East of Eden - Kandovan

DATE

CITY

DETAILS

Day 1

London
Tehran

Depart on direct Iran Air flight from London Heathrow to Tehran.

2  

Tehran

Arrive Tehran. Transfer to hotel. In Tehran visit Sa'ad-abad Palace complex, one of the royal family and court’s former residences. Lunch at a traditional teahouse. On to either the Crown Jewels or the Carpet & Archaeological museums. Overnight Tehran

3

Tehran, Tabriz Kandovan

Morning flight to Tabriz. After lunch, tour of Tabriz including the bazaar, Blue Mosque and St. Mary’s Church. Dinner at El-Goli palace. Drive to the extraordinary troglodyte Kandovan village.  Overnight Kandovan.

4

Kandovan
Sarein

In the morning explore the tiny houses in this very unique village. Then drive to Sarein, amid beautiful scenery to visit the hot water springs. Overnight Sarein.

5

Sarein
Ardebil
Tehran

Morning drive to Ardebil, to visit the shrine of the great Sufi Sheik Safi-e-din Ardebili, forefather of the first Safavid King.   Late afternoon flight to Tehran. Overnight Tehran

6

Tehran

Shiraz

Morning flight to Shiraz.  Visit Narenjestan Palace & Nasirol-Molk mosque & Eram Gardens. Overnight Shiraz

7

Shiraz

Excursion to the wind swept ruins Persepolis & Naghsh-e-Rostam, the tomb of the three powerful Achaemenian Kings carved into huge rocks, overlooking one of the oldest Zoroastrian fire temples in Iran.  Back to Shiraz. Early evening visit the tomb of the Persian mystic poet Hafez with its beautiful gardens and perhaps listen to some of Hafez’s poetry being recited. Overnight Shiraz

8

Shiraz –
Firouz Abad

An excursion to Firouz Abad, the winter quarters of the Qashqaii nomads to see and spend sometime with the nomads in their tents. Picnic lunch. Visit the fire temple & Palace of Artaxeres.  Back to Shiraz. Overnight Shiraz

9
 

Shiraz
Pasargad
Yazd

Early morning drive on to Yazd via Pasargad, tomb of Cyrus; founder of the Achaemenid Empire. (6 hours drive). Take a walk in the old city, through the narrow winding streets with mud walls and tiny houses Overnight Yazd

10
 

Yazd
Isfahan via Natanz

Morning visit to the Towers of Silence, the Zoroastrian burial grounds near by, and Jame’h Mosque.  Drive to Isfahan via Natanz and possibly Ardestan. overnight Isfahan

11 

Isfahan

Tour of Isfahan’s magnificent buildings, some of the greatest examples of Islamic architecture, including the Royal (Imam) Square, the Shah & Seikh Lotf-Allah Mosques, Ali-Qapu Palace. After dinner evening tour of Isfahan including Si-o-Se & Khaju Bridges. Overnight Isfahan

12
 

Isfahan

Visit Chehel Sotun (Forty Columns) and Hasht Behesht (Eighth Heaven) Palaces. On to Jolfa, the Armenian quarters south west of the city, to see Vank Cathedral. Visit the Shaking Minarets. In the evening visit a Zoorkhaneh (House of Strength) to watch this traditional Iranian sport - a combination of physical and spiritual aerobics, with participants chanting to the powerful drums of their master. Overnight Isfahan

13
 

Isfahan

No trip to Isfahan would be complete without a visit to its famous bazaar, spanning 5km. Free time to shop and explore. Overnight Isfahan

14
 

Isfahan
Abyaneh
Kashan
Tehran

Early morning drive to Kashan (3.5 hours) Visit Abyaneh village on the way, a picturesque village dating back 1600 years and a UNESCO protected world heritage site. On to Kashan to visit Fin Garden, Agha-Bozorg Mosque and Houses of Borujerdi and Tabatabaei. Drive to Tehran (3.5 hours). Overnight Tehran.

15
 

Tehran
London

Morning transfer to airport for direct Iran Air flight to London. Arriving