Enchanting Persia

This tour takes in the main highlights of Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Persepolis, then visiting north-eastern Iran to see the holy shrine of Imam Reza in Mashad - where Muslim's from all over the world make their pilgrimage - and the tomb of Omar Khayyam in Neishabur. Finally, a chance to see Kerman in south-eastern Iran.

Day	City	Details
1	London - Tehran	Depart London Heathrow Terminal 3 on direct Iran Air flight at 17.00
2	Tehran	Arrive 02.10 and transfer to hotel. Morning rest. After lunch visit Sa'ad-abad Palace complex, one of the royal family and court's former residences. On to the Carpet Museum. Evening meal at traditional Persian restaurant with live music and storytelling.
3	Tehran	Visit the Archaeological and Glass Museums with their fine collection of antiques. Lunch at a traditional teahouse. On to see the stunning Crown Jewels in the vaults of the Central Bank.
4	Tehran - Mashad	Early morning flight to Mashad. Visit Imam Reza's shrine. Visit the labyrinthine bazaar and its turquoise cutting workshops. Excursion to the town of Tous, once destroyed by the Mongols and home to the mausoleum of the famous and best loved poet Ferdowsi. On to the shrine of Khajeh-Rabii with its exceptional 17th century tile works.
5	Mashad - Neishabur - Tehran	Excursion to the ancient city of Neishabur, to visit the tomb of Omar Khayyam. Back to Mashad. Evening flight to Tehran.
6	Tehran - Shiraz	Morning flight to Shiraz. Visit Narenjestan Palace, Shah Cheraq (King of the Light) mosque and Eram Gardens. On to the tomb of the Persian mystic poet Hafez with its beautiful gardens and traditional teahouse. Take tea and ice cream, accompanied by poetry recitals from Hafez's works.
7	Shiraz - Persepolis - Shiraz	Excursion to Persepolis and Naghsh-e-Rostam, the tomb of the three powerful Achaemenian Kings carved into huge rocks overlooking one of the oldest Zoroastrian fire temples.
8	Shiraz - Kerman	All day drive to Kerman via Sarvestan, through vast fig, almond and Pistachio plantations. On route and in the correct season, stop to visit the Qashqaii tents.
9	Kerman	Visit Mahan's beautiful Bagh-e-Shahzdeh (garden of the prince). Ganj-Ali Khan bath house and the bazaar in Kerman.
10	Kerman - Yazd	Morning drive to Yazd, an ancient city with unique desert architecture and wind towers. In the evening a visit to Ateshkadeh (House of Eternal Fire). Although the temple is modern (built in the 1940s), the sacred fire has been burning since 470 AD.
11	Yazd - Isfahan	Morning visit to the Towers of Silence, the Zoroastrian burial grounds nearby, and Jame'h Mosque. Drive on to Isfahan, via Naii'n with a chance to visit a private home where weaving of Persian carpets are in progress.
12	Isfahan	Tour of Isfahan's magnificent buildings; some of the greatest examples of Islamic architecture including the Royal (Imam) square, the Shah and Seikh Lotfolah mosques, Ali-Qapu Palace. After dinner evening tour of Isfahan including Si-o-Se and Khaju bridges and then a visit to 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.
13	Isfahan	Visit Chehel Sotun (Forty Columns) and Hasht Behesht (Eighth Heaven) palaces. On to Jolfa, Armenian quarters south west of the city, to see Vank Cathedral. Visit the Shaking Minarets, and the 4500-year-old Zoroastrian fire temple on top of a nearby mountain, providing a fabulous panoramic view of Isfahan.
14	Isfahan - Tehran	Free time to shop or explore the city. Evening flight to Tehran. Finish the evening with a traditional Persian dinner.
15	Tehran - London	Depart for London 09.00, arriving Heathrow Terminal 3 at 11.45

Direct flight on Iran Air - Heathrow Terminal 3 6-hour flight
London/Tehran IR 710 Depart 17.00 Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays arrive 02.10
Tehran/London IR 711 Depart 09.00 Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays arrive 11.45

The cost of the tour includes:
Direct return economy flights on Iran Air between London and Tehran*, UK airport tax, arranging tourist visas, accommodation in three/four/five star hotels in twin bedded rooms with private facilities, full board throughout (breakfast, lunch and dinner every day), sightseeing visits & all entrance fees as per the itinerary, English speaking national guide throughout the trip, all transfers, land transport & internal flights including local taxes.

*Magic Carpet Travel acts as agents of Facts Travel Ltd ATOL 4109 for the international flight component of this tour at £350 including taxes. Land-only price is £1745, should you wish to join the tour in Tehran, or arrange your own flight.

The cost excludes:
All personal extras such as tips and porterage, all optional excursions, tours and visits, travel insurance - available through Magic Carpet Travel.

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