Western & Central Iran Tour (26 Days)

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A memorable anthropology tour in the western and central Iran

Overview

Itinerary

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FAQ

Overview

Western Iran is mostly covered by Zagros mountain range and includes the provinces of Azarbaijan, Kurdistan, Kermanshah, Lorestan, Khuzestan and are home to different Iranian peoples with their own regional languages, dialects and cultures.

Central Iran consists of the southern slopes of the Alborz Mountains in the north, the Zagros Mountains in west, the central Iranian mountain range, and the desert of Dasht-e Kavir.

When it comes to “Iranian peoples,” the term “Iranian” may be assumed in two ways. It is, first of all, a linguistic grouping, intended to label any society which inherited or took, and transmitted, an Iranian language. The set of Iranian-speaking peoples is thus considered a kind of unity, in spite of their distinct lineage identities plus all the factors which may have further differentiated any one group’s sense of self.

This anthropology Iran tour not only takes you to see natural beauties of Iran but also aids you to discover Iran’s anthropological attractions.

STARTS : Tehran

ENDS : Tehran

AGE RANGE : 3-99

MAX GROUP SIZE : 12

TRAVEL STYLE : Anthropology, Historical

ACCOMMODATION : Middle class or luxury hotels based on request

TRANSPORTATION : based on request

The tour includes

Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVE TEHRAN

After your arrival in Tehran, you will be met by our representative for the transfer to your hotel. The morning is at your leisure to relax. After lunch, begin your tour of Tehran. Visit the Crown Jewels Museum with its impressive collection of precious gems and dazzling works of art. Continue on to Sa'dabad Palace and the Museum of Reza Abbasi, named after the most famous miniaturist of Safavid era. The museum, opened in 1977, exhibits artifacts dating back to prehistoric and Islamic periods, and is particularly rich in calligraphy.

Day 2: RASHT

Depart by surface to Rasht, the capital city of Gilan province.This city is situated in a vast plain at a distance of 30 km from the Caspian Sea in the slopes of the northern Alborz Mountain Range. The Caspian Sea province of Gilan is one of the most picturesque areas of Iran. Those unfamiliar with Iran, are often startled to find a lush, semi-tropical jungle area in which tea and rice are grown. You will have the chance to enjoy the city during the day.

Day 3: MASOULEH

You will have a full day tour in this thousand-year-old village which resembles an anthropological and architectural museum. Masouleh is located 60 km southwest of Rasht and 25km west of Fooman in the western most part of Gilan Province. Even though Masouleh is close to the Caspian Sea, but it is 1,050 meters above sea level. The difference between the highest and lowest points in the village itself is 100 meters. The architectural style of the homes in Masouleh is stair shaped and is remarkable. They are continuous and uninterrupted and have been built in the heart of the mountain. A very interesting point about the homes in Masouleh is that courtyards and roofs are basically meaningless and do not serve their traditional roles and instead serve as pedestrian areas for passersby just like a street would.

Day 4: GILAN

Your full day city tour in Gilan includes visits to public places such as mosques, schools, universities and bazaars to be in close relation with the people of this region. You will also have the chance to visit the holy shrines and the fields in Gilan to become familiar with Gilaki people.

Day 5: TABRIZ

Move toward Tabriz and visit Oromiyeh on our route.

Day 6: TABRIZ

Tabriz has been the capital city of Iran on numerous times throughout the old history of this country. Tabriz is located in a valley to the north of the beautiful Mount Sahand. The valley opens out into a plain that slopes down gently to the northern end of Lake Oromiyeh, about 60 km to the west. You will be in touch with the Tabrizi people in public places such as schools, universities and bazaar. Old Bazaar of Tabriz is one of the most well known bazaars of Iran. The architecture of this bazaar is very popular in the Middle East. There are great number of shops, arcades, mosques and schools in this place, which make it an excellent trade center. You will also have a half day city tour in Tabriz to visit Jame Mosque, citadel of Tabriz, blue mosque (Masjil-e Kabud), Elgoli and Golestân Gardens.

Day 7: KANDOVAN VILLAGE

It is located in a cold mountainous area at 50 km. south of Tabriz and on the slopes of Sahand Mountain. It is very cold for about 9 months of the year. The interesting point about this village is the shape of the mountains with the small cave like spaces that people are using for living. You will enjoy becoming familiar with the people living in this village of Azerbaijan.

Day 8: HAMADAN

Drive to Hamadan and visiting the Turk and Kurd people reside in the villages on our way . One of the oldest continually inhabited towns in the world, formerly known in Greek during the Median Empire as "Ecbatana" meaning "place of assembly". It later became the summer capital of the Achaemenian Empire and was host to some of the greatest scholars and thinkers of its day. Tour the mausoleums of the philosopher/mathematician Ibn Sina (Avicenna), and Baba Taher. Also, visit the Sang Shir (the Stone Lion) resting in the central square. The Dervish Monastery of Gonbad-e-Alavian dates from the twelfth century and is noted for its brilliant stucco designs. Later, tour the shrine of Esther & Mordecai, the most important Jewish pilgrimage site in Iran. A Jewish presence in Hamadan remains today.

Day 9: HAMADAN

You will have another half day city tour in Hamadan. In the afternoon you will visit the famous Ali Sadr Cave. It is about 100 Km (60 miles) northwest of Hamadan.The caves up to 40m high (132ft) were discovered in 1970s. In the caves there are several huge lakes with clear water up to 8m (26.4 ft) deep. The water level of the lakes change from 50-100 cm (20-40 in). You can see the water fluctuations by the markings left on the rock surface. Nothing lives in the water or the caves.

Day 10: KERMANSHAH

Drive to Kermanshah and have a tour in this city. In the afternoon you will visit the mosque and monastery in Kermanshah.

Day 11: KERMANSHAH-KHORRAM ABAD

To become more familiar with the local people of Kermanshah, you will be taken to the public centers such as schools, universities and bazaars. Leave Kermanshah to Khorrab Abad (becoming familiar with Kurd people).

Day 12: KHORRAM ABAD Khorram Abad

is a city in western Iran, located in the Zagros Mountains, and capital of the province of Luristan. Khorram Abad is a market center for the farm products of the region and an industrial center manufacturing synthetic fibers and processed foods. Khorram Abad is one of the world's oldest inhabited cities for which there is archaeological evidence. You will become familiar with the local custom and traditions of the Lor resident in Luristan province.

Day 13: AHVAZ

Leave by surface to Ahvaz. On the way you will visit Susa, Shushtar and Choqa Zanbil.

Day 14: AHVAZ

In the Sassanid era, Ahvaz enjoyed glory and prosperity. Since Ahvaz lies close to the sea, it is one of the most prominent cities as regards commerce and trade. Ahvaz has experienced many tragic events during the course of history. Regional uprising and attacks by foreign forces have often caused heavy damages to this city. You will become familiar with passionate people of Ahvaz and visit the mosque, university and special houses of employers of the Oil Company in Ahvaz.

Day 15: AHVAZ-SHIRAZ

Depart by surface to Shiraz. On the way you will visit the oil wells, Sarab Bahram in Bishapour and Tang-e Chogan.

Day 16: SHIRAZ

One of the highlights of any tour of Iran is a visit to Shiraz and to neighboring Persepolis, the capital of Darius. Shiraz is traditionally known as the city of Roses and Nightingales, but has become known in recent times as a seat of intellectual learning. It was home to Sa'di and Hafez, the famed Persian poets, and is considered the cradle of Persian Civilization. You will enjoy a half day tour with visits to the Eram Garden, the tombs of the Persian poets Saadi and Hafiz, Nasirol-Molk Mosque, the Church of Saint Simon the Zealot, Vakil Mosque, and the Shrine of Shah-Cheragh "King of Light", noted for its dazzling mirror tiles. In the afternoon, you will visit the university, schools and the bazarras in Shiraz.

Day 17: KAZEROUN-FIRUZ ABAD-FARRASH BAND

You will visit the three marvelous cities of Kazeroun, Firuz Abad and Farash Band to enjoy spending your time with the nomads.

Day 18: EXCURSION TO KOOHANJAN

You will move toward Koohanjan, one of the rural villages near Shiraz. Koohanjan is the city of old trees, fresh springs and traditional buildings. You will have the chance to spend a night in a local house there to become familiar with an Iranian rural family. You can take photo with the village people and become familiar with their lifestyle, believes and traditions.

Day 19: SHIRAZ-PERSEPOLIS Persepolis

which in Greek literally means the capital of Persia, lies 36 miles north of Shiraz. Persepolis is the last and 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 2,500 years ago. Spend a half day exploring these mighty ruins. Today's tour also include the Kuh-i-Rehmat, Nagsh-e-Rustam (Tomb of Rustam) and Nagsh-e-Rajab. Fly to Isfahan in the afternoon.

Day 20: ISFAHAN

Isfahan is a wonder. Truly a city of splendor, legend has it that the city was founded at the time of Tahmourass or Keykavous. During the Safavid Era (sixteenth and seventeenth century AD), Isfahan was a city of Gardens and Palaces. As a major trade center of its time, Isfahan's was known as "Half the World." Your 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 Palace, and also visit one of the most famous bazaars in Iran, where you can purchase the arts & crafts for which Isfahan is so well renowned.

Day 21: ISFAHAN

You will be given the chance to become familiar with people in Isfahan by visiting the public centers in this city.

Day 22: EXCURSION TO SHAHR-E KURD

You will have a full day excursion tour to Shahr-e Kurd to become familiar with the Bakhtiari nomads, their lifestyle and traditions.

Day 23: ABYANEH

Move toward Abyaneh and on the way you will also visit Natanz and Kashan. Abyaneh is one of Kashan's famous nearby village. You will stay in the historical village of Abyaneh overnight and have the chance to become familiar with the culture and traditions of its people.

Day 24: ABYANEH-TEHRAN

This morning you will have the chance to visit Abyaneh and in the afternoon you will move toward Tehran.

Day 25: TEHRAN

Embark on a morning tour to the Golestân Palace, known as the "Rose Garden". Constructed as a residence during the Qajar Dynasty, the Palace complex offers an oasis of silence and shade in the heart of Tehran. The last two Pahlavi Kings coronation ceremonies were held in the Palace, and much of its former splendor is on display. Your final afternoon in Tehran is dedicated to going to the movie and you will enjoy an Iranian drink in a Coffee Shop.

Day 26: DEPART TEHRAN

This morning transfer to the airport for your departing international flight.