TRAVEL TO IRAN

Day1: Tehran- Shiraz

Arrival at Tehran, meet and assist at airport and then transfer to Mehr abad air port and flight to Shiraz.Arrival Shiraz, check in hotel, after lunch visit Vakil Complex: Bazaar,bath , museum, Qoran Gate . At night visit tombs of Iranian great poets, Hafez and Sa'di.

O/N: Shiraz.

Day2: Shiraz

After breakfast, drive to Kazeroon, visit Shapour Palace, Sasanid's bas-relief, TangeChogan (Shapour Cave), Anahita Temple. Evening, back to Shiraz.

Bishapur was an ancient city in Iran on the ancient road between Persis and Elam. The road linked the Sassanid capitals Estakhr (very close to Persepolis) and Ctesiphon. It is located south of modern Faliyan in the Kazerun County of Pars Province, Iran.

Bishapur was built near a river crossing and at the same site there is also a fort with rock-cut reservoirs and a river valley with six Sassanid rock reliefs. The main part of the excavations took place in the royal sector, in the east of the city. A fire altar, sometimes interpreted as a shrine to Anahita, was erected near the palace. In the center there is a cross-shaped space with eight large square exedrae decorated with 64 alcoves. The French excavators believed it had been covered with a dome roof, but this reconstruction has been rejected. To the west lies a courtyard decorated with mosaics; to the east, a square iwan used as a reception room. Its walls must have been covered with small stucco ornaments: rows of medallions, bands of foliage, and topped with merlons inherited from Achaemenid architecture. All these decorative techniques were still used after the Islamic conquest of Iran. The floor was paved with black marble slabs, with a mosaic border. Along the walls runs a narrow band featuring a series of heads and masks, in a frontal or profile view, on a white background. At the top of each alcove there was a picture of women naked under their transparent veils: courtesans, musicians, dancers, women twisting garlands, together with a few richly attired noble ladies.

 O/N: Shiraz

Day 3: Shiraz - Bavanat

After breakfast drive to Marvdasht, visit Perspolis (Naghsh-e Rostam, Naghsh-e- Rajab), Pasargad. After noon drive to Bavanat.

Persepolis: literally meaning "city of Persians",was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire(ca. 550–330 BCE). Persepolis is situated 60 km northeast of city of Shirazin Fars Province in Iran. The earliest remains of Persepolis date back to 515 BCE. It exemplifies the Achaemenid style of architecture. UNESCO declared the ruins of Persepolis a World Heritage Site in 1979. Persepolis is near the small river Pulvar, which flows into the river Kur (derived from Persian word Cyrus / Kuroush). The site includes a 125,000 square metre terrace, partly artificially constructed and partly cut out of a mountain, with its east side leaning on Kuh-e Rahmet ("the Mountain of Mercy"). The other three sides are formed by retaining walls, which vary in height with the slope of the ground. Rising from 5–13 metres (16–43 feet) on the west side was a double stair. From there, it gently slopes to the top. To create the level terrace, depressions were filled with soil and heavy rocks, which were joined together with metal clips.

Around 519 BC, construction of a broad stairway was begun. The stairway was initially planned to be the main entrance to the terrace 20 metres (66 feet) above the ground. The dual stairway, known as the Persepolitan stairway, was built symmetrically on the western side of the Great Wall. The 111 steps measured 6.9 metres (23 feet) wide, with treads of 31 centimetres (12 inches) and rises of 10 centimetres (3.9 inches). Originally, the steps were believed to have been constructed to allow for nobles and royalty to ascend by horseback. New theories, however, suggest that the shallow risers allowed visiting dignitaries to maintain a regal appearance while ascending. The top of the stairways led to a small yard in the north-eastern side of the terrace, opposite the Gate of Nations.Grey limestone was the main building material used in Persepolis. After natural rock had been levelled and the depressions filled in, the terrace was prepared. Major tunnels for sewage were dug underground through the rock. A large elevated water storage tank was carved at the eastern foot of the mountain. Professor Olmstead suggested the cistern was constructed at the same time that construction of the towers began.The uneven plan of the terrace, including the foundation, acted like a castle, whose angled walls enabled its defenders to target any section of the external front. Diodorus writes that Persepolis had three walls with ramparts, which all had towers to provide a protected space for the defense personnel. The first wall was 7 metres (23 feet) tall, the second, 14 metres (46 feet) and the third wall, which covered all four sides, was 27 metres (89 feet) in height, though no presence of the wall exists in modern times.

O/N: Bavanat

Day4: Bavanat

After breakfast, visit Bavanat (Bavanat County is a county in the Fars Province of Iran.The capital of the county is Surian.The county is subdivided into two districts: the Central District and Sarchehan District. The county has two cities: Surian and Korehi.

Bavanat: city with relatively mountainous climate & beautiful nature & unspoiled with a green jewel in the Crown in the North East province of Fars province shines.

The city from the north and from the south Bashhrstan city Neyriz and Arsanjan and the East and the West of Yazd province bordering with the city of Pasargadae is Khrmbyd. Town green with grape vines, walnuts, almonds, apple, peach, apricot, yellow plum, prune, peach, cherry, to, of pear, cherry and other trees are cold.

Bavanat in wine-growing city and its variants and walnut production in the province has the first place. Walnuts and raisins years and the city are known for country.

four-piece Sassanid (the beginning of the entrance of the village at a distance of 30 km from the city center Manj monj Bavanat to Yazd Province), inn Brdshyraz (Sassanian period and at a distance of 40 km from the city center to the north and Yazd), Grand Mosque Suri (in the centerand the southern city of Shiraz Bavanat to the fact that at the time of the Safavid for pedestrians Vspah troops to the center of the country is made) stone castle Simakan (this work belongs to the Qajar era and on top of a hill in the village and at 25 kg Simakan meters from the city center) and the city's large resorts such as resort Khatun Mohammad Hanafiyyah on the hillside and 5 km south of Shhrsvryan Bavanat and promenade Old Kdvyh in Mazayjan, Bavanat and within 35 km from the city center.

O/N: Bavanat

Day5: Bavanat – Yasouj

Half day visit Bavanat. After noon drive to Yasouj.Yasuj is an industrial city in the Zagros Mountains of southwestern Iran. The term "Yasuj" is also used to refer to the entire region.Yasuj has both a sugar processing plant and a coal-burning powerplant that generates electricity for the area.

The people of Yasuj speak Lurish, one of the western Iranian languages. The area of Yasuj has been settled since as early as the Bronze Age. Findings include the Martyrs Hills (dating from 3rd millennium BC), the Khosravi Hill from the Achaemenian period, and the ancient site of Gerd, the Pataveh Bridge, and the Pay-e Chol cemetery. Yasuj is the place where Alexander III of Macedon and his Macedonian forces stormed the Persian Gates ("Darvazeh-ye Fars"), and fought themselves a way into the Persian heartland (331 BC)

O/N: Yasouj

Day 6: Yasouj- kuhrang

After breakfast, drive to Kuhrang.

Kuhrang County: is a county in Chaharmahal-o-Bakhtiari Province in central Iran. It is located to the west of the nation's capital Tehran, in the northwest of the province. The capital of the county is Chelgard.At the 2006 census, the county's population was 33,468, in 5,980 families.The county is subdivided into two districts: Central District and Bazoft District. The county has one city: Chelgard.

Dimeh: the name of the eyes in the village Dimeh around the city Kuhrang, is Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province. Dimeh is one of the main branches of the river and the river, 10 km chelgerd.

Chelgerd Ski resort: The Ski resort of entertainment venues - tourist city is Kuhrang in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province. This ski resort is located 85 km from this city and ski Dspyst Chlgrdtrsy it is possible through the Zagros region.

O/N: Kuhrang

Day7: Kuhrang

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Day8: Kuhrang

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Day9: Kuhrang- Isfahan

After breakfast, drive to Isfahan. After noon visit Chehel Sotun Palace and Naqsh-e Jahan Complex Include: Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque,Emam Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace and Traditional Bazaar.At night, visit Si-o-She Pol and Khaju Bridges.

1-Naqshejahan square, Naqsh-e Jahan Square known as Imam Square, formerly known as Shah Square, is a square situated at the center of Isfahan city, Iran. Constructed between 1598 and 1629, it is now an important historical site, and one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. It is 160 metres (520 ft) wide by 560 metres (1,840 ft) long (an area of 89,600 square metres (964,000 sq ft)). The square is surrounded by buildings from the Safavid era. The Shah Mosque is situated on the south side of this square. On the west side is the Ali Qapu Palace. Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque is situated on the eastern side of this square and at the northern side Keisaria gate opens into the Isfahan Grand Bazaar. Today, Namaaz-e Jom'eh(the Muslim Friday prayer) is held in the Shah Mosque.

2- Ali Qapu palace, Built at the very end of the 16th century as a residence for Shah Abbas I, this six-storey palace also served as a monumental gateway to the royal palaces that lay in the parklands beyond (Ali Qapu means the ‘Gate of Ali’). Named for Abbas’ hero, the Imam Ali, it was built to make an impression, and at six storeys and 38m tall it certainly does this.

 The highlight of the palace is its elevated terrace, which features 18 slender columns. The terrace affords a wonderful perspective over the square and one of the best views of the Masjed-e Shah. The attractive wooden ceiling with intricate inlay work and exposed beams is currently undergoing a heavy restoration.

Many of the valuable paintings and mosaics that once decorated the 52 small rooms, corridors and stairways were destroyed during the Qajar period and after the 1979 revolution. Fortunately, a few remain in the throne room off the terrace.

On the upper floor, the music room is definitely worth the climb. The stucco ceiling is riddled with the shapes of vases and other household utensils cut to enhance the acoustics. This distinctive craftsmanship, considered by some to be one of the finest examples of secular Persian art, extends to the walls.

 3-sheikhlotf-ollah mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is one of the architectural masterpieces of Safavid Iranian architecture, standing on the eastern side of Naghsh-iJahan Square, Isfahan, Iran. Construction of the mosque started in 1603 and was finished in 1619.

4- Old bazaar. The Bazaar of Isfahan or Isfahan Bazaar is a historical market in Isfahan, Iran, one of the oldest and largest bazaars in the Middle East, dating back to the 17th century. The bazaar is a vaulted two-kilometre street linking the old city with the new.

The Bazaar of Isfahan is located in downtown old Isfahan, Iran, in the northern section of the Naqsh-e Jahan Square. The main entrance called Qeisarieh and you can walk all along to the Friday mosque Jameh Mosque the oldest mosque in Isfahan, and one of the oldest in Iran.

Before you enter the Grand Bazaar, if you look back you will see the magnificent view of the square, which is one of the biggest squares in the entire world. All around the square are bazaars full of magnificent Persian handicrafts

O/N: Isfahan

Day10: Isfahan

Full day Isfahan city tour: visit Hasht Behesht Palace, Fire Temple and Shaking Minarets,Armenian Vank, Cathedral. 

1-HashtBehsht Palace,HashtBehesht, meaning "Eight Paradises" is a Safavid era palace in Isfahan. It was built in 1669 and is today protected by Iran's Cultural Heritage Organization.

2- Vank Cathedral, Vank Cathedral was one of the first churches to be established in the city's Jolfa district by Armenian deportees settled by Shah Abbas I after the Ottoman War of 1603-1605. The varying fortunes and independence of this suburb across the Zayandeh rood and its eclectic mix of European missionaries, mercenaries and travelers can be traced almost chronologically in the cathedral's combination of building styles and contrasts in its external and internal architectural treatment. 

3 - Monarjonban, the MonarJonban (Shaking Minarets), or Menar-e-jomban, is a monument located in Isfahan, in central Iran. Construction began in the 14th century to cover the grave of Amu AbdollahSoqla. Its notable feature is that if one of the minarets is shaken, the other minaret will shake as well.

O/N: Isfahan

Day11: Isfahan – Matin Abad

Matinabad is a village in Khaledabad Rural District, Emamzadeh District, Natanz County, and Isfahan Province, Iran. At the 2006 census, its population was 547, in 137 families. 

In Matin abad tour:

· Camel riding in the desert 

· 4x4 rides in the deser

· Biking in the desert

· Desert excursions 

· Astronomy- Due to the open space and the clear skies of the desert, many go to these parts for astronomy purposes. There are also some facillities available in the Matin abad camp.

O/N: Matin Abad

Day12: Matin Abad- Abyaneh- Kashan

After breakfast, drive to Kashan in the way visit Abyaneh.

Abyaneh is a village in Barzrud Rural District, in the Central District of Natanz County, Isfahan Province. At the 2006 census, its population was 305, in 160 families. Characterized by a peculiar reddish hue, the village is one of the oldest in Iran, attracting numerous native and foreign tourists year-round, especially during traditional feasts and ceremonies.

An Abyanaki woman typically wears a white long scarf (covering the shoulders and upper trunk) which has a colourful pattern and an under-knee skirt. Abyunaki people have persistently maintained this traditional costume.On top of the village sits the ruins of a Sasanid era fort.

The dialect of the people of Abyaneh has preserved some characteristics of the Middle Persian language, the language of the Sassanian Persia.

In Kashan.Full day visit city: Sialk hills, traditional houses Tabatabais and Brujerdis. Fin garden and Shazdeh Ibrahim Tomb.

O/N: Kashan

Day13: Kasgahan – Tehran

Early morning, drive to Tehran, when arrived to Tehran visit Iran National Museum, Carpet Museum, Glass Museum, Bazaar, Golestan Palace.

Golestan Palace,literally the Roseland Palace, is the former royal Qajar complex in Iran's capital city, Tehran.The oldest of the historic monuments in Tehran, a world heritage, the Golestan Palace belongs to a group of royal buildings that were once enclosed within the mud-thatched walls of Tehran’s Historic Arg (citadel)

National Museum of Iranis located in Tehran, Iran.It is the combination of two buildings which include the Museum of Archaeological Iran ("Muze ye Irān e Bāstān", a brick, Sasanian revival building inaugurated in 1937), and the modernistic white travertine Museum of the Islamic Era ("Muze ye Dowrān e Eslāmi", inaugurated in 1972).It is the best place to see the history of the Persia through preserved ancient and medieval Persian antiquities. These works include fine pottery vessels, historic metal objects, textiles remains from different regions of Iran, and also some rare books and coins.

Grand Bazaar is a historical market situated in the capital of Iran, Tehran. Throughout its history, in addition to shops the Grand bazaar has contained banks and financiers, mosques and guest houses. Traditionally, the Tehran bazaar was split into corridors, each specialising in different types of goods, including copper, carpets, paper, spices, and precious metals, as well as small traders selling all types of goods.Today, modern goods are available as well, in addition to the many traditional corridor traders that still survive. It is located In Arg Square and the main entrance is Sabzemeydoon.

O/N: Tehran

Day14: Tehran

After breakfast full day Tehran city tour, visiting Saad Abad Palace, Niyavaran Palace.After noon, visiting Imamzadeh Saleh. Holy Shrine, walk along longest old Valiasr Avenue and visit some shopping centers.

The Niavaran Complex is a historical complex situated in Shemiran, Tehran (Greater Tehran), Iran.It consists of several buildings and monuments built in the Qajar and Pahlavi eras. The complex traces its origin to a garden in Niavaran region, which was used as a summer residence by Fath-Ali Shah of the Qajar Dynasty.

A pavilion was built in the garden by the order of Naser ed Din Shah of the same dynasty, which was originally referred to as Niavaran House, and was later renamed Saheb Qaranie House. The pavilion of Ahmad Shah Qajar was built in the late Qajar period. During the reign of the Pahlavi Dynasty, a modern built mansion named Niavaran House was built for the imperial family of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. All of the peripheral buildings of the Saheb Qaranie House, with the exception of the Ahmad Shahi Pavilion, were demolished, and the buildings and structures of the present-day complex were built to the north of the Saheb Qaranie House. In the Pahlavi period, the Ahmad Shahi Pavilion served as an exhibition area for the presents from world leaders to the Iranian monarchs.

The Sa'dabad Complex is a complex built by the Qajar and Pahlavi monarchs, located in Shemiran, Greater Tehran, Iran. Today, the official residence of the President of Iran is located adjacent to the complex. The complex was first built and inhabited by Qajar monarchs in the 19th century. After an expansion of the compounds, Reza Shah of the Pahlavi Dynasty lived there in the 1920s, and his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, moved there in the 1970s. After the 1979 Revolution, the complex became a museum.

O/N: Tehran

Day15: Departure,

Transfer to airport and flight to home.