THE PERSIAN CARAVAN TRAIN© A JOURNEY THROUGH PERSIA ON A PRIVATE TRAIN

SURFIRAN Travel & Parsyad Co. is proud to present

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It’s a great honor to introduce the Persian Caravan Adventure Train which will take you to visit many of Iran’s attractions. Iran is coun-try of magnificent attractions and wonderful landscapes from north to south.

There’s nothing quite like trav-elling by train, listening to the rhythmic rumble as the wheels’ clack over the tracks and the world flashes past the window of your compartment.

Boarding the train will lead to an iconic experience of natural and picturesque landscapes almost impossible to see on a road trip. It will provide a unique and memo-rable experience for travelers with a sense of adventure.

We offer five different tours to suit different travelers.

1. ThePersianCaravanTrain:A12-dayclassicaltourofIran

2. The Three Gold Line Train:A 1-day tour of the north ofIran

3. The Stone Crossings Tour: A3-day tour of the Zagros re-gion

4. The Rail and River Tour: A2-daytourofLorestan

5. ExclusiveTours

The Persian Caravan Train

This journey offers an opportunity to visit the cultural and historical heritage sites of Iran, boarding on a 5-star train which offers a high level of com- fort and services in a pleasant atmosphere.

The trip covers all of the above in about 2 weeks in which passengers are served on board or in 4 star ho-tels for dining and sleeping.

The Three Gold Line Trip

Iran’s railway goes back 80 years and is one of the most successful inter- national projects in Iran. Railways in the north of Iran by passing through mountains and rainforests ensures beautiful and eye-catching views. The trip will ensure a memorable experience of Iranian landscapes, as well as din-ing in local houses.

The Stone Crossing Tour

This short trip is an opportunity to visit three UNESCO world her-itage sites. You can then see and hear the story behind these mag-nificent mountains and the rai road as it passes through the un-touched and breathtaking nature of the Zagros mountains and feel the beauty that is all around you.

The Rail and River Tour

To get to plains of Khuzestan the train will pass through the Zagros Mountains while the Dez River will accompany you by staying alongside you the whole journey. It will take you through the richly diverse and green landscapes of the river and breathtaking valley.

Exclusive Tours

Based on our extensive knowledge of the railwork network and we can create and plan specific and exclusive tours based on customer desires.

All of our tours are offered by SURFIRAN travel which is a well-respected tour operator in Iran in cooperation with Parsyad co.

We hope the Persian Caravan trains can show the beauty and history of Iran.

WELCOME TO IRANThe land of magic carpet

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THE PERSIAN CARAVAN TRAIN

Travelling with the Persian Caravan train is a unique way to uncover the story of Iran. The tour is offered by SURFIRAN travel and tours which is a tour operator and travel agency in Iran in cooperation with Parsyad Co.

The Persian Caravan train allows its passengers to travel and explore the real Iran in a fast and safe manner. Local English-speaking tour guides offer explanations of the most significant sites in each city of Iran and there are opportunities to experience authentic regional cuisine, shopping and traditional cultural offerings.

There is 24-hour service in each carriage, facilities in-clude a bathroom in every carriage, air-conditioning, a library, LCD screen and large windows to watch the world go by, all of which ensures a memorable experi-ence.

This all-inclusive adventure will take you through richly diverse landscapes, cultures and heritage sites.

The Persian Caravan train offers unique excursions with tours ranging from beloved Iranian cities such as Isfa-han, well known for its beautiful historic architecture and magnificent Persian gardens that trace their design principles to the days of Shah Abbas. Pasargadae and

Persepolis, cities of the Achaemenid Empire that rank among the world’s greatest sites of antiquity. Yazd, which is well known for its Zoroastrian fire temples, its Persian handicrafts and its high quality confectionery as well as Kerman that is known for its tropical fruits and dates, excellent meat, dairy products and local delicious food.

The service of the train begins the moment you board and are greeted with a local drink on arrival A porter as-sists you to your cabin. Your service attendant is avail-able to assist you in making yourself at home in your cabin.

It offers a chef-prepared menu with selections of mouth-watering Iranian cuisine. Enjoy your meal in a decorated dining car. During the day, this place provides a warm, naturally lit observation area. You can also enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while taking in the scenery.

The Persian Caravan train will delight all of your senses as you travel through Iran to reveal the pearls of Persia.

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Nasir ol Molk Mosque

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Iran is a land history culture, souvenir and authenticity. This is not

a tourism slogan, this is the reality experienced by visitors who have been impressed by Iran’s beauty and amazing attractions.

Iran is bursting with cultural her-itage and historical monuments. These architectural remnants can date back thousands of years.

Overall some 20 major archaeo-logical sites in Iran have been reg-istered by the United Nations Ed-ucational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as World

Heritage sites. At the moment, Iran stands 11th in the world for the number of registered world heritage sites.

Archaeologists estimate that mod-ern Iran is home to over a million historical sites, places and zones. During the past few centuries, over 150,000 of such sites have been located in different parts of the country.

Despite many negative news sto-ries about Iran, the World Travel Market 2015 Industry report said Iran was set to become a tourism hot spot and tourists were rushing

to discover the riches the country has to offer.

Visitor numbers are growing ex-ponentially, with Iranian officials predicting 20 million tourists by 2025.

If you would like to find a small world in a vast country, you are welcome to visit Iran.

IRAN: THE LAND OF GLORYAND BEAUTY

From the legendary hospitality of the Iranian people

to the thousands year old culture and traditions, riches

and wonders await those who have the courage to go

beyond the clichés.

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FACILITIES AND SERVICES What’s included in the tour price

Professional and Experienced Tour Guides

The Persian Caravan train allows its passengers to ex-plore real Iran in a fast and safe manner. Local English-speaking tour guides offer explanations of the most significant sites in each city, while there are also op-portunities to experience authentic regional cuisine as well as shopping. Our tour guides are top licensed guides with one mission in mind making your tour the journey of a lifetime.

Arrival And Departure Airport Transfers

Arrival and departure transfers are included.

Hotel and On Board Accommodation

Although you will spend much of your time sightsee-ing or relaxing in the hotels and train’s public areas, you will find your cabin a welcome retreat at the end of a rewarding day. All hotels are of five-star standard, or the best available.

Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner Daily

All meals are included, starting with dinner on the first day and ending with breakfast on the last day. Several times during the tour we will also sample authentic lo-cal cuisine and a selection of drinks on the train, which is also included in the tour price. All on board foods are cooked, prepared and served inside the train.

On Board Facilities

24-hour service in each car, facilities include a bath-room in each car, air-conditioning, a library, free WIFI, LCD screen and a large windows to watch the world go by ensures a memorable experience.

On Board Service

You can expect service which is attentive, friendly and unobtrusive. Your car attendants provide housekeep-ing services with one attendant always on duty to assist you and to ensure you are comfortable in your cabin. Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled drinking water are available in your cabin 24 hours a day.

Guided Off-train Excursions

The history and culture of the places we visit on our rail cruises will come alive through our expert local guides. All our tours include a wide-ranging sightseeing sched-ule to make the most of the time you have off the train and bring you closer to the culture, people and history of your destinations. We believe it is the special little touches that help create magical memories.

On Board Doctor And Medical Facilities

To give you peace of mind our tours are accompanied by a Doctor who travels with us for the entire jour-ney; so you can rest assured that medical assistance is always available. On call 24 hours a day, the Doctor is on hand to give primary care which is also included in the tour price. In almost every case, the doctor will be English speaking.

Porterage

As you may need to unpack your luggage and belong-ings will stay with you on the train throughout the journey, wherever necessary, porterage is included between the hotels and stations.

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On-Board Kitchen

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ON-BOARD CUISINEOnboard experience dining restaurant

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The 5-star train is the newest train to join Iran’s rolling stock by

the Raja passenger train company which offers a higher class of services.

The train features 4-bunk com-partments where every car has one well-trained male and female host onboard to serve passengers.

The train starts its journey from Tehran and after passing Kashan, Isfahan, Bam, Kerman, Yazd, Saadat Shahr and Shiraz will be back to Tehran again.

THE RESTAURANT

You can have food in a double decker restaurant with a magnifi-cent and pleasant environment which has the seating capacity for 96 people. Guests will be served with a range of healthy, tasty dishes.

Passengers in the train will be served with a wide range of Iranian and exotic entrees, main courses and desserts and after the meal there hopefully a friendly conversation.

THE KITCHEN

The train has a kitchen which is located in a dedicated space apart from he dining car and guests can observe the whole process of preparing the food and order the dish of their choice. Our cuisine is designed to be enjoyed.

PERSIAN CUISINE ON-BOARD

On-Board Restaurant

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ON-BOARD FOOD MENU

KHORESHT-E FESENJAN(PERSIAN POMEGRANATE AND WALNUT STEW)

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KHORESHT-E GHEIMEH & RICE(RICE, LAMB, SPLIT PEA AND DRIED LIME STEW)

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ZERESHK POLO(BARBERRY RICE WITH CHICKEN)

---BAGHALI POLO

(RICE WITH DILL AND FAVA BEANS)

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JOOJEH KABAB(SAFFRON CHICKEN KABOBS)

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KABAB KOOBIDEH(GRILLED MINCED MEAT KABOBS)

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TEA AND COFFEE

Vegetarian meals is available on request

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FIRST CLASS CABINS1stclassfacilitiesonthetrains

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Each corridor of the train has 10 comfort- able 4-bunk compartments all of which have:

2 upper and 2 lower beds each, designed appropriately for a peaceful sleep. Upper beds are 174cm in length and 64cm in width. Lower beds which are suitable for taller passengers are 185 cm in length and 64cm in width.

Compartments have special space for passengers’ lug- gage which are 185cm long, 48cm wide and 34cm tall above the compartment’s door.

Passengers have personal 52.48cm space and there is a 52.40cm folding table for 2 passengers sitting in front of each other for serving food while they are not rest-ing, otherwise they can fold it up for enough sleeping space for the lower beds.

The cabins

Compartments available facilities include:

1.Electronicwashroomsystems

2.Sleepingsetsincludingamattress,pillowandblanketofthehighesthygienestandardsinspecialbags

3.Slippers

4.Blindsoverthewindowstoregulatethelight

5.Adjustableairconditioningsystem

6.TVsetsprovidingaccessto8differentchannelsincluding2moviechannel

7.Accesstothedigitalcontentdeliverynetworksonmobilephonesandtablets.

facilities on the trains

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Amir Chakhmaq, Yazd

20Azadi Tower, Tehran

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TOURS OVERVIEWTour route and stop details

The Persian Caravan Train tour is an iconic experience of discovering the story of Persia. This all-inclusive adventure will take you through richly diverse landscapes, cultures and heritage sites. The Persian Caravan Train offers unique excursions with tours ranging from beloved Iranian cities such as Isfahan, well known for its beautiful historic ar-chitecture and magnificent Persian gardens that trace their design principles to the days of Shah Abbas. Pasargadae and Persepolis, cities of the Achaemenid Empire that rank among the world’s greatest sites of antiquity and the warmness of the Iranian people. Yazd which is also very well known for its Zoroastrian fire temples, Persian handi-crafts and its high quality confectionery as well as Kerman that is known for its tropical fruits and dates, excellent beef and dairy product. Over a week, the Persian Caravan Train will delight all of your senses as you travel through Iran to reveal the pearl of Persia. During the day, the train provides a warm, naturally lit observation area. Here you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while taking in the scenery.

To Book Call +98 (21) 7761 6210 or Call Your Travel Agent

Tehran – Kashan – Isfahan –Bam–Kerman

Yazd–Meybod–Pasargade(Saadatshahr)–Persepolis–Shiraz–Tehran

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There are no activities planned until an evening wel-come meeting. Flights often arrive very late at night or early in the morning in Tehran. Keep in mind the evening welcome meeting when booking your travel. Arrive at Imam Khomeini International Airport in Iran, where you are met and transferred to our hotel

located in city center of Tehran. Feel free to explore Tehran tonight, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. After introductions, your tour leader will review the details of your tour. You’ll meet your fellow travelers at the welcome dinner. - Overnight at 5* Hotel, Tehran

WELCOME TO IRAN1DA

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After breakfast, we’ll go to see National Museum of Iran which is an institution formed of two complexes, including the Museum of Ancient Iran and the Islam-ic Era. Then we go to visit a World Heritage Site, the Golestan Palace (Ethnographical Museum, Shams-ol-Emareh edifice, Marmare Throne and Mirror Hall) that was built during the Qajar Dynasty that rose to power in the late 1700’s, this fabulous walled complex is cen-tered on a landscaped garden with tranquil pools.

We will then go back to the hotel to get prepared to start the train tour. At Evening we go to Tehran Na-ture Bridge where young couples spend time together. Dinner is in a local restaurant in the center of Tehran, which offers a chance to experience vibrant Iranian life in the capital of Iran. You’re likely to meet smiling young Iranians who are delighted to engage with you. - Overnight at 5* Hotel, Tehran

TEHRAN CITY TOUR2DA

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TRAVEL ITINERARYDiscover the ancient Persia

Today we arrive in Kashan, a town originally famous for its textiles and ceramic production, but now better known for the Fin Garden and extensive bazaar and hamams.

The Fin Garden which is one of the nine Persian Gar- dens added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site is our first stop, a relaxing and visually impressive Persian garden with water channels all passing through a cen- tral pavilion.

From here we will visit the Khan-e Boru- jerdi and Khan-e Tabatabei, These 19th-century houses were funded by wealthy merchants, and feature lovely courtyards, lush gardens and fine intricate relief de- sign carved into stone and stucco work. From here we will visit the bazaar area, a widespread complex filled with hamams and mosques; one Hamam has been con-verted to a traditional tea house where we will stop for those who need a break from shopping. Then we will be at the train station at 5:30 PM and move to Isfahan. - Overnight at 5* Hotel, Isfahan

TEHRAN – KASHAN – ISFAHAN3DA

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As the 17th-century capital of the Safavid Empire, Isfa-han was one of the world’s greatest cities – architectur-ally striking, wealthy beyond imagine, and politically powerful with Europeans, Ottomans, Indians and Chi-nese coming to its court – the heart of a vast Persian Empire. Indeed, its grandeur inspired the rhyming proverb, Isfahan nesf-jahan (Isfahan is Half the World).

Today, we’ll join our expert guide to begin our explo-ration of the city, starting with some of the centuries old, still elegant bridges that span the Zayandeh Riv-er. The 4th-century Shahrestan Bridge, for example, evokes the greatest aqueducts of ancient Rome and is the oldest bridge in Iran. Other famous bridges on the Zayandeh River are Sio-ce-pol and Khaju. There are gates below the bridge to let the water run- off from Zayandeh River in the spring, and there are beautiful stone-brick archways above each gate. These archways provide a great acoustic place for every man who wants to sing. We can always find a man or a group of men singing under the bridge. The songs are usually about betrayal or unrequited love.

Continue our exploration in Isfahan at another UN-ESCO World Heritage Site. Simple at first glance but wondrous in its rich detail and bold design, the Mas-jed-e Jamé is another masterpiece of Iranian architec-ture, covering nearly 5 acres in the heart of this historic city. This is one of the oldest congregational mosques

in the country, and its construction and embellish-ment over the past twelve centuries illustrate a num-ber of important periods in Islamic architecture. Next up is Chehel Sotun. Set in a landscaped and forested park in front of a tranquil reflecting pool, this graceful pavilion was built by Shah Abbas I for entertainment and court receptions. Entering through a portico with twenty slender wooden columns, we’ll discover soar-ing halls embellished with frescoes, paintings and mo-saics; the Hall of Mirrors is especially breathtaking!

This afternoon, our exploration continues in Imam Square (A world heritage site). This 17th-century site is one of the largest public spaces in the world. Here in the square, we’ll visit the 17th-century Shah Mosque, revered as a masterpiece of Islamic archi-tecture and easily recognized by its magnificent tile-work and soaring cupola and minarets. In the Ali Qapu Palace, we’ll marvel at its beautiful music rooms and the balconies where Safavid kings would sit to enjoy the polo matches unfolding in the square below. We’ll end our day exploring the Isfahan Ba-zaar that surrounds Imam Square. With hundreds of local vendors that specialize in traditional arts and crafts, it’s a wonderful place to shop for pottery, enamel, jewelry and delicately inlaid board games. - Overnight at 5* Hotel, Isfahan

GLORIOUS, HISTORIC ISFAHAN4DA

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Chehel Sotoun, Isfahan

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After an early breakfast. We have a free day to explore Isfahan, so take time to wander along the cities many tree-lined boulevards and spacious gardens. Then we

will be in the train station at 6:00 PM and move to Bam. - Overnight on board the train

ISFAHAN – BAM5DA

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The modern Iranian city of Bam surrounds the Bam citadel. The ancient citadel of Arg-é Bam (A world her- itage site) has a history dating back around 2,000 years ago, to the Parthian Empire, but most buildings were built during the Safavid dynasty.

Today excursion to the Arg-e Bam, with all the archi-tectural features of a desert citadel, now on the map as a result of the tragic earthquake in Bam which destroyed the town and its magnificent citadel (still under recon-

struction and restorations), then we will move to Ma- han to visit the blue-tiled Mausoleum of Shah Nema-tollah-e-Vali, the great 14th century Sufi Leader, and the Shahzadeh Garden (late 19th century Qajar-period garden/house) watch is listed as a World Heritage site.

In the afternoon we will move to Kerman and after a short rest in the hotel we will be free to walk around the city. - Overnight at 5* Hotel, Kerman

BAM – KERMAN6DA

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Kerman is one of the oldest cities of Iran. The city is home to many historic mosques and Zoroastrian fire temples. In the morning, after breakfast we will visit the Ganjali Bathhouse Museum Located in a Safavid-era complex, complete with school, caravanserai, and a mosque, the Bathhouse Museum is worth a visit. Now converted into an anthropology museum, its interior is meticulously and beautifully decorated, with dif-

ferent rooms for changing and offering different tem-pera- tures, all with intricate domed ceilings. Then we will drive to Shahdad. It is located at the edge of the vast Lut desert (A world heritage site). The desert of-fers a scenery of the sandy structures, and we can walk right through them. After that we will back to Ker-man and will be at the train station to move to Yazd. - Overnight on board the train

KERMAN – SHAHDAD – YAZD7DA

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Aeg-e Bam, Kerman

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Today we start our day in Yazd. Yazd is one of Iran’s oldest continuously inhabited towns, its silhouette punctuated by minarets and the ingeniously-designed wind towers that capture desert breezes to cool homes during the hot summer months. Yazd is also the center of Iran’s Zoroastrian community, which is where we’ll begin the day’s sightseeing.

At the Tower of Silence, we’ll learn about one of the tra-ditions of this ancient pre-Islamic religion: Until the mid-1900’s, the dead were transported to this tower where they were left to decompose and be devoured by birds. Zoroastrian tradition considers a deceased body to be “unclean” and this process of excarnation pre vents contact with either fire or earth – both of which

are considered to be sacred. At the still-active Zoroas-trian Fire Temple, we’ll see a flame that is said to have been burning for the past 1,500 years. It’s an impor-tant pilgrimage site for the faithful and here our ex-pert guide will offer additional insight into one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions.

In Amir Chakhmaq Square, we’ll see a very impres-sive Hussainiya – a congregation hall for Shia com-memo- ration ceremonies. With three tiers of recessed alcoves, all perfectly proportioned, its façade is one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. Then we will visit the Friday Mosque, built in 1324, where we can gaze upon the tallest minarets in the country. - Overnight at 4* Hotel, Yazd

ANCIENT YAZD8DA

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YAZD–MEYBOD–SAADATSHAHR9DA

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Today we take you to outside of Yazd, which includes the Meybod citadel, ice house and the impressive Kharanaq mud brick village. At first we will visit Mey-bod the oldest mud brick structure in Iran and explore the Narin Castel. The impressive town of Kharanaq is believed to be 1,000 years old and we can explore the abandoned structures of this hillside settlement, peer-ing into the houses of wealthy merchants and human

(bathhouses). Explore the valley and nearby mountains and get great pictures of the aqueducts that formed part of the underground water system. At night we will be at the train station to move to Sadatshahr. - Overnight on board the train

SAADATSHAHR –PERSEPOLIS–SHIRAZ10DA

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Today we will visit Pasargadae, a UNESCO World Her-itage Site, tomb of Cyrus the Great and former capital of the Achaemenid Empire. We will spend some time exploring the site and though not as striking as Perse-polis, there is a great viewpoint where we can look over the site and the surrounding area. Then visit legendary city of Persepolis, former capital of Darius the Great and founded in 512 BC.

There was no more impressive construction in the ancient world. Darius built the terrace, the Apadana, the Tachara, the monumental staircases and his son, Xerxes, added the harem and the Hall of 100 Columns. Alexander the Great entered Persepolis in January 330 BC and then committed an uncharacteristic act of

wan- ton destruction that still mystifies historians to-day, burning the mighty city to the ground. Though a shadow of its former self, the soaring pillars, terraces and sculptures of Persepolis still remain, but probably most impressive are the bas reliefs which line the site, telling the story of ancient governors and kings that came to Persepolis to pay tribute to the Persian Emper-ors. From here we will drive a couple of miles to Naqsh- e-Rustam, the Necropolis where Darius and his succes-sors are buried. Carved into the side of a cliff, the site is extraordinary in its magnitude and sheer ambition and does not dis- appoint even after the impressive Perse-polis. Continue to Shiraz and check in to our hotel. - Overnight at 5* Hotel, Shiraz

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After breakfast, will start our full day tour of Shiraz. At first, we will visit Karim Khan Citadel. Built during the Zand Dynasty, we will visit Nasir-al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque) few steps far from Vakil Bazaar.

It built by the order from one of the lords of the Qa- jar Dynasty, Mirza Hasan ‘Ali Nasir-al-Mulk, it took 12 years to complete in 1888. Its interior reveals a magnifi-cent masterpiece of design with stunning colors. This is a space where light and worship intertwine.

The mosque comes to life with the sunrise and colors dance throughout the day like whirling dervishes. It reflects on the ground, walls, the arches and the tower-ing spires.

It even reflects on the visitors as if a colorful ball is hit by the first sun ray and explodes to thousands of but-terflies all around. Shiraz is famous for its gardens and we’ll visit the Eram Garden with its aromatic myrtles, beautiful flowers, fruit trees, and towering cypress (one of which is said to be 3,000 years old).

We will end our day in Shiraz on a tranquil note in the lovely garden tomb of Hafez, one of Persian literature most famous poets. Hafez is one of great poets who impressed everyone with his mastery.. Later we’ll be escorted to the train station and will move to Tehran. There will be a special event for guests in the evening. - Overnight on board the train

SHIRAZ – TEHRAN11DA

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There are no activities planned for the final dayof the trip and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time to take your flights home. - Overnight at 5* Hotel, Tehran

TEHRAN (DEPARTURE)12DA

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Nasir ol Molk Mosque, Shiraz

27Dasht-e Loot (Lut Desert)

28Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Isfahan

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WE REVEAL THE HIDDEN TREASURES AND BEAUTY OF

IRAN IN ALL ITS GLORY

THE MOUNTAIN TRAIN1-daytour,railwaysofthenorthofIran

THE STONE CROSSINGS TOUR3-daytourofZagrosrailway

THE RAIL AND RIVER TOUR2-daytourofLorestan

EXCLUSIVE TOURSExclusiveToursbytrain

TO REQUEST A COPY OF OUR RAIL BROCHURE

Pleasecall+982177616210orvisitourwebsitewww.surfiran.com

Photos by: Hadi Karimi, Muhammad Mahdi Karim, Atta Kenare, JP Richard, Amin Khosroshahi, Hosein Esmaili, Majid Azad, Hossein Zohrevand

GET IN TOUCH

SURFIRAN Travel and Tours 661, L7, Bahar Complex, Bahar St. 1561636674 Tehran

Iran

Phone +98 (21) 7761 6210Fax +98 (21) 4385 3062

E-mail contact@surfiran.comWebsitewww.surfiran.com

For questions, availability and bookings, please contact: SURFIRAN Travel and Tours or your travel agent. Tel. +98 (21) 7761 6210 Website. www.surfiran.com

Parsyad Co 5, Neshat Dead End Darband St. Tehran Iran

Phone +98 (21) 2274 1893E-mail info@iranrailwaytourist.comWebsite www.iranrailwaytourist.com