PERFECT PERSIA (26 Days)

Tour Price: 2090 EURO          

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  Visits: Tehran, Qazvin, Masooleh, Bandar-e Anzali, Ardabil, Sarein, Sarab, Tabriz, Julfa, Kaleibar, Zanjan, Hamadan, Kermanshah, Khuram abad, Ahvaz, Dezfool, Shooshtar, Chogha Zanbil, Susa, Bishapoor, Shiraz, Persepolis, Zeinoddin, Yazd, Isfahan, Kashan, Abyaneh, Natanz, Mashhad.

By selecting this tour, you can gather a comprehensive knowledge about Persia. You will visit most of the beautiful cities of Iran and their outstanding attractions. You will also become familiar with the past and present history of our country. "Perfect Tour of Persia " covers the cities from north to south of Iran with completely different climatic conditions.

Day 1: Arrival In Tehran

 

 

     

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 our 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.

our tour begins with a trip to the Archeological Museum, one of the rare places in the world where we 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 our very much-awaited chance to savor the distinctive flavor of Iranian cuisine. Lunch will be set in an exquisite traditional Iranian restaurant where we will sample a wide range of delightful Persian dishes and desserts.

Afterwards, we 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, we 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, we will also be given an insight into the history of these carpets. Stay overnight in Tehran.

Drive to the ancient village of Masooleh and visit the historical city of Qazvin en route. Qazvin is the birthplace of numerous prominent Iranian scientists and philosophers such as Dehkhoda. Near this town is the historical castle of Alamoot, which is the unique memory of the God of Alamoot (Hasan Sabbah). The fortress was destroyed on December 15, 1256 by Hulagu Khan as part of the Mongol offensive on Islamic southwest Asia. After visiting Alamoot castle we will depart for Masooleh and be accommodated in one of the memorable hotels of the north of Iran in the middle of the forests.  

Move toward Tabriz. En rout we will go through Sarab town and enjoy the beautiful nature of that region and the plutonian mountain of Sabalan. The mountain is known for its beautiful vistas, including the Shirvan pass, where few climbers ever venture. we will also see Sahand mountains. It is one of the highest mountains in Iranian Azerbaijan. The Sahand mountains are directly south of Tabriz, the highest peak of which at an altitude of 3,750 m. This evening is free at our leisure. Stay overnight in Tabriz.

Azerbaijan is home to one of the most cultured and bravest races in Iran, the Azaris. Be impressed by the profundity and richness of Azeri culture, language, music, dance and literature. It will be a wonderful opportunity for us to rub shoulders with the Azaris and learn more about the origins of the Constitution Revolution. we will visit Tabriz and see the impressive tomb of Shahriar, the most famous Persian and Azeri poet. A trip to the following should not be missed and we will also visit the exotic bazaar with an interesting array of ethnic crafts on sale. See the exquisite Jame' and Kabood Mosques and explore the interesting collections of the Azerbaijan and Constitution Revolution Museums. After lunch, we 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.
 

Zanjan is one of the centers of handicrafts production in Iran. In this city, we will get to visit the Safavid bazaar. Then depart for the city of Hamadan. En route, we will visit the Gonbad-e Soltaniyeh which is one of the most magnificent monuments used to be the capital of Ilkhanid rulers of Persia in the 14th century. Its name translates as "the Imperial". In 2005, UNESCO listed Soltaniyeh as one of the World Heritage Sites. In the evening we will visit Ganjnameh that hosts 2 Achaemenian inscriptions and had a nice landscape. Stay overnight in Hamadan.

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.
 Also, visit the Shir-e Sangi (the Stone Lion) resting in the central square. When first built, this statue had a twin counterpart for which they both constituted the old gate of the city. 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.
In the evening we will visit one of the unique phenomena in the world, Alisadr Cave, which is one of the biggest water caves. The cave was originally discovered during the reign of Darius I (521-485 BC) which can be verified by an old inscription at the entrance of the tunnel. However, the knowledge of the existence of the tunnel was lost, and only rediscovered in 1978 when a local shepherd followed the tunnel searching for water or a lost goat. Stay overnight in Hamadan.
 

Drive westward to Kermanshah. 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. we will visit the Anahita Temple-the mother goddess of abundance and guardian of water in ancient Persia. Nearby in the village of Sahneh we 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. Stay overnight in Kermanshah.

Proceed to Susa and go through the cities of Khoram Abad and Dezfool on the way. The former is the center of Lorestan Province, inhabited by the Lors, which is one of the oldest races in Iran who are known for their warm hospitality, rich history and culture. The city of Khoram Abad is dominated by the Falak-ol-Aflak Castle. This gigantic structure was built during the Sassanid era (226�651). our accommodation will be in the historical city of Susa.Stay overnight in Susa

   The remnants and the historical relics of Susa are testament to the fact that this city was established 7000 years before Christ. This is the region where one of the first governments of the world was formed, resulting in the merger between the two cultures of the Iranian plateau and Mesopotamia. Pay homage to the tomb of Daniel, the Jewish prophet, which has attracted a steady flow of pilgrims from all over the Middle East. Next, be enchanted by the exquisite beauty of the Apadana palace and the historical castle of Susa. Fill our imagination with wonder with a visit to the magnificent Chogha Zanbil temple. It is one of the few extant ziggurats outside of Mesopotamia (the other is Sialk). Archaeological excavations undertaken between 1951 and 1962 revealed the site again, and the ziggurat is considered to be the best preserved example in the world. In 1979, Choqa Zanbil became the first Iranian site to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Then, visit the charming Shooshtar waterfalls and historical bridges.Stay overnight in Ahvaz.

Depart Ahvaz for Shiraz where we can delight ourself in many of the beauties in this city. we will visit the historical relics of Sarab-e-Bahram, Bishapoor, Chogan strait.
Bishapoor  is an ancient city situated south of modern Faliyan, on the ancient road between Persis and Elam. The road linked the Sassanid capitals Istakhr (very close to Persepolis) and Ctesiphon. Bishapoor was built near a river crossing and at the same site there is also a fort with rock-cut reservoirs and a river valley with six Sassanid rock relieves. 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.
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 Bazaar and Saray-e-moshir with its splendid architecture and interesting ethnic souvenir shops, Nasir Almolk mosque.
Next, we will stop for a mouth-watering Iranian lunch at one of the traditional restaurants of Shiraz.
In the evening, we will visit Ali-Ebn-e-Hamzeh 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, hafez and Sa'adi, whose mysterious poems are everlasting in the Persian language, we 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 our mind.At night have dinner in a restaurant with specific atmosphere in the north of Shiraz. Stay overnight in Shiraz.
 

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 Achaemenid Empire.
Next, we will visit Koh-e-Rahmat which is sided east of Persepolis and considered as a sacred mountain in ancient Persia.
Followed by Necropolis where we 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.

Depart by surface to Zeinoddin a Safavid Caravanserai in the heart of desert which is restored in the best way possible and got 2 awards from UNESCO in 2005 and 2006. On the way we will have short stops in Pasargadae to visit the most important monument there which is undoubtedly the tomb of Cyrus the Great, the originator of the greatest emperorship 500 years AD. Also we will visit the bas relief of the winged man and get familiar with its historical elucidations.
Then head to Abarqu to visit its traditional cisterns, ice-stories and 4500 years old cypress tree. Old trees in Iran are symbol of eternity, so people consider them as mediums between God and themselves. People aspire in their heart and fasten pieces to its branches. we will enjoy staying overnight in calming atmosphere in the middle of the desert with its shining stars blinking.

 Drive to Yazd, the oldest adobe city in the world which is surrounded by the 4000m summit of Shirkooh and two majestic deserts of Iran, Dasht-e-Kavir and Kavir-e-Loot. This ancient city is furnished with mosques of stunning beauty. The co-existence of the splendid fire temples and the holy sites of different religions astonish every visitor.
   Today�s tour includes visiting Dakhmeh (tower of silence), fire temple of the Zoroastrians, henna pounding work shops and Amir Chakhmagh complex. From the minarets of this complex, we will get a breath-taking perspective of the oldest adobe city.
Lunch will be served at a traditional restaurant.
  Towards the end of the day, we will visit the marvelous Water museum, Jame' mosque and Doulat Abad Garden. Stay overnight in Yazd.

On this day, we will drive 300 km from Yazd to Isfahan which is in the vicinity of Dasht-e-Kavir and the attractive city of Nain. Nain is known as the city of cisterns and possesses around 80 cisterns. we will get a chance to visit one of the oldest and most important mosques of Persian Islamic architecture. Stay overnight in Isfahan.

Today, we 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 houses and some other historical places specially chosen by our tour guide and be acquainted with the previous century�s architecture, the Qajar era. Return back to Esfahan and stay overnight there.

Mashad is a city where the Shiite Imam Reza was martyred and thus is an important site for Shiite Muslim Pilgrims. This huge complex is the first holy shrine in Iran. We will enjoy a full day city tour in Mashad (Imam Reza Holy Shrine, Ferdosi Tomb, Nader Shah Museum). After visiting the holy shrine we will head to Tus to visit the tomb of Ferdosi, the great epic poet of 10th AD century. Ferdosi has written Shahnameh (literally "Letter of King"), the great epic in which the stories of Rostam and Sohrab are skillfully described. This book is as great as Iliad and Odyssey of Homer in western literature. After that we will visit Harounieh, a nice structure with unknown function in the old times. Finally we will have a night travel by train to Tehran.
  

 Embark on a 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. Then visit Sa'ad Abad Complex with an immense 1,100,000 square meters and 18 magnificent historical palaces (2 of which we will visit) will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on us.
Subsequently, we 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. our Tehran excursion will end at the Ceramic Museum where we will be able to witness its construction with glorious ancient archaeology. our final afternoon in Tehran is at our 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.

1. Iran visa

2. 25 nights stay in middle class hotels

3. Transportation vehicle for 26 days all across Iran during the trip

4. Experienced English speaking guide for 26 days

5. Breakfast and lunch

6. Domestic flights

7. All the entrance fees

8. Special offers

9.Transfer by guide

 

 

Tour Timetable