Caspian Taste

DAY 1: FULL DAY CITY TOUR OF DOWNTOWN TEHRAN

We will be greeted by our tour guide in Imam Khomeini Airport and then we will be transferred to hotel. Our tour starts with Golestan Palace, the only world
heritage site and one of the oldest buildings in Tehran. Our next stop is National Museum which is the oldest museum in Iran housing objects from prehistory
to Islamic era. Crown Jewels Museum with its bewitching royal jewels astonishes us. The last place we visit is Milad Tower with over 400m height.

DAY 2: FULL DAY NORTHERN TEHRAN TOUR

Our second day in Tehran is dedicated to the North of the city and its highlights. This is where the Iranian upper class lives. We start our tour visiting Sa’adabad and Niavaran Palaces, the residence of Iran’s last Shahs (monarchs) and their household. Sa’adabad Palace is a complex consisting of 20 mansions (now used as museums) dispersed inside a vast garden at the foot of Darband Mountain. Niavaran Palace built during Qajar and Pahlavi eras is a smaller palace housing monuments where royal belongings and artistic works are on display. Then, we experience the local life in cozy Tajrish Bazaar and Darband Recreational Area.

DAY 3: ENJOYING RAMSAR

In the morning, we drive to Ramsar, a small city on the coast of Caspian Sea, through one of the most scenic roads of Iran, i. e. Chalous Raod. This is a main road that connects Tehran with the North of Iran where large numbers of people from Tehran travel to on holidays. Having reached Ramsar, we enjoy entertaining activities such as riding cable cars and watching spectacular views or strolling along beautiful Caspian Coast.

DAY 4: DRIVE TO LAHIJAN AND ANZALI

In the morning we visit Mar Mar Palace in Ramsar. This palace located inside a pleasant garden was built about 8 decades ago upon the order of Reza Shah. Then, we drive to LAHIJAN to visit the shrine of Sheikh Zahed Gilani, a highly revered 13th century Sufi Master, and also Tea farms. The city of ANZALI is our destination.

DAY 5: ANZALI AND MASULEH

Today, we have an excursion to one of the most picturesque and unique villages in Iran, MASULEH. The buildings here have been built into the mountain and are interconnected in a way that courtyards and roofs both serve as pedestrian areas similar to streets. After Masuleh, we will have a boating experience in the Anzali Lagoon, one of the best locations for watching birds in Iran. Then, we explore Anzali fish market to feel the local touch too.

DAY 6: VISITING ASTARA

In the morning we drive to ASTARA, a touristic city with strong economy having borders with Republic of Azerbaijan and western coast of Caspian Sea. Today, we visit the interesting border market and then we will walk along the coast.

DAY 7: VISITING SAREIN AND ARDABIL

We leave Astara and head towards SAREIN, Iran’s city of spas. On our way to Astara, we visit Sheikh Safi Shrine, a world heritage site, in ARDABIL. Sheikh Safi was a Sufi Master of 13th and 14th century and the great ancestor of Safavid kings. We also visit the Ethnographic Museum of Ardabil. Then, we drive on to Sarein to relish in its hot springs.

DAY 8: VISITING TABRIZ

In the morning we drive to TABRIZ, one of most important cities in Iran in terms of history, culture and economy.Tabriz is the main city for the Azeri People, the biggest ethnic minority in Iran with Turkish origin. Today we have an excursion to Kandovan Village, almost 60km from Tabriz. Kandovan like Masuleh is a unique settlement with dwellings built into rocks. Then, we drive back to Tabriz to visit El Goli, a large park with over a century age. It is a main venue for people of Tabriz to spend their free time.

DAY 9: FULL DAY CITY TOUR OF TABRIZ

We begin our city tour with Azerbaijan Museum. This museum is said to be the second most important archeological museum in Iran after National Museum in Tehran. The foundation of museum goes back to almost 80 years ago. Objects from pre-Islamic era and Islamic era are displayed in two floors. Blue Mosque, known as the turquoise of Islam, close to the museum is a must-see. This 5 century old museum which has survived some horrific earthquakes is ascetically matchless. Tabriz House of Constitution is the next stop. It was the Tabriz revolutionaries’ headquarters almost a century ago during Iran Constitution Movement. Then, we explore the only world heritage site in Tabriz, the Grand Bazaar. This bazaar is said to be the largest covered bazaar in the world. The Mausoleum of Poets is the last sight to visit.

DAY 10: VISITING JOLFA

Today, we will have an excursion to the city of Jolfa to visit St. Stephen Cathedral and St. Marry Church. These churches are listed as the world heritage sites under the title of Armenian Ensembles. Then, we take in the beautiful scenery of Aras River on the border. Drive back to Tabriz.