This tour is designed for Zoroastrians or those with a specific interest
in the Zoroastrian faith. As well as visiting the major highlights of Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Persepolis you will then spend four days in and around Yazd - the Zoroastrian centre of Iran. Chak Chak, the main place of pilgrimage
for Zoroastrians from all over the world, hosts the 10-day festival in
June and this may be an ideal time of year to plan your visit.
| 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. Afternoon
drive to a tower of silence (dakhme) situated on a mountain named
after Bibi Shar-Banu, south of Tehran. Bibi Shar-Banu was the daughter
of Yazdgird III, the last of the Sassanian Kings and defender of the
Zoroastrian faith. |
| 3 |
Tehran |
Early morning departure to Takht-e-Soleiman (Throne of
Solomon) via Takab. This was a city belonging to the Parthian and
Sassanian eras only discovered earlier this century. Built around
a volcanic lake it is breathtakingly beautiful. Within the temple
complex a substantial fire altar, rumoured to be that of the goddess
Anahita, can be found. Myth and legend surround this great site. |
| 4 |
Tehran - Kashan - Isfahan |
Drive to Isfahan via Kashan & Abyaneh - a picturesque
village dating back to the Sassanian period, it is protected by UNESCO
as a world heritage site. Kashan is an oasis town famous for its beautiful
Fin Garden, Agha-Bozorg Mosque & House of Borujerdi. |
| 5 |
Isfahan |
In Isfahan visit Ateshkadeh, the ancient Zoroastrian fire
temple dating back 4500 years and the Shaking Minarets nearby. On
to Jolfa, the Armenian quarter of Isfahan to visit the impressive
Vank Cathedral. |
| 6 |
Isfahan |
Sightseeing in Isfahan including the stunning Royal Square,
Royal & Sheikh Lotf-Allah Mosques & Ali Qapu Palace. |
| 7 |
Isfahan - Shiraz |
Free morning to shop, etc. Evening flight for Shiraz. |
| 8 |
Shiraz |
Excursion to Persepolis & Naghsh-e-Rostam. Persepolis
was the spring capital of the Achaemenian.court. The Great Achaemenian
Kings, who built these magnificent palaces, celebrated the festival
of Norouz (first day of spring) here each year. On to Naghsh-e-Rostam,
tombs of three powerful Achaemenian Kings carved into huge rocks overlooking
one of the oldest Zoroastrian fire temples in Iran. After lunch visit
the ancient city of Istakhr, the Sassanian capital of the Fars province.
It is claimed that the Avesta was originally written in gold on prepared
ox-hides and stored at Istakhr, and that it was destroyed by Alexander. |
| 9 |
Shiraz |
Excursion to Firuzabad near Shiraz, winter quarters of
the Qashqaii nomads. Visit the Bishapur Fire Temple and the Palace
of Artaxeres. |
| 10 |
Shiraz - Yazd |
Morning city tour of Shiraz including Bagh-e-Eram (Garden
of Paradise), Narenjestan Palace & the Shah Cheraq (King of the Light)
shrine. After lunch drive to Yazd, centre of the Zoroastrian population
in Iran. |
| 11 |
Yazd |
Morning 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. Visit Dakhme-ye-Zartoshti, Towers of Silence
and the important Zoroastrian fire temple and take time to walk around
this ancient city with its desert architecture and wind towers. |
| 12 |
Yazd |
Free day in Yazd. |
| 13 |
Yazd |
Excursion to Chak Chak, the main place of pilgrimage for
Zoroastrians from all over the world. 50 km north of Yazd this village
holds an annual festival which lasts 10 days in June. On to visit
the Zoroastrian villages of pir-Hirisht, Cham and Taft. |
| 14 |
Yazd - Tehran |
Drive to Tehran via Naiin , with a chance to stop at a
private house where Persian Carpets are being made. Lunch at the caravanserai
in Naiin. |
| 15 |
Tehran - London |
Depart for London 09.00, arriving Heathrow Terminal 3
at 11.45. |
Top 
| ZOROASTRIAN PERSIA |
| There are no set dates for
this tour as we will tailor make it to suit your individual requirements. |
15 DAY TOUR:
Package price per person £2095
Single room supplement £ 340
The cost of the tour includes:
Direct return economy flights on Iran Air between London/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.
The cost excludes:
All personal extras such as laundry, tips and porterage, all optional
excursions, tours and visits, travel insurance - available through Magic
Carpet Travel.
*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 £1750, should you wish to join the tour in Tehran,
or arrange your own flight.
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
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