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Home , Achaemenid coinage, Ardeshir Castle, Bishapur, Dome of Soltaniyeh, Eram Garden, Ganjali Khan Complex

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IMPORTANT POINTS

TABRIZ: - BLUE - HISTORIC GRAND - ST. STEPANOS ARMENIAN CHURCH AT JOLFA ARDEBIL: - SHEIKH SAFI AL-DIN KHANEGAH AND SHRINE ENSEMBLE - SAREIN THERMAL POOLS ZANJAN: - KANDOVAN VILLAGE - TAKHT-E-SOLEYMAN - OF HAMEDAN: - ACHAEMENID INSCRIPTION - ESTER & TOMBS KERMANSHAH: - BISOTUN - TAQ-E BOSTAN : - FALAK – OL – AFLAK FORTRESS SHUSHTAR: - HISTORICAL HYDRAULIC SYSTEM : - SUSA - TCHOGHA ZANBIL ZIGGURAT - HAFT TAPPE MUSEUM - : - NASIR-OL-MOLK MOSQUE - NARENJESTAN GARDEN - KHAN THEOLOGICAL SCHOOL - ALI EBN-E HAMZE SHRINE - , BAZAAR AND MOSHIR SARAY - KARIM KHAN CITADEL - - TOMB - SAADI TOMB - PERSEPOLISE - NAQSH-E ROSTAM - : - GANJALI KHAN COMPLEX - SHAZDEH MAHAN GARDEN - BAM AND ITS CULTURAL LANDSCAPE - CASTLE - CYPRESS OF SIRCH - LUT AND KALUTS - NEMATOLLAH VALI MAUSOLEUM - - BAZAAR : - TOWER OF SILENCE - - WATER MUSEUM - AMIR CHAKHMAKH COMPLEX - DOWLAT ABAD GARDEN - JAME MOSQUE OF YAZD - FAHADAN DISTRICT : - MASJED- E JAME ISFAHAN - CHEHEL SOTUN PALACE - MEIDANE EMAM - THE PAVILION OF ALI’QAPU - - IMAM MOSQUE - GRAND BAZAAR TEHRAN: - - NATIONAL MUSEUM OF - TREASURY OF NATIONAL JEWELS MUSEUM - CARPET MUSEUM - MILAD TOWER

UNESCO SIGHTS OF IRAN

OVER NIGHTS: , ZANJAN, HAMEDAN, KHORRAMABAD, AHWAZ, SHIRAZ, KERMAN, YAZD, TOUR LENGTH: 19 DAYS, 18 NIGHTS ISFAHAN,OJJ TEHRAN

Day 1: Tabriz - Jolfa - Tabriz (292 Km Drive) Being in Tabriz is surly a fabulous experience. Not only is Tabriz famous for its industry but it also has been a birthplace of modern style of Persian poetry. We embark on our journey through by visiting St. Stepanos Armenian Church at Jolfa (WHS). Then drive back to visit Historic Bazaar Complex (WHS) a historical market situated in the city center of Tabriz. This Bazaar was once one of the most important commercial centers on the Silk Road. Next we go to Blue Mosque. The mosque was built upon the order of Jahan Shah the ruler of Kara Koyunlu dynasty which made Tabriz the capital of his Kingdom. The building enjoys an impressive architecture which makes it a worth- while visit. O/N Tabriz

Day 2: Tabriz - Ardabil - Tabriz (500 Km Drive) Early check out after breakfast, visit Ester & Mordecai Tombs of the We settle in vehicle to visit one of the World heritage sights in the biblical Queen and her uncle Mordechai, it is the most important city of Ardabil, Sheikh Safi al – Din Mausoleum. It was pilgrimage site for Jews in the country before our departure to constructed between the beginning of the 16th century and the Kermanshah where we visit Bisotun (The ancient area located along the end of the 18th century. The mausoleum, a tall, domed circular historical trade route linking the Iranian high plateau with Mesopotamia and features remains from the prehistoric times to the Median, tower decorated with blue tile and about 17 meters in height; Achaemenid, Sassanian, and Ilkhanid periods. The principal monument beside it is the 17th-century Porcelain House preserving the of this archaeological site is the bas-relief and inscription sanctuary's ceremonial wares (WHS). Sightseeing is followed by ordered by Darius I, The Great, when he rose to the throne of the Persian the Sarein Thermal pools which is located in the foothills of Empire, 521 BC) & Taq-e Bostan bas relief carvings (WHS). After visits in mount Sabalan. Kermanshah, continue the track to Khorramabad. O/N Tabriz O/N Khorramabad

Day 3: Tabriz - Takab - Zanjan (470 Km Drive) Morning drive to Zanjan via Takab. On the way firstly, we visit Kandouvan Rocky Village which not only famous for its scenic beauty and the healing power of its spring waters, Kandovan is also home to a remarkable modern age troglodyte (cave dweller) community. After that continue to Takab to visit Takht-e-Soleiman (WHS). The site includes the principal Zoroastrian sanctuary partly rebuilt in the Ilkhanid (Mongol) period (13th century) as well as a temple of the Sasanian period (6th and 7th centuries) dedicated to . The site has important symbolic significance. The designs of the fire temple, the palace and the general layout have strongly influenced. O/N Zanjan

Day 4: Zanjan - (265 Km Drive) Depart Zanjan to visit (WHS), the mausoleum of Oljaytu was constructed in 1302–12 in the city of Soltaniyeh, the capital of the Ilkhanid dynasty, which was founded by the Mongols. Then Day 6: Khorramabad - Shushtar - Ahwaz (333 Km Drive) continue to Hamadan to Visit Ganjnameh Achaemenid Inscription Today, we can visit ancient sights and cities of western Iran including which are set of cuneiform characters written in three languages Falak – ol – Aflak fortress which is the most impressive castle in Iran and (ancient Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian), set into a rock face on Mount the Shushtar ancient Hydraulic system & mills (WHS) a masterpiece of , about 5 kilometers from Hamadan upon arrival. creative genius dates back in the 5th century B.C. O/N Hamadan O/N Ahwaz

Day 7: Ahwaz - Susa - Ahwaz (300 Km Drive) Our overnight in Ahwaz give us the chance to explore the ancient cities and sites of south western Iran including, The ruins of the holy city of the Kingdom of , Tchogha Zanbil Ziggurat (WHS) and Haft Tappeh located 15 kilometers to the south of the ancient city of Susa, which is one of Iran's most significant archeological sites. We finish the excursion by visiting Susa (WHS) the property encompasses a group of archaeological mounds rising on the eastern side of the Shavur River, as well as Ardeshir’s palace, on the opposite bank of the river in the to complete our trip along the king road. O/N Ahwaz

Day 5: Hamadan - Kermanshah - Khorramabad (380 Km)

Day 8: Ahwaz - Shiraz (550 Km Drive) Day 12: Kerman - Mahan - Rayan - Kerman (210 Km) A long drive via Bishapour (The city of Shapur the second Sassanid king An excursion to the cities of Rayan and Mahan give us a great feelings that constructed on the road from to ) and Tange of ancient trading routes which comes through this region of the Chogan (Inscriptions of Sassanid kings on the four corners around a river country. On this day you will have a time of your life. At first, we seize in a valley near to the ) bring us to the famous and beautiful city the opportunity to enjoy visiting Rayan Castle and Ganjali Khan of Shiraz. Complex which encompasses a traditional bathhouse, well-designed O/N Shiraz Bazaar, a Caravanserai and a mosque with divine and spiritual

atmosphere. For the next part of the day, we will travel to an area called Day 9: Shiraz Mahan, situated in south of Kerman, where a green patch, known as In the morning, you will open your eyes to a majestic city; Shiraz, the Shazdeh Mahan (prince) Garden (WHS), appears right in the middle of home to numerous internationally-recognized philosophers and poets, an arid and sterile Desert. This land mark is a dazzling pavilion at far end is waiting to welcome you right outside your hotel room. After being of the pool which is located on top of the garden and water flows down served with a tasteful and delicious breakfast, your exiting tour will from a stair-like path to the entrance gate. To complete the joy, we will begin; we will visit Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, a master piece of innovation then go to Nematollah Vali Mausoleum. The spectacular Turquoise and creation. Sun rays will paint the floor and the columns with various dome of the building is easily recognized from far away. and vibrant colors by passing through the colorful window glasses. Then O/N Kerman we move on to enjoy the fabulous architecture of Narenjestane Qavam

, Khan Theological School, Ali Ebne Hamze Shrine, Eram garden and Day 13: Kerman - Sirch - - Kerman (315 Km Drive) Vakil Mosque and admire the beauty of carpets, rugs, and woven An excursion for exploring the mysterious desert of Lut by visiting handicrafts found in Vakil Bazar Then we get to Moshir Sarai. Spectacular sights like Shahdad to enter the Lut desert (WHS) and visit Afterwards, you will be taken to see Karim khan Citadel, a well-built Caravanserai, The central Lut is the vast part in the Lut desert that fort, and a most see monument. We will call it a day by Hafez Tomb, one contains the lowest part of the desert. There are several Kaluts in this of the most prominent poets of Iran. region that are extended from the center Lut to the west. They are the O/N Shiraz most beautiful natural phenomena. They are unique and can’t be found in any desert of the world, egg shaped hills and Salt River as the Day 10: Shiraz - Persepolis - Pasargadae - Shiraz (274 Km Drive) samples of eye-catching sights. On the way visiting Cypress of Sirch is We will start the second day by driving to the history of ancient Persia by possible. visiting Persepolis (WHS), a complex accommodating a cluster of O/N Kerman palaces. Afterwards we will visit Naqsh-e Rostam which is the ancient necropolis, a large ancient cemetery with Day 14: Kerman - - Yazd (527 Km Drive) elaborate tomb monuments. Here you can see a group of ancient The home to Zoroastrians, Yazd still holds Fire temples, with fires Iranian rock reliefs cut into the cliff, from both the burning for 2500 years now. The city also has great reputation for its Achaemenid and Sassanid periods. We will continue to have the remarkable wind towers providing us with natural air conditioning privilege by visiting Pasargadae (WHS), where is resting system to blow cool and pleasing air in the middle of the burning for centuries. These ruins are among the only remains reflecting the summer. One may also remember Yazd by the Pahlavani and glory of ancient Persian Empire. We drive through to visit Saadi Tomb Zoorkhane rituals. On the way to Yazd you will have the chance to visit and Quran gate which was the entrance gate of the city. Haj Aqa Ali Mansion in and Meymand rocky village (WHS) O/N Shiraz which is believed to be a primary human residence in the Iranian Plateau, dating back to 12,000 years ago. In 2005, Meymand was awarded the UNESCO-Greece Melina Mercouri International Prize for the Safeguarding and Management of Cultural Landscapes. Then continue to Zein-o-Din Caravanserai. The caravanserai has offered cozy stay and accommodation for passing caravans. O/N Yazd

Day 11: 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 Maharloo 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. The pipe shaped wind towers in is our last place to visit. O/N Kerman

Day 15: 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 (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 shops which mainly sell handicrafts, but he/she can also rest their eyes on alluring beauty of the architecture of the mosque. Last but not Least, is Dowlat Abad Garden (WHS) which is renown all across the globe due to its Day 17: Isfahan tallest wind tower of the world. Get ready to visit half of the world; Isfahan was once the capital of Persia O/N Yazd and one of the largest cities in the world. Even today, the city retains much of its past glory. This hub of creativity was rightly granted the title Day 16: Yazd - Isfahan (323 Km Drive) “Half-of-the-World” due to its flourishing commerce and a great variety In the morning drive to Isfahan, as soon as leaving YAZD, visit Zarch of astonishing arts ranging from poetry and handicrafts to unique Qanat (WHS) then, En-route to Isfahan, we will have a short stop in architectural styles. We begin our journey through Isfahan by visiting Meybod. The city receives great credit for minting- workshops Chehel-Sotun Palace. This architectural masterpiece is a pavilion in the which we also will visit. On the way to Isfahan we stop to visit Narin midst of a park at the far end of a long pool which is a typical design of Castle Remains located in the middle of historical texture of Meybod. all . The palace has been constructed for the King's Another must-see monument in Meybod is Mud-Brick Ice house which entertainment and receptions during Safavid-era. Chehel Sotun Palace has a shaped of an up-side down cone which has a subterranean storage literally means “Forty Columns” which was inspired by the twenty space; it was often used to store ice, but sometimes was used to store slender wooden columns supporting the entrance pavilion, which, when food as well. We should leave Meybod to visit Nain Jame Mosque reflected in the water of the fountain, are said to appear to be forty. The situated in the old texture of the city. The Mosque was built after the most startling feature of the pavilion is the brilliant interior design and Mohamad’s Mosque in Medina. paintings which includes fabulous roofs, old tile-covered floors, and O/N Isfahan 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. The monuments surrounding the square are named , Ali Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and last but not least Isfahan Grand Bazaar. Next, we visit Imam Mosque situated on the south side

of the Shah square. The mosque was built during Safavid period by the Then we have a nice view of Tabatabi Traditional House. Tabatabai order of the first Shah Abbas of Persia. The undeniable beauty and Traditional House is a perfect place to gain an insight as to how great Sophistication in design of the mosque do mirror ages and years of taste of art and exquisite workmanship can come together to build a experience in constructing by Iranians. All parts of the mosque splendid house about 2 centuries ago. Almost all of the classic features have been woven together in great harmony to present a seamless, of traditional Persian residential architecture such as interior and matchless whole. Religious concepts along with traditional symbols are exterior yards, central pools, and elegant wall paintings can be seen in all fully tangible in the design of the structure. The dome of the mosque Tabatabi House. standing on top with tall soaring into the sky, seem to invite O/N Tehran every passerby in to worship and pray the Lord. Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, standing on the eastern side of Naghsh-e-Jahan Square, is considered as one of the marvels of Persian architecture. Every element of the building is a true embodiment of elegance; it enchants every viewer by its dome changing color from dawn to dusk. There is an underground corridor offering a passage from the building to Ali-Qapu palace which is going to be the next piece of history to visit. 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. The Pavilion of 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 Day 19: Tehran - Departure River connecting east of Isfahan to its west. The Zayandeh Rood River A full day Sightseeing in Tehran including: We will enjoy ourselves while can be considered as a contributing factor to the growth of the visiting Golestan Palace (WHS) one of the oldest of the historic population and the economy of the city; it helped established Isfahan as monuments in the city of Tehran. The glory and perfection in design of an influential center, and gave a green landscape to Isfahan, a city in the this building will surpass all your expectations of beauty. It consists of middle of a desert. gardens, royal buildings, and collections of Iranian crafts and European O/N Isfahan presents from the 18th and 19th centuries. Next we visit Carpet Museum and Iran National Museum which holds an incredibly wide range of pre- Islamic as well as post-Islamic remaining works including pottery vessels, metal objects, textile remains, and some rare books and coins. Make sure not to miss Treasury of National Jewels museum. Here is the most dazzling 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. At night we will drive to the tallest tower in Iran and 17th-tallest freestanding structure in the world, Milad Tower is a multi-purpose tower standing at 435 meters from base to the tip of the antenna. This landmark accommodates a variety of sections and parts on each floor ranging from a cafeteria, a public art gallery, a library to a five-star hotel. 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.

Day 18: Isfahan - - - Tehran (450 Km Drive) In the morning drive to Tehran, A short stop in Murche khoort and visit Madarshah caravanserai will take us back to the Silk Road era, on the way to Tehran we will visit Abyaneh. The village has a brilliant architecture; houses are constructed using peculiar reddish hue mud. The other attractive feature of the place is the women clothes which have colorful and happy patterns and an under-knee skirts. Abyunaki people have persistently maintained this traditional costume. After being in Abyane we will drive to Kashan, to visit (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.