IRAN HIGHLIGHTS
Tour Duration: 8 days / 8 nights
Tour Price: $ 590/per person
Travel Time : All Year Long
Tour Code: PCE24
Tour Overview
Our 8-day cultural and adventure tour takes in many of Persia's iconic highlights while uncovering different insights into the Persian lifestyle. History comes to life with your visit to the Golestan palace complex in Tehran, King Darius' gigantic Royal palaces in Persepolis, Naghshe Jahan Square in Isfahan, and many more. Allow the Lut desert to imprint its unique beauty on you. Follow the footsteps of Marco Polo along the ancient trading routes of the Silk Road. Lose yourself in the labyrinthine Bazaars of Isfahan and Shiraz, where you barter for traditional handicrafts and get to know the warm-hearted people of this ancient land.
Highlights at a Glance
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- Many photo-stops along the way
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- A professionally planned itinerary
- Small-group size, Now capped at 12 pax
- Marvel at the intricacy of Iranian Bazaars
- Explore the secrets and tales of the Persians
- Admire the city square of Naqsh-e Jahan in Esfahan
- Discover 7 Iran's most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Visit the Zoroastrian Fire Temple and admire its ancient holy fire
- Stock up on saffron and other spices at the Grand Bazaar in Isfahan
- Discover the winding alleys and adobe architecture of Yazd's Old Town
- Guided tour of the incredible ruins of the ancient Persian capital of Persepolis
Good To Know
Physical Rating
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- A basic level of fitness is required to be able to enjoy this trip to the fullest.
Passports, Visas, And Entry Procedures
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- PASSPORT: for international travel to Iran, a valid passport is a prerequisite. Most countries, including Iran, stipulate that your passport must have a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your intended departure date. It is crucial to verify the expiration date of your passport well in advance.To facilitate a smooth preparation for your trip, we require accurate passport information that matches your booking details precisely. We recommend carrying a photocopy of the photo page of your passport during your travels and leaving another copy securely stored at home with family or friends.
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- VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:Iran, like many other countries, necessitates a visa for entry, and it is your responsibility to secure the appropriate visa for your journey, including any countries you might transit through. It is advisable to check the visa requirements immediately after booking your trip, allowing ample time for document preparation and visa processing. To determine the entry requirements for your nationality, please consult our travel advisories.Ensuring compliance with visa regulations enhances the efficiency of your travel arrangements, and we appreciate your diligence in adhering to these essential requirements. Travel safely!
Food and dietary requirements
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- FOOD POLICY:As you journey with us, you'll have the opportunity to savor the diverse and delightful cuisine Iran has to offer. Your group leader will be happy to recommend restaurants for you to explore during your trip. To provide you with maximum flexibility in choosing where, what, and with whom to dine, not all meals are typically included in the trip price. This approach also allows for greater budgeting flexibility.Our groups often share meals to foster a sense of camaraderie and to enable you to sample a wide variety of dishes. If you have specific dietary requirements or food allergies, kindly inform your booking agent before departure.Your group leader or representative will make every effort to accommodate specific dietary needs. It's important to note that managing gluten intolerances and vegan preferences may pose challenges in certain parts of the country. Feel free to discuss these concerns with your trip leader during the group meeting, ensuring they are well-informed and can assist you in planning suitable meals throughout the journey.While your group leader or representative will strive to provide information on the main ingredients in the dishes.Travel with us and relish the world's culinary delights with confidence and enjoyment.
Accommodation
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- ACCOMMODATION: The accommodation style specified in the day-to-day itinerary is a broad guideline and is subject to adjustments. Due to limited availability in our usual accommodations, alternative arrangements may be required. Nevertheless, these alternative options will maintain a similar standard of lodging. As you journey through Iran, you will experience a variety of accommodations, ranging from basic to more elaborate setups. It's important to note that the quality of three and four-star lodgings in Iran might not always align with facilities of the same star rating in Western destinations. For specific details on meal inclusions, please consult our daily itinerary – typically, breakfast is provided in all our hotels.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tehran, Iran
Today, you will go to your selected gateway Airport for your international flight to Tehran, Iran. Embark on an exclusive and unique small group journey through magnificent Persia and discover this country's rich history and archeological wonders. Upon arrival at IKA International Airport, meet and greet by Viantours' representative and be transferred to your hotel in the heart of Tehran. You will have time to refresh before embarking on an enthralling tour of this city brimming with culture and history.
Overnight: Tehran
Day 2: Tehran Sightseeing, flight to Shiraz
Welcome to the capital city of Iran, Tehran. It is a megacity generously steeped in history and stands as one of the largest cityscapes in the Middle East, where there is much to be discovered. Today, you will enjoy a full-day tour of Tehran, taking in the city's main sights. This morning starts with a visit to the sumptuous Golestan Palace Complex (UNESCO World Heritage Site), where you will enjoy a masterpiece from the Qajar era, embodying the perfect integration of Persian crafts and architecture with European influences. Next, you will take some time taking a stroll around the Tehran Grand Bazaar, located a few steps away from Golestan Palace and one of the world's largest covered ones. In the afternoon, you visit the National Museum of Iran, displaying the most impressive collection of prestigious relics and historical findings. The selection here displays the nation's rich cultural heritage and civilization. In the evening, before you are transferred to Tehran domestic airport for your flight to Shiraz, you will visit the magnificent Azadi Tower, the most famous iconic landmark of Tehran, commissioned to celebrate the 2500th anniversary of the Persian Empire.
Overnight: Shiraz
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 03: Shiraz Sightseeing
You will take a beautiful day of sightseeing to explore Shiraz's past and present today. In this charming city with exciting sites, you will first visit the Tomb of the Persian poet Hafez with its flower-filled gardens. Next, you will have time to explore and shop in the bustling Vakil Grand Bazaar. Before leaving the Bazaar, sample the local Saffron ice cream and the Shirazi Faloodeh. It is a delicious combination of rice noodles, iced rosewater, and sugar mixed with a touch of lemon juice. The afternoon will be devoted to discovering the colorfully decorated Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque (the Pink Mosque), where sunlight streams through its colored glasses and windows. Next is an exciting visit to the Eram Garden(UNESCO World Heritage site), an architectural marvel from the Qajar era and a precious gem among all the typical Persian Gardens in Shiraz with its sour orange and palm trees. Time permitting, for the rest of the afternoon, you will visit Hamzeh Shrine, a revered Shia shrine noted for the glittering mirror work adorning its central dome. After admiring the landmarks of Shiraz, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Overnight: Shiraz
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 04: Shiraz to Yazd
This morning, as soon as we have had our breakfast, we head out from Shiraz on a drive northeast to the desert city of Yazd. This memorable day takes you first to three magnificent Persian landmarks. Delve into 2500 years of Persian culture and civilization; your guide will lead you through the ruins of Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage Site), which was once the Achaemenes Empire's ceremonial capital. Darius the Great founded this palatial complex in the 6th century BC. Persepolis embodies all the glory and the fall of the Persian Empire. Here, the Achaemenid kings received their subjects and celebrated the Persian New Year. You can pass through all the palaces in Persepolis and immerse yourself in the millennia of history and the tunnel of time. Later, proceed to Naghshe Rostam, where you will explore the ancient Achaemenid Necropolis and Sassanian Rock Reliefs. In the afternoon, continue to Yazd, and Then, in the old Fahadan District, you can walk through the winding alley of the Fahadan Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site) before checking in to your hotel.
Overnight: Yazd
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 05: Yazd Sightseeing, Drive to Isfahan
The incredible desert city of Yazd is renowned for its unique architecture, and it is regarded by UNESCO as one of the ancient towns on Earth, perfectly adapted to the harsh weather conditions of the surrounding desert. The Zoroastrian religion also survives here, where you visit the Temple of Eternal Fire. Afterward, you set out for the old Towers of Silence on the edge of the city, where, in the past decades, the bodies of deceased Zoroastrians were placed and exposed to scavenger birds, which, as per their beliefs, is the most sacred method of dealing with the dead. Next up is the Amir Chakhmaq Complex, where you will admire an awe-inspiring and prominent landmark comprising a large square, a caravanserai, a Mosque, a Water Reservoir, several wind catchers, and a Portal for Shia Religious Gatherings and ceremonies. Yazd is also best known for its sweets and confections. All Iranian and foreign visitors to this desert city must visit the local treasure of Haj Khalifa Confectionery next to the Amir Chakhmaq Square. Here, you can try the famous Iranian Baklava Pastries, Ghotab (Doughnut hole-shaped cookies), Lozenârgil (coconut diamonds), and Pashmak (cotton candy). In the afternoon, you will head out from Yazd on a pleasant drive west to the modern city of Isfahan. As the 17th-century capital of the Safavid Empire, Isfahan is, for many, may well be the climax of the journey. There is much to discover in this beautiful, dazzling capital of Ancient Persia.
Overnight: Isfahan
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 06: Isfahan Sightseeing
This day is dedicated to the exploration of one of the most glorious cities of Iran, Isfahan. Following breakfast, your guide will lead you on a fascinating sightseeing tour around the most brilliant attractions of Isfahan's historical sites. Indulge in Isfahan's sophisticated charms and discover Naghsh-e Jahan Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the world's second-largest square with four amazing landmarks at four sides: Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace, and Isfahan Grand Bazaar. Next up is Chehel Sotun Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site); Shah Abbas II built this graceful pavilion in the 17th century for entertainment and court receptions. In the afternoon, you will visit a unique Carpet Gallery to learn how to distinguish Persian carpets from fake ones. After a short break for tea and some sweets in one of the most beautiful Traditional Teahouses, you take a walk through the Isfahan Grand Bazaar and explore the best souvenirs of the country.
Overnight: Isfahan
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 07: Isfahan to Kashan
Following breakfast, you start your journey on an exciting day trip to Kashan. On a fantastic route, you will have the chance to visit the crimson-colored old Village of Abyaneh, one of the last surviving Zoroastrian places to visit. Then, you move to Kashan, a beautiful city, to see the Fin Garden (UNESCO World Heritage Site), one of the most beautiful Persian Gardens dating back to the 17th century. Then, continue exploring the awe-inspiring House of Boroujerdiha. You will be transferred to Tehran International Airport in the evening to catch your onward or homebound flight.
Overnight: No Accommodation
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 08: Kashan to Tehran Int' l Airport
Today marks the end of your tour to Persia.
Inclusions & Exclusions
We are one of the few Iranian tour operators to include as many inclusions as possible into our tour packages. There are no hidden charges on your tour. The list of inclusions is very abundant and covers entrance fees, meals, transport, accommodation, and tour guiding, to name a few! Our quest is to limit the group size to a maximum of 12 guests! This will surely give us great flexibility in our itineraries, and we can adjust our tours depending on the group interests.
Tour Includes
- All relevant transfer and transportation in a modern air-conditioned coach
- Accommodation in 3 * or 4 * hotels with private facilities (6 nights)
- Sightseeing visits & all entrance fees as per the itinerary
- Professional Iranian English-speaking tour guide
- Half board throughout (6 breakfasts, 6 dinners)
- 1 x Domestic flight: Tehran-Shiraz
- Organization of the whole trip
- Visa support- reference code
Tour Excludes
- Any personal expenses such as soft drinks, laundry, etc.
- Visa stamping fee collected by the Iranian embassy
- All optional excursions, tours and visits
- Gratuity for local guide and driver
- International air ticket
- Travel insurance
Availability
We are one of the few Iranian tour operators to include as many inclusions as possible into our tour packages. There are no hidden charges on your tour. The list of inclusions is very abundant and covers entrance fees, meals, transport, accommodation, and tour guiding, to name a few! Our quest is to limit the group size to a maximum of 20 guests! This will surely give us great flexibility in our itineraries, and we can adjust our tours depending on the group interests.
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