Iran: Treasures of Persia

Iran: Treasures of Persia Itinerary

• Day 1: Fly to Tehran

  Fly overnight from London (regional connections available) to Tehran, via Istanbul, with Turkish Airlines. (N)

• Day 2: Tehran

  Early morning arrival and transfer to the Espinas International or Azadi Grand (or similar) for immediate occupancy. Afternoon visit to Tehran’s museums before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay. (B)

• Day 3: Fly to Shiraz

  This morning, fly to Shiraz. On arrival, take a guided city tour of Shiraz including visits to the Hafez and Saadi tombs, the Narenjestane-Ghavam historical house, the Nasir al-Mulk mosque and the Vakil bazaar. Stay at the Homa or Grand Shiraz (or similar) for 2 nights. (B, D)

• Day 4: Persepolis • Naghsh-e-Rostam

  Visit Persepolis, Darius the Great’s summer capital, to view the magnificent stone terrace and palace. Continue to Naghsh-e-Rostam, the site of the royal tombs and Sassanian rock reliefs. (B)

• Day 5: Pasargadae • Yazd

  Drive to Yazd, via Pasargadae, the first dynastic capital of the Achaemenian empire, founded by Cyrus the Great in sixth century BC. View the Mausoleum of Cyrus the Great, Tall-e-Takht and the presidential palace. Continue to Yazd and stay at the Dad Hotel (or similar) for 2 nights. (B, L)

• Day 6: Yazd

  Tour the Dowlat-Abad garden, the Zoroastrian fire temple, an abandoned Zoroastrian ‘Tower of Silence’ and the Jameh mosque. (B, D)

• Day 7: Na’in • Isfahan

  Drive to Isfahan, stopping at Na’in to view the Jameh mosque and the Pirnia traditional house, built in the Safavid era. Stay at the Abbasi Hotel (or similar) for 3 nights. (B, L)

• Day 8: Isfahan

  Full-day tour of the city’s monuments, including Naghsh-e Jahan Square, the Imam and Sheikh Lotfollah mosques, and the Khaju Bridge. Conclude with a visit to the impressive Ali Qapu palace. (B, D)

• Day 9: Isfahan

  Full-day visit to the Vank Cathedral, the Chehel Sotoun palace and the Jameh mosque of Isfahan, which is inscribed as a Unesco world heritage site. During the day enjoy a traditional Persian music performance. (B, D)

• Day 10: Natanz • Kashan • Tehran

  Drive to Tehran, stopping at Natanz and Kashan en route to visit the Fin gardens and the former merchant’s house of Taba-Tabai. Stay at the Novotel Hotel (or similar) for 1 night. (B)

• Day 11: Fly to London

  Morning at leisure. Transfer to the airport and fly to London, via Istanbul, with Turkish Airlines. (B)

• Meal basis

  As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

• Important information

• Dress code

  Iran is an Islamic republic and visitors are required to conform to the Islamic dress code. For women, it is essential that all the body is covered, except the hands and face.

• Standard tour

  This tour is based in 3- and 4-star accommodation.

• Single supplement

  From £545pp.

• Private & tailor-made travel

  This itinerary can be taken privately on a date that suits you, for which guideline prices are shown. Alternatively, it can be tailored to your exact requirements.