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Day 01 TEHRAN
Once all the members of your group have arrived , your tour leader will gather the group together for an introductory briefing. This briefing usually takes place after breakfast on day 2 , and will provide you with a broad outline of your trip and also give you some useful tips for your stay.
Day 02 TEHRAN
Morning tour of Carpet , Archaeological & Ethnological Museums followed by a visit to the shrine of Imam Khomeini. (BD)
Established as the capital of Persia just over 200 years ago , this huge , modern and heavily populated city , does not have the romance nor the ancient sites which attract visitors to many other parts of Iran , but it is the place to find the country's best museums , restaurants and shopping.
In order to glean an overview of Iran's rich history and culture , visits to three of Tehran's museums are highly worthwhile.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
It is here where we are introduced to Iran's long and fascinating history. The museum exhibits artifacts representing all periods in Persian antiquity , many discovered in sights visited during your tour.
ETHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Here colorful displays help us to understand the ethnic diversity , which exists within Iranian society , by illustrating the customs and traditional dress of many of the country's 100 tribal groups.
CARPET MUSEUM
Persian rugs are considered to be among the finest in the world and the art of carpet weaving is believed to be as old as Persian history itself.
This museum contains a wonderful array of pieces dating back as early as the 15th century , ranging from stately court carpets to nomadic rugs distinguished by their lively , wild , naive designs.
AYATOLLAH KHOMEINI'S SHRINE
One of the most controversial figures in modern political history , His Holiness Imam Khomeini , as he is known in Iran , was laid to rest here in 1989.
Iranians travel from all over the country to pay their respects to the revered leader of the Revolution and founder of the present Islamic Republic of Iran.
Day 03 TEHRAN
A full morning visit to the old Shah's residence - Sa'ad Abad Palace. Transfer to the station and board the sleeper train to Kerman. (BD)
SA'AD ABAD PALACE
Set in lush , and peaceful surroundings in the southern foothills of the Alborz Mountains , the Sa'ad Abad Palace complex was originally the summer residence of the former Shah of Iran until the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
Today it remains an illustration of the grandeur and opulence in which the Shah and his family lived. Now , many of these palace buildings house fascinating exhibits including some of Iran's greatest treasures and finest works of art.
Day 04 KERMAN
ARG-E JADID - In Kerman visit Sanati Art Gallery , Ganj'ali Khan traditional Bath House and the bazaars. In the late afternoon we continue to Arg-e Jadid visiting the Mausoleum of Shah Nematollah Vali and Shaz de Garden en route. (BD)
KERMAN
On the fringe of the Lut Desert , the somewhat remote city of Kerman has survived a turbulent history. Invaded by the Arabs , Buyids , Seljuk's , Turkmen's and Mongols , it nonetheless held great importance for centuries as a prosperous trading point along the silk route between Esfahan and Central Asia.
Still today , echoes of Kerman's colorful past remain within the walls of it's bustling ancient bazaar: traditional tea houses continue to function as they have done for centuries; the 17th century Ganj'ali Khan Bath House is now a waxwork museum; and the impressive Vakil Caravansary.
Day 05 BAM CITADEL - YAZD
The morning is spent at the impressive citadel at Bam before our drive to Yazd for the night. (BD)
BAM
The beauty of the oasis of Bam , with its richly colored soil , citrus orchards , tall date palms and cooling springs , stands in dramatic contrast to the surrounding harsh , barren landscape of the Lut Desert.
On the outskirts of the present-day city of Bam , lies an imposing ancient walled city founded some 2 ,000 years ago and made entirely from mud.
"Arg-e-Bam" as it is known in Farsi , is a fascinating labyrinth of alleyways which lead you through the remains of houses , mosques , market places , military barracks , and a Caravansary , all dominated by a massive fortress once occupied by the Governor of the city.
Day 06 YAZD
Visit the Fire Temple , Towers of Silence and the Wind Towers. In the afternoon there is time to explore the old city at your leisure. (BD)
YAZD
The ancient desert city of Yazd is unique for its intriguing architecture , which has been perfectly adapted to the harsh weather conditions of the desert. The famous WIND TOWERS of Yazd , a feature of most buildings in the old city , are designed to trap even the smallest of draughts and direct it into the dwellings below for cooling.
Yazd is also Iran's centre of Zoroastrianism - one of the world's oldest religions , and the state religion in Persia until the advent of Islam. Often mistakenly referred to as "fire worshippers" , Zoroastrians use fire as a symbol for their omnipotent God.
Artashkadeh , the FIRE TEMPLE of the Zoroastrian community is where the sacred flame has been burning for over 1 ,500 years.
A 15 km drive to the outskirts of Yazd brings us to the TOWERS OF SILENCE. This fascinating site was once a Zoroastrian burial ground where the dead bodies of the believers were left to be devoured by vultures before burying the remaining bones.
Day 07 PASSARGADE - SHIRAZ
Visit Passargade en route to Shiraz. (BD)
SHIRAZ
A city which envelopes so many images of ancient Persia - exotic gardens , lavish mansions , rich red wine , silky woolen rugs , philosophy and poetry.
Shiraz has also always been a renowned centre of learning , boasting many of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the country. Known as Iran's "Poetic Capital" , it was also home to two of Persia's most famous poets of the 13th and 14th centuries , SAADI & HAFEZ , whose mausoleums are here in Shiraz.
Free time in Shiraz can be spent exploring at your own pace. Wander the maze of narrow streets and alleyways of the old city filled with traditional handicraft workshops and local markets. For the avid sightseers the splendid mansion of Ghavam Orangery , the sumptuous Garden of Paradise , and the impressive intricately decorated Karim Khan Citadel are each worthy of a visit.
PASSARGADE
In the vast desert plain between Shiraz and Esfahan , lie the remains of the first capital of the Achaemenian (Persian) Empire. Passargade was established by King Cyrus the Great in the early 6th century BC as the empire's seat of government and central military base.
Day 08 PERSEPOLIS - SHIRAZ
Today we make and excursion to the ancient site of Persepolis and Naqsh-e-Rostam & NAQSH-e-Rajab. In the afternoon visit the mausoleums of Saadi & Hafez and return to Shiraz for the night. (BD)
PERSEPOLIS
No trip to Iran would be complete without a visit to Persepolis. The site is recognized as the best preserved remains of the great Persian Empire which , at its zenith , stretched from the Indus Valley to the Aegean Sea , encompassing Thrace , Armenia , Asia Minor , Assyria , and Lower Egypt.
Persepolis , meaning "Capital of Persia" in Greek , was founded by King Darius the Great who reigned between 521 and 486 BC , as the Ceremonial Capital of his Empire. Later , the city was further developed by Darius' successors over a period of more than 150 years.
Today , you can see the remains of Persepolis' grandeur which made this one of the finest cities of the ancient world - the Monumental Gateway , Palaces , Audience Halls , and the Treasury; and beliefs depicting the New Year ceremonies in which Heads of State from all over the Empire would travel to Persepolis to pay taxes in the form of lavish gifts for the Great King.
NAQSH-E-RUSTAM
Literally "Picture of Rustam" , local supposition associated these four beautifully carved tombs cut high into the cliffs near Persepolis with the famous Persian mythical hero , Rustam.
In actual fact they are the tombs of the great Achaemenian kings of the 4th & 5th centuries BC: Darius the Great , Xerxes , Darius II and Artaxerxes.
Day 09 FIRUZABAB - SHIRAZ
An excursion to Firuz abad. Visit Nomadic Tribes and the ruins of Gur. The afternoon is free. We spend the night in Shiraz. (BD)
EXCURSION TO FIRUZABAB
A journey south of Shiraz brings us to Firuz abad and the southern Zagross Mountains. This is the domain of the nomadic QashQai tribe , which migrates from lowland pastures in winter to the high mountains in the summer. They survive on animal husbandry and farming , but can also be seen in local village markets trading their traditional handicrafts.
The QashQai are distinguished by their proud , dignified demeanor , and vibrantly colored clothing and unveiled faces of their women.
GUR
Three km from the present day town of Firuz abad , south of Shiraz , are the ruins of Gur. The town was built by the Sassanian Ardeshir I in the 3rd century AD on the site of his victory over his rival Artabanus V. The city of triumph was unusually constructed in a circular share with the four main city gates precisely positioned at the cardinal points of the compass.
Day 10 ESFAHAN
Drive to the mystical city of Esfahan via Yazd Castle. (BD)
ESFAHAN
Persian's most enchanting city! The magnificent capital of Safavid King Shah Abbas I (1587-1629) on the banks of the Zayandeh Rud River , was often described by the words: "Esfahan nesf-e Jahan" (Esfahan is half the world) and has long attracted travelers from all over the world.
It is here where one can really appreciate the true grace and beauty of Persian heritage.
Day 11 ESFAHAN
A full day of sightseeing in this amazing city: visit Imam & Sheikh Lotfollah Mosques , Ali Qapu & Forty Column Palaces and Vank Cathedral. (BD)
IMAM SQUARE
Built in 1612 as a royal polo ground , and situated in the heart of the Safavid Capital , Imam Square is one of the largest and finest public spaces in the world.
Historically a hive of activity - filled with entertainers , story tellers , preachers and silk route caravans , it has entranced travelers throughout the generations.
THE BAZAAR
The atmospheric bazaar captures the ambience of ancient Persia. It's easy to spend many hours strolling here. The pungent scent of exotic spices , clang of coppersmiths at work , cries of merchants selling gold , carpets and handicrafts , all fill the series of long alleys radiating from Imam Square - fantastic!
IMAM MOSQUE & SHEIK LOTFOLLAH MOSQUE
Built between 1612 and 1638 these majestic structures lavishly adorned with exquisite tile work in hues of blue , turquoise and green , represent the culmination of over 1 ,000 years of Islamic art and architecture.
The former was built as Esfahan 's central place of worship and Islamic learning. The latter , named in honor of the great Lebanese Sheik Lotfollah , was the private place of prayer and meditation for Shah Abbas.
ALI QAPU PALACE
Literally called "the sublime gate" in Farsi , this seven storey palace , situated on the western sided of Imam Square , was principally the centre of government during the Safavid Period.
The interior is wonderfully decorated with fine carvings , murals and mosaics and the main balcony gave the Shah and his family a commanding view of the polo matches held in the square and daily life in the city.
FORTY COLUMN PALACE
There are only twenty elegant columns at the front of Shah Abbas' royal reception hall actually , but their reflection in the pool gives the inspiration for the name.
Inside the visitor is treated to a superb display of frescoes and paintings , which cover the walls and depict scenes from the 16 & 17th centuries.
ARMENIAN QUARTER
While Iran is , for all intents and purposes , and Islamic nation , there are various other religious minorities free to practice their faith.
VANK CATHEDRAL in Esfahan 's Armenian Quarter is a testament to the fact that Muslims and Christians have lived together peacefully here for centuries.
While the exterior of the cathedral observes traditional Christian designs , the interior decorations are a curious combination of time honored Christian images and ancient Persian art.
Day12 ESFAHAN
A free day to explore the city at leisure. Evening flight to Tehran and transfer to hotel. (BD)
Day13 TEHRAN
Tour ends after breakfast. (B)
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