Iranian Nowruz (8 days)
Overview
On the day of the twenty-first of March at exactly the same moment all around the world, Nowruz happens. However, Nowruz is not just a moment, as it is not just a celebration. Nowruz stands high in the culture, belief and mindset of millions of people mostly living in the Iranian Plateau for thousands of years. It is nowadays celebrated worldwide and by many people with different ethnicities.
Nowruz is a single tradition that has survived wars, invasions, changes of governments and religions, and above all time. The customs and traditions may vary in different countries, but the main parts and what it stands for and what it means remains the same.
The March equinox, or better to say Nowruz that means the new day in word for word translation, is a traditional celebration promising hope and a better future to millions of people for centuries. Just as old as Nowruz is, its survival is tied to legends, myths and history; and in the land of poetry and storytelling, this too has a lot of stories to tell.
This Nowruz tour package shows you the unique ways people prepare for the Nowruz celebration from how they prepare their city to how they take an inner journey of love. It will also take you deep into the experience of local communities in Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz from ancient times to today’s modern society. It is one of the most magical experiences to see the different ways people have been celebrating Nowruz for the past thousands of years. The stories heard and shared in Nowruz will bring so much newness to your perspective of what Iranian culture has to offer travelers from around the world.Itinerary
Salaam! Welcome to The Great Persia (Iran). You will be met at Tehran Airport by a local driver for a transfer to your hotel (approximately 1 hour). You may arrive in Tehran at any time today, with hotel rooms are generally available after 12 pm (midday).
After short rest we’ll stroll through the Tajrish Bazaar. It will be a scene full of local people preparing for Nowruz celebration. The shops will be filled with Haft Seen decoration items such as little goldfish, grass plants and many nuts and delicious traditional sweets. The traditional music is played by street musicians and we’ll trace the joy of Nowruz on everyone’s faces. It’s the happiest time in Iran. Afterward, we could visit Sa’dabad royal palace to your day plan. The palace has many Nowruz related events and the nature during spring in its gardens is quite extraordinary. In the evening, have welcome dinner by
The Great Persia.
Accommodation
Included Activities
- Tehran – Tajrish Bazaar
- Tehran – Saad Abad palace
Meals Included
Special Information
An airport arrival transfer is included. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel. Once you have provided your details a transfer representative will be booked to meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
The moment of the new year is quite important in every culture. Iran is no different. We’ll be visiting a local family. Sit around haft seen table, wear traditional clothes, read poems and new year prayers until that moment arrives. Then we’ll have the most delicious Nowruz dish called Sabzi Polo which is herbed rice with fresh fish. Then we’ll visit elders of the family to hear their many memories of Nowruz in Iran.
Accommodation
Included Activities
- Tehran – New Year Arrival Celebration with local family
- Tehran – Nowruz Persian food Sabzi Polo & Fish
Meals Included
This is the day to get to know the capital city of Iran called Tehran with a full-day tour, beginning at the World Heritage-listed Golestan Palace – an opulent masterpiece of the Qajar era embodying early Persian design. Continue by visiting the National Museum the first Iranian museum. While it may not look as inspiring as other city buildings from the outside, inside is a treasure trove of Iran's rich history. Keep your eye out for the Salt Man from Zanjan – preserved in salt for centuries. Then visit Glassware and Ceramic Museum formerly known as Abgineh museum and then walking in 30 Tir Street visit Saint Sarkis Cathedral. In the afternoon visit Azadi Tower Symbol of Modern Contemporary Architecture.
Accommodation
Included Activities
- Tehran - Golestan Palace (UNESCO site)
- Tehran - National Museum
- Tehran – Abgineh museum
- Tehran - Saint Sarkis Cathedral
- Tehran – Azadi tower
Meals Included
Drive to Isfahan (459 km). En route, explore the historical city of Kashan – a merchant town known for its high-quality ceramics, silks, carpets and fine houses. Visit the lush Bagh-e Tarikhi-ye Fin (Fin Garden), a classical Persian garden that contains Kashan's Fin Bath. This is where Amir Kabir – the Qajarid chancellor and a nationalist hero – was murdered under the orders of King Nadir al-Din in 1852. Spend time at the fascinating Tabataei House. Built in the 1840s for the affluent Tabatabaei family, exceptional attention was paid to every architectural detail of this building as dictated by the geography and climate of the area. enjoy a lunch at Morshedi House, a traditional house serving traditional Iranian Cuisine. Continue the way to Isfahan. In Isfahan, we will visit Chehel Sotoun Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site), with its magnificent exterior golden muqarnas and the interior fresco paintings. Stroll along the historical Si o Se pol and Khajou bridges and experience the nightlife of Iranians.
Accommodation
Included Activities
- Kashan -Tabatabei house
- Kashan - Fin Garden
- Isfahan - Chehel Sotoun Palace (UNESCO site)
- Isfahan – Si o Se pol and Khaju bridge
Meals Included
Isfahan is a splendid city where we will visit historical monuments of Islamic art. Isfahan or the pearl of Persia is an impressive city in the Islamic history of the world. It was the capital of the country during the sixteenth - seventeenth century, the time of rebirth of the art of Iran. The visit of the city includes: Naqsh-e Jahan Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site) the second largest square in the world with a craft bazaar all around. The Shah Mosque in the south of the square is the crown jewel of this square. The third site is the Sheikh-Lotfollah Mosque, a turquoise dome without any minaret. Visit the Holy Savior Cathedral, also known the Church of the Saintly Sisters, is a cathedral located in the New Julfa district of Isfahan, Iran. It is commonly referred to as the Vank, which means "monastery" or "convent" in the Armenian language. Prepare yourself for plenty of food and some truly incredible hospitality. Transfer to hotel and rest.
Accommodation
Included Activities
- Esfahan - Naqsh-e Jahan Square (UNESCO site)
- Esfahan - Shah Mosque
- Esfahan - Sheik Lotfallah Mosque
- Esfahan - Ali Qapu Palace
- Esfahan – Vank cathedral
Meals Included
After breakfast drive to Shiraz (500 Km) en route, Visit PASARGADAE (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the tomb of the Cyrus the great (356 Km). Then visit the remains of Persepolis (UWH) once the center of the Persian Empire and considered as one of the great cities of the ancient world. The Takhte Jamshid complex of palaces was known as the historic marvel of the country, constructed over 150 years as the ceremonial capital of Darius I’s Achaemenid Empire. Drive continue to Shiraz. In late evening, visit Tomb of Hafez, the most popular poet in Iran to know the reason behind his popularity among Iranians. Spend the night at the traditional restaurant of Shiraz.
Accommodation
Included Activities
- Shiraz - Pasargadae (UNESCO)
- Shiraz - Persepolis (UNESCO)
- Shiraz - Tomb of Hafez
Meals Included
Shiraz is known as a city of poets and literatures and lovers. Rise early this morning to catch the first rays of the sun as it seeps in through the stained glass of the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque. Stroll in magnificent Persian garden of Narenjestan Garden filled with amorous smell of orange blossoms. in the afternoon you have free time to take a walk in the Vakil Bazaar, discover the different products and artisans of the city in a covered and traditional market with a pleasant temperature in Shiraz. Next head toward Ali Ibn Hamza Mausoleum, one of Holy Shrines in Shiraz. The holy shrine is famous for its green dome and dazzling interior mirror- work. And have Farwell dinner in a traditional restaurant.
Accommodation
Included Activities
- Shiraz - Nasir al-Mulk Mosque
- Shiraz – Narenjestan garden
- Shiraz - Vakil Bazaar
- Shiraz - Ali Ibn Hamza
Meals Included
Drive to International Tehran airport to take departure flight.
Meals IncludedInclusions
- Visa (Invitation letter)
- 7 Nights accommodation at comfortable standard hotels based on B.B
- Insurance
- Accompany professional Tour Guide
- All Transportation with A/C Deluxe vehicle
- Meals (7 breakfasts, 2 lunch, 3 dinners)
- Excursions and entrance fees according to program
