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: Pars 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 (Drive)
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.  Continue onto 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)

Day 07: Esfahan
Today visit includes Imam Square (Naqsh-e- Jahan) with its Sheikh Lotfollah and Imam Mosques, Aliqapu Palace, Chehel Sutoon Palace (40 pillars) built by Shah Abbas as a hall of audience and visit what definitely a most famous bazaar in Iran. (B, D)

Day 08: Esfahan/Tehran (Drive)
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.   Next is a visit to the exquisite Shrine of Fatima in Qum and later we view the Tomb of Ayatollah Khomeini.
Overnight:  Laleh Hotel, Tehran (1 night) (B, D)

Day 09: Depart Tehran
Morning transfer to the airport for the departure flight. (B)

Optional Extensions

CASPIAN SEA and 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)

MASHHAD

Day 09: Tehran/Mashhad (Flight)
This morning we are transferred to the airport for a flight to Mashhad.  Afternoon tour of Mashhad.
Overnight: Ghasr 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)

SUSA

Day 09: Tehran/Ahwaz (Flight)
This morning we are transferred to the airport for a flight to Ahwaz.  Afternoon tour of Ahwaz.
Overnight: Pars 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)

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: Maryam 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
2012 English Speaking Departures Apr 06, May 11, Jun 22, Jul 06, Sep 14 & Oct 05
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Accommodation as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes International airfares Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast D=Dinner) Departure/airport taxes Domestic air ticket Tehran/Shiraz Insurance & Visa fees All sightseeing and transfers Tips/Gratitude to Drivers & Guides Entrance fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary   Services of local English speaking guide   Necessary visa support
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 2012 US $ 3180 US $ 495 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 2012 Susa US $ 1180 US $ 225 Caspian Sea & Masuleh US $ 795  US $ 225 Mashhad  US $ 1180 US $ 255 Kish Island  US $ 1100 US $ 285
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast US $ 1300 USA - West Coast US $ 1100 Canada - East Coast US $ 1100 USA - East Coast US $ 900
Participants
This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 10 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.