Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVE TEHRAN
After a pre-dawn arrival in Tehran, you will be met by our representative for the transfer to your hotel. The morning is at your leisure to relax. After lunch, begin your tour of Tehran. Visit the Crown Jewels Museum with its impressive collection of precious gems and dazzling works of art. Continue on to Sa'dabad Palace and the Museum of Reza Abbasi, named after the most famous miniaturist of the Safavid era. The museum, opened in 1977, exhibits artifacts dating back to prehistoric and Islamic periods, and is particularly rich in calligraphy. (L,D)
(A manteau "overcoat" will be given to female travelers upon arrival)

DAY 2: TEHRAN
This morning's tour includes the Archaeological Museum with its fine collection of artifacts, including a stone capital of a winged lion from Susa, and a sixth century BC audience hall relief of Darius the Great recovered from the Treasury at Persepolis. The museum contains items that date back from the Sumerian Period (4500 BC) to the contemporary. Also, visit the Ethnological Museum, which houses unique wax works depicting a wide array of indigenous Iranian cultures. Later visit the Carpet Museum with its superb collection of Persian rugs and carpets, and tour the Glass and Ceramic Museum. (B,L,D)

DAY 3: TEHRAN - SOLTANYEH - HAMADAN
Embark this morning on a full day drive to historic Hamadan, located approximately 200 miles southwest of Tehran. En route, visit Soltanyeh, the fourteenth century Mongol City noted today for the grandeur of its famous mausoleum dedicated to the Mongol Sultan Oljeitu. This impressive tomb, with its unique egg-shaped dome, is the largest Islamic version ever built. Continue your drive to Hamadan, one of the oldest continually inhabited towns in the world, formerly known in Greek during the Median Empire as "Ectabana" meaning "place of assembly". It later became the summer capital of the Achaemenian Empire and was host to some of the greatest scholars and thinkers of its day. Upon arrival in Hamadan, you will transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay. (B,L,D)

DAY 4: HAMADAN: Excursion to KERMANSHAH
Tour the mausoleums of the philosopher/mathematician Ibn Sina (Avicenna), and Baba Taher. Also, visit the Sang Shir (the Stone Lion) resting in the central square. The Dervish Monastery of Gonbad-e-Alavian dates from the twelfth century and is noted for its brilliant stucco designs. Later, tour the shrine of Esther & Mordecai, the most important Jewish pilgrimage site in Iran. A Jewish presence in Hamadan remains today. Next, drive westward to the Sassanian rock carvings of Tagh-e-Bostan. These bas-reliefs, cut from the stone cliff, depict royal scenes of battles and hunts reflecting the glorious history of the Sassanid Kings. Later carry on the old caravan route to Bisotoun. Dating back to the Middle Paleolithic, the Achaemenian inscriptions offer details in 1,200 lines about the battles of Darius the Great who fought against the governors trying to dismantle the Empire originally founded by Cyrus. This was the site where the decisive battle took place. Leaving the famous Tablets of Darius, you will visit the Anahita Temple-the mother goddess of abundance and guardian of water in ancient Persia. (B,L,D)

DAY 5: HAMADAN - KERMAN
Depart this morning by road for Tehran. En route, visit one of the world's longest water caves at Ali Sadr. Upon arrival in Tehran proceed to the airport and connect with your flight to the southeastern city of Kerman located in a land of mountains and deserts. Numerous invasions and conquests mark Kerman's turbulent history. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel for two nights. Time permitting, visit the old part of the city and the famous Friday Mosque dating back to the 14th century. (B,L,D)

DAY 6: KERMAN: Excursion to Rayen and Mahan
Today, take a full day excursion to Rayen and Mahan. Dating to the 5th century, the Rayen Citadel is a spectacular desert fortification that functioned as a small city until about 150 years ago. It is very similar to the once majestic Bam Citadel, which was destroyed by the earthquake of 2003. After Rayen, head to Mahan, well known as the final home of the Sufi saint and poet, Shah Nematollah Vali. The poet spent many years wandering through Central Asia before finally settling at Mahan where he was taken with the surrounding violet-colored mountains. His tomb is an excellent example of the importance that traditional Persian architecture places on harmony between nature and physical structures. Visit the Shahzadeh Garden in Mahan before returning to Kerman for overnight. (B,L,D)

DAY 7: KERMAN - YAZD
Visit the Jameh Mosque, Ganj-Ali-khan Bath Museum and the old bazaar. Then depart by surface to Yazd, visiting a traditional caravanserai en route. Located in the heart of Iran between the Kavir and Lut deserts, Yazd was a major stop on the international caravan routes to Central Asia and India. Marco Polo visited Yazd on his way to China. The architecture of Yazd is perhaps the most traditionally Persian to be found anywhere in Iran. In the afternoon, visit the local famous Jameh and Mir-Chakhmaq Mosques, the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence, and the Fire Temple, whose fire has allegedly burned continuously for over a thousand years. Also, pay a visit to the Doulat Abad Garden with its clever ventilation shafts, known as badjirs or "wind towers." Overnight stay in Yazd. (B,L,D)

DAY 8: YAZD - SHIRAZ
One of the highlights of any tour of Iran is a visit to Shiraz and to neighboring Persepolis, the capital of Darius. The drive to Shiraz will take you first to Abarghou's Mosque and to a 4,000 year old Cyprus tree, then on to Pasargad, the capital of Cyrus the Great, where you will visit his tomb. The site marks a fierce battle Cyrus fought against the Median King Astyages in 550 BC. Shiraz is traditionally known as the city of Roses and Nightingales, but has become known in recent times as a seat of intellectual learning. It was home to Sa'adi and Hafez, the famed Persian poets, and is considered the cradle of Persian Civilization. Transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay. (B,L,D)

DAY 9: SHIRAZ
Shiraz is the capital of Fars Province. Enjoy a full day tour with visits to the Eram Garden, the tombs of the Persian poets Sa'adi and Hafez, Nasirol-Molk Mosque, Afif-Abad Garden, the Church of Saint Simmon the Zealot, Vakil Mosque, and the "King of Light" Shrine of Shah-Cheragh, noted for its dazzling mirror tiles. (B,L,D)

DAY 10: SHIRAZ - PERSEPOLIS - ISFAHAN
Persepolis, which in Greek literally means the capital of Persia, lies 36 miles north of Shiraz. Persepolis is the last and final ultimate expression of the ancient Middle East. Construction began by Darius the Great (521 - 468 BC) as the focus of the mighty Achaemenian Empire nearly 2,500 years ago. Spend a full day exploring these mighty ruins. Your tour will also include the Kuh-i-Rehmat, Nagsh-e-Rustam (Tomb of Rustam) and Naghs-e-Rajab. In the early evening, you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Isfahan. Upon arrival, transfer to the famous Abbasi Hotel for a three-night stay. (B,L,D)

DAY 11: ISFAHAN
Isfahan is a wonder. Truly a city of splendor, legend has it that the city was founded at the time of Tahmourass or Keykavous. During the Safavid Era (sixteenth and seventeenth century AD), Isfahan was a city of Gardens and Palaces. As a major trade center of its time, Isfahan's was known as "Half the World." Your full day tour includes the famed Imam Square (Naqsh-e-Jahan), a huge square second in the world to Beijing's Tiananmen Square. Tour the architectural marvels of Sheikh Lotfollah and Imam Mosques, Aliqapu Palace, Chehel Sutoon Palace, and also visit one of the most famous bazaars in Iran, where you can purchase the arts & crafts for which Isfahan is so well renowned. (B,L,D)

DAY 12: ISFAHAN
Today's full day tour includes Hasht Behesht, Vank Church, the spectacular and historic Friday Mosque as well as the famous bridges. In particular, the "33 arch bridge" or "Si o Se Pol" dates from 1602 and is a colorful meeting place for locals to gather, drink tea, and refresh themselves. (B,L,D)

DAY 13: ISFAHAN - TEHRAN
Take an easy drive to Tehran with stops at Kashan to visit the Broojerdiha and Tabatabaie Houses, Fin Garden, and Aghabozorg Mosque. After lunch, visit the Shrine of the Fatima in Qum and later visit the Tomb of Ayatollah Khomeini. Upon arrival in Tehran, transfer to your hotel for two nights. (B,L,D)

DAY 14: TEHRAN
Embark on a morning tour to the Golestan Palace, known as the "Rose Garden". Constructed as a residence during the Qajar Dynasty, the Palace complex offers an oasis of silence and shade in the heart of Tehran. The last two Pahlavi Kings coronation ceremonies were held in the Palace, and much of its former splendor is on display. Your final afternoon in Tehran is at your leisure to do any last minute shopping or exploring. (B,L,D)

DAY 15: DEPART TEHRAN
This morning transfer to the airport for your departing international flight. (B)

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