Splendours of Persia

Ashgabat - Tehran

16 days through Turkmenistan, Iran

FROM: $3150 USD

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 - Ashgabat (13th September 2021)

Border Information:

if joining in Ashgabat, you will most likely enter Turkmenistan at Ashgabat International Airport (IATA code: ASB).

There will be a pre-departure meeting at 10:00am - please look out for a note from your leader at the reception of the joining hotel upon arrival with more details about this important meeting.

After the meeting we will have an included tour of the city of Ashgabat using local minibuses. In the afternoon we will visit the famous Ashgabat Sunday Market.

Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Ashgabat before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Ashgabat. If arriving at Ashgabat airport you will also need to have a confirmed arrival transfer and representative from our local supplier to meet you at the airport. Please contact your sales agent for prices and to book.

*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

Day 2 - Ashgabat (14th September 2021)

Today we will arrange to obtain our Iran visas at the Iranian Consulate in Ashgabat for all members of the group - please note that citizens of the UK, USA and Canada will need to attend the Consulate in person along with your trip leader so that they can take fingerprints as part of the application.

The rest of the day is free to further explore Ashgabat.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 3 - Shirvan (15th September 2021)

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

Today we will pick up our passports from the Iranian Consulate and head straight across the border to the small town of Shirvan.

In Shirvan we will stay in a basic local hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 4 - Damghan (16th September 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 Damghan.

In Damghan we will stay in a local hotel.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5

Day 5 - Khoor (17th September 2021)

This morning we will take a walking tour of the ancient town of Damghan, including the Tarikhuneh Mosque which features columns dating from the year 760CE.

Following our visit 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 6 - Yazd (18th September 2021)

Today we will explore the town of Khoor before driving to the ancient desert town of Yazd, one of the oldest extant towns in Iran.

On the following day 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.

In Yazd we will stay in a local hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Day 7 - Yazd (19th September 2021)

After breakfast 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 8 - Zein-o-din (20th September 2021)

Today we have an included visit to two important Zoroastrian sites in Iran - the Fire Temple and the Towers of Silence. After this we will take a short drive to the famous Caravanserai of Zein-o-Din, an atmospheric 16th-century guesthouse originally built to accommodate merchants travelling on the Silk Road.

In Zein-o-Din we will stay overnight at the old caravanserai.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2

Day 9 - Shiraz (21st September 2021)

Today we will drive south to the city of Shiraz. En route we will visit 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.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Day 10 - Shiraz (22nd September 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 11 - Esfahan (23rd September 2021)

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

On the following day 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.

On our second full day here, 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

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9

Day 12 - Esfahan (24th September 2021)

This morning 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 13 - Esfahan (25th September 2021)

Today is our last day in Esfahan. 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 14 - Tehran (26th September 2021)

Today we will have a full day drive to the chaotic Iranian capital of Tehran.

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 15 - Tehran (27th September 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 16 - Tehran - End Date (28th September 2021)

Border Information: if finishing in Tehran, you will most likely exit Iran at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IATA code: IKA).

Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Tehran. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight.

Please note that due to restrictions on citizens of the UK, USA and Canada being permitted to remain unaccompanied in Iran, passengers of the above nationalities will need to fly out on the same day the trip finishes. All passengers departing on the final day of the trip will have transfers to the airport automatically included. Please ensure the correct dates for your plans are clearly stated on all your visa applications.

DATES, PRICES & TRIP NOTES

Show only available departures

Departing

Finishing

Total Price (USD)

13 Sep 21 Ashgabat

28 Sep 21 Tehran

$3,150 USD

Status: Closed

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

Essential Info:

Essential Info.

Duration: 16 days Booking Closed

12 Sep 22 Ashgabat

27 Sep 22 Tehran

$3,265 USD

Status: Closed

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

Essential Info:

Essential Info.

Duration: 16 days Booking Closed

Contact Us

Splendours of Persia

Ashgabat - Tehran

USEFUL INFORMATION