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Ancient Persia in Depth - Overland Trip

2 weeks: Tehran to Tehran (IMT-ITAN)

Intro

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.

Group Size

Max 15

Activities

Extensive walking at sites

Accommodation

13 nights tourist class hotels, 1 night sleeper train

Transport

Private air-conditioned bus, sleeper train, local boats

Airport Transfer

To hotel day 1

Fully Escorted

By leader / guide

Meals

As per itinerary. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner

Entrance Fees

Included for all sites visited as part of itinerary

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.

Itineraries

Day 1,TEHRAN

Arrival day. Later this evening you will have the chance to meet your tour leader and the other members of the tour. (No meals.)

Day 2,TEHRAN

Morning visit to the shrine of Imam Khomeini. Overnight sleeper train to Kerman. (BD) Approx. 14 hour train ride (though delays may occur)

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 to Yazd. Yazd is home to many followers of the ancient Persian religion - Zoroastrianism. We visit the Fire Temple, the Towers of Silence, and the Wind Towers in the Old City of Yazd. (B) Approx 5-6 hours driving

Day 5,PASARGAD – SHIRAZ

Today we continue to Shiraz via Pasargad, the ancient Achaemenian capital. We visit the tomb of of Cyrus the Great which dates back more than 2,500 years. (BD) Approx. 7 hours driving

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 shrines to 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 tea house. (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 drive to Kashan via the Jame Mosque and the shrine of Imamzadeh Abdolsamaad in Natanz. We stop for a picnic lunch in a small village. (BL)

Day 11,KASHAN - QOM – HAMADAN

Visit Qom, the second holiest city in Iran and a centre of Islamic learning - Imam Khomeini was a student here. We have time to explore and see the famous shrines with their beautiful mosaic patterns, golden domes and graceful minarets. Later we continue to Hamadan. (B)

Day 12,KERMANSHAH – SANANDAJ

A day excursion to Kermanshah, a stop on the ancient caravan routes. En route we visit a temple dedicated to Anahita, the goddess of water, and the famous Sassanian rock carvings at Taq-e-Bostan. In Kermansah we visit Tekiyeh Moaven-ol-Molk and have time to wander through the bazaar. (B)

Day 13,TAKHT-E SOLEIMAN - ZANJAN

Drive via Qazvin to Bander-Anzali on the shores of the Caspian Sea. On the way we visit the 12th Century Jame Mosque. In the afternoon we take a boat trip through the picturesque wetlands of the Anzali lagoon to see the abundant bird life. (B)

Day 14,ZANJAN - TEHRAN

A dramatic drive through the Talesh Mountains to the beautiful Caspian village of Masuleh, which clings to the surrounding cliffs. Later we return to Tehran for a farewell dinner. (BD)

Day 15,TEHRAN

Tour ends. (B)

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Last updated: 30th September 2008