Arzhan and Parishanwere once the home to Persian lions that – unfortunately- have gone extinct by local rulers and hunters some 100 years ago. It was introduced as a national park in 1974 and at the same time, the place was introduced as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO.
Arzhan national park is rich by encompassing two beautiful lakes of Parishan and Arzhan, history and culture, flora and fauna, as well as ornithological aspects. This trekking tour begins from Arzhan national park all the way towards Bavan Gorge which was called “Jannat-alAarba” (meaning Four Gardens) in old Persian literature books such as “Nozhat Al-Gholoob” or “Farsnameh”. The path is known as one of the best trekking trails in Iran. While your travel to Iran, you may choose this delightful trekking tour package that will retain nice memories in your mind.
Upon your pre-dawn arrival in Tehran airport, you will be cordially received by our representative carrying our logo show card (transfer information) who will direct and transfer you to your hotel. You will have time to rest and relax before our morning tour of Tehran commences. Tehran, a modern megalopolis, prides itself in having unique museums with immense and unrivaled collections and artifacts dating from the earliest onset of history to the present era. Our tour begins with a trip to the Archeological Museum, one of the rare places in the world where we will have the special opportunity to visit and experience the “evolution of mankind” through the marvelous display of historical relics. Next on the agenda is our very much-awaited chance to savor the distinctive flavor of Iranian cuisine. Lunch will be set in an exquisite traditional Iranian restaurant where we will sample a wide range of delightful Persian dishes and desserts. Afterwards, we will visit a world of jewels in a priceless Crown Jewels Museum one of which is one of the two greatest diamonds, Darya-e-Noor (sea of light). At the end of the day, we will get a chance to see a variety of Persian hand-woven carpets and rugs in the Carpet Museum which houses more than 100 spectacular pieces from all over Iran. On top of that, we will also be given an insight into the history of these carpets. Stay overnight in Tehran.
Attention: The priority in sightseeing may be changed due to the time of your arrival, preference of your guide and also official and unofficial holidays of some museums.
A morning visit to Sa'ad Abad Complex with an immense 1,100,000 square meters and 18 magnificent historical palaces (2 of which you will visit) will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on you. Subsequently, you will be acquainted with the world of Iranian arts with a trip to the Reza Abbasi Museum which boasts a diverse collection of different art forms. Your Tehran excursion will end at the Ceramic Museum where you will be able to witness its construction with glorious ancient archaeology. Afterwards, you will be transported to the airport for an hour flight to Shiraz. This is followed by a transfer to your hotel in Shiraz and en route you will be able to see the Shah-Cheragh (King of the Light) shrine from outside. Stay overnight in Shiraz.
Our excursion for Today is Persepolis. Founded by Darius I in 518 B.C., Persepolis was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire. It was built on an immense half-artificial, half-natural terrace, where the king of kings created an impressive palace complex inspired by Mesopotamian models. The importance and quality of the monumental ruins make it a unique archaeological site. It seems that Darius planned this impressive complex of palaces not only as the seat of government but also, and primarily, as a show place and a spectacular centre for the receptions and festivals of the Achaemenid kings and their empire such as Nowroz. The next is Necropolis. Opposite the mountain of Rahmat, ten minutes driving to the north, proudly stands the Necropolis, the magnificent burial place of Achaemenid kings. The site also provides seven bas-reliefs dating back to Elamite and Sassanid period.
Depart from Shiraz to Parishan Lake and visit the village of Molla Areh en route. Cross the lake on a boat and then start off trekking for 8 hours towards Arjan Lake. Trek in the Arjan protected area which is uniquely covered by fauna and flora species. This region hosted the Iranian Lion until a century ago and at the present time hosts the Asian Yellow Deer. All the other protected animals in this region are exotic and wonderful. Set up tent near Arjan Lake and waterfall.
Visit Arjan Lake and its diverse bird species. Trek towards Zanganeh village for 8 hours; visit Arjan spring, Dasht-e Arjan village, Ghareh Aghaj River, the local villages and a range of customs, cultures and dialects along the way. Set up tent near Ghareh Aghaj River for overnight stay.
Drive to Bavan gorge which is reminded in the history books as one of the four paradises on earth. . While on the region end up trekking on the slopes of Anaar mount along the Ghareh Aghaj River to see the origins of this long river and enjoy the exotic nature and flora of Zagros Mountains with the old walnut trees. Set up tent in Bavan gorge to stay overnight. (8 hrs trek)
Today set out trekking from Bavan gorge towards the natural spas of Nour Abad for 5 hours to swim in the mineral water at noon and wipe out the exhaustion of previous days. Cover the back road to Shiraz in the evening.
Shiraz has a reputation as an enlightened city that has been at the centre of Persian culture for more than 2,000 years, and was at one time the country's capital. Shiraz is crowned as the heartland of Persian culture and this city of sophistication will never fail to conjure up images of roses and nightingales, gardens and poetry. Early in the morning, relish in the highlights of Shiraz when it was the capital of Iran during the Zand Dynasty. Be inspired by the glorious Karim Khan palace, the splendid Vakil mosque, Vakil Bazaar and Saray-e-moshir with its splendid architecture and interesting ethnic souvenir shops, Nasir Almolk mosque. Next, we will stop for a mouth-watering Iranian lunch at one of the traditional restaurants of Shiraz. This gorgeous city in the province of Fars is home to famous poets such as Hafez and Sa'adi and historical sites from different eras stretching back 6,000 years ago can be found. Hafez is one of great poets who impressed everyone with his mastery. His poems give us a special feeling and the peace in his tomb is really outstanding. Sa’adi is a poet, philosopher and mystic who is known as the father of a alternative tourist. About seven previous centuries he travelled to different countries and cities. Then he collected all his experience in verse and Rhyme prose in two books named Boustan and Golestan. These two books give you Lots of inspiration and information. We will get a chance to pay homage to tombs of these great poets. In the evening, we will visit Ali-Ebn-e-Hamzeh and be prepared to marvel at its beauties. Take a stroll through the Jahan Nama Garden and witness its tall and proud cedars. Finally visit the Delgosha Garden and Khajoy-e-Kermani tomb from where the perspective of the mysterious city of Shiraz will perpetuate in our mind. At night have dinner in a restaurant with specific atmosphere in the north of Shiraz. Stay overnight in Shiraz.
Isfahan, the legendary city which never fails to enchant its visitors, is the pearl of traditional Islamic archeology. This city is revived by the works of contemporary artists. Isfahan prides itself in having fascinating historical garden palaces. Legend has it that the city was founded at the time of Tahmourass or Keykavous and because of its glories has been entitled “Half the World”. Your full day tour includes the famed Imam Square (Naqsh-e-Jahan), a huge square second in the world to Beijing's Tiananmen Square. Tour the architectural marvels of Sheikh Lotfollah and Imam Mosques, Aliqapu Palace, Chehel Sutoon and Hasht Behesht Palaces, and also visit one of the most famous bazaars in Iran, where you can purchase the arts & crafts for which Isfahan is so well renowned. Stay overnight in Isfahan.
Isfahan’s Jameh mosque holds in itself the passage of several centuries of historical Islamic evolution. This mosque is a gallery of Islamic architecture in which the progress of the architecture from the outset of Islam till recent times is evident. Then we will visit Vank Church which is one of the most beautiful Armenian churches in the world and will undoubtedly capture the attention of every Christian. Your day will conclude with a visit to Monar Jomban, the tomb of a Sufi with its shaking minarets and some historical bridges. Stay overnight in Isfahan.
Today, en route to Kashan we will visit the UNESCO recognized village of Abyaneh, located at the foot of Mount Karkas and in the vicinity of desert. Appreciate the serenity of this quaint village with its splendid archaeology and meet the dwellers who speak, live and dress in the original Persian style. Next, drive to Kashan and stay overnight there.
Visit Tabatabaiha and Boroojerdiha houses and some other historical places specially chosen by your tour guide and be acquainted with the previous century’s architecture, the Qajar era. AT night transfer to IKA airport to depart Iran – the land of warmth and hospitality.
