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 (2 nights)

Day 02: Tehran
Our half-day tour of the capital starts off with the visit to the Archeological Museums. Its massive collections include a stone capital of the winged lion from Susa and a 6th century B.C. audience hall relief of Darius the Great from the Treasury at Persepolis. The museum’s exhibits date from 4500 B.C. to contemporary times. (B, L, D)

Day 03: Tehran/Hamadan (Drive 215miles / 343kms)
An early start takes us on a scenic drive to Hamadan, one of the oldest inhabited towns in the world. An afternoon tour of Hamadan will include a stop at the charming waterfall Ganjnameh before proceeding to the magnificent and dominating Avecinna Memorial and Baba Taher Tombs. Next follows a visit to Ester and Murducai the most important Jewish pilgrimage sight in Iran. Before we lose ourselves in the maze that is the colorful oriental Bazaar of Hamadan, we pay a visit to the famous 14th century Stone Lion.
Overnight: Parisan Eram Hotel, Hamadan (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 04: Hamadan/Kermanshah (Drive 118miles / 189kms)
We depart in the morning for Kermanshah via Bi-Sotoun, where the famous bas reliefs are carved out of a dramatic mountain. This region hosts the most interesting and famous archeological sites in Iran. We view many Achaemenian inscriptions including one of about 1200 lines where we get insight into the hard fought battle of Darius, defeating the governors who tried to dismantle the Empire. Leaving the famous Tablets of Darius we visit the Temple of Anahita, the goddess of abundance and the guardian of water in ancient Iran. In the evening we visit the traditional bazaar in Kermanshah where we’ll have the opportunity to sharpen our bargaining skills.
Overnight: Azadegan Hotel, Kermanshah (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 05: Kermanshah/Susa/Ahwaz (Drive 314miles / 509kms)
We travel south on a scenic countryside drive to Ahwaz. En route, we stop at Susa, one of the oldest archaeological sites in Iran. This prehistoric settlement (from at least 4000 B.C. and an important Elamite city) reached peak under the reign of Untash Gal, who built Susa as his administrative capital and founded Tchogha Zanbil as his religious center. Tchogba Zanbil remains the best surviving example of Elamite architecture.
Overnight: Pars Hotel, Ahwaz (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 06: Ahwaz/Shiraz (Drive 351miles / 568kms)
After breakfast and a cup of “chai”, we depart for Shiraz visiting also the famous Sassanid Reliefs and Palace of Bishapour. Shiraz is traditionally known as city of Roses and Nightingales.
Overnight: Homa Hotel, Shiraz (3 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 07: 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, L, D)

Day 08: Shiraz
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.
(B, L, D)

Day 09: Shiraz/Yazd (Drive255miles / 409kms)
This morning depart for Yazd with stop at Pasargadae, where we view the six-tiered tomb of Cyrus the Great.
Overnight: Safaiyeh Hotel, Yazd (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 10: 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, L, D)

Day 11: Yazd/Esfahan (Drive 195miles / 316kms)
In the morning we depart on a beautiful drive to Esfahan, which was a vibrant trade center, and its glorious Islamic architecture and beautiful gardens captured the hearts of many with the saying: “Esfahan is half the World”.
Overnight: Abbasi Hotel, Esfahan (4 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 12: Esfahan
Our morning tour 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. We will try to include a visit to a local school. (B, L, D)

Day 13: Esfahan
Morning tour includes a visit to the 6 stories Ali Qapu Palace followed by a tour of the most impressive pavilion and garden, Chehel Sutoon Palace (40 pillars palace - in reality there are 20 pillars with 20 water reflections) 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, L, D)

Day 14: Esfahan
Esfahan is a city one can never forget. Today’s tour of this magnificent medina begins with 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, L, D)

Day 15: Esfahan/Tehran (Drive 256m / 414 Km)
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, L, D)

Day 16: Tehran
Our culminating tour of Tehran begins with the impressive Glass and Ceramic Museum, continues in the Sa’dabad Garden Museum (with its 18 opulent Palaces) and the world-renowned Carpet Museum that houses a spectacular collection of Iranian hand woven carpets. Our next museum is the Reza Abbasi’s. Its artifacts date back to the 14th century and the museum exhibits stunning examples of Islamic calligraphy and exquisite jewelry from several dynasties. The day ends with a visit to the bazaar to pick up some last minute gifts and souvenirs followed by a special Iranian farewell dinner at a traditional local restaurant. (B, L, D)

Day 17: Depart Tehran
Today we exchange addresses with our new friends and bid farewell to ancient Persia.
(B)