 A
PASSAGE TO PERSIA & SYRIA
A cultural tour of Iran
& Syria
Persia
and Syria, a combination that is like tracing “where
it all began”. Both civilizations made profound
accomplishments in poetry, art, architecture, science
and history. Names like Darius, Xerxes, Alexander
the Great, Jesus Chrits, Rustam, Omar Khayyam, Hafiz,
Saadi, Shamsh Tabriz, Attar, Ibn Sina, Salahuddin
Ayubi are figures of international stature that all
had a role in making history in these countries.
Passage to Persia and Syria, in an artistically 18-day
comfortable journey, traces the role so many of the
these magnets played in making the world and it’s
arts to where we are today. We have as much continuity
of history in these two countries as diversity. Two
small group departures timed for the best weather – with
one in the Fall of 2009 and the other Spring 2010..
Day 01: Depart home city for Tehran
We start our exciting Passage to Persia and
Syria as we board for our flight for Tehran.
Day 02: Arrive Tehran
Upon arrival, we are welcomed ay Tehran,
the pearl of Persia. After checking into
our hotel, we enjoy a leisurely day and rest.
Evening the beginning of cultural immersion
into Persia begins with a welcome dinner
a typical Persian restaurant where we will
be entertained with poetry recitals and shisha
hookah.
Overnight: Laleh Hotel, Tehran (2 nights)
(D)
 Day 03: Tehran
We start our exploration of Persia with a
visit to the Carpet Museum displaying an
excellent collection of old Iranian hand
woven carpets, followed by the Museum of
Reza Abbasi named after the most famous miniaturist
in the Safavid’s era. It exhibits artifacts
dating back to prehistoric, ancient and Islamic
periods and is particularly rich in Islamic
calligraphy. We culminate the day with an
entertaining and cultural insight at the
local colourful bazaar where we stroll through
the narrow lanes. (B, D)
Day 04: Tehran / Yazd (Flight)
Tehran is a city of museums and we start
with the unique Glass and Ceramic Museum
and then the Archeological Museum where stone
sculpture of a winged lion from Susa and
a 6thC B.C. audience hall relief of Darius
the Great from the Treasury at Persepolis
are on display. We then visit the majestic
Sa'dabad Palace before proceeding to the
airport for our flight to Yazd, located in
the heart of Iran. Yazd was a major stop
on the international caravan routes to Central
Asia and India. The architecture of Yazd
is the most traditionally Persian to be found.
Overnight: Safaiyeh Hotel, Yazd (2 nights)
(B, D)
Day 05: Yazd
As Yazd is home to the more traditional
Persian architecture, we begin our day
with a visit to the Zoroastrian Towers
of Silence and Fire Temple (where a fire
is still kept burning from 5thC AD). We
continue to the magnificent Masjed-e Jameh
and Amir-Chakhmaq Mosques and then tour
Doulat Abad Garden with its traditional
ventilation shaft (wind tower). Dinner
will consist of local Yazdi cuisine. (B,
D)
Day 06: Yazd / Shiraz (Drive 409 kms)
Morning we take a scenic drive to Pasargadae
- the capital of Cyrus the Great where
we also visit his tomb. From Pasargade
we drive to Shiraz, well known known as
the city of Roses and Nightingales, and
rightly so, as it is the home of the finest
Persian poets as well as the cradle of
the Persian Civilization.
Overnight: Homa Hotel, Shiraz (2 nights)
(B, D)
Day 07: Persepolis
Persepolis is the last and ultimate expression
of the ancient Middle East. Nearly 2500
years ago, construction of the magnificent
structures was initiated by Darius the
Great with the intent to make it the focus
of the mighty Achemenian Empire. Our tour
will also include the Naqsh-e-Rustam where
hewn out of a cliff rest the tombs believed
to be of Darius I and II, Atraxerxes and
Xerxes I. A typical Shirazi dinner awaits
us at a local entertainment. (B, D)
 Day 08: Shiraz / Isfahan (Flight)
We explore Shiraz visiting the picturesque
Eram Garden, (famous for its cypress trees)
and tombs of Persia’s best-known
poets, Saadi and Hafiz. While there, why
not enjoy a cup of chai at the wonderful
atmospheric teahouse where one sits on
a floor of cushions and mingle with the
locals. We then visit the “modern” Nasirol-Molk
mosque and the pretty Afif-Abad Garden
followed by a visit to the Church of Saint
Simmon the Zealot with the famed stained
glass windows. The day culminates with
a trip to a labyrinthine bazaar before
our short flight to Isfahan.
Overnight: Abbasi Hotel, Esfahan (3 nights)
(B, D)
Day 09: Isfahan
Legend has it that Isfahan was founded
at the time of Tahmourass or Keykavous.
During the Safavid Era (16th/17thC AD.)
Isfahan became a city of Gardens and Palaces
and the beauty is indicated in the quote: "Isfahan
is half of the world".
Isfahan is so beautiful that it can never
be forgotten. We tour the magnificent medina
including the Hacht Behesht Palace, a charming
garden palace, built in 1680, with impressive
mosaics and stalactite moldings. Next we
visit the richly decorated and serene Armenian
Vank Church and the glorious Friday Mosque.
No trip to Isfahan is complete without
visiting the famous old bridges that cross
the Zayande River. We take some time here
to stroll along the riverbanks, mingle
with the friendly residents and join the
local folks for the famous Isfahani tea.
(B, D)
Day 10: Isfahan
We start the day with a visit to the Emam
Khomeini Square. This majestic square,
built in 1612, is constantly bustling with
activity. The next highlight is the beautifully
proportioned 17thC Masjed-e Sheikh Lotfollah
and the magnificent Emam Mosque – one
of the most stunning buildings in Iran.
Next, a visit to the six storey Ali Ghapu
Palace followed by a tour of the most impressive
pavilion and garden, Chehel Sutoon Place
built with 40 pillars by Shah Abbas. We
end this exciting day with a trip to the
most famous bazaar in Iran with a drive
seeing Isfahan by night. (B, D)
Day 11:
Isfahan / Kashan / Tehran (Drive 414 Kms)
/ Damascus (flight)
On our scenic drive to Tehran we stop at
Kashan, an attractive oasis town, and take
in its attractive sights. We visit Tabatabaie
Houses and Khan-e Borujerdi, built as a
private residence, now a charming museum
with a lovely courtyard. We then take in
the famous Fin Garden and witness its breathtaking
pools, orchards and natural springs. Next
we visit Agha Bozorg Mosque famous for
its lovely portals and minarets. After
lunch, we visit the exquisite Shrine of
Fatima in Qum and later we view the Tomb
of Ayatollah Khomeini. Continue to Tehran
airport for our flight to Damascus where
we are cordially met and transferred to
our hotel
Overnight: Carlton Hotel (2 nights) (B,
D)
 Day 12: Damascus
We start the day with a visit to one of
the oldest cities in the world, Damascus,
to see the National Museum, Tukia Al Sulaymanieh,
Suq Al Hamidiye, Ommayad Mosque, Saladdin
Memorial, Azem Palace, Straight Street
of Damascus, St. Ananias Chapel, St. Paul
Chapel. We also walk on the Biblical “street
called straight” where enjoy a Syrian
welcome dinner. (B, D)
Day 13: Damascus / Bosra / Damascus
Today is a day excursion to visit Bosra,
which is famous for its Roman amphitheater
dated back to the 2ndC AD, together with
an ancient Islamic minaret. In 632 AD,
Bosra was the first Byzantine city to
fall to the Arab Muslims, and it flourished
greatly as a point on both the trade
route and the pilgrimage route between Damascus
and Mecca. The crusaders failed to take
it over but it was their threat that
pushed
the Ayyubids into converting the theater
into a fortress
(B, D)
Day 14: Damascus / Palmyra (Drive)
This morning we head for the magnificent
Palmyra - the capital of the female Queen
Zenobia. She challenged the Roman Empire
and her empire went as far as Egypt.
We feel the might of Queen Zeonobia and
experience the Silk Road halt that Palmyra
was also famous for. We visit the Museum,
the Bel Temple, Tower Tombs, the Theater,
the Monumental Arch, Zenobia Bath, Bel
Shamin, Nebo Temple, the Street of Colonnades,
Agora. Evening stroll in the local village.
Overnight: Villa Palmyra Hotel, Palmyra
(1 night) (B, D)
Day 15: Palmyra / Crac des Chevaliers /
Aleppo (Drive)
Today we drive to the fascinating Crac
des Chevaliers, the castle that played
the vital role during the crusaders war.
Visiting this strategically built castle,
we then continue onto the ancient Silk
Road city of Hama and visit, amongst others,
the ancient water wheels before reaching
Aleppo. Evening time to enjoy the bazaar.
Overnight: Mirage Palace Hotel, Aleppo
(2 nights) (B, D)
Day 16: Aleppo / St. Simeon / Aleppo
Today we visit the famous St. Simeon -
a striking example of the architecture
during the times of the Dead Cities that
flourished for more than 400 years. From
here we continue for Aleppo and visit the
most dominating site of the Citadel of
Aleppo. The Citadel dates back to the Fatimid & Ayyubid
eras - 11th & 12th C AD. Our Aleppo
tour takes us to famous souq and the Al
Wazir Caravanserai with all kinds of goods.
(B, D)
Day 17: Aleppo / Maaloula / Damascus
Our countryside drive to Damascus takes
us to Maaloula, the virgin village where
the people still speak Aramaic, the language
of Jesus Christ. Here we visit the famous
church where St Paul’s pupil, St
Takla took refuge. We continue for Damascus
and have our farewell dinner at a typical
local flair restaurant.
Overnight: Carlton Hotel, Damascus (1 night)
(B, D)
Day 18: Depart Damascus / home city
After a journey into history, we bid farewell
to the land that houses some of the oldest
living cities in the world. Transfer to
the airport for the departure flight. Ideal
opportunity to join one of Bestway’s
tours in the region. (B)
Departure
Dates |
| 2010
English Speaking Departures
Apr 06 & Sep 21
|
Inclusions |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include |
| Accommodation
as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes |
International
Airfare |
| Meals
as mentioned (B=Breakfast
, D=Dinner) |
Departure
Taxes |
| Flights:
Tehran / Yazd and Shiraz / Isfahan |
Insurance / Visa Fees |
| All
Sightseeing and Transfers |
Tips/Gratuities
to Drivers & Guides |
| Entrance
Fees to Museums and Sites |
Drinks/Beverages
with meals |
| Services
of local English speaking guide |
|
| Visa
Support as required |
|
|
Tour
Price |
|
| We
accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA
$ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for
clients outside North America).
Bestway
Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection.
Once full payment has been received, and no modification
has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour
that rate.
For
complete payment procedures, please download  Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf
Note: to read this file you must have Adobe
Acrobat. |
| Departure |
Double
Occupancy |
Single
Room Supplement |
| April
6 '10 |
US
$ 4895 US $ 4295 |
US
$ 850 US $ 795 |
| Sept
21 '10 |
US
$ 4995 |
US
$ 985 |
|
Estimated
International Airfare - International
airfare is NOT included in this tour |
| Canada
- West Coast |
US
$ 1600 |
USA
- West Coast |
US
$ 1400 |
| Canada
- East Coast |
US
$ 1800 |
USA
- East Coast |
US
$ 1600 |
|
Participants |
| This
tour operates on a minimum of 06 and a maximum of
20 participants. |
Notes
|
Customised
Itinerary
If you would like to have a tour on dates other
than the above ones or with a customised itinerary,
please contact us and we will be happy to work out
an exclusive program for you.
Foreign Language Departures
Please contact us for information on French,
German,
Italian and Spanish
speaking departures.
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com
or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of
U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844. |
 |
|
