EL SOL TRAVEL & TOURS SDN BHD 28805-T KKKP: 0194 Tel: 603 7984 4560 Fax: 603 7984 4561 david@elsoltravel.com www.elsoltravel.com 11D9N PERSIAN Dreams Tour Apr 8-18 DAY 1 SUN APR 8: Imam Khomeini Airport arrival - Tehran 7.05pm KLIA2 Air Asia departure. 23.15pm arrival Imam Khomeini Airport. Transfer to hotel in Tehran, the capital city of Iran (with population exceeding 9 million) to overnight. DAY 2 MON APR 9: Tehran Morning visit Golestan Palace ( Palace of Flowers ) complex, UNESCO World Heritage and former palace of the Qajar Dynasty (1789 1925). Explore the many sections in the complex: Ivan-e Takht-e Marmar (Marble Throne Verandah), Khalvat-e Karim Khani (Karim Khan Nook), Negar Khane (Art Gallery), Talar-e Ayaheh (Hall of Mirrors), Howze Khaneh (Pool Room), Shams-Al Emarat (Edifice of the Sun), Emarat-e Badgir (Building of the Wind Towers), Aks Kahneh (Historical Photograph Gallery), Talar-e Almas (Diamond Hall) and Ethnographical Museum.
Proceed for lunch. Next, visit National Jewelry Treasury, where the priceless Imperial Crown Jewels of Iran are kept. (be at the queue by latest 1.30pm as there is a quota of tickets per day) Stop by the US Den of Espionage (former US Embassy where the Iranian Hostage Crisis of 1979 happened) to view anti-us murals on the surrounding walls. OPTIONAL: If it is open, group can visit it; please pay entrance fee at ticket counter. Overnight in Tehran. DAY 3 TUE APR 10: Tehran flight Shiraz Morning, transfer to Bame Tehran (Roof of Tehran), viewpoint located at the foot of the Alborz mountains to enjoy view of Tehran skyline. Then transfer to Mehrabad airport with en-route photo stops in front of Azadi Tower and Milad Tower. Take noon flight to Shiraz, one of the oldest cities of ancient Persia and known as the city of poets, literature, wine and flowers. Visit Quran Gate, historic gate north of Shiraz where in ancient times, a copy of the Quran was placed on top to bless travelers entering and leaving the city. Overnight in Shiraz. DAY 4 WED APR 11: Shiraz After breakfast visit Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, also known as the Pink Mosque due to its pink coloured tiles, is a mosque famous for its extensive colored glass in its facade and displays traditional elements such as the Panj Kāse ("five concaved") design. Best visited in the morning for the colourful effect of sunlight passing through the stained glass. Visit Ali Ebn-e Hamze mausoleum, the tomb of Emir Ali (a nephew of Shah Cheragh), is amazing for its Shirazi dome, dazzling Venetian mirror work, stained-glass windows and an intricate wooden door. (Chadors for women are available free of charge to be worn before entry) Then to Hafez Tomb, established in memory of the celebrated Persian poet Hafez. The tomb and its gardens are a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Visit Eram Garden (Bagh-e Eram), part of UNESCO World Heritage Persian Garden listing. The garden was built during the middle of thirteenth century by the paramount chief of the Qashqai tribes of Pars. Then photo-stop outside Karim Khan Citadel, built 1776 by Karim Khan, the founder of the Zand dynasty. Shopping at Vakil Bazaar (the main bazaar of Shiraz with a history dating back to the 11 th century). Overnight in Shiraz.
DAY 5 THU APR 12: Shiraz Persepolis Yazd Visit Persepolis (in Greek, meaning "the Persian city") or Parsa (in Old Persian, meaning "Persia"), was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire (550 330 BC). The earliest remains of Persepolis date back to 515 BC, the construction started by Darius 1 (Darius the Great 550 486 BC), the third king of the Achaemenid Empire. It exemplifies the Achaemenid style of architecture. Persepolis was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. Your visit will cover the Persepolis Museum, Grand Stairway, Xerxes s Gateway, Apadana Palace, Tripylon,Tachara, Hadish, Palace H, Treasury, Tombs of Artaxerxes 2 & 3, Palace of 100 Columns, Hall of 32 Columns and Unfinished Gate. Then transfer to Naghsh-e-Rajab, the site of four limestone rock-face inscriptions and rock-cut bas-reliefs dating to the early Sassanid era (224-651 AD). Continue to Naghsh-e-Rustam, an ancient necropolis with a group of ancient Iranian rock reliefs cut into the cliff, from both the Achaemenid and Sassanid periods. Transfer to Yazd to overnight. DAY 6 FRI APR 13: Yazd Visit Tower of Silence (where in ancient times, according to Zoroastrian beliefs, dead bodies are left on raised structures to be feed by carrion birds) and Atashkadeh (the Fire Temple where the Zoroastrians maintain an eternal flame as per their religion).
Visit Jame Mosque (built 15 th century, with twin 48m high minarets), the Old Quarter (Fahadan) of Yazd, Rafieian old house (for rooftop views of the city) and Amir Chakhmaq Square (a square notable for its mosque with symmetrical sunken alcoves). Then proceed to watch the workout at the local Zoorkhaneh, a gymnasium where traditional martial arts & sport is practice accompanied by music (advised to enter by 5.30pm to get seats). Overnight in Yazd. DAY 7 SAT APR 14: Yazd Meybod - Esfahan Transfer to Meybod to visit Meybod Castle, a Persian Ice- House (which the locals use to store ice collected in winter), the Shah Abbasi Caravanserais (ancient inn for traders located along the trading route), the Ziloo Museum located inside (ziloo is a carpet but it is made from cotton) and the old Pigeon tower (specially constructed to attract pigeons so that their droppings can be collected as fertilizer). Transfer to Esfahan and after dinner, go for a night visit of lighted Si-o-Se Pol Bridge ( The Bridge of 33 Spans ). Overnight in Esfahan. DAY 8 SUN APR 15: Esfahan Visit Naqsh-e Jahan Square, known as Imam Square (formerly known as Shah Square) was constructed between 1598 and 1629 by king Shah Abbas of the Safavid Dynasty. This UNESCO World Heritage square is 160 metres wide by 560 metres long. Tour of Ali Qapu Palace and then Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque (visit about around 10.30am, to see the peacock 'tail' formed by sunlight on the dome ceiling). Next, visit Chehel Sotoun, a pavilion in the middle of a garden built by Shah Abbas II, used for his entertainment and receptions. It is part of UNESCO World Heritage Persian Garden listing.
After lunch, visit Vank Cathedral (The Holy Savior Cathedral, also known as the Church of the Saintly Sisters), in the Armenian Quarter (New Julfa district) of Esfahan. Its interior is covered with fine frescos and gilded carvings and includes a wainscot of rich tile work. Return back to Naqsh-e Jahan square to visit Shah Mosque and then shopping at the Esfahan Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest bazaars in the Middle East. Overnight in Esfahan. DAY 9 MON APR 16: Esfahan Kashan Morning, visit Chubi Bridge and Khajoo Bridge. After lunch, transfer to Kashan and on arrival, visit the historic Bazaar; the multi-domed bazaar dates from the 19 th century but the site has been the center of trade for almost 800 years. Overnight in Kashan. DAY 10 TUE APR 17: Kashan Qom Imam Khomeini Airport Visit Hammam-e Sultan Mir Ahmad, a 500 year old bathhouse with stunning interior and multi-domed roof. Kashan is famous for traditional mansions built by wealthy merchants. Visit Tabatabaei House (by a carpet trader) and Abbasian House (by a glass merchant). In the afternoon, continue to Qom, the holy city of the Shite Muslims because of the Hazrate Masumeh (Shrine of Fatima Masumeh, 790-816AD, the daughter of the 7 th Twelver Shite Imam) located here. NOTE: Tourists can visit the shrine complex but only Muslims are allowed to enter the inner shrine. Visitors should not be dressed too colourfully. Ladies will be required to wear socks and not have lipstick on their lips. Chadors for women are available free of charge to be worn before entry. Transfer to Imam Khomeini Airport, with dinner en-route, for Air Asia midnight flight home. DAY 11 WED APR 18: KLIA2 arrival Arrival at KLIA2 12.45pm.
RATES: RM 7,680 per person, twin sharing basis, for minimum group size of 12 persons. Single Supplement: RM 1,800 Rates and itinerary subject to changes to FOREX rates, unforeseen surcharges, weather, local conditions, etc. INCLUSIVE: a) 1 way domestic flight Tehran to Shiraz b) Airport transfers and tour excursion on private basis using 25 seater tour bus c) Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast Tehran 2N: Mashhad hotel 3* or similar Shiraz 2N: Arg hotel 3* or similar hotel Yazd 2N: Vali Traditional House Hotel 3* or similar hotel Esfahan 2N: Sheikh Bahai Hotel 3* or similar Kashan 1N: Negarestan Traditional House Hotel 4* or similar d) Meals full board: Iranian cuisine plus some Arabian/Mediterranean influenced dishes e) English speaking tour guide f) Entrance fees for attractions as per itinerary above g) Tipping for guides and drivers h) Daily 1 bottle of drinking water EXCLUDING: a) Return Air Asia KL-Tehran air tickets, airport taxes & fuel surcharges b) Travel insurance. Many insurance companies don t cover travel in Iran; please check with your insurance agent. CHUBB Insurance does cover travel in Iran. You can purchase online at www.chubbtravelinsurance.com.my c) Malaysian passport holders don t require visa to visit Iran for 15 days period. Other nationalities to be advised. d) Camera/Video fees at attractions where required e) Expenses of personal nature like other optional activities not in itinerary, ala-carte drinks during meals, misc. tipping (hotel staff, luggage porters, waiters at restaurants, etc.), laundry charges, etc.