Ancient Persia - Modern Iran
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"Our guide was exceptionally good. His lectures were above and beyond what we had anticipated. He was kind and courteous... He answered our questions, which were sometimes quite difficult."
J. Chamberlain
Salem, SC
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Persia, the exotic land that is home to one of the world's oldest civilizations, has been known in the west as Iran since 1935, and is a modern country of almost 69 million people. Explore Iran's fabulous bazaars, admire its splendid architecture and complex ornamentation, discover its formidable archaeological sites and converse with the people who call it home.
Days 1-4: Tehran, Bandar-e Anzali, Masuleh
Begin in Tehran, sampling a few museums before a foray into the Caspian Sea region. Wind along the coast from Bandar-e Anzali to the beautiful mountain village of Masuleh.
Days 5-9: Yazd, Kerman, Rayen, Mahan, Jupar
Fly to the desert town of Yazd, famous for its wind towers and silk textiles. Drive to Kerman and the ancient citadel of Rayen. In Jupar and Mahan, visit textile-weaving centers, carpet workshops and local bazaars.
Days 10-12: Shiraz, Persepolis, Firuzabad
Journey on to Shiraz, an important medieval city that reigned as the capital of several Islamic dynasties. Spend a day at one of Iran's most extensive archaeological sites, the ruins of Persepolis. Darius I initiated the building of Persepolis in the 5th century BC, a huge undertaking of art and architecture. Visit Firuzabad, winter quarters of the Qashqai tribe, and tour the weaving workshops of this nomadic settlement.
Days 13-14: Kazerun, Yasuj
Continue along a mountainous road to Kazerun to see the remains of the old city of Shapur. Highlights include the Palace of Shapur.
Days 15-16: Isfahan
After arriving in Isfahan, admire the magnificent Islamic buildings of Imam Square, decorated with pale blue tiles. Shah Abbas the Great built the graceful ensemble in the early 17th century. Sip tea along the famous bridges over the Zayande River.
Days 17-18: Tehran
Return by air to Tehran and enjoy a farewell dinner before a morning transfer to the airport for departure.
Trip Details
| Length of Trip: |
18 days |
| Departures: |
2 |
| Dates: |
April 4-21, 2010 |
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September 19-October 6, 2010 |
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| Land Tour Cost: |
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| 5-16 travelers |
$4,995** |
| Single Supplement |
$795 |
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| No Hidden Costs! |
| **Land tour cost includes internal flight costs which are subject to change; see the Descriptive Daily Itinerary for details. |
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MIR Signature Features
- Stand under the imposing columns of Perspolis, 25 centuries old
- Walk the ancient mud-brick citadel of Rayen
- Learn about the nomadic clans of the Qashqai tribe in Firuzabad
Map - Click to Enlarge
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| Days 1-2: |
Tehran |
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| Day 3: |
drive to Bandar-e Anzali, Masuleh |
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| Day 4: |
drive to Tehran |
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| Day 5: |
fly to Yazd |
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| Day 6: |
Yazd |
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| Day 7: |
drive to Kerman |
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| Day 8: |
Kerman, day trip to Rayen, Mahan, Jupar |
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| Day 9: |
drive to Shiraz |
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| Days 10-12: |
Shiraz, with day trips to Persepolis, Firuzabad |
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| Day 13: |
drive to Yasuj via Kazerun |
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| Day 14: |
drive to Isfahan |
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| Days 15-16: |
Isfahan |
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| Day 17: |
fly to Tehran |
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| Day 18: |
Tehran |
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| Tehran |
Abgineh Museum of Glass and Ceramics, National Museum, Sa'ad Abad Palace, Gulestan Palace, Crown Jewels at Central Bank, Carpet Museum |
| Bandar-e Anzali |
Caspian Sea |
| Masuleh Village |
Iranian Cultural Heritage Site |
| Alborz Mountains |
Mt. Darnavand, 18,000 feet above sea level |
| Yazd |
Towers of Silence, Zoroastrian Fire Temple, Friday Mosque, old town, Dowlat-Abad Garden, Alexander Prison |
| Kerman |
Old Hamom (bathhouse), Hamom Museum, Friday Mosque, Kerman Bazaar |
| Rayen |
Arg-e Rayen ancient citadel |
| Mahan |
Shrine of Shah Nimatullah-e-Vali, Shahzadeh Gardens, carpet workshop |
| Sarvestan |
Sassanian ruins |
| Shiraz |
"City of Roses and Nightingales," Tomb of Hafez, Narenjestan Garden, Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque |
| Perspolis |
UNESCO World Heritage Site, Naghsh-e Rostam, burial sites of Darius the Great, Xerxes and Artaxerxes, Kabe-Zardosht fire temple and sanctuary, Sassanian rock-reliefs |
| Firuzabad |
Ardeshir I Palace, Qashqai nomads |
| Bishapur |
Kazerun, rock reliefs at Shapur river at Tang-e-Chogan, remains of Circular City |
| Yasuj |
Outstanding Zagros Mountains |
| Isfahan |
Imam Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Ali-Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah and Imam mosques, bridges of Shahrestan, Khajur and Sio-se-pol, Armenian Quarter, Cathedral of Vank, Bridges of the Zayande River, Friday Mosque, Ali Minaret, Jewish Quarter, Royal Qeisarieh, Bazaar, Zoorkhaneh (house of strength), Abbasi Hotel |
Suggested Extensions
Combine this tour with the Essential Central Asia Private Trip. Contact us for details.
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