17 days/16 Nights
The Art of Persia
Persia, or Iran, is home to one of the richest artistic traditions in world history and has many disciplines, including architecture, painting, weaving, pottery, calligraphy, metalworking and stonemasonry. Carpet-weaving is one of the most well known and distinguished manifestations of Persian culture and art and dates back to ancient Persia.
17 days/16 Nights
The Art of Persia
Day 1: Arrival 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) |
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Day 2: Tehran |
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Day 3: Tehran/Hamadan (Drive 215miles/343kms) |
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Day 4: 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: Parsian Azadi Hotel, Kermanshah (1 night) (B, D) |
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Day 5: 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, D). |
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Day 6: Ahwaz/Shiraz (Drive 351miles/568kms) |
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Day 7 : 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). |
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Day 8 : 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, D). |
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Day 9: Shiraz/Yazd (Drive255miles/409kms) This morning depart for Yazd with a top at Pasargadae, where we view the six-tiered tomb of Cyrus the Great. Overnight: Daad Hotel, Yazd (2 nights) (B, D). |
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Day 10: Yazd |
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Day 11: Yazd/Esfahan (Drive 195miles/316kms) |
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Day 12: ISFAHAN 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, D). |
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Day 13: ISFAHAN 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, D). |
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Day 14 : ISFAHAN Esfahan is a city one can never forget. Today’s tour of this magnificent medina begins with Hasht 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 Rood 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). |
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Day 15 : Esfahan/Tehran (Drive 256m/414 Km) |
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Day 16 : Tehran Transfer to the airport and end of Tour |
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Highlights • A complete all-inclusive tour at an honest price. • Maximum sightseeing with minimum traveling time. • Enjoy daily breakfast at the hotels. • Stay at conveniently located hotels with international standards. • Explore the unique Iranian culture and heritage. • Visiting the most important Iranian Zoroastrian Fire Temple and Mausoleum. • Visiting the best historical sites of Iran. • Discovering the culture and customs of Iran's Zoroastrians. • Enjoy a city tour of Tehran. • Enjoy a city tour of Isfahan. • Enjoy a city tour of Shiraz. • Enjoy a city tour of Hamadan. • Enjoy a city tour of Kashan. • Enjoy a city tour of Susa and Shooshtar. • Enjoy a tour of Persepolis the official capital of Achaemenid. • A professional, friendly, Iranian tour guide accompanies you for the whole trip. • Air-conditioned car with an experienced. |
Attraction Tehran: National Museum”, “Golestan Palace (UNESCO world heritage), grand bazar, and “Jewellery National Museum. Kashan: Fin Garden” (UNESCO world heritage) and “Broojerdi” traditional house Isfahan: ChehelSotun” palace, “HashtBehesht” palace, “Aaliqapu” palace, ”Imam” square(UNESCO world heritage) “Imam” and “Sheikh Lotfollah” mosques, “Vank” church, “Khajoo” and “Si o se pol” bridges. Shiraz: Pasargad” (UNESCO world heritage) Persepolis” (UNESCO world heritage, Palaces, and temples of Achaemenid Empire built 2500 years ago) Naghsh-e-Rostam” (the tombs of Achaemenid and Sassanid Emperors), and “Naghsh-e-Rajab” Nasirolmolk” mosque, “Narenjestan-e-Ghavam” (UNESCO world heritage), “Arg-e-Karimkhani” (Karimkhan Castel), “Grand Bazar”, “Shah Cherag” mausoleum, “Hafezieh” and “Sa’dieh” (the mausoleums of two of the greatest Iranian poets) Hamadan: Hegmatane old city, Aviciena Tomb, Estar & Mordekhay Dome, Baba Taher Dome, Ganj Name, Ahwaz: Susa city, Achaemenian Palaces, French Castle, Shooshtar city, water fall and the Roman bridge. Kermanshah: the Achaemenian reliefs Anahita temple. |
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Services: • A professional English- Speaking tour guide. •Transfers & sightseeing by AC vehicle as per the itinerary. • Accommodation on the double basis in hotels mentioned or similar (as per the itinerary). • Meeting at the airport and all the transfers. • All entrance fees. • Iranian Visa Code. • Daily Breakfast at Hotels. |
Not included: • International Airfares • Domestic Airfares • All meals • Laundry and telecommunication services • All personal expenses • Any extra excursions or sightseeing apart from the above-specified itinerary |