"Iran Cultural Tour"
DURATION: 7 days / 7 nights
ITINERARY: Tehran – Rey – Isfahan – Persepolis – Naqsh-e Rustam – Shiraz – Kandovan – Tabriz
START DATE: May 12, 2024
Traveller and Author Prof. Dr. Rıdvan CANIM and Mehmet GEBEL will accompany...
DAY 1 - May 12, 2024 (SUNDAY) TEHRAN - REY Arrival in Tehran from Ankara with Mahan Air at 11:45, arrival in Tehran at 14:45. After the welcome, during our city tour, we visit the historical city of Rey, where we proceed to visit the tomb of Tuğrul Bey, the founder of the Great Seljuk Empire. From here, we climb the Milad Tower, among the world's tallest towers at 435 meters, to enjoy dinner with a magnificent view. After dinner, we retire to our 4-star hotel.
Rey gained fame in 1194 after a great battle between the Khwarazmshahs and the Seljuks of Iraq. After the battle, the city came under the rule of the Khwarazmshahs and changed hands between Iran and the Ottoman Empire. Destroyed during the Iran-Iraq War, the city is now within the borders of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Tuğrul Bey, the founder of the Oghuz-Seljuk Dynasty, established the foundations of the state with the Dandanakan victory against the Ghaznavids on May 23, 1040, allowing them to establish one of the world's largest states and rendering great services to the Turkic-Islamic world. He became the center of the state (1043) and made Rey the capital. This battle is one of the turning points in our history. Tuğrul Bey, a beloved and devoted ruler, established the Great Seljuk state, rendering great services to the Turkic-Islamic world. He established peace and security from Turkistan to Anatolia, Iraq to Azerbaijan, and the Caucasus. Tuğrul Bey, after a reign of twenty-five years filled with conquests, fell ill. He died near Rey on September 5, 1063, at the age of seventy. His tomb is here.
DAY 2 - May 13, 2024 (MONDAY) TEHRAN - ISFAHAN After our open buffet breakfast in the morning, we depart from our hotel for a tour of Tehran. We visit Shah Saadabad Palace and the 1,800-acre complex, which includes natural forests, springs, underground water networks, and gardens. Later, we head to Isfahan, known as "Half of the World" or "Equal to the World," according to poetic descriptions. After a one-hour flight around 16:55, we have dinner in a local restaurant in Isfahan, followed by a timely transfer to our 4-star hotel.
DAY 3 - May 14, 2024 (TUESDAY)
ISFAHAN After our open buffet breakfast, our historical tour of Isfahan begins: 40-pillared (Chehel Sotun) palace, Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Ali Qapu Palace, Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and then we have a shopping stop in the famous Grand Bazaar. After seeing the famous swaying minarets built in 1316, we continue our journey with two important visits in our history. Sultan Melikshah, who expanded the borders of the Great Seljuk to their widest extent, actually died early and was buried by his wife Terken Khatun in Isfahan after his death. Finally, after visiting Nizam al-Mulk, the wise man who wrote the Siyasatname, a work that was read to everyone entering politics, we complete our trip by seeing the 33-arch bridge on the way. On this day, we will provide free time in Isfahan's famous Grand Bazaar for shopping, where you can find various examples of handicrafts. After a long day, we have dinner and rest at our 4-star hotel.
ISFAHAN: Isfahan is the capital of the Isfahan Province in Iran. It was also the capital during the Safavid period, so the city is home to many historical monuments.
Allahverdi Bridge (Si-o-Seh Pol: 33-arch bridge) is sometimes also called by the name of the architect who built it (Allahverdi Khan Bridge). Built in 1602, it has become a symbol of the city today. The 300-meter-long and 14-meter-wide bridge is closed to vehicle traffic. You can discover the atmosphere of a real Eastern teahouse in the tea houses under the bridge!
Forty Pillars Palace: The area of the Forty Pillars Garden is over 67,000 m2. It was built during the reign of Shah Abbas I. It is located in the middle of the Forty Pillars Garden. The reflection of the twenty amphitheatres of the Forty Pillars conveys the understanding of the concept of forty pillars. In reality, the term Forty Pillars is an indicator of plurality. The reason for naming the charity this way is the columns it has. The historical Heşt Beheşt Charity, an example of the palaces where the last sultans of the Safavid period lived. It was built during the reign of Suleiman Shah.
Imam Square (Naqsh-e Jahan Square): In the current square, there used to be a large garden called Naqsh-e Jahan, surrounded by very famous historical buildings.
Ali Qapu Complex: In the Safavid period, this palace, known as the "Blessed Naqsh-e Jahan State House" and "Kasr-ı Devlethane," is a unique example of palace architecture of the Safavid period. It was built by Shah Abbas at the beginning of the eleventh century lunar calendar. It consists of three floors, each with unique decorations.
Imam Mosque (Shah Mosque): The mosque, formerly known as the Shah Mosque, is located at the southern end of Naqsh-e Jahan Square. The interior and exterior of the mosque are covered with the exquisite blue tiles that have become the symbol of Isfahan. At night, it offers another beauty with its reflection of light. Shah Abbas ordered the construction of the Shah Mosque in the Safavid era, and the chief architect was Ali Akbar Esfahani.
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque: The mosque, located on the eastern side of Naqsh-e Jahan Square, is named after Sheikh Lotfollah, the revered Lebanese Shiite scholar. It was built during the reign of Shah Abbas I by the order of the monarch. The mosque is renowned for its delicate tiles and is one of the architectural masterpieces of Safavid architecture.
Grand Bazaar: Isfahan's Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest bazaars in the Middle East. It dates back to the 17th century and is a maze of narrow alleys, vaulted passages, and bustling shops. Here, you can find a wide range of traditional Iranian goods, including carpets, textiles, spices, and handicrafts.
DAY 4 - May 15, 2024 (WEDNESDAY) ISFAHAN - PERSEPOLIS - NAQSH-E RUSTAM - SHIRAZ After our open buffet breakfast, we head to Persepolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city, established by Darius I in 518 BC, was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire. It is considered one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world. Our visit to Persepolis is followed by Naqsh-e Rustam, the ancient necropolis where the tombs of Achaemenid kings are located, carved into the rock. After these historical visits, we proceed to Shiraz, the city of poets, literature, and flowers. In the evening, we have dinner in a local restaurant and transfer to our 4-star hotel.
PERSEPOLIS: Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire, is situated 60 km northeast of Shiraz. The city was founded by Darius I in 518 BC and served as the empire's capital for over two centuries. Persepolis is known for its impressive palaces, grand staircases, and intricately carved reliefs.
Naqsh-e Rustam: Located a few kilometers northwest of Persepolis, Naqsh-e Rustam is an ancient necropolis housing the tombs of Achaemenid kings carved into the rock face. The site also features Sassanian reliefs and the Ka'ba-ye Zartosht, a cube-shaped structure with inscriptions.
DAY 5 - May 16, 2024 (THURSDAY) SHIRAZ After our open buffet breakfast, we embark on a full-day city tour of Shiraz. Our visits include Karim Khan Citadel, Vakil Mosque, Vakil Bazaar, Saray-e Moshir, Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque), Eram Garden, and the Tomb of Hafez. We explore the rich history and culture of this city known for its gardens, poetry, and historical sites. After a day filled with exploration, we return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
SHIRAZ: Shiraz, located in the southwest of Iran, is known for its rich history, literature, and beautiful gardens. It has been the center of Persian culture for more than 2,000 years.
Karim Khan Citadel: Built in the 18th century, the citadel served as the residence of Karim Khan and later became a prison. Today, it stands as a well-preserved historical site.
Vakil Mosque: Constructed in the 18th century during the Zand dynasty, Vakil Mosque is known for its stunning architecture, including colorful tiles and impressive arches.
Vakil Bazaar: One of the oldest and most traditional markets in Iran, Vakil Bazaar offers a variety of goods, including Persian carpets, spices, textiles, and handicrafts.
Saray-e Moshir: This historical building was once the home of the governor during the Qajar period. It showcases traditional Persian architecture.
Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque): Famous for its stunning stained glass windows, Nasir al-Mulk Mosque is a masterpiece of Qajar-era architecture. The play of light and colors inside the mosque creates a mesmerizing atmosphere.
Eram Garden: A historic Persian garden, Eram Garden is known for its beautiful layout, water features, and vibrant flowers. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tomb of Hafez: The final resting place of the renowned Persian poet Hafez, the tomb is a peaceful and poetic spot where visitors can pay their respects.
DAY 6 - May 17, 2024 (FRIDAY) SHIRAZ - KANDOVAN - TABRIZ After our open buffet breakfast, we depart from Shiraz and head to Kandovan, a unique rock village in the province of East Azerbaijan. Kandovan is famous for its cone-shaped houses carved into volcanic rocks, similar to the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. After exploring this fascinating village, we continue our journey to Tabriz. In the evening, we enjoy dinner in a local restaurant and transfer to our 4-star hotel.
KANDOVAN: Kandovan is an ancient village located in the province of East Azerbaijan, Iran. It is known for its unique rock-cut architecture, where houses are carved into cone-shaped rocks. The village resembles the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia in Turkey.
DAY 7 - May 18, 2024 (SATURDAY) TABRIZ After our open buffet breakfast, we embark on a city tour of Tabriz, the largest economic hub in northwest Iran. Our visits include Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Tabriz Historic Bazaar, Tabriz Museum of Natural History, Blue Mosque, Azerbaijan Museum, and the Constitution House of Tabriz. After exploring the historical and cultural highlights of Tabriz, we enjoy a farewell dinner in a local restaurant. Later in the evening, we transfer to the airport for our return flight to Ankara with Mahan Air.
DAY 8 - 19.05.2024 (SUNDAY) TEHRAN - ISTANBUL We check out from the hotel at 05:00 in the morning. We head towards Tehran Airport. We return to our country with the THY 07:05 flight from Tehran to Istanbul.
INCLUDED SERVICES IN THE TOUR PRICE: International flight tickets from Ankara to Tehran and from Tabriz to Istanbul, Accommodation in 4-star hotels (7 nights with breakfast), All transfers with air-conditioned new buses, Morning and evening meals, Beverages during meals, Professional Turkish-speaking guide with badge, Entrance fees to museums and historical sites (25 entry fees for palaces, museums, and historical sites), Panoramic city tour in Tehran, City tour in Isfahan, Persepolis tour, City tour in Shiraz, Rey tour, Domestic flights (1 internal flight).
NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE: Exit visa fee, All lunch meals.
NOTE: Our tour starts from Ankara and ends in Istanbul.
TOUR PRICE PER PERSON: $1,290