IRAN

Dates: September 21 – 28, 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 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).
Estimated cost of flight direct Bagdad – Tehran : USD 180 (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. September 21, 2023 (Thursday). TEHRAN
Very early morning arrival in Tehran (3:25 am), visa on arrival in the airport.
Meet and transfer to 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 or famous metal bridge in Tehran.

* Recommended flight from Moscow (or other cities) to Tehran:
– any flight from Moscow or from another city with arrival in Tehran no later than 4 am on September 21 or in the evening of September 20.

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


DAY 2. September 22, 2023 (Friday). TEHRAN – QOM – DRAGON MOUNTAINS – ISFAHAN
After early breakfast, drive by our private bus towards Isfahan.
We make our first stop in Qom (150 km, 1.5 hrs drive).
In Qom we'll visit the Holy shrine of Fateme Masoome, one of the most important holy places in the country. Here we will be met by Mulla, who guides the tour.
After 50 – 60 km from Qom we will make 2 stops in order to see the Dragon Mountains en route. Dragon Mountains are colored mountains, the colors of which will not leave indifferent any traveler. There are number of similar places in Iran, but this place is the best.
We continue driving southward, until famous city of Isfahan (260 km, 4 hours driving), check-in at Isfahan Traditional Hotel (or Bekhradi Traditional Hotel).
Today we take an evening walk along the river to observe the famous bridges of Shahrestan, Khajou & Sio-se-pol, to also visit the Armenian Quarter with several churches, including the important Cathedral of Vank, here we can find very good carpet shop if you are interested in.
Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.

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


DAY 3. September 23, 2023 (Saturday). ISFAHAN – VARZANEH DESERT – SHIRAZ
After breakfast, half 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 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).
We jump in the bus in order to reach Varzaneh desert before sunset (120 km, 2 hours drive).
Varzaheh desert houses the tallest sand dunes in Iran. Sunset and dinner in the desert. Before that, if time permits and it is available, you can also hire a camel and have camelback ride.
After sunset, further night drive to Shiraz (450 km, 6 hrs drive). Arrive in Shiraz after midnight, directly to the Panjdari Traditional Hotel (or Heysarieh Traditional Hotel) for check-in and sleep.

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


DAY 4. September 24, 2023 (Sunday). SHIRAZ
Late breakfast to let you recover after long and intense day of yesterday.
Today we start at midday or so to 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 5. September 25, 2023 (Monday). SHIRAZ – QASHQAEE NOMADS – MAHARLOO 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 (15 km, half an hour driving) to visit the pink lake of Maharloo. In September 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 6. September 26, 2023 (Tuesday). SHIRAZ – PERSEPOLIS – NECROPOLIS – PASSARGAD – YAZD
Very early breakfast and 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 Necropolis 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).
We can also visit Passargad en route (170 km from Persepolis), or safe more time for visits in amazing Yazd.
Driving to Yazd city (380 km, 5.5 hours driving).
Upon arrival in Yazd, we visit famous Tower of silence and will listen to the srtory of this place.
Dinner at a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the medieval cooling systems of Yazd and the entire medieval center. Overnight at a boutique hotel.

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


DAY 7. September 27, 2023 (Wednesday). YAZD – TEHRAN AIRPORT
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. 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. The city center of Yazd (Fahadan) is one of the most well preserved historical centers in Iran and in full comprises the UNESCO Heritage. Here you feel like you travel back in time.
At noon we start driving towards Tehran airport (580 km, 8 hours driving), directly to the Airport Hotel.
En route (140 km from Yazd) we make short stop to share a last watermelon together and enjoy the place of abandoned castle of old times caravanserai.
Arrival and check-in at the Ibis Airport Hotel. Shower and rest before the flight back home.

Accommodation included: Ibis Airport Hotel or similar hotel in IKIA airport
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner


DAY 8. September 28, 2023 (Thursday). TEHRAN AIRPORT – RETURN FLIGHT
Check-out from the hotel before 9 am. Free 5 min bus transfer (or 15 min walking distance if you'd prefer) to the IKIA airport.
Check-in for the flight back home and departure from Tehran IKIA airport.

* Recommended flight from Tehran to Moscow (or another city):
- any flight from Tehran, departing from Tehran not earlier than 23:00 September 27 and not later than 12:00 September 28.

Accommodation included: no
Meals included: breakfast

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