SOJOURN IN IRAN
A cultural tour of Iran

Sojourn In Iran is a specially designed program for those who would like to see the best of Iran in as little a time as possible. This 9-day journey covers the three main centers of Tehran, Shiraz and Esfahan. This tour program can be combined with the many other programs we are offering in the region.

Day 01: Arrive Tehran (IRAN)
On arrival, we are welcomed to Tehran, the pearl of Persia. After checking into our hotel, we enjoy a leisurely evening and rest up, before our formal itinerary of exploring this country rich in history and culture begins.
Overnight: Laleh Hotel, Tehran (2 nights)

Day 02: Tehran
Full day tour starts off with a visit to the Carpet Museum which has an excellent collection of Iranian hand woven carpets, followed by the Museum of Reza Abbasi. This museum named after the most famous miniaturist in the Safavid era, was opened in 1977. It exhibits artifacts dating back to prehistoric, ancient and Islamic periods and is particularly rich in Islamic calligraphy. Lastly, we visit the Archaeological Museums with its fine collection including a stone capital of a winged lion from Susa and a 6th century B.C. audience hall relief of Darius the Great from the Treasury at Persepolis. The museum has items dating back from the Sumerian Period (4500 B.C.) to contemporary times. (B, D)

Day 03: Tehran/Shiraz (Flight)
Morning visit the Glass and Ceramic Museum and Sa'dabad Palace. Late afternoon transfer to the airport for our flight to Shiraz, traditionally known as the city of Roses and Nightingales.
Overnight: Homa Hotel, Shiraz (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 04: Shiraz
Shiraz is the capital of the Province of Fars. Our visit today will include the Eram Garden, the tombs of Saadi and Hafiz - two of the most well known Persian poets, Nasirol-Molk Mosque, Afif-Abad Garden, the Church of Saint Simmon the Zealot. (B, D)

Day 05: Shiraz/Esfahan (Flight)
Morning excursion to Persepolis, which in Greek literally means the capital of Persia, lies 60 kms/37 miles north of Shiraz. Persepolis is the last and final ultimate expression of the ancient Middle East. Construction began by Darius the Great (521 - 468 B.C.) as the focus of the mighty Achemenian Empire nearly 2500 years ago. Our next stop is Naqsh-e-Rustam - tomb of the famous Rustam. Late evening transfer to the airport for our flight to Esfahan, another highlight city. Legend has it that Esfahan was founded at the time of Tahmourass or Keykavous. During the Safavid Era (16th and 17th Century A.D.), Esfahan was a city of Gardens and Palaces, a trade centre recognised by the saying, "Esfahan is half of the world".
Overnight: Abbasi Hotel, Esfahan (3 nights) (B, D)

Day 06: Esfahan
Full day tour of this magnificent includes Hasht Behesht Palace (built in 1680 A.D. during the rule of Suleiman II, the Armenian Vank Church, Friday Mosque and the famous bridges. (B, D)

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Optional Extensions


1) Caspian Sea & Masuleh

Day 09: Tehran/Ramsar (Drive 195 kms/120 miles)
Morning depart for a picturesque drive to Ramsar. Evening tour of Ramsar.
Overnight: Ramsar Hotel, Ramsar (1 night) (B, D)

Day 10: Ramsar/Rashat (Drive 130 kms/80 miles)
Depart along the beautiful Caspian coastline to Rashat with a stop at Bandar-e-Anjil to visit a caviar factory.
Overnight: Kadoos Hotel, Rashat (1 night) (B, D)

Day 11: Rashat/Tehran (Drive 325 kms/201 miles)
This morning we visit the stunningly beautiful village of Masuleh. Afternoon return back to Tehran.
Overnight: Laleh Hotel, Tehran (1 night) (B, D)

Day 12: Depart Tehran
Morning transfer to the airport for the departure flight. (B)


2) Mashhad

Day 09: Tehran/Mashhad (Flight)
This morning we are transferred to the airport for a flight to Mashhad. Afternoon tour of Mashhad.
Overnight: Homa Hotel, Mashhad (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 10: Mashhad
Day excursion to Neishapour, visit will also include the tomb of Amar Khayyam. (B, D)

Day 11: Mashhad/Tehran (Flight)
Morning we visit the famous pilgrim’s bazaar. Afternoon transfer back to the airport for a flight to Tehran.
Overnight: Laleh Hotel, Tehran (1 night) (B, D)

Day 12: Depart Tehran
Morning transfer to the airport for the departure flight. (B)


3) Susa

Day 09: Tehran/Ahwaz (Flight)
This morning we are transferred to the airport for a flight to Ahwaz. Afternoon tour of Ahwaz.
Overnight: Fadjr Hotel, Ahwaz (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 10: Ahwaz
Day excursion to Susa, visit will also include Tchogha Zanbil. (B, D)

Day 11: Ahwaz/Tehran (Flight)
Morning transfer back to the airport for a flight to Tehran.
Overnight: Laleh Hotel, Tehran (1 night) (B, D)

Day 12: Depart Tehran
Morning transfer to the airport for the departure flight. (B)

4) Kish Island

Day 09: Tehran/Kish Island (Flight)
This morning we are transferred to the airport for a flight to the Kish Island. Afternoon tour of the city.
Overnight: Shayan Hotel, Kish Island (3 nights) (B, D)

Day 10: Kish Island
Day free to enjoy this spectacular island. (B, D)

Day 11: Kish Island
Day free. (B, D)

Day 12: Kish Island/Tehran (Flight)
Morning transfer back to the airport for a flight to Tehran.
Overnight: Laleh Hotel, Tehran (1 night) (B, D)

Day 13: Depart Tehran
Morning transfer to the airport for the departure flight. (B)

Departure Dates

2008 English Speaking Departures Apr 11, May 16, Jun 30, Jul 18, Aug 08 & Oct 17

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 Domestic air tickets Shiraz/Esfahan and Shiraz/Esfahan Travel Insurances / Visa Fees All Sightseeing and Transfers Drinks/Beverages with meals Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites Tips/Gratuities to Drivers & Guides 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 2008 US $ 2355 • CA $ 2355 US $ 350 • CA $ 350 Optional Extensions Prices Cost includes: Flights as per itinerary, Airport Transfers, Hotel Accommodation, Porterage and Guide services. NOTE: Meals are as mentioned. Cost is based on per person double occupancy. For single room add single room supplement.   Departure Excursion Name Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2008 Susa US $ 975 • CA $ 975 US $ 165 • CA $ 165 Caspian Sea & Masuleh US $ 630 • CA $ 630 US $ 165 • CA $ 165 Mashhad US $ 970 • CA $ 970 US $ 165 • CA $ 165 Kish Island US $ 890 • CA $ 890 US $ 205 • CA $ 225

Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour

Canada - West Coast CA $ 1800 USA - West Coast US $ 1400 Canada - East Coast CA $ 1600 USA - East Coast US $ 1200

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 15 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.