IRAN TOUR Hafez garden
Persepolis
Golestan Palace Persepolis
Imam Mosque, Isfahan Iasir ol molk mosque, Shiraz
YOUR IRANIAN VISA
DAY 5 Pasargadae & Isfahan Our tour continues today as we journey by road to Isfahan. En route we’ll stop at Pasargadae to view the impressive excavations of an early Achaemenian capital, and the UNESCO-listed tomb of Cyrus the Great, founder of the mighty Persian Empire. ABBASI HOTEL, ISFAHAN
DAY 6 Isfahan Isfahan, the former capital of Persia, boasts many architectural gems, and has the greatest concentration of Islamic buildings in Iran, many of which are decorated in rich blue tiles. We’ll spend two days here to see as much as possible. Highlights include the magnificent Friday Mosque with its vaulted arches, stucco carvings and cool marble pool. We’ll also see the Bridges of Isfahan and the 33 arches of the Sesosepol Bridge – a tea house below is the perfect spot from which to admire the beauty of the architecture. Next, discover the lavish interior of the Armenian Vank Cathedral and the ruins of the Sassanian Fire Temple, located on a hill and the place of worship for Zoroastrians. Our tour today ends as we visit the 14th century ‘Shaking Minarets’. ABBASI HOTEL, ISFAHAN
DAY 7 Isfahan We’ll explore Isfahan further today, starting at the Royal Square, also
known as Maidan-i-Shah. This is home to arguably the most majestic collection of buildings in the Islamic world, each with their own unique style. See the magnificent Imam Mosque, a truly breathtaking sight with its striking entrance portal and turquoise minarets, and the ornamental Aliqapou Palace, which enjoys splendid views over the square.
We’ll visit the Hasht Behesht Palace and look through the great arches to the lovely garden beyond, and admire the amazing ceramic work inside the shimmering Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, once known as the Ladies’ Mosque. A tunnel from the Aliqapou Palace is said to lead here and in former times this would have allowed ladies from the court’s royal harem to attend prayers without being seen.
Our tour continues with a visit to the Chehel Sotoun Palace, also known as ‘The Forty Columns.’ The pavilion within the grounds of the palace is supported by 20 columns which double to make the legendary 40 when reflected in the sparkling pool below. The interior of the palace is decorated with important murals and mirror mosaics and the decorative wooden roof is quite exquisite.
The day would not be complete without a stroll through Isfahan’s colourful
bazaar to soak up the heady aroma of fragrant spices as you browse stalls selling everything from dried fruits and copperware to handmade tiles and ceramics. Perhaps stop at a traditional tea house or enjoy a refreshing glass of freshly squeezed pomegranate juice along the way. ABBASI HOTEL, ISFAHAN
DAYS 8 & 9 Tehran to UK We’ll journey back to Tehran on day 8, where we’ll stay overnight. On day 9 we’ll fly back to the UK. LALEH HOTEL, TEHRAN
Please note: We want you to get the most from your holiday with us. Please be advised this tour requires a good degree of physical fitness and is not suitable for anyone with limited mobility.
Special note: You will be delighted by the warm welcome you receive during your stay but you should bear in mind that the infrastructure in Iran is still developing. This is a vast country and our tour shows you the highlights. We have included many sights and for some, there may be additional entrance fees to be paid locally. This also means that distances travelled on some days (days 5 & 8) will be long.
Iran is a strict Islamic nation and alcohol is therefore not available. Ladies must conform to conservative dress and will need to wear a headscarf. Credit cards are also not widely accepted.
APPLICATION British Citizens require a visa to travel to Iran. We will send you a visa application and guidance notes approximately 4 months prior to departure.
We will co-ordinate your visa application with our appointed agents. Please note you will be required to meet our agent at the Iranian Embassy in London as part of this process where your fi nger prints will be taken. Visa fee from £280.
Important note If you wish to travel to the USA after visiting Iran then you will need a full visa which will require an interview at the US Embassy in London.
DEPARTURE DATES
For all dates, prices and regional fl ight options, see latest price guide. Holiday ref: SIRAN
2017 Heathrow 9 Sep 14 Oct 2018 Heathrow 31 Mar
Flights with Turkish Airlines or similar scheduled airline. Visa from £280 - see page 209. Transfer time is approx. 1 hour. Flight timings and hotels are subject to change and will be confi rmed in your fi nal documents.
Please note: Hotel standards in Iran diff er to those you will experience in Europe. Also please be advised that as hotels here are very much in demand, it may be necessary to change the accommodation listed above. Sometimes meals are taken in local restaurants. All details will be confi rmed in your fi nal documents.
Please have passport details ready when booking 105
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