+44 (0)20 8741 7390 Home to one of the oldest civilisations on earth, Iran can boast a cultural legacy of unparalleled scope. The lands of Cyrus the Great and the powerful Achaemenids, the Persia of antiquity once held sway over all the known world, from North Africa to the lands west of the Indus, before going on to play a leading role in a period that many saw as the golden age of Islam. This comprehensive journey into the heart of this fascinating country takes you across a historical land-scape that stretches back to the beginnings of the Persian Empire and beyond. You ll journey from the Alborz Mountains and deep into the deserts of central Iran, visiting the fire temples of Yazd and the beautiful gardens of Kashan. You ll take in the poetry and culture of Shiraz and enjoy the hospitality of a family from Faragheh Village in a village homestay.
Amongst the mud brick houses and meandering alleyways of Abyaneh you will then escape to a timeless world of tradition, where you will spend an evening in the company of a people who s lifestyles have changed little in generations. After seeing the stunning Islamic bridges and architecture of Isfahan, the journey then fittingly ends back in Tehran, a city steeped in the traditions and history of the old and new Persia. Highlights: Discover the unique Zoroastrian culture of Yazd Enjoy the Islamic majesty of Isfahan and the houses and gardens of poetic Shiraz Meet the nomads of the timeless Faragheh Village Visit the ancient cities of Persepolis and Pasgardae Stay in the traditional village of Abyaneh, unchanged for thousands of years Tour Includes: 13 nights four star or five star hotel accommodation, 1 night local guesthouse 13 breakfasts and 1 dinner Private guided sightseeing Private driver and vehicle Entrance fees included as per itinerary Private guided transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
Itinerary Day 1: Tehran Arrive in Tehran and transfer to your hotel. The country's largest city, Tehran bears the distinction of being Iran's 32nd national capital. Filled with a wealth of mosques, churches, Zoroastrian fire temples and synagogues, the city lies sandwiched between the snowcapped mountains of the Alborz ranges and the baking heat of the central desert which lies to its south. Day 2: Tehran A full day's sightseeing tour of the Iranian capital includes a visit to some of the city's most impressive buildings including the majestic Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest of Tehran's historic monuments. You will also get a chance to visit the city's impressive National Museum, which combines the historic and cultural treasures of both the Archaeological Museum and the National Arts Museum and there is an option to visit the Contemporary Art Museum. (B)
Day 3: Tehran - Kashan Once a centre for high quality pottery and tile production, the historic oasis city of Kashan was also an important leisure destination for the Safavi kings and the beautiful gardens of Bagh-e-Fin were specifically designed to represent classic versions of Persian paradise. Created by Shah Abbas I, it is one of the most famous gardens in Iran and is filled with a wonderful collection of Safavid, Zandiyeh and Qajar buildings. There will also be a chance to visit the bazaar and the traditional bath house, before taking in the views of the city from the roof of a converted hammam. (B) Day 4: Kashan - Na-in - Meybord - Yazd Leaving Kashan behind this morning you drive on through the desert, stopping first at the major carpet making centre of Na'in. Home to the 10th century Jama Mosque, there will be a chance to visit the mosque and the nearby anthropological museum, before continuing on to the important Zoroastrian shrine of Chak Chak. Hidden deep within the desert, this small shrine is one of the most revered sites in the country, attracting thousands of pilgrims from across Iran and India. Back on the main road, you head next for the famous ceramics town of Meybord, before a late afternoon arrival in Yazd. (B) Day 5: Yazd
Yazd was a major centre of Zoroastrian thought even after the Arab conquests of Persia. With a history dating back over 3,000 years, it contains some of the finest examples of traditional Persian desert architecture left in the country and a tour of the city begins with a visit to the remarkable Zoroastrian, Towers of Silence. You will also visit the fire temple, before moving on to discover the beautifully restored set-ting of the Water Museum. An afternoon walk then takes in the high city walls, the Jama Mosque and Alexander's Prison, which today houses a number of craft and tea shops. (B) Day 6: Yazd - Faragheh Village Departing Yazd this morning you drive through the desert landscapes to the Bavanat Valley, where a walk up into the mountains provides some spectacular views out across the valleys, with their small, lush pockets of fertile oases. Arriving at Faragheh Village in time for lunch, this afternoon you then head into the valley to meet up with the local nomads. Spending the afternoon in the presence of these timeless people provides a rare opportunity to learn something of their culture and lifestyles, before returning to your homestay in time for a traditional meal by the fire. (B,D) Day 7: Faragheh Village - Pasgardae - Persepolis - Shiraz There will be time for a walk around the village before leaving for the ancient site of Pasgardae, the capital of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire. The earliest known example of Achaemenid architecture, the city remains a stunning testimony to the artistry of the early Persian civilisation. Then it is on to Persepolis, the great capital of the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Darius I and destroyed nearly 200 years later by Alexander the Great. Before leaving you'll pay a visit to the spectacular Sassanid necropolis at Naqsh-e-Rustam, final resting place of Darius himself. Arrive in Shiraz this evening. (B)
Day 8: Shiraz A city of poets and gardens, Shiraz revels in its importance as a centre of Persian culture. Beginning with a wander through the traditional Qahqai bazaar and into the courtyard of the Shah Cheragh Shrine, you then move on to the Nasir al Molk Mosque, where you can enjoy the splendour of its tile work and stained glass, before taking in the blooms of the Narenjestan Gardens and Palace. Back in central Shiraz, you then visit the Vakil Mosque and Bazaar and the immense Citadel of Karim Khan, before ending the day at the tomb of Hafez, one of Shiraz's most celebrated poet. (B) Day 9: Shiraz - Isfahan A long drive north today gets us into Isfahan late this afternoon. An Iranian proverb once described Isfahan as "...half of the world" and, indeed, this stunning city was once one of the largest anywhere on earth. Home to some truly exceptional examples of Iranian and Islamic architecture, its centrepiece is the magnificent Naqshe e Jahan Square, which provides the backdrop for an ice cream and an evening stroll through the bazaar later. (B) Day 10: Isfahan An exploration of the huge Naqshe e Jahan Square today provides an opportunity to explore one of the largest city squares on the planet. Surrounded on three sides by the exquisite Imam and Sheikh Loftallah Mosque and the Ali Qapu palace, this beautiful World Heritage Site covers an area of nearly 90,000 square metres. A climb up to the balconies of the Ali Qapu Palace provides the perfect vantage point from which to take in the tiled majesty of this truly unforgettable site. (B)
Day 11: Isfahan Heading south of the river towards Joffa this morning you will pay a visit to the Armenian quarter, to view the beautiful 17th century Vank Cathedral. A mix of Persian and western styling, the church's interiors display a stunning array of gilded carvings and delicate blue and gold paintwork and the attached museum and library is a treasure trove of invaluable Armenian and medieval European manuscripts. Then it is time to enjoy a walk across the city's famous bridges and take in the splendours of its celebrated palaces, which boast some of the finest architecture in the whole city. (B) Day 12: Isfahan - Abyaneh Leaving behind the majesty of Isfahan you'll head next towards the ancient mud brick settlement of Abyaneh, one of the most picturesque villages in the country. Lying deep in a valley, the village is riddled with a twisting network of alleyways that add character to a setting that has changed little over the intervening centuries. Staunchly traditional, the village is one of the oldest in Iran and the local people still proudly wear their distinctive local dress, making this one of the most authentic experiences of your entire journey. (B) Day 13: Abyaneh - Tehran
The drive back to Tehran today stops at the Holy Shrine of Imam Khomeini, a fitting reminder of Iran's long road from the Achaemenid kings to the strict beliefs of Shia Islam. Still unfinished, this stunning mausoleum will be the centrepiece of a complex that covers some 20 square kilometres, housing a cultural centre, a university and room for more than 20,000 cars. Close by is the Behesht e Zahra, the cemetery dedicated to the thousands who died in the bloody Iran-Iraq War. A final afternoon is then spent on the slopes of the Alborz Mountains, in the prosperous resort of Darband. (B) Day 14: Tehran Transfer to the airport today for your onward flight home. (B) Accommodation Bavanat Valley Bavanat Valley Guest House The property consists of a range of small buildings along with a garden and small farm. Guests have a choice of traditional rooms, with rugs, fires and mattresses on the floor or modern, with beds, fans and en suite bathrooms; the traditional rooms use a shared bathroom in a separate building. The family grow vegetables for the meals and the cows, sheep and chickens provide eggs and milk for butter and cheese. A very comfortable and thoughtful homestay giving guests a great experience.
Isfahan Isfahan Traditional Hotel The Traditional Hotel enjoys a fantastic location deep in the historic Bazar-e Bozorg, 10 minutes from Imam Square and just a few steps from the Hakim Mosque, one of Isfahan's oldest. Accessible from a narrow lane off the bazaar, a vaulted corridor opens onto the main courtyard, surrounded by 16 rooms in a mix of styles. All rooms are spacious, well equipped and comfortable, and with traditional décor and stained glass windows that inspire old Persian glamour. The hotel is organised around two courtyards in adjoining homes from the Safavid and Qajar periods, reflecting two distinct Persian architectural styles. A stay here combines history, comfort and genuine Iranian character, with the city's most atmospheric district right outside the door. Kashan Manouchehri House A beautifully renovated historic house in the centre of Kashan in a peaceful network of alleyways. All aspects of the hotel show the original features in their restored stucco and stained glass features. The central courtyard is peaceful and faced by all rooms and the small restaurant. The 9 rooms are a good size given the age of the building and have been beautifully finished. Local handicrafts are produced in the workshop and are available for guests to buy, there is also a small cinema in the basement room for guests. 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.
Yazd Dad Hotel In the centre of Yazd close to the old city, the four star Dad Hotel is an historic building with a large courtyard garden. The site was first created in 1928 by Haj Abdolkhalegh Dad and then renovated in 2007 with the efforts of his son. The 88 rooms are traditionally decorated with coloured tiles and Persian carpets and categories include Single, Double/Twin, Triple, Family, Suite and Royal Suite. Each room has an en suite bathroom with a shower, satellite television, a hairdryer and Wi-Fi. There is a large restaurant which has a terrace for dining with panoramic views of Yazd or in more private, stylish tents. An additional restaurant is on the ground floor. Guests may also enjoy the underground pool (women AM, men PM), Spa, sauna, Jacuzzi and massage services. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com