Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Tuesday 14 March 2017

Depart – Flights depart east coast of AUS for Iran.

Day 2: Wednesday 15 March 2017 (Arrive – Tehran)

Arrive in Tehran in the morning and transfer to your hotel for check in at 12noon. Early afternoon welcome briefing and then tour Tehran’s iconic sights such the Tehran Bazaar, Golestan Palace and the former US Embassy.

Day 3: Thursday 16 March 2017 (Arrive – Kashan)

Travel by luxury coach via the Holy Shrine of Imam Khomeni, the Behesht-e Zahra Cemetery home to martyrs from the Iran-Iraq War, the Fatima È Massummeh Shrine in Qom and arrive in our destination, Kashan.

Kashan is a merchant town known for its high quality ceramics, silks, carpets and some of the finest traditional houses in Iran. Tour the town visiting 19th century mansions, the Agha Bozorg Mosque, the Fin Gardens and the lively souq. Later, enjoy a cooking class in a family home to learn about Iranian cuisine.

Day 4: Friday 17 March 2017 (Arrive – Esfahan)

Travel via luxury coach to the ancient mountain village of Abyaneh and arrive in Esfahan – quite simply one of the finest places in the Islamic world. Upon arrival, tour the vast Iman Square and marvel at the Iman Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and the Ali Qapu Palace.

Day 5: Saturday 18 March 2017 (Esfahan)

Explore Esfahan’s impressive bridges, Chehel Sotun Palace and the Vank Cathedral in the Armenian Quarter. In the afternoon, explore the atmospheric bazaar with its wonderful scents and spices..

Day 6: Sunday 19 March 2017 (Arrive – Yazd)

Travel via luxury coach through the desert to the mud brick town of Yazd. Visit the Amir Chakhmakh Mosque, Friday Mosque and experience zourkhaneh – which combines martial arts, strength training and music. Yazd was a major stop on the Silk Road caravan routes to Central Asia and India.

Day 7: Monday 20 March 2017 (Yazd)

Tour the Fire Temple, the Towers of Silence, Khan-e-Lari historical house, the Water Museum and the old town. Relax in your hotel, a traditional 19thcentury mansion and try camel fesenjun and pistachio ice cream!

Day 8: Tuesday 21 March 2017 (Arrive – Shiraz)

Travel via luxury coach through the mountains to Shiraz and visit Hafez’s Tomb and the Shahcheragh mosque. The very name, Shiraz evokes images of ancient times: exotic, tranquil gardens, lavish mansions, colourful woollen rugs, art, philosophy, poetry and the famous Shiraz red wine. Celebrate Nowruz, the Iranian New Year in the evening.

Day 9: Wednesday 22 March 2017 (Shiraz)

Enjoy a morning tour of the spectacular ruins at Persepolis, once a great centre of the Persian Empire. Return to Shiraz and visit the colourful Shiraz Bazaar, Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque and the Karim Khan Citadel.

Day 10: Thursday 23 March 2017 (Arrive – Tehran)

MATCH DAY! Fly from Shiraz to Tehran in the morning and transfer to your hotel. Later, visit an Iraqi community centre for a traditional lunch and entertainment and transfer to the Pas Stadium for the 6pm Iraq v Australia FIFA World Cup Qualifier. Transfer to your hotel after the game.

Day 11: Friday 24 March 2017

Depart Iran – Transfer to the airport for your return flight. Flights depart after 4pm.

Day 12: Saturday 25 March 2017

Arrive east coast Australia.