Tour Name: 13 Days Silk Road Tour Tour code: OT1114010 Tour Duration: 13 Days and 12 Nights Tour Category: Discovery Tour Difficulty: 2/5 Tour Tags: Tour Best Date: all-month Tour Services Type: Bronze (economy) Tour Destinations: / Neyshabur/ Sabzevar/ Shahrood/ / Semnan/ / / / / Related tours code: Max Group Size: 2-20 Overview: In Iran Silk Road Tour, we experience some of the most eminent historical sites across Iran: ancient archaeology, teeming , majestic , and astounding desert route. Travel through some of the cities that were most important commercial centers along the ancient Silk Road. Also, study their rich culture, and check the priceless items in Tehran’s museums. Highlights: . Walking through Iran’s past to its present . A historical exploration of some of the Silk Road’s most forgotten cities . Experience some of the most eminent historical sites across Iran: ancient archaeology, teeming bazaars, majestic mosques Tour Map:

Tour Itinerary:

Landing to PERSIA Welcome to Iran! Your arrival will be at Mashhad International Airport (MHD). After your arrival, your guide meets and transfers you to the Hotel. You can rest and have free time. O/N Mashhad

Mashhad – Sarakhs In an early morning, after having breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head to Sarakhs city that was once a stopping point along the Silk Road. And in its 11th-century heyday had many libraries and a famous school of architects. Then we visit Ribat Sharaf, Ribat Mahi, Mozdooran Cave, and Bazangan Lake. They were the roadside inn where caravans could rest and recover from the day’s journey. Then we go back to Mashhad. O/N Mashhad

Mashhad – Neyshabur In the morning after checking out of the hotel, we move to visit the ancient city of Toos (Susia) and visit the tomb of Ferdowsi. Then we drive to Neyshabur to visit Mausoleum of Attar and Omar Khayyam. After that we explore the ancient town of Neyshabur. Then we head to see Ribat Sharif Abad and Dizbad village. We finish the day by visiting Abbasi in Neyshabur. O/N Neyshabur

Neyshabur – Sabzevar In the morning, after checking out of the hotel, we visit the wooden of Neyshabur. Then we visit Mine which is close to Neyshabur. Then we drive to Sabzevar that is located along the Silk Road. Sabzevar played host to the travelers in its numerous roadside and city . In Sabzevar we visit a caravanserai called Ribat Sabzevar. Then on our way to Shahrod, we visit the Khosrowjerd in Khosrojerd and Miandasht caravanserai in the middle of Persian Silk Road. Then we go to Shahrood. O/N Shahroud

Shahrood – Damghan

In the morning after checking out of the hotel, we visit Bayazid Bastami and Jame mosque in near Shahrood. Then we head to Damghan to visit Pir Alamdar tower and Mosque, a Sassanid-era monument. After that, we visit Tepeh Hissar, a prehistoric site located in the village Heydarabad just south of Damghan. Then on our way to Semnan, we visit the ancient city of Hecatompylos, also called Hundred Gates and Qoosheh Caravanserai. O/N Semnan

Semnan – Garmsar In the morning, we start the day by going to the Ahovan district and visiting Ahovan caravanserai. Then we come back to Semnan and visit Jame mosque and Old in Semnan. Then on our way to Tehran, we visit Deh Namak caravanserai. O/N Tehran

Tehran

Today we will visit Golestan Palace*, some historical buildings. Golestan Palace is the name of a historical complex in Iran’s capital city, Tehran. This former royal Qajar complex has been inscribed in the list of the UNESCO World Heritage in June of 2013. Then we walk around the grand old bazaar of Tehran. O/N Tehran

Kashan Leaving Tehran behind, continue to Kashan to visit Fin Persian garden*, a relaxing and visually impressive Persian garden with water channels all passing through a central pavilion. The has many stunning water features that are fed from a spring emerging from a slope behind the garden. Then we’ll check in to the hotel and visit historical houses of Kashan like Tabatabaei historical house, Borujerdiha/ Abbasian historical house; and then finish the day in Kashan by visiting Aghabozorg mosque. O/N Kashan

Half of the World

In the morning, we will leave Kashan to Isfahan. On our way to Isfahan, we will visit Madar Shah caravanserai. After arriving in Isfahan we’ll check in to the hotel. Then we start exploring Isfahan. First, we visit Naqshe Jahan historical square*. The gigantic open plaza is framed by a wall of arches and surrounded by two of the Islamic world’s most impressive mosques, the * and the *. Both houses of worship contain magnificent architecture and -work. In the end, we finish the day by visiting Chehelsotoun palace* in a royal garden of Isfahan. Then we continue exploring Isfahan by visiting Si-o-Se Pol and Khajoo historica bridges on the Zayanderoud. O/N Isfahan

Isfahan – Pasargadae In the morning after checking out of the hotel, we will visit another place in Isfahan named Jame Mosque of Isfahan*. Then we leave Isfahan to go to Pasargadae*. In Pasargadae* we see the impressive, elevated Tomb of Cyrus and to walk through the different sections of the ancient city. For example the Residential Palace, the Audience Hall, and the Gatehouse. Then we visit Estakhr historical city. O/N Pasargadae

Pasargadae – Shiraz

An early start takes us to * (Takht-é Jamshid), the heart of the Persian Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, walk through a complex of palaces and temples that are said to be one of the architectural wonders of the world. Then we visit the glorious Naghsh-e Rostam*, an ancient necropolis. After checking into the hotel, we explore the lovely city of Shiraz, the City of Roses and Nightingales. We visit the historical gate of Shiraz. In the afternoon, we visit Eram Persian Garden*, with its beautiful cypress-lined avenues leading to an elegant summer palace. Then we visit the tomb of the Iranian famous poet, Hafez (Hafezieh). O/N Shiraz

Shiraz In the morning we visit the colorful mosque of Nasir-al Mulk (aka pink mosque). Then take a turn to visit the beautiful garden of Narenjestan Historical Complex. Afterwards you’ll have time to explore and shop in the bustling Vakil Bazaar, home to hundreds of stores and beautiful courtyards. After having lunch, we will visit the rest of the Vakil Complex which includes Public Bath and Mosque. Then we visit Shahcheraq holy shrine. We finish the day by visiting Jame Atigh Mosque. O/N Shiraz

Missing Persia

Transfer from Hotel to the Shiraz airport.

All sites with * sign are submitted in UNESCO world heritage. Note:  In special conditions the accommodations can be changed to a similar alternative.  Hotel check-in time generally is at 2:00 PM. According to your arrival time, if you need an early check- in you must book an extra day.  Private or single rooms are not available in some traditional local or guest houses. And also, in these places, sleeping equipment is traditional, comfortable Mattresses and Blankets. No Bed!  There is a guide assistant in addition to the tour guide for 16 pax and more.

Services Included:  All transfers and transportations (Private car for 2-3 pax. Suitable minibus for bigger groups).  Professional licensed guides and drivers

 All accommodation and meals (F.B)  Food Meals  Refreshment (2 bottles of water/ fruits/ snacks per day)  Visa authorization code processing fee

Services Not Included:  International flights  Visa stamp fee  Travel insurance  Tips to local guides and drivers  Entrance Fees  Room Service Fees