Day by Day Itinerary

October 31 DEPART U.S.A.
Friday
Meet your traveling companions tonight at New York’s JFK airport for our Turkish Airlines flight (TK002) departing at 6:45 PM. Meals enroute. Alternate departure available from Chicago. See Airfare and Upgrades for more information.

November 1 ISTANBUL – TEHRAN
Saturday
Arrive in Istanbul at 11:45 AM. Connect with your flight TK1278 departing at 2:25 PM on to Tehran. We arrive at 6:55 PM at the new Tehran airport. Khosh amadid (welcome) to Iran! We’ll be greeted at the airport, transferred to the Laleh Hotel, the former Intercontinental. View Tehran from your hotel window, with snow-capped mountains in the backdrop. If you’d like a snack at the hotel restaurant, it will be provided.

*****Laleh Hotel

November 2 TEHRAN
Sunday
Today we’ll begin our exploration. Tehran became Iran’s capital in the 18th century under Agha Mohammad Khan, the founder of the Qajar Dynasty. Tehran (meaning warm slope) is located south of the impressive Alborz Mountains. Tehran has excellent, beautifully displayed museums. We’ll be guided through the National-Archaeological Museum, the country’s foremost museum established in 1937. As a good introduction to Iran, the museum is divided into three different parts: Prehistoric, Persian and Islamic periods. See a stone capital of a winged lion from Susa and the sixth century BC audience hall relief of Darius the Great from the Treasury at Persepolis. Next, we’ll see the Glass and Ceramics Museum, once an extraordinarily beautiful private residence from the Qajar period and later used as the Egyptian Embassy. Here you can find glass and ceramic artifacts dating back to the second and first millennia BC. Drive to the Carpet Museum. Some of the most beautiful Iranian handicrafts dating back to the 15th century are displayed here. Finish the day off with manteau shopping for the ladies. Overnight in Tehran. (B-L-D)

*****Laleh Hotel

November 3 TEHRAN
Monday
Today, after a restful night and hearty breakfast, Bahman will lead us on a full-day city tour of Tehran. Our first stop will be the Saadabad Palace Complex, which was founded under the Qajar Kings in the 19th century. Also see the State Crown/Jewels Museum, which holds one of the most fabulous collections of treasures in the world. Overnight in Tehran. (B-L-D)

*****Laleh Hotel

November 4 TEHRAN – KERMAN
Tuesday
This morning after breakfast we will check out of the Laleh Hotel and transfer to the airport for our flight to Kerman around 10 AM. Arrival and transfer to the Pars Hotel. This afternoon, we explore Kerman beginning with a visit to the Ganj-Ali-Khan Complex, a 17th century Safavid period Bathhouse now transformed into an Ethnological Museum. On display are mannequins in traditional dress. We will continue to Kerman’s Caravanserai and Bazaar, with a stop at the Friday Mosque. Overnight in Kerman. (B-L-D)

***** Pars Hotel

November 5 KERMAN
Wednesday (excursion to Rayen
and Mahan)
Today after breakfast we have a half day excursion to the cities of Rayen and Mahan to visit one of the oldest citadels in Iran (over 2000 years old). We will also visit the blue-tiled Mausoleum of Shah Nematollah-e-Vali, the great 14th century Sufi Leader. We continue to Shahzadeh (Prince) Garden and stroll through the beautiful garden with its waterfall cascades (late 19th century Qajar period Garden/Mansion). Lunch today will be in the village of Mahan at a family home. Later today, we return to Kerman for further sightseeing including the Green Dome and the Moshtaq Mausoleum. Overnight in Kerman. (B-L-D)

***** Pars Hotel

November 6 KERMAN – SHIRAZ
Thursday
Drive to Shiraz, en-route visit the Sassanian Palace at Sarvestan, the 5th century A.D. structure thought by many to be a hunting lodge or small palace built by Bahram V (420-440 A.D.). Continue to Shiraz passing through the majestic mountainous routes and seeing two large salt lakes on the way. Welcome to Shiraz, the present-day capital of the Fars Province, the heartland of Iran which gave its name to the Persian language: Farsi. Shiraz is a city of historic monuments, poets and philosophers, warriors, kings and orchards. It was capital of the Zand Dynasty (1747-1779) and one of the most important cities of the medieval Islamic world. Shiraz is situated in a plain surrounded by two mountain ranges. The city is well known for its mild climate and friendly people. Overnight in Shiraz at the Homa Hotel. (B-L-D)

***** Homa Hotel

November 7 SHIRAZ – PERSEPOLIS
Friday NAGHSH-é-ROSTAM
Get ready for a truly wonderful day! After breakfast, we’ll drive about 35 miles to Takht-e Jamshid or as the Greeks called it, Persepolis, a ruined capital of ancient Iran. It is one of the greatest artistic legacies of the ancient world and perhaps one of the most beautiful and spectacular archaeological sites surviving today. In the 6th century BC, the Achaemenian King Darius I, created Persepolis as a palatial precinct for an empire which eventually became larger and more efficiently ruled than any other in the ancient world. He erected the monument on a mountain slope called Rahmat above a plain he considered holy. Persepolis was reserved only for ritual celebrations. In the spring of each new year, the dynamic ruler and his court gathered at Persepolis to receive the tribute of subject nations and to reestablish universal order for the coming year. Step back in time as we enter through the Gate of All Nations. The arrival of the erstwhile delegations was announced by trumpeters who stood at the top of the staircase in front of the Gate of Nations. They were then led to the Hundred Column Palace to the presence of the king. Superb bas reliefs depict the flow of ritual processions that once passed through the palaces and audience halls of the Achaemenian Kings. We’ll explore the Gate of Xerxes, the Apadana Palace, the Treasury, the Harem and the private palaces of the different rulers. Persepolis was completed by Xerxes and Artaxerxes I who ruled Persia in the 5th century BC. The palaces were used by the Achaemenid kings up until they were destroyed by Alexander the Great in 330 BC as revenge for the sacking of Athens during the Persian Wars with the Greeks. To top off the afternoon, visit Naghsh-é-Rostam, which contains the rock carved chambers of four Achaemenian tombs, believed to be those of Darius the Great, Xerxes, Artaxerxes and Darius II. The ornamental facades are rock reliefs from the Sassanian dynasty depicting various scenes of imperial conquests as well as a probable fire temple from Achaemenian times. Later, return to Shiraz for dinner and overnight. (B-L-D)

***** Homa Hotel

November 8 SHIRAZ
Saturday
Full day city tour of Shiraz to visit some of the famous gardens of this city of “Roses and Nightingales”, including the residential citadel of Karim Khan of the Zand Dynasty in the heart of the city; the pink-tiled 19th-century mosque of Nasir-ol-Molk, the Qajar period Narenjestan Garden/House, the Vakil Complex (Bathhouse & Mosque). After lunch, we will step back in time as we wander through the Vakil Bazaar with it’s blue tiled dome roof. It is considered by many to be the most beautiful bazaar in the world. The bazaars take travelers completely away from the outside world and immerse them in an age-old rhythm of life. Here the atmosphere is full of the market cries of vendors, the hammering of the coppersmiths, the activities of carpet weavers, silversmiths and cloth printers, the grilling of kabobs and the preparation of spices. Overnight in Shiraz. (B-L-D)

*****Homa Hotel

November 9 SHIRAZ – YAZD
Sunday
Today we say goodbye to Shiraz and embark on our journey to Yazd, stopping enroute at Pasargadae, the capital of Cyrus the Great and site of his simple but imposing tomb and the remains of three of his palaces. On to Yazd with a visit to the Abarquh Mosque, and a 5000-year-old Cypress tree under which we will have a picnic. Upon arrival, visit the Friday Mosque of Yazd to see the highest portal in Iran with the magnificent tile works, Fahadan Historical Neighborhood and Amir Chakhmagh Square. Overnight in Yazd. (B-L-D)

****Moshir Garden Hotel

November 10 YAZD – ISFAHAN
Monday
This morning, we will continue our tour of Yazd with visits to the Towers of Silence and the Zoroastrian Fire Temple. After lunch, we’ll continue by coach to Isfahan. We’ll make stops along our journey to visit the early Islamic period Friday Mosque in the city of Na’in and a beautiful example of a Safavid period private house with delicate monochrome painted plaster decoration, close to the mosque. We will continue our drive to the beautiful city of Isfahan, the 17th century capital of the Safavids, referred to as “Nesf-e-Jahan” (Half of the World) in Safavid sources. We’ll stay for three nights at the exotic Abbasi Hotel which was built in the 1960’s on the site of a 17th century caravanserai. Overnight Isfahan. (B-L-D)

*****Abbasi Hotel

November 11 ISFAHAN
Tuesday
After breakfast, we will start on our tour of Isfahan. We’ll begin with a visit to the historical bridges of Sioseh and Khaju, constructed by Shah Abbas II in 1650. It is essentially a bridge superimposed upon a dam, 436 feet long and supported by twenty-four stone arches. Continue to the Armenian Quarter to visit the richly decorated Vank Cathedral. Begun in 1606 at the time of arrival of Armenian immigrants to Isfahan, it was completed between 1655 and 1664 under the supervision of Arch-bishop David, with the encouragement of the Savid rulers. It is the historic focal point of the Armenian Christian Church in Iran. The dome and walls have colorful paintings representing the story of Creation.

This afternoon, we visit the Naghsh-e Jahan complex, the central focus of Isfahan. It is a Royal Square, 1674 feet by 540 feet and enclosed by double-storied arcades. The square drew merchants and ambassadors to the Safavid court for centuries. It’s unmatched in elegance and spaciousness anywhere in the world! It is seven times the size of the Piazza San Marco in Venice, and puts the grandeur of the surrounding palaces and mosques into appropriate proportions. On the north side is the entrance to the Royal Qaysariyyeh Bazaar. On the east side is the Lotfollah Mosque. Constructed between 1603 and 1617, it served as a private chapel for the Imperial family. You’ll see exquisite 17th century Persian tile work on the domed ceiling. On the west side is the Ali Qapu Palace. To the south is the Shah Mosque, dedicated to Shah Abbas the Great. To many it is considered to be the most beautiful mosque in the world. Overnight at the Abbasi Hotel. (B-L-D)

*****Abbasi Hotel

November 12 ISFAHAN
Wednesday
Today is another full day of sightseeing in wonderful Isfahan. We’ll begin with a visit to the beautiful Friday Mosque. The Friday Mosque as it stands now is the result of continual construction, reconstruction, additions and renovations on the site from around 771 to the end of the twentieth century. Archaeological excavation has determined an Abbasid hypostyle mosque in place by the 10th century. Buyid construction lined a façade around the courtyard and added two minarets that are the earliest example of the double minaret on record. Next, we’ll explore the Hasht Bahesht (eight paradises) and Chehel Sotuni (forty pillars) Palaces. They were built as an official court and a reception hall by Shah Abbas II (1647 AD). There will also be some time for shopping at Isfahan’s bustling bazaar. Overnight at Abbasi Hotel. (B-L-D)

*****Abbasi Hotel

November 13 ISFAHAN – NATANZ
Thursday KASHAN – TEHRAN
Today we enjoy a leisurely coach ride to Tehran with an en route stop at the charming town of Natanz to visit a beautiful Islamic Complex of Friday Mosque, Monastery and Tomb of Sheikh Abdol Samad Isfahani. We will also enjoy a tea break under the shade of a beautiful and old plain tree just outside the complex and visit a nearby traditional pottery workshop. We will then continue to Kashan for lunch and several visits. These include the historical garden of Fin which was first planted during the Safavid period and kept alive with water from the nearby Suleymaniye Spring/Qanat. This beautiful walled Persian Garden was expanded by the Zand and Qajar monarchs, with many open pavilions added. A museum on the site displays artifacts from nearby Teppe Sialk, which is one of the most important archaeological sites in Iran, dating back to 4000-5000 B.C. We will also visit some of the many restored merchant houses in Kashan, such as the Borujerdi and Taba-Tabai House, with very fine examples of the “Badgirs” or wind-catchers. We continue our drive to Tehran and, time-permitting, stop by the Mausoleum of Imam Khomeini for a photo opportunity. (289 miles traveled) Overnight in Tehran. (B-L-D)

*****Laleh Hotel

November 14 TEHRAN
Friday
Today is free for independent exploration or relaxation. A bus and guide will be at your service for those who choose to further explore the city. You may decide to venture out on your own for shopping and to visit with the friendly people of Tehran. Tonight we will have a special farewell dinner. (B-L-D)

*****Laleh Hotel

November 15 TEHRAN – ISTANBUL
Saturday U.S.A.
We rise early this morning and are transferred to the airport for our 4:35 AM flight to Istanbul (TK1277) arriving at 6:30 AM. We’ll have plenty of time to explore the duty-free shops before our connecting flight to JFK (TK001) departs at 12:20 PM. Arrive in New York at 4:45 PM with plenty of time for flights to your home city. Welcome home!

Note: Flight schedules always subject to change.

Caspian Extension

November 15 - 19

November 15 TEHRAN - TABRIZ
Saturday
To enhance our Iranian experience, we fly north by Iran Air early this morning to Tabriz. We are heading in the direction of Armenia and Azerbaijan to the third largest city in Iran after Tehran and Mashad. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for breakfast and a short rest. According to Herodotus, even in ancient times, this area had a turbulent history. In the 13th Century it was the Mongol capital. On our tour, we’ll see the Blue Mosque built by Shah Jahan in 1465, the small exquisite Azerbaijan Museum, and the Citadel.
Our guide will lead us through the wonderfully constructed Tabriz Bazaar, second oldest in the world after the one in Aleppo, Syria. The Silk Road passed Tabriz; today silk, wool and cotton Tabriz carpets with figures on a pink background, are a well known export to France and Germany.

In the late afternoon, we’ll have a chance to stroll to the Safavid summer residence of Shah Goli, a short walk from the hotel. Tabriz was the capital of the Safavid dynasty until the end of the 16th Century, when it was moved to Isfahan. There, as you have already learned, half the world was to be found in the huge square, Naqsh-e Jahan. The other half was in Tabriz. Research has shown that this area, today rich in the production of nuts and fruits, might have been the site of the Garden of Eden. Other research interestingly places Eden under the waters of the Persian Gulf. (B-L-D)

*****Pars Hotel

November 16 TABRIZ - ARDABIL
Sunday ANZALI
Today after breakfast we drive east towards the Caspian Sea visiting the city of Ardabil to see the one of Iran’s precious jewels, the mausoleum of Sheikh Safii-eddinn Ardebili, father of the Sufi inspired Safavid dynasty. The gardens, amongst the exquisite tile work, is a gathering place for both visitors and friendly local people alike.

We’ll also see the beautiful China house.

With 14,000 ft Mt. Savalan, a stunning snow capped extinct volcano to our left, we pass orchards, grazing lands and fishing lakes. Descend from the Alborz mountain heights though tunnels and along green terraced landscapes. Continue along the northern Iran border with Azerbaijan, and stop for a taste of delicious local honey. It is perhaps one of the secrets of longevity for people of this area. We arrive at a modest beach resort, which fortunately is not crowded at this time of year. Enjoy a dinner of fish caught in the warm waters of Caspian Sea, and perhaps some caviar; and then have a stroll under the stars by the Sea. (B-L-D)

****Hotel Sepid Kenar

November 17 ANZALI - FUMAN
Monday MASULEH - RAMSAR
Our drive this morning continues south to Ramsar, visiting en route the beautiful town of Fuman with its rice paddies and neatly manicured tea plantations.

Cuttings to start the plants came from India and produce healthy tea, full of antioxidants. There are many nature reserves in this area where birds winter near poplar lined freshwater pools. Indulge in a taste of kuliches, a delicious local pastry filled with walnuts, cinnamon and cardamom.

Follow a cascading mountain stream up to the picturesque village of Masuleh, protected by the Iranian Tourism Organization and developed by UNESCO. Have a leisurely walk through the multi layered paths and perhaps enjoy some afternoon tea.

Return towards the coast of the Caspian Sea via Fuman.

Continue the drive to Ramsar and arrive in the evening at the 80-year old Ramsar Hotel, our accommodation for the night.

Not yet refurbished, the complex still exudes the grandeur of the erstwhile era of the Pahlavi’s who built it for VIP guests. (B-L-D)

*****Ramsar Hotel

November 18 RAMSAR - TEHRAN
Tuesday
Our drive today takes us along the scenic road of Chalus back to Tehran. Weather permitting stop in Namk Abroud recreational area and take a cable car to the mountain top, rising above the construction area of new villas and vacation homes to a magnificent view of the Caspian. Turn towards the Alborz mountains following the streams through the soaring mountains towards Tehran. Stop for a BBQ lunch enroute. A new road, which will shorten the time to two hours, is under construction with equipment boring through the rugged mountains. Ski slopes are preparing for the winter season. Upon arrival in Tehran, time permitting, we will visit the Contemporary Museum of Art or have time for last minute shopping. (B-L-D)

***** Laleh Hotel

November 19 TEHRAN - ISTANBUL
Wednesday U.S.A.
Transfer to the international airport for your flight back to the U.S. via Istanbul.