Australia 1300 888 225
New Zealand 0800 440 055
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From
$8,399 NZD
Single
$9,449 NZD
Twin share
$8,399 NZD
17 days
Duration
Middle East
Destination
Level 2 - Introductory
to Moderate
Activity
Iran Culture and History Escorted Small
Group Tour – Apr 2018 Guaranteed
31 Mar 2018 - 16 Apr 2018
Iran Culture and History Escorted Small
Group Tour
Discovering Iran’s Heritage
Iran Culture and History Escorted Small Group Tour. On this unique
small group tour, we discover the fascinating history and culture that
Iran has to offer. Our escorted educational tour of Iran for mature
travellers is perfect for those with an active mind seeking to learn
about one of the world’s oldest civilisations. This seventeen-day
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program focuses on the west of Iran, taking in ten key destinations.
Itinerary
Our tour begins and ends in Tehran, this ancient land’s modern
capital. It then travels to nine destinations within the country,
including two nights each in Hamadan, Isfahan, and Shiraz. Along the
way, we explore many of Iran’s world heritage sites, including the
Fire Temple and the Tower of Silence in Yadz. We also see numerous mosques, minarets, mausoleums, and madrassahs
constructed during the Golden Age.
However, it is not just the major cities that we study. Our Iran
Heritage small group tours gives travellers the freedom to
experience rural life as well. For example, we explore nomadic
settlements on the edge of desert in the foothills of the Zagros
Mountains. We also enjoy a walking tour of Shiraz, known as the city
of poets, literature, wine, and flowers.
Led by our local guide, our tour takes in the great cities of Iran. There
are visits to historic sites, mosques, gardens, bazaars, and
teahouses. In Tehran, the program includes time for a trip to the
National Museum of Tehran, which specialises in glassware,
ceramics, carpets, and archaeological treasures. In addition,
travellers have the opportunity to study the country’s ancient Persian
civilisation, as well as its Islamic present. Together, we experience
life in a country that has an incredible history and is undergoing
significant changes.
Departures
Odyssey Travel has two departures for the Iran Heritage small group
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tours each year. Each program is limited to 18 people. Importantly,
Odyssey program leaders are trained to assist you with local
etiquette and customs to ensure an enjoyable vacation. This
information will form part of your pre-travel departure pack. Our program is suitable for mature travellers, including both couples and
singles.
I have never met such friendly people as the Iranians and the
country has some of the most interesting and memorable
sights to visit. The Persian empire and history is a fascinating
subject. Most people did not really know what to expect but
were more than pleased by the whole experience. The
country presently appears to be very stable and very safe. —
TM Feb, 2016
For more details, click the ‘Top 5’ or ‘Itinerary’ buttons above! If
you’re keen to experience this tour, please call or send an email. Or,
to book, simply fill in the form on the right hand side of this page.
Iran Culture and History Escorted Small Group Tours require Iran
authorisation that Odyssey assists on a small group tour to secure
the visa for. Odyssey’s affordable Iran travel educational tours have
been operating for almost 10 years.
Note: previously known as Persian Heritage
Tour Notes
Group size limited to 18.
Itineraries may change if flight schedules, site availability, and
other inclusions have to be amended prior to departure.
Top 5
1. Explore a secluded settlement occupied by nomads at Bavanat,
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on the edge of the desert in the Zagros Mountains.
2. Explore the National Museum of Tehran, which specialises in
glassware, ceramics, carpets, and archaeological treasures.
3. Be inspired by Shiraz, known as the city of poets, literature, wine,
and flowers.
4. Marvel at the World Heritage Fire Temple and the Towers of
Silence in Yadz.
5. Discover the myriad of splendid mosques, minarets, and
mausoleums constructed during the Golden Age.
Itinerary
Day 1
Locations: Tehran
Overview: When we arrive in Tehran, transfers are included for
clients arriving at specific flights which will be advised 60 days
before the tour departure. We will meet our local guide and transfer
to our hotel. For those arriving on a different flight, transfers are not
included. There will be free time to freshen up before lunch. This
afternoon, we will have a short visit to the National Museum and
Golestan Palace, if time permits. Otherwise, we will include it in the
following day. Tehran is the capital and largest city of Iran, and the
administrative center of Tehran Province. Tehran is a sprawling city
at the foot of the Alborz mountain range with an immense network
of highways unparalleled in Western Asia. Tehran is the second
largest city in the Middle East with a population of 7,404,515. (D)
Accommodation: 2 nights at Enghelab Hotel or similar.
Day 2
Locations: Tehran
Overview: Today we will explore Tehran sites including the
Sa'dabad Palace complex, the Carpet & Glassware Museum, and the
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Bazaar. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Enghelab Hotel or similar.
Day 3
Locations: Anzali
Overview: Today we will drive north via Rasht to Anzali. Anzali is the
most important seaport in the north of Iran and is near the Caspian
sea and the Anzali Lagoon. Owing to its position and climate, Anzali
districts are characterised by green fields and forests. We will visit
the village of Masuleh, where we will see the unique architecture of
Masuleh. In Masuleh, the roof of a house is the yard of the house
above and also the pavement in the village. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: 1 night at Sepid Kenar or similar.
Day 4
Locations: Zanjan
Overview: Today we will enjoy a short walk at the waterfront in
Anzali, then drive to the province of Zanjan. Zanjan is located
northwest of Iran, and its geographical conditions, abundant water
sources, and fertile soil have made the province suitable for farming
and animal husbandry. Most villages of the province are of ancient
origin. Here Soltaniyeh lies on a plain between two mountains. The
capital in Persia during the time of the Ilkhanid Mongols from 1302,
Soltaniyeh is home to the world's tallest brick dome now preserved
as a World Heritage Site. The turquoise Soltaniyeh Dome, which is
part of a mausoleum, has been described by Axworthy (2007) as
"one of the grandest monuments of Iranian Islamic architecture."
(B,L,D)
Accommodation: 1 night at Zanjan Bozorg Hotel or similar.
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Day 5
Locations: Takab
Overview: Today we will visit the great Sassanian religious site of
Takht Soleyman (Azargoshnasb Fire Temple) en route to Takab. The
Zoroastrian World Heritage site of Takht-e Soleiman dates back to
800 B.C. The water filled crater and fire found here were of great
symbolic significance to Zoroastrianism and are associated with the
volcanic history of the area. We will stay for the night in Takab, a hilly
market town. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: 1 night at Ranji Hotel or similar.
Day 6
Locations: Hamadan
Overview: Today we will travel to Hamadan via Alisadr Cave, which
is the largest cave in the world containing water. This cave is located
in the village of Alisadr, in the district of Kabudrahang. Hamadan is
about 340 kilometres southwest of Tehran by road, 1,700 metres
within the Zagros Mountains. This was the capital of Persia in
Achaemenian times, then called Ecbatana, and it is situated on the
route between the Mesopotamia and the Iranian Plateau. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: 2 nights at Hamadan Bou Ali Hotel or similar.
Day 7
Locations: Hamadan
Overview: Today we will travel southwest to Kermanshah. We will
visit the Temple of Anahita in Kangavar and the ancient village of
Taghe Bostan. After lunch we will visit the World Heritage-listed site
of Bisotun. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Hamadan Bou Ali Hotel or similar.
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Day 8
Locations: Kashan
Overview: Today we will drive southeast to Kashan to see Fin
Garden and the Tabatabaeeha and Boroujerdi Houses. Kashan is the
first of the large oases along the Qom-Kerman road which runs
along the edge of the Great Desert. The greenery and lively
atmosphere of the well-tended oasis stands out against the the
parched immensities of the Kavir region. We will enjoy the restful
shade of cupola (vault)-covered houses and the coolness of
pleasant gardens with water fountains. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: 1 night at Negarestan or similar.
Day 9
Locations: Isfahan
Overview: Today we will continue to travel to south, visiting
Abyaneh village on the way to Isfahan. A common saying during the
Safavid (1502-1722) period was that "Isfahan was half the world."
Today the city remains Iran's most beautiful. The wonderful
buildings may be attributed to Shah Abbas who made the town his
capital in 1598. These have added to the considerable wealth of
history already preserved in the buildings from earlier periods. We
will visit Vank Cathedral before we enjoy dinner. Next we will visit
Khadjou Bridge, which was built under Shah Abbas II. The bridge
doubles as a dam, and has always been as much a meeting place as
a bearer of traffic. The bridge features 2 levels of terraced arcades,
the lower containing locks regulating water flow. One can still see
original paintings, tiles, and the remains of stone seats built for Shah
Abbas II to sit on and admire the views. In the centre, a pavilion was
built exclusively for his pleasure. We will visit Sio She Pol (33 arches)
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Bridge before checking in to our hotel. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: 2 nights at Alighapoo Hotel or similar.
Day 10
Locations: Isfahan
Overview: We will have a full day to explore Isfahan, beginning with
visits to Naghshe Jahan (Imam Square), which is home to the Ali
Qapu, Imam and Sheikh Lotfollah mosques as well as the Gheisarieh
Bazaar. After lunch, we will visit Chehel Sotoun (Forty Pillars) and
Hasht Behesht (Eight Paradises) Palaces. We will have some free
time before dinner to explore the bazaar. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Alighapoo Hotel or similar.
Day 11
Locations: Yazd
Overview: Today we will continue our travel southward to Yazd,
which is one of the Iranian strongholds of Zoroastrianism. Zoroastrian
temples house eternal flames, as the religion worships fire. Although
they dress differently from other Iranians, Zoroaster women still
respect hejab rules of Iran and remain well covered, and the local
men can be recognised by being close shaven. The adobe buildings,
the street plans, wind towers, and the qanat water supply system of
the old city are a wonderful reflection of Persian architecture and
ingenuity as a response to the local hot desert environment. We will
also visit the ancient town of Meibod. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: 1 night at Arg Hotel or similar.
Day 12
Locations: Zeinoddin
Overview: Today our sightseeing will include a visit to the Towers of
Silence on the outskirts of Yazd. The towers were used to dispose of
the dead to avoid contaminating the soil with a body. Today the
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towers are still used as graves. We will also visit the Dowlat Abad
Garden, the Zoroastrian Fire Temple, and the old city. A highlight of
the tour will be our stay at the Zeinoddin Caravanserai, where we
will experience the recently refurbished traditional accommodation
set in the desert to the south of Yazd. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: 1 night at Zeinoddin Caravanserai or similar.
Day 13
Locations: Shiraz
Overview: We will drive 1,500 metres up into the southern Zagros
Mountains to Shiraz, which has a rich and turbulent history. It was
spared destruction by Genghis Khan's forces as well as the forces of
Timur who followed 160 years later. However, several earthquakes
and Afghan raids destroyed the area until it was resurrected as the
Iranian capital in the mid 18th century during the Zand dynasty. En
route we will visit the ancient Abarkouh Cypress tree and view the
amazing desert scenery. Closer to Shiraz, we will visit Pasargadae.
(B,L,D)
Accommodation: 3 nights at Persepolis Hotel or similar.
Day 14
Locations: Shiraz
Overview: Today we will visit the popular destination of Persepolis,
founded by Darius I in 518 B.C. Persepolis, which was the capital of
the Achaemenid Empire, is located about 60 kilometres northeast of
Shiraz. Persepolis was built on an immense half-artificial, half-natural
terrace, on which an impressive Mesopotamian-inspired palace
complex sits. The importance and quality of the monumental ruins
make it a unique archaeological site. We will also visit the Necropolis
(Naghsh-e-Rostam), before driving back to Shiraz where we will visit
Eram Gardem (Paradise Garden), followed by Nasir-o-Molk (Pink
Mosque) and Narenjestan Palace. We will also visit the Zand
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complex and the Tombs of Hafez, a 13th century poet, and Saadi, a
12th century poet. We will also walk past the Arg (citadel) on the way
to the main bazaar visit. This city of over 1 million people is within the
Province of Fars. Fars was once a much larger region, the language
of which, Farsi, is today's official language of Iran. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Persepolis Hotel or similar.
Day 15
Locations: Shiraz
Overview: We will spend our second day on a scenic drive west to
visit Iran's ancient city of Bishapur, which is full of strong HellenisticRoman and Persian influences in the architecture of its temple,
audience hall, and defense structures. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Persepolis Hotel or similar.
Day 16
Locations: Tehran
Overview: This morning we will complete our visits in Shiraz before
boarding our flight to Tehran. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: 1 night at Enghelab Hotel or similar.
Day 17
Locations: Tehran
Overview: We will spend our morning at leisure, and after lunch we
will visit the National Jewel Museum. Our tour will end with a transfer
to the airport for those booked for our evening flight which will be
advised 60 days prior to the tour start. For those departing on a
different flight, transfers are not included. (B,L)
Accommodation:
Inclusions / Exclusions
What's included in our Tour
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16 breakfasts, 16 lunches, and 16 dinners.
16 nights of hotel accommodation.
1 internal flight in economy class and taxes.
Transport in comfortable and modern coaches.
All lectures, excursions, entrance fees, and local guides.
Gratuities and necessary tips.
Services of tour leader for the duration of tour.
Visa Reference Number and supporting documents, required to
apply for the Visa.
What's not included in our Tour
Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls and laundry.
Comprehensive travel insurance.
International airfares and departure taxes.
Airport transfers if not on selected flights (as advised).
Visa service (Odyssey offer Visa Service at additional $150 per
person)
Visa fee
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any requests for further
information about this tour or any others offered by Odyssey Travel.
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