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Iran – the land
or Persia and more so, of The Persian Empire. The land of Persia
has always been a player in the making of history with people like
Cyrus the Great, Darius the Great, Xerxes, Alexander the Great,
Genghis Khan, Hulagu Khan, Tamerlane (Amir Timur), Shah Abbas, Nadir
Khan, the last emperor (better known as Shah en Shah) Ayatollah
Khomeini. These are people who played vital roles in ether constructing
or destroying, in conquering or defending Persia, in looting libraries
or building the art of literature, poetry, music and a lot more.
In the field of intellect and poetry likewise we have people like
Omar Khayyam, Ferdowsi, Shams Tabrix, Shah Nemotallah, Sa’ad, Hafiz,
Jami and the list just goes on and on. |
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BAM
& MAHAN
One
of the most spectacular sites in Iran often referred to as Agr-e-Bam.
Bam’s historical background dates back to legendary times. We
visit the remains of the old city of Bam, which was inhabited
until the early Qajar period. Spread out over an area of 6 square
Kms., Bam, or Agr-e-Bam, is located on top of a hill. We explore
the Citadel of Bam, which is the largest clay structure in the
world. We then visit Mahan and the final home of the Sufi saint
and poet, Shah Nematollah Vali followed by the beautifully terraced
Shahzadeh Garden in Mahan.
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ISFAHAN
(ESFAHAN)
Isfahan
is half of the world, a title given to this city which rightly reflects
the beauty that Isfahan beholds. We tour this magnificent city and
visit the Medressa Chahrbagh – which was the pride of the last Safavid
Kig, Shah Sultan Hussen, a devout Muslim ruler, Hasht Behest Palace
(built in 1680 AD. During the rule of Suleiman II), the Armernan
Vank Church, Friday Mosque and the famous bridges.Another
day of visits in Isfahan will include Iman Square (Naqsh-e-Jahan)
with its Sheikh Lotfollah and Imam Mosques, Aliqapu Palace, Chehel
Sutoon Palace (40 pillars) built by Shah Abbas as a hall of audience.
We also visit the local bazaar, which is one of the most interesting
ones in Iran. |
KASHAN
Founded around 559 BC, Kashan is famous for its ceramic tiles, pottery,
textiles, carpet and silk. It is a beautiful town and our tour here
will include the Khan-e-Borujerdi Museum, the old city, Agha Bozorg
Mosque cum theological school and the famous and beautiful Fin Gardens. |
KERMAN
This is the land of mountains and deserts in a beautiful natural
setting. Kerman has a long and turbulent history, the old part of
the city houses the famous Friday Mosque dating back to the 14th
Century. Kerman is the entry point to the more visited sites of
Bam and Mahan. |
KISH
ISLAND
It is
a world of its own. It offers, in Iran, towering apartments, highways,
a quasi-Disneyland Park, beautiful beaches all within a unique Iranian
style. Kish is like being flown within an hour from Tehran to Singapore-offers
an interesting contrast to the mainland Iranian life style and one
that is best done at the end of a tour to Iran. |
MASHHAD
The city derives its name from martyrdom (of the 8th
Shiite Imam, Mohammad Reza). Life literally revolves around the
shrine with innumerable pilgrims from all over the world who come
to pay homage here. Mashhad offers a very interesting oriental spice
bazaar carrying, among other items, saffron. Our tour will also
visit courtyard of Imam Reza Mausoleum, the philatelic and Quranic
Museums, Nadir Shah Museum, and, on a full day, excursion to Neishabur
to see the Mausoleum of Omar Khayyam. |
MASULE
One of
the most unspoilt mountain villages in Northern Iran. |
PASARGADAE
Began construction under Cyrus the Great in 546 BC, It is located
on the main road between Shiraz and Isfahan. Our vist will include
the Tomb of Cyrus the Great, the remains of the three Achaemenian
Palaces and the Prison of Solomon. |
PERSEPOLIS
Persepolis is located 60 Kms. North of Shiraz. It is the last and
final ultimate expression of the ancient Middle East. Construction
began by Darius the Great (521-468 BC) as the focus of the mighty
Achaemenian Empire nearly 2500 years ago. Our tour will also include
the Kuh-I-Rehmat, Naqsh-e-Rustam and Naqsh-e-Rajab. |
RAMSARA
popular seaside resort along the Caspian Sea. Ramsar offers, besides
its wonderful beach, Shah’s Palace Museum. |
SHIRAZ
The city
of poetry and gardens. Our tour will have an in-depth visit of this
beautiful city including Eram Garden, tombs of Saadi and Hafiz-two
of the most well known Persian Poets, Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, Church
of Saint Simon the Zealot, Shrine of Shah-Cheragh and the oriental
bazaar. |
SUSA
One of the oldest cities in the world, having settlement dating
back from the third millennium BC. It was often destroyed, but was
brought back to prominence by Cyrus the Great, the founder of the
Achaemenian Empire. We visit the archaeological site which is located
very close to Ahwaz. |
TEHRAN
Our first tour of Tehran starts off with a visit to the Carpet Museum
which houses an excellent collection of Iranian hand woven carpets.
This will be followed by a visit to the Museum of Reza Abbasi where
artifacts dating back to prehistoric, ancient and Islamic periods
and particularly Islamic calligraphy are exhibited. Our second tour
of Tehran will include the Glass & ceramic Museum & Sa’dabad
Palace followed by the Fine Arts and Archaeological Museums. The
fine collection includes a stone sculpture of a winged lion from
Susa and 6th Century BC audience hall relief of Darius
the Great from the Treasury at Persepolis. The museum has items
dating back the Sumerian Period (4500 BC). Before we drive to our
hotel we spend some time at the local bazaar. |
YAZD
Located
in the heart of Iran, Yazd was a major stop on the international
caravan routes to Central Asia and India. The architecture of Yazd
is perhaps the most indigenous Persian to be found. |
ZAHIDAN
Heading southwards we take an alluring drive to Zahedan, the capital
of the Iranian Baluchistan. |
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