IRAN

Dates: June 6 – 13, 2023

Duration: 8 days / 8 nights

Number of participants: 8 – 12

Cost of participation per person:
- 1 790 USD subject to 10 – 12 participants,
- 1 990 USD subject to 8 – 9 participants.

Everything is included (also domestic flight and full board) 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 direct Moscow – Tehran – Moscow: USD 230 – 300 (Usually bought on your own, we consult you).
Estimated cost of flight direct Istanbul – Tehran – Istanbul: USD 220 – 300 (Usually bought on your own, we consult you).
Estimated cost of flight direct Dubai – Tehran – Dubai: USD 240 – 300 (Usually bought on your own, we consult you).

Single supplement: 350 USD (single accommodation is provided for all nights).



TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO IRAN

DAY 1. June 6, 2023 (Tuesday). TEHRAN

Very early morning arrival in Tehran, meet and transfer to hotel Howeyzeh Hotel, early check-in at any time will be provided. Short rest in the hotel and breakfast.
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 (or other cities) to Tehran:
- direct flight from Moscow to Tehran with Nordwind Airlines, departs from Moscow at 0:35 am on June 6, arrives in Tehran at 6:10 am on June 6,
- direct flight from Moscow to Tehran with Mahan Airlines, departs from Moscow at 22:45 on June 5, arrives in Tehran at 3:30 am on June 6,
- direct flight from Istanbul to Tehran with Mahan Airlines, departs from Moscow at 23:30 on June 5, arrives in Tehran at 3:00 am on June 6,
- or any other flight from Moscow or from another city with arrival in Tehran no later than at 8 am on June 6.

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


DAY 2. June 7, 2023 (Wednesday). TEHRAN – SHIRAZ

Early transfer to the airport and domestic flight to Shiraz. Arrival 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 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. June 8, 2023 (Thursday). SHIRAZ – QASHQAEE NOMADS – MAHARLOO PINK LAKE – 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.
Drive to the east from Shiraz (some 2 - 3 hours driving) to visit the pink lake of Maharloo. In June the color of the lake is not the best, but still it may look special.
Back to Shiraz city for dinner and overnight at our traditional hotel.

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


DAY 4. June 9, 2023 (Friday). SHIRAZ – PERSEPOLIS & PASSARGAD – YAZD

Drive north-east (60 km, 1 hour driving) and 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).
Driving to Yazd city (460 km, 7 hours driving). Overnight in Yazd at the Hooman Boutique Hotel.

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


DAY 5. June 10, 2023 (Saturday). YAZD – VARZANEH DESERT

After breakfast we explore the historical city of Yazd. Visit the Jame Mosque (1324 A.D.) with the highest portal and minarets in Iran, visit to Amir Chakhmagh complex, Tower of silence and Water museum. We also explore 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.
Drive towards Isfahan until Varzaheh desert (260 km, 4 hours driving), which houses the tallest sand dunes in Iran. Dinner in the desert and stay overnight at camping right in Varzaheh desert sand dunes, watching the stars in the night. Or, for those who prefer, 20 minutes driving to the town to stay overnight at Negar Varzaneh Guest house (equipped with separate rooms and showers).

Accommodation included: Negar Varzaneh Guest house or camping in the sand dunes (up to you)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner


DAY 6. June 11, 2023 (Sunday). VARZANEH DESERT – ISFAHAN

In the morning we meet the sunrise in the dunes and those who wish can ride camelback ride. Breakfast in the guesthouse. Visit to the salt lake.
Drive further to Isfahan city (70 km, 1 hour driving) to check-in at Isfahan Traditional Hotel (or Bekhradi Traditional Hotel).
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 7. June 12, 2023 (Monday). ISFAHAN – KASHAN – QOM – TEHRAN

Very early breakfast and morning drive to Kashan (220 km, 3.5 hours driving) to visit to Agha Bozorg mosque, Sultan Amir Ahmad bathhouse, Borujerdi house, and, if time permits, Fin garden and Kashan bazaar.
Continue to Qom (115 km, 1.5 hours driving).
In Qom we'll visit the Holy shrine of Fateme Masoome and grand Bazzar of Qom.
Heading to Tehran (110 km, 1.5 hours driving) directly to check-in at the Airport Hotel to take shower and rest before the flight back home.

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


DAY 8. June 13, 2023 (Tuesday). TEHRAN – RETURN FLIGHT

Check-out from the hotel before 9 am. Check-in for the flight back home and departure from Tehran IKIA airport before noon.

* Recommended flight from Tehran to Moscow (or another city):
- direct flight from Tehran to Moscow with Mahan Airlines, departs from Tehran at 5:15 am on June 13, arrives in Moscow at 9:00 am on June 13,
- direct flight from Tehran to Moscow with Nordwind Airlines, departs from Tehran at 6:40 am on June 13, arrives in Moscow at 10:25 on June 13,
- direct flight from Tehran to Istanbul with Mahan Airlines, departs from Tehran at 7:50 am on June 13, arrives in Moscow at 10:45 on June 13,
- or any other flight from Tehran, with departure from Tehran no earlier than at 22:00 on June 12 and no later than at 12 pm on June 13.

Accommodation included: no
Meals included: no

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 Negar Varzaneh Guest house (or camping, if you prefer) in Varzaneh 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
• All permits
• Facilitation with visa (Visa code)
• Travel insurance
• English speaking local guide throughout all trip
• Russian- and English speaking team leader throughout all itinerary.
• 24/7 Support

Cost excludes (additionally paid) :

• International flight ticket to Tehran roundtrip (from 230 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