Ancient Persia in Depth(Trip #59993)

Tour Overview

There can be few countries about which so little is known as Iran, but its old name of Persia conjures up images of opulent buildings, lavish gardens and magnificent ancient sights. But for most travellers the most rewarding aspect of the trip will be the incredibly friendly Iranian people who greet foreigners with a warmth that is seldom found elsewhere.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1, TEHRAN
Arrival day.

Day 2, TEHRAN
A morning guided tour of Tehran including a visit to the Shrine of Imam Khomeini. In the evening we board an overnight train to Kerman. (BD)

Day 3, KERMAN
Check in to our hotel before enjoying a tour of this well-preserved ancient city with its lively bazaar. In the afternoon we drive to the oasis city of Mahan where we visit the exquisite shrine of the sufi saint Shah Nematollah Vali, set against a picturesque backdrop of barren mountains. (B)

Day 4, YAZD
Drive through the desert to Yazd, home to many followers of the ancient Persian religion of Zoroastrianism. We visit the Fire Temple, the Towers of Silence and the Wind Towers in the old city. (B)

Day 5, PASARGAD – SHIRAZ
Today we continue to Shiraz via Pasargad, the ancient Achaemenian capital. We visit the tomb of Cyrus the Great which dates back more than 2,500 years. (BD)

Day 6, SHIRAZ – PERSEPOLIS
Morning guided tour of the magnificent remains at Persepolis. In the afternoon we enjoy a guided tour of Shiraz, a city that has always been a great centre of learning and is celebrated for its beauty and the delightful shrines of its famous poets. (B)

Day 7, ESFAHAN
Drive to Esfahan via the beautiful caravanserai at Izadkhast. In the evening we have a panoramic tour of the old bridges in Esfahan and the chance to visit a traditional teahouse. (BD)

Day 8, ESFAHAN
A World Heritage site, Esfahan is perhaps the most beautiful of all the cities in Iran, with an abundance of traditional Islamic architecture, ancient mosques, shrines and palaces. We have a full day to explore with our guide. (B)

Day 9, ESFAHAN
Full free day to wander through this enchanting city or visit the exotic bazaar to haggle for souvenirs. (B)

Day 10, NATANZ – ABYANEH VILLAGE
We continue to the village of Abyaneh, stopping on the way to visit the Jame Mosque and the Shrine of Imamzadeh Abdolsamaad in Natanz; a significant example of traditional Persian architecture. Abyaneh is one of the oldest settlements in Iran, and its historic importance has recently been recognized by UNESCO. We enjoy a picnic lunch, followed by a free afternoon to take in the beauty of the architecture and the surrounding scenery. (BL)

Day 11, KASHAN - QOM – HAMADAN
In the morning we drive to Kashan, a small city built at the site of an oasis. We have the chance to view the city’s traditional buildings, such as the Boroujerdi House – originally the home of a samovar merchant, the extensive gardens, and atmospheric covered bazaar. Later, we drive to Qom, the second holiest city in Iran, and then continue to Hamadan, which has been inhabited since the second millennium BC. (B)

Day 12, KERMANSHAH – SANANDAJ
After some time spent exploring Hamadan, we drive to Kermanshah, an important stop on the ancient caravan routes to Baghdad. After a tour of the city which includes some of its most impressive monuments, we continue to Sanandaj. (B)

Day 13, TAKHT-E SOLEIMAN - ZANJAN
Takht-e Soleiman, the ‘Throne of Solomon’ is one of Iran’s most interesting archaeological sites, where the ruins of a large, fortified settlement have been built around a small lake on a hilltop. It also claims to be the birth place of Zoroaster, founder of the ancient Zoroastrian religion. We visit the site before heading to Zanjan to spend the night. (B)

Day 14, ZANJAN - TEHRAN
We tour Zanjan, famous for the intricate handicrafts produced by its people; before returning to Tehran via Soltaniyeh and Qazvin. (BD)

Day 15, TEHRAN
Tour ends. (B)

Notes
MASHAD EXTENSION (ITAX): Mashad is the religious heart of Iran, a sacred city that houses the tomb of Imam Reza, the 8th Shi’ite Imam and a direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed. The tomb stands in the centre of the city and whilst non-believers are not allowed inside, the collection of opulently decorated buildings that surround the shrine are recognised as one of the wonders of the Islamic world. There are mosques, exquisitely decorated chambers (two of which are covered in pure gold), libraries and museums.
Why not add this on to your tour? Please refer to the ITAX itinerary/dossier for more information.: