JOURNEY TO PERSIA
13 Days – 12 Nights
HIGHLIGHTS
Explore Shiraz, the city of poets, roses and nightingales
Visit the heart of the Achaemenian Empire, Persepolis
Discover Isfahan, the old capital and the 'Jewel of Islamic Iran'
Get lost in the bazaars of Yazd, home to the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence
The Journey to Persia tour starts and ends in Tehran. The Journey to Persia is a Cultural, Religious and Historic Sites tour that takes 13 days taking you through Tehran, Isfahan and other destinations in Iran.
Iran is a country of dramatic contrasts. Its scenery ranges from snow-clad mountains to vast, inhospitable deserts punctuated by attractive oasis towns, and its cities and ancient sites reveal a deep and rich history. Some of the most exquisite examples of Middle Eastern design and architecture are to be found in Iran, including the magnificent ruins of Persepolis, the dazzling Islamic centers at Isfahan and Shiraz, and beautifully-crafted gardens set in desert wastes. The rich bazaars and the ancient tradition of hospitality never fail to impress in a country which sees few tourists.
JOURNEY TO PERSIA
“This was one of the most wonderful trips I've ever made - definitely worth wearing a head-scarf for a fortnight. Iran bombards you with sensations, whether you're staring up at the towering ruins of Persepolis, or delighting in the quenches and glowing tile work of Esfahan's Loftollah mosque, or exploring a bazaar or enjoying the peace of the lake and fountains in Shiraz's flower-filled Eram garden - even on coach drives across the country, there are incredible mountain ranges to marvel at, as impressive in their magnificence as any of the man-made wonders that Persians, through all the many centuries of their history, have built to commemorate dynasties and their own remarkable creativity. And that's not to mention present-day Iranians - not grey, grim people, as our media would have us think, but amazingly welcoming: people who take a pride in their culture, who love color and fun, who like nothing better than to picnic in one of their very many beautiful public gardens. Often they were keen to talk to us, which greatly added to our visit. Iran is a huge country, so we couldn't possibly see it all. But we did sample its amazing variety. As well as taking in Tehran and the historic cities of Yazd, Kerman, Shiraz and Esfahan, the trip also included a visit to a Zoroastrian mountain village and the troglodyte village of Maymand. Every day was filled with new experiences - a citadel built entirely of adobe, an ornately tiled hamam, a shrine to the poet Hafez, the Towers of Silence, where the Zoroastrians left their dead…Oh, and the bazaars, the bazaars…And all this in the company of a great bunch of like-minded fellow-travelers, whose charm and sense of humour completed the delight.”
JOURNEY TO PERSIA
“This really was an excellent trip around Iran, one of the best Exodus trips I have been on. The first week is slightly more 'off the beaten track' and the second week focuses on Shiraz and Isfahan. I reached 'monument overload' on the second-to-last day which was a lot later than I had feared, as the sights, particularly in the first 10 days, were so varied and generally spectacular. Ladies clothing - a loose fitting shirt that covers the elbows and bottom is fine; trousers can be 'ankle-skimmers' but not 3/4 length, and can be slim fit. Comfy shoes are a must and a loose headscarf at all times. If you can, aim for darker clothes as Iranian ladies tend to wear a lot of black and dark colors. Food - I am semi-vegetarian and (unusually) really struggled on this trip. I normally eat chicken but tend to avoid it when travelling - here I ate loads of chicken as the alternative was vegetables boiled until they were virtually inedible, or in a few places pizza. Lunch wasn't always readily available, this was a general cultural issue (most cafe's served only drinks and chocolate cake). The nuts were fantastic and bananas were often available, as were biscuits and crisps. I'd taken 2 x quality protein-rich breakfast bars for each day; I wish I'd taken more.”
Tehran 2N/ Kashan 1N/ Yazd 2N/ Kerman 2N/Shiraz 3N/Isfahan 2N
Itinerary
Those on the group flights arrive very early this morning (or late the previous night) and will be transferred to the hotel. Land only passengers should arrive at the hotel this morning though we do recommend arriving the night before if not on the group flights (this night is included).Tehran is a sprawling metropolis buzzing with people. It is the economic heart of Iran and a modern city with museums, cafes and restaurants. We head out into Tehran and visit the Archaeological Museum with its collections of pottery, bronze and valuable pieces from various ages ranging from millenniums BCE to the Islamic era. We also visit the Abguineh Glass and Ceramics Museum, a valuable collection of pre-Islamic, Islamic and European glass and ceramics displayed within an elegant early-20th Century mansion. Finally, we visit the Carpet Museum with its extensive collection of old and new Persian carpets and rugs from the country’s major carpet-weaving centres.
Schadule Tour
START DATE |
DBL ROOM |
SGL ROOM |
Extra Bed |
REQUEST |
10 MAR 2019 |
€ 1300 |
€ 1600 |
€ 1200 |
|
07 APR 2019 |
€ 1300 |
€ 1600 |
€ 1200 |
|
07 APR 2019 |
€ 1300 |
€ 1600 |
€ 1200 |
|
24 OCT 2019 |
€ 1300 |
€ 1600 |
€ 1200 |
Private Tour (without time limit on the launch)
1 Person |
2-3 Person |
4-9 Person |
9-14 Person |
15-24 Person |
REQUEST |
€ 2500 |
€ 1850 |
€ 1450 |
€ 1300 |
€ 1150 |
Hotel category 4*
Cat. |
Hotel Name |
Location |
Nights |
4* |
ESTEGHLAL 5* |
TEHRAN |
2 |
4* |
AMERI'S HOUSE 5* |
KASHAN |
1 |
4* |
SAFAIYEH 5* |
YAZD |
2 |
4* |
PARS 5* |
KERMAN |
2 |
4* |
GRAND HOTEL 5* |
SHIRAZ |
3 |
4* |
ABBASI 5* |
ISFAHAN |
2 |
IMPORTANT NOTES
An arrival transfer is included on this trip.
This trip starts at 9:00 in the morning on day 2 The maximum check-in baggage allowance is 17 kg per person plus hand luggage.
Please note deposits for this trip are refundable and transferable (We only deduct the bank transfer fee) as per our terms and conditions. A single supplement is available on this trip. Booking process of the hotels starts upon receiving the flight details.
There is a possibility to change the hotel to another similar hotel. Drinking alcohol in Iran is prohibited.
PAYMENT
A deposit of 30% is required when booking this tour. The remaining balance will be charged 45 days prior departure. For any bookings within 45 days of departure, the full tour amount will be charged upon booking.
CANCELLATION
Free cancellation up to 45 days prior departure, but the 20% deposit paid is non-refundable. No refund applicable within 45 days of departure.
ACCOMMODATION
We use good quality 4 star and 5 star hotels in this tour. In some cities local star ratings may vary slightly from international standards. Accommodation is based on double or twin en-suite rooms with air conditioning. All couples will have a private double room. Single travelers may choose to pay a single room supplement to guarantee themselves a single room throughout the tour. Alternatively, they may choose to share a twin room with another traveler of the same sex. If there are no other single travelers available to pair up with at the time of your booking, then we will add the single supplement to the tour price, but will refund this or deduct it from your balance payment if we are able to pair you up later on.
TRANSPORT
In your trip we use private AC Van, Middle Bus or Bus throughout this tour, subject to the final size of the group.
TRANSFERS
The tour includes a 24-hour airport meet & assist service in Tehran and Shiraz International Airport, your arrival and departure airport-hotel transfers and all other transfers.
PRICE INFORMATION
Prices listed are on a per person basis, sharing accommodation (unless otherwise stated).Prices do not include international flights.
Most tours are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book as an individual, you will be roomed with someone of the same sex. However, on many tours we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room.
ENTRANCE FEES
The tour price includes entrance fees to all the tourist sites mentioned in the itinerary. You will need to cover the cost of entrance to any other extra sites that you may wish to visit.
BOOKING & PAYMENT
If you would like to book a place on this tour, please complete the online reservation form on our website. We will then contact you with more details about how to complete your booking. Payments may be made by making a bank transfer. Full details will be provided in your booking confirmation email. Please contact us if you would like any more information or have any questions before making a booking.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
Passports should be valid for at least six months after your departure from the country. Please do not bring an almost full or almost expired passport. Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveler. For more information about how to get an Iranian visa please visit this page.
HEALTH INSURANCE FEE
Please prepare 12.00 euro for compulsory health insurance fee at Iran Airport. Please always remember: Pay with an exact cash amount. Credit cards are not accepted for payments made in Iran.
WOMEN DRESS CODE IN IRAN
What Women Tourists Can Wear in Iran?
Generally, women have to wear clothing that conceals their body parts. In Iran you can see most women wearing “mantou” that might be in different colors and even tight or short. Your other choice can be “tunics” and pants. If you would prefer to wear a skirt, it should be at least mid-calf or longer, with nontransparent, darkish hosiery underneath. Ankle length skirts are unusual but acceptable. There is no problem with wearing skinny jeans and high boots but avoid Carpi pants, they are too short and not acceptable. Open toed sandals with nail polish are fine.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Arrival and departure airport transfers
12 nights' accommodation in standard-grade hotels
Land travel in Iran by air-conditioned coach
Services of an experienced Iranian tour guide throughout the tour
13 breakfasts and 13 dinner
entrance tickets according to the travel plan
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
International air fares, taxes and surcharges
Travel insurance
Tips to guides and drivers
Items of a personal nature such as laundry or phone calls
Visa costs