The combination of sights we call the 'East of Eden'
tour allows you to explore the legacy of the Zoroastrian civilisation
and its impact on the later, 'modern', religions of Persia and Iran. We
have brought together under this title the religious sites of the faiths
that have co-existed over the centuries: Islam, Judaism, Christianity
and the mystic Sufism.
One of the most extraordinary sights in Iran must be
a visit to the troglodyte village of Kandovan,
where people live in cave dwellings as their predecessors did over 1600
years ago. Historians have recently quoted specific geographical references
in the book of Genesis as evidence that link the area surrounding Kandovan with the Garden of Eden. It naturally
follows that the village of Noqdi, to the east of this Eden, must be the
biblical land of Nod.
In Isfahan you will see Zoroastrian
fire temples and 'shaking' minarets. Persepolis bears witness to the great Achaemenian kings carved into the massive hulking
rocks and, nearby, one of the oldest Zoroastrian fire temples in Iran.
Visit Shiraz: beautiful, mystical and poetic.
The tombs of Esther and Mordecai in Hamedan are an important Jewish pilgrimage
site. At Sanadaj, in the Iranian part of Kurdistan,
you'll discover more about the mystic Sufis, whose celebration of the
trancelike state centuries later brought Byron to Persia. We can arrange
for you to attend some of the meetings of the Dervishes for discussions
and - if you're lucky - observe some of the manifestations of their faith.
| 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. Lunch
at a traditional restaurant with live Sufi music. Visit the Archaeological
Museum and the stunning crown jewels held in the vaults of the Central
Bank. |
| 3 |
Tehran - Tabriz - |
Morning flight to Tabriz. After lunch and a short rest,
tour of Tabriz including the fabulous bazaar, Blue Mosque and St.
Mary's Church. Dinner at El-Goli palace. |
| 4 |
Tabriz - Kandovan -Maragheh |
Morning excursion to the extraordinary troglodyte Kandovan
Village with time to explore the tiny houses in this amazing village.
Drive on to Maragheh on route to Takht-e-Soleiman. |
| 5 |
Takht-e-Soleiman |
Early morning start to visit Takht-e-Soleiman (Throne
of Solomon), built around a lake on a hilltop. Here are the remains
of a large fortified settlement from the Parthian, Achaemenian, Sassanian
and Islamic Periods. It is claimed to be the birthplace of Zoroaster.
In 1939 the Nazis came to dig in Takht-e-Soleiman looking for the
"Holy Grail'. |
| 6 |
Sanandaj |
On to Sanandaj in Kurdistan, driving through the remote
& very beautiful mountainous roads. The foothills are carpeted in
wild flowers in the spring. Afternoon & evening spent in gatherings
with the Dervishes. |
| 7 |
Hamedan |
Drive to Hamedan through some of the vast plains in central
Iran where the Aryans first settled around ten thousand years ago. |
| 8 |
Hamedan |
Visit the tombs of Esther and Mordecai in Hamedan. On
to Ali-Sadr Caves to take a boat ride on the underground lake and
canals for miles amongst the stalactites and stalagmites. |
| 9 |
Ahvaz |
Leisurely drive to Ahvaz, stopping for a picnic lunch
and visit some of tiny villages on route. Evening visit to the tomb
of Daniel. |
| 10 |
Shush - Ahvaz - Isfahan |
Visit Shush one of the oldest cities in the world dating
back at least six thousand years, and Chogha Zanbil, the best preserved
Ziggurat in Iran. Evening flight to Isfahan. |
| 11 |
Isfahan |
Tour of Isfahan's magnificent buildings; some of the greatest
examples of Islamic architecture, including the Royal (Imam) Square,
the Shah & Sheikh Lotf-Allah Mosques & Ali-Qapu Palace. On to the
Bazaar spanning 5 kilometres. |
| 12 |
Isfahan |
Visit Chehel Sotun (Forty Columns) and Hasht Behesht (Eighth
Heaven) Palaces. Tour of Isfahan's bridges including Si-o-Se & Khaju.
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. |
| 13 |
Isfahan |
Visit Jolfa, the Armenian quarters south west of the city,
to see Vank Cathedral. On to the Shaking Minarets, on the way climb
up to the top of a hill to see the 4500 year old Zoroastrian fire
temple with a magnificent panoramic view of Isfahan. |
| 14 |
Isfahan - Shiraz |
Free time to shop or return to any of your favourite spots.
Evening flight to Shiraz. |
| 15 |
Shiraz |
In Shiraz visit Narenjestan Palace & Shah Cheraq (King
of the Light) Mosque, Eram Gardens. On to the mausoleums of the Persian
mystics and poets Hafez & Saa'di. Enjoy tea & ice cream in the gardens. |
| 16 |
Shiraz - Tehran |
Excursion to the wind swept ruins of Persepolis & Naghsh-e-Rostam,
the tomb of three powerful Achaemenian Kings carved into huge rocks
overlooking one of the oldest Zoroastrian fire temples in Iran. Evening
flight to Tehran. |
| 17 |
Tehran - London |
Depart for London 09.00, arriving Heathrow Terminal 3
at 11.45 |
Top 
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
Package price per person £2395
Single room supplement £ 395
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 and all entrance fees as per the itinerary, English speaking national guide and local guides throughout the trip, All transfers, land transport and 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 £420 including
taxes. Land-only price is £1575, should you wish to join the tour in Tehran,
or arrange your own flight.
The cost excludes:
Meals not mentioned, all personal extras such as tips, porterage & laundry, all optional excursions, tours and visits, Travel insurance - available through Magic Carpet Travel.
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