ISTANBUL

Day 1: Shiraz, Departure

The tour starts with departure from your country by scheduled flight. After arrival at the Istanbul airport, reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Finally, accommodation in rooms with dinner and overnight

Day 2: Shiraz, Departure

Today is entirely dedicated to the visit of Istanbul, a city located on the shores of the Golden Horn. The city was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire in the 4th century AD. Later the city became the symbol of Byzantine power before it became the capital of the Ottoman Empire. Here we will visit the Church of San Salvatore in Chora, one of the most important examples of Byzantine architecture. In fact we will have the opportunity to visit the church interiors elegantly decorated with golden mosaics and magnificent Byzantine frescoes. After that, we will go on to Eyup, the sacred district for Muslims. We approach the Bosphorus to visit the New Mosque (Yeni Camii) and the fascinating Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar. Finally, at the end of the visits, the Turkey group tour returns to the hotel where we will have dinner and accommodation.n in rooms with dinner and overnight

Day 3: Shiraz, Departure

After breakfast, the Turkey Tour includes a day dedicated to visiting the monuments and places located in the sultanahmet area.

BYZANTINE HIPPODROME - BLUE MOSQUE

First of all, visit of the Byzantine Hippodrome where the chariot races were held. Then we will visit the Blue Mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture with minarets and a dome decorated with blue majolica.

TOPKAPI PALACE - SOPHIA

Then we will visit the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans. Today it has been transformed into a museum that preserves in its rooms collections and jewels of inestimable value (the section of the Harem is optional to be paid on the spot). Later, visit of Sophia, built by the will of Emperor Justinian in AD 532. In fact, the emperor brought all kinds of materials from the Empire and called the best craftsmen to build what was already recognized as the symbol of Christianity. Subsequently Agia Sophia became the seat of the Greek-Byzantine Patriarch until the conquest of the city by the Ottomans occurred in 1453 which transformed the church into a mosque. Later, in 1935, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, transformed the mosque into a museum. Here we will observe the majesty of the Church. In fact, the church remains one of the greatest examples of Byzantine architecture, decorated with beautiful mosaics and grandiose domes.

GRAND BAZAAR

At the end of the visits, the Turkey Group Tour reaches the Grand Bazaar, built in 1461 by Mehmet the conqueror. The grand Bazaar is still today considered the largest covered market in the world. In fact it will be interesting to immerse yourself in this atmosphere, a city in the city where, as tradition dictates, every street houses a guild. Here trades have animated the innumerable alleys and passages under the spectacular illuminated vaults for centuries.

BOSPHORUS CRUISE

Finally, those who wish, can add an optional two-hour cruise on the Bosphorus to the Turkey Tour. We will have the opportunity to observe the European and Asian side of this magical city from the point of view of the water and observing the sun setting on the Golden Horn. At the end of the visits the Turkey Tour returns to the hotel where we will have dinner and overnight stay in full board. Based on the flight time we transfer to the airport to leave for Tehran.

IRAN

Day 4: TOUR OF TEHRAN

Today early morning, based on the flight time we transfer to the airport to leave for Tehran. Tehran is 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. We will visit, National jewelry museum and Golestan palace during our full day. In the afternoon, we will have shopping walk in the traditional bazar of Tehran. Overnight in Tehran.

Day 5: DRIVE TO ISFAHAN, VISITING ISFAHAN, O/N ISFAHAN

Today early morning we will drive to 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 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 Sutun 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. Finally, in case of having time we will walk through Khajou and Sio-se-pol bridges. Overnight in Isfahan.

Day 6: VISITING ISFAHAN, O/N ISFAHAN

Isfahan’s Jame’ mosque displays several centuries of historical Islamic evolution. This mosque is a gallery of Islamic architecture in which the progress of architecture from the outset of Islam till recent times is evident. Then we will visit Vank Cathedral which is one of the most beautiful Armenian cathedrals in the world and will undoubtedly capture the attention of every Christian. Our day will conclude with a visit to Menar Jonban, the tomb of a Sufi with its shaking minarets and some historical bridges. Evening is free at leisure. ISFAHAN

Day 7: DRIVE TO YAZD, O/N YAZD

Yazd, the oldest adobe city in the world is surrounded by the 4000m summit of Shirkuh and two majestic deserts, 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.

Day 8: VISITING YAZD, O/N YAZD

Today’s tour includes visiting Dakhmeh (tower of silence, where Zoroastrians leave the dead to be eaten by vultures). We will see Zoroastrian fire temple which come under three categories In terms of importance: we will also visit the marvelous Water Museum, Jame’ mosque and Doulat Abad Garden.re temples and the holy sites of different religions astonish every visitor.

Day 9: DRIVE TO SHIRAZ, VIA PASARGADAE AND AN EXCURSION TO PERSEPOLIS AND NECROPOLIS, O/N SHIRAZ

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, great Achaemenid Emperor, (500 years BC) is the oldest historical tomb. The wonderful architecture of his tomb, the fertile land and the brave personality of Cyrus the Great will impress visitors. This was the worshipping place for the followers of several religions and still it is so. Nearby is a relief of a mysterious winged man and there are many theories as to what it symbolizes. Then, we will visit 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 primarily as a showplace and a spectacular center for the receptions and festivals of the Achaemenid kings and their empire such as Nouwroz. Next is Necropolis, opposite the mountain of Rahmat, the minutes 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 periods.

Day 10: VISITING SHIRAZ, O/N SHIRAZ

Shiraz has a reputation as an enlightened city that has been at the center 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 Zandi 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, and the Nasir Al molk Mosque. Next, we will stop for a mouth-watering Iranian lunch at one of the traditional restaurants of Shiraz. This gorgeous city 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 the 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 tourism. 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 at the tombs of these great poets.

Day 11: VISITING SHIRAZ, FLIGHT FROM SHIRAZ TO TEHRAN

In the evening, we will visit Ali-Ebn-e-Hamzeh and be prepared to marvel at its beauties. We will Take a stroll through the Jahan Nama Garden and witness its tall and proud cedars. Finally we will visit the Delgosha Garden and Khajoy-e-Kermani tomb from where the perspective of the mysterious city of Shiraz will remain in our mind. At night we will be transferred from Shiraz to Tehran and then to take flight back to your country.