Tours of Iran

Great Empires of Iran

One of the most enigmatic countries on earth, the modern face of Iran is just one facet of a culture that can trace its origins back to the Median tribes of classic antiquity. This comprehensive journey across the old Persian Empire encompasses many of the highlights of the country's ancient and contemporary heritage, beginning with its vibrant capital and finishing with the stunning Islamic architecture of Isfahan.Tehran is a rich mix of the old and the new. The largest city in Western Asia, it is home to one of the largest collection of Imperial jewels on the planet, as well as historic mosques, churches and Zoroastrian fire temples. Flying on to Kerman, originally founded as a defensive outpost by the Sassanids, you'll visit the oasis village of Mahan, before driving across the desert to Yazd, once the centre of Zoroastrian culture.Moving on through Persian history, you then visit the ancient Archaemenid capitals of Pasargadae and Persepolis, before enjoying some time exploring the beautiful gardens and architecture of Shiraz and Isfahan, home to some of Iran's greatest Islamic masterpieces.

Tour includes: 2 Iran Air internal flights - 14 nights five star hotel accommodation (local grading) - 14 breakfasts - Accompanied by an experienced English speaking local guide on private basis - Private driver and vehicle - Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees - Private guided transfers to and from all airports - Guide's and driver's expenses

Undiscovered Iran

Home to some of the world's most spectacular Islamic treasures, Iran is a dazzling fusion of cultures and traditions, with the more remote areas of this vast country providing a rich haven for a significant Kurdish minority. Delve a little deeper into its ancient culture on this remarkable journey into the heart of one of the oldest civilisations on the planet.After a chance to explore some of the highlights of the Iranian capital, you'll fly on to Ahwaz and the southern province of Khuzestan, once the capital of the old Elamite Kingdom. Pay a visit to the once great Elamite city of Susa and explore the World Heritage site of Choga Zanbil, before following the road north, towards the Kurdish heartland of Kermanshah. Explore Achaemenid and Parthian ruins, take a boat ride through the underground caves of Ali Sadr and visit the holy city of Qom, before continuing across the desert to Yazd, one of the oldest cities in the world. Following the caravan routes of the old Silk Road you then continue to Kerman, from where you will fly on to Mashad, Iran's holiest city and the site of the revered shrine of Imam Reza.

Tour includes: 3 Iran Air internal flights - 13 nights four star hotel accommodation (local grading) - 13 breakfasts - Accompanied by an experienced English speaking local guide on private basis - Private driver and vehicle, normally a saloon car for one or two people - Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees - Private guided transfers to and from all airports

Iran: Mountains, Cities And Nomads

Home to one of the oldest civilisations on earth, Iran can boast a cultural legacy of unparalleled scope. The lands of Cyrus the Great and the powerful Achaemenids, the Persia of antiquity once held sway over all the known world, from North Africa to the lands west of the Indus, before go-ing on to play a leading role in a period that many saw as the golden age of Islam.This comprehensive journey into the heart of this fascinating country takes you across a histori-cal landscape that stretches back to the beginnings of the Persian Empire and beyond. You'll journey from the Alborz Mountains and deep into the deserts of central Iran, visiting the fire temples of Yazd and the beautiful gardens of Kashan. You'll take in the poetry and culture of Shiraz and enjoy the stunning Islamic bridges and architecture of Isfahan.Amongst the mud brick houses and meandering alleyways of Abyaneh you will then escape to a timeless world of tradition, where you will spend an evening in the company of a people who's lifestyles have changed little in generations. The journey then fittingly ends back in Tehran, a city steeped in the traditions and history of the old and new Persia.

Tour includes: 13 nights four star or five star hotel accommodation, 2 nights homestay - 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners - Private guided sightseeing - Private driver and vehicle - Entrance fees included as per itinerary - Private guided transfers to and from all airports

Iran: Caspian Sea And Azerbaijan Province

Iran's more remote northern regions lie spread along the shores of the Caspian, the largest body of inland water on the planet. Densely forested and dominated by the snow-covered peaks of the Alborz Mountains, they differ markedly from their more southerly neighbours and, as you travel farther west, the Azerbaijan influences become more pronounced amongst its architecture, people and culture.From Tehran you'll head first towards the remote valleys around Qazvin, home to the legendary mountain fortress of Alamut and the 'Valley of the Assassins'. Turning inland you then visit Soltaniyeh, before crossing the mountains and taking the road that leads down to the Caspian coast and the lush tea plantations around Lahijian. A return to the mountains then provides an opportunity to overnight with a family in the traditional village of Masouleh, before continuing west towards the hot springs of Sareiyn and Tabriz.In Tabriz you will visit the beautifully sited Armenian church of St. Stepanos and Kara Kelisa, the most important pilgrimage centre for Armenian Christians in Iran. You'll also enjoy a guided tour of the city, taking in its famous citadel and its central bazaar before flying back to Tehran.

Tour includes: 1 Iran Air internal flight - 6 nights four star hotel, 3 nights local guesthouse - 9 breakfasts, 3 dinners - Accompanied by an experienced English speaking local guide on private basis - Private driver and vehicle - Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees - Private guided transfers to and from all airports - Guide's and driver's expenses

Iran: Persian Insight

Home to one of the oldest civilisations on earth, Iran can boast a cultural legacy of unparalleled scope. The lands of Cyrus the Great and the powerful Achaemenids, the Persia of antiquity once held sway over all the known world, from North Africa to the lands west of the Indus.This fascinating journey takes you across a historical landscape that stretches back to the be-ginnings of the Persian Empire, from its ancient capitals near Shiraz and the beautiful 16th cen-tury Safavid capital of Isfahan, to the modern day setting of Tehran, the centre of a new Per-sian empire. A truly enthralling adventure into the heart of a great civilisation, you will explore the ancient cities of Persepolis and Pasgardae, before moving on to discover the Islamic beauty of Isfahan, who's enviable collection of mosques, palaces and bridges have rightly earned it World Heritage status. You will also explore something of the traditional character of the country, with visits to the picturesque village of Abayaneh and the merchants houses of Kashan, before finishing in Teh-ran, a city steeped in the traditions of the old and new Persia.

Tour includes: 7 nights four star or five star hotel accommodation (local grading) - 7 breakfasts - Private guided sightseeing - Private driver and vehicle - Entrance fees included as per itinerary - Private guided transfers to and from all airports