11D8N Unveil Mysterious Iran(IR11MI)

DAY 1 SINGAPORE – DUBAIAssemble and check in at Singapore Changi International Airport for your flight to Shiraz via Dubai.

DAY 2 DUBAI – SHIRAZ (L/D)• Karim Khan Citadel - Medieval style fortress which was used as a prison is now an architectural wonder on exhibit. The design of the citadel combines military and residential architecture, for it was home of Karim Khan and the military centre of the dynasty.• Vakil Bath - Public bathhouses are an ancient tradition in Iran. The people of Shiraz are known for their laid-back personalities, and figures in the bath house depict exactly how locals would have relaxed after taking a bath. • Vakil Bazaar - One of Iran’s finest bazaars and a striking example of the Zand dynastic architecture. This huge ancient bazaar specialises in fine carpets, textiles, antiques and handicrafts and spices. Accommodation: 5* Chamran Grand Hotel or similar

DAY 3 SHIRAZ (B/L/D)• Nasir ol Molk Mosque - Commonly known as Pink Mosque, this is one of themost photographed mosques in Southern Iran built during the Qajar era. The multitude of stained-glass windows turn the inside of the mosque into a riotous wonderland of colour that is absolutely breath taking.

• Shah Cheragh Mausoleum - A funerary monument and mosque, housing the Tomb of Seyed Amir Ahmad, known as Shah e Cheragh, the brother of Imam Reza, came to Shiraz in the later half of the 8th century. The structure, tile work and the dome of the mausoleum have been rebuilt several times over the ceturies.Note: Chedor is required for ladies,no cameras and bags allowed.

• Ali Ibn Mosque - This Shia-Iranian shrine boasts a majestic blue dome. Be dazzled away with the glittering Venetian mirror work, stained-glass windows and an intricate wooden door. Note: Chedor is required for ladies.

• Tomb of Hafez - The greatest master of Persian lyric poetry and the literary giant of the 14th century in the west and central Asia was born in Shiraz, lived all his life here, sang its praises in unsur-passed verse and was buried in a garden known after him. The mausoleum was rebuilt in the early 1900s in a serene and charming which offers good photo opportunities.• Saraye Moshir - One of the oldest bazaars in Shiraz built during the Qajar period. It is now the centre for handicrafts for which you may wish to bring home for your loved ones.

Shiraz / Yazd / Meybod / Isfahan / Kashan / Tehran

DEPARTURE PERIODSep 2019 - Sep 2020

HIGHLIGHTSSHIRAZ • Karim Khan Citadel• Vakil Bath • Vakil Bazaar• Nasir Ol Molk Mosque• Shah Cheragh Mausoleum• Tomb of Hafez • Saraye Moshir• Quran Gate • Persepolis • Necropolis

MARVDASHT • Pasargade

YAZD • Fire Temple • Tower of Silence• Fahadan Quarter• Museum of Mirrors & Lightings• Amir Chakhmaq Complex

MEYBOD • Narin Castle • Pigeon tower • Chaparkhaneh

ISFAHAN • Vank Cathedral • Siosepol Bridge • Chehel Sotoun • Meidan Emam • Shah Mosque • Ali Qapu Palace• Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque• Grand Bazaar • Khaju Bridge• Carpet Shop

KASHAN • Fin Garden • Tabatabaei House• Sultan Amir Bath House• Kashan Bazaar

TEHRAN • Golestan Palace • Tajrish Market • Tabiat Bridge • Hypermarket

Tehran

Kashan

IsfahanMeybod

Yazd

Marvdasht

Shiraz

DAY 1 SINGAPORE – DUBAIAssemble and check in at Singapore Changi International Airport for your flight to Shiraz via Dubai.

DAY 2 DUBAI – SHIRAZ (L/D)• Karim Khan Citadel - Medieval style fortress which was used as a prison is now an architectural wonder on exhibit. The design of the citadel combines military and residential architecture, for it was home of Karim Khan and the military centre of the dynasty.• Vakil Bath - Public bathhouses are an ancient tradition in Iran. The people of Shiraz are known for their laid-back personalities, and figures in the bath house depict exactly how locals would have relaxed after taking a bath. • Vakil Bazaar - One of Iran’s finest bazaars and a striking example of the Zand dynastic architecture. This huge ancient bazaar specialises in fine carpets, textiles, antiques and handicrafts and spices. Accommodation: 5* Chamran Grand Hotel or similar

DAY 3 SHIRAZ (B/L/D)• Nasir ol Molk Mosque - Commonly known as Pink Mosque, this is one of themost photographed mosques in Southern Iran built during the Qajar era. The multitude of stained-glass windows turn the inside of the mosque into a riotous wonderland of colour that is absolutely breath taking.

• Fahadan Quarter - This is the oldest part of the city where houses are made of sun-dried bricks and walls are made of mud and straw. Some of the oldest monuments of the city are found here.• Museum of Mirrors & Lightings - The elegant 20th-century mansion, dating from the 1940s, was confiscated after the 1978 revolution and converted into a quirky and fun museum celebrat-ing the wonders of reflection. Don’t miss the collection of matches from all over the world and the old lamps collection.• Amir Chakhmaq complex - One of the most extraordinary mosques and squares in all of Iran noted for its symmetrical sunken alcoves. Built as a mosque, it served as a caravanserai, a tekyeh, a bathhouse, a cold water well and a confectionary. This imposing structure fronts a square in the old town, opposite the water museum. Accommodation: 5* Parsian Safaiyeh Hotel or similar

DAY 6 YAZD – MEYBOD – ISFAHAN (B/L/D)• Narin Castle - In the centre of Meybod, crumbling Narin castle rises imposingly above the town that has grown up around it. Revealing 3 layers of construction, the oldest foundations suggest some kind of settlement was built here as early as 4,000 BC. Lying on the silk route, the castle was used by soldiers who provided an armed escort for passing caravans charging a tax for their services.

• Pigeon Tower - Like many other ancient artistic structure pigeon towers have for the most part remained neglected and unknown to the average Iranian. This comes in spite of their utilization for agricultural purposes and widespread distribution throughout the country. Prior to the popularization of chemical fertilizers, pigeon droppings from such towers were almost used exclusively.• Chaparkhaneh (Old Post Office) - Chaparkhaneh of Meybod dates back to Qajar era which is registered in the list of Iran’s national monuments. It was one of the major post offices and chapars in the past that was established on the ancient Rey-Kerman Road beside Meybod Inn. • Vank Cathedral - A gorgeous fusion of Armenian and Islamic architecture located in the Armenian quarter of Isfahan.

• Siosepol Bridge - The longest bridge on Zayandeh River consisting of 2 rows of 33 arches from either side, therefore also famously known as Siosepol, which means bridge of 33 arches.Accommodation: 5* Parsian Kowsar Hotel or similar

DAY 7 ISFAHAN (B/L/D)• Chehel Sotoun - Called Palace of 40 columns as there are many columns and in Iranian 40 means many. Incidentally, there are 20 columns and these are reflected in the pool in front, which might also account for its name. The palace was used to hold religious national ceremonies, royal festivals, receiving royal ambassadors and guests. Its Persian Gardens are among the 9 inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List.

• Quran Gate - This historic gate is located at the entrance of the city of Shiraz. The original gate was built as an ornamental decoration about 1000 years ago, but this was replaced 60 years ago by the new gate which is considered one of the finest architectural designs in Iran and has won numerous awards.Accommodation: 5* Chamran Grand Hotel or similar

DAY 4 SHIRAZ – MARVDASHT – YAZD (B/L/D)

• Persepolis - Founded by Darius I in 518BC, 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.• Necropolis - Learn about the continuity of the country’s history in a single site. From Elamite, Achaemenid and Sasanian monuments standing side by side to ancient tombs and bas-re-liefs carved out on a rocky cliff, this majestic site is a treasure trove documenting Iran’s history.• Pasargade - A Unesco World Heritage Site and the 1st dynastic capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Founded by Cyrus the Great, its palaces, gardens and the mausoleum of Cyrus are outstanding examples of the 1st phase or royal Achaemenid architecture and Persian civilization.Accommodation: 5* Parsian Safaiyeh Hotel or similar

DAY 5 YAZD (B/L/D)• Fire Temple - Zoroastrianism, an ancient monotheistic religion that dates back to around 3,500 years ago, was the principal religion in Iran before the Islamic conquests, and the community still lives on in some parts of the country. Yazd is the centre of Zoroastrianism in Iran and is home to several site of religious and historic interest. The Ateshkadeh or Fire Temple is the most important, containing a central fire that has allegedly been burning since the 5th century AD. • Tower of Silence - Another fascinating Zoroastrian site, the ominous sounding Tower of Silence is located just outside the city. Rising from a solemn desert and scape, these 2 circulars, raised structures sit atop adjacent hills. Until as recently as the 1960s, in accordance with tradition, the bodies of deceased Zoroastrians were left in the tower’s central pits for scavenger birds to pick at in order to avoid contaminating the earth.

• Meidan Emam - One of the most gorgeous squares in the world, and also one of the 1st site in Iran to be designated a Unesco World Heritage Site. The square contains 2 mosques, a palace and the bazaar. The square is the largest historical public square in the world after Tiananmen Square in Beijing and it is a Unesco World Heritage Site surrounded by buildings from the Safavid era.• Shah Mosque - With the largest dome in the city, this mosque built during the Safavid period, is an excellent example of Islamic architecture of Iran and regarded as one of the masterpieces of Persian Architecture. Registered as a Unesco World Heritage Site, its splendour is mainly due to the beauty of its 7 colour mosaic tiles and calligraphic inscriptions.• Ali Qapu Palace (View) - Also known as the Great Persian Palace, most notable for its music room and mosaic stairs. Built in early 17th century, Ali Qapu is 48m high with 7 floors.• Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque - Construction of the mosque started in 1603 and completed in 1619 during the Safavid Dynasty. Of the 4 monuments that dominates the perimeter of the Meidan Emam Square, this was the first to be built.• Grand Bazaar - This historical market has about 5km of shopping streets. • Khaju Bridge - The Khaju Bridge is one of the 5 historical bridges on the Zayandeh River, known for its Persian architec-ture. The bridge though more than 350 years, is still functioning today as a recreation centre and is especially beautiful in the evenings when lighted up.• Carpet Shop - Persian carpets and rugs are among the most beautiful and appreciated in the world for centuries. You may find one that suites your taste at a local carpet shop.Accommodation: 5* Parsian Kowsar Hotel or similar

DAY 8 ISFAHAN – KASHAN (B/L/D)• Fin Garden - This traditional Persian garden believed to have been created around the 1st half of the 16th century, is one of the 9 gardens that formed the Unesco World Heritage Site known as Persian Garden. • Tabatabaei House - Historic Tabatabaei House, a beautiful abode built in the early 1880s consists of 4 courtyards, wall paintings with elegant stained glass windows and other classic features of traditional Persian residential architecture.• Sultan Amir Bathhouse - 16th century Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse, serves as a museum today. The former bathhouse is decorated with amazing ornamental tiles, some of which are turquoise and gold in color.• Kashan Bazaar - Kashan’s historic bazaar is one of the best in the country. The bazaar’s multi-domed roof dates from the 19th century, though the site has been the centre of trade in Kashan for almost 800 years.Accommodation: 5* Saraye Ameriyha Boutique Hotel or similar

DAY 9 KASHAN – TEHRAN (B/L/D)

• Golestan Palace - The lavish palace is a masterpiece of the Qajar era, embodying the successful integration of earlier Persian crafts and architecture with Western influences.

• Tajrish Market - A great venue for spot of afternoon shopping. Boasting a vibrant central section selling fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as traditional Iranian sweets, the other alleyways of the bazaar peddle everyday stuff alongside traditional crafts etc. You may find souvenirs for your loved ones back home!• Tabiat Bridge - Take a walk on the 270m long walkway which connects 2 parks over the busy expressway. On a clear day, it provides superb views of northern Tehran skyline against the Alborz Mountains.Accommodation: 5* Espinas Hotel or similar

DAY 10 TEHRAN – DUBAI (B/L/MOB)• Hypermarket - Shop in one of the hypermarket for local produce. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight home via Dubai.

DAY 11 DUBAI – SINGAPOREConnect your flight back home!