12 Days The Persian Explorer | Train Journey
12 Days The Persian Explorer | Train Journey
A panoramic rail journey through Iran
“This journey takes you over the Alborz Mountains to the Caspian Sea; to UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the fortress of Bam and the ancient city of Persepolis and colourful bazaars in Iran’s cities, including Teheran, Shiraz and Isfahan.”
TRAIN ITINERARY
DAY 1: TEHRAN
Upon arrival in Tehran airport, transfer to hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
- Overnight in Tehran Hotel
DAY 2: ALBORZ MOUNTAINS - CASPIAN SEA
Your private train departs in the morning from Tehran station. Travel through the Alborz Mountains, you will notice the landscapes of red and green ribbons appear on the austere hills.
Once you arrive in Sari, a tour of the city takes you to the clock tower – the city’s landmark. Thanks to the close-by Caspian Sea that is home to the sturgeon, caviar is a regional speciality here, so, your dinner in a quaint restaurant includes a caviar tasting.
- Overnight on board the train
- Includes breakfast, lunch & dinner
DAY 3: MASHHAD
This day, you will explore Mashhad, one of the seven holy sites of Shiite Islam. Here you find the mausoleum of the eighth Shiite Imam, Ali ibn Musa ar-Reza, who is said to have been poisoned at Calif al Ma’mum’s behest. The sanctuary in his honour consists of numerous patios and features one of the most comprehensive art collections in the whole of Iran, of which you will visit the most impressive carpet museum among others.
- Overnight on board the train
- Includes breakfast, lunch & dinner
DAY 4: KERMAN
Cross the desert landscape of the Iranian plateau on your way to Kerman today. During your guided city tour, you will see the Friday Mosque and the Mosque Ganj Ali Khan. Take a stroll around the bazaar and enter a tea house where you taste the local sweet treat Kolompeh – a small shortcrust cake filled with date sauce.
- Overnight on board the train
- Includes breakfast, lunch & dinner
DAY 5: BAM
Arrive in Bam this afternoon. Greeted by an oasis full of date palms and citrus fruits, ideally located at the artery between the Iranian plateau and the Indian subcontinent. Its current and also former historic centre is the fortress Arg-é Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage. After sunset, you are the guest of some local Bedouins who tells you about the fairy tale world of 1001 Nights. Have a chance to sit around a bonfire.
- Overnight on board the train
- Includes breakfast, lunch & dinner
DAY 6: YAZD
In the morning, you reach the most beautiful desert city of Iran - Yazd. Visit the Zoroastrian fire temples and towers of silence, where the dead were once buried after the Zarathustra rite. The Yazd Water Museum introduces you to the desert city’s water supply by the Qanat system and gives you an idea of the green and water-refreshed life of a well-to-do family’s home. While you are having lunch, the train heads towards Isfahan, where your hotel room is waiting for you. Today’s dinner will be served in the lovely courtyard of a former caravansary.
- Overnight in Yazd Hotel
- Includes breakfast, lunch & dinner
DAY 7 & 8: ISFAHAN
Take your time to explore this wonderful city! You cross the threshold to visit the Ali-qapu Palace and a veranda where you can enjoy an excellent view of the Imam Square. Once a private mosque for the Safavid royal families, the Lotfullah Mosque opens its doors for you today.
You also visit the Jameh Mosque and the Armenian Quarters. Walk along the Zayandehrud River and get to know the city’s two famous bridges, a favourite meeting place for the locals. Be enchanted by the merchants’ skills and products on display at the gold bazaar.
- Overnight on board the train & 1 night in local hotel
- Includes breakfast, lunch & dinner
DAY 9: CITY OF PARSARGADAE AND PERSEPOLIS
Your local tour guide shows you all of the attractions of this sprawling archaeological site, including the Cyrus grave.
By coach, you arrival at your next sightseeing spot. The kingdom of Darius the First extended from Egypt to Pakistan, and he founded the capital of Para; the Greeks named it Persepolis. Your guide takes you on a discovery tour of the 1,500 ft. x 985 ft. palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step up the two stairs to the Portal of All Countries, which gives you an idea of the size of the Achaemenid Empire. Discover Apadana Palace, where King Darius received his visitors, and the Naqsh-e-Rostam necropolis of the Achaemenids. A short bus ride brings you to Shiraz, where you spend your night in a hotel.
- Overnight in Shiraz Hotel
- Includes breakfast, lunch & dinner
DAY 10: SHIRAZ
Explore the city of the Persian paradise gardens and experience the hustle and bustle of the Old Town bazaar and discover Nasir-al-Molk Mosque, where the winter prayer hall is one of the most beautiful of its kind. Bud-shaped domed structures are typical for Shiraz – a visit to the Shah Cheragh monument and mosque will show you one of the best examples of this style, before you board your special train to travel to Tehran overnight.
- Overnight on board the train
- Includes breakfast, lunch & dinner
DAY 11: TEHRAN
After your arrival in Tehran, you say goodbye to your charming train staff. In the Iranian capital, you visit Golestan Palace, an exciting monument of the glories and excesses of the Qajar emperors. One of the most oustanding gem collections in the world is on your agenda after lunch. The precious stones are estimated at up to 182 carats! A very special and magnificent exhibit in the extensive collection is the Naderi Thorn, which is decorated with 26,733 gems. Visit the Archaeological Museum after the impressions gained during your train journey.
- Overnight in Tehran Hotel
- Includes breakfast, lunch & dinner
DAY 12: DEPARTURE
Your Iran journey will come to an end today. After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to airport for your return flight to Singapore.
RATES INCLUDED:
• Train journey from Tehran to Tehran with 5 overnights on board the train in the category booked
• 6 overnights in Iranian 4* local hotels
• All meals as per itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) including two speciality meals
• Porter services
• City tours and excursions as mentioned in the programme
• English Speaking tour guide throughout
• Doctor on-board the train
• Guide book, extensive information, and special info booklet
• Airport transfers
RATES NOT INCLUDED:
• International flights
• Gratuities & Tipping
• Visa for Iran
• Beverages apart from meals
• Services not mentioned in “Rates Included”