Last updated: 2010-02-15

Day by Day

Day 1

Gathering at the hotel in Tehran.

Day 2-6

Flight to Shiraz, the tour leader’s hometown and one of Iran’s famous cities. The Persian narrating tradition is strong. Under the trees, in mosques, anywhere the tour leader will tell and discus the questions that arise during the journey.
During one of the days you make an excursion to Persepolis, the best reserved of the Persia’s ancient towns. The town was founded between 4^th and 5^th BC and is a world attraction.
One of the days you will visit nomads. This is arranged before you arrive; therefore we don’t have all the details. But what is known is that you will stay over night with them in their tent or house.

Day 7-9

By bus to Esfahan, yet another of the famous cities. Its history led to the Persian proverb “Esfahan is half the world”. You will be moved by the beauteous mosques in blue tile. Enjoy the wonderful art of getting lost in the huge bazaar. There won’t be enough time for all you will want to see and experience.

Day 10-12

By bus to Yazd, center for the Zoroastrians, the ancient Persian religion that preceded Islam. Mosques and Fire Temples stand side by side. A rather big, incredible fascinating city, built in an antique style. After only a few meters you are in the middle of a labyrinth of winding alleys between houses made of adobe. If you have the name of the hotel with you, there is no lack of helpful guides.

Day 13-15

With a rented bus through the Zagros Mountains to the small town of Meymand. The town is beautifully situated in a green valley, surrounded by bare mountains. There are still domiciliations in caves. Excursions in smaller groups of 2-4 people, in the surrounding landscape. You visit villages in the mountains and each group is accompanied by a local guide. Maybe you can stay over night in one of the villages. The Persian hospitality applies. During the excursion you pay for food and housing.

Day 16

Bus to Kerman one of the many towns after which carpets have been named.

Day 17

After a long journey by train in a sleeping-car through the desert you arrive in the big city Mashhad.

Day 18

Visit the Emam Reza mosque, the Shia Muslims most important sanctuary. The blue mosque is unbelievable beautiful and open for non-Muslims. Meet mullahs (priests) and talk with students at madrasahs (religious schools). Few have spoken to for example, Christian foreigners and over here we ARE e.g. Christian. Atheists get no understanding what so ever.

Day 19

Train to Teheran. You travel by day and get to see a lot of the country.

Day 20-21

Sightseeing in the metropolis; the museum, the Shahs luxurious palace among others. On Fridays families and friends go to the mountains nearby for picnics. You will be pulled in to participate in the party. Many speak English.

Day 22

The journey is finished.