Jordan conjures images of Bible stories, lost cities, the startling desert scenery of Wadi Rum that enraptured Lawrence of Arabia and above all ancient Petra, one of the world's most impressive ruins. We then explore the wonders of ancient Persia and modern day Iran. On this tour we will discover Iran’s capital, Tehran: they Zoroastrian heritage in Yazd; Shiraz and its beautiful Persian Gardens; the impressive ruins of Persepolis and Pasargadae and the jewel of Persian architecture, the legendary city of Esfahan with its bridges, mosques, palaces and bazaars.
Ahlan Wasahlan (Welcome in Arabic). As we arrive Amman International Airport we are warmly welcomed and transferred to our hotel. Check in starts from 1400 hrs.
Before heading southwards along the Kings’ Highway to Aqaba, a stop will be made at Umm ar Rassas to see some of the finest Byzantine church mosaics. Next stop is Madaba, where lies the oldest map of the Holy Land, and its Mosaic School, Mt. Nebo and the alleged burial site of Moses overlooking the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley; then drive through the magnificent scenery of Wadi Mujib to Kerak to visit the Crusader Castle of (stop for optional lunch).
A brief tour of Aqaba before we head for Wadi Rum, the land of Lawrence of Arabia to embark on a two hours 4x4 jeep safari. This evening enjoy a BBQ dinner while star gazing.
A magnificent days ahead as we continue to the pink city of Petra to visit its many sites. This city was carved into the rose-red Sharah Mountains by the Nabateans and lost to Civilization until re-discovered by the Swiss Burkhardt. Walk through the Siq, a narrow and winding fissure between the cliffs, to reach the Treasury, the Roman Theater, the Courts, Qasr Bint Pharaoun, Temple of the Winged Lion and other monuments. A break for optional lunch, or you may wish to climb up to the Monastery. Return to Amman.
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Tehran International Airport. We are warmly welcomed and transferred to our hotel. Check in time starts from 1400 hrs.
Our morning tour of Tehran will include the Glass and Ceramic Museum and Sa'dabad Palace followed by the Archaeological Museums. The fine collection includes a stone sculpture of a winged lion from Susa and a 6th Century B.C. audience hall relief of Darius the Great from the Treasury at Persepolis. The museum has items dating back from the Sumerian Period (4500 B.C.). Afternoon transfer to the airport for a 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.
Morning depart for Shiraz via Pasargadae - the capital of Cyrus the Great where we will also visit his tomb. Shiraz, traditionally known as the city of Roses and Nightingales, and rightly so, is the home of the finest Persian lyrics as well as the cradle of the Persian Civilization.
Our day is spent exploring Shiraz where we start with a visit to the picturesque Eram Garden, famous for its cypress trees. Next we visit the 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 sit on a floor of cushions and mingle with the locals. Our next stop takes us to 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. This wonderful day culminates with a trip to a labyrinthine bazaar. Continue onto Esfahan - another highlight and a not-to-miss city in any tour of Iran. Legend has it that Esfahan was founded at the time of Tahmourass or Keykavous. During the Safavid Era (16th/17th Century AD.), Esfahan is a city of Gardens and Palaces; a trade center recognized by the saying, "Esfahan is half of the world".
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.
The Jordan program can be done on any day of the week; however, the Iran program only has two dates (Apr 13 & Sep 21). We could arrange a private tour on your own date, with a slight increase in the tour cost of 5%.