HIGHLIGHTS: TOUR INCLUDES: +44 (0)

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1 +44 (0) Iran s more remote northern regions lie spread along the shores of the Caspian, the largest body of inland water on the planet. Densely forested and dominated by the snow-covered peaks of the Alborz Mountains, they differ markedly from their more southerly neighbours and, as you travel farther west, the Azerbaijan influences become more pronounced amongst its architecture, people and culture. From Tehran you ll head first towards the remote valleys around Qazvin, home to the legendary mountain fortress of Alamut and the Valley of the Assassins. Turning inland you then visit Soltaniyeh, before crossing the mountains and taking the road that leads down to the Caspian coast and the lush tea plantations around Lahijian. A return to the mountains then provides an opportunity to overnight with a family in the traditional village of Masouleh, before continuing west towards the hot springs of Sareiyn and Tabriz. In Tabriz you will visit the beautifully sited Armenian church of St. Stepanos and Kara Kelisa, the most important pilgrimage centre for Armenian Christians in Iran. You ll also enjoy a guided tour of the city, taking in its famous citadel and its central bazaar before flying back to Tehran. HIGHLIGHTS: Enjoy the cultural highlights of Iran s bustling capital city Explore the remote landscapes of the Valley of the Assassins Visit the mountain villages and coastal communities Visit the UNESCO sites of Soltaniyeh and Tabriz Discover the Armenian heritage of Jolfa TOUR INCLUDES: 1 domestic flight 6 nights four star hotel, 3 nights local guesthouse 9 breakfasts and 3 dinners Accompanied by an experienced English speaking local guide on private basis Private driver and vehicle Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees Private guided transfers to and from all airports Guide's and driver's expenses

2 *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room

3 ITINERARY DAY 1: TEHRAN Arrive in Tehran early this morning and transfer to your hotel. On your city tour this afternoon visit the 18th century Golestan Palace and the Archaeological museum. Or you may like to visit the crown jewels housed in the vaults of the Bank Melli, the Reza Abassi Museum, with its vast collection of Persian art and antiquities, or the Contemporary Art Museum. DAY 2: TEHRAN - ALAMUT Drive out of the city to the town of Qazvin, home to a beautiful Saffavid mirrored shrine. There will be time to look around, before heading into the rolling hills of the Alamut region, where 'Assassin's Castles' dot the landscape and provide a wonderful scenic backdrop for some enjoyable walks through the surrounding countryside. After your walks you'll continue on to one of the local villages, to spend the evening in a typical family home. (B,D) DAY 3: ALAMUT - SOLTANIYEH - ZANJAN This morning you will visit the 14th century UNESCO site of Soltaniyeh. Little survives of this once great city today, other than the huge Mausoleum of Oljeitu, whose large blue domed mausoleum is spectacularly framed against the dramatic peaks of the distant mountains. From here you then head towards Zanjan and visit Rakhtshourkhaneh. (B) DAY 4: ZANJAN - RASHT - MASOULEH After breakfast, head in to the Alborz mountains as you drive to the traditional village of Masouleh via Rasht. You'll then spend this evening staying with a local family amongst the jumbled collection of stepped houses that lie scattered up the hillside. (B,D) DAY 5: MASOULEH This morning you will drive to the medieval castle of Roodkhan, whose ancient ruins lie spectacularly scattered amongst a wooded hillside. The walk up to the ruins takes you past a cascading waterfall and through lush forest and, on arrival, there will be ample time to explore the site before returning to the car. After a chance to enjoy lunch at one of the local food stalls, this afternoon you will return to Masouleh to spend a little time exploring the village. (B,D)

4 DAY 6: MASOULEH - ROODKHAN - ARDEBIL This morning set off to Ardebil. Your drive will bring you through heavily forested mountains, en route stop to take a walk up to the Roodkhan Castle, one of many castles that litter the area. The name Ardebil comes from the Zoroastrian name of "Artavil" (mentioned in Avesta) which means a holy place. A market centre for a fertile agricultural region, the town is famed for its silk and carpet trade tradition, and the ancient Ardabil Carpets are considered some of the best of the classical Persian Rug creations. (B) DAY 7: ARDEBIL - TABRIZ This morning you set out for Tabriz, paying a visit to the village of Sareiyn en route. Set beneath the imposing shadow of Mount Sabalan, Sareiyn is famed for its hot springs and there will be an opportunity for you to stop and enjoy a thermal bath before continuing the journey. Tabriz itself is home to a well renowned UNESCO listed bazaar and arriving in the city later this afternoon, there should be time to pay it a visit this evening if you wish. (B) DAY 8: TABRIZ Today you will visit the Armenian Church of St. Stepanos, set amidst some truly magnificent mountain scenery near Jolfa. Nestled up in a remote hillside location the existing church dates back to the 14th century but it is said to have been founded originally by St Bartholomew around 62AD. Then carry on to Kara Kelisa (The Church of St. Thaddeus), the most famous pilgrimage site in the country for the Armenian Christians. Drive back to Tabriz after your visit. (B) DAY 9: TABRIZ Today you will have an excursion to Maku to see Maku's Palace before visiting the nearby Kara Kelisa or Church of St Thaddeus. This is an important pilgrimage site for Armenian Christians in Iran and traces its history back to the first century AD. Return to Tabriz. (B) DAY 10: TABRIZ - TEHRAN A morning sightseeing tour of Tabriz today takes in the ruined Ark (citadel), from whose towering brick walls criminals were regularly hurled to their death. You'll also see the 15th century Blue Mosque, whose beautiful tile work has survived numerous earthquakes. A walk through El-Goli Park then provides a chance to enjoy a spot favoured by local families, before visiting the Troglodyte village of Kandovan. You will then take an evening flight back to Tehran. (B)

5 DAY 11: TEHRAN Morning transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

6 ACCOMMODATION TEHRAN MASHAD HOTEL The 3* Mashad Hotel is located in the centre of Tehran, Iran's capital city and a major cultural and industrial centre. The hotel is close to the city's main shopping and tourist attractions. It offers 120 well equipped air conditioned en-suite rooms and suites. All rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, mini-bar, hair dryer, complementary toiletries, slippers and flat screen TV. The hotel's traditional Iranian restaurant, situated on the roof top, looks out over the Alborz mountain range and serves as a great place to enjoy afternoon tea or a fresh fruit cocktail. There is also a spa where guests can take advantage of the well equipped gym, sauna, steam bath and Jacuzzi. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0) info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com