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IMPORTANT POINTS

SHIRAZ: - NASIR-OL-MOLK - KARIM KHAN CITADEL - , AND MOSHIR SARAY - - HAFEZ TOMB - QURAN GATE - PERSEPOLISE - NAQSH-E ROSTAM

KERMAN: - GANJALI KHAN COMPLEX - TRADITIONAL BATHHOUSE - BAZAAR - CARAVANSARAY - SHAZDEH MAHAN GARDEN - NEMATOLLAH VALI MAUSOLEUM

YAZD: - TOWER OF SILENCE - - WATER MUSEUM - - FAHADAN DISTRICT - AMIR CHAKHMAKH COMPLEX - DOWLAT ABAD GARDEN

ISFAHAN: - CHEHEL SOTUN PALACE - MEIDANE EMAM - IMAM MOSQUE - THE PAVILION OF ALI’QAPU - SHEIKH LOTFOLLAH MOSQUE. - GRAND BAZAAR - JAME MOSQUE - VANK CATHEDRAL - MENAR-JONBAN - SIYOSEPOL & KHADJU BRIDGE

KASHAN: - - TABATABAEI TRADITIONAL HOUSE - BOROUJERDI TRADITIONAL HOUSE

TEHRAN: - DARBAND MOUNTAIN - TAJRISH BAZAAR - REZA ABBASI MUSEUM - - NATIONAL MUSEUM OF - TREASURY OF NATIONAL JEWELS MUSEUM - AZADI TOWER

A GRANDEUR OF IRAN

OJJ OVER NIGHTS: , KERMAN, , , , TEHRAN TOUR LENGTH: 13 DAYS, 12 NIGHT

Day 1: Arrival in Shiraz continue to have the privilege by visiting (WHS), where You will arrive in Iran early in the morning and we have a lot to venture, Cyrus the Great is resting for centuries. These ruins are among the only numerous places to visit, so get some good rest to get up all energetic remains reflecting the glory of ancient Persian Empire. We driving and fresh in the morning. through Quran Gate which was the entrance gate of the city. O/N Shiraz O/N Shiraz

Day 2: Shiraz In the morning, you will open your eyes to a majestic city; Shiraz, the home to numerous internationally-recognized Poets and Rose is waiting to welcome you right outside your hotel room. After being served with a tasteful and delicious breakfast, your exiting tour will begin; we will visit Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, a master piece of innovation and creation. Sun rays will paint the floor and the columns with various and vibrant colors by passing through the colorful window glasses. Afterwards, you will be taken to see Karim Khan Citadel, a well-built fort, and a most see monument. Then we move on to enjoy the fabulous architecture of Vakil Mosque and admire the beauty of carpets, rugs, and woven handicrafts found in , then we get to Moshir Saray a traditional Bazaar, the next step we will visit colorful paradise that named Eram Garden (WHS). We will call it a day by Hafez Tomb, one of the most prominent poets of Iran. O/N Shiraz

Day 4: Shiraz-Kerman (569 Km Drive) After travelling back to the history, now it’s time to appreciate a not very common face of the nature, by visiting salt lakes. We first go to Maharlu Lake to be fascinated by the pink color of this salt lake. palace would be our next stop. This palace has been erected on a land as big as 25 hectares and is one of the earliest rock stones structures built in Sassanid-era. We will finish the day by going to a salt lake of Bakhtegan which hosts some specific species of emigrant birds, such as Dalmatian pelican and flamingo. O/N Kerman

Day 5: Kerman On this day you will have a time of your life. At first, we seize the opportunity to enjoy visiting Ganjali Khan Complex which encompasses a Traditional Bathhouse, well-designed Bazaar, a and a Mosque with divine and spiritual atmosphere. For the next part of the day, we will travel to an area called Mahan, situated in south of Kerman, where a green patch, known as Shazde Mahan Garden (WHS), appears right in the middle of an arid and sterile Desert. This land mark is a Day 3: Shiraz dazzling pavilion at far end of the pool which is located on top of the We will start the Third day by having an existing excursion to the history garden and water flows down from a stair-like path to the entrance gate. of ancient Persia by visiting (WHS), a complex To complete the joy, we will then go to Nematollah Vali Mausoleum. accommodating a cluster of palaces. Afterwards we will visit Naghsh-e The spectacular Turquoise dome of the building is easily recognized Rostam which is an ancient Necropolis, a large ancient cemetery with from far away. elaborate tomb monuments. Here you can see a group of ancient O/N Kerman Iranian rock reliefs cut into the cliff, from the Sassanid periods. We will

Day 6: Kerman to Yazd (372 Km Drive) Day 8: Yazd-Isfahan (323 Km Drive) The home to Zoroastrians, Yazd still holds Fire temples, with fires In the morning drive to Isfahan, En-route to Isfahan, we will have a short burning for 2500 years now. The city also has great reputation for its stop in Meybod. The city receives great credit for minting-coins remarkable wind towers providing us with natural air conditioning workshops which we also will visit. On the way to Isfahan we stop to visit system to blow cool and pleasing air in the middle of the burning Narin Castle Remains located in the middle of historical texture of summer. One may also remember Yazd by the Pahlavani and Zoorkhane Meybod. Another must-see monument in Meybod is Shah-Abbasi rituals. On the way to Yazd you will have the chance to visit Zein-o-Din Caravanserai built in Safavid era. Just like travelers in the past who could Caravanserai in a relatively short stop. The caravanserai has offered rest and recover from the day's journey, we also stop here on our way to cozy stay and accommodation for passing caravans. Mehr-Padin Castle, Isfahan to enjoy the architecture of the structure having rooms all located in Mehriz, is sure among the parts of your tour that you will not around it traditionally used as shops and stores. Now it is time to visit forget. This glorious castle was built 600 years ago. It has two defensive Mud-Brick Ice house which has a shaped of an up-side down cone which battlements and nine circular towers. Exterior space of the castle is has a subterranean storage space; it was often used to store ice, but surrounded by a vast moat and interior space of the castle is surrounded sometimes was used to store food as well. We should leave Meybod to by two mud brick fences. Mehriz city is famous for its beautiful and visit Nain Jame Mosque situated in the old texture of the city. The spectacular gardens. One such garden is Baghe-Pahlavan Garden Mosque was built after the Mohamad’s Mosque in Medina. (WHS) which dates back to the late Qajar era; it can you can keep you O/N Isfahan away from the hectic lifestyle, at least for a few hours, by its cold water stream running right through the middle of the garden with stout and Day 9: Isfahan soaring trees standing at its sides. At top of the garden there is a pavilion Get ready to visit half of the world; Isfahan was once the capital of Persia with an impressive design. All in all, the features found in this garden and one of the largest cities in the world. Even today, the city retains reflect the shifting trend from traditional styles of building gardens to much of its past glory. This hub of creativity was rightly granted the title more modern ones which can be seen today. Fahraj Mosque “Half-of-the-World” due to its flourishing commerce and a great variety demonstrates the simple architectural characteristics of the early Islamic of astonishing arts ranging from poetry and handicrafts to unique centuries. It is among the oldest extant in Persia. The beauty of architectural styles. We begin our journey through Isfahan by visiting the mosque is embedded in its simplicity; its modest internal courtyard Chehel-Sotun Palace. This architectural masterpiece is a pavilion in the is lined with clay tiles and every visitor surely receives a relaxing and midst of a park at the far end of a long pool which is a typical design of soothing vibe from the building. all . The palace has been constructed for the King's O/N Yazd entertainment and receptions during Safavid-era. Chehel Sotun Palace literally means “Forty Columns” which was inspired by the twenty slender wooden columns supporting the entrance pavilion, which, when reflected in the water of the fountain, are said to appear to be forty. The most startling feature of the pavilion is the brilliant interior design and paintings which includes fabulous roofs, old tile-covered floors, and painted walls featuring scenes of battles and celebrations hold by the king. Chehel-Sotun Palace is not just an old building; it tells us about history and each and every crack on the walls or the floors holds a story of the past. We will continue our tour to Meidane Emam (Naghsh-e- Jahan) (WHS) Square which is an oblong-shaped square built in Safavid era. The square with its lively atmosphere has always been a perennial tourist attraction; it is bordered on all sides by aesthetically remarkable monumental buildings linked by a series of two-storied arcades of shops.

Day 7: Yazd Reaching Yazd, we begin by visiting Zoroastrian’s Tower of Silence which a circular and raised structure built by Zoroastrians on top of a hill. It was used for incarnation for dead bodies to be exposed to carrion birds. We next have the chance to visit Yazd Fire-Temple, a place of worship for Zoroastrians, which contains in its heart a 2500-year-old fire and the Zoroastrians’ Museum containing numerous ancient writings. We then head to the Water Museum, an ancient house which possesses a Qanat (WHS) in its basement providing the house with a fabulous cool pleasing air. We will experience walking through narrow allies of Fahadan District with tall mud and straw walls, which are reminiscent of the ancient architecture of the city. The passages of the city was previously replete with arcs, curves, and bends, wide enough for just two or three pedestrians to walk through. Among in numerable attractions of Yazd, here we will visit Amir Chakhmakh Complex. The complex is decorated by along rectangular pool, surrounded by small shops; not only can one enjoy shopping for souvenirs from such traditional and local The monuments surrounding the square are named Shah Mosque, The shops which mainly sell handicrafts, but he/she can also rest their eyes Pavilion of Ali-Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and last but not on alluring beauty of the architecture of the mosque. Last but not Least, least Isfahan Grand Bazaar. Next, we visit Imam Mosque situated on is Dowlat Abad Garden (WHS) which is renown all across the globe due the south side of the Shah square. The mosque was built during Safavid to its tallest wind tower of the world. period by the order of the first Shah Abbas of Persia. The undeniable O/N Yazd beauty and Sophistication in design of the mosque do mirror ages and

Years of experience in constructing mosques by Iranians. All parts of the Khadju and next to see Shahrestan Bridge the oldest bridge mosque have been woven together in great harmony to present a on Zayandeh Rood River. seamless, matchless whole. Religious concepts along with traditional O/N Isfahan symbols are all fully tangible in the design of the structure. The dome of the mosque standing on top with tall Minarets soaring into the sky, seem Day 11: Isfahan-Kashan (219 Km Drive) to invite every passerby in to worship and pray the Lord. Sheikh In the morning drive to Kashan, on the way to Kashan we will visit Lotfollah Mosque, standing on the eastern side of Naghsh-e-Jahan . The village has a brilliant architecture; houses are constructed Square, is considered as one of the marvels of Persian architecture. using peculiar reddish hue mud. The other attractive feature of the place Every element of the building is a true embodiment of elegance; it is the women clothes which have colorful and happy patterns and an enchants every viewer by its dome changing color from dawn to dusk. under-knee skirts. Abyunaki people have persistently maintained this There is an underground corridor offering a passage from the building to traditional costume. Ali-Qapu palace which is going to be the next piece of history to visit. O/N Kashan The Pavilion of Ali-Qapu is a grand palace located on the western side of the Naghsh-e-Jahan Square, opposite of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque. The building was named Ali-Qapu which means “great gate” in as much as it was right at the entrance to the Safavid palaces which stretched from the Naghsh-e-Jahan Square to the Chahar Bagh Boulevard. The structures was a symbol of the government’s power and was originally used as a place to hold important political negotiations. Ali-Qapu is rich in naturalistic wall paintings; they abound with floral, animal and bird motifs. The building is also embellished with mirrors, arcs and magnificent colorful tiles. Siyosepol which literally means 33 arches is a bridge highly ranked as being one of the most famous examples of Safavid bridge design. It is the longest bridge on Zayandeh Rood River connecting east of Isfahan to its west. The Zayandeh Rood River can be considered as a contributing factor to the growth of the population and the economy of the city; it helped established Isfahan as an influential center, and gave a green landscape to Isfahan, a city in the middle of a desert. O/N Isfahan Day 12: Kashan-Tehran (244 Km Drive) While being Kashan, we will visit Fin Garden (WHS) a lush garden renowned as being the very epitome of the Persian garden. In the garden you can enjoy a delightful atmosphere as water from a natural spring flows through a series of turquoise-colored pools and fountains. Then we will visit Boroujerdi and Tabatabaei Traditional Houses, Tabatabaei Traditional house is a perfect place to gain an insight as to how great taste of art and exquisite workmanship can come together to build a splendid house about 2 centuries ago. Almost all of the classic features of traditional Persian residential architecture such as interior and exterior yards, central pools and elegant wall paintings can be seen in Tabatabaei house. Now it is time to drive to the capital of Iran, Tehran. There we visit Darband Mountainside where most Iranians spend their leisure time in the nature to enjoy spectacular sceneries and great food in its restaurants in the mountain. It is a fabulous choice to breathe some fresh air and be away from the air-pollution of the mega city. Then we will visit Tajrish Bazaar one of the oldest areas of Tehran. This center of commerce is decorated with well-designed arches. The bazaar has many

passage ways leading to different sections where you can purchase a Day 10: Isfahan variety of goods and products. We are going to have a great day with a great start; first thing in the O/N Tehran morning we will visit Jame-Mosque (WHS). This is one of the oldest mosques still standing in Iran claiming its place as a masterpiece in Day 13: Tehran - Departure Persian architecture for its structural clarity and geometric balance. The A full day Sightseeing in Tehran including: We will enjoy ourselves while mosque is renowned for reflecting classic art in a traditional and Islamic visiting Golestan Palace (WHS) one of the oldest of the historic structure. We then should not miss Vank Cathedral which is one of the monuments in the city of Tehran. The glory and perfection in design of most celebrated example of the colorful architecture to mirror this building will surpass all your expectations of beauty. It consists of Christians’ religious and spiritual concepts. Another amazing gardens, royal buildings, and collections of Iranian crafts and European masterpiece of engineering and genius design is Menar-Jonban. The presents from the 18th and 19th centuries. Next we visit National name of the monument is quite self-explanatory about the structure. Museum of Iran which holds an incredibly wide range of pre-Islamic as Menar-Jonban literally means shaking minaret; the monument consists well as post-Islamic remaining works including pottery vessels, metal of two minarets facing each other. Its notable feature is that if one of objects, textile remains, and some rare books and coins. Make sure not the minarets is shaken, the other minaret will shake as well. We then to miss Treasury of National Jewels Museum. Here is the most dazzling visit another well-known bridge over Zayandeh Rood River called collection of gemstones and jewelry known in the world; the most spectacular objects have been placed on public display and form one of

the country's principal tourist attractions, finally we will have a panoramic view of Azadi Tower. Saying goodbye is never easy, but it is time to go to the airport. Iran is a kind of place that you cannot get enough of it and to appreciate its beauty thoroughly in such few days is not possible. Therefore, until next time we will have the honor to host you here in Iran take care and enjoy your flight.