Destinations: Iran , Middle East , Turkey
Activities: Cultural Exploration
A journey across two continents, from Europe to Asia
A trip for those interested in the varied cultures and fascinating histories of both Turkey and Iran. We travel from Istanbul to Tehran on the world famous Trans Asia Express train. Passing rugged mountain ranges and huge lakes in Turkey we arrive in Iran, a country of dramatic contrasts. Here the scenery ranges from snow-clad mountains to vast, inhospitable deserts punctuated by attractive oasis towns, and its cities and ancient sites reveal a deep and rich history. Some of the most exquisite examples of Middle Eastern design and architecture are to be found in Iran, including the magnificent ruins of Persepolis, the dazzling Islamic centres at Isfahan and Shiraz, and beautifully-crafted gardens set in desert wastes. The rich bazaars and the ancient tradition of hospitality never fail to impress in a country which sees relatively few tourists. Adventure Pioneer Competition & this tripWe are delighted to announce the winning itinerary of our Adventure Pioneers competition is a journey from Istanbul to Tehran using the Trans Asia Express train - taking in Lake Van, Shiraz, and Isfahan. The winning pioneer was Nicola Watson, who travelled on the first departure of this itinerary in September 2009, with five of her friends. This trip is now featured in our brochure, as well as online, and available so why not become an Adventure Pioneer too!
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1Start Istanbul.
Day 2
We start off our trip through Turkey with a full day highlights tour of Istanbul. Includes a visit to Hagia Sofia, built in the 6th century by Justinian, it remained the largest church in Christendom for centuries, converted to a Mosque by the Ottomans, and then to a museum by the secular Republic. Other places to visit are the famous Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome square at the heart of old Stamboul, and the Topkapi Palace which was the residence of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years. We board the Trans-Asia Express in the evening and depart. First Class air-conditioned compartments comprise 4 berths and are of a reasonable standard. Bed linen is provided.
Day 3-4-5
We have three days aboard the train, which is actually two connecting trains, a Turkish one from Istanbul to Tatvan pier, then a ferry across Lake Van (90km), then an Iranian train from Van pier to Tehran. If you bring playing cards, dominoes or backgammon, you'll be eagerly joined by Turks and Iranians in the communal areas, which is a great way of finding out about the countries as well as passing the time. On arrival in Tehran on the evening of day 5 we will be transferred to our hotel.
Day 6
In the morning we fly to the city of Shiraz, the capital of the province of Fars. It was from here that the great Achaemenids, Cyrus and Darius, ruled from the 6th century BC, and later the Sassanians until the Arab invasion in the 7th century, and it is here that we find the remains of their cities. Shiraz is an atmospheric city and holds a very romantic place in the heart of Iranians. It may lack the magnificence of Isfahan but as a city famous for its roses, nightingales and poetry, its beauty is both subtle and evocative. The mausoleums of Persia's two most famous poets, Hafez and Sa'di are to be found here in very peaceful gardens. Present day Shiraz is a mixture of the hustle and bustle of modern life, covered bazaars with wonderful crafts and brightly coloured nomads' textiles. The serene havens of tiled madrassahs, glorious gardens, such as the Bagh-e Eram, and many mosques tiled with the rose motif, including the exquisite Nasir al-Mulk of the Qajar era, are testimony to why this is the Iranian people's favourite city.
Day 7
We have a long drive of 450km from Shiraz to Yadz and en route we visit Persepolis and Pasargadae. Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of Darius I. This is a magnificent complex of ancient ruins: columns, carved gateways, forty foot tall sculptured horses and bulls, reception hall, Winter Palace and the famous carved Apadana Staircase. It is the best-preserved monument of the Old Persian Empire and has attracted archaeologists from all over the world. We shall also visit the tombs of Darius I and II, Xerxes and Artaxerxes at Naqshe Rustam. At Pasargadae, which pre-dates Persepolis we have the opportunity to see the simple but imposing tomb of Cyrus the Great, the Founder of the Persian Empire, and remains of his several palaces, all located in the beautiful plain of Dasht-e-Morghab.
Day 8
Yadz is a true desert city and the centre of Zoroastrianism, Persia's ancient religion of fire worshippers. It was an important trading centre on the Silk Road and renowned for its silk and carpet weaving. We spend this morning looking around Yadz: we will see the wind towers designed to catch even the smallest movement of air and direct it downwards to cool the living quarters below and visit the beautiful Dowlat Abad Garden and Pavilion. Also the Towers of Silence, where the Zoroastrians laid out their dead to be eaten by the vultures. The old town of Yadz is a maze of narrow lanes and old mud structures. In the afternoon we drive to the architectural centre of Iran, Isfahan, 300kms away via Na'in, a charming desert town, half way between Yadz and Isfahan. Time permitting we will visit its the famous 10th century Friday Mosque and the 17th century Pirnia House/Ethnographic Museum.
Day 9
'Isfahan nesf-e jahan', Isfahan is half the world, the magnificent capital of Shah Abbas I. Architecturally, Isfahan is one of the most important cities of the world. At its centre is the Maidan-e Imam (Imam Square), one of the finest city squares in the world, with the immense tiled Imam Mosque, Ali Ghapu's Palace and the mosque of Sheikh Lotfollah along the sides. The Bazaar Qaisarieh, or Imperial Bazaar, is a labyrinth of domed alleyways, filled with carpets, textiles, sweets and spices, metal work, tile-makers, jewellers and bright clothes which stretches from the Imam Square all the way to the 10th century Friday Mosque in the north. It was among the bazaaris such as these that the revolution of 1978 took root. We will visit the Vank Cathedral within the Armenian sector, Jolfa, and may possibly have time to experience the phenomenon of the 'shaking minarets' of the Minar-e Jonban in the west. Isfahan is a rarity among Iranian cities in that a river, the Zayandeh, passes through it. This contributes to the pleasant climate of the city whilst its bridges, particularly the Si o Se Pol (the Bridge of Thirty-three Arches), and the Khaju Bridge, provide the perfect setting to spend the evening drinking tea and smoking a 'hubble-bubble'. We finish with a visit to the Qeisarieh Bazaar with hundreds of shops displaying the arts and handicrafts for which Isfahan is world-famous. In the evening we fly back to Tehran.
Day 10
Today we have a guided tour exploring the National Museum which contains a fantastic collection of prehistoric, ancient and Islamic artefacts. We also visit the Glass & Ceramics Museum with its beautiful collection of glass and pottery.
Day 11
End Tehran.
Departure Dates
08/06/2010
14/09/2010
19/04/2011
Prices
06/04/2010: £1369
08/06/2010: £1369
14/09/2010: £1369
19/04/2011: £1469
Optional single supplement from: 200 GBP
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
Trip Information
Travel by air-conditioned vehicle and air-conditioned train plus 2 internal flights.
Accommodation
7 nights hotels and 3 nights on the train.
Food
6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners included.
Group Size and Age
Min. 8, max. 18 plus leader.
