Highlights: Trip Overview:

 Golestan The art of weaving in originated more than 2,500 years ago. Persian and rugs were initially woven as  Naqsh-e Jahan Sq articles of necessity to cover the floors of nomadic tribesmen,  Carpet and Gelim workshops giving them protection from the cold and damp. The natural  (UNESCO World Heritage Sites) progression of the skill and craft involved in the creation of Services: these works of art has been passed down from generation to B / B, H / B, F / B (Based on Your Choice) generation over the centuries throughout periods of peace, Hotels: invasion and war. As international trade developed, the variety 3 Stars, 4 Stars, 5 Stars of patterns and designs grew. Today, carpet weaving is by far (Based on your choice) the most widespread handicraft in Iran. …

2nd floor, NO 40, Shahid Beheshti Ave, , Iran Tel: +98 21 88 46 07 55 / +98 21 88 46 09 78 Fax: +98 21 88 46 10 32 Email: [email protected] / [email protected] www.pitotour.net Day 1: Pre reserve palace was built in the centre of Baghe Bolbol (The Nightingale Garden) dates back to 1660. The Day 2 Tehran: Arrival early morning and transfer to hotel palace is the most important building which was built and have a rest. After breakfast start the tour by visiting during Suleiman Safavid time. The palace Carpet Museum, Iranian carpets are one of the unique experienced new styles of stucco work and stained glass masterpieces created by Iranians since antiquity. and mirror works. Hasht Behesht was renovated by Although they are known as Persian carpets, they have Fathali Shah Qajar in the 19th century. been made by various ethnic groups in Iran based on the same traditions and techniques. This museum has been Day 5 : Full day visit Isfahan which is include: open to visitors since 1979. The facade of the museum Naqsh-e Jahan Sq, Ali qapu palace, Imam , Sheikh resembles the carpet-weaving loom. It also comprises of Lotfollah Mosque and Gheysariye . Naqsh-e Jahan two floors to display different kinds of carpets, kilims and Square: Known as Imam Square, this place as the most handmade rugs. Then visit and Carpet famous attraction of Isfahan city is placed at the center Bazaar. of Isfahan, Iran. It is an important historical place and one Day 3 Tehran - : In the morning, drive to Kashan of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This160 meters-wide for its beautiful Scenery and old culture. Traditionally and 560 meters-long square is encircled by buildings Kashan has been famous for producing silk, carpets, from the Safavid era. In the afternoon visit the carpet and velvet, rose water and potteries. Today, in addition to Gelim workshop in Isfahan. Isfahan rugs are of an those traditional products, Kashan’s automotive industry excellent quality, using soft kork wool (often with silk produces cars and motorcycles as well as other goods in details or foundations) and a very tightly woven pile. The its factories. Visit , Many Iranians and non- rugs woven in this city are perhaps the best and most Iranians plan to visit Kashan to see this beautiful garden valuable in the world as a whole. The most popular and remember how a well-liked Iranian politician design is a central medallion surrounded by vines or (Chancellor) of 19th century was ordered to be murdered flowers which are usually red, blue or indigo on an ivory by the king. Also, the cool and shady area of this garden background. Other popular design elements and motifs in this dry and hot climate provides such a pleasant include vase, garden and tree of life designs, Shah Abbasi ambiance and then visit . motifs, and pictorial pieces. The inspiration for the rugs' Afterwards visit Carpet workshop in Kashan. design comes from traditional motifs and patterns, Day 4 Kashan - Isfahan: After breakfast continue the tour nature, poetry and the great poets, but also from the rich by going to Isfahan and arrival in Isfahan. For everyone architectural history of the city; the famous mosque of going to Iran, Esfahan is a certain stop, and it’s one of the Shah Lutf Allah being a particular muse for many of the places that you will remember for a long time. Forget rugs created in this great city. Paris, Esfahan is the most beautiful city in the world. The called it "Nesf-e-Jahan”, meaning "Half World”. Day 6 Isfahan - : After breakfast drive to Yazd but on Today visit Old Bridges and Hasht Behasht Palace. The the way visit Naein and the old Jame Mosque. Then visit

2nd floor, NO 40, Shahid Beheshti Ave, Tehran, Iran Tel: +98 21 88 46 07 55 / +98 21 88 46 09 78 Fax: +98 21 88 46 10 32 Email: [email protected] / [email protected] www.pitotour.net carpet workshop in Naein. The city of Nain is famous in Day 8 : Full day visit Shiraz which is include: Qoran the world for its magnificent rugs. The history of fine Gate, Nasir- ol Molk Mosque, , Tomb of woolen men's cloak and cloth making dates back to Hafez, and vakil Bazaar. Shiraz Vakil Bazaar was built centuries, but carpet making is relatively new and less during Zandiyeh era, under the order of Karim Khan Zand than a century old. All the Nain rugs have asymmetrical (1758-1779) and it is located in down town of Shiraz. This (Persian) knots, wool pile and cotton warps. They are monument, which is believed had been built after closely clipped for better look. In some instances silk Gheysariye Bazaar of Lar, has different elements warps are used. comparing to its counterparts in other regions. The Bazaar has beautiful courtyards, caravansarais, bath Day 7 Yazd - Shiraz: In the morning continue the tour by houses, and old shops which are deemed among the best visiting Amir Chakhmaq Square, Amir Chakhmagh Square places in Shiraz to buy all kinds of Persian rugs, spices, was established on the north side of an important copper handicrafts and antiques. mosque called the Old Mosque, known today as Amir Chakhmagh Mosque. At the beginning of 19th century, Day 9 Shiraz: After breakfast meet Nomadic weavers. the square converted to a Hosseiniye, where Muslims Excursion to the traditional pastures of Qashqa’i used to gather for Muharram (the holy month). Most of nomads, renowned for producing vibrant tribal rugs and the changes in Amir-Chakhmagh Square were trappings. The Persian carpets knotted by Qashqa’i nomads in Iran have long been highly prized, not least for implemented during the modernization period of Reza their beautiful – sometimes figural – design elements, Shah. By completing Pahlavi Street in 1935, the northern but also for their high quality. These Oriental carpets are part of the square, which connected it with the Bazaar, hand-knotted from fine wool, and are dyed using plants was demolished. This square converted also to cemetery and minerals for natural-looking colors. The carpets are in the Pahlavi Period and then visit Dowlat Abad Garden. usually deep red and dark blue, with beige elements. Then leave Tehran for visiting Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam in Shiraz. Persepolis (Capital of Persia in Greek) Day 10 Departure: Transfer to the Airport and flight back or Takht-e Jamshid (The of Jamshid) became to home. summer capital of Achaemenian after . The construction of this impressive palace started by Darius I, one of Cyrus's successors, in about 518 BC. Was completed over a period of 150 years by subsequent kings Xerxes I and Artaxerxes I. It was burned down during Alexander the Great occupation in 331 BC. Historian’s debate whether was accidental or intentional retaliation.

2nd floor, NO 40, Shahid Beheshti Ave, Tehran, Iran Tel: +98 21 88 46 07 55 / +98 21 88 46 09 78 Fax: +98 21 88 46 10 32 Email: [email protected] / [email protected] www.pitotour.net