Iran~
The Cultures & Tribes of Iran
Departure Dates: In-country 10 to 27 September, 2006
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MAP
Iran, formerly Persia, is a cradle of grand empires and a crossroads of conquering armies dating back to 1,500 BC. It was here that Cyrus the Great established the vast Achaemanian Empire in the 6th century BC. Under Darius the Great, the empire expanded and the palatial Persepolis was built as his exquisite summer capital only to be destroyed in 331 BC by Alexander the Great in his conquest of Asia. Iran is a nation that embodies royal dynasties and cultures in a tapestry of people reflecting Aryan, Greek, Roman, Arab and Mongol origins. Although predominantly Islamic, Iran is the fount of Zoroastrians, the world's first spiritual monotheistic religion and elements of it persist today. During periods of prosperity, great cities such as Tabriz, Isfahan and Shiraz became famous centers of learning, art, poetry and fabulous architecture. Blue tiled mosques, marble palaces and ancient cultures still define this vast land.
Iran is also a land of breathtaking natural beauty whose borders reach from the Caspian Sea to the desert frontiers of Afghanistan and the shores of the Persian Gulf. The Zargos and Alborz Mountians serve to create the great central deserts of Dasht-e Kavir and Dash-e Lut where only nomads live. Our Lost Frontiers program will take you with these ancient tribal people on camel-supported treks into the desert and then by foot into the mountains with migrating shepherd tribes. Join us in an exciting program that unveils Iran's wonderful culture, friendly and hospitable people and fabulous past.
Itinerary
Day 01 Tehran.
Arrival and half day exploring Iran's capital city since 1759. Hotel.
Day 2-6 Turkomen Steppes.
Travel through the Elborz Mountains to a farm where rare Caspian Horses are being raised. Tribal experience with the Kurdish and Turkomen people. Camp & Guest Houses.
Day 7. Tehran.
Return drive through mountains. Hotel.
Day 8. Kerman.
Morning flight from Tehran to the ancient town of Kerman followed by town tour. Hotel.
Day 9. Citadel of Arg-e-Rayen Kerman.
Excursion to the citadel of Arg-e-Rayen and Mahan. (Considered a miniature version of Bam). Return to Kerman. Hotel.
Day 10. Yazd.
Ancient center of the Zoroastrian religion which is still practiced in this most interesting desert city. Hotel.
Day 11. Shiraz.
Afternoon drive to the 'city of poets and nightingales'. See exquisite shrines and later the beautiful bazaar. Hotel.
Day 12. Persepolis.
Fabulous sculptures of lions, griffins and bearded centaurs define this world heritage palace ruin. Afternoon in Shiraz. Hotel.
Days 13-15 Isfahan.
A city known as "half the world", Isfahan's Naqsh-e-Jahan Square, bazaar, bridges and mosques are a wonder to see. Hotel.
Day 16. Abyaneh.
Returning to Tehran, we sidetrack to this ancient Zoroastrian village. Walking the narrow alleys, we see another world. Hotel.
Day 17. Tehran.
Transfer to airport for early morning departure for home.
Degree of Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
FITs available. Contact us for more info.
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