Iran - Images of Persia (16 days)

Iran is quite simply an extraordinary country, where visitors are welcomed with open arms by friendly people who have redefined the word 'hospitality'. The architecture is amazing with breathtaking mosques, stepped hillside villages, cleverly-designed wind towers (badgirs) and impressive structures such as the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence. The country's history is astonishingly rich, having embraced and dominated by countless civilisations.

The Archaemedians, Alexander the Great, the Parthanians, Sassanians, Arabs, Seljuks, Mongols, Safavids and many other groups have all left their mark over the centuries. The current culture is in many ways a fusion of all the influences. Ancient Persepolis is just one of the many reminders of this rich history - words can't describe just how impressive this site is. The country's religion is predominantly Islam (mainly Shiite, but some Iranians are Sunni), although we will probably also encounter Jews, Zoroastrians, Christians and Baha'is along the way.

Although Iran is portrayed by some Western media as being ruled by a dour and repressive regime, we will find that it is a land full of warm, lively and friendly people. Join us for this foray into one of the world's most fascinating and least-visited countries.

Day 1: (Sat) Arrive in Tehran and transfer to hotel.
Day 2: Full-day tour of Tehran, including Saad Abad Palace.
Day 3: Drive to Hamadan, visit tomb of BuAli Sina (Avicenna), Esther and Mordecai tomb and Ganjnameh.
Day 4: Continue to Kermanshah visiting Anahita Temple and Bisotun en route. View Taq-e-Bostan Sassanian bas-reliefs.
Days 5-6: Travel to Shush and visit pilgrimage site at Tomb of Daniel before continuing to Unesco World Heritage site at Choqa Zanbil. Overnight in Ahwaz and continue to Shiraz.
Day 7: Morning visit to Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam, followed by excursion to Pasargadae.
Day 8: City tour of Shiraz including Eram Palace, Shah Cheraq and Hafez tomb. Explore local bazaar and free time.
Day 9: Drive to Yazd via 4000 year old cypress tree at Abarqu. Tour of Yazd including the mosque, old city, Fire Temple and Towers of Silence.
Day 10: Visit Na'in en route to Esfahan. Evening excursion to famous Zayandeh River bridges.
Day 11: Tour of Esfahan including Vank Cathedral, Imam Square Ensemble and Chehel Suton Palace. Free time at bazaar.
Day 12: Continue sightseeing with visit to Jameh Mosque and Shaking Minarets. Free afternoon.
Day 13: Drive to the mountain village of Abyaneh before continuing on to Kashan for visit to Fin Garden.
Day 14: Return to Tehran via Qom, with brief stop to view the Imam Khomeini Mausoleum.
Day 15: Half day sightseeing tour in Tehran including the National Museum. Free time in afternoon.
Day 16: Tour ends in Tehran after breakfast (Sun).

Operated by Peregrine Adventures (PCIP)

Departures: April, May, July & August

Contact us for more information, current costs and to make a booking on this tour