Splendours of Persia

Tehran - Ashgabat

16 days through Iran, Turkmenistan

FROM: $2210 USD + 780 USD Kitty

Transport:

Overland Expedition Vehicle

Crew:

Two Dragoman Crew Members, Local Guides where necessary, Local Crew Member in certain areas

Accom:

Comfortable Hotel 7 nights
Basic Hotel 6 nights
Guesthouse 2 nights

Meals:

Breakfasts x 12, Lunches x 0, Dinners x 0

Physical:

Lifestyle:

Code:

ZIA

Deposit:

$260 USD per person

Foreign Travel Advice

TRIP OVERVIEW

Iran never fails to surprise and delight its visitors; we have so many preconceptions as to what Iran is going to be like and most are way of the mark. This trip is no exception as it takes in the great sites and cities of the country. The blue tiled mosques, madressas and bridges of Esphahan are perhaps the most famous attractions in Iran, but the beauty of Shiraz takes some beating and for the absolute best in mosque architecture, we visit Yadz, home not just to some of Islam's finest buildings but also centre of the ancient Zoroastrian religion.

The other thing visitor's love about visiting this country is the friendliness of the people; everyone wants to be your friend and to know who you are. Expect countless cups of tea or coffee to be bought for you. The food is superb, as would be expected and don't forget shopping in the ancient bazaars because this is the home of the Persian Carpet.

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore the unique Turkmen capital of Ashgabat on a guided tour

Visit the sufi complex in Bastam, Iran

Walking tour of ancient Damghan

Explore the ancient desert town of Khoor and its beautiful palm trees

Discover the winding streets and adobe architecure of Yazd's Old Town

Visit the Zoroastrian Fire Temple and witness its ancient fire

Overnight at traditional caravanserai at Zein-o-Din

Guided tour of the incredible ruins of the ancient Persian capital of Persepolis

Walking tour of some of the highlights of the old city of Shiraz

Relax in the city square of Naqsh-e Jahan in Esfahan

WHAT TO EXPECT

A very easy trip, with comfortable hotels and loads to see and do. A fairly fast pace, but some 2 or 3 night stays to really give you time to explore

ITINERARY

EXPAND ALL CLOSE ALL

Day 1 - Tehran (20th April 2021)

Border Information: If joining in Tehran, you will most likely enter Iran at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IATA code: IKA).

There will be a pre-departure meeting at 6:00pm - please do not be alarmed if there is no welcome note at the hotel on your arrival, as today is usually a travel day for the leaders and they are due to arrive in Tehran by mid-afternoon.

Please note that due to restrictions on citizens of the UK, USA and Canada being permitted to remain unaccompanied in Iran, you will need to fly into Tehran on the same day as the trip starts. These transfers from the airport to your joining hotel are automatically included in your trip. If arriving outside of these times please contact your sales agent. Please ensure the correct dates for your plans are clearly stated on all your visa applications.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 2 - Tehran (21st April 2021)

Today we will have an included tour of the stunning Golestan Palace and the fascinating National Museum of Iran.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 3 - Esfahan (22nd April 2021)

Today we will have a full day's drive to the stunning old Safavid-era capital of Esfahan.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10

Day 4 - Esfahan (23rd April 2021)

Today we will have an included walking tour of the central highlights of Esfahan, including the showpiece central square of Naqsh-e Jahan and its surrounding mosques and royal palaces, the old bazaar, and the beautiful Jameh Mosque, one of the oldest in Iran.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 5 - Esfahan (24th April 2021)

Today we will have free time to explore more of Esfahan's incredible sites, such as its ancient bridges, the curious 'Shaking Minarets', the Armenian Vank Cathedral, or the evocative Martyrs' Cemetery.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 6 - Shiraz (25th April 2021)

Today we will have a full day drive to the southern city of Shiraz.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9

Day 7 - Shiraz (26th April 2021)

Today we will have an included walking tour of some of the highlights of the old city of Shiraz, including the beautifully-coloured Nasir ol Molk Mosque, the incredible mirrored interior of the Shah Cheragh Mosque, and the historical house of Narenjestan.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 8 - Zein-o-din (27th April 2021)

Today we will drive to the phenomenal ancient ruins of Persepolis, once the capital of the mighty Achaemenid Persian Empire until it was conquered by Alexander the Great in 330BCE.

After this we will continue north to the famous Caravanserai of Zein-o-Din, an atmospheric 16th-century guesthouse originally built to accommodate merchants travelling on the Silk Road.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Day 9 - Yazd (28th April 2021)

Today we will take a short drive to the ancient desert town of Yazd, one of the oldest extant towns in Iran. On arrival we will have an included visit to two important Zoroastrian sites in Iran - the Fire Temple and the Towers of Silence.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2

Day 10 - Yazd (29th April 2021)

Today we will have an included walking tour of some of the main highlights of Yazd, including the incredible Jameh Mosque, the Old Town and the Amir Chakhmaq complex.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 11 - Khoor (30th April 2021)

Today we will continue our journey to the desert city of Khoor, where we have the option to take an evening jeep trip into the nearby salt flats to have dinner.

In Khoor we will stay in a beautiful hotel in the style of a desert caravanserai.

*Please note that with small groups and at certain times of the year we may be able to stay in a local homestay in the nearby village of Mesr*.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Day 12 - Damghan (1st May 2021)

Today we will have a morning drive to the ancient town of Damghan. On arrival we will take a walking tour, including the Tarikhuneh Mosque which features columns dating from the year 760CE.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Day 13 - Shirvan (2nd May 2021)

Today we will drive to the historical town of Bastam and visit the Sufi complex in the centre. After this we will continue to the town of Shirvan.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5

Day 14 - Ashgabat (3rd May 2021)

Border Information: Exit Iran at Bajgiran, enter Turkmenistan at Gaudan.

Today we will head over the border to Turkmenistan and to the bizarre capital of Ashgabat.

*Important note - any tobacco products are practically illegal in Turkmenistan, so please do not bring them or use them in Turkmenistan. Also please do not bring any medicines containing tramadol, codeine, temazepam, morphine or opiates to Central Asia. These are illegal in all circumstances in most of Central Asia and you will risk arrest. If in doubt about a particular medicine, please do not bring it. See the notes at the bottom for more details.*

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 15 - Ashgabat (4th May 2021)

Today we will have an included tour of the city of Ashgabat using local minibuses.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 16 - Ashgabat - End Date (5th May 2021)

Border Information: if leaving in Ashgabat, you will most likely exit Turkmenistan at Ashgabat International Airport (IATA code: ASB).

Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Ashgabat. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact the Sales Team if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below.

DATES, PRICES & TRIP NOTES

Show only available departures

Departing

Finishing

Total Price (USD)

20 Apr 21 Tehran

05 May 21 Ashgabat

$2,210 USD + 790 USD Kitty

Status: Closed

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

Essential Info:

Essential Info.

Duration: 16 days Booking Closed

13 Sep 21 Ashgabat

28 Sep 21 Tehran

$2,210 USD + 780 USD Kitty

Status: Open

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

Essential Info:

Essential Info.

Duration: 16 days Add to basket

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Splendours of Persia

Tehran - Ashgabat

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