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Day 1: Arrive in Baku (Azerbaijan) [D]
Arrive at the Baku International Airport. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport by our driver and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Baku.
Day 2: Baku (Azerbaijan) [B,L,D]
After breakfast, we begin our tour with a panorama of the city, viewed from a height of the Upland Park, which clearly gives an idea of the contrasts and scale of the city that covers Baku Bay as a horseshoe. The town is in the shape of an amphitheater, descending to the Caspian Sea. The tour covers the central part of Baku showing of the most interesting historical and architectural sites, as well as visiting a favorite walking place for residents and guests - Baku Boulevard. Also, we will visit the "Old Town", there are several dozen historical and architectural monuments are situated in its the territory, including the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the symbol of Baku - Maiden Tower, places of rest and stay of medieval merchants - Caravanserai.
After lunch, we will visit to the cultural complex named after Heydar Aliyev. Many of those who first saw the design project of the center named after Heydar Aliyev could not believe that such a project could ever come true. In fact, even in theory, the construction of a building complex with extraordinary design looks far from being realistic. Overnight in Baku.
Day 3: Baku - Gobustan - Ateshgah - Gala - Baku (Azerbaijan) [B,L,D]
After breakfast we had to Gobustan, this is a historical and an architectural reserve under the open sky with the unique cave paintings of Neolithic times, which is located 43.5 miles from Baku. There are more than 6 thousand petroglyphs dated over 12 thousand years old in Gobustan. The figures reflect the life of people in the Stone Age - hunting, recreation, dance, accompanied by the melodious sounds of "Gaval Dash" (a large rock with a deep resonant sound). Thanks to the huge rocks, there were formed many caves, which served as a refuge for ancient people and helped to survive during severe weather. Before the start of the tour to Gobustan we will visit the newly-built hi-tech museum of the same name. After lunch, we will have an excursion to the Temple of fire worshipers Ateshgah, the temple is ancient religious building, built on the site of natural gas output, it is also a part of the Zoroastrian chronicles and symbolizes the cult of the Eternal Flame. In the former cells, were pilgrims from all over the world stayed, now the museum with unique exhibits is set up. Our last stop will be the Gala village is about a 40-minute drive from Baku. Earlier only few people knew about the village, but in recent years the popularity of this small village has become enormous. And the reason is simple - someone came up with a great idea to make an open-air museum at the place of the archaeological site. Entering the museum, you feel being dropped in the old days. The historic architectural monuments confirm that these places were ancient settlements of people. Overnight in Baku.
Day 4: Baku - Shamakhi - Maraza - Lahic - Sheki (Azerbaijan) [B,L,D]
After breakfast drive to the Shamakhi district. Visit the town of Shemakha, Diri Baba Tomb and Yeddi Gumbez. Shemakha was the capital of Shirvan Kingdom for several centuries. Yeddi Gumbaz (The Seven Cupolas) Mausoleum is the burial place for members of the royal families of the Shirvanshahs. Visit famous Lahij village in Ismayilli district. Many of the 2,000 people living in Lahij are involved in ancient crafts such as engraved copper work and carpet weaving. In the mid-XIX Century, there were more than 200 workshops in Lahij. Traders discovered Lahij crafts many centuries ago and sold them for unreasonable prices at bazaars in Baghdad (now Iraq), Shiraz (now Iran) and other Middle Eastern cities. Stop by a copper workshop for an impromptu lesson in ancient craftsmanship you'll get to see copper-smiths use small mallets to decorate plates, trays, jugs, goblets and pitchers, just as their ancestors have done for centuries. Lunch and dinner at local restaurants. Overnight in Sheki.
Day 5: Sheki (Azerbaijan) [B,L,D]
After breakfast visit the Palace of Sheki Khans (XVIII A.D.) where is the most outstanding and valuable monument of the XVIII Century Azerbaijan. Then drive to village Kish to visit The Albanian Church. Legend says that the church was built in 78 AD, but the researchers place it a few centuries later. After lunch visit the Sheki Bazaar and look at the various local handicrafts including scarves, unique boxes, a plethora of sweets, confections and local sweet bakery. Overnight in Sheki.
Day 6: Sheki - Lagodekhi - Telavi (Azerbaijan/Georgia) [B,L,D]
After breakfast we drive to the Georgia/Azerbaijan border in Lagodekhi. After border formalities we meet with the guide and driver from Georgia, we will then drive to Telavi – center of Kakheti province. Visit to Tsinandali estate and first winery founded by one of the famous poets and public figures Alexander Chavchavadze in XIX Century. Explore the site – garden, home museum, wine cellar, where oldest bottle of wine dates back to 1814. Continue to local family, located close to the site. Taste homemade wine, master class of making churchkhela – Georgian traditional sweet, bread and lunch with the family. In Telavi we will visit Alaverdi Cathedral of XI Century and also visit the winery run by monks. Here you have a chance to have a brief introduction, lecture about the way of Georgian wine making and taste one of the best wines right from Qvevri – clay jar. Overnight in Telavi.
Day 7: Telavi - Sighnaghi - Tbilisi (Georgia) [B,L,D]
After breakfast, we drive to Signagi – royal town surrounded by the defiance wall with 23 towers built by the king Erekle II in XVIII Century. The town had many gates through which Georgia was connected to Europe and Asia by various trade routes. Stroll through tiny and cozy streets of Signagi and enjoy amazing view of Alazani Valley. Visit to local winery "Pheasant's Tears" taste diverse types of Georgian wines and lunch, accompanied by Georgian folk singing after we transfer to hotel for short rest. In the evening a sightseeing tour of Tbilisi – known as a capital of Georgia from V Century the city is extraordinary for its turbulent history, elegant and remarkable architecture, destroyed and restored through centuries but keeping entire style of Georgian orthodox religion and traditions. Walk through the old city with a visit to Metekhi church dated XIII Century, Sulfur Baths, take a cable car up to Narikala fortress, walkthrough oldest part of Tbilisi, along the Sharden and Erekle II streets. Dinner in Funicular restaurant located on the highest spot in Tbilisi, from where the view of the whole city opens. Enjoy Georgian meals and music performance. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 8: Tbilisi – Gori - Mtskheta - Tbilisi (Georgia) [B,L,D]
After breakfast, we drive to the Inner Kartli province to the town of Gori – famous for being a birthplace of J. Stalin. Visit to Stalin's museum and house of birth in Gori. Excursion to Uplistsikhe rock formation known from 1st millennium B.C. – a complex of rock cut halls, temples, passage streets, wine pressers, tunnels where Hellenistic period is mixed together with early Christian Age, upper and lower-class hierarchy dwellings. Lunch in local restaurant. After lunch, we drive to Mtskheta – old capital of Kartli-Iberia kingdom known as a political and cultural center from III Century B.C. Drive up to Jvari Monastery dated VI Century distinguished with harmonious proportions and representing the high achievements of early Georgian Medieval Architecture. Visit to Svetitskhoveli cathedral – XI Century architectural monument. Return to Tbilisi. Reception in Vino Underground – here are gathered the best Georgian wines from all over Georgia. Dinner in Georgian city restaurant. Overnight in Tbilisi.
Day 9: Tbilisi - Sadakhlo Border - Akhtala - Dilijan (Georgia - Armenia) [B,L,D]
After breakfast, we transfer to the border, change guide and vehicle. Meeting at Sadakhlo Armenian/Georgian border at about 10:00 am and continue to the town of Akhtala. This area is famous for copper and silver mines, but your main point of attraction will be the half-ruined fortress of Akhtala which is more than 1000 years old. Archeological excavations have shown that the area has been occupied by human since the early Bronze Age. Lunch in a local restaurant tasting local Armenian barbecue. Continue to Haghpat Monastery (976 AD) which is among the outstanding works of medieval Armenian architecture and are inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list. The complex used to be an educational center of the middle ages were the most of Armenian scholars and scientists get their background education. Proceed to the resort town of Dilijan. The forested and reclusive city is home to numerous Armenian artists, composers, and filmmakers and features some traditional Armenian architecture. The Sharambeyan street in the center, has been preserved and maintained as an "old town," complete with craftsman's workshops, a gallery and a museum which might be interesting to explore in your leisure time in Dilijan. Overnight in Dilijan.
Day 10: Dilijan - Lake Sevan - Garni - Geghard - Yerevan (Armenia) [B,L,D]
After your nice rest in the forested area with fresh air in your lungs you will start the tour to the high-mountainous Lake Sevan – the emerald of Armenia. It is the largest lake in Armenia and the Caucasus and one of the largest fresh-water high-altitude lakes in the world. This huge mountain lake which takes a huge territory of Armenia's surface area is about 1900 meters above sea level. Sightseeing on Sevan peninsula. Visit the Peninsula for the monastery and perfect views over the lake. We continue to Garni. Lunch at a local house in Garni where you will have opportunity to watch Armenian national bread "Lavash" baking and barbecue making process in the underground stove called "Tonir". Sightseeing in the area. The citadel and pagan temple of Garni is a picturesque monument of the Hellenistic period and an impressive piece of ancient Armenian architecture. It was built in the Ist Century A.D. by the Armenian King Tiridates and it is dedicated to a heathen god, probably to Mithra, the god of the sun whose figure stood in the depth of the sanctuary. After proclaiming Christianity as a state religion in Armenia in 301, the temple was probably used as a summer residence of the kings. Northeast of Garni, higher up the gorge of the Azat river, there is a magnificent monument of medieval Armenian architecture - Geghard monastery inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list. Welcome dinner in a traditional Armenian restaurant. Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 11: Yerevan City Tour - Etchmiadzin - Brandy Factory (Armenia) [B,L,D]
Proceed to the town of Etchmiadzin. We will stop at the ruins of Zvartnots Temple - the pearl of the VII Century architecture (inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list). We will visit Etchmiadzin Cathedral and walk the Cathedral area (no entrance, closed for re-construction until 12/2019) is one of the oldest standing churches in Christendom. It was built in 303 A.D. over a pagan fire altar. The name Echmiadzin means "descent of the Only Begotten". It was believed to have been designated in a vision where Christ came to earth and struck the plains with a golden hammer. This landmark is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. We will then visit St. Hripsime Church and exhibit, which is one of the oldest churches in the country (UNESCO Site). Lunch in a local restaurant / house. Return to Yerevan to visit the famous Brandy Factory founded in 1887. During the International Exhibition in Paris in 1900, the brandy received the Grand-Prix and the legal right to be called 'cognac', not 'brandy'. While the tours the visitors are offered to visit the museum of the factory. The bar offers tasting of various old and chateau sort of cognacs, which have mellow-velvety flavor endowed with a rich bouquet of chocolate-vanilla accents. Farewell dinner in a traditional Armenian restaurant with live folk music. Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 12: Yerevan - Khor Virap - Noravank - Goris (Armenia) [B,L,D]
After breakfast, we drive to the Ararat region to visit Khor Virap Monastery (IV-XVII Century) the religious importance is related to the first Armenian Catholicos, St. Gregory The Illuminator. The monastery is the closest point to biblical Mt. Ararat and in clear weather you will enjoy a gorgeous view of the mount. Proceed to Vayots Dzor region, the agricultural capital of the country, which has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. The region pride for its old winemaking traditions and latest excavations found an entire wine production unit in one of the caves which is proved to be the oldest wine producing system. On the way we visit Areni Cave where in 2008 the archaeologists found ''the oldest leather shoe'' in the world, even older than Egyptian Pyramids and the Stonehenge. Lunch at a local house. Later visit the Noravank Monastery - a great religious and cultural center of XII Century. Overnight in Goris.
Day 13: Goris - Tabriz (Armenia/Iran) [B,L,D]
After breakfast, we drive to the Iranian Border, reaching the border then, border formalities, then continuing to Tabriz. Check into the hotel and the rest of the day is free at your leisure!! Overnight in Tabriz.
Day 14: Tabriz [B,L,D]
After breakfast we’ll visit the Azerbaijan Museum which is the major archaeological and historical museum in Tabriz. It was established in April 1958. The museum consists of three major halls, a side yard, office rooms and a library. It mostly contains objects discovered from excavations in Iranian Azerbaijan, also some artworks and sculptures of artists. Its library contains more than 2,500 books, both handwritten and printed, about history, archaeology, art and Iranian culture. Apart from National Museum of Iran in Tehran, Azerbaijan Museum has the largest collection belonging to different periods of Iran's history. Our next visit will be the Blue Mosque built in 1465 by Shah Jahan. The mosque was severely damaged in an earthquake in 1779, leaving only the entrance iwan. Reconstruction began in 1973. However, the tiling is still incomplete.
Our next stop will be the Iron Age Museum situated under the several sediments and geological strata from the floor of the existing mosque. Among the 38 graves of Iron Age, mummies of two couples and their belongings were found and those have been kept at the Azerbaijan Museum. Then we will visit Arg-e-Ali Shah a huge brick edifice, a landmark and it is remnants of a big unfinished XIV Century mausoleum and a XIX Century military compound at the city center of Tabriz. Our last stop will be El Goli Safavid site and park with a beautifully renovated old building surrounded by a large pool. Overnight in Tabriz.
Day 15: Tabriz - Zanjan [B,L,D]
After breakfast we’ll see the famous Constitution House, which is a historical edifice located next to the Great Bazaar. During the years which led to the Constitutional Revolution and afterwards the house was used as a gathering place of the leaders, activists and sympathizers of the movement. Among them, the most famous people were Sattar Khan, Bagher Khan. The two-story building was constructed in 1868. It has numerous rooms and halls. The most beautiful part of the house is a skylight and corridor decorated with colorful glasses and mirrors. Our guide will lead us through the wonderfully constructed Tabriz Bazaar, second oldest in the world (after the one in Aleppo, Syria) which is another UNESCO World Heritages Site. Overnight in Zanjan.
Day 16: Zanjan - Soltanieh - Tehran [B,L,D]
Before leaving Zanjan, we will visit the unique Rakhtshur khaneh (old public laundry now turned into an ethnographic museum) and the old Public Bath House which is a traditional Qajar Era laundry house and is today Zanjan Museum of Anthropology. This place was used for washing clothes by women around the city. At the present this historic building is being used as Zanjan anthropological Museum.
En route back to Tehran (a 4-hour drive) we will visit the magnificent XIV Century Gonbad-e-Soltaniyeh, the tomb/tower of Uljaytu, the last Mongol/Il-Khanid Ruler of Iran (1304-1330). The monument is remarkable in many different architectural aspects, including its huge dome, which is about 167 feet high and ranks among the largest domes in the world. Gonbad-e-Soltaniyeh is one of 13 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Iran. Overnight in Tehran.
Day 17: Tehran [B,L,D]
After you enjoy a great buffet breakfast, enjoy a full day guided tour of Tehran. First, we will visit The Archaeological Museum: A must-see in Tehran. The collection includes pottery, ceramics, stone figures and carvings from 5th & 4th millennium BC. Four tablets inscribed in cuneiform, Darius I inscription, carved staircase, tiles from Apadana Palace, and salt man are some of the highlights. Later, we will explore The National Jewels Museum: The treasury of Iranian national royal jewels accommodates the world’s most precious jewelry collection. The treasury has an interesting history, going back centuries. The Glassware and Ceramic Museum would be our last stop before lunch. The premises have been turned into a museum where glass and clay works are on display and were built about 90 years ago. The building is a combination of the traditional Iranian style and the European architecture of the XIX Century. The collection of glass and clay works that are on display at the museum is among the rarest in Iran and it includes clay pots dating back the 4th millennium BC up to the present time, as well as glass works from the 1st millennium BC up to the contemporary era. European glass works from the XVIII and XIX Centuries are also part of the collection.
In the afternoon, we will visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Golestan Palace. The lavish Golestan Palace is a masterpiece of the Qajar Era, embodying the successful integration of earlier Persian crafts and architecture with Western influences. The walled Palace, one of the oldest groups of buildings in Tehran, became the seat of government of the Qajar family, which came into power in 1779 and made Tehran the capital of the country. Built around a garden featuring pools as well as planted areas, the Palace’s most characteristic features and rich ornaments date from the XIX Century. It became a center of Qajari arts and architecture of which it is an outstanding example and has remained a source of inspiration for Iranian artists and architects to this day. It represents a new style incorporating traditional Persian arts and crafts and elements of XVIII Century architecture and technology. Overnight in Tehran.
Day 18: Tehran - Shiraz [B,L,D]
After breakfast we will visit the Carpet Museum with its beautiful modern architecture and a façade resembling a carpet-weaving loom. Founded in 1978 the museum provides a historical background for the evolution of this art form, afterwards we'll transfer to the airport and a short flight to Shiraz.
Shiraz is crowned as the heartland of Persian culture and this city of sophistication will never fail to conjure up images of roses and nightingales, gardens and poetry. This gorgeous city in the province of Fars is home to famous poets such as Hafez and Sa’adi. Also, historical sites from different eras stretching back 6,000 years ago can be found there. Relish in the highlights of Shiraz when it was the capital of Iran during the Zand Dynasty. Be inspired by the glorious Karim Khan palace, the splendid Vakil mosque, Vakil Bazaar and Saray-e-Moshir with its splendid architecture and interesting ethnic souvenir shops and Nasir Almolk mosque. Next, we will stop for a mouth-watering Iranian lunch at one of the traditional restaurants of Shiraz. In the evening, we will visit Ali-Ebn-e-Hamzeh and be prepared to marvel at its beauties. Take a stroll through the Jahan Nama Garden and witness its tall and proud cedars. Not forgetting the two famous Persian poets, Hafez and Sa’adi, whose mysterious poems are everlasting in the Persian language, we will get a chance to pay homage to their tombs. Finally visit the Delgosha Garden and Khajoy-e-Kermani tomb from where the perspective of the mysterious city of Shiraz will perpetuate in our mind. Overnight in Shiraz.
Day 19: Shiraz - Persepolis - Shiraz [B,L,D]
Get ready for a truly wonderful day! After breakfast, we’ll drive about 35 miles to Takht-e-Jamshid or as the Greeks called it, Persepolis, a ruined capital of ancient Iran. It is one of the greatest artistic legacies of the ancient world and perhaps one of the most beautiful and spectacular archaeological sites surviving today. In the VI Century B.C., the Achaemenian King Darius I, created Persepolis as a palatial precinct for an empire which eventually became larger and more efficiently ruled than any other in the ancient world. Persepolis was reserved only for ritual celebrations. In the spring of each new year, on Nowruz, the Zoroastrian observance of the beginning of Spring, March 21st, the dynamic ruler and his court gathered at Persepolis to receive the tribute of subject nations and to reestablish universal order for the coming year. Nowruz is still celebrated today. Step back in time as we enter through the Gate of All Nations. The arrival of the erstwhile delegations was announced by trumpeters who stood at the top of the staircase in front of the Gate of Nations. They were then led to the Hundred Column Palace to the presence of the king. Superb bas reliefs depict the flow of ritual processions that once passed through the palaces and audience halls of the Achaemenian Kings. We’ll explore the Gate of Xerxes, the Apadana Palace, the Treasury, the Harem and the private palaces of the different rulers. Persepolis was completed by Xerxes and Artaxerxes I who ruled Persia in the V Century BC. The palaces were used by the Achaemenid kings up until they were destroyed by Alexander the Great in 330 BC as revenge for the sacking of Athens during the Persian Wars with the Greeks. To top off the afternoon, visit Naghsh-é-Rostam, which contains the rock carved chambers of four Achaemenian tombs, believed to be those of Darius the Great, Xerxes, Artaxerxes and Darius II. The ornamental facades are rock reliefs from the Sassanian dynasty depicting various scenes of imperial conquests as well as a probable fire temple from Achaemenian times. Later, return to Shiraz via the Qur'an Gate. Overnight in Shiraz.
Day 20: Shiraz - Pasargadae - Yazd [B,L,D]
Today we say goodbye to Shiraz and embark on our journey to Yazd, stopping en route at Pasargadae – another UNESCO World Heritage site. Pasargadae was the first dynastic capital of the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus II the Great in the VI Century BC. Its palaces, gardens and the mausoleum of Cyrus are outstanding examples of the first phase of royal Achaemenid art and architecture and exceptional testimonies of Persian civilization. Particularly noteworthy vestiges include: The Mausoleum of Cyrus II; Tall-e-Takht, a fortified terrace; and a royal ensemble of gatehouse, audience hall, residential palace and gardens. Pasargadae was the capital of the first great multicultural empire in Western Asia. Spanning the Eastern Mediterranean and Egypt to the Hindus River, it is the first empire that respected the cultural diversity of its different peoples. This was reflected in Achaemenid architecture, a synthetic representation of diverse cultures. After a leisurely visit to Pasargadae, continue on through the desert to the city of Yazd. Upon arrival, we’ll have an evening stroll through Fahadan Historical Neighborhood and Amir Chakhmagh Square. Overnight in Yazd.
Day 21: Yazd [B,L,D]
After breakfast, we will explore the city of Yazd. Visit the Towers of Silence and the Fire Temple and adjoining museum, to learn about the Zoroastrian faith, their holy book – the Avesta, four divine elements – air, water, earth and fire, and motto – good thoughts, good words, good deeds! Next at the Yazd Water Museum we learn about the construction of qanats (canals or canats), which are underground tunnels or subterranean aqueducts carrying life-giving water from the mountains to the homes, Persian gardens, fields, orchards, pomegranate groves. You’ll admire their courageous builders using techniques developed from the IV Century B.C. and explore a house with its own qanat system in place. There are enough qanats in Iran the distance of which to go the moon and back four times! Walk through the Friday Mosque and see more of the crafts of the area. Visit Alexander Prison and learn about the famous “Badgirs” or wind-catchers water towers that efficiently cool a home in a desert setting. We’ll have a look at the area’s famed handicrafts – carpets, ceramics and textiles. You’ll find silk Ikats and Termeh – a traditional hand-made cloth woven with precious threads and metals. Textile design spread from Persia to Moghul, India. Overnight in Yazd.
Day 22: Yazd - Na’in - Esfahan [B,L,D]
After breakfast, we drive to Esfahan. We’ll make stops along our journey to visit the early Islamic period Friday Mosque in the city of Na’in. We will continue our drive to the beautiful city of Esfahan (Isfahan), the XVII Century capital of the Safavids, referred to as “Nesf-e-Jahan” (Half of the World) in Safavid sources. We’ll stay for three nights at the exotic Abbasi Hotel which was built in the 1960's on the site of a XVII Century Caravanserai. Overnight in Esfahan.
Day 23: Esfahan [B,L,D]
Today, after breakfast, is another full day of sightseeing in wonderful Esfahan. Wander through the antique Friday Mosque; as it stands now is the result of continual construction, reconstruction, additions and renovations on the site from around 771 to the end of the XX Century. Archaeological excavation has determined an Abbasid hypostyle mosque in place by the X Century. Bu-yid construction lined a facade around the courtyard and added two minarets that are the earliest example of the double minaret on record. Continue to the Naghsh-e-Jahan Complex, the central focus of Esfahan. It is a Royal Square, 1674 feet by 540 feet and enclosed by double-storied arcades. The square drew merchants and ambassadors to the Safavid court for centuries. It’s unmatched in elegance and spaciousness anywhere in the world! It is seven times the size of the Piazza San Marco in Venice and puts the grandeur of the surrounding palaces and mosques into appropriate proportions. On the north side is the entrance to the Royal Qaysari Bazaar. On the east side is the Lotfollah Mosque. Constructed between 1603 and 1617, it served as a private chapel for the Imperial family. You’ll see exquisite XVII Century Persian tile work on the domed ceiling. On the west side is the Ali Qapu Palace. To the south is the Friday Mosque and Shah Mosque, dedicated to Shah Abbas the Great. To many it is the most beautiful Mosque in the world. Overnight in Esfahan.
Day 24: Esfahan [B,L,D]
After breakfast, we’ll begin with a visit to the beautiful Chehel Sotoun (forty pillars) Palace, with its exquisite collection of fresco and paintings on tile. The reflecting pool magnified the majesty of the ruler. Here Shah Abbas II welcomed dignitaries and ambassadors. Today you are the guests of honor! Next, we’ll begin with a walk across the historical bridge of Khaju, constructed by Shah Abbas II in 1650. It is essentially a bridge superimposed upon a dam, 436 feet long and supported by twenty-four stone arches. On the far side is the garden tomb of Arthur Upham Pope and his wife Phyllis Ackerman, Americans who were dedicated to the study of Persian art, history and culture.
Continue to the Armenian Quarter to visit the richly decorated Vank Cathedral. Begun in 1606 at the time of arrival of Armenian Immigrants to Isfahan, it was completed between 1655 and 1664 under the supervision of Archbishop David, with the encouragement of the Savid Rulers. It is the historic focal point of the Armenian Christian Church in Iran. The dome and walls have colorful paintings representing the story of Creation. Pause for lunch in the Armenian Quarter.
During our time in Isfahan, you will be taken to visit a private gallery and visit with a famous miniature artist.
Those who are interested may visit a carpet shop to sip tea and admire Iran’s most valuable craft and art form. The Persian knot allowed the tight composition to create intricate Arabesques, geometric and other floral designs. See both City and Tribal Carpets. Unlike Arabic Islamic Design, Shia Muslims took literally God’s commandment to know Him through His creation. Thus, you find figurative art in all forms including tile, metalwork and carpets. Persians also developed natural – and lasting- dyes. Cobalt found in Isfahan was exported to China where it was used in the blue on ceramics known later by the British as ‘China’.
End the afternoon with a visit to Hasht Bahesht (eight heavens) Pavilion and Park. It was built as an official court and a reception hall by Shah Abbas II (1647 AD) were the ceilings are outstanding. Overnight in Esfahan.
Day 25: Abyaneh - Kashan - Tehran [B,L,D]
Today, will visit the UNESCO recognized village of Abyaneh, located at the foot of Mount Karkas and near desert. Appreciate the serenity of this quaint village with its splendid archaeology and meet the dwellers who speak, live and dress in the original Persian style. Province and the city of Kashan are among the most prominent producers of the stunning handicraft. The wool for the carpets is usually shorn by local men in spring or autumn and women are mostly in charge of the weaving. Next, hop onto Kashan and visit Tabatabaiha and Boroujerdi houses and some other historical places specially chosen by our tour guide and be acquainted with the previous century’s architecture, the Qajar Era. Overnight in Tehran.
Day 26: Departure from Tehran [B]
After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
Tour type: Small Group Tour
Group size: 2-16 passengers
During this time of unprecedented uncertainty caused by COVID19, many hotels and service suppliers in many regions are closed. Hence, it is hard for everyone to get the exact pricing from suppliers, therefore; Flo Tours reserves the right to make price adjustments which might be be reflected to our guests as minor incremental or decremental prices than the following prices given in tables for 2022-2023-2024 |
2022 Departure Dates | |||
---|---|---|---|
Departure-Return Date | Price (Per person in Double room) | Single Supplement | Availability |
Mar 25-Apr 19 | $7,750 | $1990 | BOOK NOW |
Apr 22-May 17 | $8,250 | $2,290 | BOOK NOW |
May 27-Jun 21 | $8,250 | $2,290 | BOOK NOW |
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Sep 23-Oct 18 | $8,250 | $2,290 | BOOK NOW |
Oct 28-Nov 22 | $8,250 | $2,290 | BOOK NOW |
Nov 25-Dec 20 | $8,250 | $2,290 | BOOK NOW |
Dec 9-Jan 3, 2023 | $8,250 | $2,290 | BOOK NOW |
2023 Departure Dates | |||
---|---|---|---|
Departure-Return Date | Price (Per person in Double room) | Single Supplement | Availability |
Mar 24-Apr 17 | $7,750 | $1990 | BOOK NOW |
Apr 28-May 23 | $8,250 | $2,290 | BOOK NOW |
May 26-Jun 20 | $8,250 | $2,290 | BOOK NOW |
Jun 23-Jul 18 | $8,250 | $2,290 | BOOK NOW |
Jul 28-Aug 22 | $8,250 | $2,290 | BOOK NOW |
Aug 25-Sep 19 | $8,250 | $2,290 | BOOK NOW |
Sep 22-Oct 17 | $8,250 | $2,290 | BOOK NOW |
Oct 27-Nov 21 | $8,250 | $2,290 | BOOK NOW |
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Dec 8-Jan 2,2024 | $8,250 | $2,290 | BOOK NOW |
2024 Departure Dates | |||
---|---|---|---|
Departure-Return Date | Price (Per person in Double room) | Single Supplement | Availability |
Mar 22-Apr 16 | $7,750 | $1990 | BOOK NOW |
Apr 26-May 21 | $8,250 | $2,290 | BOOK NOW |
May 24-Jun 18 | $8,250 | $2,290 | BOOK NOW |
Jun 28-Jul 23 | $8,250 | $2,290 | BOOK NOW |
Jul 26-Aug 20 | $8,250 | $2,290 | BOOK NOW |
Aug 23-Sep 17 | $8,250 | $2,290 | BOOK NOW |
Sep 27-Oct 22 | $8,250 | $2,290 | BOOK NOW |
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Dec 13-Jan 7, 2025 | $8,250 | $2,290 | BOOK NOW |
- All internal flights
- Tehran - Shiraz
- All airport taxes
- All arrival and departure transfers
- 25 nights hotel accommodation at very comfortable centrally located hotels
- All meals ( Total of 74: 25 Breakfasts, 24 Lunches and 25 Dinners) (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
- All entrance fees
- Complete sightseeing with our experienced English speaking local tour guides
- Azerbaijan Visa
- Iran Visa "Grant Notice" with authorization number (Required for Iranian Visa)
- Luggage handling, all hotel taxes and services charges
- Flo Tours document packet including; name and luggage tags and more.
- Visa Consular Fees and Processing Fees
- Tips at the hotels, tour guides and drivers
- Any extra expenses at the hotels
- Video and photo camera charges at the museums or sites
- Trip Insurance
- Baku: Holiday Inn or similar
- Sheki: Sheki Palace Hotel or similar
- Telavi: Chateau Mere Hotel or similar
- Tbilisi: Museum Hotel or similar
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