A PASSAGE TO PERSIA & SYRIA
(Countries visited: Iran, Syria)
Persia and Syria, a combination that is like tracing “where it all began”. Both civilizations made profound accomplishments in poetry, art, architecture, science and history. Names like Darius, Xerxes, Alexander the Great, Jesus Chrits, Rustam, Omar Khayyam, Hafiz, Saadi, Shamsh Tabriz, Attar, Ibn Sina, Salahuddin Ayubi are figures of international stature that all had a role in making history in these countries.
Passage to Persia and Syria, in an artistically 18-day comfortable journey, traces the role so many of the these magnets played in making the world and it’s arts to where we are today. We have as much continuity of history in these two countries as diversity.
Day 01: Depart home city for Tehran
We start our exciting Passage to Persia and Syria as we board for our flight for Tehran.
Day 02: Arrive Tehran
Upon arrival, we are welcomed ay Tehran, the pearl of Persia. After checking into our hotel, we enjoy a leisurely day and rest. Evening the beginning of cultural immersion into Persia begins with a welcome dinner a typical Persian restaurant where we will be entertained with poetry recitals and shisha hookah.
Overnight: Laleh Hotel, Tehran (2 nights) (D)
 Day 03: Tehran
We start our exploration of Persia with a visit to the Carpet Museum displaying an excellent collection of old Iranian hand woven carpets, followed by the Museum of Reza Abbasi named after the most famous miniaturist in the Safavid’s era. It exhibits artifacts dating back to prehistoric, ancient and Islamic periods and is particularly rich in Islamic calligraphy. We culminate the day with an entertaining and cultural insight at the local colourful bazaar where we stroll through the narrow lanes. (B, D)
Day 04: Tehran / Yazd (Flight)
Tehran is a city of museums and we start with the unique Glass and Ceramic Museum and then the Archeological Museum where stone sculpture of a winged lion from Susa and a 6thC B.C. audience hall relief of Darius the Great from the Treasury at Persepolis are on display. We then visit the majestic Sa'dabad Palace before proceeding to the airport for our flight to Yazd, located in the heart of Iran. Yazd was a major stop on the international caravan routes to Central Asia and India. The architecture of Yazd is the most traditionally Persian to be found.
Overnight: Safaiyeh Hotel, Yazd (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 05: Yazd
As Yazd is home to the more traditional Persian architecture, we begin our day with a visit to the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence and Fire Temple (where a fire is still kept burning from 5thC AD). We continue to the magnificent Masjed-e Jameh and Amir-Chakhmaq Mosques and then tour Doulat Abad Garden with its traditional ventilation shaft (wind tower). Dinner will consist of local Yazdi cuisine. (B, D)
Day 06: Yazd / Shiraz (Drive 409 kms)
Morning we take a scenic drive to Pasargadae - the capital of Cyrus the Great where we also visit his tomb. From Pasargade we drive to Shiraz, well known known as the city of Roses and Nightingales, and rightly so, as it is the home of the finest Persian poets as well as the cradle of the Persian Civilization.
Overnight: Homa Hotel, Shiraz (2 nights) (B, D)
 Day 07: Persepolis
Persepolis is the last and ultimate expression of the ancient Middle East. Nearly 2500 years ago, construction of the magnificent structures was initiated by Darius the Great with the intent to make it the focus of the mighty Achemenian Empire. Our tour will also include the Naqsh-e-Rustam where hewn out of a cliff rest the tombs believed to be of Darius I and II, Atraxerxes and Xerxes I. A typical Shirazi dinner awaits us at a local entertainment. (B, D)
Day 08: Shiraz / Isfahan (Flight)
We explore Shiraz visiting the picturesque Eram Garden, (famous for its cypress trees) and tombs of Persia’s best-known poets, Saadi and Hafiz. While there, why not enjoy a cup of chai at the wonderful atmospheric teahouse where one sits on a floor of cushions and mingle with the locals. We then visit the “modern” Nasirol-Molk mosque and the pretty Afif-Abad Garden followed by a visit to the Church of Saint Simmon the Zealot with the famed stained glass windows. The day culminates with a trip to a labyrinthine bazaar before our short flight to Isfahan.
Overnight: Abbasi Hotel, Esfahan (3 nights) (B, D)
Day 09: Isfahan
Legend has it that Isfahan was founded at the time of Tahmourass or Keykavous. During the Safavid Era (16th/17thC AD.) Isfahan became a city of Gardens and Palaces and the beauty is indicated in the quote: "Isfahan is half of the world".
Isfahan is so beautiful that it can never be forgotten. We tour the magnificent medina including the Hacht Behesht Palace, a charming garden palace, built in 1680, with impressive mosaics and stalactite moldings. Next we visit the richly decorated and serene Armenian Vank Church and the glorious Friday Mosque. No trip to Isfahan is complete without visiting the famous old bridges that cross the Zayande River. We take some time here to stroll along the riverbanks, mingle with the friendly residents and join the local folks for the famous Isfahani tea. (B, D)
Day 10: Isfahan
We start the day with a visit to the Emam Khomeini Square. This majestic square, built in 1612, is constantly bustling with activity. The next highlight is the beautifully proportioned 17thC Masjed-e Sheikh Lotfollah and the magnificent Emam Mosque – one of the most stunning buildings in Iran. Next, a visit to the six storey Ali Ghapu Palace followed by a tour of the most impressive pavilion and garden, Chehel Sutoon Place built with 40 pillars by Shah Abbas. We end this exciting day with a trip to the most famous bazaar in Iran with a drive seeing Isfahan by night. (B, D)
Day 11: Isfahan / Kashan / Tehran (Drive 414 Kms) / Damascus (flight)
On our scenic drive to Tehran we stop at Kashan, an attractive oasis town, and take in its attractive sights. We visit Tabatabaie Houses and Khan-e Borujerdi, built as a private residence, now a charming museum with a lovely courtyard. We then take in the famous Fin Garden and witness its breathtaking pools, orchards and natural springs. Next we visit Agha Bozorg Mosque famous for its lovely portals and minarets. After lunch, we visit the exquisite Shrine of Fatima in Qum and later we view the Tomb of Ayatollah Khomeini. Continue to Tehran airport for our flight to Damascus where we are cordially met and transferred to our hotel
Overnight: Carlton Hotel (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 12: Damascus
We start the day with a visit to one of the oldest cities in the world, Damascus, to see the National Museum, Tukia Al Sulaymanieh, Suq Al Hamidiye, Ommayad Mosque, Saladdin Memorial, Azem Palace, Straight Street of Damascus, St. Ananias Chapel, St. Paul Chapel. We also walk on the Biblical “street called straight” where enjoy a Syrian welcome dinner. (B, D)
 Day 13: Damascus / Bosra / Damascus
Today is a day excursion to visit Bosra, which is famous for its Roman amphitheater dated back to the 2ndC AD, together with an ancient Islamic minaret. In 632 AD, Bosra was the first Byzantine city to fall to the Arab Muslims, and it flourished greatly as a point on both the trade route and the pilgrimage route between Damascus and Mecca. The crusaders failed to take it over but it was their threat that pushed the Ayyubids into converting the theater into a fortress (B, D)
Day 14: Damascus / Palmyra (Drive)
This morning we head for the magnificent Palmyra - the capital of the female Queen Zenobia. She challenged the Roman Empire and her empire went as far as Egypt. We feel the might of Queen Zeonobia and experience the Silk Road halt that Palmyra was also famous for. We visit the Museum, the Bel Temple, Tower Tombs, the Theater, the Monumental Arch, Zenobia Bath, Bel Shamin, Nebo Temple, the Street of Colonnades, Agora. Evening stroll in the local village.
Overnight: Villa Palmyra Hotel, Palmyra (1 night) (B, D)
 Day 15: Palmyra / Crac des Chevaliers / Aleppo (Drive)
Today we drive to the fascinating Crac des Chevaliers, the castle that played the vital role during the crusaders war. Visiting this strategically built castle, we then continue onto the ancient Silk Road city of Hama and visit, amongst others, the ancient water wheels before reaching Aleppo. Evening time to enjoy the bazaar.
Overnight: Mirage Palace Hotel, Aleppo (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 16: Aleppo / St. Simeon / Aleppo
Today we visit the famous St. Simeon - a striking example of the architecture during the times of the Dead Cities that flourished for more than 400 years. From here we continue for Aleppo and visit the most dominating site of the Citadel of Aleppo. The Citadel dates back to the Fatimid & Ayyubid eras - 11th & 12th C AD. Our Aleppo tour takes us to famous souq and the Al Wazir Caravanserai with all kinds of goods. (B, D)
Day 17: Aleppo / Maaloula / Damascus
Our countryside drive to Damascus takes us to Maaloula, the virgin village where the people still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ. Here we visit the famous church where St Paul’s pupil, St Takla took refuge. We continue for Damascus and have our farewell dinner at a typical local flair restaurant.
Overnight: Carlton Hotel, Damascus (1 night) (B, D)
Day 18: Depart Damascus / home city
After a journey into history, we bid farewell to the land that houses some of the oldest living cities in the world. Transfer to the airport for the departure flight. Ideal opportunity to join one of Bestway’s tours in the region. (B)
Departure Dates
English
Speaking Departures 2010
Apr 06 & Sep 21
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Tour Price Includes
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Tour Price Does Not Include
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| Hotel Accommodation as mentioned |
International Airfare |
| Meal Plan as mentioned |
Departure Taxes |
| Regional/Domestic Air/Trainfare as required |
Personal Insurances |
| All Sightseeing and Transfers |
Visa Fees |
| Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites |
Drinks/Beverages with meals |
| Local Guides |
Tips/Gratuities to Drivers & Guides |
| Porterage |
All Other Items Not Mentioned |
| Visa Support as required |
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Tour Price:
The cost of this tour has been based in USD. We accept payment in USD, equivalent Canadian Dollars (for residents of Canada), or equivalent EURO (for residents outside North America).
| Double
Occupancy |
Single
Room Supplement |
| April 6, 2010 US $ 4295 |
US $ 795 |
| Sept 21, 2010 US $ 4995 |
US $ 985 |
For complete payment procedures, please download  Payment_Info.pdf
Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
This tour operates on a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 15 participants.
Customised
Itinerary
If you would like to have a tour on dates other
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please contact us and we will be happy to work out an
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