Iran, the modern incarnation of Ancient Persia, offers travelers a wildly enigmatic, exceptionally hospitable, savory experience of history, traditional culture, good food and beautiful scenery. You will meet local people eager to hear about your life in America and eager to demonstrate that Iranian citizens, regardless of government statements, really like Americans.
Ancient Persia has been the seat of many civilizations delivering major contributions in poetry, art, architecture, science and history. You will visit many of the country’s archaeological gems that have been well preserved and portray Iran’s rich historical heritage. Your tour will not only explore ancient ruins and colorful cities but also exotic bazaars, old baths, mountain landscapes and nomadic camps. You will marvel at ancient monuments and beautifully tiled mosques. You will stroll through medieval bazaars that remain much as they were centuries ago. You will visit local nomadic tribes when driving across the vast country. Your journey will take you to Mahan (often associated with Sufism), to Yazd (the center of Zoroastrian culture) and to Shiraz (city of poets with major Jewish and Christian communities). You will also explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Isfahan, Pasargadae and Persepolis.
Your leadership team will include a very experienced Iranian guide, as well as drivers who share in the delight of revealing their country to you.
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Between the background reading, discussions on the tour, and conversations with local people, I have a better understanding of Iran and the complex history and culture that influences relations with our country.
Kay K.
Your arrival in Tehran will be either very late this evening or very early the following morning. On arrival, expect to spend at least an hour or more getting through immigration and customs. Iran requires customs agents to fill out additional forms for Americans, so it generally takes longer than European travelers. After passing through customs, a representative will be waiting for you just as you exit the airport. He or she will assist with the transfer to your hotel, which is about an hour away.
Meals
None
Lodging
Espinas Hotel (or similar)
BDay 2Tehran City Tour
You’ll have a chance to rest up before heading out on a leisurely tour. Visit some of Tehran’s major museums, including Iran’s National Museum that displays a precious and spectacular collection of pre-historic and ancient artifacts with pottery dating back to 6-7 millennium B.C. and dioramas depicting more than 300,000 years of human occupation of Persia. Also visit the Abguineh (Glass & Ceramics) Museum, with a valuable collection of pre-Islamic and Islamic glass and ceramics beautifully displayed and located in an elegant and architecturally unique early 20th-century mansion.
Return to your hotel, or spend more time at the bazaar. If you like, your guide will take you on a visit to the Carpet Museum, with an extensive collection of old and new Persian carpets and rugs from the major carpet-weaving centers of Iran. (Carpets are a major theme in Persian history and this is the place to understand and appreciate their cultural, historic and material significance. If you’re thinking of purchasing a Persian carpet, this is the place to learn about metrics and aesthetics of fine craftsmanship. You cannot purchase a carpet at the museum.)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Espinas Hotel (or similar)
CDay 3Tehran's Palaces & Bazaar
Today, visit a few of Tehran’s famous and opulent palaces. The oldest of the historic monuments, Golestan Palace, is a world heritage site. The next oldest is the Saadabad Palace Complex, founded in the 19th century under the Qajar Kings and the Palace of Niavaran, and is one of the most impressive Pahlavi palaces. After, enjoy some time at bazaar Tajrish to pick up some scarfs or tunics to wear during your trip.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Espinas Hotel (or similar)
DDay 4Flight to Kerman
What’s unique about this mosque is that it has no minarets and you can enter the mosque either from the Kerman Bazaar or from Shohada Square. Next, visit the Ganj-Ali Khan Complex, a Safavid-era structure also containing a school, a mosque dating back to the 11th century, a square, a caravanserai, a bath house, a water reservoir, a mint, and a bazaar. The bath house was built in 1631 and is decorated with beautiful Safavid era paintings. The bath house contains alabaster panels that glow when the sun hits it at a certain time, giving bathers an idea of the time. It has now been turned into an anthropological museum. You’ll have some time to explore the bazaar before being transferred to your hotel where you settle in for the night
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Kerman Pars Hotel (or similar)
EDay 5Excursion to Rayen and Mahan
Today is a full day as you spend time exploring the village of Rayen where you will visit the Arg-e-Rayen Citadel, a miniature version of the Arg-e-Bam, once the largest adobe building in the world. Despite many natural disasters that have destroyed similar structures, the Rayen Citadel is well preserved and contains all the architectural elements of a deserted citadel. It is believed to be about 1,000 years old and was one of the trading centers on the trade routes. This is probably one of the most interesting sites in Iran.
On the return back to Kerman, stop in Mahan, famous for the tomb of the great Sufi leader, Shah Nematollah Vali and the Shazdeh Garden. The Shah Nematollah Vali Shrine is a historical complex containing the remains of the famous Iranian poet, who died in 1431. The Shazdeh Garden (Prince’s Garden), is a fine example of a Persian garden originally built for Mohammad Hasan Khan Qajar Sardari Iravani around 1850. Today it is listed as a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Kerman Pars Hotel (or similar)
FDay 6Drive to Yazd via Zein-o-Din Caravanserai
Drive to Yazd (approx. 5 hrs), stopping en route at the 16th century Zein-o-Din Caravanserai, located in the middle of the desert. A caravanserai was a roadside inn where travelers (caravaners) could stop and rest while traveling the trade routes.
On arrival in Yazd, you will have some free time this afternoon to relax. Yazd is the capital of Yazd Province and recognized as a World Heritage Site due to its unique Persian architecture. This town has a history that dates back over 5,000 years, and because of its remote desert location and difficult access, Yazd was often overlooked by conquerers. To tolerate the extreme hot summers, many old structures in Yazd have impressive wind towers and large underground areas and even contain many yakhchals, otherwise known as “ice houses,” that were used to store ice retrieved from the glaciers of the mountains.
You’ll overnight in a beautiful traditional style hotel with modern amenities.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Moshir Garden or Safaieh Hotels (or similar)
GDay 7Yazd City Tour
Enjoy a full day sightseeing in Yazd, the center for Iran’s fast-disappearing Zoroastrian community. Visit one of the two Zoroastrian abandoned Towers of Silence (Dakhma), dating back to the 18th century, and the active Zoroastrian Fire Temple, the fire of which has been burning for about 1500 years. View the immense Friday Mosque (1324 A.D.), with the highest portal and minarets in Iran. Other notable Islamic period monuments in Yazd include the Seljuk shrine dedicated to the Twelve Shi’ite Imams, and Ziaieyeh Theological School, known as Zendan-e-Eskander or Alexander’s Prison. You can stroll past the many beautiful old homes in Yazd, among them the Dowlat-Abad Garden, with an 18th-century feudal hexagonal house.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Moshir Garden or Safaieh Hotels (or similar)
HDay 8Yazd to Shiraz via Pasargadae
Today you make the approximate 6-hour drive through desert mountain terrain to Shiraz. En route, visit Pasargadae, a site pre-dating Persepolis. Pasargadae was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus the Great who had it built between 559 and 530 BC. Cyrus is the Founder of the Persian Empire, and at Pasargadae, you’ll see his simple but impressive tomb. You’ll also see the remains of his palaces, all located in the vast plain of Dasht-e-Morghab.
Continue on to Abarkuh, a charming desert town, for a tea break under the shade of a supposedly 4,000-year-old Cyprus tree, then continue to Shiraz for your overnight.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Homa or Pars Hotel (or similar)
IDay 9Shiraz
On a full-day city tour of Shiraz, visit some of the famous gardens of this city of “roses and nightingales,” including the Eram Garden and the tombs of Iran’s greatest lyric poets, Hafez and Sa’adi. See the pink-tiled 19th-century Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque and the Arg-e-Karim Khan 18th-century citadel, sites which invite creative photography. The dazzling Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, also known as the “Pink Mosque” due to its pink colored tiles, contains an extensive colored glass that acts as a keleidescope when the sun shines in. The Arg-e-Karim Khan was built during the Zand dynasty in 1180 AD and served as Karim Khan’s living quarters. It was even once used as a prison, but today is a museum, operated by Iran’s Cultural Heritage Organization.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Homa or Pars Hotel (or similar)
JDay 10Ancient Persepolis
Today’s adventure takes you out to the ancient city of Persepolis, the magnificent springtime capital city of the ancient Achaemenid Empire (550-330 BC). The city is known for its spectacular reliefs and towering columns built by Darius I. It is thought that Alexander the Great burned the great palace after invading Persepolis in 330 B.C. Some of its objects from Persepolis can be seen at the National Museum of Tehran.
This afternoon, visit the rock-cut tombs of the Achaemenid kings including Darius I at Naghsh-e Rostam. Nearby is the Cube of Zoroaster (Kaba-ye Zartosht), a 5th century B.C. Achaemenid square tower. Also visit the Sassanian reliefs at Naghsh-e Rajab where you will see the inscription of Ardeshir I (226-241 AD), founder of the Sassanian dynasty, and Shapur I depicting his celebration of his military victory in 244 over the Roman Emperor, Valerian. Return to your hotel in Shiraz for dinner and overnight.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Homa or Pars Hotel (or similar)
KDay 11Drive to Isfahan
This is a day of mostly driving through scenic countryside to Isfahan (approximately a 4-hour drive). Isfahan, known as “Nesf-e-Jahan” to the Persians, means “Half The World” due to its beautiful hand-painted tiling and magnificent public square. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world and its architecture, tree-lined boulevards and relaxed pace make it one of the highlights of Iran.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Abbasi or Kowsar Hotel (or similar)
LDay 12Isfahan
Today is dedicated to exploring the many beautiful sites of Isfahan. Begin with the magnificent Friday Mosque, with the famous Uljaitu Mihrab (Prayer Niche) from the Il-Khanid period. This Friday Mosque is considered a museum of a thousand years of Persian religious architecture and is truly one of the world’s greatest mosques. Also visit the Harun-e-Velayat Shrine and the Ali Minaret. From here drive to the Chehel Sotun Palace, built by Shah Abbas II in the 17th century. Twenty wooden columns reflected in the surface of the pool give rise to its name, “The Palace of Forty Columns.” Finally, visit the Hasht Behesht pavilion built in 1670 by Shah Solayman and known as the Pavilion of Eight Paradises or the Palace of Nightingales. This small but intricate building is elegantly sited among tree-lined alleys with a reflecting pool and water falls. Afterwards, return to your hotel where you can spend some time relaxing in the hotel’s garden.
Lodging
Abbasi or Kowsar Hotel (or similar)
MDay 13Isfahan
Enjoy another full day of sightseeing in Isfahan beginning with visits to the city’s famous bridges including the 14th century Pol-e Shahrestan (The Shahrestan Bridge), one of the oldest surviving bridges in Iran; Pol-e Khaju (Khaju Bridge), perhaps one of the finest bridges in Isfahan. It was built by the Safavid king Shah Abbas II around 1650 and originally ornated with artistic tile works and paintings (at one point it even served as a teahouse); and Si-o-Seh Pol (The Bridge of 33 Arches), one of the most famous examples of Safavid bridge design. There may or may not be water in the river, but look for wading birds.
Tour the Armenian Quarter including the important Cathedral of Vank, which includes a good museum with a section on the Armenian genocide. In the afternoon, visit one of the world’s grandest squares, the Maidan-e-Naghsh-e-Jahan. Admire the Ali-Qapu Palace with its enchanting music rooms and balcony overlooking the Maidan, from where the Safavid Kings watched polo games. You will see two of the Islamic world’s greatest mosques—the Sheikh Lotfollah and the Imam—with magnificent architecture and tilework. End the afternoon with a visit to the Qeisarieh Bazaar with hundreds of shops displaying the arts and handicrafts for which Isfahan is world-famous (closed on Fridays).
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Abbasi or Kowsar Hotel (or similar)
NDay 14Drive to Kashan via Natanz
Depart early for the drive to Kashan (approximately 3-4 hours of driving), with a stop at the charming town of Natanz. There, visit a beautiful Islamic complex including the Friday Mosque, Monastery, and Tomb of Sheikh Abdol Samad Isfahani. This is also the location of a contentious (former) underground nuclear site. You will drive by the entrance, but are not allowed to take photos. Continue on to Kashan to visit the historical garden of Fin, first planted during the Safavid period and kept alive with water from the nearby Sulaimanieh Spring. This beautiful garden was expanded by the Zand and Qajar monarchs, with many open pavilions added. You will also visit a fine example of a 19th-century merchant residence known as Taba-Tabai House with its beautiful stucco dome and inlaid mirror work, plus some of the best examples of “badgirs,” or wind-catchers.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Kuhrang Hotel (or similar)
ODay 15Kashan to Tehran via Qom
After breakfast, your tour of Kashan continues with a visit to the Kashan Bazaar, Agha Bozorg Mosque, and the important archaeological site of Tepe Sialk. The Kashan Bazaar, known for it’s impressive mud-brick architecture, is thought to have been built during the Seljuk period. Be sure to notice the intricate designs in the dome of Timche-ye Amin Od-Dowleh. Agha Bozorg Mosque was built in the late 18th century by master architect Ustad Haj Sa’ban-ali. This was where Ustad Ali Maryam began as a pupil and started his career as a brilliant architect, responsible for the architectural style of Taba-Tabai House and Boroujerdi ha House. At Sialk Hill you’ll find the remains of an ancient city containing the world’s oldest zigurat, which dates back to 3000 BC. The oldest settlement in Sialk dates back to 5500-6000 BC! It is thought that Sialk was settled due to the fresh water sources that run down from the nearby mountains. These pristine water sources still continue to run today.
After lunch at a local restaurant, continue with the drive back to Tehran (approximately 3-4 hours of driving) via Qom, Iran’s second holiest city. The city is the largest center in the world for Shiʿa scholarships and is an important destination of pilgrimage. On arrival back in Tehran, check in to your airport hotel and enjoy a final dinner with your group.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
A local airport hotel
PDay 16Depart Tehran
Your representative will meet you at the hotel and assist with your early morning transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Expec to depart your Tehran hotel at least three hours before your flight departure time.
Meals
None
Lodging
None
Anticipated plan; actual route and program may vary.
Iran, the modern incarnation of Ancient Persia, offers travelers a wildly enigmatic, exceptionally hospitable, savory experience of history, traditional culture, good food and beautiful scenery. You will meet local people eager to hear about your life in America and eager to demonstrate that Iranian citizens, regardless of government statements, really like Americans.
Ancient Persia has been the seat of many civilizations delivering major contributions in poetry, art, architecture, science and history. You will visit many of the country’s archaeological gems that have been well preserved and portray Iran’s rich historical heritage. Your tour will not only explore ancient ruins and colorful cities but also exotic bazaars, old baths, mountain landscapes and nomadic camps. You will marvel at ancient monuments and beautifully tiled mosques. You will stroll through medieval bazaars that remain much as they were centuries ago. You will visit local nomadic tribes when driving across the vast country. Your journey will take you to Mahan (often associated with Sufism), to Yazd (the center of Zoroastrian culture) and to Shiraz (city of poets with major Jewish and Christian communities). You will also explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Isfahan, Pasargadae and Persepolis.
Your leadership team will include a very experienced Iranian guide, as well as drivers who share in the delight of revealing their country to you.
Your arrival in Tehran will be either very late this evening or very early the following morning. On arrival, expect to spend at least an hour or more getting through immigration and customs. Iran requires customs agents to fill out additional forms for Americans, so it generally takes longer than European travelers. After passing through customs, a representative will be waiting for you just as you exit the airport. He or she will assist with the transfer to your hotel, which is about an hour away.
Meals
None
Lodging
Espinas Hotel (or similar)
BDay 2Tehran City Tour
You’ll have a chance to rest up before heading out on a leisurely tour. Visit some of Tehran’s major museums, including Iran’s National Museum that displays a precious and spectacular collection of pre-historic and ancient artifacts with pottery dating back to 6-7 millennium B.C. and dioramas depicting more than 300,000 years of human occupation of Persia. Also visit the Abguineh (Glass & Ceramics) Museum, with a valuable collection of pre-Islamic and Islamic glass and ceramics beautifully displayed and located in an elegant and architecturally unique early 20th-century mansion.
Return to your hotel, or spend more time at the bazaar. If you like, your guide will take you on a visit to the Carpet Museum, with an extensive collection of old and new Persian carpets and rugs from the major carpet-weaving centers of Iran. (Carpets are a major theme in Persian history and this is the place to understand and appreciate their cultural, historic and material significance. If you’re thinking of purchasing a Persian carpet, this is the place to learn about metrics and aesthetics of fine craftsmanship. You cannot purchase a carpet at the museum.)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Espinas Hotel (or similar)
CDay 3Tehran's Palaces & Bazaar
Today, visit a few of Tehran’s famous and opulent palaces. The oldest of the historic monuments, Golestan Palace, is a world heritage site. The next oldest is the Saadabad Palace Complex, founded in the 19th century under the Qajar Kings and the Palace of Niavaran, and is one of the most impressive Pahlavi palaces. After, enjoy some time at bazaar Tajrish to pick up some scarfs or tunics to wear during your trip.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Espinas Hotel (or similar)
DDay 4Flight to Kerman
What’s unique about this mosque is that it has no minarets and you can enter the mosque either from the Kerman Bazaar or from Shohada Square. Next, visit the Ganj-Ali Khan Complex, a Safavid-era structure also containing a school, a mosque dating back to the 11th century, a square, a caravanserai, a bath house, a water reservoir, a mint, and a bazaar. The bath house was built in 1631 and is decorated with beautiful Safavid era paintings. The bath house contains alabaster panels that glow when the sun hits it at a certain time, giving bathers an idea of the time. It has now been turned into an anthropological museum. You’ll have some time to explore the bazaar before being transferred to your hotel where you settle in for the night
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Kerman Pars Hotel (or similar)
EDay 5Excursion to Rayen and Mahan
Today is a full day as you spend time exploring the village of Rayen where you will visit the Arg-e-Rayen Citadel, a miniature version of the Arg-e-Bam, once the largest adobe building in the world. Despite many natural disasters that have destroyed similar structures, the Rayen Citadel is well preserved and contains all the architectural elements of a deserted citadel. It is believed to be about 1,000 years old and was one of the trading centers on the trade routes. This is probably one of the most interesting sites in Iran.
On the return back to Kerman, stop in Mahan, famous for the tomb of the great Sufi leader, Shah Nematollah Vali and the Shazdeh Garden. The Shah Nematollah Vali Shrine is a historical complex containing the remains of the famous Iranian poet, who died in 1431. The Shazdeh Garden (Prince’s Garden), is a fine example of a Persian garden originally built for Mohammad Hasan Khan Qajar Sardari Iravani around 1850. Today it is listed as a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Kerman Pars Hotel (or similar)
FDay 6Drive to Yazd via Zein-o-Din Caravanserai
Drive to Yazd (approx. 5 hrs), stopping en route at the 16th century Zein-o-Din Caravanserai, located in the middle of the desert. A caravanserai was a roadside inn where travelers (caravaners) could stop and rest while traveling the trade routes.
On arrival in Yazd, you will have some free time this afternoon to relax. Yazd is the capital of Yazd Province and recognized as a World Heritage Site due to its unique Persian architecture. This town has a history that dates back over 5,000 years, and because of its remote desert location and difficult access, Yazd was often overlooked by conquerers. To tolerate the extreme hot summers, many old structures in Yazd have impressive wind towers and large underground areas and even contain many yakhchals, otherwise known as “ice houses,” that were used to store ice retrieved from the glaciers of the mountains.
You’ll overnight in a beautiful traditional style hotel with modern amenities.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Moshir Garden or Safaieh Hotels (or similar)
GDay 7Yazd City Tour
Enjoy a full day sightseeing in Yazd, the center for Iran’s fast-disappearing Zoroastrian community. Visit one of the two Zoroastrian abandoned Towers of Silence (Dakhma), dating back to the 18th century, and the active Zoroastrian Fire Temple, the fire of which has been burning for about 1500 years. View the immense Friday Mosque (1324 A.D.), with the highest portal and minarets in Iran. Other notable Islamic period monuments in Yazd include the Seljuk shrine dedicated to the Twelve Shi’ite Imams, and Ziaieyeh Theological School, known as Zendan-e-Eskander or Alexander’s Prison. You can stroll past the many beautiful old homes in Yazd, among them the Dowlat-Abad Garden, with an 18th-century feudal hexagonal house.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Moshir Garden or Safaieh Hotels (or similar)
HDay 8Yazd to Shiraz via Pasargadae
Today you make the approximate 6-hour drive through desert mountain terrain to Shiraz. En route, visit Pasargadae, a site pre-dating Persepolis. Pasargadae was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus the Great who had it built between 559 and 530 BC. Cyrus is the Founder of the Persian Empire, and at Pasargadae, you’ll see his simple but impressive tomb. You’ll also see the remains of his palaces, all located in the vast plain of Dasht-e-Morghab.
Continue on to Abarkuh, a charming desert town, for a tea break under the shade of a supposedly 4,000-year-old Cyprus tree, then continue to Shiraz for your overnight.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Homa or Pars Hotel (or similar)
IDay 9Shiraz
On a full-day city tour of Shiraz, visit some of the famous gardens of this city of “roses and nightingales,” including the Eram Garden and the tombs of Iran’s greatest lyric poets, Hafez and Sa’adi. See the pink-tiled 19th-century Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque and the Arg-e-Karim Khan 18th-century citadel, sites which invite creative photography. The dazzling Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, also known as the “Pink Mosque” due to its pink colored tiles, contains an extensive colored glass that acts as a keleidescope when the sun shines in. The Arg-e-Karim Khan was built during the Zand dynasty in 1180 AD and served as Karim Khan’s living quarters. It was even once used as a prison, but today is a museum, operated by Iran’s Cultural Heritage Organization.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Homa or Pars Hotel (or similar)
JDay 10Ancient Persepolis
Today’s adventure takes you out to the ancient city of Persepolis, the magnificent springtime capital city of the ancient Achaemenid Empire (550-330 BC). The city is known for its spectacular reliefs and towering columns built by Darius I. It is thought that Alexander the Great burned the great palace after invading Persepolis in 330 B.C. Some of its objects from Persepolis can be seen at the National Museum of Tehran.
This afternoon, visit the rock-cut tombs of the Achaemenid kings including Darius I at Naghsh-e Rostam. Nearby is the Cube of Zoroaster (Kaba-ye Zartosht), a 5th century B.C. Achaemenid square tower. Also visit the Sassanian reliefs at Naghsh-e Rajab where you will see the inscription of Ardeshir I (226-241 AD), founder of the Sassanian dynasty, and Shapur I depicting his celebration of his military victory in 244 over the Roman Emperor, Valerian. Return to your hotel in Shiraz for dinner and overnight.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Homa or Pars Hotel (or similar)
KDay 11Drive to Isfahan
This is a day of mostly driving through scenic countryside to Isfahan (approximately a 4-hour drive). Isfahan, known as “Nesf-e-Jahan” to the Persians, means “Half The World” due to its beautiful hand-painted tiling and magnificent public square. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world and its architecture, tree-lined boulevards and relaxed pace make it one of the highlights of Iran.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Abbasi or Kowsar Hotel (or similar)
LDay 12Isfahan
Today is dedicated to exploring the many beautiful sites of Isfahan. Begin with the magnificent Friday Mosque, with the famous Uljaitu Mihrab (Prayer Niche) from the Il-Khanid period. This Friday Mosque is considered a museum of a thousand years of Persian religious architecture and is truly one of the world’s greatest mosques. Also visit the Harun-e-Velayat Shrine and the Ali Minaret. From here drive to the Chehel Sotun Palace, built by Shah Abbas II in the 17th century. Twenty wooden columns reflected in the surface of the pool give rise to its name, “The Palace of Forty Columns.” Finally, visit the Hasht Behesht pavilion built in 1670 by Shah Solayman and known as the Pavilion of Eight Paradises or the Palace of Nightingales. This small but intricate building is elegantly sited among tree-lined alleys with a reflecting pool and water falls. Afterwards, return to your hotel where you can spend some time relaxing in the hotel’s garden.
Lodging
Abbasi or Kowsar Hotel (or similar)
MDay 13Isfahan
Enjoy another full day of sightseeing in Isfahan beginning with visits to the city’s famous bridges including the 14th century Pol-e Shahrestan (The Shahrestan Bridge), one of the oldest surviving bridges in Iran; Pol-e Khaju (Khaju Bridge), perhaps one of the finest bridges in Isfahan. It was built by the Safavid king Shah Abbas II around 1650 and originally ornated with artistic tile works and paintings (at one point it even served as a teahouse); and Si-o-Seh Pol (The Bridge of 33 Arches), one of the most famous examples of Safavid bridge design. There may or may not be water in the river, but look for wading birds.
Tour the Armenian Quarter including the important Cathedral of Vank, which includes a good museum with a section on the Armenian genocide. In the afternoon, visit one of the world’s grandest squares, the Maidan-e-Naghsh-e-Jahan. Admire the Ali-Qapu Palace with its enchanting music rooms and balcony overlooking the Maidan, from where the Safavid Kings watched polo games. You will see two of the Islamic world’s greatest mosques—the Sheikh Lotfollah and the Imam—with magnificent architecture and tilework. End the afternoon with a visit to the Qeisarieh Bazaar with hundreds of shops displaying the arts and handicrafts for which Isfahan is world-famous (closed on Fridays).
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Abbasi or Kowsar Hotel (or similar)
NDay 14Drive to Kashan via Natanz
Depart early for the drive to Kashan (approximately 3-4 hours of driving), with a stop at the charming town of Natanz. There, visit a beautiful Islamic complex including the Friday Mosque, Monastery, and Tomb of Sheikh Abdol Samad Isfahani. This is also the location of a contentious (former) underground nuclear site. You will drive by the entrance, but are not allowed to take photos. Continue on to Kashan to visit the historical garden of Fin, first planted during the Safavid period and kept alive with water from the nearby Sulaimanieh Spring. This beautiful garden was expanded by the Zand and Qajar monarchs, with many open pavilions added. You will also visit a fine example of a 19th-century merchant residence known as Taba-Tabai House with its beautiful stucco dome and inlaid mirror work, plus some of the best examples of “badgirs,” or wind-catchers.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Kuhrang Hotel (or similar)
ODay 15Kashan to Tehran via Qom
After breakfast, your tour of Kashan continues with a visit to the Kashan Bazaar, Agha Bozorg Mosque, and the important archaeological site of Tepe Sialk. The Kashan Bazaar, known for it’s impressive mud-brick architecture, is thought to have been built during the Seljuk period. Be sure to notice the intricate designs in the dome of Timche-ye Amin Od-Dowleh. Agha Bozorg Mosque was built in the late 18th century by master architect Ustad Haj Sa’ban-ali. This was where Ustad Ali Maryam began as a pupil and started his career as a brilliant architect, responsible for the architectural style of Taba-Tabai House and Boroujerdi ha House. At Sialk Hill you’ll find the remains of an ancient city containing the world’s oldest zigurat, which dates back to 3000 BC. The oldest settlement in Sialk dates back to 5500-6000 BC! It is thought that Sialk was settled due to the fresh water sources that run down from the nearby mountains. These pristine water sources still continue to run today.
After lunch at a local restaurant, continue with the drive back to Tehran (approximately 3-4 hours of driving) via Qom, Iran’s second holiest city. The city is the largest center in the world for Shiʿa scholarships and is an important destination of pilgrimage. On arrival back in Tehran, check in to your airport hotel and enjoy a final dinner with your group.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
A local airport hotel
PDay 16Depart Tehran
Your representative will meet you at the hotel and assist with your early morning transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Expec to depart your Tehran hotel at least three hours before your flight departure time.
Meals
None
Lodging
None
Anticipated plan; actual route and program may vary.
Iran can get extremely hot, so we recommend packing light, breathable clothing and scarves to be as comfortable as possible.
Pricing and Payment
Reservations are accepted and confirmed after we receive a non-refundable booking deposit and a Traveler Profile Form signed by each adult on the trip as well as by the guardian for each child on the trip, and if space is available. For most group departures, the booking deposit is $500 per person per trip, though for some trips it may be more, as noted in the trip description.
The minimum booking deposit requirement for custom trips is $800 per person, and this deposit is non-refundable. A trip-planning fee of $250 per itinerary is also charged to cover costs of preparing itinerary proposals for custom trips. This fee is credited to the cost of the trip, but is nonrefundable if you do not take the trip. Custom travel during holiday seasons may require a deposit prior to trip confirmation.
An invoice for the total estimated cost of your itinerary will be sent with your reservation confirmation. For both group departures and custom trips, a second deposit of $1,000 per person is due 120 days prior to departure or at the time of booking for reservations made fewer than 120 days before departure. The balance as shown on your invoice is due 60 days prior to departure regardless of whether extensions or other arrangements are pending. Although we do our best to avoid increasing prices after we receive your deposit, in some cases it may be necessary to adjust pricing even after we receive payment to allow for changes in group size, rooming status, currency exchange rate fluctuations, fuel surcharges and other circumstances attendant to international travel. Late payments may jeopardize confirmation of your itinerary and in some cases may result in additional fees. If we have not received final payment 30 days prior to departure your reservation may be canceled and subject to our Cancellation & Refund Policy stated below.
We accept payments by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or check drawn on a U.S. bank account. Payment for airfare is required at the time of ticketing. Discounts that may be available for some trips are not available toward bookings made through travel agencies.
Late Signups
Early reservations are encouraged! Some trips and flights fill several months before departure. We can confirm your space on a trip once we receive your deposit and signed Reservation Form. We try, but cannot guarantee, to accept late signups. In the event that we are able to accept reservations fewer than 60 days before a trip departure, additional fees of $500 or more may apply to cover administrative costs necessary to expedite your reservation confirmation and transmit your departure materials. For reservations made fewer than 60 days before departure, full payment will be due at the time of booking.
Itinerary Changes
We understand that circumstances arise that lead you to inquire about changes to your itinerary, and aim to satisfy your requests. Once activities and accommodations have been confirmed, there will be a $50 change fee, in addition to the difference in costs for the services booked. When changes are requested within one week of departure, the change fee is $100. For changes requested after a trip has begun, the change fee is $200.
Cancellations & Refunds
If you must cancel before departure, you may request a refund according to the following schedule. Some trips require additional non-refundable payments as noted in the trip description or in the trip itinerary.
Days Prior to Departure
Cancellation Penalty
90 or more
Non-refundable booking deposit and trip planning fee, if applicable
45-89
30% of total land costs
31-44
75% of total land costs
0-30
100% of total land costs
Please note: cancellation of airfare, other transit, and lodging is subject to the policies of the individual carriers or providers and are not included in the schedule above. Additional cancellation fees are the responsibility of the traveler. We strongly recommend that all travelers purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for trip cancellation or interruption which may reimburse you for cancellation penalties and extra trip expenses should a circumstance covered by the policy force you to cancel or interrupt your trip.
Departure is defined as the date on which travelers will leave their home state, province or city, or the trip departure date as indicated on the trip itinerary, whichever comes first. Cancellation date will be considered the date that we receive written notification of your intent to cancel.
Payments due at the time of cancellation remain the responsibility of the client. No partial refunds are possible for unused hotel rooms, air or land travel, trekking days, or other sight-seeing arrangements included in the land cost.
In the event Journeys International cancels a trip, for any reason, all money for services described in the trip description, less airline ticket cancellation fees, will be refunded.
Air Fares
We can help you to secure air travel arrangements to correspond with land travel booked through Journeys International. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. Journeys International may charge a ticketing fee for this service. For group departures, if you prefer to fly on dates other than those listed as trip dates, or if you arrive at your destination other than at the group arrival time, then you may incur an additional fee to cover the separate transfer, contingency, and coordination costs which frequently arise from arrival and departure on flights different from our regular bookings. We will let you know about these fees ahead of time, if they apply. If you must change your air routing after ticketing, there is a charge of $50 per change, in addition to change or cancellation charges levied by the airline.
If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we can help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times.
Transfers Between Trips
You may transfer between some trips upon written request. More than 90 days before departure, the deposit transfer fee is $100 per person plus any cancellation fees charged by hotels or ground service providers. Less than 90 days before departure, full cancellation penalties from the original trip apply. In the event that Journeys International cancels a trip, you may transfer the full amount of your land payments to another trip without penalty.
Expenses Covered
Normally, our stated land costs include the cost of all guides, leaders, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, food and entry fees as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the planned itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but, rarely, factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.
Expenses Not Covered
Costs not included in the price may include: meals not indicated as included in itineraries; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; airfares; gratuities; and insurance.
If a trip must be extended or an itinerary modified due to weather, road conditions, labor interruption, lack of transportation, political or civil disputes, medical emergency, or other causes beyond our control, then the traveler may incur additional costs that are not included in the trip price. We strongly recommend that all travelers obtain travel insurance to cover these risks.
Group-Sized Pricing & Group Minimums
Many trips are guaranteed to depart at prices published on our website with as few as two participants. However, in some cases it is necessary to adjust prices to reflect smaller group sizes. We do everything we can to make a trip operate as planned even with a single participant. Additional costs for small groups amounts vary from trip to trip. Final decision to cancel a trip due to insufficient signups is made 30 days prior to departure.
Environmental Stewardship
Journeys International believes that we have a responsibility to protect the earth for future generations of travelers. International tourism may be responsible for up to eight percent of annual worldwide emissions of greenhouse gasses. Journeys International advocates that adventure travelers who make environmentally-conscious choices when selecting their destinations and activities should also make the environmentally-conscious choice to offset the carbon footprint of their travel to compensate for their personal contributions to global climate change. Every Journeys International trip invoice includes an optional donation to the Earth Preservation Fund’s carbon offset program to be used to purchase and permanently retire certified carbon credits to offset the carbon footprints of Journeys’ travelers. The Earth Preservation Fund purchases carbon credits that have been certified under a reliable third-party standard. Travelers who choose to make this donation will receive a receipt for 501(c)3 tax deduction. There is no penalty for opting out of this donation.
Pre-Departure Services
We look forward to working with you! After we receive your deposit we will send you a pre-departure information packet containing things like medical and immunization information, visa and other permit forms, a recommendation for travel insurance, packing checklist, reading list, cross-cultural information, and an initial invoice for the balance due. If you would like, we can also book your extended land travel arrangements for before and after your trip. About 2-3 weeks before departure, we will send you a final departure packet including last minute reminders and local contact information for your destination. We send some of our materials by mail, so if you are leaving home before the scheduled trip departure date, please let us know how we can best reach you so that you will receive your materials prior to your departure.
Please call our office at any time if you have questions about your trip or for additional information.
Lodging Accommodations
Lodging accommodations are usually double occupancy in hotel rooms, tents, or other facilities as described or noted in trip itineraries. Please contact our office to discuss pricing and availability of alternative accommodations. We try to honor specific requests for lodging, but in some cases we may have to book and confirm equivalent standard accommodations. If you are traveling alone but would prefer a roommate, then let us know! We are often able to match solo travelers. If a roommate is not available or if you prefer single accommodation, then you must pay the Single Supplement, if one applies. On some trips, it is not possible to guarantee single accommodations.
Fitness to Travel
Good physical and mental health are essential for the enjoyment of Journeys International’s trips. In many cases participants travel in rugged areas remote from modern medical facilities. Good physical conditioning is recommended as preparation for all trips, especially those involving trekking. Most trips require some walking. By paying the booking deposit and signing the Reservation Form, the traveler certifies that he/she is fit for rigorous travel and does not have any physical, mental, or other condition that would create a hazard for him/herself or other travelers. It is essential that any participant with a medical condition requiring regular treatment or which may be affected by vigorous activity, prolonged travel, high altitude, heat, cold, natural phenomena, or particular foods, notify Journeys International in writing prior to booking.
We assume no responsibility for medical care and we cannot guarantee meeting special dietary requirements or vegetarian needs. Participants may be required to furnish a physician’s statement of good health. Journeys International’s or the individual trip leader’s or guide’s judgment shall provide the ultimate determination of an individual’s fitness to embark upon, or to continue, a trip. Journeys International reserves the right to refuse reservations or deny participation prior to departure of anyone whom it deems unsuitable for a trip. Once a trip has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. All participants must be covered by a current major medical insurance policy for the duration of their trip. Proof of such coverage may be requested.
Duration 16 Days
The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost. The total number of days includes the time required to travel between the USA and the destination country.
Group Size 6 - 12
The stated range indicates minimum required for guaranteed departure and maximum accepted on the scheduled dates. Exceptions can often be made for private departures.
Comfort Level
Superior
Most hotels are 4/5 star or best available
Activity Level
Active
Some steep stair climbs, hot climate
Why Journeys International
Our purpose is to understand the journey you are on – not just the vacation you want to take – and to help you on your way.
We are here to help you plan the trip that will move you closer to your goals and help you fulfill your dreams.
We are here to help you plan a more inspiring, more provocative, more breathtaking, more transformational adventure.
We say “adventure” and not “trip” because, for us, a trip is just going someplace else, but an adventure is an experience that takes you someplace beyond your comfort zone – and therefore maximizes the potential for wonder, discovery, and potentially transformation.
Why trust Journeys to plan that kind of experience with you?
Journeys is an award-winning industry-leader with more than 40 years in business planning creative and thoughtful adventures in interesting places around the world
Our staff is professional and devoted, with adventure specialists in Ann Arbor and guides in the field who take pride in traveler satisfaction; many stay with us for decades
Our Ecological Code of Ethics has long stood as a model for others, and our Earth Preservation Fund puts our money where our mouth is
We go to the farthest corners of the earth – you’ll see some pretty remote destinations on our list, and if you want to challenge us with something new, we’ll likely be willing (though we’ll make sure you know if we’ve never experienced it firsthand)
We’re real people like you, starting with the real person who will answer the phone, right through the owner, Robin Pollak, who you can talk to any time you want (or even her parents, Joan & Will Weber, who started the company!)
We ask lots of questions and get to know you as well as possible to we can design the best experience for YOU
Your unique itinerary includes sites, accommodations, activities, and meetings with people hand selected for personal goals, passions, interests and abilities
Your personal adventure specialist stays with you from trip planning through departure to answer all your questions – promptly – and make sure every detail is handled so you are well prepared for your trip
Our partners on the ground in your destination will welcome you as a friend of a friend; we’ve been working with many of them for ages
We’re open and clear, and offer a complete picture of what you can expect while traveling. We don’t want to make an easy sale; we want to make an honest one.
24-hour emergency phone support while traveling
We’ll be excited to hear about the trip when you get back, and take all feedback seriously
Our travelers come back again and again, for five, ten, or more adventures — and they trust us enough to send their friends to us, too
We love what we do, and we love sharing our common passion with you.
Activity Level
Match the trip’s intensity to your ability and motivation.
Gentle
Easy walking, with opportunities for low-key physical activity.
Active
Energetic exploration with optional day hikes, leisurely cycling, or light canoeing.
Vigorous
Day-long active excursions and options for demanding activity in varied environments.
Challenging
Strenuous hiking or other intense activity that may be at high altitude or over rough terrain.
Demanding
Multi-day trekking and other activities requiring endurance or strength. Steep trails. No technical expertise necessary.
Comfort Level
Choose accommodations and amenities that fit your personal style
Simple
Our most natural accommodations. Bath facilities often shared, sometimes rustic.
Delightful
Comfortable and especially personal. Small to mid-sized lodges, typically with private bath.
Superior
Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined artistry, or extra-special settings.
Deluxe
Exclusive or luxury lodges, hotels, or safari camps with fine dining options.
Uncommon
The most indulgent accommodations arranged specially for private trips.
Single Supplement
The single supplement is applicable if a roommate is not available or if single accommodation is specifically requested. While single accommodation is not available on all trips, we will try and honor this request whenever possible.