1-877-725-6674 One of the most enigmatic countries on earth, the modern face of Iran is just one facet of a culture that can trace its origins back to the Median tribes of classic antiquity. This comprehensive journey across the old Persian Empire encompasses many of the highlights of the country s ancient and contemporary heritage, beginning with its vibrant capital and finishing with the stunning Islamic architecture of Isfahan. Tehran is a rich mix of the old and the new. The largest city in Western Asia, it is home to one of the largest collection of Imperial jewels on the planet, as well as historic mosques, churches and Zoroastrian fire temples. Flying on to Kerman, originally founded as a defensive outpost by the Sassanids, you ll visit the oasis village of Mahan, before driving across the desert to Yazd, once the centre of Zoroastrian culture. Moving on through Persian history, you then visit the ancient Archaemenid capitals of Pasargadae and Persepolis, before enjoying some time exploring the beautiful gardens and architecture of Shiraz and Isfahan, home to some of Iran s greatest Islamic masterpieces. HIGHLIGHTS: Enjoy the cultural diversity of Iran s historic capital Discover the Sufi and Zoroastrian heritage of Kerman and Yazd Explore the poetic city of Shiraz. Visit the ancient ruins of Pasargadae and Persepolis Wander through the captivating architectural majesty of Isfahan TOUR INCLUDES: 1 domestic flight 3 nights in a four-star hotel, 9 nights in three-star hotels and 2 nights in a traditional hotel 14 breakfasts Accompanied by an experienced English speaking local guide on a private basis Private driver and vehicle Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees 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. DAY 2: TEHRAN On your city tour today head to the bazaar to see the enormous market place with its shops and stalls, visit the 18th century Golestan Palace and the Archaeological museum. In the afternoon head for the crown jewels housed in the vaults of the Bank Melli, then visit the Reza Abassi Museum with its vast collection of Persian art and antiquities, the Iran Holy Defence Museum which is dedicated to the Iran- Iraq war or the Carpet Museum of Iran which houses more than 100 carpets from the 17th century onwards. (B) DAY 3: TEHRAN - KERMAN Fly to Kerman this morning in the south-east of Iran and this afternoon enjoy a city sightseeing tour of the attractive desert city. See the blue-tiled Friday Mosque, which dates from 1349, and the Ganj Ali bathhouse, part of the complex built in the 19th century by Ganj Ali Khan, governor of Kerman which also includes the bazaar, caravanserai and a traditional teahouse, all decorated with the finest tile and stucco work. (B) DAY 4: KERMAN Drive to Mahan, a lovely oasis village, home to the Mausoleum of Shah Nematollah Valli, founder of the Soufi order. Take a walk in the cool Shahzadeh UNESCO registered garden with its collection of pools, against their backdrop of snow-capped mountains. You can also visit the Shah Nimatullah Vali Mausoleum complex, which includes several courtyards, a mosque and a 15th century Sufi master. Continue to Rayen, a town through which Marco Polo passed during the Middle Ages and whose architecture he much admired. It most famous for its citadel which is included within the UNESCO status offered to Bam. (B) DAY 5: KERMAN - YAZD Drive to Yazd across the desert, passing pistachio plantations and caravanserais. Yazd is an architecturally unique city and it is also well known in Iran for the high quality handicrafts, especially silk weaving and its sweet shops. On your afternoon tour explore the old city with its labyrinthine alleyways and see the badgirs or wind towers which provide natural air-conditioning during the summer heat. Also visit the magnificent Friday Mosque. (B)
DAY 6: YAZD A day for further exploration with your guide. Visits include the Zoroastrian Fire Temple or Ateshkadeh - where a sacred flame has burned nonstop since around 470 AD -, the Towers of Silence - traditional Zoroastrian burial grounds where the dead were left to be picked off by vultures-, Mir Chakhmagh Mosque, the Tomb of the 12 Emams and the Doulat Garden. (B) DAY 7: YAZD - SHIRAZ This morning drive to Shiraz including a stop at the World Heritage Site of Pasargadae. Built by Cyrus the Great in 546 BC, Pasargradae was the first capital of the Archaemenid Empire and maintained this status until Darius the Great began assembling the new seat of the government at Persepolis (about 60 km south) in 518 BC. (B) DAY 8: SHIRAZ On today's full day sightseeing tour, you will visit the Vakil Mosque, the Eram Gardens and the tomb of Hafez, the Persian mystic poet which attracts locals to wander around and sit to recite poetry in the gardens. This afternoon visit the Naranjestan Palace built by Mohammed Reza and the beautiful Mausoleum of Shah Cheragh (King of the Lamp), close to the nomad's bazaar. (B) DAY 9: SHIRAZ In the morning visit the magnificent archaeological site of Persepolis, capital of the Persian Empire built in the 6th century BC. The magnificent ruins bear witness to the greatness of the Persian Empire in its heyday. Next visit Naqshe Rostam with its rock cut tombs dating from the Sassanian period before returning to Shiraz in the afternoon. (B) DAY 10: SHIRAZ - ISFAHAN Leave Shiraz early this morning to drive to Isfahan. It will be a full day's drive but there will be plenty of opportunities to stop along the way at villages, for photos and to stretch your legs. You will arrive in Isfahan in the early evening and transfer to your hotel. (B)
DAY 11: ISFAHAN Today enjoy a walking tour of the splendid Imam Square, the huge central square of Isfahan, surrounded on three sides by the exquisite Imam and Shaikh Lotfallah Mosques and the Ali Qapu Palace. Visit Isfahan's vast covered bazaar and see some of the historic bridges spanning the Zayandehrud river or perhaps sit in the gardens to enjoy the activity of the square. (B) DAY 12: ISFAHAN A full day sightseeing tour of Isfahan's magnificent buildings. Visit the Jameh Mosque showing many different architectural elements and the Chehel Sotoon Palace, or Forty Columns Palace, before continuing to the Armenian quarter of Isfahan to see Vank Cathedral. The cathedral combines beautiful elements of Armenian architecture with Persian design. Also visit the Hasht Behesht or Eight Heavens Palace and the curious Shaking Minarets. (B) DAY 13: ISFAHAN Day at leisure in Isfahan to find a bargain in the Bazaar or relax in your hotel in one of the oldest parts of the city, with a central courtyard and Silk Road atmosphere. (B) DAY 14: ISFAHAN - TEHRAN An interesting drive takes you back to the Iranian capital via the charming village of Abyaneh, one of the last surviving Zoroastrian villages located in a valley in the Karkas Mountains. The ancient village is a muddle of narrow and sloped lanes, and crumbling mud-brick houses. You'll have time to wander round the twisting streets before continuing to Tehran. (B) DAY 15: TEHRAN Transfer to the airport where your tour will end. (B)
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. 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 1-877-725-6674 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com