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IMPORTANT POINTS

MASHHAD: - TOMB OF - NADERI GARDEN AND MUSEUM - HOLY SHRINE OF IMAM REZA (AS) -

TABAS: - GOLSHAN GARDEN - VILLAGE OF AZMEYQAN - MORTEZA ALI VALLEY

KHARANAQ: - VILLAGE - SHRINE OF CHACK CHACK

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

KERMAN: - CASTLE - GANJALI KHAN COMPLEX - SHAZDEH MAHAN GARDEN - NEMATOLLAH VALI - DESERT OF LUT - - KALUTS - CYPRESS OF SIRCH - - BAZAAR

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

ISFAHAN: - CHEHEL SOTUN PALACE - GRAND BAZAAR - MEIDANE EMAM - IMAM MOSQUE - - THE PAVILION OF ALI’QAPU - SIYOSEPOL BRIDGE

TEHRAN: - GOLESTAN PALACE - NATIONAL MUSEUM OF - TREASURY OF NATIONAL JEWELS MUSEUM - SAAD ABBAD PALACE - DARBAND MOUNTAINSIDE -

ENCYCLOPEDIC VIEW OF IRAN

OVER NIGHTS: , TABAS, , , , , TOUR LENGTH: 14 DAYS, 13 NIGHTS

OJJ

Day 1: Mashhad Texture located on the main road of Tabas - Deyhook and the site is a Arrive Mashhad. Meet and assist at the Airport and check-in to the hotel. fine opportunity for enthusiasts to visit is this special place. Golshan After breakfast an excursion to Tous to visit the Tomb of Ferdowsi is a Garden (WHS) will be visit upon arrival. It is one of the rare Iranian Tomb Complex composed of a white marble base, and a decorative gardens. It is really beautiful and historical that a permanent water edifice erected in honor of this Persian poet located in Tous, in Razavi stream is passing from it. The garden belongs to Afshariye- Zanyeh Khorasan province. It was built in the early 1930s, and uses mainly dynasty that was constructed by Mir-Hassan-Khan (the third Tabas elements of . The construction of the Governor) from Afshariey Khan-governing dynasty who was assigned by Mausoleum as well as its aesthetic design is a reflection of the cultural, Nader Shah for governing in Tabas region. Plants in different species and geo-political status of Iran at the time, and then we will visit The from various climates and thousands of fruits trees have made the Nader Shah Mausoleum is a building located in the Naderi Garden- garden unique. The design of the garden has been copied from Char Museum Complex. It was built in 1963 in honor of the Afsharid Nader Bagh and verses about heaven that two flowing and permanent Shah. The Mausoleum consists of the Tomb of Nader Shah, which is streams pass from each other. O/N Tabas

Day 3: Tabas Today you will visit incredible places, rice vegetation in desert at the village of Azmeyqan, a valley that hot and cold water flows at the same spring, Morteza Ali valley. O/N Tabas

Located in the center, and two halls, one of which is the Museum of Iranian Weapons from different eras and the other is the Museum of Artifacts of Nader Shah Era, and the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (AS) Complex contains the Mausoleum of the eighth Imam of Shia. He was martyred in the Year 818 A.D. The Shrine is also the largest Mausoleum in the world, covering an area of 70 acres. The complex consists of 26 buildings, 9 courtyards and 6 entrances. A walk in the Bazaar is the finish point of the schedule. Day 4: Tabas - Kharanaq - - Yazd (365 Km Drive) O/N Mashhad Morning drive to the Central Desert of Iran where located in the heart land. We will visit Central Desert landscapes on the way like Tabaqeh Desert and Salt lake, now it’s time to visit more than 1000 years old Village, We will arrived to Kharanagh . Where a restored wind tower rises up on the square and behind it, built in mud. It is a ruin almost in defiance, fighting against the forces of nature. Basting alley ways spread out like a spider web inward in the old and almost abandoned village (typical desert archeology), Then to the Shrine of Chak Chakon the way of Yazd. One of the most important Zoroastrian shrines in Iran, Chak Chak (WHS) (sometimes pronounced Chek Chek or Chak Chakou in local dialects) is located in in the center of Iran. It attracts thousands of pilgrims for an annual festival that lasts for ten days from the beginning of the third month after Nowruz. The Shrine of Chak Chak is nestled deep in the mountains of Yazd. Many people mistakenly refer to Chak Chak as a Fire Temple (atashkadeh), the place of worship for Zoroastrians. It is, however, a holy shrine (ziaratgah) meant for pilgrimage. For the most part, Chak Chak is open to tourists year-round. The only time that it is reserved exclusively for Zoroastrians is during a four-day stretch in June every year when Zoroastrians from all over Iran Day 2: Mashhad - - Tabas (555 Km Drive) and the world gather for mass worship, religious ceremonies, Check-out hotel and drive ahead of south west to Tabas. En route visit community building, and celebration, including playing music and Anthropology Museum of Ferdows and Ruins of Esfahak. It is an singing traditional songs. We will have a short stop in . The city absolute beautiful tourist attraction and the Old Esfahak is a mirror receives great credit for minting-coins workshops which we also will reflecting the history, architecture arts and culture, and the inhabitants visit. On the way to Isfahan we stop to visit Narin Castle Remains located of this land The collection includes a variety of residential and public in the middle of historical texture of Meybod. Another must-see places such as , public baths and treasury, a school and others. monument in Meybod is Mud-Brick Ice house which has a shaped of an The mostly one-floor buildings and one or two porches are very rare. The up-side down cone which has a subterranean storage space; it was often

used to store ice, but sometimes was used to store food as well. The Day 6: Yazd - Kerman (472 Km Drive) Pigeon Tower is our last sightseeing in the 4th day. We are going to have a great day with a great start of driving to Zein-o- O/N Yazd Din Caravanserai. The caravanserai has offered cozy stay and accommodation for passing caravans. Then continue to rocky Day 5: Yazd village (WHS) which is believed to be a primary human residence in the Reaching Yazd, we begin by visiting Zoroastrian’s Tower of Silence , dating back to 12,000 years ago. In 2005, Meymand was which a circular and raised structure built by Zoroastrians on top of a hill. awarded the UNESCO-Greece Melina Mercury International Prize for It was used for incarnation for dead bodies to be exposed to carrion birds. the Safeguarding and Management of Cultural Landscapes. We next have the chance to visit Yazd Fire-Temple, a place of worship O/N Kerman for Zoroastrians, which contains in its heart a 2500-year-old fire and the Zoroastrians’ museum containing numerous ancient writings. We then Day 7: Kerman - Mahan - Rayen - Kerman (210 Km Drive) head to the Water Museum, an ancient house which possesses a Qanat An excursion to the cities of Rayen and Mahan give us a great feelings (WHS) in its basement providing the house with a fabulous cool pleasing of ancient trading routes which comes through this region of the air. country. On this day you will have a time of your life. At first, we seize the opportunity to enjoy visiting Rayen Castel and Ganjali khan Complex which encompasses a traditional bathhouse, well-designed 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 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 dazzling pavilion at far end of the pool which is located on top of the garden and water flows down from a stair- like path to the entrance gate. To complete the joy, we will then go to Nematollah Vali Mausoleum. The spectacular Turquoise of the building is easily recognized from far away. O/N Kerman

Day 8: Kerman - Sirch - Shahdad - Kerman (315 Km Drive) An excursion for exploring the mysterious desert of Lut by visiting Spectacular sights like Shahdad to enter the Lut desert (WHS) and visit Caravanserai, The central Lut is the vast part in the Lut desert that contains the lowest part of the desert. There are several Kaluts in this region that are extended from the center Lut to the west. They are the 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 samples of eye-catching sights. On the way visiting Cypress of Sirch is possible. O/N Kerman

Day 9: Kerman - Shiraz (575 Km Drive) We settle in the vehicle to the remote city of Shiraz. On the way we have a short stop in to visit the pipe shaped wind towers. 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 be fascinated by the pink color of this salt lake of Maharloo. O/N Shiraz

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 Day 10: Shiraz Abad Garden (WHS) which is renown all across the globe due to its In the morning, you will open your eyes to a majestic city Shiraz, the tallest wind tower of the world. home to numerous internationally-recognized philosophers and poets, O/N Yazd 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 Jahan) (WHS) Square which is an oblong-shaped square built in Safavid and creation. Sun rays will paint the floor and the columns with various era. The square with its lively atmosphere has always been a perennial and vibrant colors by passing through the colorful window glasses. Then tourist attraction; it is bordered on all sides by aesthetically remarkable we move on to enjoy the fabulous architecture of Vakil Mosque and monumental buildings linked by a series of two-storied arcades of shops. admire the beauty of carpets, rugs, and woven handicrafts found in Vakil Bazar. Then we get to Moshir Saray Afterwards, you will be taken to see Karim Khan Citadel, a well-built fort, and a most see monument. In the afternoon a visit to Eram Garden (WHS) The abundance 100 kind of beautiful flowers, refreshing air, aromatic myrtles and towering cypress trees, including a tree dating back to 3,000 years (Sarv-e naz) have made Eram Garden a major tourist destination, especially during the spring and summer. We will call it a day by Hafez Tomb, one of the most prominent poets of Iran. O/N Shiraz

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 order of the first Shah Abbas of Persia. The undeniable beauty and Sophistication in design of the mosque do mirror ages and years of experience in constructing mosques by Iranians. All parts of the mosque have been woven together in great harmony to present a seamless, matchless whole. Religious concepts along with traditional symbols are all fully tangible in the design of the structure. The dome of the mosque Day 11: Shiraz - Isfahan (483 Km Drive) standing on top with tall soaring into the sky, seem to invite We will start the second day by driving to the history of ancient Persia by every passerby in to worship and pray the Lord. Sheikh Lotfollah visiting (WHS), a complex accommodating a cluster of Mosque, standing on the eastern side of Naghsh-e-Jahan Square, is palaces. Afterwards we will visit Naghsh-e Rostam which is the considered as one of the marvels of Persian architecture. Every element ancient necropolis, a large ancient cemetery with of the building is a true embodiment of elegance; it enchants every elaborate tomb monuments. Here you can see a group of ancient viewer by its dome changing color from dawn to dusk. reliefs cut into the cliff, from both the Achaemenid and Sassanid periods. We will continue to have the privilege by visiting Pasargadae (WHS), where Cyrus the Great is resting for centuries. These ruins are among the only remains reflecting the glory of ancient Persian Empire. O/N Isfahan

Day 12: Isfahan Get ready to visit half of the world; Isfahan was once the capital of Persia 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 “Half-of-the-World” due to its flourishing commerce and a great variety of astonishing arts ranging from poetry and handicrafts to unique architectural styles. We begin our journey through Isfahan by visiting Chehel-Sotun Palace. This architectural masterpiece is a pavilion in the midst of a park at the far end of a long pool which is a typical design of all . The palace has been constructed for the King's There is an underground corridor offering a passage from the building to entertainment and receptions during Safavid-era. Chehel Sotun Palace Ali-Qapu palace which is going to be the next piece of history to visit. literally means “Forty Columns” which was inspired by the twenty The Pavilion of Ali-Qapu is a grand palace located on the western side slender wooden columns supporting the entrance pavilion, which, when of the Naghsh-e-Jahan Square, opposite of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque. reflected in the water of the fountain, are said to appear to be forty. The The building was named Ali-Qapu which means “great gate” in as much most startling feature of the pavilion is the brilliant interior design and as it was right at the entrance to the Safavid palaces which stretched paintings which includes fabulous roofs, old tile-covered floors, and from the Naghsh-e-Jahan Square to the Chahar Bagh Boulevard. The painted walls featuring scenes of battles and celebrations hold by the structures was a symbol of the government’s power and was originally king. Chehel-Sotun Palace is not just an old building; it tells us about used as a place to hold important political negotiations. The Pavilion of history and each and every crack on the walls or the floors holds a story Ali-Qapu is rich in naturalistic wall paintings; they abound with floral, of the past. We will continue our tour to Meidane Emam (Naghsh-e- 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 garden you can enjoy a delightful atmosphere as water from a natural examples of Safavid bridge design. It is the longest bridge on Zayandeh spring flows through a series of turquoise-colored pools and fountains. Rood River connecting east of Isfahan to its west. The Zayandeh Rood Then we have a nice view of Tabatabi Traditional House. Tabatabai River can be considered as a contributing factor to the growth of the Traditional House is a perfect place to gain an insight as to how great population and the economy of the city; it helped established Isfahan as taste of art and exquisite workmanship can come together to build a an influential center, and gave a green landscape to Isfahan, a city in the splendid house about 2 centuries ago. Almost all of the classic features middle of a desert. of traditional Persian residential architecture such as interior and O/N Isfahan exterior yards, central pools, and elegant wall paintings can be seen in Tabatabi House. O/N Tehran

Day 14: Tehran - Departure A full day Sightseeing in Tehran including: We will enjoy ourselves while visiting Golestan Palace (WHS) one of the oldest of the historic monuments in the city of Tehran. The glory and perfection in design of this building will surpass all your expectations of beauty. It consists of gardens, royal buildings, and collections of Iranian crafts and European presents from the 18th and 19th centuries. Next we visit 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.

Day13: Isfahan - - - Tehran (451 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.

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. Visiting Saad Abbad Palace is a great way to become more familiar with various historical, cultural and artistic aspects of Iran. At the foot of the Alborz ranges, north of Tehran, lays Sa’ad Abad Palace. The glorious structure was first erected as summer residence of Qajar kings and now is turned into a majestic museum to represent the finest works of art from Iranian and non-Iranian artists to a large number of visitors. 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. 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. The other attractive feature of the place is the women clothes which Saying goodbye is never easy, but it is time to go to the airport. Iran is a have colorful and happy patterns and an under-knee skirts. Abyunaki kind of place that you cannot get enough of it and to appreciate its people have persistently maintained this traditional costume. After beauty thoroughly in such few days is not possible. Therefore, until next being in Abyane we will drive to Kashan, to visit (WHS) a lush time we will have the honor to host you here in Iran take care and enjoy garden renowned as being the very epitome of the Persian garden. In the your flight.