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The
Arab Sheikdoms and Iran
A cultural tour of Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain,
Qatar and all of the Emirates of the UAE Plus Iran |
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Extension and
alternative ending:
Extension #1:
Extension #2:
Extension #3:
Extension #4:
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Arrive Muscat
Merhaba! (Welcome) We arrive at Seeb International
Airport and are warmly welcomed and transferred to our
hotel.
Overnight: Radisson SAS Hotel, Muscat (3 nights)
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Locations: Muscat
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Hotel: Radisson SAS Hotel, Muscat (3
nights)
Room: Double
Services:
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AM |
The Sultanate of Oman has a history that
dates back to almost 3000 BC, in an era
known as Magan. The Samaritans inhabited
the country around 4000 BC followed by
the Phoenicians, Assyrians, Babylonians,
Shabeans and finally the Persians. At
this time, Oman became famous for its
trade of copper and frankincense
throughout the Arabian world. By the
year 630 AD Islam was established in
Oman and the religion quickly spread.
This morning is free to relax, and in
the afternoon we take the Muscat
Discovery tour, which includes the Oman
Museum, the Natural History Museum, the
Ministries Area in Al Khuwair, the Aalam
Palace, |
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Lunch |
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PM |
the Corniche and a
unique traditional fish market. (B, D)
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Dinner |
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Locations: Muscat
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Hotel: Radisson SAS Hotel,
Muscat (3 nights)
Room: Double
Services:
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ToDay we enjoy a Day excursion
to Nizwa, built by the great
Imam Sultan Bin Seif. In the
17th Century Nizwa was chosen as
the capital, due to its
well-protected position and
construction. Even toDay it
remains one of Oman's most
impressive towns. We begin our
tour with a visit to the massive
circular fort, surrounded by
vast mud walls. We explore
Jabrin Castle and the World
Heritage Site of Bahla Fort. The
ruins of the immense fort, with
walls and towers of earthen
brick and foundations of stone,
provide a remarkable example of
this type of fortification.
Jabrin Castle, built by Imam
Bilarab in 1675 AD, is an
edifice surpassing all other
forts in Oman, both in size and
magnificence.
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Lunch |
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One
cannot help but admire the
extraordinary carved wood
paneling and friezes painted on
the walls. Verses from the Koran
and poems engraved in the walls
celebrate the beauty of this
grand castle. Moving on, we
arrive at the Nizwa Souq where a
unique goat and cattle auction
is held. On our return to
Muscat, we enjoy a visit to the
aromatic Amouage perfume
factory. (B, D) |
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Dinner |
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Locations: Kuwait
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Hotel: Radisson SAS Hotel,
Kuwait (2 nights) (B, D)
Room: Double
Services:
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Muscat /
Kuwait (Flight)
Our next stop is Kuwait, the
country that changed the face of
the Middle East to what it is
toDay. Kuwait is an archetypical
oil-rich state that founded only
300 years ago by the Al Sabah
Family, whose descendants still
rule the country. By the 18th
century Kuwait was a prospering
Dhow Trading Port and a stopover
point of the great caravans
bound for Mesopotamia, the
Indian Ocean and beyond. Kuwait
means "small fortress" and this
small settlement grew quickly;
Ottomans and Persians influenced
its history for nearly 200 years
before it formally became a
British Protectorate at the end
of 19th century. The first oil
wells were found in 1936. The
50's and 60's were the magical
era of the oil boom. We will be
welcomed and transferred to our
hotel. In the evening, we will
enjoy a traditional meal at the
hotel.
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Lunch |
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PM |
Kuwait |
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Dinner |
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Locations: Kuwait
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Hotel: Radisson SAS Hotel,
Kuwait (2 nights) (B, D)
Room: Double
Services:
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Kuwait is a
cosmopolitan city-state with a
population that has more
non-Kuwaiti residents than
locals. Our morning tour of
Kuwait includes the Kuwait
Towers, Seif Palace, the Imir's
Headquarters, Jahra Gate, the
Dhow Village, the National
Museum and Al Bader House.
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Lunch |
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The
afternoon is free to explore the
many souqs. (B, D) |
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Dinner |
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Locations: Kuwait / Bahrain (Flight)
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Hotel: Elite Hotel,
Bahrain (2 nights) (B, D)
Room: Double
Services:
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Our next destination is Bahrain;
we are met and transferred to
our hotel. Since the dawn of
history, Bahrain was known as
the "Pearl of the Gulf" as it
has been a strategic trading
post of the great trade routes
linking the Indus Valley and
Mesopotamia. It exudes old-world
charm, courtesy and dignity as
befits a nation whose history
goes back more than 4000 years.
Bahrain was the first place in
the Arabian Gulf where oil was
discovered in 1925 and it
continues to enjoy oil wealth to
this Day.
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Lunch |
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PM |
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Dinner |
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Locations: Bahrain
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Hotel: Elite Hotel, Bahrain
Room: Double
Services:
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Our tour of this Sheikdom
includes Bait Al Quran, the Al
Fateh Mosque, the Ola Palace,
the Guest Palace, Island
Muharraq, the Old Souq, a
traditional village, camel farm
and a visit to the pottery
makers at A'Ali Village.
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Lunch |
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PM |
The
evening is free to wonder the
narrow lanes of the "Arabian
Nights". (B, D) |
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Dinner |
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Locations: Bahrain / Doha (Flight)
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Hotel: Sofitel Doha Palace
Hotel, Doha (2 nights) (B, D)
Room: Double
Services:
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In the morning we take a short
flight to Doha, the capital of
Qatar. We are welcomed and
transferred to our hotel. Qatar
was a relatively unknown country
until recently. Records indicate
that the Qatar Peninsula was
inhabited during the Stone Age;
however there is little evidence
of habitation between the most
ancient times and now. Oil was
struck in 1939 and the country
has one of the largest natural
gas fields in the world
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Lunch |
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PM |
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afternoon tour includes the
National Museum, the Equestrian
Club and the Camel Racetrack. |
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Dinner |
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Locations: Doha
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Hotel: Sofitel Doha Palace
Hotel, Doha
Room: Double
Services:
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After breakfast we take an
excursion into the desert. The
desert of Oman offers the
traditional nomadic lifestyle of
the Arab World. We witness the
oasis lifestyle, the mirages in
the desert, animal preservation
efforts and a lot more. Where we
also have the opportunity to
meet the local Bedouins. (B, D)
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Lunch |
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PM |
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Dinner |
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Locations: Doha / Abu Dhabi (Flight) / Dubai
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Hotel:
HoliDay Inn Down Town, Dubai (4 nights) (B, D)
Room: Double
Services:
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This morning we fly to the
richest of the United Arab
Emirates, Abu Dhabi. We are
welcomed and tour the
traditional Iranian Market, the
Abu Dhabi Corniche and Fountain,
the Petroleum Exhibition Center,
the Women's Handicraft Center
and the Al Hisn Fort.
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Lunch |
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Before
sunset we proceed for Dubai on a
comfortable highway trip.
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Dinner |
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Locations: Dubai / Sharjah / Ajman
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Hotel: HoliDay Inn Down Town,
Dubai
Room: Double
Services:
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Our morning city tour of Dubai
includes the Jumeirah Mosque,
the Museum, as well as the Spice
and Gold Souqs. Our next stop is
the Emirate of Sharjah,
including a visit to the Natural
History Museum, the Discovery
Center, the Aviation Museum and
the Cultural Center. We then
take a short drive to the
Emirate of Ajman, where we will
visit the Ajman Museum, the Dhow
building yard, the Pearl
Monument, the King Faizal
Mosque, the Bird & Animal
Market, the Al Arsah Souq, Al
Hisn Fort, Bait Al Naboodah and
the Islamic & Art Museum. (B, D)
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Lunch |
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Dinner |
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Locations: Fujairah
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Hotel: HoliDay Inn Down Town,
Dubai
Room: Double
Services:
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Our next two day are spent in
discovering the remaining
Emirates and Sheikdoms in the
UAE. We start with a full Day
tour to the East Coast which
includes visit to Fujairah,
Khorfakkan, a typical Arabian
fishing village in Dibba, Masafi,
the market, the Al Bitnah Mosque
(oldest in the UAE), Kalba Fort
and the natural springs in
Masafi. The evening is free for
you to enjoy the Dubai
nightlife. (B, D)
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Lunch |
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Dinner |
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Locations: Umm Al Quwain / Ras Al Khaimah
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Hotel: HoliDay Inn Down Town,
Dubai
Room: Double
Services:
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In the morning we visit the last
of the Emirates, Umm Al Quwain &
Ras Al Khaimah. This includes
the well-preserved Ras Al
Khaimah Museum, followed by a
visit to the old city, the fish
market, the dhow building yards
and Al Khatt springs.
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Lunch |
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The evening
is free to enjoy the many
attractions that Dubai has on
offer, a real example of where
East and West dine together.
(B, D) |
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Dinner |
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Locations: Depart Dubai
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Hotel: HoliDay Inn Down Town,
Dubai
Room: Double
Services:
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After witnessing the lifestyles
of the rich desert people of
these magic sheikdoms, we bid
farewell as we take our
departure flight from the
majestic Dubai Airport to Tehran. (B)
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Lunch |
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PM |
Tehran |
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Dinner |
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Quintessence
of Persia in 9 day
Cities to be visited: Tehran / Shiraz/ Isfahan/ Kashan.
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Quintessence of Persia in 9 day is a specially designed
program for those who would like to see the best of Iran
in as little a time as possible. This 9-Day journey
covers the three main centers of Tehran, Shiraz and
Esfahan. This tour program can be combined with the many
other programs we are offering in the region .
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Arrive Tehran (IRAN)
On arrival, we are welcomed to Tehran, the pearl of
Persia. After checking into our hotel, we enjoy a
leisurely evening and rest up, before our formal
itinerary of exploring this country rich in history and
culture begins.
Overnight: Tehran (2 nights)
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Locations: Tehran
Breakfast/ Dinner
Hotel:
Laleh in 5 star package /
Kowsar in 4 star /
New Naderi in 3 star /
Khayyam in 2 star
Room: Double
Services: All included.
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Full Day tour starts
off with a visit to the Carpet Museum
which has an excellent collection of
Iranian hand woven carpets, followed by
the Museum of Reza Abbasi. This museum
named after the most famous miniaturist
in the Safavid era, was opened in 1977.
It exhibits artifacts dating back to
prehistoric, ancient and Islamic periods
and is particularly rich in Islamic
calligraphy |
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Lunch |
best nearby
restaurant |
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we visit the Fine
Arts and the Archaeological Museums with
its fine collection including a stone
capital of a winged lion from Susa and a
6th century B.C. audience hall relief of
Darius the Great from the Treasury at
Persepolis. The museum has items dating
back from the Sumerian Period (4500
B.C.) to contemporary times. (B, D) |
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Dinner |
best nearby
restaurant |
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Locations: Tehran / Shiraz (Flight)
Breakfast / Dinner
Hotel:
Homa in 5 star package/
Parseh in 4 star /
Parsian in 3 star /
Apadana in 2 star
Room: Double
Services: All included.
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Morning
visit the Glass and Ceramic
Museum and Sa'dabad Palace.
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Lunch |
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National
treasury museum with its unique
collection of jewelryis going to
be our next destination before
heading to Tehran Jamshidieh
park for a stroll and get to see
the more of Tehran in a
leisurely place and get to talk
to people . Late afternoon
transfer to the airport for our
flight to Shiraz, traditionally
known as the city of Roses and
Nightingales.
Overnight: Shiraz (2 nights) |
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Dinner |
Included |
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Locations: Shiraz
Breakfast Dinner
Hotel:
Homa in 5 star package/
Parseh in 4 star /
Parsian in 3 star /
Apadana in 2 star
Room: Double
Services: All included.
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Shiraz is
the capital of the cultural
capital of Iran. Our visit toDay
will include the Eram Garden,
the tombs of Saadi and Hafiz -
two of the most well known
Persian poets, Nasirol-Molk
Mosque and the Shiraz famous
Bazaar with it s exotic
collection of handicrafts and
carpets.
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Lunch |
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visit
to Afif-Abad Garden, the Church
of Saint Simmon the Zealot, the
Shrine of Shah-Cheragh. (B, D) |
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Dinner |
Included |
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Locations: Shiraz / Esfahan (Flight)
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Hotel:
Abbasid Hotel in 5 star package/
Aliqapu in 4 star/
Suite in 3 star/
Jolfa in 2 star
Room: Double
Services: All included.
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Morning
excursion to Persepolis, which
in Greek literally means the
capital of Persia, lies 60 kms /
37 miles north of Shiraz.
Persepolis is the last and final
ultimate expression of the
ancient Middle East.
Construction began by Darius the
Great (521 - 468 B.C.) as the
focus of the mighty Achemenian
Empire nearly 2500 years ago.
Our next stop is Naqsh-e-Rustam
- tomb of the famous Rustam.
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Lunch |
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Late evening
transfer to the airport for our
flight to Esfahan, another
highlight city. Legend has it
that Esfahan was founded at the
time of Tahmourass or Keykavous.
During the Safavid Era (16th and
17th Century A.D.), Esfahan was
a city of Gardens and Palaces, a
trade centre recognised by the
saying, "Esfahan is half of the
world".
Overnight: Abbasi Hotel, Esfahan
(3 nights) |
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Dinner |
Included. |
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Locations: Isfahan
Breakfast / Dinner
Hotel:
Abbasid Hotel in 5 star package/
Aliqapu in 4 star/
Suite in 3 star/
Jolfa in 2 star
Room: Double
Services: All incuded.
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Full Day
tour of this magnificent
includes the Madressah Chahrbagh
- which was the pride of the
last Safavid King, Shah Sultan
Hussein, a devout Muslim ruler,
Hasht Behesht Palace (built in
1680 A.D. during the rule of
Suleiman II. |
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Lunch |
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PM |
the Armenian
Vank Church, FriDay Mosque and
the famous bridges. |
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Dinner |
Included. |
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Locations: Isfahan
Breakfast / Dinner
Hotel:
Abbasid Hotel in 5 star package/
Aliqapu in 4 star/
Suite in 3 star/
Jolfa in 2 star
Room: Double
Services: All included.
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ToDay visit
includes Imam Square (Naqsh-e-
Jahan) with its Sheikh Lotfollah
and Imam Mosques, Aliqapu
Palace.
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Lunch |
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Visit to
Chehel Sutoon Palace (40
pillars) built by Shah Abbas as
a hall of audience and visit
what definitely a most famous
bazaar in Iran. Birds garden
will be next destination of
toDay . |
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Dinner |
Included. |
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Locations: Esfahan / Tehran (Drive)
Breakfast / Dinner
Hotel:
Abbasid Hotel in 5 star package/
Aliqapu in 4 star/
Suite in 3 star/
Jolfa in 2 star
Room: Double
Services: All included.
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On our
scenic drive to Tehran we stop
at Kashan, an attractive oasis
town, and take in its attractive
sights. We visit Tabatabaie
Houses and Khan-e Borujerdi,
built as a private residence,
now a charming museum with a
lovely courtyard. We then take
in the famous Fin Garden and
witness its breathtaking pools,
orchards and natural springs.
Next we visit Agha Bozorg Mosque
famous for its lovely portals
and minarets.
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Lunch |
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Next
is a visit to the exquisite
Shrine of Fatima in Qum and
later we view the Tomb of
Ayatollah Khomeini.
Overnight: Tehran (1 night) |
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Dinner |
Included. |
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Locations: Caspian Sea region/ Ramsar& Masuleh.
Room: Double
Services: All included.
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Day 24: Tehran / Ramsar (Drive 195 kms / 120 miles)
Morning depart for a picturesque drive
to Ramsar. Evening tour of Ramsar.
Overnight: Ramsar Hotel, Ramsar (1
night) (B, D)
Day 25: Ramsar / Rashat (Drive 130
kms / 80 miles)
Depart along the beautiful Caspian
coastline to Rashat with a stop at
Bandar-e-Anjil to visit a caviar
factory.
Overnight: Kadoos Hotel, Rashat (1
night) (B, D)
Day 26: Rashat / Tehran (Drive 325
kms / 201 miles)
This morning we visit the stunningly
beautiful village of Masuleh. Afternoon
return back to Tehran.
Overnight: Laleh Hotel, Tehran (1 night)
(B, D)
Day 27: Depart Tehran
Morning transfer to the airport for
the departure flight. (B)
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Locations: Mashad
Room: Double
Services: All included.
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Day 24: Tehran / Mashhad (Flight)
This morning we are transferred to
the airport for a flight to Mashhad.
Afternoon tour of Mashhad.
Overnight: Homa Hotel, Mashhad (2
nights) (B, D)
Day 25: Mashhad
Day excursion to Neishapour, visit
will also include the tomb of Amar
Khayyam. (B, D)
Day 26: Mashhad / Tehran (Flight)
Morning we visit the famous
pilgrim's bazaar. Afternoon transfer
back to the airport for a flight to
Tehran.
Overnight: Laleh Hotel, Tehran (1 night)
(B, D)
Day 27: Depart Tehran
Morning transfer to the airport for
the departure flight. (B)
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Locations: Susa
Room: Double
Services: All included.
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Day 24: Tehran / Ahwaz (Flight)
This morning we are transferred to
the airport for a flight to Ahwaz.
Afternoon tour of Ahwaz.
Overnight: Fadjr Hotel, Ahwaz (2 nights)
(B, D)
Day 25: Ahwaz
Day excursion to Susa, visit will
also include Tchogha Zanbil. (B, D)
Day 26: Ahwaz / Tehran (Flight)
Morning transfer back to the airport
for a flight to Tehran.
Overnight: Laleh Hotel, Tehran (1 night)
(B, D)
Day 27: Depart Tehran
Morning transfer to the airport for
the departure flight. (B)
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Locations: Kish
Room: Double
Services: All included.
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Day 24: Tehran / Kish Island (Flight)
This morning we are transferred to
the airport for a flight to the Kish
Island. Afternoon tour of the city.
Overnight: Shayan Hotel, Kish Island (3
nights) (B, D)
Day 25: Kish Island
Day free to enjoy this spectacular
island. (B, D)
Day 26: Kish Island
Day free. (B, D)
Day 27: Kish Island / Tehran (Flight)
Morning transfer back to the airport
for a flight to Tehran.
Overnight: Laleh Hotel, Tehran (1 night)
(B, D)
Day 28: Depart Tehran
Morning transfer to the airport for
the departure flight. (B)
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