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Quintessential Iran - Heart of Persia
A classical journey of quintessential Iran showcasing some of the most astounding collection of ancient archaeological wonders, fascinating cultures in the cities of Shiraz, Yazd, Esfahan and Tehran, important civilizations since the days of the powerful Persian Empire.
HIGHLIGHTS
Stay in the best hotels in Shiraz, Yazd, Esfahan and Tehran
Visit some of the most spectacular ancient UNESCO sites in Iran
Savour exquisite contemporary cuisine in modern Tehran
Experience an insiders experience of touring Iran
ITINERARY
DAY 1: SHIRAZ
We begin our journey in Shiraz, one of the most important cities during the medieval Islamic period filled with beautiful gardens and wonderful historical architectural sites. Visit the UNESCO-listed Eram Garden and the tombs of renowned Persian poets, Hafez and Saadi, set in lovely gardens followed by a walking tour in the city's historical centre taking us to the exceptional Vakil Mosque and its vibrant bazaar and the Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque. We end our day visiting the Ali Ebne Hamzeh Mausoleum with its reflecting mirror tiles.
Overnight: Darbe Shazdeh, Shiraz
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
DAY 2: SHIRAZ / YAZD
A spectacular day begins as we take an hour's drive east to the most iconic and famous ruins in Iran, the UNESCO-listed Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostan. Built by one of the greatest ancient empires - Achaemenian more than 2000 years ago, these world class sites allow you to appreciate the majesty of the once great civilization. Thereafter, we continue our journey to Yazd on empty desert roads crossing the Zagos Mountains. Enroute, we stop at another UNESCO site, the Pasargade - Tomb of Cyrus the Great. Finally, we arrive at Yazd where we will spend 2 nights. According to UNESCO, this is one of the world's oldest towns and was an important Zoroastrian centre.
Overnight: Safaiyeh Hotel, Yazd
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 3: YAZD
Overnight: Safaiyeh Hotel, Yazd
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today, we will discover the old city of Yazd with some stunning sites such as the famous Jameh Mosque, Zoroastrian Towers of Silence, the Ateshkade "Fire Temple", Amir Chakhmaq Complex for a panoramic view of the city and the UNESCO-listed Dolat Abad Garden - Iran's tallest wind tower. This evening, we will drive to the 16th Century Zeinoddin Caravanserai for a sumptuous and atmospheric dinner.
DAY 4: YAZD / ESFAHAN
We journey on today to Esfahan. "Esfahan es jahan" means "Esfahan is half the world", a befitting phrase for its grandeur and beauty of the city. As we arrive, we visit the beautiful Chehel Sotun Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site before taking a walk on the illuminated Khaju Bridge that dates back to the Sassanid Period - the oldest in Esfahan to the Qajar Period.
Overnight: Ghasr Monchi, Esfahan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 5: ESFAHAN
Spend another day of sightseeing in this great city where we will visit the Madrase-ye Chabar Bagh, the Vank Cathedral in the American Quarter and the mysterious Shaking Minarets. Spend the rest of the day strolling and visiting the atmospheric bazaars.
Overnight: Ghasr Monchi, Esfahan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 6: ESFAHAN / ABYANEH / KASHAN / TEHRAN
We leave Esfahan today where we drive 2hrs to the picturesque mountain village of Abyaneh in the north and explore this lovely village. Continue next to Kashan, an attractive oasis town renowned for centuries for its ceramics, tiles, pottery, textiles, carpet and silk. Visit the UNESCO-listed Fin Garden with its beautiful setting and Borujerdiyeh House with its odd wind tunnels. We then arrive into Tehran in the evening where we check in and enjoy a sumptuous dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight: Espinas Hotel, Tehran
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 7: TEHRAN
The morning begins with a visit to the Saadabad Palace, built during the Pahlavi Dynasty and the famous Golestan Palace, a former Qajar complex. Thereafter, spend time visiting local bazaars and this evening, we will drive to a upmarket area renowned for contemporary living and home to some of the finest contemporary dining establishments where we celebrate the end of our journey.
Overnight: Espinas Hotel, Tehran
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 8: DEPART TEHRAN
Sadly, our journey comes to an end. Be transferred to Tehran Imam Khomeini Intl Airport for departure.
Meals: Breakfast
HOTELS
Nestled in the historical center of Shiraz, Darbe Shazdeh is a charming boutique hotel that is bound to capture your hearts. Within walking distance of Shiraz's infamous Vakil Bazaar, the hotel is a perfect base for curious tourists eager to discover the essence of Iranian hospitality composed of 9 rooms, each different in style and mood, overlooking an inner courtyard.
A 5 star hotel in one of the nicest of Yazd districts with easy access to the city center and the interesting places of Yazd. The Safaiyeh Hotel is ready to receive travellers with its modern facilities with its new wing in the main building and has many years of receiving guests.
Ghasr Monshi Palace is a remainder of the Ghajjar Dynasty from the early 19th Century. Therefore, while the Palace provides an unforgettable experience in a beautiful Persian ambiance, it is also historically significant as it was one of Fatahali Shah’s few houses in Isfahan.
Experience modern comfort and luxury with the facilities and unsurpassed services of 224 tastefully-decorated guest rooms including luxurious suites at the Espinas Hotel Tehran. Modern room facilties include Wi-Fi high speed internet and LCD Tv with satellite access, state of the art air conditioning and ventilation systems.
