Iran

.....an intriguing land

Today, a visit to Iran remains a unique experience, with three millennia of recorded history, it has an impressive legacy of Persian culture, a distinctive architectural style and a rich artistic heritage. It’s natural landscapes are varied, from arid deserts to dramatic mountains, from tea plantations to paddy fields, the variety is endless.

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This itinerary will encompass Iran’s magnificent historic, its cultural and scenic highlights as well as many less visited treasures. Travelling by road and by air, our route will take us south to the desert cities of Kerman, Yazd, Shiraz, Kashan and glorious Isfahan. We will also visit mystical Mashhad and the dramatic mountains of the east as well as the Caspian coast, Tabriz and the nomadic lands of the northwest.

However, the most surprising highlight of any visit to Iran is meeting its people. Iranians are so genuinely pleased to welcome travellers and so immensely proud of their country and culture. During our visit we were constantly touched by the warmth of the welcome we received and the many delightful conversations and encounters we had are amongst our fondest memories.

Relax and enjoy, explore fascinating bazaars, meet nomadic herders and learn about their traditional lifestyle, drink tea in a village teahouse or while chatting with friendly shopkeepers. Join the crowds for an evening stroll along shaded avenues, savour delicious ice cream with the locals in the city park, and take time to smell the roses in the Persian gardens. In the process, you will come to appreciate just what makes Iran so intriguing

Draft Itinerary Outline

Day 1. Auckland to Dubai – flight departs Auckland early evening
Day 2. Dubai to Tehran - arrive Dubai early morning and connect directly with the flight to Tehran, arriving late morning. Time to relax
Day 3. Tehran - city sightseeing, including the fabulous National Jewel Museum.
Day 4. Tehran to Mashhad- morning flight in the far east of Iran, visit the amazing Iman Reza Shrine complex, including its fantastic museums
Day 5. Mashhad - a day trip to Kalat, enourte some stunning scenery with dramatic land formations.
Day 6. Mashhad to Tabriz - fly to the western province of Azerbaijan, afternoon explore an amazing Bazaar.
Day 7. Tabriz - a full day excursion to the Armenain border region, visit a Shahsavan nomdic community and St Stephanus, which dating from 61AD is one of the oldest churches in the world.
Day 8. Tabriz - city sightseeing, including the Blue Mosque, a carpet weaving workshop, and the Azerbaijan Museume with its magnificent collection of pottery and bronzes dating from 5,000BC. A free afternoon.
Day 9. Tabriz to Kandovan - stay overnight in this Cappadocian-like cave village, free time for anafternoon walk in this unique landscape.
Day 10. Kandovan to Sarein - see the fantastic replica of the famous 16th Century Ardabil carpet, stay overnight at a hot pool spa
Day 11. Sarein to Anzali - visit the 10th Century village of Masouleh, the oldest continually inhabited village in Iran. Overnight on the shores of the Caspian Sea.
Day 12. Anzali to Tehran - drive back to Tehran, for an overnight stop before flying south.
Day 13. Tehran to Kerman- fly south, afternoon sights seeing of this historic city, an important Zoroastrian centre.
Day 14. Kerman - a day trip to Rayen, a 1,000 year old mediaeval fortified town that is still surrounded by its massive walls. Also enjoy a stroll in the charming Shadzadeh Persian Garden.
Day 15. Kerman to Yadz - a mud brick city which Marco Polo described as "a splendid city".
Day 16. Yadz - city sights including the Towers of Silence (sky burial site), the wind catchers - an ancient air conditioning system. Yadz is fascinating , its bound to be a highlight.
Day 17. Yadz to Shiraz - enroute visit the ancient city of Persepolis that was plundered by Alexander the Great in 330BC and the impressive nepceopolis tombs of Nagh Sh E Rostam.
Day 18. Shiraz - the "Garden City". Our sightseeing will include the beautiful Eram and Narenjestan Gardens, Karimkhan Citadel and the Tombs of the city’s most revered sons, the great Iranian poets, Saadi & Hafez.
Day 19. Shiraz to Isfahan - an excursion to visit the black tented Qashqaie nomads before flying to Isfahan.
Day 20. Isfahan - jewel of ancient Persia and one of the finest cities in the Islamic World, Two days visit the major sites including Imam Square and the palaces and mosques that surround it. Explore the coppersmith and goldsmith bazaar and walk beside the Zayandeh river. Enjoy tea at a traditional tea shop under the floodlit Khajou bridges.
Day 21. Isfahan -
Day 22. Isfahan to Kashan - visit the World heritage Village of Abyaneh. In Kasha,n visit one of the finest Gardens in Iran and Broujerdi, a beatifully restored traditional merchants house.
Day 23. Kashan to Tehran - free time, before our final night celebration of tradational Iranian Food and entertainment
Day 24. Tehran to Dubai - midmorning flight, a free afternoon to explore this most modern city.
Day 25. Flight - mid morning
Day 26. Arive Auckland, early afternoon

Transports

For the most part we will travel by private bus, giving us the freedom to stop and explore the many places which I just know will take your fancy. There will be five internal flights to cover the longer distances.

Meals

All breakfasts included plus 15 lunches or dinners. For other meals local eateries will be enjoyed, whether it be in a restaurant or joining the locals for a picnic in the park (a favourite Iranian pastime). As a guide allow c.US$25+ per day for food / water, some souvenirs etc. For more lavish meals allow more.

Accommodations

3-Star and 4-Star. Twin-share rooms the norm. A single supplement charge of approximately $664, if single room is requested or if making a late booking (after 16 November) that creates the need for a single room.

Weather

It will be Spring, when daytime temperatures should range from 18-28ºC with lows of around 12-15 ºC at night. Essentially, fine with a small chance of rain. Take lightweight, overnight wash and wear clothing, with a jacket and a couple of warmer items so that you can layer up as required.

Things to be aware of

• Dress Code – When visiting Iran, everyone must observe the country’s dress code: Briefly, for men it means wearing longs (no shorts) and shirts with longish short sleeves. For ladies it means wearing a head scarf, long sleeves, legs covered to the ankle and long loose’ish tops that reach to mid to lower thigh. Sandals are fine.

• No alcohol allowed

Trip Data

Price will include - Return air fares Auckland-Tehran-Auckland in the budgeted class, transport, guide and driver tips, all activities, entries, breakfasts and 15 other meals as outlined in the final itinerary. The services of an English speaking local guide and a NZ Grassroots leader.

Price does not include - flight and airport related taxes, personal spending, insurance, visa (E60 arranged prior to departure) and any other documentation that you may require, all costs incurred by travel disruption or delay and any personal services or activities not included in the final itinerary

Please read our Frequently Asked Questions for important general information. For more specific details about this trip (including an itinerary) please Contact Us.