(A UNIT OF NOVA GROUP OF COMPANIES)

NOVA TRAVEL

Heart of Persia aboard the Golden Eagle-14Days

Itinerary-14 Days

Day 1: To Tehran

Transfer to the Hotel for 2 nights. Welcome reception and dinner. (D)

Day 2: Tehran

Morning visit to the Crown Jewels Museum in the Central Bank of Iran building, with its vast array of crown jewels used by the Qajar and Pahlavi royalty. Afternoon tour of the Grand Bazaar. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Tehran

Morning tour of the National Museum of Iran, which houses an array of artefacts detailing Iran's history. In the afternoon, board the Golden Eagle for the 10-night journey through Iran. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Mashhad

Stop in Mashhad to visit the Imam Reza Holy Shrine, the largest mosque in the world in terms of its dimension, followed by a tour of the Nader Shah museum. After lunch, tour the tomb of Ferdowsi, the father of Persian literature. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Rayen • Mahan

Afternoon arrival into Rayen to visit the impressive castle, which has excellent views of Mount Hezar. Travel by road to Mahan to explore the Royal Palace with its Prince Garden and tomb. Rejoin the train for the journey to Kerman. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Kerman

Morning arrival into Kerman. Visit the Hamam Ganj Ali Khan museum, with its exquisite frescoes. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Yazd

Full-day tour to the Water Museum, the Zoroastrian fire temple and the Jame mosque. Other highlights include the Amir Chakhmaq complex. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Isfahan

Full-day tour of the city's monuments, including Naghshe Jahan Square, the Imam and Sheikh Lotfollah mosque, and the beautiful Khaju bridge. Conclude with a visit to the Vank Church in the Armenia quarter. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Persepolis • Shiraz

Morning tour of Persepolis, Darius the Great's summer capital, to view the magnificent stone terrace and palace. Continue to Nagsh-e-Rostam, the site of the royal tombs and Sassanian rock reliefs. Afternoon drive to Shiraz to view the Quran Gate, the Hafez Tomb and the Vakil Cathedral. Rejoin the train for the journey to Kashan. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Kashan

Stop in Kashan and visit the Unesco world heritage site, the Fin garden and the Sialk Hills archaeological site. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Shushtar • Chogha Zanbil • Susa

This morning, transfer to a local train for the journey to the city of Shushtar. Visit the remarkable water hydraulic system. Continue to visit the ancient site of Chogha Zanbil and the city of Susa before rejoining the Golden Eagle train. (B, L, D)

Day 12: Trans-Iranian Railway

This morning, transfer to a local train for a picturesque journey on the Trans-Iranian Railway. Cross the famous Veresk bridge, hailed as the 'Bridge of Victory' as it was a vital link for supplies to Russia from the Allied powers in the second world war, and travel along the outstanding 'Three Golden Lines' spiral where the railway line ascends and descends in a very short distance, passing the same area three different times but at different heights. Rejoin the Golden Eagle train for the onward journey to Tehran. (B, L, D)

Day 13: Tehran

Morning visit to the Golestan Palace, a Unesco world heritage site. Afternoon at leisure for self-exploration of Tehran. Transfer and stay overnight at the Hotel. Farewell dinner at the hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 14: Onward travel
Transfer to the airport or continue with your onward travel arrangements. (B)​