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ToursIran Manzel Tour (16 Days)

Iran Manzel Tour (16 Days)

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Before the invention of car how do people travel? And except trading for what reasons did they travel?

Manzel tour is a real experience of travelling of eastern people before the invention of cars. Hundred years ago Iranians traveled through forests and deserts by camels and horses. In this tour you will experience a one day travelling by camel.

 

Day 1: Arriving Tehran & visiting

Upon your pre-dawn arrival in Tehran airport, you will be cordially received by our representative carrying our logo show card (transfer information) who will direct and transfer you to your hotel. You will have time to rest and relax before our morning tour of Tehran commences. Tehran, a modern megalopolis, prides itself in having unique museums with immense and unrivaled collections and artifacts dating from the earliest onset of history to the present era.

Our tour begins with a trip to the Archeological Museum, one of the rare places in the world where we will have the special opportunity to visit and experience the “evolution of mankind” through the marvelous display of historical relics.

Next on the agenda is our very much-awaited chance to savor the distinctive flavor of Iranian cuisine. Lunch will be set in an exquisite traditional Iranian restaurant where we will sample a wide range of delightful Persian dishes and desserts.

Afterwards, we will visit a world of jewels in a priceless Crown Jewels Museum one of which is one of the two greatest diamonds, Darya-e-Noor (sea of light).

At the end of the day, we will get a chance to see a variety of Persian hand-woven carpets and rugs in the Carpet Museum which houses more than 100 spectacular pieces from all over Iran. On top of that, we will also be given an insight into the history of these carpets. Stay overnight in Tehran.

Attention: The priority in sightseeing may be changed due to the time of your arrival, preference of your guide and also official and unofficial holidays of some museums.

Day 2: Visiting Tehran, Fly to Boushehr & transfer to hotel

A morning visit to Sa'ad Abad Complex with an immense area of 1,100,000 square meters and 18 magnificent historical palaces (2 of which we will visit). This palace was built by Pahlavi dynasty and it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on us. And our Tehran excursion will end at the Ceramic Museum where we will be able to witness its construction with glorious ancient archaeology. Then we leave the hotel for a tasty Iranian lunch in a traditional restaurant. Afterwards we will transfer to the airport for the flight to Boushehr and transfer to hotel. Stay overnight in Boushehr.

 

Day 3: in the Morning visiting Boushehr, at evening drive 304 km. to Shiraz, on the way visiting Bishapour & Chogan strait

In the morning we will visit Boushehr port which is near the Persian Gulf and has hospitable people. This city is the origin of Dashti Music which has high impression. Among the attractions of Bushehr we can mention Coasts of Bushehr, seasonal bazaars, and remaining historical relics of different times. we will also see the beauties of the Persian Gulf.

Afternoon we move toward Shiraz. En route we will visit Bishapoor which is an ancient city situated south of modern Faliyan, on the ancient road between Persis and Elam. The road linked the Sassanid capitals Istakhr (very close to Persepolis) and Ctesiphon.

The next marvelous step will be Tang –e- Chogan which is a valley with a running river at north of Ancient city of Bishapour. There are 6 giant rock cravings on walls telling the story of Roman Empire defeat by Sassanid king, Shapour II (309 379) and also king Bahram II (276–293) conquering Arabs and rebels.

At night we arrive in Shiraz and transfer to hotel. Stay overnight in Shiraz.

 

Day 4: Visiting Shiraz

Shiraz has a reputation as an enlightened city that has been at the centre of Persian culture for more than 2,000 years, and was at one time the country's capital.

Shiraz is crowned as the heartland of Persian culture and this city of sophistication will never fail to conjure up images of roses and nightingales, gardens and poetry. Early in the morning, relish in the highlights of Shiraz when it was the capital of Iran during the Zand Dynasty. Be inspired by the glorious Karim Khan palace, the splendid Vakil mosque, Vakil Bazaar and Saray-e-moshir with its splendid architecture and interesting ethnic souvenir shops, Nasir Almolk mosque.  Next, we will stop for a mouth-watering Iranian lunch at one of the traditional restaurants of Shiraz.

This gorgeous city in the province of Fars is home to famous poets such as Hafez and Sa'adi and historical sites from different eras stretching back 6,000 years ago can be found. Hafez is one of great poets who impressed everyone with his mastery. His poems give us a special feeling and the peace in his tomb is really outstanding. Sa’adi is a poet, philosopher and mystic who is known as the father of a alternative tourist. About seven previous centuries he travelled to different countries and cities. Then he collected all his experiences in verse and Rhyme prose in two books named Boustan and Golestan. These two books give you Lots of inspiration and information. We will get a chance to pay homage to tombs of these great poets. 

  In the evening, we will visit Ali-Ebn-e-Hamzeh and be prepared to marvel at its beauties. Take a stroll through the Jahan Nama Garden and witness its tall and proud cedars. Finally visit the Delgosha Garden and Khajoy-e-Kermani tomb from where the perspective of the mysterious city of Shiraz will perpetuate in our mind.

At night have dinner in a restaurant with specific atmosphere in the north of Shiraz. Stay overnight in Shiraz.

 

Day 5: having an excursion to Persepolis & Necropolis

Our excursion for Today is Persepolis. Founded by Darius I in 518 B.C., Persepolis was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire. It was built on an immense half-artificial, half-natural terrace, where the king of kings created an impressive palace complex inspired by Mesopotamian models. The importance and quality of the monumental ruins make it a unique archaeological site. It seems that Darius planned this impressive complex of palaces not only as the seat of government but also, and primarily, as a show place and a spectacular centre for the receptions and festivals of the Achaemenid kings and their empire such as Nowroz.

The next is Necropolis. Opposite the mountain of Rahmat, ten minutes driving to the north, proudly stands the Necropolis, the magnificent burial place of Achaemenid kings. The site also provides seven bas-reliefs dating back to Elamite and Sassanid period. Stay overnight in Shiraz.

 

Day 6: driving 485 km to Isfahan, on the way visit Pasargadae & Izad khast

Move toward Isfahan. On the way we will have a few short stops in Pasargadae to visit the most important and majestic monuments there. The tomb of Cyrus the Great, the originator and the great founder of Achaemanian Emperor, (500 years BC) is the oldest historical tomb. The wonderful architecture of his tomb, the huge fertile land over there beside the brave personality of Cyrus the Great impressed the visitors. This Archeological environment was the worshiping place for the followers of several religions and still it is so. Followed by the relief of the winged man and get familiar with its historical elucidations some researchers gave specific theories regarding the relation between personality of Cyrus the Great and one of the prophets of Holy Book. By visiting this majestic tomb you can give us your personal comment about it.

 

Next we reach the Complex of Izadkhast which is located in the Fars Province of Iran, roughly 135 km south of Esfahan. The complex consists of Izadkhast Castle, a caravanserai, and a Safavid-period bridge. The castle structure is of particular interest due to the different architectural styles incorporated into the construction of the building, including Sassanid and Qajar periods. Indeed, the architecture of the castle is unique to Izadkhast, and only comparisons in building materials can be made to other sites in the region. Arriving Isfahan and transfer to the hotel.

 

Day 7: Visiting Isfahan

Isfahan, the legendary city which never fails to enchant its visitors, is the pearl of traditional Islamic archeology. This city is revived by the works of contemporary artists. Isfahan prides itself in having fascinating historical garden palaces.  Legend has it that the city was founded at the time of Tahmoures or Keykavous and because of its glories has been entitled “Half the World”. Our full day tour includes the famed Imam Square (Naqsh-e-Jahan), a huge square second in the world to Beijing's Tiananmen Square. Tour the architectural marvels of Sheikh Lotfollah and Imam Mosques, Aliqapu Palace, Chehel Sutoon and Hasht Behesht Palaces, and also visit one of the most famous bazaars in Iran, where we can purchase the arts & crafts for which Isfahan is so well renowned. Stay overnight in Isfahan.

 

Day 8: Visiting Isfahan

Isfahan’s Jame' mosque holds in itself the passage of several centuries of historical Islamic evolution. This mosque is a gallery of Islamic architecture in which the progress of the architecture from the outset of Islam till recent times is evident. Then we will visit Vank Church which is one of the most beautiful Armenian churches in the world and will undoubtedly capture the attention of every Christian. Our day will conclude with a visit to Monar Jomban, the tomb of a Sufi with its shaking minarets and some historical bridges. Evening is free at leisure. Stay overnight in Isfahan.

 

 

Day 9: Driving to Zeinoddin on the way visiting Meybod

Today we will move toward Zeinoddin via Meybod. Meybod is a major desert city in Yazd Province which is an ancient city goes back to pre-Islamic era and, hence, is home to many ancient monuments. We will visit Narin Ghal’e, one of the oldest castles in Iran which dates back to the Sassanid era. Chaparkhaneh and Abbasi Caravansaries are some other historical buildings of this city.

Afterward we will reach Zeinoddin, a Safavid Caravanserai in the heart of desert which is restored in the best way possible and got 2 awards from UNESCO in 2005 and 2006.

 

Day 10: Moving from Zeinoddin to Sar yazd by camel (one Manzel)

Before the invention of car and development of ways, camel was the only transportation mean. Old Iranians passed the distance between cities following a group named Caravan. The places which was designed for the staying of Caravans, called Caravanserai.

In old Iran, every Caravan, go through 33 km every day and usually there was a Caravanserai after each 33 km, in which people stay overnight there and do their business. People name this 33 K.M distance a "Manzel".

Furthermore the Caravanserais was the place where people of different cities and races become familiar and exchange their culture.

Now with the help of a group of people who are interested in history and culture of Iran, two Caravanserais named Zeinoddin Caravanserai and Sar Yazd Caravanserai was reconstructed. Moreover you can see the sample caravans in the distance between these two caravanserais. This situation makes a special chance to travel through desert in a way which was before the invention of car. This day you will exceed a Manzel from Zeinoddin to Sar Yazd by camel. Stay overnight in historical Sar Yazd Caravanserai.

 

Day 11: Transfer to Yazd, Visiting

Yazd, the oldest adobe city in the world which is surrounded by the 4000m summit of Shirkooh and two majestic deserts of Iran, Dasht-e-Kavir and Kavir-e-Loot. This ancient city is furnished with mosques of stunning beauty. The co-existence of the splendid fire temples and the holy sites of different religions astonish every visitor.

 

After transfer to hotel in Yazd, we will start Today’s tour which includes visiting Dakhmeh (tower of silence, where Zoroastrians leave the dead corpse to be eaten by vultures). The Zoroastrian fire temples are the next steps which come under three categories in terms of importance: Dadgah fire that is lit at residence and has no consecration ceremony. It is lit by the Zoroastrian priests, but ordinary people could light it too. We will get a breath-taking perspective of the oldest adobe city.

 

Day 12: driving to ferdows, on the way enjoy the beauties of Dasht-e-Kavir

Ferdows is one of the villages beside desert with the hospitable citizens. These hospitable people have a tradition, which they built their house in two parts. One part is dedicated for the people of the house and the other part is just built and dedicated for guests. 

The door of the house was opened to that part which was built for guests and at night they kindly host their guests at their home. Stay overnight in one of these houses and enjoy the pleasant taste of hospitability. At nights for the convenience of guests the door of houses is open and a lamp is turnning on there. This is the special hospitality of desert people.

Day 13: driving to Mashhad, visiting Gonabad

Head for Mashhad. En route we will visit Gonabad. After that we will drive to Gonabad via Ferdous. Gonabad is a city and sub-province in the province of Razavi Khorasan.

 Furthermore, in Gonabad we will visit some famous Khanghahs (Sufi Monastery), since this town is considered as the center of Sufism. Stay overnight in Gonabad.

 

 

 

 

Day 14: visiting Mashhad

Keep our eyes await of visiting a golden dome which is the reason of the people who traveled several months on foot or on horses or camels. They considered this piece of land, undoubtedly, their paradise and utopia, so carried all their wishes and pains there. Of course if we are not an Iranian, we cannot experience this great feeling, unless we travel in this direction and completely visit the customs and feel the influence of this holy place. In Mashhad we will visit Imam Reza Shrine. Stay overnight in Mashhad.

 

 

 

Day 15: visiting Mashhad, fly to Tehran

Mashhad is a city where the Shiite Imam Reza was martyred and thus is an important site for Shiite Muslim Pilgrims. This huge complex is the first holy shrine in Iran.
we will enjoy a full day city tour in Mashhad (Imam Reza Holy Shrine, Ferdosi Tomb, Nader Shah Museum). After visiting the holy shrine we will head to Tus to visit the tomb of Ferdosi, the great epic poet of 10th AD century. Ferdosi has written Shahnameh (literally "Letter of King"), the great epic in which the stories of Rostam and Sohrab are skillfully described. This book is as great as Iliad and Odyssey of Homer in western literature. After that we will visit Harounieh, a nice structure with unknown function in the old times. Again we will have a night visit to the holy shrine of Imam Reza and see the people who are praying in a sacred place. Fly to Tehran.

 

Day 16: departure Iran

Depart Iran the land of warmth and hospitality with fond memories. 

 

Tour Services:

1. 16 days experienced English speaking guide

2. 17 nights in 2&3* hotels

3. Transportation

4. Domestic flights

5. Breakfast and lunch

6. All entrance fees

7. Invitation letter for Iran visa

8. Transfer by guide

9. Special offers