​Included:

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​- Guided tour of Yerevan

- Guided tour of Tatev monastery (including tickets to the Wings of Tatev ropeway and visit of the Devil's bridge)

- Garni temple, Geghard monastery, Khachkars cemetary, Sevanavank monastery complex, Selim Caravanserai, (Armenia)

- Guided tour of Tabriz (including Blue Mosque and Azerbajan Museum)

- Visit to Kandovan mountain village (Tabriz)

- Visit to Soltaniyeh

- Guided tour of Fatima Masumeh Shrine (Qom)

- Fire temple ruins (Niasar)

- Guided tour of Kashan (old city walls, bazaar, merchant's house, traditional bath house, Fin gardens)

- Guided tour of Esfahan (Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Ali Quapu palace, Chehel Sotun Palace, Old Friday mosque, Vank cathedral, Imam square)

- Guided tour of Yazd (Zoroastrian Towers of Silence, Fire Temple, Water museum and Friday mosque)

- Guided tour of Shiraz (Hafez Tomb, Nasir Al Molk (Pink mosque), merchant's house, Koran gate)

- Guided tour of Persepolis

​- Support documents for Iranian visa

- 21 Breakfast

 

Transportation:
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​- Private buses, taxis

- Flight Shiraz-Tehran

 

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Accommodation (twin shared basis in all hotels and a guest house):
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​- 3*-4* hotels

- guesthouse (Meghri)

 

Tour is guided by an experienced English speaking tour leader.

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ITINERARY

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​Day 1: Yerevan, Armenia

Arrival day. There are no activities planned - during the day group members are arriving to the hotel from all over the world. In the evening your tour leader will meet you in the hotel lobby for the Orientation group meeting.​

 

​Day 2: Yerevan, Armenia

Yerevan is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. It dates back to 782 BC when Erebuni fortress was founded by the King Argishti I. Today Yerevan is a busy modern capital, full of museums, shops and street cafes. Half day guided city tour will introduce you to Armenian history and culture. It includes visits to “Mother Armenia” monument and Cascade – symbol of modern Yerevan. Afternoon is free to explore more of the city. If you love music, consider spending the evening in the State Opera Theatre (depends on performance schedule).

​Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 3: Yerevan, Armenia

Private bus will take us to Garni temple and Geghard monastery. Before Christianity became official Armenian religion (in 301 AD), there were lots of temples dedicated to Greek and Roman gods, and to pagan divinities. Garni temple was dedicated to Helios, god of the Sun. It is one of the few remaining non-Christian temples in Armenia. Geghard is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world. It dates back to 4th century AD. Built in the mountains, it was a perfect place for locals to hide during numerous attacks of Arab and Persian troops.

​Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 4: Jermuk, Armenia

In the morning we will say goodbye to the capital and will depart to Jermuk by a private bus. The drive takes a bit longer than 5 hours, including stops on the way. You will have a chance to climb ancient steps of Sevanavank monastery on the shores of Sevan Lake. We will also visit 12th century Khatchkars cemetery in Noratus. Road to Jermuk goes through Selim pass and Selim Caravansarai. This traditional inn was built in 14th century on the way of Silk Road caravans. Merchants travelling from Iran to Europe used to spend couple of nights here, to give rest to their camels and horses. In the afternoon we will arrive to Jermuk. Since ancient times the area has been known for its healing mineral waters and hot springs. Jermuk bloomed in 20th century, when it became one of the major spa resort of Soviet Union.

​Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 5: Goris, Armenia.

After breakfast and one last visit to the mineral waters, we will continue travelling through stunning mountain roads of Armenia. About halfway to Goris we will stop at Zoras Qarer, also known as “Armenian Stonehenge” – 204 upright basalt stones aligned with stars. One of the most popular theories states that it was an ancient observatory. Some scientists, however, think this ancient monument was a religious sight. We will arrive to Goris in the afternoon, and there will be enough time to explore the town.

Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 6: Goris, Armenia

Most of the day will be spent exploring Tatev monastery – one of the symbols of Armenia. Built in 9th century, this monastery complex was both: a fortress during war times and a school during periods of peace. The best way to reach the monastery nowadays is to take the longest cable car route in the world – Wings of Tatev. In the afternoon we will return to Goris. Find time to explore Old Goris – ancient cave town on the hills surrounding the city.

Meals included: Breakfast

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Day 7: Meghri, Armenia

Meghri is our last stop in Armenia. The region has significantly milder climate than the rest of the country, and its economy mostly based on the agriculture. Spend the afternoon visiting old Meghri Fortress and sampling local homemade wine. There will be no alcohol in Iran.

Meals included: Breakfast

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​Day 8: Tabriz, Iran. Border crossing

8 km drive will take us to the border with Islamic Republic of Iran - one of the least travelled to countries in the world. As you soon find out, real Iran is very different from its image created by mass media. Locals are hospitable and friendly, ancient sites are open for foreign visitors, and everything is designed to make tourists to feel welcomed. After completing immigration formalities we will continue to Tabriz – 5th biggest city in Iran. In 12th century Tabriz became the capital of Ilkhanate Mongol Empire, stretched from Azerbaijan to Turkey. Lots of Azerbaijani families still live in the area.  In the afternoon you can wander city streets, listen to prayer call from the minarets, and try your first Iranian baklava – sweet honey pastry.

​Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 9: Tabriz, Iran.

Following locals, in the morning we will head to the famous Tabriz bazaar. It is one of the oldest market places in the Middle East and West Asia, and the largest covered bazaar in the world. In 2010 it was included in the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Enjoy free time to explore narrow streets of the bazaar: rows of shops selling tea, housewares, natural soaps, jewelry and carpets.

Afternoon we will spend in Kandovan – so called “Cappadocia of Iran”. A mountain village where people still live in traditional houses, built in caves. It’s a perfect place to relax after long driving hours of the last couple of days, smoke cherry sheesha and try dizzi – traditional Iranian meat stew.

​​Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 10: Zanjan, Iran

The day will start in the famous Blue mosque built in 15th century by Jahan Shah from Kara Koyunlu dynasty. Until the earthquake of 1779 it was the main mosque of the capital. In the afternoon we’ll drive to Zanjan – handicraft center of Northwest Iran. Iranians believe that Zanjan knives are the best in the country, and many families visit the city to buy presents for newlyweds.

Meals included: Breakfast

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Day 11: Tehran, Iran

Town of Soltaniyeh is situated only 50 kilometers north-west from Zanjan. Once a large and busy city, it is now a small provincial center. It’s main attraction is the Dome of Soltaniyeh – the mausoleum of Il-Khan Oljeitu. It is the third largest dome in the Asia, after Red Hall and Zeus Asklepios Temple in Turkey.

 

4 hours bus ride will bring us to the capital of Iran – Tehran. This vast city has a lot to offer: bazaar, museums, quiet parks and fascinating street graffiti art, approved by the government.

Meals included: Breakfast

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Day 12: Kashan, Iran

In the morning we will head to the Central Iran via Qom and Niasar. Qom is considered one of the biggest holy cities of Shi'a Muslims. It houses Fatimah al-Musamah mausoleum - sister of Imam Reza (the 8th Imam). Thousands of pilgrims visit the city every year to visit the shrine.

Before arriving to Kashan, we will have a short stop in Niasar. The town is famous for well-preserved Zoroastrian Fire temple and rose fields.

Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 13: Kashan, Iran

Kashan is one of the main centers of pottery and carpet manufactories in Iran. During the city tour we will visit old town – charming merchant houses, surrounded by mud-brick walls, old bath house (hamam) and caravanserai, transformed into a restaurant. The tour will finish in Fin garden – completed in 1590 it is the oldest existing garden in Iran.

​Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 14: Esfahan, Iran

Today we will drive to Esfahan - one of the most beautiful cities in Iran. It's one of the best places to get to know Iranian culture better. It is full of mosques, old and new buildings, bridges and tea houses. People are friendly and open, and are happy to chat with foreigners. One of the most famous sights is the grand Imam square in the centre of the city.

Meals included: Breakfast

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Day 15: Esfahan, Iran

Esfahan has so much to offer, that our city tour will be split into two parts. Today we will visit the world’s second biggest square – Imam square; and surrounding buildings: Iman Mosque, Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque, and the Ali Qapu Palace. In the afternoon there will be time to explore bazaar stalls around the square and have a cup of chai in one of the old tea houses.​

Meals included: Breakfast

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Day 16: Esfahan, Iran

Second day in Esfahan will take us to the Armenian quarter, Friday mosque and Chehel Sotoun – famous Forty Columns Palace. Evening is a good time to stroll along Esfahan bridges, have a dinner in a local kebab shop and see local life.

Meals included: Breakfast

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Day 17: Yazd, Iran

Today we will drive to Yazd - the city with the largest Zoroastrian population in Iran. Explore old Persian religious traditions in the Necropolis by the Towers of Silence, visit one of the few active Fire temples in the world, and learn about the life in the desert in the Water museum.

Meals included: Breakfast​​ 
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Day 18: Shiraz, Iran

In the morning we will leave Yazd and will head further south to Shiraz - the city of poets, universities and rose gardens.

Meals included: Breakfast

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Day 19: Shiraz, Iran

Guided tour of Shiraz will take us from ancient history of Kharimkhan citadel, to medieval bloom of science and poetry, and finally to modern Shiraz with its busy streets. One of the most famous Iranian poets – Hafez – lived in Shiraz. We will visit his tomb on the way to one of the most beautiful Shiraz mosques – Pink Mosque. In the afternoon there will be free time to explore the city on your own.

Meals included: Breakfast

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Day 20: Shiraz, Iran

In the morning will travel out of town, to visit ancient Persepolis. Once a centre of Persian Empire, it was destroyed by the troops of Alexander the Great in 330 BC. The remaining ruins preserve Persian architecture, art and history. On the way back to Shiraz we will stop at Nasht-e Rostam: the burial place of Darius the Great and his successors.

Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 21: Tehran, Iran

Morning flight will take us back to the capital of Iran. Before going to the hotel, we will visit one of the Shah's palaces - Golestan Palace. In the evening we all will meet in one of the restaurants for the final night dinner - to have our favourite Iranian dishes and talk about unforgettable journey.

Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 22: Tehran, Iran. Departure day

Departure day. There are no activities planned on this day. Group members can continue their travels at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast

 

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Check out "Essentials" tab for information about booking conditions, visas, safety, Iranian dress-code, and other details.

Arrival and departure transfers, pre and post trip accommodation are available.

If you wish to book the trip and find out more about additional services, please, contact us directly.

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