Tehran (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 10: Tehran
Morning visit to the Carpet Museum, which has an excellent
collection of Iranian hand woven carpets, followed by the Museum
of Reza Abbasi. This museum named after the most famous miniaturist
in the Safavid's era, was opened in 1977. It exhibits artifacts
dating back to prehistoric, ancient and Islamic periods and
is particularly rich in Islamic calligraphy. Lastly, visit
the bazaar for that last minute souvenir. (B, D)
Day 11: Depart Tehran
Morning transfer to the airport for the departure flight. (B)
Optional Extensions
1)
Caspian Sea & Masuleh
Day 09: Tehran / Ramsar (Drive 195 kms / 120 miles)
Morning depart for a picturesque drive to Ramsar. Evening
tour of Ramsar.
Ramsar Hotel, Ramsar (1 night) (B, D)
Day 10: Ramsar / Rashat (Drive 130 kms / 80 miles)
Depart along the beautiful Caspian coastline to Rashat with
a stop at Bandar-e-Anjil to visit a caviar factory. Kadoos Hotel, Rashat (1 night) (B, D)
Day 11: Rashat / Tehran (Drive 325 kms / 201 miles)
This morning we visit the stunningly beautiful village of
Masuleh. Afternoon return back to Tehran. Laleh
Hotel, Tehran (1 night) (B, D)
Day 12: Depart Tehran
Morning transfer to the airport for the departure flight.
(B)
2) Mashhad
Day 09: Tehran / Mashhad (Flight)
This morning we are transferred to the airport for a flight
to Mashhad. Afternoon tour of Mashhad. Homa
Hotel, Mashhad (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 10: Mashhad
Day excursion to Neishapour, visit will also include the
tomb of Amar Khayyam. (B, D)
Day 11: Mashhad / Tehran (Flight)
Morning we visit the famous pilgrim's bazaar. Afternoon transfer
back to the airport for a flight to Tehran. Laleh
Hotel, Tehran (1 night) (B, D)
Day 12: Depart Tehran
Morning transfer to the airport for the departure flight.
(B)
3) Susa
Day 09: Tehran / Ahwaz (Flight)
This morning we are transferred to the airport for a flight
to Ahwaz. Afternoon tour of Ahwaz. Fadjr
Hotel, Ahwaz (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 10: Ahwaz
Day excursion to Susa, visit will also include Tchogha Zanbil.
(B, D)
Day 11: Ahwaz / Tehran (Flight)
Morning transfer back to the airport for a flight to Tehran. Laleh
Hotel, Tehran
(1 night) (B, D)
Day 12: Depart Tehran
Morning transfer to the airport for the departure flight.
(B)
4) Kish Island
Day 09: Tehran / Kish Island (Flight)
This morning we are transferred to the airport for a flight
to the Kish Island. Afternoon tour of the city. Shayan
Hotel, Kish Island (3 nights) (B, D)
Day 10: Kish Island
Day free to enjoy this spectacular island. (B, D)
Day 11: Kish Island
Day free. (B, D)
Day 12: Kish Island / Tehran (Flight)
Morning transfer back to the airport for a flight to Tehran. Laleh
Hotel, Tehran
(1 night) (B, D)
Day 13: Depart Tehran
Morning transfer to the airport for the departure flight.
(B)
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