The Eastern Delight, Iran
Sample Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive in Tehran and transfer to Espinas Hotel (Khalij‐e Fars). Dinner at the Hotel’s Traditional Restaurant.
DAY 2
Meet in the Lobby and depart for a short briefing. Depart the hotel a full day visit toThe Archaeological Museum. After lunch at Ferdowsi Restaurant, visit the Crown Jewels Museum followed by a visit to the Carpet Museum. Enjoy a welcome dinner at Daloon Deraz Traditional Restaurant.
DAY 3
This morning, depart Tehran for Damghan. Before Arriving at Damghan, visit Shahr‐e Qomes (Hecatompylos). Upon arrival have lunch at Damghan Tourist Inn. Afternoon visits include Chehel Dokhtar and Pir‐e Alamdar Towers. Other visits include the Fabulous Tari Khaneh Mosque and Tappeh Hesar Mound. Dinner at the Hotel.
DAY 4
Drive over an hour to Bastam. Visit the famous Imamzadeh Yahya, the tomb of the great mystic, Bayazid Bastami, Jame’ Mosque of Bastam, and Kashanak Tomb‐tower. After lunch, head for Khor& Biabanak via Damghan. Overnight at Bali Hotel.
DAY 5
Visit Mesr village and the surrounding Desert. Lunch at a local village house. In the afternoon, visit the Khor Salt Desert. Overnight at a local Hotel.
DAY 6
This morning, depart for Yazd. On route, visit Bayazeh Fort, Mosque, and Qanat. Follow this with a visit to the local caravanserai. On the way to Yazd, stop to see handicrafts at Robat‐e Posht‐e Badam, where lunch will be served. Overnight at Bagh‐e Moshir/ Safaieh Hotel.
DAY 7
Full day of sightseeing in Yazd beginning with the “the Towers of Silence”, followed by visits to the FireTemple of Yazd, where the “eternal flame” of Persia still burns. Visit the “Old Congregational Mosque” of Yazd. Walk Through the Old Town. Have lunch at a traditional restaurant. After lunch, visit the Water Museum, to learn about the Qanat irrigation system.
The “Dowlat Abad” Persian Garden and then the “Amir Chaxmaq” Square will be the final visits of the day. Overnight at Bagh‐e Moshir/ Safaieh Hotel.
DAY 8
Depart for Kerman. On Route, visit Zein al‐Din Caravanserai, the only caravanserai with a circular plan. Upon arrival in Kerman, have a home‐made style local food at Akhavan Hotel. After lunch, Visit the Congregational Mosque, Moayedi ice‐house, and jabaliyeh monument, from where the ruins of the fort of Ardeshir can be seen nearby. Overnight at Pars Hotel.
DAY 9
This Morning drive for 90 minutes South‐east of Kerman to Rayen, a village with an ancient and charming citadel. The next visit will be the World Heritage site “Shazdeh Garden”, one of the most elaborate Persian Gardens near Mahan, and on the way back to Kerman. Close by in Mahan visit the shrine complex of “Shah Nematollah”, a Monumental 15th-century mystic. Return to Kerman and visit the Bazaar of Kerman and the “Ganjali khan” historical bathhouse. Have dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Pars Hotel.
DAY 10
Today, enjoy a full day’s drive to Shiraz. On route, have a picnic lunch, and shortly after, visit the Old Congregational Mosque of Neiriz. The next visit will be the Royal Sasanian Sarvestan Hunting Lodge of Bahram v. Early evening check-in, dinner, and overnight at Zandiyeh/ Homa Hotel.
DAY 11
This morning, begin by visiting the Eram Gardens, now also a botanical garden and a World Heritage Site. Hafez, one of the all‐time great Poems of Persia is buried in a charming garden, where he is paid homage to by Iranians visiting from near and far. Then visit the 19th-century private mosque of Nasir al‐Molk. Lunch will be at Shater Abbas local restaurant. After lunch, visit Narenjastan‐e Qavam House followed by the Citadel of Karim Khan and Shiraz Bazaar. Overnight at Zandiyeh/ Homa Hotel.
DAY 12
This Morning depart Shiraz for delightful Isfahan. Persepolis an hour’s drive from Shiraz was the capital of the Persian Empire, where delegations from the whole empire congregated to bear tribute to the Persian Emperor. After this spectacular World Heritage Site, visit the extraordinary necropolis with tombs of some of the greatest Achaemenid kings, including Darius the Great, and a row of incredible 3rd and 4th-century bas‐reliefs from the Sasanian Empire. After lunch at a local restaurant, drive to Isfahan. Overnight at Abbasi Hotel.
DAY 13
Start the day with the fascinating 17th-century World Heritage Site of Chehel Sotun Palace, with its garden and painted murals. Then absorb the grandeur of the Old Congregational Mosque of Esfahan, rightly titled “the Encyclopedia of Iranian Mosques”. Lunch will be at the Armenian quarter of Esfahan, followed by visits to the Music Museum, and Vank Armenian Cathedral. Dinner will be at Shahrzad restaurant. Overnight at Abbasi Hotel.
DAY 14
In the morning, visit the world heritage Meydan‐e Naqsh‐e Jahan, surrounded by three jewels of 17th century Esfahan, the Ali Qapu Palace, The Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and the Congregational mosque. Have dinner at Jarchi Restaurant
DAY 15
Early morning departure for Esfahan International Airport.
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