IRAN

Dates: April 30 – May 10, 2023

Duration: 11 days / 11 nights

Number of participants: 8 – 12

Cost of participation per person:
- 2 390 EUR subject to 10 – 12 participants,
- 2 590 EUR subject to 8 – 9 participants.

Everything is included except for:
- international flight to Tehran roundtrip,
- international medical insurance,
- visa on arrival provided that we arrange preliminary visa code for you (visa fee at the airport is 70 EUR for Russians, 75 EUR for EU members and other nationalities. For Americans, British and Canadian the process of getting visa code is longer, up to 2 months).

Estimated cost of flight Moscow – Tehran roundtrip: USD 500 – 900 (Usually bought on your own, we consult you).

Single supplement: 530 USD (single accommodation is provided for all nights).

This trip is fully booked. Join us on June 6-13, 2023


TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO IRAN

DAY 1. April 30, 2023 (Sunday). ARRIVAL IN TEHRAN

Early morning arrival in Tehran, meet and transfer to hotel Howeyzeh Hotel, early check-in will be provided.
Full day visit to some of Tehran's major highlights, historical and cultural monuments, including Azadi Tower, Tehran Grand bazaar, Golestan palace, Tajrish bazaar.

* Recommended flight from Moscow to Tehran:
- direct flight from Moscow to Tehran with Nordwind Airlines, departs from Moscow at 0:35 am on April 30, arrives in Tehran at 6:10 am on April 30,
- direct flight from Moscow to Tehran with Aeroflot, departs from Moscow at 22:50 on April 29, arrives in Tehran at 4:25 am on April 30,
- or any other flight from Moscow or from another city with arrival in Tehran no later than at 8 am on April 30.

Accommodation included: Howeyzeh Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner


DAY 2. May 1, 2023 (Monday). TEHRAN – GARMSAR – DRAGON MOUNTAINS – TEHRAN – SHIRAZ

Depart from the hotel at 7:00 am and drive to the Garmsar (110 km, 2 hours driving). After checking in with the national park staff, your guide will guide to Dragon Mountains. Visit to Dragon Mountains.
Return to the Tehran directly to the airport. Catch the domestic flight to Shiraz around 4:00 pm.
Arrival in Shiraz. Transfer to Panjdari Traditional Hotel (or Heysarieh Traditional Hotel). Dinner and rest.

Accommodation included: Panjdari Traditional Hotel (or Heysarieh Traditional Hotel, or similar)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner


DAY 3. May 2, 2023 (Tuesday). SHIRAZ – PERSEPOLIS & NAGHSH-E-ROSTAM – SHIRAZ

Drive north-east (60 km, 1 hour driving) and full day exploring Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid kings with remains of the palaces of Darius the Great, Xerxes and Artaxerxes, and its famous bas-reliefs, depicting kings and courtiers and gift-bearing representatives of tributary nations of the Persian Empire. Also visit Naghsh-e-Rostam to see Ka'be-Zardosht (fire temple/sanctuary), and Royal Tombs (also Achaemenid), seven magnificent Sassanian rock-reliefs (including Shapur the First's famous victory over Roman Emperor Valerian) and Naghsh-e-Rajab, a nearby grotto with more Sassanid reliefs.
Back in Shiraz. Visit Eram Garden, the tomb of Iran's greatest lyric poet Hafez, the pink tiled 19th-century Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, the Arg-e-Karim Khan 18th-century citadel and the Vakil Bazaar in the evening. Overnight stay at hotel.

Accommodation included: Panjdari Traditional Hotel (or Heysarieh Traditional Hotel, or similar)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner


DAY 4. May 3, 2023 (Wednesday). SHIRAZ – QASHQAEE NOMADS – SHIRAZ

Drive to Qashqaee nomads (70 km, 1.5 hours driving).This day is a shortcut to a deep understanding of Iran will bring you to the 1800-year-old world of Sassanian Empire in its Palace of Ardashir and Qaleh Dokhtar. The other world you'll set foot in is a world of nomadic survival in the midst of all the bustle of modern world. Meeting the hospitable Qashqai Nomads, who have kept their modest lifestyle and folklore alive, moved from place to place, lived on their herd and wild plants and overcome countless difficulties throughout history, will leave deep marks on you. Local food.
Back to the hotel in Shiraz. Overnight stay at hotel.

Accommodation included: Panjdari Traditional Hotel (or Heysarieh Traditional Hotel, or similar)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner


DAY 5. May 4, 2023 (Thursday). SHIRAZ – BISHAPUR CAVE – MAHARLOO PINK LAKE – SHIRAZ

Drive westward (120 km, 2 hours driving) to Bishapur cave. Bishapur cave is one of the attractions of Kazeroun that is close to the historical city of Bishapur. Visiting the cave, as well as Ancient city of Bishapur. Visit to Kazeroon site with the historical engraved stone.
Drive back, passing by Shiraz city (160 km, 3 hours driving) to visit the pink lake of Maharloo.
Back to Shiraz city for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation included: Panjdari Traditional Hotel (or Heysarieh Traditional Hotel, or similar)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner


DAY 6. May 5, 2023 (Friday). SHIRAZ – BAFGH DESERT

Heading to Bafgh desert (540 km, 8 hours driving). Bafgh Desert is one of the most beautiful sand deserts in Iran. We hang around the sand dunes till sunset, watch desert sunset from the top of a high dune Dinner and stay overnight right in the desert in the Eco Lodge.

Accommodation included: Eco Lodge
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner


DAY 7. May 6, 2023 (Saturday). BAFGH DESERT – YAZD

In the morning we meet the sunrise in the dunes and take a camelback ride on the dunes in Bafgh desert.
Drive back to the Yazd city (130 km, 2 hours driving) to check-in at the hotel and take shower.
After lunch, afternoon visit of Yazd city, the center for Iran's small Zoroastrian community. Visits include active Zoroastrian Fire Temple, the fire of which has been burning for about 1500 years.
Overnight in Yazd at the Hooman Boutique Hotel.

Accommodation included: Hooman Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner


DAY 8. May 7, 2023 (Sunday). YAZD – ISFAHAN

After breakfast we continue exploring the historical city of Yazd.
Visit the Jame Mosque (1324 A.D.) with the highest portal and minarets in Iran, with a walk through the old Fahadan quarter, visit to Amir Chakhmagh complex, Zoroastrian Fire temple and Water museum.
Drive to Isfahan (330 km, 5 hours driving) for overnight stay at Isfahan Traditional Hotel (or Bekhradi Traditional Hotel).

Accommodation included: Isfahan Traditional Hotel (or Bekhradi Traditional Hotel or similar)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner


DAY 9. May 8, 2023 (Monday). ISFAHAN

Full day tour of the beautiful city of Isfahan, the 17th century capital of the Safavids, referred to as Nesf-e-Jahan (Half of the World) in Safavid sources, to visit the famous bridges of Shahrestan, Khajou & Sio-se-pol, the Armenian Quarter with several churches, including the important Cathedral of Vank; in the afternoon visit one of the world's grandest squares, the Maidan-e-Naghsh-e-Jahan, with several sites (the Ali-Qapu Palace with its enchanting music rooms and balcony overlooking the Maidan, from where the Safavid Kings watched polo games, and two of Islamic world's greatest mosques – the Sheikh Lotfollah and the Shah – with magnificent architecture and tilework). Finishing with a visit to Chehel-sotun Palace and the Qeisarieh Bazaar with hundreds of shops displaying the arts and handicrafts for which Isfahan is world-famous (bazaar is closed on Fridays). Overnight stay at hotel.

Accommodation included: Isfahan Traditional Hotel (or Bekhradi Traditional Hotel or similar)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner


DAY 10. May 9, 2023 (Tuesday). ISFAHAN – KASHAN – QOM

Morning drive to Kashan (240 km, 3.5 hours driving). On the way we'll visit Abyaneh, the most authentic and beautiful historical Persian village.
Today visit to Agha Bozorg mosque, Sultan Amir Ahmad bathhouse, Borujerdi house, Tabatabayi house, Fin garden and Kashan bazaar.
Continue to Qom (120 km, 1.5 hours driving).
Overnight staying in Qom at Qom International Hotel.

Accommodation included: Qom International Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner


DAY 11. May 10, 2023 (Wednesday). QOM – TEHRAN – RETURN FLIGHT

In Qom we'll visit the Holy shrine of Fateme Masoome and grand Bazzar of Qom.
Heading to Tehran. Visiting the Mausoleum of Imam Khomeini.
Check-in at the Airport Hotel to take shower and short rest before the flight back home.
Departure flight from Tehran IKIA airport.


* Recommended flight from Tehran to Moscow:
- direct flight from Tehran to Moscow with Mahan Airlines, departs from Tehran at 4:45 am on May 11, arrives in Moscow at 8:30 am on May 11,
- direct flight from Tehran to Moscow with Aeroflot, departs from Tehran at 5:45 am on May 11, arrives in Moscow at 8:30 on May 11,
- or any other flight from Tehran, with departure from Tehran no earlier than at 21:00 on May 10.

Accommodation included: Airport Hotel in IKIA
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Cost includes:

• Domestic flight from Tehran to Shiraz
• International medical insurance
• Accommodation in hotels 5*/4* as per the program (in TWIN / DBL rooms) and in the Eco Lodge in Bafgh desert
• Full board meals: breakfasts, lunches and dinners
• Drinking water throughout the whole trip
• Pick up transfer from the airport and returning to airport
• All transport according to the itinerary by Hyundai H350 (up to 8 pax) or by High quality Middle bus 33 seats (in case of 8+ pax), with a/c and local experienced driver
• All sightseeing as outlined in itinerary, entry fees
• Boat trip in Al-Chibayish
• All permits
• Facilitation with visa (Visa code)
• Travel insurance
• English speaking local guide throughout all trip
• Russian- and English speaking team leader professional photographer throughout all itinerary.

Cost excludes (additionally paid) :

• International flight ticket to Tehran roundtrip (from 500 USD)
• Iran visa on arrival (70 – 75 EUR visa fee)
• Tips for local team
• Personal expenses
• Single accommodation



To take with:

• long sleeve wear set, wear set for hot weather
• very light jacket for cool nights of airplane
• comfortable trekking or running footwear, light footwear (sneakers or slippers)
• cap/hat
• scarf for women for visiting Mosques and Shrines (the one also be provided by our team)
• big backpack/bag for luggage (not more than 80 liters capacity), suitcase is also suitable
• small backpack for radial walks for personal stuff and photo-, video cameras (20-25 l)
• EITHER a COVID-19 vaccination certificate in English showing that they were fully vaccinated at least 14 days before departure from the first embarkation point, OR PCR COVID test negative result taken no more than 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point (requirement does not apply to the passengers younger than 12 years and may be changed)
• sunblock cream
• sunglasses
• personal hygiene items
• personal medical kit (analgesics, antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, intestinal, multivitamins, rehydrone, court plaster, your personal medications)
• photo and video camera, (drone is not allowed),
• batteries and power bank