This itinerary builds on the main highlights of Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Persepolis whilst offering the opportunity
to appreciate the amazing diversity of Iran with a comprehensive tour
of the picturesque and lush, green Caspian Region.
Additionally the tour visits the historic Castles of the Assassins and
the oasis town of Kashan.
| Day |
City |
Details |
| 1 |
London - Tehran  |
Depart London Heathrow Terminal 3 on direct Iran Air flight
at 17.00 |
| 2 |
Tehran |
Arrive 02.10 in Tehran. Transfer to hotel. Morning rest.
After lunch visit Crown Jewels museum and the Saa'd -Abad Palace complex. |
| 3 |
Tehran - Qazvin |
The Castles of the Assassins, immortalised in Freya Stark's
Valleys of the Assassins, are historic fortresses in the remote valleys
near Qazvin. The heretical religious zealots, who followed Hassan
Sabbah, built these heavily fortified structures, hence the name assassin.
Walk up to Alamut Castle amid beautiful mountain scenery. Back to
Qazvin. |
| 4 |
Caspian Sea/ Ramsar |
Drive through the lush green Alborz mountain range with
its extraordinary winding roads to reach the town of Ramsar, on the
Caspian coast. |
| 5 |
Anzali Port, Rasht |
Excursion to Anzali Lagoon, home to wild horses and colourful
birds. Take a boat ride on the marshes covered with giant pink lotus
flowers. Sturgeon steak lunch at the Fisheries Ministry's restaurant
at the caviar factory. |
| 6 |
Masuleh Village |
Excursion to the charming UNESCO protected mountain village
of Masuleh. Explore this lovely village with extraordinary mountain
views. Take a long walk by the river, where many waterfalls exist.
Back to Rasht. |
| 7 |
Rasht - Tehran  |
Morning flight back to Tehran. After lunch further sightseeing
in Tehran. |
| 8 |
Kashan - Isfahan |
Drive to Isfahan via Abyaneh, a picturesque village dating
back 1600 years and a UNESCO protected world heritage site, and Kashan
- an oasis town famous for its beautiful Fin Garden, Agha-Bozorg Mosque
and House of Borujerdi. |
| 9 |
Isfahan |
Visit the Royal Square including Shah and Seikh Lotf-Allah
Mosques and Ali-Qapu Palace. In the evening visit a Zoorkhaneh (House
of Strength) to watch this traditional Iranian sport - a combination
of physical and spiritual aerobics. |
| 10 |
Isfahan |
Visit Chehel Sotun (Forty Columns) and Hasht Behesht (Eighth
Heaven) Palaces. On to Jolfa, the Armenian quarter of the city to
see Vank Cathedral. Visit the Shaking Minarets and the hilltop 4500
year old Zoroastrian fire temple providing a panoramic view of Isfahan.
Tour of Isfahan's bridges including Si-o-Se and Khaju. |
| 11 |
Isfahan-Shiraz  |
Free time or a chance to shop in the 5 km long bazaar.
Evening flight to Shiraz. |
| 12 |
Shiraz |
Visit Narenjestan Palace and the holy shrine of Shah Cheraq
(King of the Lamp) and Eram Gardens. Onto the mausoleum of the Persian
mystic and poet Hafez. Take tea and ice cream in the lovely gardens
and hear a recital of Hafez's poetry. |
| 13 |
Shiraz |
Excursion to the wind swept ruins of Persepolis and Naghsh-e-Rostam.
Optional visit to the nomadic bazaar in Shiraz. |
| 14 |
Shiraz-Tehran  |
Free time or further sightseeing in the morning. Afternoon
flight to Tehran. |
| 15 |
Tehran-London  |
Depart for London 09.00, arriving Heathrow Terminal 3
at 11.45. |
15 DAY TOUR:
Package price per person £2395
Single room supplement £ 395
Visa consular fee £95
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 £345 including taxes. Land-only price is £2050, should you wish to join the tour in Tehran, or arrange your own flight.
The cost excludes:
All personal extras such as laundry, tips & porterage, all optional excursions, tours and visits, travel insurance - available through Magic Carpet Travel.
Direct flight on Iran Air - Heathrow Terminal 3 6-hour flight
London/Tehran IR 710 Depart 17.00 Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays arrive
02.30
Tehran /London IR 711 Depart 08.45 Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays arrive
11.45
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