SURFIRAN Travel & Parsyad Co. is proud to present THE PERSIAN CARAVAN TRAIN A JOURNEY THROUGH PERSIA ON A PRIVATE TRAIN
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WELCOME TO IRAN The land of history and mystery It s a great honor to introduce the Persian Caravan Adventure Train which will take you to visit many of Iran s attractions. Iran is country of magnificent attractions and wonderful landscapes from north to south. There s nothing quite like travelling by train, listening to the rhythmic rumble as the wheels clack over the tracks and the world flashes past the window of your compartment. Boarding the train will lead to an iconic experience of natural and picturesque landscapes almost impossible to see on a road trip. It will provide a unique and memorable experience for travelers with a sense of adventure. We offer five different tours to suit different travelers. 1. The Persian Caravan Train: A 12-day classical tour of Iran 2. The Three Gold Line Train: A 1-day tour of the north of Iran 3. The Stone Crossings Tour: A 3-day tour of the Zagros region 4. The Rail and River Tour: A 2-day tour of Lorestan 5. Exclusive Tours The Persian Caravan Train This journey offers an affordable opportunity to visit the cultural and historical heritage sites of Iran, boarding on a 5-star train which offers a high level of comfort and services in a pleasant atmosphere. The trip covers all of the above in about 2 weeks in which passengers are served on board or in 4 star hotels for dining and sleeping. The Three Gold Line Trip Iran s railway goes back 80 years and is one of the most successful inter- national projects in Iran. Railways in the north of Iran by passing through mountains and rainforests ensures beautiful and eye-catching views. The trip will ensure a memorable experience of Iranian landscapes, as well as dining in local houses. The Stone Crossing Tour This short trip is an opportunity to visit three UNESCO world heritage sites. You can then see and hear the story behind these magnificent mountains and the rai road as it passes through the untouched and breathtaking nature of the Zagros mountains and feel the beauty that is all around you. The Rail and River Tour To get to plains of Khuzestan the train will pass through the Zagros Mountains while the Dez River will accompany you by staying alongside you the whole journey. It will take you through the richly diverse and green landscapes of the river and breathtaking valley. Exclu sive Tours Based on our extensive knowledge of the railwork network and we can create and plan specific and exclusive tours based on customer desires. All of our tours are offered by SURFIRAN travel and tours, which is a well-respected tour operator in Iran in cooperation with Parsyad co. We hope Persian Caravan Trains can show the beauty and history of Iran. 3
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THE PERSIAN CARAVAN TRAIN Travelling with the Persian Caravan Train is a unique way to uncover the story of Iran. The tour is offered by SURFIRAN travel and tours which is a well-respected tour operator and travel agency in Iran in cooperation with Parsyad Co. The Persian Caravan Train allows its passengers to explore the real Iran in a fast and safe manner. Local English-speaking tour guides offer explanations of the most significant sites in each city and there are opportunities to experience authentic regional cuisine, shopping and traditional cultural offerings This all-inclusive adventure will take you through richly diverse landscapes, cultures and heritage sites. The Persian Caravan Train offers unique excursions with tours ranging from beloved Iranian cities such as Isfahan, well known for its beautiful historic architecture and magnificent Persian gardens that trace their design principles to the days of Shah Abbas. Pasargadae and Persepolis, cities of the Achaemenid Empire that rank among the world s greatest sites of antiquity. Yazd, which is well known for its Zoroastrian fire temples, its Persian handicrafts and its high quality confectionery as well as Kerman that is known for its tropical fruits and dates, excellent meat, dairy products and local delicious food. The service of the train begins the moment you board and are greeted with a local drink on arrival A porter assists you to your cabin. Your service attendant is available to assist you in making yourself at home in your cabin. There is 24-hour service in each carriage, facilities include a bathroom in every carriage, air-conditioning, a library, LCD screen and large windows to watch the world go by, all of which ensures a memorable experience. It offers a chef-prepared menu with selections of mouthwatering Iranian cuisine. Enjoy your meal in a decorated dining car. During the day, this place provides a warm, naturally lit observation area. You can also enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while taking in the scenery. The Persian Caravan Train will delight all of your senses as you travel through Iran to reveal the pearls of Persia. 5
6 Nasir ol Molk Mosque
From the legendary hospitality of the Iranian people to the thousands year old culture and traditions, riches and wonders await those who have the courage to go beyond the clichés. IRAN: THE LAND OF GLORY AND BEAUTY Iran is a land history culture, souvenir and authenticity. This is not a tourism slogan, this is the reality experienced by visitors who have been impressed by Iran s beauty and amazing attractions. Iran is bursting with cultural heritage and historical monuments. These architectural remnants can date back thousands of years. Heritage sites. At the moment, Iran stands 11th in the world for the number of registered world heritage sites. Archaeologists estimate that modern Iran is home to over a million historical sites, places and zones. During the past few centuries, over 150,000 of such sites have been located in different parts of the country. The World Travel Market 2015 Industry report said Iran was set to become a tourism hot spot and tourists were rushing to discover the riches the country has to offer. If you would like to find a small world in a vast country, you are welcome to visit Iran. Overall some 20 major archaeological sites in Iran have been registered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as World Despite many negative news stories about Iran. 7
FACILITIES AND SERVICES What s included in the tour price Professional and Experienced Tour Guides The Persian Caravan Train allows its passengers to explore real Iran in a fast and safe manner. Local Englishspeaking tour guides offer explanations of the most significant sites in each city, while there are also opportunities to experience authentic regional cuisine as well as shopping. Our tour guides are top licensed guides with one mission in mind making your tour the journey of a lifetime. Arrival And Departure Airport Transfers Arrival and departure transfers are included. Hotel and On Board Accommodation Although you will spend much of your time sightseeing or relaxing in the hotels and train s public areas, you will find your cabin a welcome retreat at the end of a rewarding day. All hotels are of five-star standard, or the best available. Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner Daily All meals are included, starting with dinner on the first day and ending with breakfast on the last day. Several times during the tour we will also sample authentic local cuisine and a selection of drinks on the train, which is also included in the tour price. All on board foods are cooked, prepared and served inside the train. On Board Facilities 24-hour service in each car, facilities include a bathroom in each car, air-conditioning, a library, free WIFI, LCD screen and a large windows to watch the world go by ensures a memorable experience. On Board Service You can expect service which is attentive, friendly and unobtrusive. Your car attendants provide housekeeping services with one attendant always on duty to assist you and to ensure you are comfortable in your cabin. Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled drinking water are available in your cabin 24 hours a day. Guided Off-train Excursions The history and culture of the places we visit on our rail cruises will come alive through our expert local guides. All our tours include a wide-ranging sightseeing schedule to make the most of the time you have off the train and bring you closer to the culture, people and history of your destinations. We believe it is the special little touches that help create magical memories. On Board Doctor And Medical Facilities To give you peace of mind our tours are accompanied by a Doctor who travels with us for the entire journey; so you can rest assured that medical assistance is always available. On call 24 hours a day, the Doctor is on hand to give primary care which is also included in the tour price. In almost every case, the doctor will be English speaking. Porterage As you may need to unpack your luggage and belongings will stay with you on the train throughout the journey, wherever necessary, porterage is included between the hotels and stations. 8
On-Board Kitchen 9
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ON-BOARD CUISINE Onboard experience dining restaurant 12
On-Board Restaurant PERSIAN CUISINE ON-BOARD The 5-star train is the newest train to join Iran s rolling stock by the Raja passenger train company which offers a higher class of services. The train features 4-bunk compartments where every car has one well-trained male and female host onboard to serve passengers. The train starts its journey from Tehran and after passing Kashan, Isfahan, Bam, Kerman, Yazd, Saadat Shahr and Shiraz will be back to Tehran again. THE RESTAURANT You can have food in a double decker restaurant with a magnificent and pleasant environment which has the seating capacity for 96 people. Guests will be served with a range of healthy, tasty dishes. Passengers in the train will be served with a wide range of Iranian and exotic entrees, main courses and desserts and after the meal there hopefully a friendly conversation. THE KITCHEN The train has a kitchen which is located in a dedicated space apart from he dining car and guests can observe the whole process of preparing the food and order the dish of their choice. Our cuisine is designed to be enjoyed. 13
ON-BOARD FOOD MENU KHORESHT-E FESENJAN (PERSIAN POMEGRANATE AND WALNUT STEW) --- KHORESHT-E GHEIMEH & RICE (RICE, LAMB, SPLIT PEA AND DRIED LIME STEW) --- ZERESHK POLO (BARBERRY RICE WITH CHICKEN) --- BAGHALI POLO (RICE WITH DILL AND FAVA BEANS) --- JOOJEH KABAB (SAFFRON CHICKEN KABOBS) --- KABAB KOOBIDEH (GRILLED MINCED MEAT KABOBS) --- TEA AND COFFEE Vegetarian meals is available on request 14
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FIRST CLASS CABINS 1st class facilities on the trains 16
facilities on the trains Each corridor of the train has 10 comfortable 4-bunk compartments all of which have: 2 upper and 2 lower beds each, designed appropriately for a peaceful sleep. Upper beds are 174cm in length and 64cm in width. Lower beds which are suitable for taller passengers are 185 cm in length and 64cm in width. Compartments have special space for passengers luggage which are 185cm long, 48cm wide and 34cm tall above the compartment s door. Passengers have personal 52.48cm space and there is a 52.40cm folding table for 2 passengers sitting in front of each other for serving food while they are not resting, otherwise they can fold it up for enough sleeping space for the lower beds. Compartments available facilities include: 1. Electronic washroom systems 2. Sleeping sets including a mattress, pillow and blanket of the highest hygiene standards in special bags 3. Slippers 4. Blinds over the windows to regulate the light 5. Adjustable air conditioning system 6. TV sets providing access to 8 different channels including 2 movie channel 7. Access to the digital content delivery networks on mobile phones and tablets. The cabins 17
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Amir Chakhmaq, Yazd
20 Azadi Tower, Tehran
TOURS OVERVIEW Tour route and stop details The Persian Caravan Train tour is an iconic experience of discovering the story of Persia. This all-inclusive adventure will take you through richly diverse landscapes, cultures and heritage sites. The Persian Caravan Train offers unique excursions with tours ranging from beloved Iranian cities such as Isfahan, well known for its beautiful historic architecture and magnificent Persian gardens that trace their design principles to the days of Shah Abbas. Pasargadae and Persepolis, cities of the Achaemenid Empire that rank among the world s greatest sites of antiquity and the warmness of the Iranian people. Yazd which is also very well known for its Zoroastrian fire temples, Persian handicrafts and its high quality confectionery as well as Kerman that is known for its tropical fruits and dates, excellent beef and dairy product. Over a week, the Persian Caravan Train will delight all of your senses as you travel through Iran to reveal the pearl of Persia. During the day, the train provides a warm, naturally lit observation area. Here you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while taking in the scenery. Tehran Kashan Isfahan Bam Kerman Yazd Meybod Pasargade (Saadatshahr) Persepolis Shiraz Tehran To Book Call +98 (21) 7761 6210 or Call Your Travel Agent 21
TRAVEL ITINERARY Discover the ancient Persia DAY 1 WELCOME TO IRAN There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting. Flights often arrive very late at night or early in the morning in Tehran. Keep in mind the evening welcome meeting when booking your travel. Arrive at Imam Khomeini International Airport in Iran, where you are met and transferred to our hotel located in city center of Tehran. Feel free to explore Tehran tonight, but make sure you re back in time to meet the group. After introductions, your tour leader will review the details of your tour. You ll meet your fellow travelers at the welcome dinner. - Overnight at 5* Hotel, Tehran DAY 2 TEHRAN CITY TOUR After breakfast, we ll go to see National Museum of Iran which is an institution formed of two complexes, including the Museum of Ancient Iran and the Islamic Era. Then we go to visit a World Heritage Site, the Golestan Palace (Ethnographical Museum, Shams-ol- Emareh edifice, Marmare Throne and Mirror Hall) that was built during the Qajar Dynasty that rose to power in the late 1700 s, this fabulous walled complex is centered on a landscaped garden with tranquil pools. We will then go back to the hotel to get prepared to start the train tour. At Evening we go to Tehran Nature Bridge where young couples spend time together. Dinner is in a local restaurant in the center of Tehran, which offers a chance to experience vibrant Iranian life in the capital of Iran. You re likely to meet smiling young Iranians who are delighted to engage with you. - Overnight at 5* Hotel, Tehran DAY 3 TEHRAN KASHAN ISFAHAN Today we arrive in Kashan, a town originally famous for its textiles and ceramic production, but now better known for the Fin Garden and extensive bazaar and hamams. The Fin Garden which is one of the nine Persian Gardens added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site is our first stop, a relaxing and visually impressive Persian garden with water channels all passing through a central pavilion. From here we will visit the Khan-e Boru- jerdi and Khan-e Tabatabei, These 19th-century houses were funded by wealthy merchants, and feature lovely courtyards, lush gardens and fine intricate relief design carved into stone and stucco work. From here we will visit the bazaar area, a widespread complex filled with hamams and mosques; one Hamam has been converted to a traditional tea house where we will stop for those who need a break from shopping. Then we will be at the train station at 5:30 PM and move to Isfahan. - Overnight at 5* Hotel, Isfahan 22
Chehel Sotoun, Isfahan DAY 4 GLORIOUS, HISTORIC ISFAHAN As the 17th-century capital of the Safavid Empire, Isfahan was one of the world s greatest cities architecturally striking, wealthy beyond imagine, and politically powerful with Europeans, Ottomans, Indians and Chinese coming to its court the heart of a vast Persian Empire. Indeed, its grandeur inspired the rhyming proverb, Isfahan nesf-jahan (Isfahan is Half the World). Today, we ll join our expert guide to begin our exploration of the city, starting with some of the centuries old, still elegant bridges that span the Zayandeh River. The 4th-century Shahrestan Bridge, for example, evokes the greatest aqueducts of ancient Rome and is the oldest bridge in Iran. Other famous bridges on the Zayandeh River are Sio-ce-pol and Khaju. There are gates below the bridge to let the water run- off from Zayandeh River in the spring, and there are beautiful stone-brick archways above each gate. These archways provide a great acoustic place for every man who wants to sing. We can always find a man or a group of men singing under the bridge. The songs are usually about betrayal or unrequited love. Continue our exploration in Isfahan at another UN- ESCO World Heritage Site. Simple at first glance but wondrous in its rich detail and bold design, the Masjed-e Jamé is another masterpiece of Iranian architecture, covering nearly 5 acres in the heart of this historic city. This is one of the oldest congregational mosques in the country, and its construction and embellishment over the past twelve centuries illustrate a number of important periods in Islamic architecture. Next up is Chehel Sotun. Set in a landscaped and forested park in front of a tranquil reflecting pool, this graceful pavilion was built by Shah Abbas I for entertainment and court receptions. Entering through a portico with twenty slender wooden columns, we ll discover soaring halls embellished with frescoes, paintings and mosaics; the Hall of Mirrors is especially breathtaking! This afternoon, our exploration continues in Imam Square (A world heritage site). This 17th-century site is one of the largest public spaces in the world. Here in the square, we ll visit the 17th-century Shah Mosque, revered as a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and easily recognized by its magnificent tile-work and soaring cupola and minarets. In the Ali Qapu Palace, we ll marvel at its beautiful music rooms and the balconies where Safavid kings would sit to enjoy the polo matches unfolding in the square below. We ll end our day exploring the Isfahan Bazaar that surrounds Imam Square. With hundreds of local vendors that specialize in traditional arts and crafts, it s a wonderful place to shop for pottery, enamel, jewelry and delicately inlaid board games. - Overnight at 5* Hotel, Isfahan 23
Aeg-e Bam, Kerman DAY 5 ISFAHAN BAM After an early breakfast. We have a free day to explore Isfahan, so take time to wander along the cities many tree-lined boulevards and spacious gardens. Then we will be in the train station at 6:00 PM and move to Bam. - Overnight on board the train DAY 6 BAM KERMAN The modern Iranian city of Bam surrounds the Bam citadel. The ancient citadel of Arg-é Bam (A world heritage site) has a history dating back around 2,000 years ago, to the Parthian Empire, but most buildings were built during the Safavid dynasty. Today excursion to the Arg-e Bam, with all the architectural features of a desert citadel, now on the map as a result of the tragic earthquake in Bam which destroyed the town and its magnificent citadel (still under reconstruction and restorations), then we will move to Mahan to visit the blue-tiled Mausoleum of Shah Nematollah-e-Vali, the great 14th century Sufi Leader, and the Shahzadeh Garden (late 19th century Qajar-period garden/house) watch is listed as a World Heritage site. In the afternoon we will move to Kerman and after a short rest in the hotel we will be free to walk around the city. - Overnight at 5* Hotel, Kerman DAY 7 KERMAN SHAHDAD YAZD Kerman is one of the oldest cities of Iran. The city is home to many historic mosques and Zoroastrian fire temples. In the morning, after breakfast we will visit the Ganjali Bathhouse Museum Located in a Safavidera complex, complete with school, caravanserai, and a mosque, the Bathhouse Museum is worth a visit. Now converted into an anthropology museum, its interior is meticulously and beautifully decorated, with different rooms for changing and offering different tempera- tures, all with intricate domed ceilings. Then we will drive to Shahdad. It is located at the edge of the vast Lut desert (A world heritage site). The desert offers a scenery of the sandy structures, and we can walk right through them. After that we will back to Kerman and will be at the train station to move to Yazd. - Overnight on board the train 24
DAY 8 ANCIENT YAZD Today we start our day in Yazd. Yazd is one of Iran s oldest continuously inhabited towns, its silhouette punctuated by minarets and the ingeniously-designed wind towers that capture desert breezes to cool homes during the hot summer months. Yazd is also the center of Iran s Zoroastrian community, which is where we ll begin the day s sightseeing. At the Tower of Silence, we ll learn about one of the traditions of this ancient pre-islamic religion: Until the mid-1900 s, the dead were transported to this tower where they were left to decompose and be devoured by birds. Zoroastrian tradition considers a deceased body to be unclean and this process of excarnation pre vents contact with either fire or earth both of which are considered to be sacred. At the still-active Zoroastrian Fire Temple, we ll see a flame that is said to have been burning for the past 1,500 years. It s an important pilgrimage site for the faithful and here our expert guide will offer additional insight into one of the world s oldest monotheistic religions. In Amir Chakhmaq Square, we ll see a very impressive Hussainiya a congregation hall for Shia commemo- ration ceremonies. With three tiers of recessed alcoves, all perfectly proportioned, its façade is one of the city s most photographed landmarks. Then we will visit the Friday Mosque, built in 1324, where we can gaze upon the tallest minarets in the country. - Overnight at 4* Hotel, Yazd DAY 9 YAZD MEYBOD SAADATSHAHR Today we take you to outside of Yazd, which includes the Meybod citadel, ice house and the impressive Kharanaq mud brick village. At first we will visit Meybod the oldest mud brick structure in Iran and explore the Narin Castel. The impressive town of Kharanaq is believed to be 1,000 years old and we can explore the abandoned structures of this hillside settlement, peering into the houses of wealthy merchants and human (bathhouses). Explore the valley and nearby mountains and get great pictures of the aqueducts that formed part of the underground water system. At night we will be at the train station to move to Sadatshahr. - Overnight on board the train DAY 10 SAADATSHAHR PERSEPOLIS SHIRAZ Today we will visit Pasargadae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, tomb of Cyrus the Great and former capital of the Achaemenid Empire. We will spend some time exploring the site and though not as striking as Persepolis, there is a great viewpoint where we can look over the site and the surrounding area. Then visit legendary city of Persepolis, former capital of Darius the Great and founded in 512 BC. There was no more impressive construction in the ancient world. Darius built the terrace, the Apadana, the Tachara, the monumental staircases and his son, Xerxes, added the harem and the Hall of 100 Columns. Alexander the Great entered Persepolis in January 330 BC and then committed an uncharacteristic act of wan- ton destruction that still mystifies historians today, burning the mighty city to the ground. Though a shadow of its former self, the soaring pillars, terraces and sculptures of Persepolis still remain, but probably most impressive are the bas reliefs which line the site, telling the story of ancient governors and kings that came to Persepolis to pay tribute to the Persian Emperors. From here we will drive a couple of miles to Naqshe-Rustam, the Necropolis where Darius and his successors are buried. Carved into the side of a cliff, the site is extraordinary in its magnitude and sheer ambition and does not dis- appoint even after the impressive Persepolis. Continue to Shiraz and check in to our hotel. - Overnight at 5* Hotel, Shiraz 25
Nasir ol Molk Mosque, Shiraz DAY 11 SHIRAZ TEHRAN After breakfast, will start our full day tour of Shiraz. At first, we will visit Karim Khan Citadel. Built during the Zand Dynasty, we will visit Nasir-al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque) few steps far from Vakil Bazaar. It built by the order from one of the lords of the Qajar Dynasty, Mirza Hasan Ali Nasir-al-Mulk, it took 12 years to complete in 1888. Its interior reveals a magnificent masterpiece of design with stunning colors. This is a space where light and worship intertwine. The mosque comes to life with the sunrise and colors dance throughout the day like whirling dervishes. It reflects on the ground, walls, the arches and the towering spires. It even reflects on the visitors as if a colorful ball is hit by the first sun ray and explodes to thousands of butterflies all around. Shiraz is famous for its gardens and we ll visit the Eram Garden with its aromatic myrtles, beautiful flowers, fruit trees, and towering cypress (one of which is said to be 3,000 years old). We will end our day in Shiraz on a tranquil note in the lovely garden tomb of Hafez, one of Persian literature most famous poets. Hafez is one of great poets who impressed everyone with his mastery.. Later we ll be escorted to the train station and will move to Tehran. There will be a special event for guests in the evening. - Overnight on board the train DAY 12 TEHRAN (DEPARTURE) There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time to take your flights home. - Overnight at 5* Hotel, Tehran 26
Dasht-e Loot (Lut Desert) 27
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Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Isfahan 29
A JOURNEY TO THE LAND OF MAGIC CARPET