A PASSAGE TO PERSIA
A cultural tour of Iran

The wonders of ancient Persia and modern day Iran in one 11-day program. For a civilisation that goes back to antiquity, it is an art to provide so much in a short and comfortable journey. A Passage to Persia covers the best of this rich heritage to humanity and gives an insight to the marvels of civilisations. In our Passage we travel through Tehran, Yazd, Shiraz and Esfahan. Optional extensions to other regions of Iran are also offered.

Day 01: Arrive Tehran
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 (1 night)

Day 02: Tehran/Yazd (Flight)
Our morning tour of Tehran will include the Glass and Ceramic Museum and Sa'dabad Palace followed by the Archaeological Museums. The fine collection includes a stone sculpture 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.). Afternoon transfer to the airport for a 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 03: Yazd
As Yazd is home of 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 5 century 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). (B, D)

Day 04: Yazd/Shiraz (Drive 409 kms/252 miles)
Morning depart for Shiraz via Pasargadae - the capital of Cyrus the Great where we will also visit his tomb. Shiraz, traditionally known as the city of Roses and Nightingales, and rightly so, is the home of the finest Persian lyrics as well as the cradle of the Persian Civilization.
Overnight: Homa Hotel, Shiraz (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 05: Persepolis
Persepolis is the last and ultimate expression of the ancient Middle East. Nearly 2500 years ago, construction for its magnificent structure was begun 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. (B, D)

Day 06: Shiraz/Esfahan (Flight)
Our day is spent exploring Shiraz where we start with a visit to the picturesque Eram Garden, famous for its cypress trees. Next we visit the 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 sit on a floor of cushions and mingle with the locals. Our next stop takes us to 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. This wonderful day culminates with a trip to a labyrinthine bazaar. Evening we take a flight to Esfahan - another highlight and a not-to-miss city in any tour of Iran. Legend has it that Esfahan was founded at the time of Tahmourass or Keykavous. During the Safavid Era (16th/17th Century AD.), Esfahan is a city of Gardens and Palaces; a trade center recognized by the saying, "Esfahan is half of the world".
Overnight: Abbasi Hotel, Esfahan (3 nights) (B, D)

Day 07: Esfahan
Esfahan is a city one can never forget. Our tour of this magnificent medina begins with a visit to Hacht Behesht Palace, a charming garden palace, built in 1680, with impressive mosaics and stalactite moldings. Then we are off to see the richly decorated and serene Armenian Vank Church followed by the glorious Friday Mosque. No trip to Esfahan 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 Esfahani tea. (B, D)

Day 08: Esfahan
Our morning begins with a visit to the Emam Khomeini Square. This majestic square, built in 1612, is constantly bustling with activity. Then, we take in the beautifully proportioned and decorated 17th century Masjed-e Sheikh Lotfollah and then off to see the magnificent Emam Mosque – one of the most stunning buildings in Iran. Next, a visit to the 6-story 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 finish off this day of exploration with a trip to the most famous bazaar in Iran. (B, D)

Day 09: Esfahan/Tehran (Drive 256m / 414 Kms)
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.
Overnight: Laleh Hotel, Tehran (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 10: Tehran
Morning 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’s era, was opened in 1977. It exhibits artifacts dating back to prehistoric, ancient and Islamic periods and is particularly rich in Islamic calligraphy. Lastly, visit the bazaar for that last minute souvenir. (B, D)

Day 11: Depart Tehran
Morning transfer to the airport for the departure flight. (B)

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)

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Departure Dates

2009 English Speaking Departures May 01 & Sep 25

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 Tehran/Yazd and Shiraz/Esfahan 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 2009 US $ 3990 US $ 695 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 2009 Susa US $ 1180 US $ 225 Caspian Sea & Masuleh US $ 795  US $ 225 Mashhad  US $ 1180 US $ 225 Kish Island  US $ 1100 US $ 285

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

Canada - West Coast N/A USA - West Coast US $ 1600 Canada - East Coast N/A USA - East Coast US $ 1400

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.