Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
THE PERSIAN CARAVAN TRAIN© A JOURNEY THROUGH PERSIA ON A PRIVATE TRAIN
Iran Rail Tours & Touring & Automobile Club of I.R. Iran
2
3
TOUR 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 (910) 928 3853 or visit www.surfiran.com
4
Touring and Automo-bile Club of the Islamic
Republic of Iran (TACI) was of-ficially founded on 7 Feb 1939. TACI has been a member of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) since 24 Apr 1926 and the Alliance Interna-tionale de Tourisme (AIT) at about the same time. It is now around 80 years that it preserves the goal of providing better ser-vices in all aspects of tourism with the slogan of “Comfort & Safety for Travel”.
The club continues to provide
tourism information services for Iranians and foreign tourists and to facilitate this the TACI has formed the Comprehensive Tourism Information System ( Dial 09629) which helps every one throughout the country.
From March 2013 to March 2014, the number of tourists trave-ling to Iran was 4,801,000, and the number of Iranian tourists traveling abroad was 6,959,000. The figure for Iranians touring their own country during the same period has been estimated at approximately 40 million. The
TACI also formed the Commit-tee of Developing Safe Driving Culture to promote road safety issues. This committee is plan-ning some different cultural and artistic events, especially for children, adolescents and youths of different age groups, in co-op-eration with organizations and institutions active in this field. The committee will expand its activities in order to improve the culture-building on safe driving in the future.
ABOUT TOURING & AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF I.R. IRAN
Touring & Automobile Club of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Touring & Automobile Club of I.R. Iran at Fer-ien Messe Vienna 2018
5
There’s nothing quite like travelling by train,
listening to the rhythmic rum-ble 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.
Our tours 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 comfort and services in a pleasant atmosphere.
As a rail tour operator in Iran we offer five different tours to suit dif-ferent travelers.
- The Persian Caravan Train: A 12-day classical tour of Iran
- The Three Gold Line Train: A 1-day tour of the north of Iran
- The Stone Crossings Tour: A 3-day tour of the Zagros region
- The Rail and River Tour: A 2-day tour of Lorestan
- 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.
ABOUT IRAN RAIL TRAVEL AND TOURS GROUP
6
After arriving at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran, our representative will meet and greet you; then, you will be transferred to the hotel to take a rest.
5 star hotel in Tehran
WELCOME TO IRAN1DA
Y
Among the unique attractions of this route are Alborz mountain range, Hyrcanian forests, plains and Kavir desert. The geographical variety and the specific land-scapes will create you a memory of a lifetime.
Starting from Tehran Train Station, the train goes through Garmasar, Bonakuh, Simindasht, Zarrin-dasht, Firouzkuh, Gadok, Shur Ab and Veresk to reach the final station of Savadkuh.
Then, it will move back towards Tehran. You will ar-rive at Tehran Station at about 10:30 p.m. The train will have stops at some train stations and interesting points
such as Veresk Bridge so that the passengers can have some trekking and learn about how the railway and the stations were constructed almost 100 years ago.
The railway line stretches over extraordinary bridges, loops and tunnels and mounts over 2000 meters at Veresk Village! Enjoy the trip on one of the world’s most spectacular mountain railways!
5 star hotel in Tehran
TEHRAN – TO SAVADKOOH (TRAIN)2DA
Y
TRAVEL ITINERARYDiscover the ancient Persia
This morning, we will take you to a World Heritage Site, the lavish Golestan Palace. The palace buildings are among the oldest in modern Tehran and they are still regarded as a crowning achievement of the Qajar era.
Then, we will walk around Tehran Bazaar, few steps far from Golestan Palace. Walking along the Bazaar route, we go to Timche Akbarian. In the afternoon, you
will visit National Museum of Iran, where you can see fabulous historical items from 5000 BC to the advent of Islam in Iran which shows a brief history of our land.
Tonight, we will be at the train station to move to Yazd.
Overnight: Onboard
TEHRAN – YAZD (TRAIN)3DA
Y
7
Yazd is one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns of Iran. 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 commu-nity, which is where you’ll begin the day’s sightseeing.
At the Tower of Silence, you’ll learn about one of the traditions of this ancient pre-Islamic religion. Until the mid-1900s, 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 Zoroastrian Fire Temple, you’ll see a flame that is said to have been burning for the past 1,500 years. It’s an important pilgrimage site for the faithful and here our expert guide will offer additional insight into one of the world’s oldest monotheistic re-ligions.
In Amir Chakhmaq Square, you’ll see a very impressive Hussainiya– a congregation hall for Shia commemora-tion ceremonies. With three tiers of recessed alcoves, all perfectly proportioned, its facade is one of the city’s most photographed landmarks.
The next place to visit is the Friday Mosque, built in 1324, where you can gaze upon the tallest minarets in the country.
Among the many other historic sites to be seen in Yazd are beautiful old homes and the Dowlat Abad Garden. Standing by the garden’s long reflecting pool, you’ll be shaded by ancient cypress trees. Ahead of you is an 18th-century hexagonal pavilion with a beautiful stained glass window and a graceful wind tower– the tallest in Iran. All around are flowering fruit trees and other ornamental plants and trees.
5-star hotel in Yazd
YAZD (TRAIN)4DA
Y
Amir Chakhmagh, Yazd
8
Your overland journey continues to the small town of Meybod, where your first impression might be its striking monochromatic architecture of desert brick. But set along an ancient trade route, Meybod also of-fers a number of fascinating sites to visit including its caravanserai. Built in typical Safavid style, this ancient desert inn features verandahs, shaded passageways, and nearly 100 rooms– some of which are now used as artisan workshops. At the local icehouse, you’ll learn about the thick-clay construction and subterranean
chamber that allowed local residents to have ice and food storage before refrigeration– even during the in-tense desert heat of summer!
Then, we will visit Kharanagh old town and a single-minaret mosque and Kharanaq castle. Winding alleys are the wonders of this castle which were used to sur-prise bandits.
Overnight: Onboard
YAZD – MEYBOD –KHARANAQ VILLAGE – SADATSHAHR (TRAIN)5DA
Y
Today, we will visit Pasargadae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 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 Persepolis, there is a great viewpoint where we can look over the site and the surrounding area.
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 disappoint even after the impressive Persepolis.
We will have some stop on our way to visit the Legend-ary City of Persepolis, the former capital of Darius the Great which was founded in 512 BC. There was no more impressive construction in the ancient world than Persepolis, except perhaps the Karnak in Egypt.
Overnight: 5 star hotel in Shiraz
PERSEPOLIS – NAQSHE ROSTAM – SHIRAZ (BUS)6DA
Y
Nasir-ol-molk Mosque, Shiraz
9
After breakfast, you will visit Nasir-al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque) which is few steps far from Vakil Ba-zaar. Its interior reveals a magnificent masterpiece of design with stunning colors. This is a space where light and worship intertwine. You will continue your exploration in Shiraz at the beautiful orange-scented Narenjestan Garden, laid out in the 19th century dur-ing the Qajar Dynasty.
Then, you will visit Karim Khan Citadel which was built during the Zand Dynasty. You’ll also have some time to explore and shop in the bustling Vakil Bazaar, home to hundreds of stores, beautiful courtyards, and
even an ancient caravanserai. You will end your visit on a tranquil note in the lovely garden-tomb of Sa’adi and garden-tomb of Hafez, two of our most outstanding poets to feel the taste of Persian Literature.
At the end, we will visit the Shrine of Ali Ebne Hamzeh and Qoran Gate. At night we will move to Isfahan.
Overnight on board the train
SHIRAZ – ISFAHAN (TRAIN)7DA
Y
ISFAHAN (BUS)8DA
Y
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 that stretched from the Euphrates River in present-day Iraq to the Oxus River in Afghanistan. In-deed, its grandeur inspired the rhyming proverb, Isfa-han nesf e jahan (Isfahan is half of the World).
Start your exploration in Isfahan at a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Simple at first glance but wondrous in its rich detail and bold design, the Masjed-e Jamé is another masterpiece of Iranian architecture, covering nearly 5 acres in the heart of this historical city.
Your exploration continues in Imam Square. This 17th-century site is one of the largest public spaces in the world. Here in the square, you’ll visit the 17th-cen-tury Shah Mosque, revered as a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and easily recognized by its magnificent tile-work and soaring cupola and minarets. You will also visit Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, also known as the Ladies Mosque, as it was built for the Shah’s harem, re-nowned for brightly colored domed ceiling, where the
light creates the image of a peacock. In the Ali Qapu Palace, you’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. You’ll end your exploration of the square by visiting the Qei-sarieh Bazaar. With hundreds of local vendors that specialize in traditional arts and crafts, it’s a wonderful place to shop for pottery, enamel, jewelry and delicate-ly inlaid board games.
Next up is Chehel Sotun Palace. Set in a landscaped and forested park in front of a tranquil reflecting pool, this graceful pavilion was built by Shah Abbas II for entertainment and court receptions. Entering through a portico with twenty slender wooden columns, you’ll discover soaring halls embellished with frescoes, paintings and mosaics; the Hall of Mirrors is especially breathtaking!
You will finish your exploration of the city by visiting some of the centuries-old, still elegant bridges that span Zayandeh River.
5-star hotel in Isfahan
Today, we will drive to Tehran and our representative will transfer you to Imam Khomeini International Airport according to your flight time.
ISFAHAN – TO TEHRAN (BUS)9DA
Y
10
11
Amir Chakhmaq, Yazd
12
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 air-con-ditioning, a library, free WIFI, LCD screen and a large windows to watch the world go by ensures a memo-rable 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.
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.
13
On-Board Kitchen
14
ON-BOARD CUISINEOnboard experience dining restaurant
15
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
GET IN TOUCH
CONTACT US L2, 141, Taleghani St.1571757334 Tehran
Iran
Phone +98 (910) 928 3853Fax +98 (21) 4385 3062
E-mail [email protected]
For questions, availability and bookings, please contact: SURFIRAN Travel and Tours or your travel agent. Tel. +98 (910) 928 3853 Website. www.surfiran.com
