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 15Activities
Extensive walking at sitesAccommodation
13 nights tourist class hotels, 1 night sleeper trainTransport
Private air-conditioned bus, sleeper train, local boatsAirport Transfer
To hotel day 1Fully Escorted
By leader / guideMeals
As per itinerary. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-DinnerEntrance Fees
Included for all sites visited as part of itineraryMASHAD 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,TEHRANArrival day. Later this evening you will have the chance to meet your tour leader and the other members of the tour.
Day 2,TEHRANMorning visit to the shrine of Imam Khomeini. Overnight sleeper train to Kerman. (BD)
Day 3,KERMANCheck 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,YAZDDrive 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)
Day 5,PASARGAD – SHIRAZToday 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)
Day 6,SHIRAZ – PERSEPOLISMorning 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,ESFAHANDrive 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,ESFAHANA 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,ESFAHANFull free day to wander through this enchanting city or visit the exotic bazaar to haggle for souvenirs. (B)
Day 10,NATANZ – ABYANEH VILLAGEWe 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 recognised 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 – HAMADANIn 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 – SANANDAJAfter 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 - ZANJANTakht-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 birthplace of Zoroaster, founder of the ancient Zoroastrian religion. We visit the site before heading to Zanjan to spend the night. (B)
Day 14,ZANJAN - TEHRANWe tour Zanjan, famous for the intricate handicrafts produced by its people, before returningto Tehran via Soltaniyeh and Qazvin. (BD)
Day 15,TEHRANTour ends. (B)
Last updated: 14th September 2009
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