Highlights: Trip Overview:

 St. Thaddeus Monastery is truly one of the worlds beautiful countries, not just in nature but in its culture and variety of ethnic groups inhabiting  Village it. Compared to trekking in other countries in the region, Iran  Alamout Castel offers better serviced trekking routes making trekking easy and  (UNESCO World Heritage Sites) comfortable. Trekking in Iran has captured the imaginations of Services: mountaineers and explorers for more than 1000 years. The B / B, H / B, F / B (Based on Your Choice) lifestyle and habits of the inhabitants of the mountain regions Hotels: has not changed for generations, the village people offer a 3 Stars, 4 Stars, 5 Stars or Camp huge sense of hospitability and welcome trekkers and (Based on The Program) mountaineers alike.

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 symbol of Iran high up in the the forest near City. It was also one of the last regional Day 2 : Morning arrival Tabriz, meet the Guide and strongholds to fall to Arab invaders in the 9th Century. transfer to the Hotel. After that drive to Jolfa Border, to O/N in Kaleybar visit two of the best churches in iran. St Stepanos Monastery and St. Thaddeus Monastery. The Saint Day 5 Kaleybar - : Drive to Sareyn through . Thaddeus Monastery is an ancient Armenian monastery Sareyn, is a city and the capital of Sareyn County, in located in the mountainous area of Iran's West Province, Iran. Sareyn is known for its hot springs. Province, about 20 kilometers from the town The population is about 8000, and increases to more of Maku. The monastery is visible from a distance than 20000 in the summer because of the many tourists because of the massiveness of the church, strongly who go there due to the charming climate. The Sareyn characterized by the polygonal drums and conical roofs springs are near an inactive volcano in mount of its two domes. O/N in Tabriz and its water contains sulphur particles and it is believed Day 3 Tabriz - Kaleybar: After cozy breakfast continues that it is good for bone and joints pains. The word Sareyn the tour by driving towards Arasbaran Forest. The in the Persian dictionary means "Spring´s Outlet”. The declaration by UNESCO of Arasbaran as a UNESCO climate and hot springs are the first attractions to Biosphere reserve in 1976 was a great endorsement for tourists who travel to this region from different parts of the region’s ecotourism potential. The planned Iran and the world. Sareyn is also famous for its ´Ashe promotion of the Biosphere to the National Park status Doogh´ ( Soups), during the busy summer periods, may farther enhance Arasbaran’s environmental it is not uncommon for many of the local shops to be significance. Arasbaran is home to 215 species of birds, seen selling and preparing this soup. O/N in Sareyn. notably the Caucasian black grouse, , black francolin, and , 29 species of reptiles, Day 6 Sareyn - MeshkinShahr: After breakfast. Drive to 48 species of mammals, notably wild goat, , Ardebil, in Ardabil visiting Sheikh Safi-ad-Din Ardabili , wolf, , and , and 17 species of Temple. Khangah is a spiritual retreat in the Sufi order. fish. Then go to Kaleybar Village, O/N in Kaleybar This UNESCO site is a complex consisting of several Day 4 Kaleybar: After breakfast, start our daily tour by sections with different functions: a , mausoleum, trekking in Forest, Visiting Babak Castel. Set attractively a library, a school, a hospital, a cistern, kitchens, a in a wide, steep-sided mountain valley, unassuming bakery, and some offices. Iranians refer to it all as Kaleybar town makes a great starting point for random "Sheikh Safi Shrine in Ardabil”. In addition to its historical hikes and visiting nomad camps en route to the upper significance, the site is of high value in Iranian River Valley. But by far its biggest draw is the architecture. Also, from point of extensive crag-top ruin of Babak Castle. It's a national view, it’s a landmark of Safavid era. Continue through

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 MeshkinShahr. O/N in camp in zone of Sabalan and visit of Anzali. , which has been Mountain. registered in Ramsar International Convention, is considered as an important tourist attraction and Day 7 MeshkinShahr – Sabalan Mountain: In this day, destination for the birdwatchers. Anzali lagoon is located have trekking around Hillside of Sabalan Montain. Mount in in the north of Iran. Having great Sabalan, the third highest mountain in Iran, 4811- meter, weather and being the greenest province in Iran, Gilan an inactive stratovolcano in the northeast of attracts a huge number of tourists every year. This mountain range and of northwestern natural freshwater lagoon, which is recognized as an important bird habitat in the world, hosts about one Iran. Sabalan Lake, near 12,000 sq.m, at the top of the hundred species of birds like swans, herons, ducks, etc. A mountain almost covered with through the year, variety of species of fish like the Caspian White Fish, but from May to July, it melts and creates a beautiful Anchovy, and the Common live and spawn in this scenery. O/N in Tent lagoon as well. Water lilies that grow in summer are another fabulous beauty of Anzali lagoon. Pink water Day 8 Sabalan Mountain - Masuleh: In the Morning go lilies with their green heart-shaped leaves cover the lake towards Masuleh Village, via beautiful road of Khalkhal, and make a magnificent view. O/N in Bandar Anzali. the clients may have trekking in Khalkhal-Asalom Road if the time allows. Arrival Masuleh Village. Built right into Day 10 Bandar-e Anzali - Alamut: In the morning drive the slope of an Iranian mountain, the small town of forward Alamout Castel via Tonekabon and Garmarod. Masuleh has a unique, purpose-built architectural style Alamut Castle was originally built in the ninth century at where the front yard of each of the houses on the incline an elevation over 6,800 feet. It was constructed in such a is actually the roof of the house below it, with roof-lawns way that it only had one passable entrance that wound trickling down to the base of the mountain. The its way around the cliff, making the fortress difficult to conquer. But in 1090 A.D., a man named Hassan-i Sabbah landscape surrounding Masuleh is lush and mountainous was able to do just that. O/N in Tent near Alamout Castel. with a frequent covering of dense fog, so much so that many of the homes in the town are covered in bright Day 11 Alamut - Hamedan: In the Morning the Clients yellow clay so they can be seen better through the haze. have trekking around the Alamout Castel, then drive O/N in Masuleh Forward Province, Visiting Ali Sadr Cave. With a network of channels, lakes, and watery passageways Day 9 Masuleh – Bandar-e Anzali: In the morning drive spreading out over several kilometers, Ali Sadr Cave is to Village, arrival and have trekking in Forest and one of the largest subterranean water complexes in the Tea Plantations, then continue forward Bandar Anzali

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 world. Stable since its formation millions of years ago, Day 16 Chelgard - : Drive to Isfahan from the sunless grottoes feature clear waters, fantastical rock Chelgard and arrival Isfahan. Among the cities of Iran, formations, and stalactite-covered ceilings soaring high Isfahan is like a piece of jewelry that despite the historical overhead. O/N in Touristic Inn fluctuations in the area has still retained its luster and glory throughout the centuries. The city is so vibrant that Day 12 Hamedan - Borujerd: Drive to Borujerd via it seems as if it has been born today and yet it is so Nahavand. Nahavand is a town in the province of original that it looks as though it has always existed. The Hamadan which is situated in the western part of Iran. city’s rich culture and beautiful nature are in such perfect The surrounding region around the city of Hamadan is harmony that one seems to be a reflection of the other. one of the most productive when it comes to Isfahan is an ultimate expression of the Iranian-Islamic manufacturing in Iran. In almost every village there is Culture.in Isfahan visit old Bridges of Zayandeh rood (Sio manufacturing of unique and simple , and in all se pol –Khaju), and then visit Palace. O/N sizes. The quality is very high and thanks to the high shiny in Isfahan. wool they use, the carpets are very durable. Arrival Borujerd and O/N in Hotel Borujerd . Day 17 Isfahan: Full day city Tour in Isfahan, sightseeing: Square. Naghsh-e Jahan Square (Design of the Day 13 Borujerd – Sibak Village: Drive to Fereydon world) officially known as Imam Square, situated at the Shahr, Visiting Sibak Village and Nomads. Fereydunshahr center of Isfahan city, Iran. It is an important historical is a city in and the capital of Fereydunshahr County, site and one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. The about 150 kilometres west of the city of Isfahan in the square is surrounded by buildings from the Safavid era. western part of , Iran. At the 2011 Visiting Imam Square include, Imam Mosque, Sheikh census, its population was 14,007, in 4,062 families. Lotfollah Mosque (This beautifully proportioned and Fereydunshahr is situated inside the Zagros mountain decorated mosque, with some of the best mosaics from range. It has one of the country's largest population of that era, took nearly 20 years to complete. The pale ethnic . People from Fereydunshahr speak a of the dome change color, from cream through to pink, Georgian dialect along with Persian. The Georgian depending on the light conditions and the mosque is alphabet is also used. O/N in Tent. unusual because it has no minaret or courtyard.), Ali Qapu Place , Gheysarie , Chehel Sotun Palace. O/N Day 14 Sibak Village - Chelgard: Drive to Chelgard, in Isfahan. Visiting Nomads and Sar Agha Seyed Village. Sar Agha Seyed is an extremely rural village, a few centuries old, Day 18 Isfahan - Yasuj: In the morning trip towards Yasuj located in the Zagros Mountain range. It’s phenomenal via Si Sakht (the clients may have Trekking). Sisakht is a step-like architecture is very similar to that seen in the small beautiful city in south west of Iran. It is located in more popular Masuleh Village, up North. The culture of Kokiluye and Boyerahad province. You can easily put step this tiny community is very untouched and has on - Isfahan road and after passing cities like maintained its traditional heritage for many years. O/N Sepidan and Yasooj you will get to this area. This city is a in Tent with Nomads. cold snow-covered area during winter which shows off the white picture it has made. During other seasons, the Day 15 Chelgard: Trekking and sightseeing Chama ice city is replete with delicate wind, filled flowing streams, cave. Chama ice cave has large-scale of warehouse snow green forests, and gardens full of fruits and flowers. O/N and it is the local place for youth and tribal youth of in Tent near the Margon Waterfall. Chama area recreation and entertainment that in addition of all of that in recent years the summer country Day 19 Yasuj - Shiraz: Drive to Shiraz, arrival and ski races have been held at this location. The Chama ice sightseeing in Shiraz: Qoran Gate, The Gate was first built cave has come from the common dialect of Bakhtiari during the reign of ‘Adud ad-Dawla. By the time of the tribal area, it has mountains and valley till come to be the Zand dynasty, it had sustained a lot of damage, so it was natural and spirit of hospitality of people. O/N in Tent. restored and a small room on top was added, in which were kept hand-written Qur’āns by Sultan Ibrahim Bin

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 Shahrukh Gurekani. The two Qur’āns are known as Hifdah-Man. Travelers passing underneath the gates were believed to receive the blessing of the Holy Book as they began their trip or journey from Shiraz. Then visit Khaju Kermani, O/N in Shiraz.

Day 20 Shiraz: In the Morning Excursion to Persepolis, Visiting Persepolis and Naghshe Rostam. Persepolis (Capital of Persia in Greek) or Takht-e Jamshid (The Throne of Jamshid) became summer capital of Achaemenian after Pasargadae. 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. Historians debate whether was accidental or intentional retaliation. Then Continue to Passargadae , back to Shiraz , O/N in Hotel in Shiraz.

Day 21 Departure: Transfer to the Airport and flight back to home.

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