Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

In the Middle East, history is not something you read about in books. A grand epic, a cradle of civilisations, it is a story written on the stones that litter the region, from the flagstones of old Roman roads to the building blocks of Ancient Egypt & the delicately carved tombs & temples from Petra to Persepolis. This is where humankind first built cities & learned to write and it was from here that Judaism, Christianity & Islam all arose.

Salam & welcome to Islamic Republic of Iran - one of the friendliest countries on earth. the jewel in Islam's crown, combining glorious architecture with a warm-hearted welcome. Land of fire, a journey of flavours, being one of nature – so many metaphors to describe the country.

Arrive in the dynamic & vibrant capital city Tehran, one of the world’s greatest megalopolises with its chaotic charm & juxtapositions found on every street.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? – Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be met by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in and provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or independent exploration or optional activities (We shall be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements). 

Hugging the lower slopes of the magnificent, snow-capped Alborz Mountains, Tehran is Iran’s most secular & liberal city city that attracts students from across the country. Expect relatively bold fashion statements & a range of ethnic & international restaurants.

With its relatively short history, ugly mask of concrete, sometimes choking smog & manic streets flowing hot with machines, many travellers & no small number of Tehranis will tell you there is no reason to hang around in the capital. But to take their advice is to miss out. Spend time here - as you should - & you will soon realise that the city is so much more than a chaotic jumble of concrete & crazy traffic blanketed by a miasma of air pollution. For while Isfahan or Persepolis has a convincing case for being the soul of Iran, Tehran is indisputably its big, ugly, chaotic & dynamic beating heart & the place to get a handle on modern Iran & what its future will likely be.

And while Tehran lacks history, it makes up for it with many impressive Museums & serene Gardens (more than 800 parks, all well-kept). 

But to get inside the real Tehran you need to get beyond the Museums & into the contemporary chic cafes & traditional teahouses, plenty of Art Galleries & on the walking trails in the mountains. That is where you will connect with Tehranis & enjoy all that is good about Tehran.

Exploring this fascinating metropolis will transport you on a journey through more than 250 years of Iranian history - from the glittering Golestan Palace complex with its ornate rooms & marble Throne, was the seat of power of the Qajar dynasty and the adjacent Grand Bazaar to the notorious former US Embassy to beautiful modern structures Azadi Tower & the Milad Tower which have come to symbolize the city & offering panoramic views. The National Jewelry Museum holds many of the Qajar monarchs’ jewels while the National Museum of Iran has artefacts dating back to Palaeolithic times.

The cosmopolitan city is also home to many historic Mosques as well as several Churches, Synagogues & Zoroastrian fire temples. You can find an endless number of nice & cosy places in & around the city - if you know where to look.

No services are envisaged for this evening.

However, if time permits & you wish to explore independently, let us know (we shall be only too happy to offer suggestions).

Overnight.   

Morning, meet your Tour-guide in the Lobby at 08.00 am to proceed for a full day sightseeing tour of the city.

Visit a selection of carefully-chosen highlights, from the remarkable buildings featuring some of the most stunning architecture to be found anywhere & concentrating on its excellent Museums.

First stop will be at the famous Golestan Palace complex.

Located between Imam Khomeini Square & the bazaar, the Palace complex is made up of several grand buildings set around a carefully manicured garden. In what was once the heart of Tehran is this monument to the glories & excesses of the Qajar rulers. Although there was a Safavid-era Citadel on this site, it was Nasser al-Din Shah (ruled 1848 - 96), impressed by what he had seen of European Palaces, who built it into the ‘Palace of Flowers’. Originally it was much bigger, with inner & outer sections to encompass Offices, Ministries & private living quarters, but several surrounding buildings were pulled down under the Pahlavis.

Walk around the courtyard & along the long pool to Ivan-e Takht-e Marmar - a mirrored, open-fronted Audience Hall dominated by a magnificent Throne, supported by human figures & constructed from 65 pieces of yellow alabaster mined in Yazd. It was made in the early 1800s for Fath Ali Shah (ruled 1797 - 1834), a Monarch who supposedly managed a staggering (& quite likely very tiring) 200 odd wives & 170 offspring. This Hall was used on ceremonial occasions, including the Napoleon-style self-coronation of Reza Shah in 1925.

Then, walk outside to the open-sided corner known as Khalvat-e Karim Khani (Karim Khan Nook), all that remains of a 1759 building that served as Karim Khan Zand’s 17^th century Tehran residence

The Complex boasts several Museums that you might be able to see depending on the available time.

Negar Khane (Art Gallery) displays a fine collection of Qajar-era art & it was the brainchild of Nasser al-Din Shah, who had been particularly captivated by European Museums. Especially interesting are the portraits of the Shahs wearing the jewels & crowns that you can see in the National Jewels Museum (which you will visit), and pictures of everyday life in 19^th century Iran.

The dazzling Talar-e Ayaheh (Hall of Mirrors), closed for almost 30 years, is now open to the public. Built between 1874 & 1877, the Hall was dedicated to the Peacock Throne before it was moved to the National Jewels Museum. More recently it was used for the coronation of Mohammad Reza Shah in 1967 (25 years after he came to power) & royal weddings. Today, it houses gifts received by the Shahs, including a large green malachite Vase from Russia & 13 huge Chandeliers.

Further down, is the Howze Khaneh (Pool Room), named for the small pool & fountain in its centre. It houses a collection of paintings & sculptures of 19^th century European royalty - generously given to their Qajar counterparts by the same European Monarchs.

At the east end of the garden, the imposing Shams-Al Emarat (Edifice of the Sun) blends European & Persian architectural traditions. Inside, a sequence of mirrored & tiled rooms house a collection of photographs, together with yet more furniture & Vases gifted by European monarchs.

Next door you will see four soaring Badgirs (wind towers, used for air-conditioning), rising above the recently restored Emarat-e Badgir, first erected in the reign of Fath Ali Shah. The interior has typically ostentatious mirror work & is worth a quick look. In the basement, the Aks Khaneh (Historic Photograph Gallery) exhibits a fascinating collection of photographs depicting Qajar court life; look particularly for the picture showing the inside of a Zoroastrian Tower of Silence, with bodies in varying states of decay & the shot of ‘freaks & dwarfs’.

Next up, the tiny Talar e Almas (Diamond Hall) displays a range of decorative arts - especially 18^th & 19^th century French ceramics - in a room with red walls & a tiled floor. The attractive Teahouse underneath might well be more appealing.

After wandering back through the gardens you’ll come to the Ethnographical Museum near the main entrance, featuring a range of mannequins in traditional ethnic costumes.

The Palace tour finishes & you will walk out into the bustling ‘real world’ vibrant Bazaar & continue on to the National Jewels Museum which houses royal jewelry & historical objects from ancient periods to modern times,

Owned by the Central Bank & accessed through its front doors, the cavernous vault displays an impressive collection of some of the most famous & spectacular jewels in the world including many priceless pieces. Many pieces have disappeared over the years but the remaining collection of gemstones, jewelry, royal emblems, ornamental guns & jewel-encrusted furniture is still impressive.

All over the world, from ancient times to the present, jewelry has been collected to be both a display of power & to enrich the Treasury of Kings & governments. The Safavid, Qajar & Pahlavi Monarchs adorned themselves & their belongings with an astounding range of priceless gems & precious metals, making this collection of bling quite literally jaw-dropping. During the Safavid period, Kings sent Ambassadors to neighboring countries to buy, collect & preserve existing & newly purchased jewelry.

During the 19^th century Qajar period, jewelry design was supported & developed for the first time. Iranian & Armenian designers & jewel makers were invited to the Court & tasked with designing & creating a Collection of exquisite gifts & the precise classification of government Treasury jewelry started. The unique & valuable objects that exist today are a mixed collection of the history & art of Persia.

On display is an impressive collection of some of the most famous & spectacular jewels in the world including many priceless pieces. The majority of the items were given to Safavid Kings as gifts but many pieces were brought by Nader Shah from his conquest of India. These include the Darya-e Nur Diamond & the Jeweled Globe. Other pieces include the Crowns of the Qajar & Pahlavi Kings. Many pieces have disappeared over the years but the remaining collection of gemstones, jewelry, royal emblems, ornamental guns & jewel-encrusted furniture is still impressive. Neyshabour turquoise & the Persian Gulf pearls were gradually added to the precious collections.

The huge Peacock Throne built in 1798 by the order of Fath Ali Shah. is adorned with 26,733 gems, including an extravagant carved sun on the top of the throne studded with precious diamonds. Hence, it was originally called the Throne of the Sun. Later Fath Ali Shah married a lady named Tavoos Taj al-Dawlah & to mark the occasion in her honor, the Throne became known as the Peacock Throne (Takht-e Tavoos). Some evidence also suggests this was the Throne of the Mughal King Shah-i Jahan of India, which was brought to Persia by Nadir Shah Afshar, the King of Persia (1736 - 47) who invaded the Mughal Empire of India with a huge army, eventually attacking & looting Delhi in March 1739.

Another special object on display, is Nader Shah’s Shield, 46 cm in diameter, which he used in various wars. Initially, it was just a simple cover but later, like the Sword on display, it was ornamented by the order of Fath Ali Shah Qajar. In the center of this Shield covered with rhino skin, you will see one of the largest Rubies in the world, weighing 225 carats, surrounded by Emeralds, Rubies & Diamonds.

After spending 2 hours in the Jewellery Museum, drive on to the next spot.

In between, pass by a small Fashion Boutique, run by the ladies, of course, where you can check out the various styles, colours & patterns of Scarfs on offer & learn the different techniques of tying a headscarf.

Enjoy lunch in one of the Restaurants in the vicinity. 30 Tir Street Bazar is also called the Crossroad of Religion in Tehran as it is home to a Synagogue, a Zoroastrian Fire Temple, a Church & a Mosque, all next to each other on the same street.

If time permits, you may stroll around Sa’adabad Cultural Complex sprawling across the foothills of Darband, covering 110 hectares & comprising 18 separate buildings, The Complex is located in what used to be the royals’ Winter Palace since the Qajar dynasty, although it was the Pahlavis who expanded it to the site you see today.

It houses several Museums, though not all of them are open at the same time; the ones that are, provide a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Reza Shah Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran. For a glimpse into the luxurious life of the Shahs, see the extravagant 54 room White Palace, built in the 1930s. The more classical-looking Green Palace dates from the end of the Qajar era. The eclectic well-curated Nations Fine Art Museum is found in the basement of the White Palace. There are also Exhibitions covering royal vehicles, military paraphernalia, royal costumes & even royal tableware.

Head back to the hotel with 1 more Stop enroute.

Bridges have always been close to the heart of Iranian identity. Isfahan, a top tourist destination & a former capital of Persia, boasts 2 spectacular Bridges from the 16^th century Safavid dynasty when the city was at the centre of Islamic Art & Culture.

But Tehran boasts the modern architectural marvel - the Pol-e Tabi'at, the largest pedestrian overpass built in Tehran, spanning over Shahid Modarres - one of the main segments in northern Tehran Highway System & connecting 2 Public Parks. Reminiscent of Isfahan’s Siosepol, whose name means ‘Bridge of 33 Arches’, & Khaju Bridge, which are a place for public meetings, poetry reading & traditional Tea- houses.

Architect Leila Araghian was 26 when she came up with Tabiat Bridge which she designed while she was a student, winning a local competition for a plan to connect the 2 Parks separated by the Highway in north Tehran. Her first Project, 5 years on, the 270 metres structure was a reality, despite sanctions, garnering awards & paving the way for a new, more avant-garde generation of Iranian designers.

In designing the bridge, a process which took a total of a year, Araghian wanted it to "be a place for people to stay & ponder, not simply pass”. To achieve this, the curved construction is not straight & contains plants, benches, seating and Restaurants, Cafes & Observation Decks on top, on 3 different levels. Just as the Architect had planned, the Bridge itself has become an attraction. So, it is no surprise that a new hi-tech award-winning structure has appeared in the Iranian capital. It was recently named among the winners of the Architizer A+ awards, an internationally acclaimed global Architectural competition based in New York. She has since won several international awards & competitions.

Supported by 3 large pillars, the 270 metres curved structure has broad Entrances, multiple Pathways & 3 floors of restaurants, cafes & sitting areas. There are several walkways spreading through Park-e Taleghani & Park-e Abo-Atash, spanning over the busy Modarres Expressway, that have access to the curved body of the Bridge at different heights, offering visitors countless views & perspectives.  Not being a commercial Bridge connecting 2 points to which people are used to, there are multiple points from one side which connect various points on the other.

Built over 2 years & unveiled in late 2014, it is easy to see why this multi-level, sculptural 2,000 tons pedestrian Bridge has been a huge hit with locals & is a popular place for hangouts & morning sports as thousands flock to the Bridge.

Inspired by ancient Iranian architecture in which the Bridge was not just a crossing path, linking 2 sides of a river or valley, it gives Tehrani people an opportunity to shake away their stress & exhaustion by just lingering their walk, relaxing on the Bridge & enjoy the marvelous views of the city skyline & snow-capped peaks of the Alborz mountains in the distance.

The 1^st level has a Gallery with several cafes & restaurants. The 2^nd level is mainly designed for people who are crossing from one Park to the other - they may be walking, biking, skating or even riding on a horse carriage. Finally, level 3, or the stay zone, is a place to stay & sightsee. In the middle of the Bridge, there are stairs & ramps designed to get from one level to another. The ramps make all the levels of the Bridge accessible for wheelchairs. It is a fun space to relax & in good weather, provides superb views of the north Tehran skyline against the Alborz Mountains. People come here to run, walk, bike or eat out.

Spend an hour on the Bridge & enjoy a cappuccino at this iconic tourist landmark for locals as well as visitors.

Drive back to the hotel by late afternoon to relax & get ready for an immersive experience which would be highlight of your journey to Iran.

Around 06.30 pm, you will be met by the Journeys Rep / Driver & proceed for a sumptuous dinner, not at a fancy Restaurant, but at a family home, where you will have the opportunity to interact with the Host’s family & learn about culture & their way of live.

Iranians are known as their hospitality & express their feelings & intense excitement of hosting, preparing a feast for their guests. Following this honorable tradition, your Hosts too, will prepare a real Persian banquet featuring both vegetarian & non-vegetarian cuisine.

If your Host is not wearing shoes, remove yours at the door. Greet any elders present first before individually greeting everyone with a handshake. Entertaining happens in the Living Room which is usually the most lavishly furnished. Dinner could be at the Dining Table or sitting on the floor.

Iran culinary culture is yet to be discovered by the wider world, so you be one of the few to learn, experience & taste. Thanks to Iran's place on the Silk Road, the country's cuisine has enjoyed ancient traditions shaping it to its current state. Persian cooking has many features in common with Indian, central Asian, Turkish & Middle Eastern cuisines, yet it has its own particular characteristics & is unmistakably different from any of its counterparts. For instance, while many ingredients of Iranian & Indian food are similar, Indian cuisine is spicier & uses pepper very generously.

Likewise, many of the ingredients used in Persian cooking would be familiar to North Americans, but we would be surprised at the unique ways the ingredients are used & the flavors they produce. A good Persian cook has an almost miraculous ability to turn simple ingredients into dishes of great subtlety & beauty.

The cuisine is sophisticated & refined enough to hold its own with any of the world’s other great cuisines, but ‘cos of politics, it is hardly known outside the region. A variety of climates, wide range of fruits, vegetables, herbs have resulted into a diverse culinary culture throughout the country.

Enjoy the famously warm Iranian hospitality as you tuck into a tasty meal & chat to the ladies about their daily lives.

Depending on the day, your Host may prepare typical dishes like Khoresht-E Gheimeh (a beef & split pea stew with fried potatoes), Zereshk Polo Morgh (baked saffron rice with barberries & chicken), the famous Khoresht-E Fesenjan (a poultry stew with pomegranates & walnuts), Baghali Polo (a rice dish with lamb, saffron, fava beans & dill), or Ghormeh Sabzi (lamb with herbs & kidney beans, served with rice), Chelo Kabab Koobideh etc.

Now comes the dessert. Most popular & standard at home is Saffron Ice-Cream with Faloode, a cold dessert, consisting of rice noodles mixed in semi frozen rose water & sugar syrup, similar to a sorbet.

The evening ends with the serving of Tea. Persian Tea comes in a variety of subtle flavours & its defining characteristic is its deep reddish-brown colour, which tea-drinkers can choose to dilute with water depending on their preference.

And now, it is time to say au revoir to your Host & transfer back to the hotel.

But, on the way back, stop to see an architectural wonder intrinsically linked to the history of the Revolution.

A silent witness to Iran’s major historical events, Borj-e Azadi remains Tehran’s most iconic landmark - a favorite spot for foreign tourists eager to Instagram their arrival in Tehran.

The Tower, formerly known as the Shahyad Tower, originally built in 1971 to commemorate the 2,500^th Anniversary of Persian Monarchy, became a symbol of freedom during & after the 1979 Islamic Revolution which toppled the reigning Pahlavi dynasty & brought Khomeini to power. At this point, the name was changed from Shahyad or Kings Memorial, to Azadi or Freedom Tower. When conceptualized, the Tower was to represent the grandeur of Iranian civilization.

Borj-e Azadi is located on Azadi Square, part of the 50,000 sq meter Azadi Cultural Complex integrating principles of the traditional Persian Garden through its immaculately landscaped lawn, pristine flowerbeds & streaming fountains, sentry to the west entrance of the Capital city, welcoming all visitors arriving at the next door Mehrabad International Airport.

It was designed in 1966 by a 24 year old architecture student at Tehran University, Hossein Amanat (now an Iranian-Canadian) who won a national competition to design a symbol for the country paying tribute to the 2,500^th Anniversary of the Persian Empire & was built by Mohammad Pourfathi.

The stunning architecture is a combination of Sassanid, Achaemenid & Islamic architecture. Hossein Amanat used the features of Iranian architecture such as a Windcatcher, Chahartaq, Persian Garden, Iranian Bazaar & spectacular tiles to double the beauty of this monument & enable the visitors, or even locals, to understand the Iranian culture & civilization.

The main arch inside the Tower is a symbol of the Sassanid era, the parallel bases are reminiscent of the Achaemenid style of architecture & its upper arch is inspired by Islamic architecture.

The inverted-Y-shaped Tower was designed to ingeniously combine modern architecture with traditional Iranian influences, most notably the iwan style of the arch. Built in the form of a Gate with a width of 64 meters & 50 meters tall Iron skeleton clad in in 8000 pieces of white marble from Isfahan that were cut into 15,000 different sizes & geometric patterns, from 40 centimeters to 6 meters in length & with unique curves & 8 separate sections. Muqarnas & beautiful decorations were added to this architectural masterpiece.

The Tower has 4 floors & you reach the top via 2 staircases & 4 elevators. Hamedan granite stone has been used in the construction of the main doors & the stones of the floors are from Kurdistan Pearl Mine. In the basement, there are several Theaters, Galleries with changing Exhibitions, Libraries & a Museum that displays various ancient Cuneiform Tablets, Ceramics & Pottery, as well as a replica of the Cyrus Cylinder (the original of which is housed in the British Museum) & a Cafe.

In 2015, Tehranis flocked to see German artist Philipp Geist’s Gate of Words, in which Azadi Tower was used as the canvas for a light installation, with words of Peace, Love, Freedom poetically projected on the Tower surface, in Persian, English & German synchronised with live music. The Square is also a concert venue during the Fajr International Music Festival, held every year.

Historically, political demonstrations have taken place against the backdrop of Azadi Tower, a solemn onlooker. These days, however, one of the only politically inspired events allowed to take place at this site is the annual celebration of the 22^nd of Bahman (February 10^th) which commemorates the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution when Iranians march from all parts of Tehran, eventually convening at this Square which was the scene of much protest during the 1979 Revolution & remains a focal point / venue for rare demonstrations today. Though the Tower plays less of a political role nowadays & acts more like a cultural ambassador.

It is worth going inside to see the complex structural engineering that forms the bones of the design & to catch breathtaking views of the west & east from the Observation Deck on top.

Time to go back to the hotel & relax.

Overnight.  B D

Morning, after an early breakfast, Check-out & meet the Tour-guide at 08.30 am for another round of exploration.

Persian Carpets - from Imagination to Manifestation, as the aficionados say.

The Persian Carpet is a brilliant & glorious manifestation of the Iran’s rich culture & superior artistic sense. The art of weaving carpets by hand starts with imagination & creativity in designing the pattern & comes alive with knotting the threads to create a work of art. Today, embark on a discovery of this ancient Craft. 


Proceed to the renowned Carpet Museum of Iran, one of the world’s few Museums that specialize only in Persian Carpets coveted by the rich & the famous worldwide. Visiting the Museum offers a rare & exciting opportunity to appreciate them in their country of origin.

The 36,000 square feet Museum was started by Farah Diba Pahlavi, the last Queen of Iran who known for her extensive, active interest in promoting & contributing to Iran’s arts & culture.  

The Museum opened in February of 1976 with a limited number of Persian Carpets & Kilims, from all over Iran, dating from the 16^th century to the present, in order to revive & develop the art of carpet-weaving in the country & to provide a source to satisfy the need for research about the historical background & evolution of this art.

The intention was / is to keep the art of carpet weaving alive as well as be a place to gather the most beautiful carpets from all over the country. In time, the Museum did just that & consequently, has become a hotspot for lovers of antique art & the art of weaving, as well as Historians & Researchers of the world.

The seemingly strange exterior of the building was designed by Architect Abdol-Aziz Farmanfarmaian to look like a carpet loom consequently, serving a 2^nd utilitarian purpose of creating a shade on the interior walls, thus shielding the Museum & artifacts inside, from Iran’s hot sun. The exterior concrete lattice is meant to resemble threads on a loom. The Entrance Hall displays a map of Iran’s iconic Weaving Centers such as Kerman & Tabriz.

The Museum is composed of 2 Exhibition Galleries covering an area of 3400 m2.  The ground floor is assigned for permanent exhibitions & the upper floor Gallery is considered for the temporary exhibitions of Carpets, Kilims & Carpet designs.

Carpet-weaving is undoubtedly one of the most distinguished manifestations of Iranian culture & art, dating back to the Bronze Age, but as the materials used in Carpets including wool & cotton, decay into dust during the course of time, Archaeologists couldn't make any special discovery during the archaeological excavations.

However, in a unique stroke of luck, an excavation in 1949, by a group of Russian Archaeologists, discovered the exceptional Pazyryk Carpet in the grave of a Scythian Prince, among the ice of inaccessible Pazyryk Valley, in Altai Mountains in Siberia.

Radiocarbon testing revealed that the unique 1.83 × 2 meters Pazyryk Carpet has 36 symmetrical knots per cm2, was woven in the 5^th century BC. The advanced weaving technique used indicates a long history of evolution & experience of this art. Most experts believe that the Pazyryk Carpet is the final achievement of at least 2,500 years of experience & history. The Pazyryk Carpet, preserved in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, is an ancient witness of the Persian Carpet's value & genuineness. According to this theory, the art of carpet-weaving in Iran is at least 3500 years old.

The Persian Carpet has a deep-rooted history as one of the oldest handicrafts & today, traded as a precious & profitable commercial good.

Experts can estimate the price & value of a Persian handmade Carpet based on several factors, including the breathtaking diversity & complexity of the patterns, fabric materials, the count of knots, the variety of colors in the design, the age & origin of the Carpet. Even the region where the Carpet is woven would affect the characteristics. For example, Carpets that are woven in the western areas, such as Tabriz, Hamedan & Bijar, are utterly different in style, color & design from those which are produced in central regions such as Kashan & Yazd.

The Museum dedicated to preserving every aspect of the precious legacy & heritage of the Carpets, provides more than just beautiful Rugs to look at. In addition to the precious books available to the public, it also offers many specialised Classes to the public. Designed to keep the art of Rug & Kilim weaving alive, these Workshops teach everything from carpet weaving, to understanding the meaning of carpet design motifs, to the repair of damaged rugs. Students who complete these Courses are awarded a Certificate. And, driven by demand of Carpet afficionados & collectors, the Museum also has a carpet restoration & repair shop open to the public.

The Museum’s Library contains approximately 7,000 books in multiple languages, including Farsi, English, German, French & Arabic. These books are a collection of some of the most important & rare publications & research about Persian Carpets available. There are also books on Culture, Religion, Art & Literature, available to researchers, students & art lovers. The adjacent Bookstore also sells.

Spend 2 hours here before moving on to another interesting place which offers an opportunity to interact with the art scene in Tehran.

Today, you will be treated to a ‘Vegetarian’ Lunch, ‘almost’ a rarity in the Persian Culinary scene.

Proceed to Iran Artists Forum for Culture & Arts located near the Park-e Tehran or Artists Park (Garden of Art) on Iranshahr Street (a great place to buy souvenirs), for a fully immersive experience. It was established to enrich & foster a broad range of artistic activities & as a home to Artists Associations.

Straightaway, move to the Restaurant inside the building to have a light ‘vegetarian’ meal, first. Wholesome vegetarian meals are served in this popular place where the produce is bought fresh each day & the kitchen is completely meat-free, so there will be no surprises in the Salads, Pizzas or Khoresht (stew). There is a convivial, romantic indoor-outdoor terrace + the bright indoor dining area.

A cracking shop, a vegetarian & traditional Restaurant, a few Cafes couple & ‘generally’ young people in love with art & communication makes it a great place to meet locals & learn about Iran, off the beaten ‘tourist’ track.

The Complex is home to Iran’s Theater Forum, Music Forum, Cinema Forum, Iranian Painters Association, the Association of Iranian Graphic Designers, Iran’s Society of Sculptors, Iranian Calligraphers Association, the Association of Iranian Poets & Iran’s Society of Architects.  

The Forum is an artistic & cultural complex where various events are held. Visual Art Galleries, Theaters & Movie Halls, Music Concerts, Handicraft Shops, Art & Design Shows, national & international events are parts of the repertoire. The Art Center is right next to the U.S. Embassy Museum, so visitors can connect the 2 attractions together, if.

Besides Galleries & Studios & Workshops, the building houses a Bookshop & an Art / Gift Shop selling handicrafts with Iranian characteristics & artworks of modern Iranian Artists. Beside Exhibitions, the venue offers Music Concerts, Lectures & Art Classes.

With lots of Galleries around this part of Tehran, Artists Park is something of an Art Hub, with 8 Gallery spaces over 2 levels, exhibiting works in all media on a monthly rotation. There are different exhibitions of visual arts from time to time, mostly of Paintings, Photographs, Graphic Arts, Sculpture & some thought provoking Drawings.

At Tehran’s most important hub of Artists, spend the afternoon meeting younger Iranian Artists (Painter, Sculpture, Photographer, etc.) to get acquainted with their activities & challenges, modern Iranian art & get some insights about the city. You may also want to explore some of the Galleries in the Park-e Tehran & enjoy the displays.

In time, you will be transferred to Tehran Mehrabad International Airport to board your short flight to Ahwaz.

Arrive in Ahvaz, the Capital of Khuzestan Province, built on the banks of the Karoun River, the largest river & the only navigable waterway in Iran.

On exiting in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Ahvaz International Airport, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for this day & the next & transfer you to the hotel.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer. Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the start hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

Balance of the evening is at leisure to relax or for independent exploration (we shall be happy to offer suggestions, in case you want to walk around).

Ahvaz is a business-oriented oil city built on the banks of the Karoun River & there is not much to see in the city.

Ahvaz metropolis, being the 3^rd largest city after Tehran & Mashhad & 7^th most populous city in Iran, is one of the most important economic & industrial centers in the country. Universities of Ahvaz have a privileged position in terms of their high educational system.

Ahvaz is known as the ‘City of Bridges’ for the 9 Bridges that have been built over the Karoun River, namely Pol-e Sefid (White Bridge), Pol-e Siah (Black or Victory Bridge), Naderi Bridge (Fourth Bridge) & Dialogue of Civilizations Bridge. Dividing Ahvaz into east & west parts, the Bridges are the symbols & important tourist attractions.

The city was built by founder of the Sassanid Dynasty Ardashir I (180 - 242 CE) or / & rebuilt by his grandson Hormizd I on both sides of the river, designating one half for God & the other half for himself & naming it Hormoz-Ardashir. The city’s name either combined Ardashir's name with the Zoroastrian God, Ohrmazd, or Hormizd's name with that of his grandfather.

It became the seat of the province & was also referred to as Humser. During the Sassanid era, an irrigation system & several Dams were constructed & the city prospered. The city replaced Susa, the ancient capital of Susiana, as the Capital of what was then called Khuzestan.

Some historians believe that Ahvaz was named Tareiana in the Achaemenid era (550 - 330 BC). Others believe that it is the city of Aginis referred to in Greek sources.

The city had 2 sections; the Nobles of the city lived in the part called Hormshir while the other area inhabited by Merchants was named Huj-i-stanwacar ("Market of Khuz State").

When Arabs invaded the area in 640, the part of the city that was home to the Nobility was demolished but the Huj-i-stanwacar, the Merchant area, remained intact. Flourishing as a market town, the native Elamite people renamed it as Souq al-Ahvaz ("Market of the Khuz"). But, it fell into ruin in the course of centuries of conflict & endless power struggles.

Fast forward to modern times. In the 19^th century, Ahwaz was no more than a small borough of 1,500 to 2,000 inhabited mainly by Mandaean (Sabian)community, who are the followers of John the Baptist.  

During the Umayyad & Abbasid eras, Ahwaz flourished as a center for the cultivation of Sugarcane & as the home of many well-known scholars. In the early Islamic Sassanid era (224 - 651 CE), the city became a center for Textile production & a Trade Hub. Nearby stood the Academy of Gundishapur, where the modern-day teaching hospital is said to have been first established.

In the 1880s, under Qajar rule, the Karun River was dredged & re-opened to commerce. The city again became a commercial crossroad, linking river & rail traffic. The construction of the Suez Canal further stimulated trade. A port city was built near the old village of Ahvaz & named Bandar-e-Naseri in honor of Nasser-al Din Shah Qajar. (1831-1896). The founder of the Pahlavi dynasty Reza Shah (1878 - 1944) changed city’s name to Ahvaz.

Oil was found near Ahwaz in the early 20^th century & the city once again grew & prospered as a result of this newfound wealth.

Today, different ethnicities such as Arabs, Bakhtiari, Behbahani, Dezfouli, Ramhormozi, Shushtari etc., constitute the main residents & the city has a considerable Mandaean (Sabian) community & most are active as Silversmiths creating exquisite silver artwork. The Mandaeans can often be seen performing their weekly baptism rituals along the Karoun River. It is one of the places where the Chaldean & Assyrian Catholic Christian Bishops live.

Traditionally, Khuzestan province has been a major soccer hub in Iran & Football is a major part of the city's culture.

The best places in Ahvaz are situated alongside the river boulevard. People go to Kianpars Street at night & stroll among the shops. One of the attractions of Ahvaz is the oil well flares situated on the border of the city which looks nice in the night. Zeytoon Karmandi is one of the oldest neighbourhood with a nice Park in middle & a favorite place of young people to walk along the streets.

Overnight.  B L D

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.00 am & proceed for a full day 8 hour excursion to Chogha Zanbil

UNESCO World Heritage listed Chogha Zanbil is an ancient Elamite complex near Ahvaz. It is one of the largest & best-preserved brick Ziggurat outside of Mesopotamia, located in the semi-desert landscape & is somewhat at odds with its wild surroundings.

Built around 1250 BC, it was part of a flourishing Temple complex within the town of Dur Untash until Ashurbanipal, who was also responsible for destroying Susa, sacked it in about 640 BC. It was only rediscovered in 1935.

The impressive Ziggurat, originally believed to be about 60 metres, stands at about 25 metres high today. You can’t go into it, or climb up, which is just as well given its great age, but this is in keeping with its history as it was only ever accessible to the Elamite elite.

The uppermost 2 sections including a temple are gone. Running around the temple at approximately eye level is an inscription in cuneiform. From the leaflet for the site, some have been translated & one section reads: “I Untash Napirisha with golden, silver, green & black coloured bricks have built this Temple & have gifted it to Napirisha & Inshushinak the Gods of this sacred place”

There are low ruins of various Temples around the Ziggurat, along with those of Palace & housing complexes, though nothing as well-preserved as the Ziggurat itself. Embedded in some baked clay near the base of the Ziggurat is a child’s footprint; one of those curious archaeological survivors that, like a potter’s thumb-print on a piece of ancient pottery, seems incredibly personal & to collapse the hundreds, or in this case thousands, of years between then & now.

Continue on to adjacent Susa, the site of one of the oldest cities in the world.

Excavations have uncovered evidence of continual habitation dating back to 4200 BCE. Susa was a principal city of the Elamite, Persian & Parthian Empires (capital of the Elamites) & was originally known to the Elamites as 'Susan’ or 'Susun’. The Greek name for the city was Sousa & in Hebrew, Shushan. The excavated architectural monuments include administrative, residential & palatial structures. The site bears exceptional testimony to the Elamite, Persian & Parthian cultural traditions, which have largely disappeared.

The modern city of Shush, presently occupies the ancient site. The old city, is situated between the modern rivers Karkheh & Dez (the rivers Choaspes & Eulaeus mentioned in the Biblical Book of Daniel 8:2, where Daniel received his vision), which bring mud down from the Zagros Mountains making the area one of the most fertile in the region. It was the political center of Elam early in the 4^th millennium & there is a Fortress, still extant, which dates back to this period.

The Assyrian King Ashurbanipal destroyed Susa completely between 645 - 640 BCE to avenge the perceived wrongs the people of Mesopotamia had suffered at the hands of the Elamites. The city was rebuilt & inhabited sometime after Ashurbanipal’s attack, only to be conquered by the Persian King Cyrus the Great in 538 BCE. It was made the capital of the Persian Empire by Cambyses II and was expanded by the Persian king Darius the Great (549 - 486 BCE) who favored it over his other residences.

There were other capitals in Persia (Pasargadae, Persepolis & Ecbatana), but it is clear that Susa was the best known & most mentioned (Persepolis, owing to its location, was unknown to the Greek historians until it was destroyed by Alexander the Great). After the defeat & destruction of the Achaemenid Empire by Alexander, the Great, & then Alexander’s death, Susa became part of the Seleucid Empire. It was then known as Seleucia on the Eulaeus & Greek architecture & styling began to appear beside the older works of the Elamites & the Persians. The city remained an important intellectual & cultural center until it was sacked by Muslim armies in 638 CE and destroyed. Rebuilt yet again, it thrived until 1218 CE when it was utterly destroyed by invading Mongols.

Later, if time permits you can also visit the nearby Tomb of Biblical Prophet Daniel.

A noble Jewish youth of Jerusalem, he is taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and serves the King & his successors with loyalty & ability until the time of the Persian conqueror Cyrus, all the while remaining true to the God of Israel. There is no consensus on Daniel’s existence but various conservative Jewish & Christian scholars reject this view.

6 cities claim Daniel's Tomb, the most famous being that in Susa at a site known as Shush-e Daniyal. He is not a Prophet in Judaism, but the Rabbis reckoned him to be the most distinguished member of the Babylonian diaspora, unsurpassed in piety & good deeds, firm in his adherence to the Law despite being surrounded by enemies who sought his ruin & in the first few centuries CE, they wrote down the many legends that had grown up around his name.

The various branches of the Christian Church do recognise him as a Prophet, & although he is not mentioned in the Quran, Muslim sources describe him as a nabi, a saintly & righteous man.

Time to get back to the real world. Drive back to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure to relax or for independent exploration (we shall be happy to offer suggestions, in case you want to walk around). 

Overnight.  B D

Early morning, Check-out & depart for Shiraz. But enroute, you will explore some more amazing sites.

Stop at Bishapour, an ancient city in Sasanid Persia on the ancient road between Persis & Elam.

Bishapour, or ‘Shapur’s City’, originally built along the Shapur River in the steep-sided Chogan Gorge, was the grand Capital of possibly the greatest of the Sassannian Kings, Shapur I, whose armies defeated the Romans 3 times & much of Bishapour was built by Romans taken captive after their Emperor Valerian was defeated in AD 260 & where he lived his final years a captive.

The site has been partly excavated, revealing the Palace of Shapur. Some fine Irano-Roman mosaics remain, but the best pieces are now in Paris at the Louvre. A recently opened Museum displays artefacts excavated at the site.

The remains of stone walls & vaults in a vast area, known as the Ceremonial Hall of Shapour, is where he accepted official visitors & guests. This glorious Hall has a 4 iwan plan & it used to be covered with a lofty dome.

However, the most important monument in Bishapour is the Temple of Anahita, which was a holy place for praising Anahita the Goddess of Water, as water was a sacred item in ancient Iran. The walls, the mysterious corridors, the vaults & the stairs of this monument are all built with large rubble stones & half of the construction leads underground to a Pool around which the faithful once walked & prayed. This Temple which is one of the best samples among all of the Anahita Temples of the world, is also one of the top architectural masterpieces of the Sassanid Era.

There are two 9 meters high stone Memorial Columns located right at the center of the city where the 2 main roads meet. These Columns are valuable historical sources as there are Parthian, Pahlavi & Sassanid inscriptions are on them. It is believed that a statue of King Shapour I was located between the 2 pillars & was gradually destroyed during centuries.

Driving a little bit further along the deep gorge is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Iran. The Tang-e Chogan where you can see 6 large bas reliefs related to the 3^rd & 4^th centuries, carved out of limestone the rocky walls. The deep groove running through the reliefs was caused by a powerful flood in the 1960s; the groove marks the high-water mark.

Great samples of Iranian ancient art, the reliefs commemorate historical moments. One located on the right side of the gorge shows the coronation ceremony of Shapour I, while the Zoroaster God Ahuramazda is handing him the reign of power, Philip the Arab kneeling in front & Gordian III under his horse.

Best preserved is the 2^nd relief. One of the most crowded with 115 characters, it shows the victory of Shapur over 3 Roman Emperors - Gordian III, Valerian & Philip the Arab, the Iranian army accompanying the King & the Roman Army presenting gifts to Shapur. Another one shows the victory of Bahram II over the Arab Sheikhs & the defeated Sheikhs bringing him horses & camels as presents. The next relief shows Bahram I receiving the reign power from God Ahuramazda. This one is considered the best one in terms of artistic skills as it shows beautiful ‘minute’ details from the clothes to muscles of the horses.

Nearby is the Cave of Shapour - a set of cave tunnels on a 400 meters high mountain located on the 2 sides of a wide Valley, known for its is 7 meters high & 2 meters wide Statue of Shapur I at its entrance. This Statue depicts the King with long hair, beard, mustache, big eyes, a crown, weapons & in an army outfit.

After spending a couple of hours exploring, continue on to Shiraz.

Arrive by late afternoon, in the vibrant city of Shiraz one of the most beautiful, historical cities in the world, known as the “Cultural Capital” of Iran, inhabited by different ethnic groups.

Check-in at the hotel.

The Middle East is a grand epic, a cradle of civilisations & a beautiful, complicated land that is home to some of the planet's most hospitable people. From the gravitas of the Sahara to the blue tiles of Isfahan, this is a region for discerning travellers, for those looking for the story behind the headline & where the bridges between ancient & modern civilisations are everywhere evident. Here, history is not something you read about in books. It was here that some of the most significant civilisations of antiquity rose & fell. It is a story written on the stones that litter the region, from the flagstones of old Roman roads to the building blocks of ancient Egypt & the delicately carved tombs & temples from Petra to Persepolis. This is where humankind first built cities & learned to write and it was from here that 3 great monotheistic religions Judaism, Christianity & Islam all arose.

Its cities read like a roll-call of historical heavyweights: Jerusalem, Beirut, Cairo, İstanbul, Isfahan, Damascus & Baghdad. Aside from ranking among the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth, these ancient-modern metropolises are places to take the pulse of a region. It is here too, that you find the stirring, aspirational architecture that so distinguishes the 3 faiths.

Little understood & seldom visited by Western tourists, Iran can seem opaque & enigmatic. Many preconceptions are based on its confusion with the Arab world, a fact lost on many in the West & a mistake many in Iran, with its over 2,500 years of Persian history, would probably take issue with.

An essential stop on the Silk Road, the Persian Empire stretched from Greece to India & brought its famously tolerant culture - including early medicine - to a world mired in comparative medieval backwardness. Today's Iran is still a place of bustling bazaars, glorious architecture & mountain villages with a young, friendly & open population. As long as you are not too attached to that glass of wine (curiously, Shiraz was invented here), a visit will take you beyond the rhetoric into one of the world's truly great cultures.

One of the oldest cities of ancient Persia, Shiraz is set in a fertile valley once famed for its vineyards, which makes it a pleasant place to visit. 

Celebrated as the heartland of Persian culture for more than 2000 years, Shiraz has become synonymous with Education, Nightingales, Poetry & Wine. Known for Love & Literature & the origin of first illustrations of Persian Gardens, it is a unique example of hospitality & warmth of the Shirazi people.  A city of poets, Shiraz is the birthplace & home to the graves of Hafez & Sa’adi, both resplendently renovated, now major pilgrimage sites for Iranians. The marble Tomb of Hafez, honoring the revered Poet, sits within its own garden. To the east, the Mausoleum of Sa’adi houses the 13^th century Writer’s mosaic-tiled Tomb & an underground pool.

Shiraz was one of the most important cities in the medieval Islamic world. The first capital of Fars, some 2500 years ago, was Pasargadae (located near Shiraz). It was also the capital of Achaemenid King Cyrus, the Great. There is also Persepolis, the ceremonial 6^th century B.C capital of his successor, Darius & his son Xerxes with its immense gateways, columns & friezes.  Today, only the ruins of these 2 Capitals remain. Estakhr was another capital of Fars, established by the Sassanians that lasted until Shiraz finally assumed the role of the regional capital. The earliest reference to the city, as Tirazis, is on Elamite clay tablets dated to 2000 BC.

In 1724 the city was sacked by Afghan invaders. Shiraz became capital of the Zand dynasty (1750 - 94), whose founder, the Vakil (Regent) Karim Khan Zand, adorned the old city with many fine buildings, including his Mausoleum (an octagonal tiled kiosk, now a Museum); the Ark, or citadel (now a prison); the Vakil Bazaar & Mosque. Buildings in the new city include the Persian Church of St. Simon, the Zealot & the University (1945). Shiraz is still the Capital of Fars province & it bears many more historical & ancient attractions and old cities of Persian Empire showing the glory of a nation.

It is also home to splendid Gardens, exquisite Mosques & whispered echoes of ancient sophistication that reward those who linger longer than it takes to visit nearby Persepolis, the area’s major tourism drawcard. During spring, the fragrance of flowers, especially orange tree blossoms fill up the air. The Gardens are extraordinarily beautiful & eye catching & you will have an amazing experience visiting the colorfully painted fabulous religious sites which mesmerizes the visitors. The amazing architecture of these attractions is what really fascinates.

A number of scientists also originate from Shiraz. Qutb al-Din al-Shirazi, a 13^th century Astronomer, Mathematician, Physician, Physicist & Scientist was from Shiraz. In his manuscript “The Limit of Accomplishment” concerning Knowledge of the Heavens, he also discussed the possibility of Helio-centrism.

In his 1893 book A Year Amongst the Persians, Edward Browne described Shirazis as ‘…amongst all the Persians, the most subtle, the most ingenious, the most vivacious’. And even in Iran, where regional one-upmanship is common, everyone seems to like Shirazis. Shiraz University (formerly known as Pahlavi University), is a well-respected highly ranked public University.

Farsi, the ancient language of Fars (Pars) has evolved to become the official national language of Iran, i.e. Persian. The city, a trading & road centre for the central Zagros Mountains, is linked to Bushire, its Port on the Persian Gulf.

The traditional crafts popular within the villages & among the tribes around Shiraz consist of inlaid mosaic inlay work of triangular design; silver-ware; pile carpet & kilim weaving.

Modern Shiraz has industries for Cement. Sugar, Fertilizer production, Textile Mills & factories for Wood products, Metalwork, Carpets & Rugs. It is also a major center for Iran's Electronic industries - 53% of Iran's electronic investment has been centered in Shiraz. It is home to a major Oil Refinery & the country’s first Solar Power Plant.

With more than 25 Malls & 10 Bazaars, Shiraz is known as the easiest place for shopping in Iran & the Middle East. At the Persian Gulf Complex, located at the north end of the city, travelers can find the largest Mall in the world in terms of the number of shops.

There are the usual Iranian traffic issues, but the city’s agreeable climate, set as it is in a fertile valley once famed for its vineyards, makes it a pleasant place to visit. See from outside the famous Tomb of Shah Cheragh, brother of Imam Reza. The Tomb, beautifully lit at night, draws thousands of pilgrims annually & is the principal pilgrimage center in the province of Fars.

Balance of the evening is at leisure to relax or for independent exploration (we shall be happy to offer suggestions, in case you want to walk around). 

Overnight.  B D

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.30 am & embark on a 6 hour sightseeing of Shiraz - the city of “roses & nightingales”.

It bears many more historical & ancient attractions and old cities of Persian Empire showing the glory of a nation such as Persepolis, the ruined 6^th century B.C. Capital to the northeast with its immense gateways, columns & friezes and Necropolis & Pasargadae.

Proceed to the historical Karim Khan-e Zand Complex, one of the most outstanding attractions of Shiraz, built by the ruler himself, consisting of many attractive ancient monuments. There is a Bazaar full of stores, a Bath-house for getting clean, an amazing Mosque for saying prayers, a Castle as the residential place of the King of Iran, a Garden, a Museum for receiving the foreign dignitaries & a water Reservoir.

The city’s ancient trading Zandiyeh district in is home to several bazaars dating from different periods. The finest & most famous of these is the Bazar-e Vakil, a cruciform structure commissioned by Karim Khan as part of his plan to make Shiraz into a great trading centre. One of the most atmospheric bazaars in Iran, especially in the early evening when it is fantastically photogenic. The wide vaulted brick avenues are masterpieces of Zand architecture, with the design ensuring the interior remains cool in summer & warm in winter. Today, the Bazaar, one of the commercial centers at the heart of Shiraz which has still preserved its traditional style, is home to almost 200 stores selling fascinating carpets, handicrafts, antiques, fabrics & clothes, spices & seasonings.

Inside this Bazaar with its great architecture & traditional merchandise, there is an old Caravansary which has been converted into smaller markets named Saray-e Moshir selling beautiful jewelry & priceless gem stones and & Shamshirgarha Bazaar selling tribal handicraft. Outside the Bazaar, you can try Shirazi ice cream & Faloudeh at the traditional Seray-e Mehr Teahouse - an atmospheric little place offering lunch. The Bazaar is best explored by wandering along the atmospheric maze of lanes that lead off the main thoroughfares. Getting lost in the courtyards, caravanserais, and arched brick pathways & finding yourself in the domed Chahar-su (intersection of the bazaar) feels like a trip to the past. With every step you take, the scent of the spices, the colors of the fabrics, the shine of the copperware or the charm of Persian carpets, antiques & handicrafts penetrates deeper into your soul.

Walk to Masjed-e Vakil next to the tribal arts arcade. The Mosque from Karim Khan’s time, has an impressive tiled portal, a recessed entrance decorated with Shirazi rose-pink tiles, 2 vast iwans, a magnificent inner courtyard surrounded by beautifully tiled alcoves & porches. The distinguishing feature of the Mosque, however, is the forest of 48 diagonally fluted columns that support the pleasingly proportioned 75 metres by 36 metres vaulted Prayer Hall, displaying a hypnotic rhythm of verticals & arabesques. The entrance has a portal with great tile works in colors of green, blue & yellow.

The spectacular colossal Mosque has a central pond inside its yard which reminds the religious people when doing ablution of the temporary world in this transient life when their faces fade away in the reflection of water waves & they attest to the greatest power in the universe that is the Almighty.  Other fine features include an impressive mihrab & 14 step marble minbar, carved from a monolith transported all the way from Azerbaijan. Much of the tiling, with its predominantly floral motifs, was added in the early Qajar era.

The next attraction that Karim Khan-e Zand had built in Shiraz was a Vakil Bathhouse in the western part of Masjed-e Vakil & next to Bazar-e Vakil. It used to be a public bath for almost all the people of Shiraz until 90 years ago, when it was converted into a traditional Gymnasium for a while & then the government designated this as a National Heritage Monument to preserve as a replica of a traditional Bathhouse.

Today, Iran Cultural Heritage Organization has made a lot of attempts to renovate some ruined parts of Bathhouse in order to preserve the ancient Persian culture & the Iranian identity. Archaeologists have carefully examined the decorations & architectural details & have concluded that they are inspired by Safavid architecture.

The 1,350 sq. metre Bathhouse is one of the largest traditional Bathhouses in Iran & offers visitors a glimpse of the past around 400 years ago, into the life style of the people of Shiraz. Famous for its aesthetic beauty, it forces its visitors to walk with their heads held high to look at the impressive frescoes on the ceiling. This ancient artwork is discernable for its great magnificence which is hard to find in any other historic Baths. 

The structure is mainly built of brick, gypsum mortar & stone & the entrance portal on the north of the Bathroom is a low doorway connecting to an Anteroom with a slight slope. This technique along with the angled entrance of the rooms was brilliantly applied to trap the heat inside. The Anteroom, decorated with arabesque patterns, leads to a chamber which used to be a Dressing Hall. This octagonal room holds 8 monolithic stone columns supporting the vault. The walls are decorated with stucco molding in floral & geometric patterns. There is a big pool in the middle & the empty spaces around it were used to hold shoes.

A corridor where the lavatories are situated connects the Dressing Hall to the Heat Room which was meant for people to rest after their bath. Bath time in the days gone by involved more than just cleaning yourself. People interacted with one another chatting, cleaning, grooming, getting massages. So, it is a natural thing in Iran that strangers easily communicate with each other & talk about their lives.

It should be noted that the Bathrooms were not places used merely for cleaning, but also served as a local community centre for different ceremonies like baby shower, marriage proposals, other old marriage traditions. You can get feel of a real ceremony held here by visiting the room dedicated to 'Henna Bandan'. This is a ritual in a traditional Iranian Wedding Ceremony where the relatives put Henna on bride's hands as a symbol of joy & fortune. 

This makes the Bathhouse a great place to get to know Iranian culture. Vakil Bathhouse is a rich Museum of Anthropology. Visitors can find life-size wax figures clad in ‘Long’ (a piece of traditional cloth worn around the waist) in different sections, modeling the traditional stages of bathing, representing the function & some of the customs that used to be held there.

The central Heat Room architectural design is based on a square plan ground with 4 columns in solid rock topped by a canopy of vaults. Hot water canals passed under the floor covered with stones. The dados are in green marble plates imported from Tabriz. There are 2 deep niches with a large stone pool in front of them which were used by nobilities. Particularly remarkable are the plaster designs created in the Qajarid era (1785 to 1925) over the Zand designs. 

Next, proceed to visit Pars Museum near-by.

Small in size but it is a glorious monument built around 200 years ago inside Nazar Garden dating back to the Safavid time, by the order of Karim Khan as one of his royal Project for the ordinary people of Shiraz. It is an octagonal Mansion & a beautiful Pavilion decorated with exquisite tile & brick work & painted roof, that was initially built as a ceremonial meeting place where Karim Khan greeted guests & diplomats.

Influenced by European arts in Iran, the Pavilion was named Kolah-e Farangi (foreign hat). The octagonal shape of the building with its extraordinarily beautiful decorations especially the tiles with floral motifs & birds & flowers depicted on their surfaces, added to the beauty.

In 1943, the building was converted to a Museum to display exquisite items kept inside the glass boxes. Spend time exploring the interesting items related to Persian art, history & architecture. Relics & artifacts from pre-Islamic & Islamic era are exhibited.  It now houses a collection relating to the life of Karim Khan & other historic artifacts relating to the province. There is also a Collection of valuable metals & coins from 4^th millennium B.C. Papier-mache works of Artists from Zand era can be seen, too. There is a Sword that supposedly belonged to Karim Khan Zand. But the most unique object of the Museum is Haftadman Quran, handwritten in Muhaqqaq calligraphy by Ibrahim Sultan, the Timurid prince, in 9^th century.

Following his will, Karim Khan Zand was buried in the eastern alcove of the Mansion in 1193 AH.

Depending on the available time, you may also visit 18^th century Arg-E Karim Khan (the Citadel). From the outside, you can see the long & majestic walls of the Castle with crenelations inspired from the ancient city of Persepolis.

Upon entering, cross an octagonal shape Saloon which was meant to protect the privacy of King’s family. There are some small platforms provided for the people who came to visit the King, to rest (or wait for the summons). Crossing the Saloon, you enter into a beautiful stylish Persian garden with all the relevant elements of a typical garden i.e. porches, ponds with nice & delicate designs, high roofs with monolithic stone & wooded pillars.

Inside the rooms, you can see decorations of golden floral motifs. Besides, there are colored windows in red, yellow, blue & green to add to the beauty of this residential Palace & also to avoid unwanted insects from entering the rooms. The shape of decorations & the pool and many other things inside the Palace has Toranj-like patterns or citrus fruits. There is also a small wind catcher above the pond in front of the Pavilion on top of the roof. Across from this Castle on the other side of the street, you can observe a Pavilion & a magnificent building which had been originally constructed for the foreign guests of Karim Khan-e Zand which has now been converted into a Garden & a Museum full of many priceless antiques from the Zandieh, Qajar & Pahlavi eras.

Leaving the Karim Khan-e Zand Complex behind, proceed to see some other notable sights which has made Shiraz famous.

Shiraz’s vibrant culture of art, craftsmanship & a rich history, is on spectacular display at the 19^th century Masjed-e Nasir Al Molk, one of the most beautiful Mosques in Iran.

One of the most elegant & most photographed pieces of architecture in southern Iran, the "Pink Mosque" with its spectacular rainbow of stained glass & a plethora of exquisite rose-colour tiles blanketing the ceiling & the impressive sight of sun rays passing through the colourful glass showering the Prayer Hall with hues of light, makes it the one of the most beautiful in Iran & may be, the world. The Mosque includes extensive coloured glass in its façade & displays other traditional elements such as the Panj Kase design.

The splendid building took 12 years to complete (1876-188) &   was built by order of one of the Qajar grandees, Hassan Ali Nasir-ol-Mulk, son of the ruler of Fars Province at the time, when Iran was taking the first steps of modernization under the influence of Europeans who frequented the country & had a considerable impact on the country’s art, architecture & culture.

From the outside, it might look like an ordinary traditional Iranian Mosque, since its location on the alley, its modest entrance gate, the lack of high Minarets & a giant Dome does not reveal anything about the interior.

Once you enter, the precise architectural symmetry catches your eyes. There is a big rectangular pool with golden fish in the centre of the courtyard that reflects the sky & structure on its water. At both northern & southern ends of the yard, there are 2 porches with stunning half-vaults ornamented with colourful tiling & detailed Persian Muqarnas art.

The Mosque is a fine example of the combination of Persian architecture & European tilework. The exquisite pink-coloured tiles with beautiful floral designs are new features - brought by Europeans - added to the geometry-based Persian tilework in which turquoise & other shades of blue were the dominant colours before.

There are 2 Prayer Halls, one on the left side of the pool (winter Prayer Hall) & the other on its right (summer Prayer Hall). There are 8 arches on the eastern room facade & 7 Orsi windows on the western hall façade. The ceiling relies on 12 stone columns that are skillfully carved with tiny domes between each pair of columns. The end of this pillar row leads to a gorgeous altar which completes the splendour of this Praying Room.

The skilful use of colourful stained-glass Orsi windows with wooden frames, is different from the stained glass one might see in a Church or a Synagogue. Orsi windows are standard in traditional Iranian architecture, mostly in houses & mansions but rarely seen with this artistic splendour in a Mosque. 

The best time to visit is early in the morning when the Hall & its Persian carpets are illuminated with a kaleidoscope of patterned flecks of light - a magical experience & an irresistible photograph. The smart placement of the windows where the sunlight glints every morning & makes a spectacular drizzle of colourful lights shows its architectural subtlety.

Drive on after spending an hour exploring in the Museum & the next stop will be Aramgah-e Sa’di, (Mausoleum), resting place of Iran's best-known poet - a literary giant of the 14^th century. Set in a pleasant Garden, the present Tomb was built in 1952 & replaces an earlier much simpler construction. The grave is inside an octagonal edifice on top of which stands an amazing azure blue dome.

Unlike Hafez (another famous poet), Sa’adi traveled extensively in Iraq & Syria, where he was even taken prisoner by the Crusaders. Upon his return to Shiraz, Sa’di wrote his most famous works, the Bustan (The Orchard) & the Golestan (The Rose Garden), in which moral tales are written either in verse or in a mixture of prose & verse. Sa’adi is said to have died in 1290 at the grand age of 101.

One of Shiraz’s several shrines, housed in an open-sided colonnade built during the Pahlavi era, is dedicated to Sheikh Mohammed Shams-ed-Din, simply known as Sa’adi - a Poet who lived & died between 1207 & 1291.

A tranquil place that makes for a pleasant respite from the noise of the surrounding city, the Mausoleum whose walls are inscribed with verses of Sa’adi’s poems, is set amidst generous gardens of evergreens, bitter orange & roses, appropriate to a man who wrote so extensively about flowers. Inside the serene Garden, one can listen to traditional Persian music played on the speakers & enjoy the relaxing environment. There is a beautiful pond in the yard in front of the Entrance where visitors throw coins in the hope that their wishes would come true. Just like the famous Trevi Fountain in Rome.

Sa’adi has been internationally revered, then & even now by scholars. In fact, he has been immortalised in the United Nations in New York. One of his Poem is written on top of the main Entrance of the United Nations: “Human beings are members of a whole, In creation of one essence & soul. If one member is afflicted with pain, other members uneasy will remain. If you have no sympathy for human pain, the name of human you cannot retain”.

There are the usual Iranian traffic issues, but the city’s agreeable climate, set as it is in a fertile valley once famed for its Vineyards, makes it a pleasant place to visit. See from outside the famous Tomb of Shah Cheragh, brother of Imam Reza. The Tomb, beautifully lit at night, draws thousands of pilgrims annually & is the principal pilgrimage center in the province of Fars.

The sightseeing concludes & you return to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure to relax or for independent exploration (we shall be happy to offer suggestions, in case you want to walk around). 

Overnight.  B D

Early morning, depart for Zein-o-din Caravanserai, driving through the countryside across quaint villages. Enroute, stop at a couple of places.

First stop will be at UNESCO World Heritage listed Persepolis (also called Takht-e Jamshid), the original Capital of the first great multi-cultural Empire in Western Asia & one of the greatest successes of the ancient Achaemenes Empire as well as its final demise. One of the great wonders of the ancient world, Persepolis embodies not just a grand architectural scheme but also a grand idea.

The Achaemenid Persian Empire spanning the Eastern Mediterranean & Egypt to the Indus River, is considered to be the first Empire that respected the cultural diversity of its different subjects. This was reflected in Achaemenes architecture, which blended multiple cultures.

Pasargadae was the first dynastic capital of the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus II, in Pars, homeland of the Persians, in the 6^th century BC & evolved into a city of some significance until it was superseded by Darius I’s magnificent Palace at Persepolis.

The ceremonial Capital of the Achaemenian Empire of King Cyrus the Great & perhaps one of the country's most beautiful & spectacular archaeological sites surviving today. Darius I who, inherited the responsibility for ruling the world's first known Empire founded by his predecessor, Cyrus the Great, started constructing the great Metropolis to serve as a summer capital in around 512 BC. Subsequent Achaemenian kings, including Xerxes I, added their own Palaces over the next 150 years.  The Administrative Center of the Achaemenians was actually at Susa, shifting during the summer to Hamadan while Persepolis was reserved only for ritual celebrations. Persepolis stands on a limestone terrace overlooking the Marvdasht plain at the foot of the Kuh-e Rahmat, (Mountain of Mercy).

Embracing tenets such as cultural tolerance & fair treatment of all subjects, Darius sought to reflect these concepts in the design of the magnificent complex at Persepolis, inviting architects from the furthest corner of the Persian Empire to contribute to its construction. The result is an eclectic set of structures, including monumental staircases, exquisite reliefs & imposing gateways that testified to the expanse of Darius' domain.

The striking point about its architecture is not only about how grand or detailed it is but how delicately it was influenced by the construction art of nations from around the globe. Tiles were brought from Babylon, precious stones from India, Cedrus wood from Lebanon and Lydians & Greeks worked together with Persians to raise hundreds of Columns to the sky. Although, it was the seat of the government of the Achaemenid Empire, the opulent construction was more reflective of it being a venue for Receptions, Festivals & Ceremonies.

In its heyday Persepolis was one of 4 key cities at the heart of an Empire that spread from the Indus River to Ethiopia. Its original name was Parsa & it only acquired its Greek name of Persepolis – meaning both City of Parsa (City of Persia) & Destroyer of Cities – after Alexander the Great’s army sacked the city in 330 BC.

Categorized among the world’s greatest archaeological sites, there are about 15 major buildings, including the Apadana, the Hall of Hundred Columns, the Gate House of Xerxes, the Treasury, the Harem & the private Palaces of the different rulers. The most important buildings were crowded onto a terrace of natural rock that rises over 9 metre above the plain on 3 sides & is adjacent to a low mountain on the 4^th side.

The Great Porch of Xerxes, flanked by winged bulls of stone, leads you into a massive ruined complex of royal Palaces, Reception Halls, Throne Rooms, Courts & Apartments covered with inscriptions & carvings.

There are remains of a number of Palaces. Some of the outstanding ones are Mirror, Apadana, Tachara which is the most striking with photogenic skilled relief work. Hadish Palace was completed by Xerexes & an unfinished one simple called Palace H.

Another Palace worth visiting (no name) is one with a 100 Columns which was burned down by Alexander. 3 feet of ash covered the floor in some places when it was excavated & many Columns are still visibly scarred by those flames which burned over 2,000 years ago. The ensemble of the city’s majestic approaches, monumental stairways, & annex buildings bear witness of unique quality & to a most ancient civilization.

The most majestic part of Persepolis is the eastern staircase of Apadana with stunning wall carvings showing rows of Persian nobles in formal clothing with headdresses that distinguish them from the Medes in round caps. Exquisitely carved bas-reliefs depict the representatives from all 28 subordinate nations under the rule of Achaemenid Dynasty, bearing gifts to their almighty ruler - Envoys from as far away as Ethiopia & Armenia, India & Cappadocia.

There are also Ossuaries in the nearby mountains where several Tombs pertaining to the Kings had been dug intricately. The ancient city was buried years under dust & sand for 100s of years till being accidently discovered. The ruins are reflective of it’s once glorious & majestic past.

Today, the enticing spectacular glory of the ruins of Persepolis reveal both the glory of the Achaemenid Empire & the abruptness of its passing. In order to understand its magnificence & glory, visitors can just walk through the Gate of All Nations & observe the perfectly detailed drawings of the surviving pillars.

Somewhat surprisingly for a city of its size & grandeur, Persepolis is rarely mentioned by any name in foreign records, which focus instead on other Achaemenid capitals including Babylon, Ecbatana (modern Hamadan) & Shush. This has led some Archaeologists to speculate that the existence of the city was kept a secret from the outside world.

Some people are destined to create, while others are destined to follow. Here lies a man who was both a creator & a visionary, laying the groundwork for human rights. Koroush (or Cyrus the Great), was a person whose futuristic & innovative viewpoints were amazingly ahead of their time. So much so that his ideas have been emulated & reproduced many times throughout history, even centuries & millennia later.

Particularly noteworthy vestiges in the 160 hactare Complex include the Palaces, Gardens, Mausoleum of Cyrus II & Tall-e Takht, an enormous unfinished platform built to one side of a natural hillock. Like the Acropolis in Athens, it may have been intended as a massive fortified plinth to hold Palaces & Temples. This was, in fact, realized later at Persepolis when Cyrus' successors built their Palaces on large plinths somewhat similar to Tall-i Takht.

There is also a royal ensemble of Gatehouse & Audience Halls - all outstanding examples of the first phase of royal Achaemenid art & architecture, an exceptional testimony of the Persian civilization.

King Cyrus built his Tomb here. With a total area of 3,427 square meters, UNESCO World Heritage listed Pasargadae Tomb built on a funerary platform, consists of a vast main Hall containing 30 white stone columns. The construction material consisted of a large number of black & white stones. There is a doorway on the north, east, & west sides of the hall. A winged figure with 2 wings pointing to the sky & pointing to the bottom, can be seen in the northern doorway. Whereas, the hands are raised to the sky in a praying motion. His Tomb was apparently built before his death & was meticulously guarded during the Achaemenid Empire.

“Mummify my body & bury me without a coffin because every part of my flesh & Persian soil coalesces”.

Did you know that when Alexander the Great conquered Persia, he ordered the restoration of Pasargadae & the Tomb of Cyrus the Great? He didn’t mean to stay in Shiraz, but out of awe & respect for the Persian king, Alexander ordered the Tomb to be restored & repaired, making sure Cyrus’ resting place is in good shape.

The only edifice in Pasargadae referenced in Greek texts & sources is the Tomb of Cyrus. On his military campaign to Achaemenid land, Aristobulus, one of Alexander’s colleagues, provided the earliest description.

Inscribed on the Tablet found within the Tomb, as quoted from Alexander’s book Anabasis: O man, whoever you are & wherever you come from, because I know you will come, I am Cyrus, who won the Persians their Empire. So don’t begrudge me this sliver of earth that covers my skeleton.

The Nowruz (Persian New Year) & Cyrus the Great Day on the 29^th October to commemorate Cyrus, which are held in the vicinity of the Tomb, have long been celebrated throughout Persia. Evidence of the magnificent New Year celebrations held during the Achaemenid Empire has been found in Pasargadae.

Spend an hour here before moving on.

Next stop will be at Naqsh-e Rustam, the ancient Necropolis houses the immense rock-cut Tombs of 4 Persian Kings.

The impressive Necropolis that stands as a reminder of the once famous & powerful Achaemenid Persian Empire, which thrived between 500 BC & 330 BC when it was defeated by Alexander the Great. The Complex has been somewhat overshadowed by the nearby ancient capital of Persepolis, but this royal Necropolis does stand out as a magnificent example of the ancient Persian architecture & art.

The 4 Tombs holding the remains of Achaemenid rulers, are hewn into the rock at a significant height from the base of the hills & bear the resemblance of crosses, hence the site is locally known as the “Persian Crosses”. Only 1 Tomb has been identified with certainty - the great Persian King, Darius I. Archaeologists believe the other 3 Kings buried here are Xerxes I, Artaxerxes I & Darius II.

At the centre of the Cross, are openings leading to the chamber where the Sarcophagi may have been placed. In fact, it is not known whether the bodies were directly placed in a Sarcophagus inside or if the bones were collected from a Tower of Silence & subsequently placed in the Tombs, in the traditional Zoroastrian ritual.

Above the openings of each Tomb are carvings of royal figures being anointed by god-like creatures. Other rock carvings below the cross-hewn Tombs commemorate various battles that brought the Achaemenid dynasty to prominence. One carving actually seems to predate the Tombs, suggesting that this ancient site had been used by people even before the Achaemenid Persian Empire.

Aside from the Tombs, there is a building in the complex called Ka’ba-ye Zartosht, (Cube of Zoroaster) - a replica of the Zendan-e Solayman (Prison of Solomon) in Pasargadae. It was once thought that this structure was the site of a perennially burning fire common in Zoroastrian Temples, but the lack of ventilation suggests otherwise. Although there is currently no consensus as to the specific use of this structure, it is widely accepted that it served a religious function. On the walls of this building are relatively well-preserved inscriptions in 3 languages.

Finally, drive on to the final destination where you will stay for the night.

Arrive by afternoon & Check-in at the Zein-o-din Caravanserai near the city of Yazd in an extensive valley facing the vast desert flanked by mountains, 689 km from Tehran. Caravanserais were roadside Inns where travelers & caravans used to rest & spend the night after day’s journey, communicate with other travelers & even trade some gold, ivory, silk & spice & so much more.

Zein-o-din Caravanserai is a Desert Retreat, sitting on the legendary Silk Route, surrounded by oases & hot springs, a building with history, where gold, ivory & spice Traders would hole up & gossip.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax (we shall be happy to offer suggestions).

Historical Caravanserais of Iran which hold many stories from the guests who spent a night & continued their journey the next morning, are spread all over Central Asia, especially on the Silk Road route which passed through Iran & connected China to the west of the world. Caravanserais, usually constructed with adobes & earth, are rectangular areas with a central Courtyard surrounded by small rooms for accommodation.

Zein-o-din is located on the ancient Silk Road which was, until 1500, the main trade route between Europe & Asia. Today a motorway to Yazd passes through Zein-o-din but in earlier centuries, it was reached after a 2 days camel ride (around 60 km) from south of Yazd, on the main road to Kerman in an otherwise vacant desert plain.

Zein-o-din's claim to fame is that it is one of the only 2 circular Caravanserais (the other, near Isfahan, is largely destroyed) built in Iran in the 16^th century & it continues to function as a Traveller's Lodge. It is one of 999 such Inns that were built to withstand inclement weather, during the reign of Shah Abbas I to promote trade & provide facilities to weary Travelers. According to history books, the Zein-o-Din Caravanserai was built in honor of Shah Abbas’s visit to the region for meeting Ganj Ali Khan, the Governor of Kerman during the 10^th century Hijri. This construction was used as an accommodation for the gunners & the military guards.

Fenced by 5 brick Towers that are attached to the 8 meter high walls, which has resulted in a unique shape of architectural plan, the Caravanserai is a 2 storied structure, square in plan, with a courtyard & a water pool. Utterly enchanting, unlike anywhere else you have been before. An "atmospheric & fascinating" place for those with the imagination to muster days of yore with camels grumbling outside the door, a night's stay here offers a haunting glimpse of a caravan Traders’ life on the Silk Road.

This 400 year old rounded brick Caravanserai has been charmingly restored, tastefully decorated to accommodate Travelers the same way it did when it was active on the trans-Asia trade routes. Its recent renovation took 3 years to complete & included the use of 13,000 pumice stones to remove the grime on the interior walls to make it look as it would have, originally. The Caravanserai's exterior view appears like a "derelict ruin" though its interior is well furbished in its original form. It was awarded the UNESCO Citation for best renovated building in 2006.

After passing the entrance gate on the south of the building & the Hashti (the vestibule or a small space leading to a larger space), visitors enter the round space which is originally a dodecagon surrounded by brick-made porticos leading to the small rooms, where travelers stay. The Hashti is continued by 2 long corridors that pass behind the rooms. These corridors were used as horse stables.

The room on the north side - Shah Neshin (a room assigned to the Kings & Governors) - is characterized by its high ceiling & ornaments including Karbandi & Stucco works. Other parts inside the building are decorated with brickworks which is beautifully laid out based on the dodecagon shape of the construction.

Restored to a near original state, the narrow rooms are built on raised wooden Platforms. Accommodation is simple: the raised rooms offer mattresses on top of carpets & there is no door separating the rooms from the corridor, with only a thick curtain providing privacy to the occupants. There are 2 types of well-ventilated rooms, 32 in total & the entrance of the rooms around the central Courtyard are ornamented with well-formed arches. Smaller ones inside along the main corridor & other spacious ones opening to the courtyard come with beds & private bathroom with a shower.

With large wooden doors, vertiginously high ceilings, carpeted brick floors & a couple of wooden steps / ladders up to your raised bed, hidden behind a wall of heavy curtains, it is Harry Potter-gone-Persian. Thick Persian carpets cover the floors and decorate the walls. Clean, yet thin mattress, pillows & blankets are provided on the on the carpeted floor. Everything is delightfully made to evoke the feeling of a Silk Road travel & this is exactly the experience the caravan Traders would have had.

Where it differs, however, is in the stylish & crystal clean communal bathrooms upto western standards,

Some rooms have a private bathroom with a shower & for the rest, they have Tents sharing the same showers.

There is an exquisite dining room where you feast on a selection of sumptuous traditional Persian dishes like chicken with walnuts & pomegranate & bowls of saffron rice.

As the Caravanserai is located away from the city, the noise level is minimal & the night skies are clear & star studded. There are 2 Stairways on the sides of the building which lead travelers to the rooftop, where they can enjoy the serene desert landscape, the sunset & the mysterious million-star sky at night.  An amateur Astronomer conducts astronomy lectures on the rooftop. There is nothing but darkness & a light breeze brushing your cheeks & swaying your hair. Sometimes sounds of the cars & trucks passing on the highway would break the silence.

With the historical value of the Caravanserai & watching the sunrise & sunset from the top of the building, in the tranquility & the silence of the desert with nothing disturbing the views, you will enjoy the experience of staying at Zein-o-Din. 

If you want to drive out to see the settlements in the vicinity, you can visit Karimabad village. about 20 minutes drive away. There is also the 1800 years old Saryazd castle on the outskirts of Yazd (but, you are going to Yazd tomorrow, anyway). 

Overnight.  B L D   

Morning, depart on a short drive to Yazd.

Enroute, you will stop at Meybod & Chak Chak.

Meybod is a sprawling mud-brick desert city with an ancient past. The city, which resembles Yazd city in many aspects, is considered to be much older than the city of wind towers with a history of over 7,000 years.

Some believe the city was founded by Meybodar, a Sassanid (226 - 651 CE) commander, who named the city after himself & others say the city was founded by Keyumars, the first man in Avestan accounts & the first of the Pishdadi Kings in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh (Book of Kings). Pishdadian are considered the first Aryan dynasty in Persian mythology.

The Meybod-minted Sassanid coins found in excavations in different parts of Iran suggest the city was an important center towards the end of the Sassanid era as only a handful of the 111 known Sassanid cities were able to mint coins. Meybod is famed for its Ceramics & countless shops throughout the city sell these fine Persian creations.

Meybod is rich in historical sites that are scattered in & around the city such as the Stone Mill, Kelar Ab-Anbar (cistern), conical-roofed Safavid-era Ice House & Pigeon Tower (dovecote). Most notable is the crumbling Narin Castle, in the centre of town.

The Castle dates from Sassannian times & may well be the oldest existing mud-brick structure in Iran. Climb to the top for fantastic views across Meybod’s rooftops & into the desert. This mud brick Parthian (247 BC – 224 CE) structure, which has been built in 5 stories on a hill overlooking the city, was used as a military fortress for most of its life but there are expert who say that the Castle was originally an Elamite Ziggurat (temple) built over 4,000 years ago.

There are also a couple of other minor sites, a 300-year old Post House & a huge Caravanserai where a few locals operate handicraft shops.

From here, you will drive a short distance to Chak Chak, a village perched beneath the towering cliff face in the desert.

It is the most sacred of the mountain shrines of Zoroastrianism & serves as a pilgrimage point for pious Zoroastrians. Each year from June 14 - 18, many thousands of Zoroastrians from Iran, India & other countries flock to the Fire Temple at Pir-e Sabz. Tradition has it that pilgrims are to stop riding the moment they catch sight of the Temple & complete the last leg of their journey on foot.

In Zoroastrian belief, Chak Chak is where Nikbanou, 2^nd daughter of the last pre-Islamic Persian ruler, Yazdegerd III of the Sassanid Empire, was cornered by the invading Arab army in 640 CE. Fearing capture Nikbanou prayed to Ahura Mazda to protect her from her enemies. In response to Nikbanou's pleadings, the mountain miraculously opened up & sheltered her from the invaders.

Notable features of the village include the ever-dripping spring located at the mountain. Legend has it that these drops are tears of grief that the mountain sheds in remembrance of Nikbanou. Growing beside the holy spring is an immense & ancient tree said to be Nikbanou's cane. Legend also has it that a petrified colorful cloth from Nikbanou was also visible in the rocks, although pilgrims have since removed it.

The actual Temple is a man-made grotto sheltered by 2 large bronze doors. The Shrine enclosure is floored with marble & its walls are darkened by fires kept eternally burning in the sanctuary. In the cliffs below the Shrine are several roofed pavilions constructed to accommodate pilgrims.

Drive on to Yazd, not too far from here.

Arrive by early evening & Check-in.

Later in the evening, around 06.30 pm, accompanied by the Tour-guide, proceed to enjoy one of the most memorable nights of your life. 

Every inch a city of the desert originally settled 5,000 years ago with an interesting mix of people. Located on a flat plain ringed by mountains in the heart of Iran, between the northern Dasht-e Kavir & southern Dasht-e Lut, UNESCO World Heritage listed Yazd was a major stop, known for its Silks & other fabrics, on the international caravan routes to Central Asia & India.  Marco Polo visited Yazd on his way to China & called it the "good & noble city of Yazd".

The city’s first mention in historic records predate it back to around 3,000 years B.C. when it was known by the name of Ysatis, part of the domain of Medes, an ancient settler of Iran.

Isolated from any approach by a huge tract of monotonous Desert, the vibrancy of Yazd is invariably a surprise, indeed. Amidst the immense Desert, it retains its sterling of old in religion, traditions & architecture. During the invasion of Genghis Khan in the early 1200’s A.D. it became a safe haven & home for many Artists, Intellectuals & Scientists fleeing their war ravaged cities around Persia.

In the course of history, due to its distance from important Capitals & its harsh natural surrounding, Yazd remained immune to major troops' movements & destruction from wars, therefore it kept many of its traditions, city forms & ancient architecture until recently. The city has resisted the modern urbanisation changes & maintained its traditional adobe architecture surprisingly intact. The geographical features of this region have encouraged the locals to develop special architectural styles. Consequently, most of the older houses are built of mud-bricks with sun-baked domed roofs. The mud bricks served as insulation preventing heat from passing through.

The Water Channels & Qanats in this city, along with its aged (yet still functional) Badgir (or Wind Catcher or Wind Tower) - a unique Ventilation System on the roof is a distinctive feature of the architecture of this city & is an ingenious way to maintain natural air-conditioning, to make the houses cooler during the hot summer days. Visiting one of these Badgirs will show how the slatted Wind Tower capture the slightest desert breeze, drawing it down to the lower level inside the house where the incoming air is cooled by passing over a small pool of water, before being circulated inside the entire house. Enormous domes starting at ground level would act as protective roofs for deep water-tanks built 6 metres below street level (access to these tanks was by steep staircases). These Wind Towers are seen all over Iran but are most highly developed in Yazd.

Yazd’s well-preserved Old Town, with winding lanes, distinctive Badgirs, dotted around the skyline & numerous historical sites, makes Yazd essential to any journey to Iran.

For a brief period, Yazd was the capital of Atabakan & Mozaffarid Dynasties (14^th century A.D.). During Qajar Dynasty (18^th century A.D.) it was ruled by the Bakhtiari Khans. This region has been considered as one of the main historical paths of Iran & has always been given due importance by the governments.

The ancient & historic city is also a centre of ancient Zoroastrianism, considered the world's first monotheistic religion. Seeking refuge from the invading Arabs, the Zoroastrians found a safe haven within the city’s fortified walls. Home to Iran’s 2^nd largest population following the ancient religion, more than 10%, there is an elegant Ateshkadeh (Fire Temple) near the City Centre that shelters an eternal flame kept alive through centuries.

It may not have the big-ticket sights of Isfahan or Shiraz, but, with its atmospheric alleyways & centuries of history, it exceeds both in its capacity to enchant & may be intriguing for travelers to know that the city itself is among the most popular tourist attractions of all Iran. The exceptionally traditional & dated architecture as well as its residents’ conservative lifestyle can be a reason.

It is the first raw adobe city & the 2^nd historical city in the world after Venice in Italy. Yazd is a city of different cultures & religions with all inhabitants co-existing peacefully & harmoniously. It is known by various names - the “City of Windcatchers”, “Bride of the Desert”, “Dar al Elm”, “City of Bicycles” & “ City of Sweets”.

It enjoys an official ‘sister city’ status with Homs in Syria, Jaszbereny in Hungary, Nizwa in Oman, Jakarta in Indonesia, Holguin in Cuba & Yeosu in South Korea.

Yazd is famous for its various handicrafts. Always known for the quality of its Carpets, Silk & Cashmere, the city is one of Iran's industrial centers for Textiles. Termeh, a lavish hand-woven cloth synonymous with the city, can only be produced by the traditional hereditary Masters of the craft & requires good-quality wool with long fibers. The final product is a beautiful densely woven cloth with great longevity & comes in many colors & designs. Other handicraft items being produced here are Copper items, Gold & Silver Jewellery, Ceramics.

Yazd is also famed for its unique Sweets & Confectionery. Qottab, baklava, cotton candy, noghl & sohan are just some of these sweets that come in various shapes & sizes.

Like other cities of Iran, it has both traditional Bazaars & modern Shopping Centers. We recommend the traditional Bazaars where guests can enjoy the great architecture as well as buy Souvenirs.

Yazd warrants a lazy approach - rambling around the maze of historic lanes (referred to locally as Yazd's 'historical texture'), popping into random Tea-houses or pausing to work out calligraphic puzzles in the city's exquisite tilework.

With its winding lanes, forest of Badgirs & well preserved thatched (mud, straw, brick) houses with Persian architecture, in the old town, it is a 'don't miss' destination.

Proceed to an atmospheric traditional house which is conveniently located in the heart of the Old Town.

Shabneshini (Iranian Night Gathering) is one of Iran’s long-standing memorable traditions for Iranians. For Iranian families, night gatherings have certain customs that symbolise a family reunion.

Some of the physical elements of Shabneshinis are Korsi (a type of low table with a heater underneath it, and blankets thrown over it), natural snacks such as nuts & dried fruits, drinking tea, reading Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh & most importantly storytelling.

Persian Night is an interactive experience with a family in their home, where you will have the opportunity of becoming familiar with Iran’s traditional music & poetry of a legendary poet who had revitalized the Persian language & culture. You will become familiar with some of the customs associated with the Iranian ‘night gathering’. 

Since developing ‘written communication’ humankind has been able to transmit & preserve knowledge throughout the ages in the form of Literature & Poetry which can be considered as a integral aspect of the culture of nations.

On arrival, you are greeted with a healthy cold fresh traditional Persian drink. The 3 hour experience begins with playing Persian classical music. You will be fascinated with the live performance by one of the experienced & skilled musicians playing a Setar (a wood & string instrument).

Listen to classical Persian music & recitals of legendary poems & reading lines from the “Book of the King” which narrates stories about past Iran with its legendary hero (translated in English). The evening continues with the narration of a number of funny anecdotes of Mulla Nasrudin, a famous Persian character.

During short breaks, you will be served delicious & tasty Yazdi cake as well as flavorful aromatic bitter orange blossom tea.

Traditional Persian Night experience in Yazd is very authentic due to the experienced friendly & passionate Hosts. Moreover, you may enjoy friendly chats with the Hosts & with other guests of different nationalities who may be there, about Persian culture, customs & traditions.

Iranians are known as their hospitality & express their feelings & intense excitement of hosting, preparing a feast for their guests. Following this honorable tradition, your Hosts too, will prepare a real Persian banquet featuring both vegetarian & non-vegetarian cuisine. You will be served a delicious & wholesome 3 course dinner which includes Shooli Soup, Ghormeh Sabzi & Mast-o-Khiar.

The evening ends with a sumptuous meal showcasing traditional Persian cuisine followed of course, with the famous Yazdi Cake & tea with citrus aurantium flavor.

Transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight.  B D

Morning, Check-out & meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 08.00 am & proceed for a 6 hour sightseeing of Yazd, before departing for Isfahan via Nain.

The Old Town, a mesmerizing labyrinth, with winding streets that are extraordinarily well preserved; some say that this is one of the oldest continually-inhabited cities in the world. The architecture here is perhaps the most traditionally Persian to be found, preserved by the dry climate & spared the devastations of the Mongols.

First stop will be one of the outstanding 14^th century well preserved buildings in Persia - the exquisite Jame Mosque (Friday Mosque) visible from all around the Old Town.

Like many early mosques it was constructed on the site of a Sassanid fire temple. Largely rebuilt between 1324 - 1365, it exemplifies Iranian-Islamic architecture with the portal's façade, decorated from top to bottom in dazzling predominantly blue colour mosaic tiles, crowned by a pair of minarets, the highest in Persia. Some elements of the Mosque date back even earlier to the 12^th century and the intricacies & inscriptions of the grand Iwan are a particular highlight.

Within, there is a long arcaded court where, behind a deep-set south-east Ivan, is a sanctuary chamber under a squat tiled dome, exquisitely decorated with faience mosaic: its tall faience Mihrab, dated 1365, is one of the finest of its kind in existence. There is a modern library to house the Mosque's valuable collection of Books & Manuscripts.

Yazd is also an ancient centre of Zoroastrianism, considered the world's first monotheistic religion dating back to around 3500 years ago. It was the principal religion in Iran before the Islamic conquests, & the community still lives on in some parts of the country.

Seeking refuge from the invading Arabs, the Zoroastrians found a safe haven within Yazd's fortified walls which soon became the centre of Zoroastrianism in Iran & is home to Iran’s 2^nd largest population of Zoroastrians. Consequently, the city is home to several sites of religious & historic interest.

You will visit the most important site, Ateshkadeh Varharam (Bahram - Fire Temple) containing a central fire that has allegedly been burning continuously since the 5^th century A.D.

The beautiful Temple is located on a hill in the center of a vast tree lined courtyard with a large round pool which offers a vivid reflection of the Temple for artistic photography. The current Temple was established in 1935 with the help & financial assistance of local Zoroastrians & from India (which has a sizeable number of Zoroastrians) & the design was inspired by the beautiful architecture of the Achaemenid era. On the front of the building, a carved picture of their deity Farvahar (Angel) is considered the visual representation of the supreme god in Zoroastrianism.

The Flame or Fire at the Temple is located inside a special room made of brass, built on a higher elevation, away from wind, rain & sunshine. Some records imply that the sacred Fire, which is considered to be the symbol of the God of Light, has been burning continuously for the past 3000 years, which makes the place one of the most important Fire Temples that the believers from the whole world come to venerate.

A couple of paintings, including the Zoroaster’s, can be pointed out as another attraction of the place. The initiated meet at the Temple fire, but nobody apart from the Grand Priest, who is a descendant of the Magi, has access to the Saint of Saints (the brass Fire room).

Proceed to Tower of Silence (Dakhmeh) - the name Tower is misleading as they consist of huge circular walls on top of 2 hills, where the dead were left to be picked clean by the desert vultures.

According to Zoroastrian belief dating back over 3,000 years, bodies were arranged on the Towers in 3 concentric circles. Men were placed in the outer circle, women in the middle & children in the inner-most ring. The bodies were then left until their bones were bleached by the elements & stripped by the vultures.

After the purification process, the bones were placed in Ossuaries near or inside of the Towers. Ossuaries from these rituals have been discovered from the 4^th & 5^th centuries BC.

As Iran developed & urbanized, Dakhmeh became increasingly closer to city limits, severely curtailing their use. Since the 1970s, the use of Dakhmeh has been illegal in Iran, forcing orthodox Zoroastrians to adapt to new burial methods. Many in the community have moved to burying bodies beneath concrete to keep out all contaminants.

Although the Dakhmeh are no longer used in ceremony, they can be visited along with a number of the Ossuaries & a modern Zoroastrian cemetery.

Other notable Islamic monuments in Yazd are the Seljuk shrine dedicated to the 12 Shi'ite Imams & the Ziaieyeh Theological School known as Zendan-e-Eskander, or Alexander's Prison. There are also many beautiful old houses in Yazd, among them the Dowlat-Abad Garden, with an 18^th century hexagonal house.

The sightseeing concludes & you depart for Nain - a charming desert town half-way between Yazd & Isfahan.

Nain is a pre-Islamic town, more than 2,000 years old, on the edge of the Central Desert.

More than 3,000 years ago the Persians learned how to construct aqueducts underground to bring water from the mountains to the plains. In the 1960's this ancient system provided more than 70 percent of the water used in Iran & Nain is one of the best places in all the world to see these qanats functioning.

Unique to Nain are some of the most outstanding monuments in all of Iran: the Jame Mosque, one of the first four mosques built in Iran after the Arab invasion; the Pre-Islamic Narej Fortress; a Pirnia traditional house; the Old Bazaar; Rigareh, a qanat-based watermill; & a Zurkhaneh (a place for traditional sport).

Besides its magnificent monuments, Nain is also famous for high-quality carpets & wool textiles. In the past, it was known for its ceramics & textiles; these days it is primarily known for its carpets & camel-wool cloaks, most of which are sold in Yazd.

Walk through the old part of the town & visit the 10^th century Friday Mosque & the 17^th century. Pirnia House / Ethnographic Museum

Continue on to Isfahan - perhaps the most beautiful of all Iranian cities.

Arrive by late evening & Check-in at the hotel.

After consolidating his control, Shah Abbas I initiated one of the world's grandest experiments in city planning, moving the capital from Qazvin to Isfahan in 1598 where it remained until 1722.

Isfahan is Iran’s top tourist destination for good reason. Four hundred years ago, the city was larger than London, more cosmopolitan than Paris & grander, by some accounts, than even storied Istanbul. Elegant bridges crossed its modest river, lavishly outfitted polo players dashed across the world's largest Square & hundreds of domes & minarets punctuated the skyline. Europeans, Turks, Indians & Chinese flocked to the glittering Persian Court, the center of a vast empire stretching from the Euphrates River in what is today Iraq to the Oxus River in Afghanistan. In the 17^th century, the city's wealth & grandeur inspired the rhyming Persian pun & proverb "Esfahan nesf-e- jahan ast" (Isfahan is half of the world).

Isfahan's history is an epic cycle of fabulous boom & calamitous bust. Here, a road traveling across the Iranian plateau east to the Mesopotamian plain meets a path connecting the Caspian Sea to the north with the Persian Gulf to the south. That geography linked the city's fate to the merchants, pilgrims & armies who passed through. Blessed with a pleasant climate - the city lies at nearly the same altitude as Denver and has relatively mild summers - Isfahan evolved into a bustling township at ancient Persia's crossroads.

It would be another 2 centuries before Isfahan would rise again, under the reign of Shah Abbas I, the greatest ruler of the Safavid Empire (1501-1722 A.D.). Cruel as Russia's Ivan the Terrible, canny as England's Elizabeth I and extravagant as Philip II of Spain (all contemporaries), Abbas made Isfahan his showplace, after consolidating his control, he transformed the provincial city into a global metropolis, importing Armenian merchants & artisans and welcoming Catholic monks & Protestant traders. He was generally tolerant of the Jewish & Zoroastrian communities that had lived there for centuries.

Most remarkably, Abbas sought to establish Isfahan as the political capital of the first Shiite empire, bringing learned theologians from Lebanon to bolster the city's religious institutions - a move begun by his predecessors that would have profound consequences for world history.

The arts thrived in the new capital; miniaturists, carpet weavers, jewelers & potters turned out ornate wares that enhanced the mansions and palaces that sprang up along spacious avenues. He initiated one of the world's grandest experiments in city planning, moving the capital from Qazvin to Isfahan in 1598 where it remained until 1722. Mosques, palaces, bazaars & public parks were built under the monarch's personal supervision over the next thirty years. Its profusion of tree-lined boulevards, Persian gardens & important Islamic buildings gives it a visual appeal unmatched by any other Iranian city & the many artisans working here, underpin its reputation as a living museum of traditional culture.

Abbas was a man of extremes. A European visitor described him as a ruler whose mood could quickly turn from jolly to "that of a raging lion." Abbas's appetites were legendary: he boasted an enormous wine cellar & a harem that included hundreds of women & more than 200 boys. He loved to roam Isfahan's markets, eating freely from stalls, taking whatever shoes on display suited him & chatting with whomever he pleased. "To go about in this way is to be a king," he told scandalized Augustinian monks accompanying him on one of his jaunts. "Not like yours, who is always sitting indoors!"

After a brutal siege shattered that golden age in the early 18^th century, new rulers eventually moved the capital to Tehran, leaving Isfahan to languish as a provincial backwater, which not incidentally left many of the old city's monuments intact.

During the last half of his extraordinary 42 year reign, which ended with his death in 1629, Abbas left behind an urban landscape that rivaled or exceeded anything created in a single reign in Europe or Asia.

The French archaeologist & architect Andre Godard, who lived in Iran early in the 20^th century, wrote that Abbas' Isfahan "is above all a plan, with lines & masses & sweeping perspectives - a magnificent concept born half a century before Versailles". By the mid-1600s, that plan had filled out into a city that boasted a population of 600,000, with 163 mosques, 48 religious schools, 1,801 shops & 263 public baths. The elegant main street was 50 yards wide, with a canal running down the middle, filling onyx basins strewn with the heads of roses & shaded by two rows of Chinar trees. Gardens graced the pavilions, which lined either side of the promenade called the Chahar Bagh. "The Grandees were airing themselves, prancing about with their numerous trains, striving to outvie each other in pomp & generosity," remarked one visiting European.

As the country’s 3^rd largest city, Isfahan is home to some heavy industry, including steel factories & a much-discussed nuclear facility in the outskirts of town. Inevitably, then, traffic jams are a regular occurrence. Despite these modern realities, the inner core of the city remains a priceless gem.

"One could explore for months without coming to an end of them," marveled British traveler Robert Byron on his 1933-34 journey across Asia. In his 1937 travelogue The Road to Oxiana, he was slightly more geographically specific when he ranked ‘Isfahan among those rarer places, like Athens or Rome, which are the common refreshment of humanity’.

The Armenian quarter of Isfahan dates from the time of Shah Abbas I, who transported a colony of Christians from the town of Jolfa (now on Iran’s northern border) en masse & named the village ‘New Jolfa’. Abbas sought their skills as merchants, entrepreneurs, artists & he ensured that their religious freedom was respected - albeit at a distance from the city’s Islamic centre. At one time over 42,000 Armenian Christians lived here. Now, around 6,000 remain.

Kelisa-ye Vank (Vank Cathedral) forms the centre of this fashionable area and there are also a number of other Armenian Churches & an old Cemetery. Good options to enjoy a meal in this relatively liberal village ambience.

Walking through the historic bazaar, over the picturesque bridges & across the UNESCO World Heritage listed Central Square are sure to be highlights of your visit. Inevitably, then, traffic jams are a regular occurrence. Despite these modern realities, the inner core of the city remains a priceless gem.

Balance of the evening is at leisure to relax or for independent exploration (we shall be happy to offer suggestions, in case you want to walk around). 

Visit one of the famous Tea-house (traditional restaurant) for a sumptuous dinner.

Overnight.  B L D

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 09:00 am & proceed for a 6 hour tour of the beautiful city of Isfahan, the 17^th century capital of the Safavids, referred to as Nesf-e-Jahan (Half of the World).

Walk through the huge UNESCO World Heritage listed Naqsh-e Jahan Square.

4 centuries ago, this Square, which is also called the Maidan, was the economic & political heart of a prosperous & largely peaceful empire that drew foreigners from around the world. "Let me lead you into the Maidan," wrote Thomas Herbert, secretary of the English Ambassador to the Persian court from 1627 to 1629, which is "without doubt as spacious, as pleasant and aromatic a market as any in the universe."

Measuring 656 by 328 feet, it was also one of the world's largest urban Plazas of that time. But unlike vast concrete spaces such as Tiananmen Square in Beijing or Red Square in Moscow, Naqsh-e Jahan served alternatively & sometimes simultaneously as a marketplace, polo field, social meeting point, execution ground & festival park. Fine river sand covered the Plaza & vendors peddled Venetian glass in one corner & Indian cloth or Chinese silks in another, while locals sold firewood, iron tools or melons grown with pigeon droppings collected from special towers surrounding the city. Acrobats passed their hats, hawkers called out their wares in several tongues & hucksters worked the throngs.

A mast in the middle was used for archery practice - a horseman would ride past it at full gallop, then turn to shoot down an apple, silver plate or gold cup on top. Marble goal posts that still stand at either end of the square are reminders of the fierce polo matches at which the shah on a heavily bejeweled mount often joined others dressed in fantastic colors & bold plumage.

Today the sand, merchants, hucksters & polo players are all gone, tamed by early 20^th century gardens. Yet the view around the Square remains remarkably unchanged. To the north is a great arch opening into the high vaulted ceilings of a snaking, covered marketplace that stretches nearly a mile.

The city's first recorded golden age is traced to the arrival of the Seljuk Turks from Central Asia in the 11^th century. They turned the town into their capital & built the magnificent Square leading to an enlarged 17^th century Imam Mosque, with its mosaic tiles & calligraphy covered dome & minarets.

Facing each other on the east & west sides of the Square are the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, with its pale brown & blue dome and the Ali Qapu Palace. That structure - dismissed by Byron as a "brick boot box" - is topped by slender columns that turn it into a regal grandstand; bright silk curtains once hung from above to block the sun. The two mosques bend at odd angles to orient toward Mecca, saving the Square from a rigid orderliness, while two-story arcades for shops define & unify the whole. Constructed between 1603 & 1617, with its exquisite 17^th century Persian tile work on the domed ceiling, it served as a private chapel for the Imperial family. The domed ceiling has the finest faience tilework of 17^th century Persia. The inscriptions were executed by Ali Reda Abbasi, the greatest calligrapher of the Safavid period.

On the west side of the Square is the 16^th century Ali Qapu Palace, a charming pavilion used to receive dignitaries & ambassadors. Here the walls are covered with frescos & paintings and the superb wooden roof of the porch is painted with a series of geometrical decorations interspersed with flowers. It has enchanting music rooms & a balcony overlooking the Maidan, from where the Safavid Kings watched polo games.  The roof was waterproofed by covering the roof with a fresh layer of beaten eggs every year, the weight of which has caused many to collapse.

On the southern side, the towering portal of the Shah Mosque, a monument to the grand vision of Shah Abbas the Great who died shortly before its completion.

From here, drive to Kakh-e Chehel Sotoun (Palace of 40 Columns, literally), a charming Pavilion with its exquisite collection of frescos & tile paintings, in the middle of a park at the far end of a long pool, built by Shah Abbas II to be used for his entertainment receptions & to receive dignitaries & ambassadors. Today you are the guests of honor!

Built using the Achaemenid-inspired talar (columnar porch) style, this beautifully proportioned Palace is entered via an elegant terrace that perfectly bridges the transition between the Persian love of gardens & interior splendour. The 20 slender, ribbed wooden pillars rise to a superb wooden ceiling with crossbeams & exquisite inlay work. The roof was waterproofed by covering it with fresh layers of beaten eggs every year, the weight of which has caused many roofs to collapse.

The only surviving Palace on the royal precinct that stretched between Naqsh-e Jahan (Imam) Square & Chahar Bagh Abbasi St, this Safavid-era complex is reputed to date from 1614; an inscription uncovered in 1949, however, says it was completed in 1647 under the watch of Shah Abbas II. Either way, the Palace on this site today was rebuilt after a fire in 1706.

The Great Hall (Throne Hall) is a gem, richly decorated with frescoes, miniatures & ceramics. The upper walls are dominated by historical frescoes on a grand scale, sumptuously portraying court life & some of the great battles of the Safavid era - the two middle frescoes (Nos 114 & 115) date from the Qajar period but the other four are original. From right to left, above the entrance door, the armies of Shah Ismail do battle with the Uzbeks; Nader Shah battles Sultan Mohammed (astride a white elephant) on an Indian battleground; and Shah Abbas II welcomes King Nader Khan of Turkestan with musicians & dancing girls.

On the wall opposite the door, also from right to left, Shah Abbas I presides over an ostentatious banquet; Shah Ismail battles the janissaries (infantrymen) of Sultan Selim & Shah Tahmasp receives Humayun, the Indian prince who fled to Persia in 1543. These extraordinary works survived the 18^th century invasion by the Afghans, who whitewashed the paintings to show their disapproval of such extravagance. Other items, including Safavid forebear Safi od-Din’s hat, are kept in a small museum.

The UNESCO World Heritage listed Palace garden, Bagh-e Chehel Sotun, is an excellent example of the classic Persian garden. An ancient fallen pine resting on a plinth gives a sense of the great age of the garden. The polished noses of the lions on the standing water spouts at the head of the decorative pool hint at this being a favourite spot for a photograph of the garden's perfect symmetry. Art students have set up a Calico shop at the garden's entrance selling Iran's popular printed fabric. On the far side is the garden tomb of Arthur Upham Pope & his wife Phyllis Ackerman, Americans who were dedicated to the study of Persian art, history & culture.

Walk across the Square through the historic bazaar to the picturesque historical Khaju bridge, constructed by Shah Abbas II in 1650. It is essentially a bridge superimposed upon a dam, 436 feet long & supported by twenty-four stone arches. There is a pavilion located in the center of the structure, inside which Abbas II would have once sat, admiring the view. Today, remnants of a stone seat is all that is left of the king's chair. It also served a primary function as a place for public meetings & has been described as the city's finest bridge.

Those who are interested may visit a carpet shop to sip tea & admire Iran’s most valuable craft & art form. The Persian knot allowed the tight composition to create intricate Arabesques, geometric &d other floral designs. See both City & Tribal carpets. Unlike Arabic Islamic design, Shia Muslims took literally God’s commandment to know Him through His creation. Thus you find figurative art in all forms including tile, metalwork and carpets. Persians also developed natural - and lasting- dyes. Cobalt found in Isfahan was exported to China where it was used in the blue on ceramics known later by the British as ‘China’.

The sightseeing concludes & you return to the hotel or continue exploring on your own.

But the day is not over yet.

We have planned an exciting Wellness experience – a visit to an exotic Hammam.

If the Persian Garden as a world heritage is a unique style of Garden design, then the Persian Bath along with its age-old rituals is an important brand of public hygiene in the history of the world.

Cleanliness & hygiene were already important in pre-Islamic Iran & the importance of Bathing in Iranian culture dates back to the era when the state religion was Zoroastrianism. The emergence of Islam played an important part in the development of Bathhouses to the extent that it was considered to be part of a Muslim’s faith.

According to excavations, the first Bathhouses were constructed in the time of Jamshid Shah & according to archaeological documents the earliest ruins were found in ancient Chogha Zanbil in Khouzestan province.

In Islamic in Iran, especially in Safavid era, as reported by Jean Chardin in his travelogue “The Travels of Sir John Chardin”, there were more than 270 public Bathhouses only in Isfahan which not only shows the significance of sanitation but also the high level of urban development of Persia.

Traditional Hammams in Iran (or everywhere) have never been a place for personal bathing only; rather they have functioned as a Social forum, a place for communication, relaxation & recreation. In the time when no TV news or social media existed. It was one of the major places for staying up to date with the latest news, passing information & of course, spreading rumours or gossiping. Moreover, a Hammam was a location where many important social & political events took place. Traditional rituals like Hana Bandan (bridal henna party), Hammam-e Zayeman (childbirth bath), Mourning Bath upon the loss of dear ones etc. were / are performed here.

Hammams were also used as Wellness Centres for doing traditional medical treatments like massage, bloodletting, cupping & circumcision. Women specifically, often frequented it for relaxation activities like getting a massage or beautifying deeds such as having a haircut, clipping their nails & face makeup in addition to shaving.

Join this once in a lifetime experience to hear the history of Iranian cleanliness & traditions and touch the aesthetic beauty of Persian architecture in an underground vaulted Hammam lined with harmonious blue tile work & centred with fountains.

Prepare to be soaped by a professional attendant, scrubbed with an indigenous peeling glove (kiseh) & chalk-like material (Sefid-ab) & massaged by a skilled Dallak (masseur) like never before, as they used to do in the centuries before. Soak up the rich Persian culture with a cleaning adventure. Feel extremely clean & reinvigorated after getting rid of the long-lived fatigue & dirt on your body.

On arrival, you will welcomed with traditional beverages & Tea, offered an explanation about the Hammam’s history & background & etiquettes to be followed. You will then be guided to your personal Dressing Cubicle (Sarbineh) to undress. You will don a red-coloured Bath Wrap (called Long in Persian) to cover up & slip into sandals. You will be handed a package of your personal bathing supplies (soap, scrubbing mitt, bath-wrap, towels).

After washing up & a traditional massage, you will have a scrubbing to slough off your dirt & dead skin by the skilled Dallak. Then, gently soap & relax in the hot water pool & Jacuzzi equipped with water purification system before moving to the cold room, taking shower & being handed your towels to dry out. Getting dressed, feeling great & extremely clean, you will be offered a light snack & drink in Reception Room before being transferred back to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure to relax or for independent exploration (we shall be happy to offer suggestions, in case you want to walk around). 

Overnight.  B D

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.30 am & proceed for a 3 hour sightseeing, continuing where you left off in discovering this wonderful iconic city.

First stop will be the 17^th century Kelisa-ye Vank (Vank Cathedral also called the Church of the Saintly Sisters) & the Armenian Museum complex in the heavily Armenian populated New Jolfa district.

Proceed to the Armenian Quarter to visit the richly decorated Vank Kelisa-ye (Vank Cathedral) - the historic focal point of the Armenian Christian Church in Iran with its dome & walls covered with colorful paintings representing the story of Creation. The exterior of the Church may appear drab, but the interior is richly decorated & shows a mixture of styles - Islamic, Persian & Christian European. The delicate blue & gold painted central dome depicts the Biblical story of the creation of the world & man's expulsion from Eden. Right above the entrance, there is an interesting Fresco of Heaven & Hell with black & brown devils slaughtering white naked people who obviously sinned. To Heaven go the well dressed pious people with candles.

Those who are interested may visit a carpet shop to sip tea & admire Iran’s most valuable craft & art form. The Persian knot allowed the tight composition to create intricate Arabesques, geometric &d other floral designs. See both City & Tribal carpets. Unlike Arabic Islamic design, Shia Muslims took literally God’s commandment to know Him through His creation. Thus you find figurative art in all forms including tile, metalwork and carpets. Persians also developed natural - and lasting- dyes. Cobalt found in Isfahan was exported to China where it was used in the blue on ceramics known later by the British as ‘China’.

End the afternoon with a visit to the Hasht Bahesht (eight paradises) Pavilion & Park. It was built as an official court & a reception hall by Shah Abbas II (1647 AD). The ceilings are outstanding.

You may also be invited to a private gallery to visit with a famous miniature artist.

The sightseeing ends.

Return to the hotel or continue exploring on your own.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or for independent exploration (we shall be happy to offer suggestions, in case you want to walk around). 

Overnight.  B D

Early morning, Check-out & depart for Kashan, enroute visiting Abyaneh, among the oldest villages in Iran, on the slope of the beautiful lofty Karkas mountain, surrounded by beautiful valleys & seasonal river flows. 

UNESCO World Heritage listed Abyaneh is an ancient village that is a living architectural & anthropological Museum, having largely preserved its culture, language, architecture, clothing & traditional rituals over the years. It is testament to both the age & isolation of the village that the elderly residents speak Middle Persian, an earlier incarnation of Farsi, the language of Sassanian Persia that largely disappeared some centuries ago.

Men still dress in the traditional wide-bottomed trousers & black waistcoats. Women's clothing features hijabs that cover the shoulders & are traditionally strewn with printed or embroidered red flowers, colorful dresses with a special pair of pants. In winter, women add a velvet vest to their outfit. Although a popular destination drawing local & foreign visitors year-round, the village has actually a very few numbers of permanent residents. A cold climate & numerous springs have created favourable conditions for Agriculture.

When the Arabs invaded Persia in the 7^th century, some followers of the Zoroastrian religion fled to the surrounding mountains & deserts to escape forced conversion to Islam. In a long & narrow valley in the Karkas Mountains, north of Isfahan, the Zoroastrians are believed to have founded a string of villages. Abyaneh is one of the last surviving villages of the valley.

Dating back to antiquity, its golden age was during the Safavid period. The ancient village is a warren of steep, twisting lanes lined with crumbling red mud-brick houses with lattice windows & fragile wooden balconies, placed in a step-like structure. Due to an unusual high level of iron oxide, the soil in Abyaneh village has a beautiful reddish color which makes it even more distinguished.

Abyaneh’s most impressive building is the 11^th century Jameh Mosque, with its famous walnut-wood Mihrab from Saljukian period & astonishing ancient carvings. In addition to the Mosque, there are some other places which are worth a visit including the Zoroastrian Fire Temple dating back to the Sassanid period, 3 Castles that protected the people when the enemy attacked, a pilgrimage site & 2 other Mosques.

Spend an hour there before driving on to Kashan.

Arrive by early afternoon & Check-in at the hotel.

Kashan, a delightful oasis city on the edge of the Dasht-e Kavir, is one of the most alluring destinations in Iran, boasting a highly atmospheric covered bazaar, a cluster of architecturally significant 19^th century houses. Its charm is also due to the contrast between the parched immensities of the deserts & the greenery of the well-tended oasis.

Archeological discoveries in the Sialk Hillocks which lie 4 km west of Kashan reveal that this region was one of the primary centers of civilization in pre-historic ages & boasts numerous historical places.

King Shah Abbas I was so enamoured with Kashan that he insisted on being buried here rather than in Esfahan. Other historical figures of note who are associated with the town include Abu Musa al-Ashari, a soldier & companion of the Prophet Mohammed whose army took the town in the 7^th century AD. Legend has it that his troops tossed thousands of scorpions from the surrounding desert over the city walls, causing the terrified Kashanis to capitulate.

During the Seljuk period (AD 1051-1220), the town became famous for its textiles, pottery & tiles reaching high levels of accomplishment in each of these cottage industries. Currently local textile artisans are enjoying something of a renaissance of interest in their work, but mechanisation has largely led to the demise of this ancient craft.

Today it is more widely known as a major centre for the production of rose water, which is sold at outlets around the main tourist attractions & at dedicated stores in the bazaar. It is also a major centre for the production of textiles & rugs and a great place to stock up on quality souvenirs. The wool for the carpets is usually shorn by local men in spring or autumn & women are mostly in charge of the weaving. In April, one can see the fields of rose bushes outside town in full & fragrant bloom.

Traditional houses in Iran offer interesting details like the interior & exterior of homes, indicating the different aspect of Persian moral characters in & out of home. Marvel at the 19^th century traditional mansions.