Hospitor : Silk Road Stories & Nabatean Wonders : Iran : Jordan

TEHRAN - Day 01

Welcome to Iran! Transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon (variable schedule based on arrival flights), we will begin the visit to TEHRAN, the capital of the country, a modern city with almost ten million inhabitants. We enter the Tajrish Bazar, a small and active bazaar full of activity and life. Inside we visit the Imamzadeh Saleh Sanctuary, one of the most popular Shiite shrines in Iran, magnificent blue architecture, dedicated to a descendant of the prophet. Tehran is on the slope of the Alborz Mountain range, some peaks exceed 5000 meters, and at its foot - on the edge of Tehran - is DARBAND VILLAGE, with its mountain atmosphere, its waterfalls, its green paths, its numerous Tea houses and its restaurants. Dinner included.

Note: If the arrival time of your flight is after 5 p.m., you will not be able to attend the activities planned for this day. ​

TEHRAN - Day 02

We include a visit (with guide and tickets included) to the great metropolis. We begin by going to the 437 meters high MILAD TOWER, its views are impressive (if it´s a foggy day with low visibility, instead of the Milad Tower we will go to the Azadi Tower). We visit the National Museum, the largest historical and archaeological museum in the country, where we can learn more about this land, the cradle of civilizations. Afterwards, we visit the Golestan Palace, declared a world heritage site by UNESCO, a site of palaces and gardens which construction began in the 16th century. Lunch included.

In the afternoon, we will visit the National Jewelry Museum, property of the central bank, an amazing collection of precious stones and metals, highlighting the “peacock throne” and the “earth globe”. Free time; we will drop you off in the Grand Bazaar area, with its many covered streets, alleys and hundreds of shops.

Note: Sometimes the jewelry museum is not open, in that case, we would visit the carpet museum that shows Persian carpets, some from the 16th century.

MAUSOLEUM OF RUHOLLAH KHOMEIN - Day 03

After breakfast, on the outskirts of Tehran, we visit the Mausoleum-Shrine of Imam Khomeini, considered the founder of the Islamic Republic and whose construction began in 1989 after his death. The immense complex of over 20 square kilometers is a cultural and tourist center that also houses a seminary and a university of Islamic studies. We continue to QOM, the provincial capital and one of the holiest Shiite religious centers in the Islamic world that houses the Mausoleum of Fatima Masuma, sister of the eighth Shiite Imam, Imam Reza. Tens of thousands of pilgrims visit Qom every year. Qom is known for being a major center of Shia Islamic studies and is home to numerous religious schools and seminaries, as well as Al-Mustafa Islamic University, which attracts students from all over the world. Accompanied by an Islamic scholar we will visit the sacred mausoleum (courtyards and outdoor areas) and he will introduce us to Islam in its Shiite branch, enveloping us in the atmosphere of this holy place. After that, we´ll visit Imam Khomeini´s house. Free time in the city´s bazaar, with its many shops specializing in prayer and religious objects. Lunch included. In the afternoon we continue to Kashan making a stop, before entering the city, at the Fin Garden, wonderful gardens dating back to the sixteenth century, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, in an area of thermal springs and surrounded by a wall. We´ll stroll through the gardens, the palace and the baths. We continue to KASHAN, a pleasant city whose historic center, with numerous monuments and historic adobe houses, are of great beauty. Free time in the historic center, with a lively tourist life.

NUSHABAD UNDERGROUND CITY - Day 04

In the morning we begin the visit of Kashan, where we visit the Agha Bozorg mosque/madrasa, a beautiful and original construction. The ground floor is occupied by the madrasa and the upper floor by the great mosque that reminds us of the constructions made by the Persians in India. The center of Kashan has several ancient houses/palaces; We will visit one of them, the Boroujerdi house-museum, from the nineteenth century, where we will be amazed by its mural paintings, in which the rich merchant who built it wanted to show the places he had visited, and the ventilation system to give freshness to the palace in the summer. We will also enter the hammam "soltan bath", with its blue tiles it is one of the most beautiful historical baths in Iran. Flower drinks are typical in Kashan, so to get to know them, we will visit one of the factories-shops of these unique flower drinks, see how they are made and have a delicious tasting.

After that, we head to the outskirts of the city where the great archaeological site of TAPPEH SIALK is located. We will be impressed to learn that there existed here a civilization, the Elamite, highly developed 7,500 years ago, one of the first of humanity.

We continue to NOUSH ABAD, where the "underground city" is located, a complex of tunnels and galleries built more than 1500 years ago to protect against invasions. Our route continues south, making a stop at ABOUZEYDABAD, an old restored caravanserai very close to desert dunes. Traditional lunch included. In the afternoon, among the mountains, we visit ABYANEH, one of the most charming villages in Iran, in a valley 2500 meters above sea level. Its cool climate, red clay houses, its own cultural traditions (including an ancient dialect and traditional dress) and its mausoleum will leave us with very pleasant memories.

Arrival at ISFAHAN at the end of the day. We are in a city with an impressive architectural and cultural heritage: mosques, palaces, bridges and bazaars with delicious handicrafts. This city, inhabited for more than 5000 years, was the capital of the Persian Empire. Upon arrival, we´ll take a walk across the historic Si-O-Se Pol Bridge, "the bridge of thirty-three arches" illuminated.

ISFAHAN - Day 05

After breakfast we begin the visit of ISFAHAN, the main tourist destination of Iran, the third city of the country. We start by walking through the Armenian quarter; This community has lived here for centuries and has always been respected. We walk through its quiet streets and visit the cathedral (Kelisa-ye Vank), a small museum that allows us to learn about Armenian culture and history. We also visit the 17th century Bethlehem Church with its impressive frescoes. Afterwards we head to the historic center, making a first stop at the Jame Mosque, the largest mosque in Iran that still celebrates worship and we get emotional in its immense courtyard when we hear the call to prayer. This mosque has been declared a World Heritage Site. We continue to the main square of the city, Naghsh Jahan, one of the largest public squares in the world with more than half a kilometer in length, declared a World Heritage Site, and where the "three powers" are located: the political, with the Ali Qapu Palace that we will enter to see its view over the square; the commercial, with probably the best bazaar in Iran to buy handicrafts; and the religious one, with two mosques in the square. We visit the Imam Mosque, built 400 years ago with its various sections and blue tiles. Inside the venue, we meet with an imam who will talk to us about Islam and will be able to guide us in our doubts. Lunch included. In the afternoon, we visit the Chehel Sotun Palace, with its fountains, gardens, paintings and public bath. We also include the entrance to the Museum of Music, a small museum that shows us how Persia was the cradle of many of the instruments that are played today and we will attend a small concert of traditional Persian music to discover the great beauty of Iranian music. Free time at the bazaar.

IZADKHAST - Day 06

After breakfast, we continue south, through arid landscapes. We make a stop in IZADKHAST, a small town with mud-brick architecture, with its old quarter, its ruined castle and its caravanserai. We continue to QALAT, in the mountains, a charming town with stone houses, where a Christian community lives; we will visit its small church and have lunch (included). Arrival in SHIRAZ in the middle of the afternoon. We are at the center of Persian culture, inhabited for more than 4000 years. A city of nightingales and poets, it was the capital of Persia in the 18th century. In the afternoon we will visit 2 of the mausoleums of the great names of Persian literature born in Shiraz, the gardens and the mausoleum of Hafez of Shiraz, a Sufi poet and mystic of the fourteenth century and who today is still one of the most beloved figures by the Iranian people, who memorize his verses or seek advice in his texts and the gardens and mausoleum of Saadi, another great Persian poet of the medieval period of deep sensitivity.

SHIRAZ - Day 07

After breakfast, we will leave Shiraz to visit, 60 km away, the most impressive archaeological site in Iran: PERSEPOLIS. This World Heritage Site was built 2700 years ago to be the capital of the Achaemenid empire. Its stone palaces, its carvings showing historical and ritual scenes, as well as details about the kings and the court, show us one of the first great cultures of humanity. Nearby we will visit Naghsh Rostam, the cemetery of the emperors with their tombs in the stone. After the visit, we´ll return to Shiraz, where we´ll visit the Nasir Almolk Mosque (Pink Mosque) to admire the light filtering through the colorful stained glass windows, the Naranjestan Qavam Garden, and the Zandyeh compound, which includes the Vakil Bazaar, Saray-e Moshir, Vakil Mosque, Vakil Bath, and Karim Khan Citadel.

We will return to the hotel for a short break and before heading out for dinner with a local family in their home (Note: if there is a case this is not possible, a dinner in a restaurant with live music will be included).

PASARGADAE  - Day 08

We head towards the east of the country, mountains, agricultural areas and deserts on our route. We will visit PASARGAD, another impressive archaeological site declared a World Heritage Site, built 2600 years ago, where the mausoleum of Cyrus the Great is located. We will continue to MEYMAND, a stunning troglodyte village in the desert, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meymand is believed to have been one of the oldest residences in Iran, dating back 12,000 years. Many of the inhabitants live in the 350 houses carved by hand among the rocks. Lunch included. After lunch we continue our route to RAFSANJAN, a small town in the desert whose history dates back thousands of years and which today is one of the largest pistachio production centers in the world. We will be able to see its beautiful "wind towers" that help keep homes cool since ancient times.

MAHAN - Day 09

We continue our route through deserts to MAHAN, a quiet town famous for the mausoleum of a well-known dervish, mystic and poet of the 15th century. Later we will visit BAGH SHAZDEH, a beautiful garden with springs and green trees in the middle of the desert declared a World Heritage Site. Arrival in the provincial capital of KERMAN. We are in a religious and conservative city that also has a Zoroastrian minority. We visit the Ganjali Khan enclosure, where the magnificent bazaar, the cistern and the old baths and caravanserai are located. Lunch included. In the afternoon, we´ll visit the Fathabad Garden, a historic garden in the middle of the desert on the outskirts of Kerman.

KERMAN - Day 10

At the time informed by the guide, we will make a transfer to the airport to catch the flight included in your trip. On arrival at destination we will give you another hotel transfer. Your guide will contact you at the end of the afternoon or you can consult the information in your hotel reception.

Note: remember that on domestic flights, the luggage normally allowed is one suitcase of up to 20 kg in the hold. Passengers must pay for all excess luggage directly to the airline.

AMMAN - Day 11

After breakfast, we travel to the north of Jordan. In the mountains, we discover the AJLUN FORTRESS, a mighty castle from the 12th Century. Muslims and Orthodox Christians have always lived in this area. We will visit the old CHURCH OF SAINT SERGIUS. Shall we all pray for peace? Lunch is included. We continue to JERASH, and visit its impressive Roman archaeological site. Return to AMMAN. Arrival and accommodation.

MADABA - Day 12

We will depart towards the CASTLES OF THE DESERT, built between the 7th and 8th centuries. We will visit QASR KHARANA, with its imposing structure of thick walls and the QUSAYR AMRA World Heritage Site, notable for its remarkable frescoes. Then, we travel to MADABA, lunch is included. We will visit the Madaba Archaeological Park, which we cross via an ancient Roman road, and the Church of St. George, with its fantastic 6th Century mosaic representing the oldest known map of the Holy Land. We continue to MOUNT NEBO, where Moses stopped to look over the Promised Land. Return to Amman. Arrival and free time.

BETHANY - Day 13

We leave for BETHANY on the banks of the River Jordan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; this is where John the Baptist baptised Jesus. Then we visit the DEAD SEA MUSEUM, which an impressive Panorama Complex. Lunch is included. Arriving at our hotel at the DEAD SEA, do not forget to take a dip in the saltiest sea and lowest altitude on earth. Dinner and accommodation included.

SHOUBAK - Day 14

Exciting section in the heart of Jordan. We ascend to the historic King´s Road, which tells us about the Moab Kingdom of the Bible. At the top of a hill we will be surprised by the castle of KARAK (entrance included), an impressive example of military architecture of the twelfth century. It soon became one of the most important fortresses between Jerusalem and Aqaba. Arrival at DANA, a small picturesque town of stone houses on a huge cliff. Lunch is included. We continue along the King´s Route to SHOBAK, where we take photographs (outside only) of the great Crusader Castle. We continue to WADI MUSA (the site around Petra). We will explore the MOSES SPRING, where Moses is said to have tapped the rock with his rod and the water gushed out, and the Petra Museum, an excellent exhibition that enables us to learn about the history of the Nabateans and to see magnificent pieces found in the area. Dinner (included)and accommodation. Any travelers who wish can go to an old Turkish bath or see a light and sound show in Petra.

PETRA - Day 15

Today we have the most exciting day of the trip: First, we visit the impressive archaeological site of PETRA, which is accessed through a narrow canyon, and discover the temples and tombs excavated on the cliffs in this city that was founded 300 years before Christ. After lunch (included) we leave for the impressive desert of WADI RUM. At the Visitor Centre we board 4x4 vehicles to visit some of the most impressive landscapes. We include a 45-minute camel ride through the desert. We will also visit the Khazali Canyon. In this spectacular place, we will see the engravings that reveal the origins of the Arabic language. Dinner and accommodation included in a desert camp.

WADI RUM - Day 16

After breakfast we will leave for AQABA, Jordan’s second city. We will visit Jordan’s second city, a modern, commercial port city. Afternoon free to enjoy the hotel-resort and the warm waters of the Red Sea!

AMMAN - Day 17

After breakfast we will depart via “the desert road” to the AMMAN. Arrival at Amman airport and end of our services. Please, check the time of your flight in case you might need an additional night.

Note: Depending on the number of travellers, the trip from Aqaba to Amman may be made by regular VIP coach.