Taste Persia by embarking on a journey of cooking traditions and rich art of cuisine, where tourists experience typical Persian dishes not only in restaurants but also in local dwellings, to gain better knowledge that how Persian culinary reflect different cultural trends. Persian chefs shows foodies local cookery crafts with hands-off instructions to allow them to learn a new skill and bite authentic recipes in local classes to create a powerful memory. Embracing Persian cuisine quench tourists thirsts for royal foods such as Beef and meat kebabs, nomadic eats like stews and tribal dishes such as Ash, also discovering how the combination of herbs, fruits and flavourings tastes heaven in Persian gastronomy.
On the time of arrival at IKA Airport, our representative will welcome you with Logo show card and guiding you to exit the airport to the hotel. Leave pressure of flight under the shower and relax before the tour of Tehran treasures. Tehran, as the most modern city and capital of Iran which clearly shows the classical and modern combination of Persian culture is located on the south of Alborz mountain range. Damavand, the highest Summit of Iran is a heroic symbol of Tehran, also the city embraces cultural & natural landscapes with brilliant glory of palaces and distinctive museums.
Before Check-in and having a rest we visit Azadi Tower as a symbol of Modern Tehran and the contemporary national gate of Iran, after that, we walk through Laleh park to Carpet museum, where shines for the collection of Persian carpets since 1500 years ago to now, soon after we reach Contemporary Art Museum to indulge ourselves to expand our knowledge about Persian Modern Arts and the most valuable collection of western art out of Europe and America bypassing the park, after that gathering together with leaders and fellow travellers to have a brief about the tour.
Overnight Tehran, (D).
Azadi Tower is a contemporary architectural masterpiece with an ancient Sassanid style to connect history with the modern era in Tehran.
Today we begin with Sa’ad Abad Complex which is located in Darband area at the footage of Alborz mountain range with green atmosphere and very pleasant weather, so proves itself as a royal resident for two dynasties from Qajar to Pahlavi in past two decades. Sa’ad Abad embraces palaces, museums and galleries which depicts Persia contemporary era in detail, then we feel spirituality in Tehran holiest shrine in Tajrish (Imamzadeh Saleh), where is so close to the old Tajrish Bazaar, to have further knowledge about the traditional style of Persian daily life, also we explore the bazaar to experience old shops filled with herbs and flavourings and deepen our knowledge of how Persian take fresh ingredients to help their cooking techniques flourish better, then we get ready to join the cookery workshop in a historical mansion of Shemiran area to taste delicious Persian food in the north part of Tehran.
Overnight Tehran, (B,L,D).
Tajrish Bazaar is a very distinctive local bazaar in the northern part of the capital depicting traditional kinds with a very attractive vegetable spot.
Exploring the historical region of Tehran starts with Golestan Palace as a royal complex with over 400 years old as a brilliant and historical monuments of Tehran, which is decorated with peculiar ornaments such as tiling, mirror-works and paintings, surpassed the four kings who crowned in its majesty and now distinguished itself as a Unesco World Heritage, soon after taking a walk to overlook Tehran Grand Bazaar, a roofed up building with old-time architecture of passages and pathways which leave you in a puzzle as a cultural end economic center in downtown of Tehran, after that (Sat to Tue 14:30 to 16:30) walking to Treasury of National Museum (National Jewelry Museum), where shines for the beauty of the diamonds, jewels and illustrious royal heritages, to feel kingdom excellency, in the evening (if National Jewelry Museum was closed) we keep traveling deep into Persia by visiting Iran National Museum as a cradle of Persia tale that holds archaeological collections in two separate structures; Ancient Iran Museum and Museum of Islamic Period to present you with culture, art and history of Iran. Today we enjoy mouthwatering Persian dishes close to the historical region of Tehran where you smell the most popular restaurants with their unique menu including different kinds of Kebabs especially Kobideh and stews such as Qormeh-sabzi, also we take a walk in the central region of Tehran to reach an area where is so famous for the Persian Street foods.
Qazvin, a city with 9000 years of civilization, where is located on the way of Silk Road, proves its significance to be announced as the capital of the country in different periods. Alamut Castle is the prominent legacy of the city besides Sa’d al-Saltaneh Caravanserai which is the biggest urban caravanserai in Persia.
We embark on a full-day visits to Qazvin, Chehel Sotun Pavillion is built during the reign of Shah Tahmasp Safavid as a royal palace at the centre of the city when he announced Qazvin as the capital of Iran. The building was reconstructed during Qajar Dynasty and now is used as Calligraphy museum, after that taking a walk to Four Prophet Mausoleum, belonging to four Jewish prophets, who people believed to have a message of Jesus Christ birth to East, the structure is built during Safavid era with a decoration of stucco relief and Quranic inscription, then walking to Safavid Garden & Complex as a historical area with edifices from Safavid, Afsharid and Qajar dynasties which was built during Shah Tahmasp as the centre of the government.
As Qazvin is a city close to the rice cultivation regions in the north part of Persia and the capital, where Safavid kings started governing the country with their especial royal gastronomy that mostly included rice and beef, so Qazvin is not only known as the Persian Culinary Capital, but also famous for the cooking art of jewelled rice meals such as Morasa Polow. Being amazed with such colourful garnished rice dish energized us to join the culinary workshop to see how local cook flavour and colour these eats with herbs, fruits and flavourings such as Saffron in one of the most traditional houses of Qazvin.
Overnight Qazvin, (B,L,D)
Morasa Polow is a tasty polow-dish garnished with saffron, pistachio, and herbs as a jeweled rice main course.
Today, we start our tour by walking to the majesty of Qajar Dynasty that is with no doubt the best preserved caravanserai in Persia, Sa’d al-Saltaneh Caravanserai as the largest urban one in its kind. The architecture consists of Iwan, Hojre (Travelers room), Dome and courtyards to provide a relaxing atmosphere for travellers and traders, soon after we visit Cantor Church, a Russian Orthodox Church which is built by Russian engineers who came to Persia for road construction more than 100 years ago, after that we visit Qajar Bathhouse, a famous kind of Persian bath which depicts the culture of gathering and bathing during Safavid Dynasty, which is renovated in Qajar era, then as Qazvin is one of the most important grape centres in Persia as a reason of many grape gardens where locals produce grape sour juice, raisins and grape drinks (sherbat), also the most important products out of those gardens is vinegar that is mostly used in culinary art as an acidic and flavorful ingredient, so we join a local class to learn the costumes and traditions of vinegar production, also the tour hosts tourists in another workshop which demonstrates one of the incredible Persian Speciality dining experience cooking techniques to give travellers better details about the province culinary art and Qeyme-nesa.Overnight Tabriz, (B,L,D).
Qeyme-nesa is a special kind of Qeyme in Qazvin which is cooked out of rice, almonds and fried onions garnished with barberry and saffron.
Gilan as the capital of Persia culinary art is located alongside of Caspian see at the side of Alborz mountain range with a humid subtropical climate demonstrates itself as a city with cultural diversities among Gilak, Rashti, Taleshi and Azerbaijani residents. The city is close to Hyrcanian forests as a World Heritage Site which dates back to 35-40 million years ago, also the homeland of rich customary beliefs and social forms such as language, gastronomy, music, clothe and every-day rural lifestyle.
Our tour passes through Rodbar and Manjil county where are the olive production centre of Iran, so tourists will have the opportunity to have a farm to table experience about olive cultivation and nurturing.
Gilan plays an important role in the safeguarding of rural lifestyles in Persia as most of the province population live in rural areas alongside the Caspian Sea and Alborz mountain range in their distinctive dwellings, so our tour takes an excursion to Gilan Rural Heritage Museum to gain a better understanding about village residents of Hyrcanian Forests on the way to Masouleh, also having a cooking class for Gilaki gourmet food in a natural scenery close to the Rural Heritage Museum to feel the atmosphere of cookery art of a local in their shelters, then our tour continues with a visit to a tea wetland farm and factory to experience customs of English tea production in Persia.
Masouleh village is a characteristic settlement in Foman county with extraordinary beauty, which lies ahead in the brown exterior design of houses including woody windows decorated with flowerpots filled with colourful blossoms, to prove distinctive architecture in which courtyard of a house is the roof of another.
Overnight Masouleh, (B,L,D).
Baghali ghatogh is a Gilaki recipe served with Kateh (Persian rice dish) garnished with the stew which is cooked out of favs beans, egg and dill and flavoured with garlic and pepper.
Our tour is devoted to culinary art and natural sceneries in Masouleh environment where is filled with responsive lifestyle to nature in terms of rural structures, herbal cuisines, cheese, clothe and folkloric customs and traditions, also we organize mountain cuisine and diary local classes to discover more about Gilaki dishes such as Sour Chicken, Sour Kebabs and Mirza-ghasemi as the village is located in a province which is inscribed as UNESCO creative network cities because of identifying gastronomy.
Overnight Masouleh, (B,L,D).
Sour Chicken as a Gilaki food is spiced with salt and pepper and flavored with saffron, walnut, and yogurt to become well-grilled and taste sour in Gilan.
Sarein county is located alongside Zagros mountain range with picturesque landscapes and fruitful gardens in Ardabil province. Sarein is the land of natural hot springs with a relaxing and calm atmosphere to have massage and spa baths where brings you wellness and immersive experiences with health and well-being at high agenda. Traditional and modern pools with diverse treatments including private changing room cabins confirm the privacy, also aromatherapy massage could be asked in some spots, also we discover a kind of Azerbaijan nomadic hand-weave carpet called Jajim which is a type of Persian Kilim. Jajim is a model of colourful Persian rug made out of wool or silk to wrap beddings with more than two and a half meters length and twenty mm width. Besides, as we are close to Sabalan preserving area, where is famous for the natural products, Honey Qotab as a local snack tastes very different from what tourists expect, then we find more about food sustainability in Sabalan area beehives farms by touching the hard work of locals who produce honey.
Overnight Sarein, (B,L,D).
Honey Qotab is a popular Azeri snack with rich ingredients such as honey, walnut, flour and cardamon which is flavoured by saffron and rosewater to be bitten by tea as an evening meal.
Ardabil is the motherland of Safi-ad-din Ardabili, who is the founder of Safavieh order that shaped the root of Safavid Ideology in their dynasty, also the city is rich in cultural and spiritual evidences. Ardabil established its brand for hot springs and natural landscapes, also for handicrafts especially silk carpets and rugs.
Today is devoted to Safavid Dynasty Foundation by visiting Safi-ad-din Ardabili Tomb, who is Murshid of Sufism and his beliefs and ideology created Safaviyya credence in Persia. The Complex includes Khanghah, Mosque and courtyard which shoes different aspects of Sufism. Besides, we experience Persian butchery in a land of livestock where thousands of hectares are dedicated to cow & sheep to graze for meat and dairy production, then we enjoy the most traditional Persian food which is named Dizi that include meat, beans, tomatoes, and spices with Sangak bread for lunch to enjoy a Persian Comfort food.
Overnight Sarein, (B,L,D)
Dizi is the most traditional Persian food with tasty stories behind as a historical rural culinary cooked with villagers and farmers by building fires and stirring meat, tomatoes and beans flavouring with salt and pepper.
Tabriz is the most significant region in historic Azerbaijan area in terms of culture, industry, modernity and handicrafts, also agriculture plays an important rule in the development of the city. Tabriz history gained a huge impression from Safavid and Qajar dynasties as a centre of Turkish tribes, so most of the monuments and attractions prove cultural, architectural and customs and traditions of the mentioned royal families also are known as the world Carpet Weaving City.
Today our exploration will include natural sceneries of Sabalan inactive volcanic peak which amaze us with green lands and picturesque view of mountains and valleys where fruit gardens shine like a diamond on the way to Tabriz and let us learn more about Persian original fruits and how local dry, cook and preserve them to use in their cooking art, then we reach El Goli Garden which is decorated with a large artificial pond and a mansion in the east of Tabriz city. Tabriz is home to Azeri gastronomy in the north part of Persian with diverse cookery arts which not only include different kinds of meat-vegetable combination such as Kufta or Dolma but also baking of various types of breads such as Barbari.
Overnight Tabriz, (B,L,D).
Koofteh Tabrizi could be an incredible representative of Tabriz food art which is combined with vegetables, nuts, and rice and sour or spicy additives to be considered as a main dish.
Our exploration continues with Kandovan village, where people built their cone-shaped home in volcanic rocks to verify human integration with wild nature in the hillside of Sahand mountain. The unbelievable village lifestyle in cave-like houses amazes visitors with identifying architecture that shows how locals have been living with ancient customs in the modern era. Purchase handicrafts in local settlements to experience alive Kandovan lifestyle, walk through the rocky pathways to enjoy the mesmerizing environment of the Kandovan Village, after that tasting Azeri Ashe Doogh gourmet cooking in a local class immersed in rural lifestyle in Kandovan atmosphere to sync ourselves better with the way people live, also experiencing homemade confectionary as Nogha which provides us with a better understanding of Azeri coronary arts in the north-west part of Persia, then we wander at Tabriz Grand Bazaar (Tabriz Historic Bazaar) with its spectacular structure that includes many sub-Bazaars as the largest roofed one in the world, which confirmed itself as a cultural, economical and political centre of the city since Safavid Dynasty to present era.
Overnight Tabriz, (B,L,D).
Ashe doogh is a very special Azeri food which looks like soup but tastes heavier as it is mostly cooked out of meat, beans, vegetable and yoghurt flavouring with herbs and spices such as salt.
Zanjan is a pre-historic region in the Turkish area of Persia that is famous for its agricultural products such as seedless grapes and handicrafts like Malileh and Knives. Zanjan is one of the most happiest Province in Iran with a dreamy view of natural inland sceneries and organic ingredients which flourish culinary art.
Our tour continues with touching natural landscapes on the way to Zanjan and visiting Rakhtshooy Khaneh, where people used to wash their clothing in, as a distinctive ideology for constructing a building to provide a secure place for women and keeping them safe from coldness, soon after we experience Saltmen Museum to amaze with six dead bodies from 2500 years ago found in a salt mine, also tourists visit very unique shops which shows them how worldly known Zanjan knives are made by artistry work of Zanjan Knifemakers to produce sharp blade, durable and diverse models of knives with decorated sea shell, wood or ivory handle, then join a workshop to learn better about Malileh (filigree) as an intangible UNESCO world heritage which looks like goldsmithing out of copper or silver to create a chain of stripes to make pieces of jewellery such as rings and earrings, next in order of time we discover how traditional Persian utensil and tableware are made out of copper, zinc and cast iron in the capital of such industry in Persian as Persian believe that those mineral materials add healing features to foods.
Overnight Zanjan, (B,L,D).
Photo: Persian utensil
Zanjan is a city of mines and handicrafts, so many experts craft Persian utensil out of raw materials such as copper or iron to provide technical cookery instruments for local and traditional chef.
Kurdistan is a mountainous region full of rivers, waterfalls and glaciers, where is called the peak of Iran. The present district of Kurdistan is mostly populated with Kurdish people, also Kurdistan is the homeland of Aryans who migrated to central plateau of Persia. On the way to Kurdistan, we have an excursion to Dome of Soltaniyeh, a well -known structure in terms of architecture and spirituality which is also Tomb of Oljeitu, built during Mongol Dynasty (Ilkhanid) in Persia. It is the largest brick dome with 49 tons weight and the third one in its kind after Florence Cathedral and Hagia Sophia in the world, then we taste a rare kind of gum which is chewed by Persians and called Saqqez because of its healing effects on body health as it is extracted from a very special tree with a unique traditional process, then by reaching Kurdistan, local Kurdish mouthwatering foods are awaiting us to taste meat-based culinary.
Overnight Kurdistan, (B,L,D).
Saqqez is a kind of good edible oil obtained from small wild pistachios trees or Saqqez fruits by making cuts in trunks to extract Saqqez to have a herbal gum to chew.
We begin our today tour by walking inside a mansion which is built around 200 years ago to gain more ideas about Kurdish lifestyle and building decoration in the highland area of Persia. Khosro Abad mansion with unique design in heart of a historical complex shines as an architectural masterpiece in the centre of Sanandaj city, soon after we drive to Uranamant village to have a spectacular view of a fresh-air landscape built on a slope of Zagros mountain range hill in deep integration with nature to show the distinguishing lifestyle in the western region of Persia. Exploring long-aged customs and traditions including culinary art, clothe and language is an identifying character of the villagers, then having a workshop of Kurdish speciality dining experience cooking techniques in food such as Baghali Polow and Ashe Tarkhineh will flourish our minds about Persian cookery culture and how meat plays an important role the art of good eatings in the area.
Overnight Kurdistan, (B,L,D).
Baghali Polow is a luxurious food in Persian culture cooked with meat inside of a combination of rice and fava beans dishes which mostly serve in ceremonies and parties.
Kermanshah, a mountainous region with a moderate climate which is occupied with inhabitants of diverse nationality and religion is proud of being the second royal Sassanid empire accommodation. Kurds, the main residents of the area with a disparate cultural character of music, folkloric dance and cuisine are known as the origin of Aryans with aristocratic customs and traditions. We continue our tour with having an expedition to Palangan village on the way to Kermanshah, where you can find unbelievable steep arisen buildings with a distinctive form of architecture next to a wild river, to take you out of the harsh modern days to the relaxing atmosphere of a simply decorated village in a quiet ambience. Kermanshah with distinctive cuisine gives tourists gastronomic experience taste of surf & turf as Kurdish residents of the area barbecue fish and beef with a vary identifying cooking style especially in Dandeh Kebab and Mahi Kebab.
Overnight Kermanshah, (B,L,D).
Dandeh Kebab is a grilled meat kind of kebab which mainly combines lam ribs barbecued with tomatoes and fresh pepper, also flavoured with lemon juice and saffron.
Today we travel to Bisotun historical and cultural complex, an outdoor museum since Paleolithic time to the contemporary era, which depicts huge relation between nature and culture and registered as a Unesco World Heritage, indicates one of the most significant archaeological and historical inscriptions in the world. As multicultural and monarchical remains, which demonstrate the Greek influence and Sassanid power in Persia, the inscription is a vital legacy to the humanity, after that we explore Taq-e Bostan, a complex of Sassanid glories including rock relief with inscriptions about religious attitudes, music and rejoice and rock-cut with artistic and historical values about emperor’s ceremonies and hunting, illustrating Sassanid empire majesty in the northeast part of Kermanshah along Silk Road, then wander at Jameh Mosque of Shafi’i through its unique masterpiece of Peso-Islamic culture, not only in religious tendencies but also in Structure, where Sunni Muslims gather together for social and cultural-religious issues such as Friday Praying. The architecture is an excellent typical Islamic Mosque with a combination of Turkish and Persian architecture, next in order of time we will be amazed at the confectionary local class to know how Nan-e Berenji as a famous souvenir of Kermanshah is cooked, soon after we receive a unique Kurdish menu to taste a delicious gourmet food as a dining experience in the city centre.
Overnight Kermanshah, (B,L,D).
Persian rice cookies (Nan-e Berenji) are a Kurdish confectionary with puppy seeds baked out of wheat flour and rosa water as dairy-free sweetness.
Shiraz, the motherland of Persian Culture with all legendary Achaemenian’s and Sassanian’s glories is the city of prose & poem, gardens and flowers. Historical ornaments such as Persepolis and Pasargadae is spread through the tale of the province since Achaemenid empire to Zand Dynasty, also spirituality always associates with the story of the people, not only during Zoroastrianism but also at the time of Islam to the present era.
Today is devoted to Zand dynasty heritages which begins with Karim khan Citadel as a residence for Karim Khan and his family and also to be known as a military centre. The structure looks like a castle to guard the royal family and the king, soon after we walk to Kolah Farngi mansion to experience the ceremonial palace of Zand Dynasty, where is a Zand legacy museum, to explore the kingdom much closer, after that we taste a mouthwatering saffron ice cream which is garnished with pistachio and sometimes combined with shirazi Faloudeh to feel heaven at the centre of Zandie Capital, next in order of time our visits include Vakil Historic Bath, which is an architectural masterpiece in Vakil Complex, built from gypsum, stone and brick, then keep walking to Vakil Mosque to experience a royal holy place, which derives its fame from the art of architecture, calligraphy and columns engravings, as an entrance door to Vakil Bazaar, where you will be amazed by the passageways, to experience Shirazi nomads and tribes clothing and purchasing handicrafts. By exploring Vakil Complex we reach Zinat Al-Molk House, where is a Persian style of home, to fascinate visitors by the mirror and woodwork, after a break for lunch and discovering gastronomic experience taste of Shirazi cuisine art our exploration continues with Eram Garden, the original meaning of Paradise (Pardis in Persian Language) by displaying the Persia peculiar structure in magnificent buildings and botanical garden, then enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of Hafezieh, the mausoleum of a poet whose love stories, spiritual beliefs and sagacious poems left an untouched and legacy behind for readers to alleviate with. Hafez Ghazal by the use of eloquence inspired Persians to fall in love, be honest and worship Allah.
Overnight Shiraz, (B,L,D).
Saffron Ice cream is a Persian traditional kind of summer snack garnished with pistachio and nuts and mainly served with Faloudeh and cherry jam to stir sweet and sour tastes with each other.
Our exploration continues with Nasir-ol-Molk mosque, a supreme intellectual and artistic sacred place which proves no comparison with a typical mosque. Spirituality lies inside when sunshine passes through the colourful glasses of windows to Persian carpet orchards or on the firm columns inside, also you will be dazzled by the superb celling ceramic-work, after that, we travel outside of Shiraz to explore Persepolis, one of the three Achaemenid Empire Capitals, which is dedicated to ceremonial events to demonstrate the imperial majesty and eminence, constructed by Darius the Great. The palace with the meaning of ‘city of Persians’ is a great example of Achaemenid architectural style, then visiting Naqsh-e Rustam, a Necropolis, where the emperors of Persian civilization are buried in rock cuts, with king’s engraved messages on rock reliefs, also the Zoroastrians sacred place “ Cube of Zoroaster ” as a spiritual monument is located next to the rock face, after that taking a short walk to Naqsh-e Rajab, an open air archaeological archive which displays Sassanid imperial impregnable power and triumph over Roman emperor on bas-relief inscriptions, now it is the time to have better understanding of Shiraz cultural food to satisfy our curiosity about Persian art and science of good eating with cooking workshop in a local dwellings, then on the way back to downtown we have a glance to Quran Gate, which is the entrance gate of Shiraz from north, built by Zand dynasty in reason of blessing passengers by the holiness of Quran, next to the gate is Tomb of Khwaju, who was the guru in literature, also a guide to Hafiz, after that we go to Sa’diyeh, mausoleum of a poet who nourishes you with words and wisdom to enlighten your soul. Sa’adi with his global reputation for verses about human rights left us the most valuable heritage by writing books such as GOLESTAN & BOSTAN.
Overnight Shiraz, (B,L,D).
Shirazi salad is a popular salad among Persians as it is a delicious combination of onion, tomato, and cucumber flavored with pepper and lemon juice and served with most Persian traditional stews.
We embark on a full day travel to Isfahan by having a deep expedition to Pasargadae, an ancient capital of Achaemenid, which was built under the order of Cyrus the Great Tomb with famous fourfold Persian model of garden, to explain the nobility of the emperor and his necropolis, after that our exploration takes us to the Global City of Wood-carvings to discover a very skilful art which is called Monabatkari or Moghaarkari by professionals who replete woods with religious design or flower motifs in their workplace then, then we will have an expedition to Izad Khast Complex, which is built as an adobe structure during the rein of Sassanid empire, including fortress, fire temple, caravansary, bathroom and the city of Izad Khast. The complex was renovated after Arab conquest of Persia by constructing a mosque over the fire temple, also during Safavid era by adding a caravansary and bridge to be liveable till Qajar dynasty.
Overnight Isfahan, (B,L,D).
Monabatkari or wood-carving distinguished art is a masterpiece crafted by hammer and cave out of walnut and beech wood trees.
Isfahan, the city of glories and Perso-Islamic masterpieces devoted itself to craftsman’s dexterity to become center of art, not only in architecture or handicrafts, but also in urban structures and music. The city is a treasure of mosques, Cathedrals, mansions, bridges and gardens which amazed visitors in all aspects of skillful ingenuities.
Isfahan, the city of glories and Perso-Islamic masterpieces devoted itself to craftsman’s dexterity to become centre of art, not only in architecture or handicrafts but also in urban structures and music. The city is a treasure of mosques, Cathedrals, mansions, bridges and gardens which amazed visitors in all aspects of skilful ingenuities. Isfahan is also the centre for wall-paintings and frescoes which narrate antique tales from Persia history of battles and love stories since thousands of years ago, especially in attractions such as Ali Qapu Palace and Chehel Sotun Garden. Tour through Isfahan begins with a three-floor building which is called Qeisarie Gate in remembrance of the king as the main entrance to Isfahan Grand Bazaar, which directs us to Naqsh-e Jahan Square (Meidan Emam) to visit the masterwork of chief architect Sheikh Bahaee, also having a workshop for the art of Minakari demonstrates us how ancient Persians enameled objects to place heaven into them by decorating metal(mostly Silver and Copper) or tile by patterns and paintings derived from the taste of the artist, soon after we walk to Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque to be amazed with the genius interior and exterior decoration of the dome which used to be a royal mosque dedicated to Shah Abbas Safavid, after that we visit Shah Mosque, which depicts Persian architecture in Islamic era, by consisting of iwans, domes, tilling and supreme engineering of voice echoing, then our trip to the square will end by Ali Qapu Palace which could be called as a gallery of art in terms of music, painting and decoration in an acoustic structure. By nourishing our mind in the square we walk to Chehel Sotun Palace (Bagh-e Chehel Sotun), where a relaxing atmosphere with gorgeous paintings are awaiting us with palace pillar photo reflected into the front pond, then we travel to the white river to indulge ourselves to the beauty of worldly known Khaju and Si-o Se Pol Bridges. Isfahan is a city of traditional and modern restaurants with elegant and gourmet food in their menu to surprise you with the atmosphere and the taste of the food such as Beryoni which is dedicated to Isfahani Chef.
Overnight Isfahan, (B,L,D).
Isfahan restaurants are the most famous ones in Persia, not only in their specialty dining experience and cooking techniques with the incredible recipe but also in the architecture and atmosphere.
Today Our tour includes Vank Cathedral with its fascinating paintings and mosque-like dome which is constructed by the Armenians who forced to move to Isfahan by Shah Abbas Safavid, son after we walk to Armenian Genocide Museum to have a glance of the historic handwritten books, reminded artefacts of the cathedral and the first printed book in Persia, after that, we travel to Isfahan Jameh Mosque (Masjed-e Jame of Isfahan) to discover a unique practice of designing a holy place by renovation and reconstruction a mosque which is one of the oldest one in Persia, then we experience delicious evening meal in an old and popular pastry spot in Isfahan for Doogh and Gooshfil next in order of time our exploration continues to Chahar Bagh Street which is a masterpiece of urbanism to Hasht Behesht Palace, was used to be a royal pavilion with glamorous paintings, woodwork, mirror-work and tilling, finally we travel to the white rive to indulge ourselves to the beauty of worldly known Si-O Se Pol Bridge.
Snacks play an important role in Persian daily life especially the ones which are historically produced in Isfahan such as Gaz, Sohan and Polaki. These snacks are mostly garnished with pistachio or flavoured with saffron, so evening snack workshop demonstrates to us how Isfahani residents kept such tradition of cooking sweeties.
Overnight Isfahan, (B,L,D).
Isfahani sweeties such as Gaz, Sohan and Poolaki embrace all elegant tastes in the daily life of Persian gatherings with tea or coffee which serve as a hospitable behaviour. The sweeties are mostly cooked with wheat flour, butter and rosa water and flavoured with pistachio and saffron.
On the way from Isfahan to Kashan, we have an expedition to Abyaneh village to experience one of the ancient rural area in Persia, which shows us historical traditions and customs along with distinctive habitable buildings, also we experience a very unique cooking show in such atmosphere to get known better with desert cuisine, then we travel to Kashan where is one of the homelands of Persian civilization to perfect our knowledge about the country at the last night of the tour, at first we travel to Fin Garden, which depicts a genuine Persian garden, telling us stories about the contemporary era from murdering Amir Kabir to the last Persian dynasty, then we visit Aminodole Caravanserai at the centre of Kashan bazaar where a coherent form of the structure reflects hospitality sensibility, after that, we visit Agha Bozorg Mosque which is the only one in its model as a mosque with sunken courtyard.
Overnight Isfahan, (B,L,D).
Persian desert cuisine mostly includes nuts and herbs which serve as stews with local vegetables and flavorings.
Today is devoted to Kashan legacies that begins with Boroujerdi House which combines desert style of wind-catchers with Persian traditional models of iwan with superb plaster-work in interior and exterior decoration, soon after we visit Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse to feel Persian gatherings meanwhile bathing, after that we smell Persian coffee as Kashan is one of the Centre for such hot drink and finally drive to the IKA Airport to Depart Iran. (B,L,D).
Kashan produces the most smelling rosa water that is not only used for cookery art but also use as a healing drinks for people. It is good to know that Kaaba (Muslim Holiest Spot) is washed every year with Kashan Rosa Water.
GoPersis DMC. will coordinate your visa application for a stay of up to 29 days in 3 to 7 working days after fulfilling specific requirements box by participants.
Visa for citizens from the U.S.A, Canada, the Great Britain and South Ireland takes around 40 days to be issued.
It is your responsibility to check your passports valid for 6 months after the date of their return home, also obtaining all necessary info for visas, inoculations and preventative medicines as may be required for the duration of the tour. Information about these matters or related items is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of GoPersis DMC.
Visa Restriction: Entry will be refused to travelers with any evidence of visiting Israel – not just Israeli entry stamps.
It is a condition of Iran travel that clients must have comprehensive travel insurance for international tours. We reserve the right to withdraw clients if it becomes apparent that clients are unfit. There will be No refund. It is also a requirement that clients do not cause any significant disruption to the tour or the tour group. GoPersis may refuse admission on the Iran tours, or require the client to withdraw if participation causes significant disruption.
Regarding the number of passengers, Go Persis DMC reserves comfortable and air-conditioned coaches. The coaches take travellers throughout the tour and are at any service at the request of the tour guide. Go Persis DMC manages all airport transfers from your arrival to departure for domestic and international flights. In addition, taking travellers to any train or bus station resumes the itinerary.
Free Excursions: – Zourkhaneh (Pahlavani Rituals): a traditional form of athletics for training soldiers for warfare in ancient era. – An excursion to Abyaneh Village to experience one of the ancient rural areas close to the central desert of Persia. – Rigareh Qanat-based Water Mill: to investigate how people quench their thirst by constructing qanat underground since 1000 B.C in Persia. Having an excursion to Meyman Mount Village, A village with a very peculiar structure of cave-like houses.
Iranian Debit Card is for international travellers to provide them access to the Iranian payment system. Travellers can recharge the Debit cards in currencies such as Kr, EURO and AED. Iran Debit card presents an expiry date, and travellers can receive cash in Rials everywhere. The cardholder can withdraw money from ATMs of all Iranian banks. They can also purchase tickets at museums, go shopping, and even use it for internet shopping services. At the end of the trip, travellers can receive the remaining amount in cash in Rials. Besides, travellers can purchase any other currency at exchange offices.
Tour members must be able to: Negotiate airports and railway stations without wheelchair assistance. * Move your luggage a short distance if required. Use combined shower/bath facilities (it is impossible to guarantee walk-in shower facilities). Undertake walking tours of 1-2 hours, including using stairs and walking over cobblestones and other uneven surfaces. Stand for long periods in museums and other sites. Embark / disembark coaches, trains and other methods of transportation without assistance Handle your luggage.
Iranian cuisine is heavily based on rice, bread, fresh vegetables, herbs and fruit. Meat is mostly lamb or mutton. The national drink of Iran is chai (tea), always served scalding hot, black and strong. All sorts of delicious fresh fruit juices, milkshakes and yoghurt drinks are available throughout Iran.
Alcohol is strictly forbidden. Do not take any alcohol into Iran.
The most visible daily expressions of Iran’s Shi’ite Islam are the modest dress code, and rules for behavior at mosques, both of which apply for men and women.
Dress code for women: Women are required to wear loose-fitting clothing which covers the arms and legs (long pants). A coat or top that comes down to mid-thigh (light weight trench-coat), and a headscarf. During visits to some mosques, women will also be required to wear a special robe provided at the entrance.
Dress code for men: Men are required to wear trousers and shirts with either long-sleeves or half-sleeves. (No singlets). Shorts are not permitted.
All participants of the tours must obey the laws and regulations of I.R.Iran. Any failure to do so will relieve GoPersis of all obligations under these booking conditions.
* Rates for triple rooms are equal to those mentioned for the sharing twin/double room. * Hotel early check-in, late check-out, connecting rooms and adjoining rooms are subject to availability. There will be no guarantee. * No refund for unused services, splitting the package is not acceptable. * Airfares are subject to change without prior notice. * Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents. *Opening times of attractions and places of interest may change without prior notice. The government would close attractions and places of interest without prior notice. GoPersis operates each group tour in one specific language.
Go Persis DMC tailors Fixed Departure tours for time and expense management. Tour is for Four passengers (Min) and Ten passengers (Max). But, If the number of passengers goes under Six (that rarely happens), GoPersis offers a Private Style tour. Also, we can transfer you (under your permission) to another Fixed Departure. On the other hand, the price is fully refundable.
Baghali ghatogh is a Gilaki recipe served with Kateh (Persian rice dish) garnished with the stew which is cooked out of favs beans, egg and dill and flavoured with garlic and pepper.
Baghali ghatogh is a Gilaki recipe served with Kateh (Persian rice dish) garnished with the stew which is cooked out of favs beans, egg and dill and flavoured with garlic and pepper.
