1. Day 1 Arrival Day in Tehran

   We’ll meet at the designated rendezvous spot to begin our adventure – for information regarding airport transfers, contact your Tour Manager.

   Tehran is blessed with the atmosphere of an ancient capital, although it has only been the capital of Iran since 1789 when it took the title from the City of Shiraz. Tehran literally means the ’bottom of the mountain slope’ and we can’t think of a better name; any visitor to this massive city will have their gaze drawn to the immense Alborz Mountains, which dwarf the capital.

   You’ll have the chance to rest at the hotel, or join our tour leader on an optional walk-about before meeting back at the hotel for a pre-tour briefing over our first meal.

    

   Accommodation: Iranshahr Hotel

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

2. Day 2 Historic Tehran & Train to Yazd

   Our day begins after a hearty breakfast, after which we’ll head into Iran’s tremendous capital, Tehran. The history of Tehran stretches back to the neolithic period, although it is the more recent past of this enigmatic that has it in most travellers’ thoughts.

   Our first visit is to the UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace, one of the capital’s oldest historic buildings. The Golestan Palace is one of the many royal buildings once enclosed inside Tehran’s city walls (citadel). The palace consists of manicured gardens, opulent royal buildings, Iranian crafts and many gifts presented to the royal family during the 18th and 19th centuries. The palace is a perfect spot to marvel at its intricate workmanship, or be captured by eager photographers. Those interested in Iran’s more modern history will be keen to learn that it was here in 1941 that Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was crowned Shah of Iran.

   From the Golestan Palace we’ll make the short walk to the National Museum of Iran. Beginning in this fascinating museum is a perfect way to introduce some of the fantastic sites we will visit on our adventure. As one may expect, the National Museum of Iran doesn’t disappoint, housing archeological finds from all ages and corners of Iran. The National Museum Complex comprises three museums (the Museum of Ancient Iran, Museum of Islamic Archaeology and the Museum of the Art of Iran) making for a truly informative afternoon for those who wish to learn more.

   Following a delicious lunch, we will make our way to the Tehran Railway Station, opened to the public in 1930. This grand building is more welcoming than most stations you may come across, its early modernistic design reminiscent of a grand city hall or museum entrance. 

   Once aboard, with luggage safely stowed, we can enjoy the comfort of our journey. At Absolute Nomads, we try to ensure that each four-bed compartment will be reserved for two persons.

   We’ll arrive late today in the historic city of Yazd, where we will be transferred directly to our hotel.

    

   Accommodation: Fahadan Hotel

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

3. Day 3 Yazd: City of Windcatchers

   Today, we’ll awake in the beautiful city of Yazd and, after a hearty breakfast, begin our exploration of this city.

   More romantically known as the ’City of Windcatchers’, Yazd traces its history back many centuries. Home to ancient aqueducts, cisterns and ancient buildings, Yazd is more famed for its Zoroastrian Fire Temples. Many of Yazd’s original features survived the numerous wars, invasions and battles due to its remote desert location.

   Our first stop in Yazd will be to the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence, a gruesome site where, during ancient times, bodies of the dead would be defleshed and fed to the birds as part of the ancient Zoroastrian religion. Following the towers, it’s only fitting that we stop at one of the Zoroastrian Fire Temples, which has a fire said to be continuously lit since 470 AD.

   After our journey through Yazd’s Zoroastrian sites, we will visit the Dowlatabad Garden, a real oasis within this desert city, and another fine example of Persian garden design, this one famed for its towering evergreen and pomegranate trees.

   From the city’s historical sites to its more local way of life, we’ll head to the heart of this metropolis, calling at the Amir Chakhmagh Square. Not only is the city square beautiful, but it is home to another of Yazd’s famed enterprises, its confectionery industry. We’ll mingle with the locals searching out some of the city’s sweet treats, particularly Persian cotton candy (candy floss).

   As the day draws to a close, we will make one more stop as we explore the old city. The Old City of Yazd isn’t just a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a fantastic point from which to view the setting sun bathe the city in desert-tinged twilight.

   As the sun sets on Yazd, we’ll make our way back to the train station as another train calls, this time heading to the port city of Bandar Abbas.

    

   Accommodation: Overnight Train

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

4. Day 4 Bandar Abbas and across the Strait of Hormuz

   This morning after our breakfast, we’ll arrive in the port city of Bandar Abbas.

   First mentioned during the reign of Darius the Great, Bandar Abbas goes by many names, often lovingly nicknamed as the Crab Port by many Iranians due to its harbour status and well-established fishing industry. Upon arrival, we will head into this fascinating port city, our first stop, the Seyed Mozafar Holy Shrine.

   The Seyed Mozafar Holy Shrine is a beautifully designed mosque exquisitely tiled and popular with locals of Bandar Abbas as well as visitors from across Iran. Seyed Mozafar Holy Shrine was built in honour of an influential Islamic Imam and is a place of pilgrimage for many Muslims.

   Following our visit to the shrine, we will stop for a little free time at the central shopping mall; this will allow you the chance to view local life, pick up a few bargains or grab a spot of lunch before we take our boat trip out into the Strait of Hormuz to the Island of Qeshm.

   Our boat trip will take around one hour and we will eventually arrive at Qeshm Island, where we will be met at the port by bus which will then transfer us to our beautiful family-run accommodation. Once you have had a chance to check-in and drop off your luggage, we’re out again to visit the port of Bandar-e-Laft.

   Bandar-e-Laft is a 2000 year old port settlement located in the north of Qeshm Island and is still inhabited. This pretty village is famed for its beautiful architecture made even more picturesque by the surrounding mangrove forests. After some exploration, we will find the perfect location and wait for the town to become even more beautiful as the sun sets and golden light brings life to the village’s earthen walls, skyward pointing wind towers interspersed with palm trees.

   Once the sun has set, we’ll head back to our accommodation for dinner and a good nights rest.

    

   Accommodation: Ecolodge in Qeshm

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

5. Day 5 Explore Hengam Island by Traditional Iranian Lenj

   Today, after a local breakfast, we’re off to a more leisurely start, continuing our theme of travel as we plan to stop at one of the smaller neighbouring islands, Hengam Island.

    

   Our mode of transport today is the famed Iranian Lenj. The Lenj is a traditional hand-built vessel with a history that dates back over 2000 years. The Iranians in the Persian Gulf have been fishing, exploring and carrying cargo all across the region by Lenj for over two millenia.

    

   We will sail out into the Strait of Hormuz, learning a little more about these fantastic vessels, life on board and some of the local traditions such as singing the Neymeh. Neymeh is a kind of sea shanty, a collection of songs sung by the crew.

    

   The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea passage that connects the Gulf of Persia with the open ocean. One of the world’s major flashpoints, more than a billion dollars of cargo pass through its narrow waters daily. From the historic deck of our Lenj looking across this watery divide, the troubles that flash across our news screens yearly will seem a million miles away. However, the distant silhouette of hulking oil tankers will serve as a reminder of the geopolitical importance of our location.

    

   After our Lenj excursion, we’ll drift around the waters of the rugged yet beautiful Hengam Island, stopping to view the small port village of New Hengman. Both the Portuguese and British left their mark in the form of Portuguese style architecture and a very English harbour.

    

   You will also have the chance to relax and unwind, snorkelling in the shimmering blue waters off the coast of the island; home to dolphins, coral reefs and ageing Portuguese shipwrecks. Whilst reading a book, you may also like to snack on some sweet Hengman Dates, a speciality grown on the island.

    

   Following our island adventure, we will board our vessels and make the short journey back to Qeshm Island for our evening meal and a night of well-deserved sleep.

    

    

   Accommodation: Ecolodge in Qeshm

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6. Day 6 Lenj Building & Exploration

   Our final day on Qeshm Island sees us undertake another day of adventure after breakfast.

   An early start today, we’ll visit a traditional Lenj workshop.Yesterday, we sailed one today we build one!

   Building a traditional Lenj takes 5-6 men around two years with no written plans; the designs are passed down by word of mouth from generation to generation. The wood used in the Lenj construction will be diverse, incorporating Walnut, Teak, Oak and even the Indian Sai tree. For us, a visit to an actual workshop will be a fantastic chance to view this traditional skill and a unique photographic opportunity.

   From the man-made to nature’s own, we’ll next head to the Hara Mangrove Forest, a forest surrounded by the sea, we will explore in small boats, venturing up narrow channels and waterways. Making sure our visit to Hara Mangrove Forest coincides with low tide, we will view the myriad of bird species that make the swamp their home as well as aquatic life caught between the island’s two tides.

   Once ashore, we will continue the adventure, seeking out some of the island’s geological delights from the fantastic weathered rock formations found within the Chahkooh Valley to the coloured magical interior of the Namakdan and Salt Caves.

   Before heading back for our final night with our delightful hosts, time permitting, we will make one last stop at one of the many beaches for those who wish to swim, relax or do a little beachcombing.

    

   Accommodation: Ecolodge in Qeshm

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

7. Day 7 All Ashore for Mogham Port

   This morning we’ll say a fond, but sad farewell to wonderful Qeshm Island and our lovely hosts as we sail to the mainland and board our private bus heading north to the Persian Gulf.

   The Persian Gulf is an extension of the Indian Ocean surrounded by Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran. It would be fair to say that no body of water has been so significant in modern world history, both geographically and politically. In recent years, there have been times when the world’s gaze has focused on little else than events in this relatively small corner of the world.

   As we travel, skirting the edge of the Persian Gulf, we will see and learn a lot more than a few misguided news headlines. Journeying north, we’ll stop at the small village of Bandar Kong to see what remains of one of the old Portuguese fortifications now slowly being eroded by the sea.

   From Bandar Kong, we will continue north to our next destination, the beautiful Mokasar Beach. Along the way, we’ll stop at impressive rock formations, each one seemingly a little more surreal and amazing than the last.

   As we journey on our Iranian road trip, we will visit the small fishing town of Bandar-e-Mogham, an interesting settlement surrounded by unique geological features and a great place to view local rural life. Not too far from Bandar-e-Mogham, we’ll make our final stop of the day at the small village of Ziarat.

   Ziarat is located on the shores of the Persian Gulf with our ecolodge for tonight in sight of the lapping waves of the gulf’s crystal waters.

    

   Accommodation: Ecolodge in Ziarat

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

8. Day 8 The Iranian Road Trip continues to Bushehr

   Following breakfast, we head to the Persian Gulf. With the stunning blues of the Persian Gulf to our right and continuing gorgeous desert landscape to our left, we’ll drive north, passing from Iran’s Hormozgan Province to Bushehr Province.

   After making a few more stops at remote rural Iranian villages, we will arrive at the city of Bushehr, the provincial capital. The history of Bushehr predates that of the Silk Road; this substantial port settlement has grown over centuries to become one of Iran’s most important Persian Gulf harbours. In times past, Bushehr was even fought over by the Portuguese and British, with the latter occupying the port for many years.

   With such a rich and diverse history, it’s no surprise that Bushehr retains many of its old architectural delights. In recent years, Bushehr Old City has been considered one of the most important historical city districts in the whole of Iran. Upon arrival into the city, we will, of course, head into the old metropolitan area and visit the fantastic districts of Behbahani, Dehdashti, Kuti, and Shanbedi, each named after the tribes that have traditionally inhabited the region.

   From the city’s old residential area, we will move on to explore the commercial as we call at the heart of any Iranian city, the bazaar. Bushehr Bazaar dates back to the Qajar dynasty (18^th century), perfectly designed, allowing for the flow of natural light to penetrate in illuminating the narrow lanes and allyways for shoppers and sellers.

   From the bustling bazaar, we will head to our next market, the Fish Market, to be greeted by the sight of one of the port city’s leading and oldest trades. Here, fish caught and hauled ashore are sold to be consumed locally and across Iran. After the Bushehr Fish Market, we will be sure to stop at the Sailing Museum of Bushehr, learning a lot more about this historical settlement and its maritime past.

   In the afternoon, we’ll visit one of Bushehr’s cultural highlights, the Singing Museum. Here, we’ll  learn about the city’s musical heritage as the locals of Bushehr are famed for their tradition of singing Khayyam, a traditional Persian poem sung to music. Following a delicious local dinner, we will head back into town to listen to the locals enjoying their night singing.

    

   Accommodation: Bushehr Ecolodge

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

9. Day 9 Temples and Trekking in Bishapur

   Today, we’re back on the road. We bid farewell to the Persian Gulf as we head inland, winding our way across the rocky desert terrain making our way to the ancient city of Bishapur.

   Founded in 266 AD, Bishapur owes its existence and name to Shapur I (241-272) who was the second king of the Sassanid dynasty. Bishapur grew to be one of the most important cities of Iran, although few outside its borders have ever heard of it. Even Shapur himself is relatively unknown in the west. He is famed for defeating the Roman legions three times and capturing the Roman Emperor Valerian.

   Once we arrive in the UNESCO–Listed Bishapur, we’ll begin our sightseeing immediately with a  visit to the Anahita Temple. The Anahita Temple is the most important structure in Bishapur, once a holy place erected to honour the goddess of water, an essential deity in this desert environment!

   Once we’ve wandered around the temple, we will head to the centre of ancient Bishapur, now mostly ruins, but two Memorial Columns stand at its heart. As with much of the design of ancient Bishapur, the Memorial Columns are reminiscent of Roman architecture, here being the only example of such style in Iran.

   Close to the ancient city, we will make sure to stop at the fantastic bas-reliefs of Tang-e Chogan; these beautiful carvings dating from the 3^rd and 4^th centuries depict the various victories of the Sassanid kings over their many enemies.

   After our hands-on Persian history lesson, we will head to our accommodation to check in and change our clothes. For those who wish, we have a further adventure to enjoy: The Cave of Shapur.

   Following a five-kilometre hike into the Zagros Mountains, we eventually arrive at the tunnel-like entrance of The Cave of Shapur. Once we enter, we will be greeted by a 7-metre high statue of the legendary Shapur I, carved from one single stalagmite. Carved many thousands of years ago, the figure still resembles the once King of Kings. 

   After hiking and cave exploration, it’s back to our ecolodge for a well-deserved rest and a delicious evening meal before our hosts serenade us with a regional musical performance.

    

   Accommodation: Bishapur Ecolodge

   Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

10. Day 10 Khuzestan: Birthplace of a Nation

    Our Iranian adventure continues today as we resume our drive north, this time entering the ancient province of Khuzestan, said to be the nation’s birthplace.

    Khuzestan borders neighbouring Iraq with its provincial capital, Ahvaz, only a stone’s throw from the border. The Land of Khuzestan dates back to more than 5,000 years and is named after the original inhabitants, the Khuzi. In 1980 it was Khuzestan that Iraq invaded, starting the eight-year Iran–Iraq War.

    Our journey follows a more peaceful approach as we enter this historical province from the south passing through deserts that are claimed to be some of the hottest on the planet during the summer. As we approach the city of Ahvaz, we’ll see some of the region’s famed oil fields which have brought new wealth to the province.

    Although Ahvaz has a relatively long history, little evidence of this remains after its historic decline and extensive damage during the Iran-Iraq war. For us eager explorers, however, there is always something of interest, so upon our arrival we will check into our hotel before heading to the Karun River. Iran’s longest and only navigable river, Karun River is a great place to catch locals enjoying their afternoon, cooling off in the river breeze. Spannin the river are the White Bridge and Ali-ibn-Mahziar Bridge making a worthy stop, the latter decorated by a colourful water feature.

    Once we have explored the city on foot, we will wait a little longer for the night to close in and the city’s main charm to emerge in the form of its many night market food stalls. Ahvaz is one of those places that seems more alive at night than in the day as locals fill the streets, scout out the best cafés or enjoy fresh bread and shashlik.

     

    Accommodation: Pars Hotel

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

11. Day 11 Susa and Shushtar: Ancient Beginnings

    We leavee at dawn, departing the modern city of Ahvaz and driving to the ancient towns of Susa and Shushtar. It’s Susa and Shushtar that truly give us an idea of the history and importance of the province of Khuzestan.

    First on our journey, the ancient settlement of Susa, located in the lower Zagros Mountains/ Susa dates back a staggering 6,000 years serving as the capital of the ancient Elam civilization and the later Achaemenid Empire.

    Once in Susa, our first stop will be Susa Castle, also known as the Archaeologist’s Castle, built-in 1912 by the archaeologists who were working in the ancient ruins. A closer inspection will reveal that much of the stone used in the castle construction was scavenged from the same sites that the archaeologists were working on with many stones containing cuneiform inscriptions. From the Archaeologist’s Castle to the Susa Archaeology Museum, we’ll view some of the smaller finds from this historic centre.

    Now we have learned a little more of the region’s history, it’s on to the Achaemenid Apadana Palace, the winter residence of Achaemenid kings built in the 6^th century BC and considered one of the most important buildings in the Ancient City of Susa.

    The Tomb of Daniel the Prophet is our last stop before we head out of Susa, searching for more history. The tomb is said to contain the remains of a noble Jewish prophet who foretold the coming of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

    Our historic adventure continues as, before we arrive in the historic fortress city Shushtar, we’ll stop at Chogha Zanbil Ziggurat. Chogha Zanbil Ziggurat was an ancient Elamite complex buried in the shifting desert sands until it was rediscovered in the 1950s. Chogha Zanbil Ziggurat comprises an ancient ruined city set around a five-story Ziggurat (temple) it was the first UNESCO-Listed site in Iran.

    Once we have finished exploring this immense complex, we’ll head to our final destination of the day, Shushtar. Formerly known as Adamdun during the Achaemenian period Shushtar is another Iranian city with a long and fascinating past.

     

    Accommodation: Sarabi Hotel

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

12. Day 12 From the Ancient Waterways of Shushtar to Modern Tehran

    We’ll have an early morning start today, especially as our first visit of the day is at its best when bathed in the early morning light. The Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System is something that needs to be seen to be believed; reminiscent of an impossible puzzle, the Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System is, in actual fact, a complex of dams, bridges, canals and other structures. Built by Roman prisoners in the 3^rd century AD, all of these sites are interlinked to form a complex hydraulic system. It is no wonder that The Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System has been termed  ”a masterpiece of creative genius” by UNESCO.

    Before leaving this fascinating place, we’ll make one last stop at the Band-e-Kaisar (Caesar’s Dam), another structure built by Roman prisoners. Here at Band-e-Kaisar, many believe that the Roman Emperor Valerian, captured by Shah Shapur I, was put to work.

    From Shushtar, we have our last desert journey as we make our way to the more modern city of Andimeshk. A settlement that would see regeneration and construction during the Pahlavi dynasty. In 1929 Andimeshk would be linked to the Trans-Iranian Railway, which would aid in transporting some of the regions valuable resources. This railway terminal is perfect for us as we board our train mid-afternoon and make our final journey to the nation’s capital, Tehran, on the Trans-Iranian Railway.

     

    Accommodation: Overnight Train

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

13. Day 13 From Revolution to Modern Tehran

    Arriving in Tehran early, we’ll head to our tour hotel for a bit of rest until a more convenient time. Once we’ve relaxed and had a chance to wash the dust of travel from our hair, we’ll head out to complete our tour of Tehran.

    Our first stop of the day will be the Former US Embassy Building. These days, going by a new moniker, The Den of Espionage. It may be just a tiny part of Iranian history for most locals, with many strolling by without a second glance. However, for us, westerns of a certain age or Hollywood still pumping out movies about it, The Den of Espionage remains a location of attraction. From its anti-US murals painted on the outside, it’s clear we’re in for a museum with a difference. Once inside, we get to step back in time, viewing old computers, telex machines, and even the shredders used by embassy staff in 1979 as revolutionary students stormed the building. If that isn’t enough, we’ll get to see the documents painstakingly stuck back together!

    Our Iranian adventure has taken us through ancient history, natural history and even the country’s industrial history. Our journey comes full circle in the nation’s capital as we make our final visit, a tour to the Mausoleum of Ayatollah Khomeini (Ruhollah Khomeini).

    1st Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khomeini came from humble roots, eventually leading the 1979 Iranian Revolution overthrowing the last Shah of Iran and ending dynastic rule ensuring no King of Kings would follow. With the revolution’s success, Ayatollah Khomeini would form the Islamic Republic of Iran, leading his country during its fledgling years, steering Iran through an invasion from neighbouring Iraq and ensuing economic woes, Ayatollah Khomeini would pass away at 89 years of age in 1989.

    After his death, Ayatollah Khomeini was laid to rest in the Mausoleum of Ruhollah Khomeini, a purpose-built shrine honouring Iran’s leader. The complex is a vast affair, noticeable on approach for its exquisite craftsmanship and beautiful Islamic architecture. Spread over 20 square kilometres, the complex houses a visitors centre, university, gardens, shopping area and of course, the central hall, which houses the tomb for Ayatollah Khomeini.

    Before returning to the hotel, those who wish can be taken to Tehran’s Grand Bazaar; from here, you can buy all of those last-minute souvenirs and more before returning home.

     

    Accommodation: Iranshahr

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

14. Day 14 Departure Day

    The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel.

    END OF TOUR

    Extensions are possible – please speak to your Tour Manager to discuss options.

Iranian Hotels & Ecolodges