Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

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, Istanbul, 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.

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.

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.

Arrive in the dynamic & vibrant 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 welcomed by The Journeys female representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & 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, unless advised.

Reach the centrally located 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’. If ‘complimentary’ early Check-in is not possible, after you have freshened up, the Tour-guide will commence a brief orientation drive around Tehran.

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

Many people have a preconceived idea on the appearance of Iranian women; however, once you start exploring the country, you will notice a diverse range of clothing, facial coverings & styles on display.

The first time Tehran is mentioned in historical accounts is in an 11^th century chronicle in which it is described as a small village north of Rayy (Ragha or Ray), often considered to be Tehran’s predecessor, became the Capital city of the Seljuq Empire in the 11^th century but later declined with factional strife between different neighbourhoods & the Mongol invasion of 1220. Although, in later years Rayy continued to serve as an important centre of strategic advantage during various military campaigns across the Iranian plateau, its significance as a city was lost. Now a suburb of Tehran, Rayy is well known for its religious Shrines.

In the 13^th century Tehran was a prosperous market town, known for its pomegranates, its 12 rival neighbourhoods with their underground dwellings surrounded by a band of trees & its defiance of the government.

At the time of the Zand dynasty, it was a little town that was significant from a strategic point of view. The first of the Qajar kings, Agha Mohammed Khan, named Tehran as the country's Capital in 1778 & most of its growth started during the reign of a subsequent Qajar monarch, Fath-Ali Shah. The Castle which Agha Mohammed Khan had built was to contain the new majestic buildings. Even though the dynasty was in a period of decline, Tehran soon took the shape of a modern city.

In the late 19^th century, a major program of modernization transformed the Capital, enlarging the urban area by several times its size. Gates, Squares & Mosques were built & it was at the time of Nassereddin Shah that the city's master sketch was prepared & modern streets were constructed. The structure of large government buildings, new streets, recreation centres, urban service organizations, academic & methodical centres were started. The city's old architectural fabric replaced by a contemporary one. Later, huge central Squares like Toopkhaneh Square (now Imam Khomeini Square) & quite a few military buildings were built. At the same time, the city's population doubled & now total 14 million.

The new urban structure resulted in a north-south divide, separating the rich from the poor & modern from traditional, establishing a new character for the city. The northern districts are more prosperous, modern, cosmopolitan & expensive while southern parts are less attractive but cheaper.

In addition to Persians, there is a large population of Azeris in Tehran, as well as other ethnicities including Armenian, Assyrian, Kurdish, Jewish & Zoroastrian communities. The majority of Tehran's residents speak Farsi (Persian).

Tehran has also earned itself the rather unenviable reputation as a smog-filled, traffic-clogged, featureless sprawl of concrete. But you can also find an endless number of nice & cozy places in & around the city - if you know where to look. The cosmopolitan city is dotted with Mosques as well as several Churches, Synagogues & Zoroastrian Fire Temples, Art Centers, Palace complexes, Cultural Centers & well-kept serene Gardens & Parks, more than 800 of them.

And while Tehran lacks history, it makes up for it with many impressive Museums specializing in a range of themes. If much of Iran is an open-air Museum, Tehran brings it back indoors, with a vast concentration of Artwork, Manuscripts, Jewellery, Rugs, Qurans & more sourced from across the Persian Empire. The Cinema & contemporary Art Museums reveal the country’s continuing love affair with art in all its forms & holds works from a number of major international Artists. The National Museum specializes in ancient Iranian heritage while the Carpet Museum displays masterpieces of this national craft. A great start to your holiday as you learn about Iran’s rich history before visiting the sites. 

Tehran plays a noted role in the arts. The Tehran Symphony Orchestra has performed both at home & for international audiences abroad & the Fajr International Theater Festival is held here annually. Iran’s film industry, based in Tehran, has been internationally recognized for its new realist School of Cinema & its award-winning films.

The Iranian Revolution in 1979 had a distinctive cultural impact, limiting particular forms of expression while nurturing others. Within this framework, traditional arts such as Calligraphy & Music have seen a revival, with many educational Institutions & Galleries involved.

Exploring this fascinating Metropolis will transport you on a journey through through more than 250 years of Iranian history - from the glittering Golestan Palace & the adjacent Grand Bazaar to the notorious former US Embassy to beautiful modern structures which have come to symbolize the city.

Tehran’s architecture is eclectic; while many buildings reflect the international Modernist style, others display postmodern, Neoclassical & traditional Persian styles. A modern, vibrant city, its skyline is dominated by snow-capped mountains & a proliferation of high-rise buildings, topped by the beautiful 21^st century Borj-e Milad (Milad Tower) rising 435 metres above the city. The Azadi Tower, which has come to symbolize the city, is a Memorial built under the reign of Mohammad Reza Shah of the Pahlavi dynasty in 1971 to mark the 2,500^th anniversary of the Persian Empire, greets visitors at the western entrance to the city. The unique pedestrian Tabiat (“nature”) Bridge, completed in 2014, largest of its kind in Iran, that connects 2 public Parks, is a modern internationally renowned architectural marvel.

With so much fascinating history on show in its Museums, Mosques & Palaces, those in charge clearly decided that Tehran needed a more “contemporary” attraction, too. Enter the world’s highest Dolphinarium, at the top of Borj-e Milad, where dolphins & sea lions perform for visitors 4 times a day to the sound of pounding Persian pop. But, we will stick with a civilisation showcasing 1,000s of year of history within history.

Tehran’s vibrancy is marked by large crowds of young people, numerous Shopping Malls, commercial streets, fast-food outlets, an expanding network of highways & bustling public Squares. The city mixes tradition with modernity & religious imagery with secular lifestyles, as evident in the large roadside hoardings that display revolutionary religious iconography standing alongside those advertising consumer goods.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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).

You may want to check out 30^th Tir Street Bazar for a buffet of street dining selections including sandwiches, kabobs & exotic Persian Basil-seed or Khakshir Bubble Tea. 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.

Morning, meet your Tour-guide in the Lobby at 08.30 am to proceed for a 6 hour 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.

Nicknamed “the City of Museums”, there is a plethora to choose from to understand Iran better from political, cultural & historical perspectives.

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), & 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 will 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 jewellers 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. Neyshabour turquoise & the Persian Gulf pearls were gradually added to the precious Collections.

However, the most famous item on display is 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. Talk to the Small Business Owner & gain insights into running a small business in Iran, exactly the same ad at home.

Enjoy Lunch (not included – direct payment) in one of the Restaurants in the vicinity.

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. Siosepol, whose name means ‘Bridge of 33 Arches’ & Khaju Bridge, are both popular locations for public meetings, poetry reading & traditional Tea-houses.

Reminiscent of Isfahan’s Bridges, Tehran boasts the modern architectural marvel - the Pol-e Tabi'at, (Nature” Bridge) the largest pedestrian Overpass spanning over Shahid Modarres - one of the main segments in northern Tehran Highway System connecting 2 Public Parks.

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 became a reality, despite sanctions, garnering awards & paving the way for a new, more avant-garde generation of Iranian Architects. 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.

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 & Restaurants, Cafes & Observation Decks on top, on 3 different levels. Just as the Architect had planned, the Bridge itself has become an attraction.

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.

It was built over 2 years & was unveiled in late 2014. It is easy to see why this multi-level, sculptural pedestrian Bridge has been a huge hit with locals & is a popular place for hangouts & morning sports as thousands flock to the Bridge. It is a fun space to relax & in good weather, provides superb views of the north Tehran skyline against the Alborz Mountains.

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. People come here to run, walk, bike or eat out.

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 & snow-capped peaks of the Alborz Mountains in the distance.

Spend an hour on the Bridge & enjoy a cappuccino at one of the Cafes on the 2^nd floor of this iconic tourist landmark for locals as well as visitors.

The sightseeing concludes & you are transferred to the hotel by late afternoon.

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 with the family 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, incidently) 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 (not included - extra payment) on top.

Time to go back to the hotel & relax.

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 08.30 am & proceed to explore some of the unique Museums of Tehran.

Begin with the impressive Tehran Glass & Ceramic Museum (also known as Abgineh Museum) is one of the famous Museums of Iran, known not only for the beautiful artifacts it displays within but also for the beautiful century old building, re-designed by the well-known Pritzker Prize winning Austrian Architect Hans Hollein. The octagonal-shaped 2 storey structure was inspired by the Columns of Persepolis as well as influenced by traditional European & Russian architecture styles of the 19^th century. The late Qajar-era building's 1^st floor is connected to the 2^nd through a graceful horseshoe-shaped Russian style wooden Staircase & classical stucco mouldings are particularly delightful with their many delicate carvings & decorative flourishes. The exterior & interior of the Museum comprises of decorative plaster, mirror & inlaid works. The façade is decorated with brick reliefs, adorned with intricately designed ornamental wooden doors & windows. The Qajar era style porch & pillar marks the entrance.

Originally, it used to be the residence of Ahmad Ghavam Al Saltaneh, an Iranian Prime Minister during the Qajar period. Later, it was bought by & served as the Egyptian Embassy for 7 years before it was taken over by Iran Commercial Bank. Subsequently, the Government decided to preserve the 100 year old structure & use it as the Abgineh Glass & Ceramics Museum, inaugurated in 1980.

The Galleries present a rare Collection of Glass & Clay works that remain, displayed chronologically through the ages, with detailed explanations in English that chart the history of the country & the region.

Contemporary custom designed showcases used to display the fragile artifacts, integrate specific lighting, temperature maintenance & humidity control etc. The Collection comprises of clay pots dating back from the 4^th millennium B.C. up to the present time as well as glass works from 1^st millennium B.C. up to the contemporary era. European glass works belonging to the 18^th & 19^th centuries are also part of the Collection, displayed in 6 Halls & 2 Entrance Halls in separate sections depicting different historical eras & subjects.

Spending an hour or 2, marvelling at the displays, head out to the next one, equally unique.

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.

After 2 hours here, move on to the next spot of your tour.

A smaller version of National Museum of Iran, Reza Abbasi Museum (RAM) can be considered as one of the finest historical-cultural collections in Iran for those who wish to trace the history of Iranian art & civilization, that includes artifacts from the 2^nd millennium B.C. to the beginning of the 20^th century, the end of Qajar period.

Named after one of the great artists of the Safavid period, this Museum showcases Iranian art from ancient times & the paintings of Abbasi himself. Opened to the public in 1977 by the efforts of the former Queen, Farah Diba, it assimilates, maintain & study the priceless artworks revealing the cultural legacy of Iran.

Known as one of the latest & greatest masters of traditional Iranian painting, Reza Abbasi pioneered an innovative style which had a lasting influence on the succeeding artists & formed the characteristics of the School of Isfahan. Until his time, illustrations in books & manuscripts were more common, but during the time of Reza Abbasi, murals became more prevalent.

Instead of having several Courtiers as the subject of his paintings, Reza Abbasi was more inclined to depict 1 or 2 characters, with eye-catching colors used for their clothes & ornaments, as well as delicate backgrounds mostly characterized with a willow. He was a master in illuminating the nature & in depicting the mental state of ordinary people who usually had large eyes & wide chins.

The chronological arrangement of the objects on 3 floors provides a general overview of the development of art throughout the history of Iran.

The chronological array of the Collection starts from the 3^rd floor beautifully arranged Pre-Islamic Gallery where one find tools, utensils & decorative objects - Achaemenid gold & silver rhytons (rhyton is a sort of metal container often shaped like the head of animals, which was used to serve drinks in the ancient times),  armlets & decorative pieces, often with exquisite carvings of bulls & rams - made of stone, clay & metal, together with coins & jewelry from the pre-historic times to the end of the Sassanid era.

The rare Collections on display including Luristan bronzeware & the stone busts, mostly decorated with animals & natural scenes, allude to the transformation of needs, materials, values & beliefs of the Iranians at that time.

The Islamic Gallery on the 2^nd floor display handicrafts of the Islamic era, detailing the history of various dynasties of Iran.

The 1^st Section showcases items dating back to the early Islamic influences on Sassanid designs manifested on the Potteries & Metalware of the Buyid period, decorated with Kufic scripts. During the Seljuk period, we see a greater multifariousness in styles & materials, testifying to the growing mastery of craftsmen & the thriving intricacy of their work.

Included in the collection are also a number of Paintings belonging to Harat & Tabriz Schools and various versions of Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh with their elaborate illustrations of Iranian myths & stories.

The 2^nd Section of the Islamic Gallery exhibits Ceramics, Fabrics & Brassware, while the Painting Gallery shows samples of fine Calligraphy from ancient Qurans & illustrated Manuscripts, particularly copies of Ferdowsi’s Shahnamah & Sa’di’s Golestan.

This Section also houses a wide variety of artifacts from 13^th to early 20^th century. With the attack of Mongols, art & artistic trends, as well as Centers of Fabrication, underwent a huge change. Displayed are some samples of the Pottery with different colors & decorative patterns, of this period. You can also see the Metalware from another turbulent period of Iran's history, the Timurid period. Also displayed are exquisite book covers, pencil boxes & glazed potteries decorated with delicate bird & flower patterns from the Qajar era.

Of particular interest in this Museum, are the Calligraphy & Paintings of the Islamic period displayed on the 1^st floor. The Calligraphy Gallery represents several hundred year old history of this traditional art until the early Islamic period.

Exhibited in this Gallery are margined & finely decorated scripts in various styles which flourished during this period, namely, Naskh, Thuluth, Muhaqqaq, Reyhan, Riqa, Touqi, Nastaliq & Shekasteh – works of great masters as Mir Emad Hassani, Ahmad Neirizi, Mirza Gholam Reza Esfahani, Zein al-Abedin Esfahani, and Darvish Abd al-Majid Taleqani.

Other notable parts of the Museum are the Temporary Exhibition Gallery on the ground floor & the Library with 1,000s of books in Persian, English, French & German covering fields related to displayed themes - Iranian History, Art, Culture. The Museum also has its own Publication Department which has published important references regarding the Iranian Art & History.

Enough of Museums for the day.

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.

A favorite hangout among the art crowd & a safe haven for stray cats, the Artists’ Forum offers a peek into the contemporary art scene of Tehran. 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.

Finally, it is time to go home. But enroute stop by at Mother’s Paradise, the biggest segregated Ladies only Park, 1 of 6 in Tehran. Even the Guards & Gardeners are women.

With no men (even kids above 5 years) allowed inside the Parks & no videography by Camera or Phones even by other ladies, to prevent any invasion of privacy, they can let their hair down (within limits, of course, unlike the Western world).

Within the enclosed Parks, the ladies can safely & legally shed their cloaks & headscarves & let their hair down as they enjoy such activities as archery, art classes, aerobics, sunbathing in the lawns, swimming in the indoor pool, exercising in the Gym etc. without being conscious of their veil slipping or how they talk, laugh or behave. This kind of Parks are being set up in other cities, too. Some locals take it as a positive development, others think it is unnecessary ‘abnormal’ segregation of the sexes.

Taking the Persian trait of hospitality into account, we are sure you will have many opportunities to interact, learn more & may be, form friendships.

After spending an hour there, you are transferred back to the hotel.

Later in the evening, meet the Tour-guide again & proceed to enjoy a sumptuous ‘Persian’ Dinner in a Teahouse.

Come back to the hotel.

You will have to wake up early today. In time, you would be transferred to the Terminal? - Tehran Mehrabad Airport to board your flight to Kerman.

Arrive in vibrant Kerman, among several cities in Iran with a strong cultural heritage, which is expressed in the local accent, ancient poetry, local music, handicrafts & customs that the city has introduced to the world. It was a Capital city of Iranian dynasties several times during its history.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Kerman Ayatollah Hashemi 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.

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, unless advised.

Reach the centrally located hotel, Check-in & relax for an hour.

*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’. Failing, you will embark on a sightseeing tour immediately on arrival & Check-in in the evening.

While central Iran's gem cities are deservedly a far bigger draw, the southeast offers Cave-houses, classic Gardens, Fortresses, deserted villages, oases & fabulous erosion patterns all set in scenery that intersperses great expanses of desert with chains of high mountains.

Shortly after, accompanied by the Tour-guide proceed for a full day of sightseeing, exploring ‘some’ of the landmarks of this ancient city & its surroundings. The city is also listed among the World's 1,000 cleanest cities.

One of the most important cities in the southeast of Iran, Kerman, known in ancient times as the Satrapy of Carmania, is the largest & most developed city in Kerman Province. Famous for its long history & strong cultural heritage, the city is home to many historic Mosques & Zoroastrian Fire Temples.

Mentioned in Shahname (between 977-1010), the Iranian epic poem, Historians believe this city was quite eminent in ancient Persia as it was used as a base in exile by Cyrus the Great. It has been a subject to many phases of war & its Rulers’ struggle for domination. Many of its Zoroastrian residents fled to other cities & to the mountains when the city was conquered by Arabs.

Situated on a large, flat plain 800 km south-east of Tehran, on an important Asian trade route, it was ruled by a succession of dynasties including the Arabs, the Buyids, the Seljuq's, the Turks & the Mongols and consequently, became the Capital city of Iranian dynasties several times during its history. However, the remoteness of Kerman resulted in the town remaining without much wealth through the centuries.

Kerman was founded as a defensive outpost, with the name Veh-Ardashir, by Ardashir I, founder of the Sasanian Empire, in the 3^rd century AD. After the Battle of Nahavand in 642, the city came under Muslim rule.  At first the city's relative isolation allowed Kharijites & Zoroastrians to thrive there, but the Kharijites were wiped out in 698 & the population was mostly Muslim by 725.

Relative peace was maintained in Kerman during the reign of the Safavid dynasty & it particularly flourished under Ganjali Khan, its Safavid Ruler, who built notable structures such as a Bathhouse, School, Caravanserai, Mosque, Water Cistern, etc.

By 8^th century, the city was famous on the Silk Route, for its manufacture of cashmere wool shawls & other textiles.

The Abbasid Caliphate's authority over the region was weak & power passed in the 10^th century to the Buyid dynasty, which maintained control even when the region & city fell to Mahmud of Ghazni in the late 10^th century. The name Kerman was adopted at some point in the 10^th century. Under the rule of the Seljuq Turks in the 11^th & 12^th centuries, Kerman remained virtually independent, conquering Oman & Fars.

When Marco Polo visited Kerman in 1271, it had already become a major trade route linking the Persian Gulf with Khorasan & Central Asia.  Subsequently however, the city was sacked many times by various invaders. Kerman expanded rapidly during the Safavid dynasty. Carpets & rugs were exported to England & Germany during this period.

In 1793, Lotf Ali Khan defeated the Qajars & in 1794 captured Kerman. But soon after city fell to the very cruel despot Agha Mohammad Khan who, angered by the popular support that the defeated Lotf Ali Khan had received, had many of the male inhabitants killed or blinded. Legend has it that a pile made out of 20,000 detached eyeballs, was presented to the victorious Agha Khan, by his equally violent Generals. Many women & children were sold into slavery & in 90 days, the city was turned into ruins. The present city of Kerman was rebuilt in the 19^th century to the northwest of the old city, but the city did not regain its former size until the 20^th century.

Currently, the city is the largest carpet producing & exporting center in Iran. Some of the Kerman handicrafts & souvenirs, are traditional embroidery known as Pateh, Carpets, Rugs, Jajeems, Kilims (a coarse carpet), Satchels & other hand-woven articles. Caraway seeds & Pistachio of Rafsanjan & Kerman are also synonymous with this province.

The only Anthropology Museum of Zoroastrians in the world, which showcases the ancient history of Zoroastrians, is in Kerman's Fire Temple. The idea of launching the Museum along with the Library of Kerman's Zoroastrian Society came to light in 1983, when the head of the Society, Parviz Vakhashouri & the former head of the Library, Mehran Gheibi, built up a Collection of cultural heritage artifacts of Kerman's Zoroastrian community. The Museum was officially inaugurated during Jashn-e Tirgan (an ancient Iranian Rain Festival observed on July 1) in 2005 by Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts & Tourism Organization (ICHHTO). Jashn-e Tirgan or Tiregan festivity refers to archangel Tir (literally meaning arrow) or Tishtar (lightning), who appear in the sky to generate thunder & lightning for providing much needed rain.

Also, the archeological ancient areas of Jiroft & Tappe Yahya Baft are located south of Kerman. Rayen Castle is also located in the vicinity.

Start at the Bazaar-e-Bozorg (Grand Bazaar comprising a dozen ‘specialised’ smaller ones) located between the Arq & Moshtaqiyeh Squares. The Bazaar encompasses various rows or alleys such as Arg, Ganj Ali Khan, Ekhtiyari, Sardari, Vakil, Attari, Qadam Gah & Mozaffari rows. It is, however, easy enough to navigate & has a vivacity that should keep you interested, especially in the morning & late afternoon.

Walk to Bazar-e Sartasari, one of the oldest trading centres in Iran. Its main thoroughfare covered with classic vaulting that stretches 1200 metres from Tohid Square to Shohada Square, is made up of 4 smaller Bazaars & with several Caravanserai courtyards off to the north. Within are several Museums, Bathhouses & religious structures.

Starting at Tohid Square, the first section is the Bazar-e Ganj Ali Khan, built in the 17^th century for local Governor Ganj Ali Khan, which opens into a Courtyard with lawns, also featuring what was once Kerman’s most important Hammam.

On the north side of the Courtyard is the photogenic Bazar-e Mesgari Shomali (Coppersmith’s Bazaar) & at the Square’s northeastern end is Masjed-e Ganj Ali Khan, the Governor’s lavishly decorated private Mosque. Next door, Golshan Caravanserai has recently been restored & is now home to a bunch of antique bric-a-brac stores. There is an unusual little Money Museum here, interesting for its tall Wind Tower & Coin Collection.

From the northeastern corner of the Square, the Bazar-e Zargaran (Gold Bazaar) leads to a small Square with an attractive portal into an old (& now closed) Madraseh (school). The jewellery shops of the Gold Bazaar spill into a couple of old Caravanserai yards. There was another Bathhouse here - Hammam-e Ebrahim Khan - which is being restored.

From Ganj Ali Khan Square, the main Bazaar continues east as Bazar-e Ekhtiari & passes another 150 year old non-functional Bathouse - Hamam-e Vakil Chaykhaneh,

After about 600 metres from where the covered bazaar ends, there is the 700 year old more down-market section of open-air stalls, called Bazar-e Mosaffari with vendors selling fruit & sundry stuff from tables & crowded storefronts. There is a small Masjed-e Jameh (Jameh Mosque) here, which you can enter.

You will stop to explore Hammam - e Ganj Ali Khan. Built in the Safavid period, this courtyard is home to what was once Kerman’s most important Hammam, now restored & transformed into a Museum.

Wonderful frescoes adorn the walls & wax dummies illustrate the workings of a traditional Bathhouse. The Reception Area, for example, was divided so men practising different trades could all disrobe together. Signage is a little garbled ('AD' dates actually refer to Persian Calendar years) but gives an idea of each Chamber's purpose. Look for the ‘time stones’ at the east & west ends of the Hammam; translucent, 10cm thick alabaster Panels & Doorways that glow mysteriously when struck by low sunlight filtering through the skylights, giving bathers a rough idea of the time (at least around sunrise or sunset) according to how light it was outside.

Visitors who don't want to pay to go in, can admire the quirky, century-old figures painted onto the much older Safavid portal. There is also a display case of antique washing utensils in the Entrance Hall.

The 4 hour sightseeing concludes & you enjoy Lunch (not included - direct payment) at one of the exotic Tea-houses in the Bazaar before proceeding back to the hotel to Check-in (if it was not possible to so do in the morning).

Relax or walk out of the hotel if you want to explore some more.

Evening, meet the Tour-guide again & proceed to visit one of the many Craft Workshops Kashan is famous for. Carpets, Rugs, Jajeems, Kilims (a coarse carpet), Satchels & other hand-woven articles.

In every city in Iran, you can find a unique piece of art which has a history behind. From north to south, & east to west of the country, there are various types of centuries old local handicraft, some passed down from family elders to younger generation. Some of the Crafts are losing practitioners & gradually moving towards extinction though the Government is constantly coming up with support schemes to encourage & generate interest in the ancient art & heritage.

Today, visit the Artisans, mainly women, specialising in a traditional embroidery known as Pateh, widely popular all over the country.

Pateh is woven on different color & size of decorative, usually wool fabrics / cloths (some cases, silk, too) named Ariz (meaning “wide” in Persian), to turn them into hand-woven literal work of art suitable to be used as a table sheet, framed, or even woven onto clothing such as blouse & trousers. The intricate needle-work patterns illustrate Iranian culture & history & the beautiful designs include flourishing paisley patterns, cypress tree, the Sun, traditional pre-Islamic & historical Persian symbols painted with natural colors.

One of the most beautiful & oldest “Pateh” with unique swings, covers the Grave in the Shah Nematollah Vali Tomb. It is said that the weaving for the 355 cm length & 210 cm width Cover was initiated 1285 & it took 16 ladies working full-time for 2 years to complete. So, just imagine the intricacies.

Exquisite handmade Pateh comes in many different designs, colors sizes & items and has become one of the most precious & beautiful memento to cherish. Visitors cannot resist the temptation to buy this traditional needlework, one of Iran’s most famous souvenirs.

Spend time talking to the Artisans & watching them create exquisite embroidery pieces.

Time to go. The Tour-guide will take you to yet another iconic Tea-house for a sumptuous Dinner.

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).

Morning at 07:00 am, proceed for a full day 8 hour excursion to see the archeological wonders in the vicinity.

Drive to the medieval mudbrick city of Rayen in Kerman County, with 10,000 inhabitants, one of the most interesting sites in Iran with notable historical events. Rayen displays all the architectural elements of a deserted Citadel & is extremely well preserved, despite numerous natural disasters that have destroyed similar adobe structures nearby. With a Waterfall, several Thermal Springs, Fruit Gardens, green & pink Marble & Sodium Sulphate Mines, the city has become an attractive tourist destination.

According to the old documents, it was situated on the trade route & many Caravans used to stop here & re-energise before continuing on the Silk Road. One of the main Trading Centre for valuable goods & quality Textiles. It was also a centre of Sword & Knife manufacturing & later on, also Guns.

This amazing Castle existed during the reign of Yazdgerd III, the Sasanid King & during an invasion, Arabs could not conquer this city due to its high walls. During the reign of Nader Shah Afshar, this Citadel was owned by one of his Commanders.

Built entirely of raw clay, Arg-e Rayen, one of Iran's most impressive fortress-citadels, is a miniature version of the majestic Arg-e-Bam (partially destroyed by the earthquake in late 2003, under restoration), with all the architectural features of a desert Citadel dating back to the 5^th century, is located here.

The Arg's vast adobe walls top a gentle slope directly south of central Rayen. Inside is a Castle within a Castle. Some sections are completely ruined but wandering through the extensively restored Governor's quarters, it is easy to imagine the trepidation that supplicants must have once felt approaching the powerful local Ruler through dark passages & hidden inner courtyards. Superb views from the battlements above the Gatehouse reveal a backdrop of 4420 metre Mt Hezar.

The exact age of the mud & brick Arg is unknown, though it is thought to be well over 1000 years old & may have foundations from the pre-Islamic Sassanid era. Until restoration in 1996, it had been essentially abandoned for about 150 years. With an area of 40,000 sq metre, the Citadel had been functioning as a small city with about 5,000 people living there. But then the Citadel gradually became desolated & the houses were destroyed.

Like all Citadels in Iran, Arg-e Rayen has 2 separate parts for the rich & regular folks, with sections such as the Zurkhaneh (a traditional Iranian gym originally used to train warriors in ancient Iran), the School, the Barracks, the Mosque, the Cellar & the Stables. The various social classes lived in different neighborhoods depending on their occupation & economic & social status.  An illustration of the ingenuity of the Ruler, to ensure the health of its residents, the Citadel also had a Quarantine building, intended to quarantine newcomers so that the sick people would not be able to get inside.

To keep Rayen safe, the Citadel had 4 Watchtowers built around it, as well as artificial ditches protecting the south part of Citadel from enemies. Entry Points to control people’s entry & exit, were monitored by the Guards.

Walking down the alleys of the great Arg, you can still smell the clay & dirt from its walls & imagine yourself as a resident of a 1500 year old Citadel which remain unconquered by any King or Army in history.

After spending 2 hours here, drive on to the next point on your way back to the Kerman.

Enroute, stop at Mahan, capital of Mahan District, is one of the summer regions of in Kerman County, with a relatively abundant springs & streams. Mahan is considered the producer of the best grape in Kerman & has many pomegranate orchards.

Mahan is believed to have been named after the Persian General Adarmahan, who led the troops of Anushirawan the Just (496-579) on the western frontier of the Sassanid Empire (226-651 CE) against the forces of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine) (330 - 1204) during the 572 – 591 Byzantine–Sassanid War of.

Mahan is known as the city of Gardens & Caravanserais and is famed for its UNESCO World Heritage listed 19^th century Qajar-period Garden-house, Bagh-e Shahzadeh or Shahzadeh Garden (Prince’s Garden in the Persian language), a masterpiece of Persian architecture.

Built in the late Qajar era (1785 - 1925) by the then Governor of Kerman, Mohammad Hassan Khan Sardari Iravani, just outside Mahan, it is an oasis in the heart of desert. It was entirely remodeled & extended around 1870 by Abdul Hamid Mirza, one of the last princes of the Qajar dynasty, who lived in the Mansion inside the Garden, during the 11 years of his Governorship.

Separated from its surrounding desert with high walls, this historical Garden enjoys a fresh weather, a breathtaking view, a harmonious design & a genius water system.

The traditional Persian entrance with lovely tiling, disconnects you from the dry & sandy world outside & welcomes you to the world of architectural beauty inside. But the fascinating view of the green world that opens before you, might distract you from the fine muqarnas decorations on the ceiling of the entrance building.

Like the other 8 Persian Gardens listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Shahzadeh Garden is also a fine example of Persian Gardens that take advantage of suitable natural climate.

This 5.5 hectare rectangular walled lush Garden is filled with fruit, shade & windbreak trees. It consists of an entrance gate at the lower end & a 2 floor Mansion at the upper end which now houses a Handicraft Shop, Restaurant & a Teahouse, which looks very charming when floodlit.

The distance between these 2 structures is ornamented with beautiful Fountains that are cleverly inclined to make use of the water flowing from the heights of the nearby Tigran Valley toward lower ends on a water cascade style. The Garden is divided into 4 sections & has a natural slope that leads water downward when the snow melts in the mountains. Water flows to the upper part of the Garden & divides into channels that direct it to different parts. It is not just the Plants & Fountains that enjoy this traditional water distribution system. With lovely trees, parallel pathways & running streams, splashing Fountains, visitors find it enchanting.

One of the things that make Bagh-e Shahzade different from other Persian Gardens is that it is behind the main Pavilion, which provided the Owners with a beautiful design & a more private atmosphere.

There is also a Bath-house & many Pools in the Garden that is sheltered with a variety of trees including Pines, Cypresses, Poplars, Cedars, wild Elms & fruit trees.

Check out the Villa before strolling in the delightful Garden.

After spending an hour, drive on to see the Qajar era Shotor Galu Mansion (Camel’s Neck).

The impressive Mansion in the east of Mahan town, lies on the route of Vakil Abad Aqueduct, one of the most spectacular historical relics of Qajar dynasty, considered as one of the unique architecture attractions of Iran’s south east.

In the past, in order to maintain the safety of Gardens & Houses in the route of Aqueducts & Springs, the entry & exit of water was designed in a way that no live creature could enter it. Consequently, a channel with an obtuse angle shape was built under the walls of the houses, so that water could go down from the higher side with a suitable height & come out on the other side according to the relevant plates & since these channels look like the neck of a camel, such a construction is called “Shotor Galu.

And in most cases, under the influence of the creativity of the Iranian Architects, beautiful pools, fountains & waterworks were created through using the same method in the houses of royalties & Rulers, so that Cedar & Pine trees & 4 seasonal flowers & also fruit trees could create a pleasurable & refreshing space inside the Complex.

There is a beautiful Pool in the middle of the Mansion with a high, dome-like ceiling with stalactite work. A unique feature is a big Fountain that appears to produce the sound of a camel caravan passing by, when water flows through its fountain.

Drive to perhaps, the most famous of Mahan’s monuments.

Stop at the blue-tiled Mausoleum of the renowned 14^th century Iranian Sufi mystic & Poet - Shah Nematollah-e-Vali who died in 1431, aged over 100.  

The Shrine erected in 1436 in his honor, has became a pilgrimage site, that attracts countless visitors every year, with successive Rulers contributing various additions over the centuries. The historical Complex comprises 4 Courtyards, ancient wooden Doors, a reflecting Pool, a Mosque & twin Minarets covered with turquoise tiles from the bottom up to the Cupola. The 2 charming, pond-filled courtyards have roosting birds in the trees who are all a-twitter at dusk.

The main Tomb lies beneath a 17 meter dome surrounded by carpets incorporating pentagram symbols, some with elements of backward mirror writing. There is a tiny Prayer Chamber whose walls & ceiling are covered with calligraphy in a spiral pattern.

The earliest construction is attributed to the Bahmanid Ruler Ahmed I Vali who erected the Sanctuary Chamber in 1436. Shah Abbas I undertook extensions & renovations in 1601, including reconstruction of the blue tiled dome, described as "one of the most magnificent architectural masterpieces in old Persia". The small room where Nematollah Vali prayed & meditated contains plasterwork & tile decorations.

The day ends & you return to the hotel.

Later in the evening, accompanied by the Tour-guide, proceed to one of the top attractions of Kerman - Fathabad Garden with its exotic Tea-houses, Pubs, traditional Pergolas, Handicraft stalls, where you can grab something, rest a bit, look at the traditional artifacts & maybe drink some rose water or herbal tea.

The Fathabad complex has become very popular with locals & visitors for its special lighting decorations in the night. The decorations next to the Pool are so extensive that some passengers in the air mistake it for the runway of adjacent Kerman Airport.

Encompassing 13 acres, the vast beautiful Fathabad Garden (also known as Biglarbeigi Garden), was very famous & glorious in its time. Its construction style became a model for building the Shahzadeh Mahan Historical Garden & for many years, it remained in the shadows. The construction of the Garden began in 1803 by the order of Fazlali Khan Biglarbeigi, the Ruler of Kerman during the reign of Mohammad Shah Qajar took 5 years to finish. Future Rulers Nosrat ol-Mamalek I & II, used to hold their official Ceremonies & spend their leisure time in the Garden.

During the Qajar days, the gateway adorned with religious motifs a description in Nastaliq, opened to 4 Chaharbagh (garden pathways) that were about 6 km long & 60 meters wide, decorated with 2 rows of Plane trees. The water from Qanat that is now dried up, fed small rivers on each side of the Chaharbagh & then poured into the Howz (a small pool) in front of the Kushk (Pavilion) deep inside the Garden. The rectangular Pool, reflects the image of the main Mansion despite being empty of water adds to the splendor of the Garden. Convex lenses, magnifying glasses were attached in the circular holes at the top of entry gateways to reflect the light of the fire lamps to make the front courtyard brighter at night.

The main European-Iranian style 2 floor building has a substructure of 1500 meters surrounded by trees & vast agricultural fields of pistachios. The Qajar style Pavilion located at the end of the north side, is made from cob bricks, mortar of clay & plaster cover, with decorated stucco doorways & arches on both sides. The traditionally styled rooms in this historical structure have nice lighting decorations & the plaster decorations on the walls are spectacular.

The most famous room in the Fathabad Mansion is the “Shah-Neshin” room. The personal office of the Ruler of Kerman, now also called Painting Room, features his Paintings & Murals, some of which contained solid gold. Today, glass protection has been installed over these. The Panj-Dari & Seh-Dari of the Pavilion features Photographs & Biographies of the past Rulers of Kerman in the section called Hokkam Museum.

But unfortunately, Fathabad was neglected for a long time & it was only after the Iranian Revolution that it was registered as a National Heritage of Iran in 2002 & restoration began & the Garden was reopened in 2015. Today, the Complex is a venue for Handicrafts exhibitions, religious & symbolic Festivals, Juice Bars, Restaurants, Tea-rooms & shops selling medical herbs.

Stroll around the Garden & then enjoy a sumptuous meal in one of the Restaurants.

Transfer back to the Hotel.

Get up early today & depart for Shiraz, which bears many historical & ancient attractions showing the glory of of Persian Empire.

Stop enroute at a few sites intrinsically linked to Persian civilisation, such as Persepolis, the ruined 6^th century BC, with its immense gateways, columns & friezes & Pasargadae.

First stop will be at Pasagadae, the original Capital of the first great multi-cultural Empire in Western Asia.

The Achaemenid Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great, 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 the Great, in Pars, homeland of the Persians, in the 6^th century BC. It developed into a city of some significance until it was superseded by Darius I’s magnificent Palace at Persepolis.

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.

After spending an hour here, hop on the vehicle & continue driving on the pre-modern highway to the next point.

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.

Drive on, but 1 more brush with history.

Stop at UNESCO World Heritage listed Persepolis (also called Takht-e Jamshid), 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. Persepolis was the first capital of Fars, some 2500 years ago.

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).

It was conceived by Darius the Great who, inherited the responsibility for ruling the world's first known Empire founded by his predecessor, Cyrus the Great.  Darius I 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 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

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.

After spending a couple of hours here, hop on the vehicle & continue driving on the pre-modern highway towards your final destination where you will stay for the night.

Arrive at the Hotel in Shiraz by evening & Check-in.

Balance of the evening is at leisure to relax or independent exploration (we will be happy to offer suggestions & arrange for Optional activities).

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. It is also home to splendid Gardens, exquisite Mosques & whispered echoes of ancient sophistication that reward those who linger longer. 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. when many of its most beautiful buildings were built or restored. 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.

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. It has Cement, Sugar & Fertilizer factories & Textile Mills. Traditional inlay work flourishes, as does weaving in the surrounding region.

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.

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.

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.30 am & embark on an 8 hour sightseeing of Shiraz - nicknamed city of “roses & nightingales”.

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 iconic images most commonly used to define tourism here. 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.

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 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 Mosque comes to life with the sunrise & the colors dance throughout the day like whirling Dervishes. The smart placement of the windows where the sunlight glints every morning & makes a spectacular drizzle of colourful lights shows its architectural subtlety, reflecting on the ground, walls, the arches & the towering spires. It even reflects on the visitors as if a colorful ball is hit by the first sun ray & has exploded into thousands of butterflies all around.

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. 

Next, 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.