Climate diversities, ancient history, hospitable people and diversity of races make Persia a fantastic and unique tourist destination. In Glories of Persia we will visit a collection of beauties of cities such as the mount Damavand and cities like Teheran, Isfahan, Yazd and Kashan which are important historical and cultural cities of Iran.

You will get the chance to ascent the 5760m high Damavand pick. The volcano is in the north of Iran and is the highest mountain in the Middle East. It is also the highest volcanic summit in Asia. Who dares to ascent the volcanic Damavand pick, can see an expanded area from the Caspian Sea till Turkmenistan. Enjoy also the climbing of the Alam Kuh, the second highest mountain in Iran with a height of 4850 m. Everyone who spends a little time beside the columns of Persepolis, can feel the breeze of the Persian antiquity. Whoever stands on the Si-o-Se Pol (the bridge of 33 arcs) which is established over the Zayandeh River, can hear the voice of the philosophers and astrologists of the previous generation who are whispering in the arcs. Everyone who feels the wind in the deserts of the Kavir, can smell the sweat of the silk road’s caravans.

 

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Day 1: Arrival in Teheran
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 Archaeological 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.

Day2: Drive to Rudbarak
In the morning we will drive to Rudbarak. Then we will drive 1.5 hours with the 4 × 4 to Tangelu. Then starts the ascent to the Hesarchal hut for 3 hours. Overnight stay in Hesarchal.
A winding road leads to the Takt-e-Soleyman Mountains, with the second highest mountain in Iran, the Alam Kuh. Your day target is the small town Rudbarak. Here you will find a huge beech tree forest. For acclimatization and if the time allows it you can make a trip to the Chakenou valley and to the Chakenou mountain peak (3043m). Overnight stay in the refuge hut of Rudbarak.

Day 3: Lashgarak summit ascent
The Lashgarak summit offers itself for an entering ascent (4320m). From the camp we climb easily in a southern direction at first about alpine mats. During the last stage, it goes through a wide degree up to the summit, from which if the weather is suitable we have a wonderful view over the mountains. The return route takes us along a narrow ridge then through two other peaks, the Gardonkuh South and North Gardonkuh, in a not difficult, but very rewarding round trip back to the camp Hesarchal. 870 Hm, walking time: approx 6 hours.

Day 4: Alam Kuh summit ascent
We continue to work on a good height adjustment; so today it goes up even higher. The Alam Kuh-peak (4,850 m), the second highest mountain of Iran, is ideal for this. Despite its considerable height, it is not technically difficult. For participants who want to take it a bit more smooth there is also the possibility to climb just the summit of the Marjikesh (4,580 m). Overnight stay in Hesarchal. 1100 Hm, walking time: about 7 hours.

Day 5: Drive to Rineh
In the morning we will climb 3 hours the mountain down and drive to Roudbarak via Tangelu. Then we will drive to Rineh. After that we will visit the hot spring in Rineh. Stay overnight in Rineh.

Day 6: Damavand climbing

The Damavand, with 5671 meters, is located in the center of the Alborz Mountains and to the south of the Caspian Sea. Damavand is a layered vulkan mountain that now limits its volcanic activity on the sublimation of sulfur gases.
There is also a frozen waterfall on the southern side of the mountain, which is unique in the world due to its height. This waterfall is 7 m high and has a diameter of 3m and the ice never melts. This ice waterfall is situated at an altitude of 5100m above the sea level. It is the highest ice waterfall in the world.
Today we have a 1-hour drive with 4 × 4 cars on a bumpy piste to the second camp (Gusfand Sara). The views of the Damavand with the golden dome of the mosque in the foreground of the way toward Gusfand Sara are glorious. From the second camp our luggage will be loaded onto mules and we walk 5 hours to the third camp (Bargah-e-Sevvom). Depending on the season we can experience the poppy flower at different heights. It is worthwhile to turn around again and again and enjoy the magnificent views into the valley. Overnight stay in the third camp either in the hut or in the tent.

Day 7: Climb the Damavand summit
Early in the morning we will climb up the pick in 6 hours and on the way, we will visit the frozen waterfall. The height is clearly noticeable.
The climb is finally managed and we are standing on the pick. The view is simply terrific. After a break we will descend the mountain happy and exhilarated in 5 hours towards the Bargah-e-Sevvom. Stay overnight in Bargah-e-Sevvom.

Day 8: Spare day in case of bad weather
Day 9: Back to Rineh and drive to Kashan
Farewell to the mountain. Today we will walk down the mountain in 5 hours and reach the second camp (Gousfand Sara). From there, we will drive back to Rineh by car. After that we will drive 344km to Kashan. Stay overnight in Kashan.

Day 10: Visiting Kashan, Abyaneh and Isfahan
Today we visit the "Tabatabaiha" and "Borojerdiha" houses and some other historical places especially chosen by our tour guide and be acquainted with the previous century's architecture, the Qajar aera. Then we will drive 85km to visit the UNESCO recognized village of Abyaneh, located at the foot of Mount Karkas and in the vicinity of desert. Here we will appreciate the serenity of this quaint village with its splendid archaeology and meet the dwellers who speak, live and dress in the original Persian style. After that we will drive to Isfahan. Stay overnight in Isfahan.

Day 11: Isfahan, drive to Yazd via Naein
Isfahan the legendary city which never fails to enchant its visitors is the pearl of traditional Islamic archaeology. 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 the si-ose pol bridge. From noon we will drive to Yazd. We will drive through the Dasht-e-Kavir desert and visit the attractive city Naein. Nain is known as the city of cisterns and possesses around 80 cisterns. We will get a chance to visit one of the oldest and most important mosques of Persian Islamic architecture. Stay overnight in Yazd.

Day 12: Visiting Yazd and drive to Shiraz via visiting Pasargad
Yazd, the oldest adobe city in the world which is surrounded by the 4000m summit of Shirkooh. We will visit the Fire Temple, Towers of Silence, the wind Towers in old part of the city. Then we will drive to Pasargad 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 inspires 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 have your personal comment about it. Stay overnight in Shiraz.

Day 13: Visiting Persepolis and Necropolis
Our visit 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 14: Visiting Shiraz and departure
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, and the Nasir Almolk 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. After having dinner, we will be transferred to the Shiraz airport.

Day 15: Departure from Iran
Departure from Iran according to your flight schedule with loving memories of Iran, a land of warmth and hospitality.