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PASSAGE
TO PERSIA
A World Heritage Sites Tour of Iran |
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The
wonders of ancient Persia and modern day Iran in one 11-day
program. For a civilisation that goes back to antiquity,
it is an art to provide so much in a short and comfortable
journey. A Passage to Persia covers the best of this rich
heritage to humanity and gives an insight to the marvels
of civilisations. In our Passage we travel through Tehran,
Yazd, Shiraz and Esfahan. Optional extensions to other regions
of Iran are also offered.
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Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01 |
Tehran |
|
02 |
Tehran / Yazd |
| 03 |
Yazd
|
|
04 |
Yazd
/ Shiraz |
|
05 |
Persepolis |
|
06 |
Shiraz
/ Esfahan |
|
07 |
Esfahan
|
|
08 |
Esfahan |
|
09 |
Esfahan
/ Tehran
|
|
10 |
Tehran
|
|
11 |
Tehran |
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
|
World Heritage Sites in Iran covered on this tour |
| Tchogha
Zanbil (1979) |
The
ruins of the holy city of the Kingdom of Elam, surrounded
by three huge concentric walls, are found at Tchogha Zanbil.
Founded c. 1250 B.C., the city remained unfinished after
it was invaded by Ashurbanipal, as shown by the thousands
of unused bricks left at the site. |
| Persepolis
(1979) |
Founded
by Darius I in 518 B.C., Persepolis was the capital of
the Achaemenid Empire. It was built on an immense half-
artificial, half-natural terrace, where the king of kings
created an impressive palace complex inspired by Mesopotamian
models. The importance and quality of the monumental ruins
make it a unique archaeological site. |
| Meidan
Emam, Esfahan (1979) |
Built
by Shah Abbas I the Great at the beginning of the 17th
century, and bordered on all sides by monumental buildings
linked by a series of two-storeyed arcades, the site is
known for the Royal Mosque, the Mosque of Sheykh Lotfollah,
the magnificent Portico of Qaysariyyeh and the 15th-century
Timurid palace. They are an impressive testimony to the
level of social and cultural life in Persia during the
Safavid era. |
| Pasargadae
(2004) |
The
first dynastic capital of the Achaemenid Empire, founded
by Cyrus II, the Great, in Pars, homeland of the Persians,
in the 6th century BC. Its palaces, gardens, and the mausoleum
of Cyrus are outstanding examples of the first phase of
royal Achaemenid art and architecture and exceptional
testimonies of Persian civilization. Particularly noteworthy
vestiges in the 160-ha site include: the Mausoleum of
Cyrus II; Tall-e Takht, a fortified terrace; and a royal
ensemble of gatehouse, audience hall, residential palace,
and gardens. Pasaragadae was the capital of the first
great multicultural empire in Western Asia. Spanning the
Eastern Mediterranean and Egypt to the Hindus River, it
is considered to be the first empire that respected the
cultural diversity of its different peoples. This was
reflected in Achaemenid architecture, a synthetic representation
of different cultures. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
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.
Overnight: 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.
Overnight: Daad 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 Pasargadae - 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.
Overnight: Pars 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 (Drive)
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.
Continue onto 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".
Overnight: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.
Overnight: 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.
Overnight: 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.
Overnight: 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.
Overnight: 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.
Overnight: Ghasr 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.
Overnight: 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.
Overnight: Pars 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.
Overnight: 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.
Overnight: Maryam 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.
Overnight: 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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|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
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Departure Dates |
|
2012
May 04
& Sep 21
|
| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ |
Single
Sup US$ |
| 2012 |
3590 |
595 |
| Optional
Extensions Prices |
Cost
includes: Flights as per itinerary, Airport Transfers,
Hotel Accommodation, Porterage and Guide services.
NOTE: Meals are as mentioned. Cost is based on per person
double occupancy. For single room add single room supplement. |
| Excursion
Names -
2012 |
Tour
Price US$ |
Single
Sup US$ |
| Caspian
Sea & Masuleh |
795 |
225 |
| Mashhad |
1180 |
255 |
| Susa |
1180 |
225 |
| Kish
Island |
1100 |
285 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
•
Accommodation as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes
• Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast D=Dinner)
• All sightseeing and transfers
• Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites
• Services of local English speaking guide
• Visa Support as required |
•
International Airfare / Departure Taxes
• Travel Insurances
• Visa Fees
• Drinks / Beverages with meals
• Tips / Gratuities to Drivers & Guides |
| Domestic
/ Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price |
| Tehran
/ Yazd |
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US
$ 1100 |
| West
Coast |
US
$ 1300 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 15
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
33
years in small group journeys
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Site
updated Nov 07, 2011
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