Iran - Treasures of Iran (9 days)

Islamic Architecture & Monuments - World Heritage City of Isfahan - Palace of Persepolis

The fantastically rich and varied history of Iran has left a dramatic cultural heritage. This tour reveals the best of that legacy, including the supreme Islamic architecture of Isfahan and Shiraz, the ancient Achaemanid capital of Pasargadae and the splendid bas-reliefs of the Palace of Persepolis.

Day 01	To Tehran
	Arrive and transfer to the Laleh Hotel for 2 nights. (N)

Day 02	Tehran
	Morning at leisure. Afternoon tour of the Iranian capital, including the Archaeological Museum and the fabulous Crown Jewels of the Shahs of Iran. (B, D)

Day 03	To Shiraz
	Fly to Shiraz and take a tour of the city, including the Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, the bazaar and the Ali Ibn Hamzeh Shrine. Stay at the Homa Hotel for 2 nights. (B, D)

Day 04	Persepolis & Nagsh-e-Rostam
	Full day visit to Persepolis, Darius the Great's summer capital. Continue to Nagsh-e-Rostam, the site of royal tombs and Sassanian rock reliefs. (B, L)

Day 05	To Isfahan
	Drive to Isfahan via Pasargadae, capital of Cyrus the Great. Stay 3 nights at the Abbasi Hotel. (B, D)

Day 06	Isfahan
	Full day tour of the city's monuments, including the beautiful Khaju Bridge, the Vank Armenian Cathedral in New Julfa and the Imam Square. Conclude with a visit to the Ali Qapu Palace. (B, D)

Day 07	Isfahan
	Morning visit to the Friday Mosque, with its 476 domes, the Chehel Sotun Palace and Isfahan's bazaar. (B, D)

Day 08	To Tehran
	Drive to Tehran, stopping at Kashan en route to visit the Fin gardens and the former merchant's house of Taba-Tabai. Stay overnight at the Laleh Hotel. (B, D)

Day 09	Depart Tehran
	Morning transfer to the airport. (B)

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Departures: February to November