The crossroads of cultures for millennia, Persia blended multiple religions, Silk Road and Mediterranean ideas, retaining the earthy buildings of Zooastrianism and impressive old caravanserai alongside the spellbinding blue-tiled Islamic architecture of the Silk Road. The skilled craftsman of Persia exported their trade across a continent from Samarkand to the Mogul Empire. Alexander the Great was lured here and there were titanic tussles with the Greek world, each period adding a layer to the legacy. Nomadic transhumance still persists in parts of the Zagros and traditional life continues in many small towns and villages. An intriguing mix of the ages.
An 10-day tour with Feri Ansario.
After meeting meet your guide in the airport, we will transfer to our hotel and after a few hours of rest, we will start with a light city tour around 10 a.m. to 4 p.m exploring the city of Shiraz, walking in the wonderful old bazaar, visit Eram garden and Quran gate and enjoying the excellent Shirazi cuisine in Parhami house. Overnight Shiraz.
A day to explore the beautiful mountain and canyon landscape, hiking up to Dokhtar castle and visit the Ardashir Palace nearby. If we are fortunate, we will encounter traditional Qashqai nomads camping out with their herds of sheep and goats. Overnight Shiraz.
Probably the best known are premier architectural site in Iran, a true classic of the ancient and a quintessential part of visiting Iran. We will spend the morning here and at the superb nearby site of Naqshe Rostam (necropolis). Both have exquisite fine carving as fresh as the day it was made. We then then continue into the surrounding desert to explore the old town of Abarkuh, eventually arrive in Yazd in time to enjoy the evening rooftop view of old town. Overnight Yazd.
Yadz is a fascinating place and today we will visit the Fire temple and Zoroastrian burial place on the top of the hill outside Yazd and explore the underground water system of Qanat, as well as more delicious local cuisine in Yazd. Overnight Yazd.
A travel day, but on the way we will stop in Meybod town to explore the Caravanserai and old fort with a view on top of Meybod, together with the carpet (Gilim) weaving workshop. Overnight Esfahan
Another undoubted highlight of the country is the Meydan of Naqshe Jahan and it's wonderful Sheikh Iotfollah mosque with incredibly detailed fine tilework. The waterfront is also a delight to stroll in the evening when lights illuminate the niches in the bridges and the whole area take son a romantic air. Alongside are the many aromatic spice shops and we can admire the skilled handicraft artisans of Esfaha at work. Overnight Esfahan.
A walking tour of Charbagh, the Armenian district and old river bridges. Overnight Esfahan.
Natanz is a relaxing and charming small town and we will explore this and the views from nearby Carcas Mount before continuing to Abyaneh; the red village and another chance to sample Iranian culture and enjoy real local food. Overnight Kashan.
There is a great view across the rooftops of the town with its busy bazaar. from where we can see the standout site in Kashan, the impressive Agha Bozorg mosque with its green courtyard and central pool as well as fabulously detailed interior decor. However, the interior of the ornate Boroujerdiha House has to seen to be believed and it too has a delightful garden and long rectangular pool. Overnight Kashan.
On the way we will pay a visit to the Shrine of Holy Fatima and then after a good lunch we will transfer to the airport in the afternoon for your departure flight to Istanbul (leaving early a.m on 7 October).
27 September - 6 October
Days: 10
Included:
Minimum number of participants 3; maximum 14.
Please note if the number of participants is less than 3 the cost may rise.
For more information on our tours
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