And Persian New Year in Shiraz

Iran: In the Footsteps of Kings and Conquerors

Iran

24 Days

Call for Pricing

Level 3

Moderate

Overview

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    Overview

    Discover the wonderful people and rich heritage of Iran on our in-depth cultural journey with veteran Trip Leader Roger Williams, one of our most versatile Asia guides since 1986. No matter what your expectations, Iran will surprise you—and in delightful ways. The first is how warmly we are received everywhere we go, from Shiraz and Isfahan, legendary cities of the Persian Empire, to tiny hamlets where traditional ways of life still prevail. Another delight is discovering Iran's strong ties with classical civilization at places like exquisite Persepolis, built by Darius in the 4th century BC and plundered by Alexander, and Pasargadae, capital of Cyrus the Great, founder of the Persian Empire. Roger is a veteran traveler to Iran, and on this new journey, we'll visit 15 of Iran's 26 marvelous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from the ancient desert city of Yazd to Tehran's Golestan Palace, residence of the Qajar rulers who introduced Western culture into Iran. Bring your spirit of wonder and curiosity on this journey deep into the history of this magnificent and ancient land.

    Arrive: Tehran, Iran

    Depart: Tehran, Iran

    Highlights

    • Enjoy Isfahan, the soul of Iran, with its blue-tiled architecture, ancient bridges, tea houses, and traditional restaurant
    • Explore the gardens of Shiraz, the temples and palaces of Persia's great Achaemenid kings at Persepolis
    • Visit the Zoroastrian fire temples and Persian carpet workshops of Yazd
    • Discover Tabriz, with its troglodyte village, monastic ensembles, and famous covered bazaar

    Overview

      Contact Us Download Itinerary

      Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

      Itinerary

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      In Tehran, Iran's capital since 1795, our explorations include Golestan Palace, a World Heritage Site and former residence of the Qajar rulers, as well as the Reza Abbasi Museum, with its fine miniatures and illustrated manuscripts, and the famous Crown Jewels Museum, where the stunning jewelry of the Safavid and Qajar monarchs is kept.
      Flying to Tabriz in Azerbaijan Province, we'll visit the 15th century Blue Mosque, with its spectacular calligraphy, and explore the traditional covered bazaar. We'll visit two monastic ensembles here, the St. Thaddeus and St. Stephanos, the most important Christian monuments in Iran. In the ancient village of Kandovan, we'll visit its tufa-carved troglodyte houses, then head back to Tehran by way of Qazvin, capital of the Persian Empire in the 16th century and known today as the calligraphy capital of Iran.
      After a stop at Qom's Shrine of Hazrat Masoumeh, we head to Kashan to explore its 19th century mansions and peaceful Fin Gardens, a World Heritage Site of resplendent pools. We'll have two full days to savor Isfahan, Iran's art capital, with its blue-tiled architecture, ancient bridges, and tea houses. We'll visit the enormous central square where Persian kings once watched polo, see the magnificent Masjed-e Shah mosque, built in 1611, and roam the Qeysarie Bazaar to look for fine silk, tribal carpets, and antiques.
      The ancient town of Yazd is a fascinating World Heritage Site where Zoroastrians have practiced their religion since 400 BC, and we'll discover many Zoroastrian fire temples here. Our journey brings us to Kerman, where we visit the covered Kerman Grand Bazaar, one of the largest bazaars in Iran.
      We drive across the fringes of the Dasht-e-Kavir Desert to the magnificent World Heritage Site of Bam, a mud-brick edifice whose origins may go back as early as the 3rd century BCE. Sitting on the ancient Silk Road, it provided a welcome rest stop to weary travelers and traders. On our way to Shiraz, we'll also stop at Rayen Citadel, a spectacular desert fortification spanning some 48,000 square yards that functioned as a small city until about 150 years ago.
      From Shiraz, once known as “the city of poets, nightingales, and fine wine,” we make a day trip to Persepolis, site of the temples and palaces of Persia's great Achaemenid kings. Our walk up its grand staircases gives us a glimpse into life in this ancient city of emperors. We'll also explore Pasargadae, the capital of Cyrus the Great, founder of the Persian Empire, and visit his tomb overlooking the Dasht-e Morghab plain. We'll be in Shiraz for Nowruz, Persian New Year, and we'll join the locals for an early morning visit to the Tomb of Hafez, the beloved 14th century Persian poet who was born here.
      We'll visit Mashhad, Iran's holiest and second largest city, the old Silk Road city of Neyshabour, and ancient Tous, where we'll visit the tomb of Ferdowsi, the great poet of Persia. We have a final day in Tehran before flying home on Day 24.

      Dates & Pricing

      Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

      Payment & Cancel Schedule

      $600 due at time of reservation
      90 days prior to departure: Balance

      Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

      Up to 151 days prior to departure: No charge!
      91-150 days prior to departure: $600 per person
      90 days or less: 100% of trip cost

      *Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

      Included
      • Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader Roger Williams and local guides
      • Accommodations in hotels
      • All meals
      • All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
      • All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      Not Included
      • Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      • Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
      • Optional gratuities to Trip Leader, guides, drivers, and hotel staff
      • Optional travel insurance
      • Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
      • Visa fees

      Trip Leaders

      Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

      Roger Williams

      View Profile

      What the Trip is Like

      This trip is rated Level 3, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. It is not designed as a hiking trip, but we'll enjoy full days of exploring historic and cultural sites on foot, with a few optional exploration walks of several hours. The terrain can make for challenging walking at some sites. There are some long driving days.

      Review Trip Level Details
      Spring is an ideal time to visit Iran, but the country's climate varies widely and we cover a lot of ground, so it is sensible to pack accordingly. In Tehran (3,900'), the minimum/maximum temperatures for March are 42°F-57°F and for Shiraz (4,890') they average 45°F-62°F. In mountain areas such as Hamadan, lows range from possible freezing temperatures to highs of 53°F-65°F. Please note these are average temperatures and are subject to change due to unpredictable conditions, such as drought or unseasonable rains.

      At meals, we sample Iranian cuisine such as kebabs, fresh fish, sweet and savory spiced vegetable dishes, and we can wander through bazaars where we can buy lovely miniature paintings, textiles, copper and brassware, ceramics, and saffron.

      From our past experience with Wilderness Travel journeys in Iran, we can expect an exceedingly warm welcome from the people of Iran everywhere we go. They enjoy meeting people from other countries. Many speak excellent English and are eager to practice it with visitors. While Iran's Islamic dress code is not as strict as it once was, there is still a dress code. Women visitors must wear a head scarf that covers the hair and neck, a loose outer layer such as a lightweight coat, and a knee-length, long-sleeved, tunic-type blouse worn over trousers (or over a long skirt). The idea is that women's clothes should be loose and flowing and not show the shape of a woman's body. Only hands, feet, and face should be exposed in public. The head scarf need not be tight—it can be tied loosely and it's acceptable for some hair to show around the face. For men, shorts are not to be worn.

      Book your trip today

      Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

      Itinerary

      Submit the form below to download itinerary

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      Trip Levels

      With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

      Level 1 – Easiest

      Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

      Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

      Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

       

      Level 3 – Moderate

      Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

      Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

       

      Level 5 – Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

      Level 6 – Very Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

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In the evening, we gather for a trip briefing and Welcome Dinner. Overnight at Espinas Persian Gulf Hotel.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":2,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Explore Tehran","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Tehran first became Iran&apos;s capital in 1795 when the founder of the Qajar Dynasty, Agha Mohamad Khan, was crowned here and settled in Tehran to be close to his tribal homeland. Today it is a bustling city of eight million inhabitants. We begin with a visit to the Golestan Palace, a World Heritage Site and the residence of the former Qajar rulers, where we can see the extraordinary Takht-e-Marmar throne, made of 65 pieces of marble, and the Talar-e Berelian, with its exquisite mirror work. At the National Museum, we&apos;ll view a wide array of artifacts from the Bronze Age to the Achaemenian Era (550 BC-330 BCE), giving us a glimpse into one of the golden ages of Iran&apos;s history. In the afternoon, we visit the famous Crown Jewels Museum, where the stunning jewelry worn by Safavid and Qajar monarchs is kept. Finally, at the Abgineh Museum, we&apos;ll see a wonderful collection of glass works and pottery dating from the first millennium BC through the 16th century. The museum is housed in a beautiful old palace that is an attraction in itself. Overnight at Espinas Persian Gulf Hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Explore Tehran","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We&apos;ll have a chance to see the dazzling beauty and workmanship of Persian carpets on our visit to the Carpet Museum of Iran, with many of the museum&apos;s carpets dating to the 17th century. At the Museum of Contemporary Art, we&apos;ll see one of the largest collections of Western art outside Europe, then visit the elegant Reza Abbasi Museum, with its fine examples of miniatures, illustrated manuscripts, and ancient calligraphy. Another stop will be the Saadabad Palace, built by the Pahlavi dynasty. First inhabited by the Qajar monarchs and royal family in the 19th century, it was home to Reza Shah in the 1920s. His son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, lived there in the 1970s, and after the Iranian Revolution, the palace became a museum. If time permits, we will also visit the older Niavaran Palace nearby. Afterwards we&apos;ll visit the Park of Abo Atash, with its modern promenade bridge, the Tabiat (Nature) Bridge. The bridge won the World&apos;s Top Five Design Award in 2013 and is now a great escape for many Tehranis during the weekend. It is a fantastic place for photography and you can see a mosaic of different faces there. Overnight at the Espinas Persian Gulf Hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"Tabriz","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A morning flight brings us to Tabriz, capital of Iran&apos;s Azerbaijan Province, where we visit the Blue Mosque, built in 1465 and famed for its spectacular calligraphy. We continue our explorations with a stop at the House of Constitution, also known as Khaneh Mashrouteh. We&apos;ll also walk in the city&apos;s traditional covered bazaar (a World Heritage Site and the largest covered bazaar in the world), and take a look at some of the archaeological treasures of the Museum of Azerbaijan. Overnight in Tabriz at the Kaya Laleh Hotel.\r\nApproximate Flight Time: 1 hour","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Tabriz \/ Maku \/ St. Thaddeus Monastery \/ St. Stephanos \/ Tabriz","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After an early breakfast, we head out for a full day on the road as we head deeper in Azerbaijan Province through the mountainous countryside north of Tabriz toward the border with Armenia, where we visit the monastic ensembles of St. Thaddeus, near Maku, and St. Stephanos, near Julfa. Both churches were designated World Heritage status in 2008. St. Thaddeus Monastery (also known as Qara Kelisa, or Black Church) is the oldest and most important Christian monument in Iran. Armenians maintain that it was the world&apos;s first church, constructed by Jesus&apos; apostle, St. Thaddeus, in 68 AD. Each year, thousands of local Armenians make a pilgrimage here to commemorate the martyrdom of St. Thaddeus. We return to Tabriz in the evening, with dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at the Kaya Laleh Hotel.\r\nApproximate Driving Distance\/Time: 367 miles, 9 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":6,"Headline":"Tabriz \/ Kandovan \/ Zanjan","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"This morning, we drive to the ancient village of Kandovan. For hundreds of years, the people of Kandovan have carved their houses into the soft tufa towers left by an ancient volcanic eruption. Kandovan is an incredibly picturesque sight, with many of its troglodyte houses up to 700 years old. Local legend says that the site of the Garden of Eden was somewhere near this village. Continuing by road to Zanjan, we visit the Saltmen Museum, which holds the mummies of salt miners dating from 1,700 to 2,200 years ago. They were apparently accidentally killed by collapsing galleries and their bodies were preserved and are on display. Afterwards, we visit the Rakhtshuy Khaneh Edifice, originally built in 1922 as a safe place for local women to wash clothes. It has since been restored as the Zanjan Anthropological Museum. Overnight at the Zanjan Grand Hotel.\r\nApproximate Driving Distance\/Time: 248 miles, 5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":7,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Zanjan \/ Qazvin \/ Tehran","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After breakfast, drive to Tehran, stopping en route at Soltaniyeh City to visit the World Heritage Site of Gonbad-e-Soltaniyeh (the Dome of Soltaniyeh), and the tomb of Il-khan \u00d6lzii (1280-1316), the 8th Mongol ruler of the House of Hulagu and grandson of Chinggis Khaan. We&apos;ll also stop in Qazvin, a former capital of Iran under the Safavid Dynasty (1501-1736). Today Qazvin is known as the calligraphy capital of Iran. Nearby in the Alborz Mountains lies the abode of Hasan bin Sabah, the Ismaili warrior-saint whose followers made incursions into the towns from his impregnable fortress of Alamut, later destroyed during the Mongol invasion of Hulagu Khan in the 13th century. While we&apos;re in Qazvin, we&apos;ll visit the Shahzadeh Hossein Shrine (the grave of the son of the 8th Imam Ali al-Ridha), the Chehel Sotoun Palace Garden and Calligraphy Museum, the Caravanserai of Sa'd al-Saltaneh, and the Qajar Bathhouse & Anthropology Museum. On arrival in Tehran, we check into the Espinas Place Hotel.\r\nApproximate Driving Distance\/Time: 206 miles, 4 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":8,"Headline":"Tehran \/ Qom \/ Kashan","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>In the morning, we begin our drive to Kashan, with a stop en route at the city of Qom to visit the Shrine of Hazrat Ma'soumeh. We continue to Kashan, where we explore Fin Gardens, a World Heritage Site whose resplendent pools and gardens are said to reflect a Persian view of paradise. We'll also visit the historic 19th century mansions of Broujerdiha and Tabatabaeiha as well as the Agha Bozorg Mosque, with its detailed tiled minarets, sandstone-colored dome, and open courtyard. Overnight at the House of Ameriha Hotel.\nApproximate Driving Distance\/Time: 156 miles. 2.5 hours<\/body>","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":9,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Kashan \/ Abyaneh \/ Isfahan","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After a morning visit to the old covered bazaar of Kashan, famous for its silk carpets, we head to Isfahan. En route, we&apos;ll explore the ancient village of Abyaneh, known as the &ldquo;red village&rdquo; because of its red soil and houses, some of which date from the Sassanid period (224-651 CE). We&apos;ll continue to Isfahan and our accommodation, the Abbasi Hotel, modeled after a traditional 17th century caravanserai, with rooms built around a courtyard.\r\nApproximate Driving Distance\/Time: 164 miles, 3 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Explore Isfahan","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We&apos;ll enjoy a full day of exploring Isfahan, Iran&apos;s art capital. There&apos;s an old saying about this city: &ldquo;Isfahan nesf-e Jahan,&rdquo; which in Farsi rhymes and means &ldquo;Isfahan is half the world.&rdquo; Isfahan is the soul of Iran, an enchanting city of blue-tiled architecture, ancient bridges, tea houses, and traditional restaurants. It&apos;s a fine place for strolling, meeting people, and relaxing in beautiful gardens. During Tamerlane&apos;s Isfahan campaigns, he was so awed by the beauty of its buildings that when he left, he took important architects with him to Samarkand to build his own new capital.\r\n\r\nWe begin the day with a visit to Isfahan&apos;s famous bridges, the attractive Khaju Bridge built by Shah Abbas in 1650, and the stunning Si-o-Se Bridge, with its 33 arches. We&apos;ll also visit the palaces of Chechel Sotun (Forty Columns), a World Heritage Site with surrounding gardens and reflecting pool, and Hasht Behesht, a pavilion built in the 17th century by Suleiman I (1648-1694), the 8th Shah of the Safavid Empire (1501-1736). We continue to the Armenian Quarter of Isfahan to visit the Armenian Vank Cathedral and its museum, built in 1655 and richly decorated with fabulous Coptic Christian murals. We&apos;ll round out the day with a visit a 14th century monument, the Monar Jonban, meaning the Shaking Minarets. This Mongol-era shrine was built over the tomb of an 8th century mystic named Amu (Uncle) Abdollah Karladani. Overnight at Abbasi Hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":11,"DayTo":11,"Headline":"Explore Isfahan","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Our discoveries today bring us to Isfahan&apos;s enormous central square, the Maidan-e-Nagsh-e-Jahan (Meidan Emam), a World Heritage Site dominated by the A&apos;li-Qapu Palace, where Persian kings once watched polo played on the field below. The original stone goalposts still flank this immense town square, one of the largest in the world. Across from the palace is the famous Masjed-e Shah, known as Imam Mosque since the Iranian Revolution in 1979. Built in 1611, it is considered Iran&apos;s most magnificent mosque, with blue tiles that appear to change color with the light of the passing day. The blue-tiled dome is actually two domes offset from one another. The mosque&apos;s entrance is one of the finest examples of an Islamic portal, with its intricate tilework and beautiful calligraphy.\r\n\r\nWe&apos;ll then walk to the stunning Sheikh Lotfolla Mosque, an older mosque built between 1603 and 1619 as a private mosque for Abbas the Great (1571-1629), the 5th Safavid Shah and generally considered one of the greatest rulers of Iranian history and the Safavid Dynasty. At the other end of the square is the Qeysarie Bazaar, Iran&apos;s largest, where we can wander to find fine silk, tribal carpets, and antiques&mdash;truly a shopper&apos;s and photographer&apos;s paradise. Our final visit will be the Masjed-e Jame, the &ldquo;Friday Mosque&rdquo; and one of the oldest still standing in Iran. What we see now at this World Heritage Site is the result of continual construction, reconstruction, additions, and renovations on the site from around 771 to the end of the 20th century. Overnight at the Abbasi Hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":12,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Isfahan \/ Na&apos;in \/ Meybod \/ Yazd","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In the morning, we depart for Yadz, with stops in Na&apos;in and Meybod en route. Na&apos;in is a city that dates back to the Sassanid Era and is known for its &ldquo;Karez,&rdquo; a Persian aqueduct system widely used throughout the region to bring water down from the mountains, and for producing high-quality handmade carpets and textiles. We visit the 9th century Jame Mosque and small desert museum nearby. A short drive will take us to the ancient village of Mohammadieh, where we can see how the locals in an underground workshop weave garments with camel hair. We&apos;ll continue to the old city of Meybod to visit its Sassanian Fortress of Narin and Cistern, then have a private visit to Master Mohammad Reza Aghaei&apos;s pottery workshop. We continue to Yazd for overnight at the Moshir al-Mamalek Garden Hotel.\r\nApproximate Driving Distance\/Time: 204 miles, 5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":13,"DayTo":13,"Headline":"Explore Yazd","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Situated between the Dash-e Lut and Dash-e Kavir deserts, Yazd, a World Heritage Site, was once described by Marco Polo as &ldquo;a good and noble city.&rdquo; In fact, its name means &ldquo;City of the Holy (Pure) One,&rdquo; and it has been the center of the Zoroastrian religion since Sassanian times. During the Arab invasion in 730 AD, Zoroastrians took refuge within its fortified walls. There are many Zoroastrian fire temples here, with the main temple, Atashkadeh, holding the eternal fire of the Zoroastrian faith for more than 2,000 years. Outside the town are two abandoned Dakhmas (&ldquo;Towers of Silence&rdquo;), high towers where, until 40 years ago, Zoroastrians left their dead. Many of Yazd&apos;s older houses are built with badghirs (wind catchers), which direct cooling breezes down shafts to the houses below. While exploring Yazd, we&apos;ll visit the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence, the Fire Temple, Mirchakhmaq and&nbsp;Jame Mosque, the old quarter of the city called Fahadan, and the Dowlat Abat Gardens, a World Heritage Site. Overnight at Moshir al-Mamalek Garden Hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":14,"DayTo":14,"Headline":"Yazd \/ Pasargadae \/ Shiraz","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After breakfast, we begin our drive to Shiraz. En route at the city of Abarquo (Abarkuh), we&apos;ll visit the 4,000-year-old-still-green Cypress Tree, as well as the historic Aghazadeh Mansion. Heading to Pasargardae, a World Heritage Site, we discover the capital of Cyrus the Great (600-530 BCE), founder of the Persian Empire. The site of his tomb is here, built on a high foundation overlooking the Dasht-e Morghab plain. It is said that Alexander visited the tomb and, finding it vandalized, rebuilt it with a crypt of gold. We&apos;ll arrive in Shiraz in the evening and check into our hotel. Overnight at the Shiraz Grand Hotel.\r\nApproximate Driving Distance\/Time: 327 miles, 7 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":15,"DayTo":15,"Headline":"Shiraz \/ Persepolis \/ Nowruz Celebration \/ Shiraz","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Shiraz, once known as &ldquo;the city of poets, nightingales, and fine wine,&rdquo; is the capital of Fars Province in southwestern Iran. Historically it was known as Pars, from which the words Persia and Farsi are both derived. The earliest reference to the city is on Elamite clay tablets dating to 2,000 BCE, found in June 1970 by people digging a kiln for a brick factory. First thing this morning we&apos;ll visit the breathtaking Nasir ol Molk (Pink) Mosque, celebrated for its delightfully colorful interiors. The stained-glass windows, intricately painted tiles and arches, and innumerable Persian carpets create a mesmerizing, kaleidoscopic aesthetic.\r\n\r\nLater, a 50-minute drive will take us to majestic Persepolis, a World Heritage Site 36 miles north of Shiraz. In the ruins are the temples and palaces of Persia&apos;s great Achaemenid kings, destroyed by Alexander in 331 BCE in vengeance for the destruction of Athens by Xerxes in 480 BCE. Our walk up its grand staircases gives us a glimpse into life in this ancient city of emperors. Artists from all corners of the Persian Empire came here to create its magnificent bas-relief scenes of Persian battle victories, winged horsemen, enormous lions attacking bulls, men fighting demons, and supplicants bearing endless gifts to the emperors. Before returning to Shiraz, we visit Naghsh-e Rustam, the rocky hillside tombs of Persian kings&mdash;Darius I, Xerxes, Artaxerxes I, and Darius II&mdash;and see enormous rock reliefs depicting Sassanid victories over Roman soldiers. The tombs were also looted when Alexander conquered the Achaemenid Empire in 333 BCE.\r\n\r\nWe&apos;ll return to Shiraz for dinner and short rest before we make a late-night transfer to Hafezieh (the Tomb of Hafez) to attend Nowruz, the New Year Celebration, which starts at 00:54. Fans of this revered poet gather at the tomb, set beneath a beautiful canopy designed by the French architect Andre Goddard. It is a tradition on Nowruz to open a copy of Hafez's collected works to a random page&mdash;the first line of poetry your eyes fall upon is said to be a fortune for the year to come.\r\n\r\nFor Nowruz, Persian New Year, celebrations begin at the vernal equinox, which marks the first day of the Persian calendar, and continue for 13 days. In homes across the country, tables will be set with a &ldquo;Haft Seen,&rdquo; a display of seven items that all begin with the &ldquo;S&rdquo; sound in Farsi, and symbolize the hopes of a happy and successful new year: wheat sprouts, dried fruit, garlic, vinegar, coins, and a blooming hyacinth flower. Another important item often included in the Haft Seen is a book of poetry by Hafez, a 14th century poet who, for Persians, is akin to Shakespeare for English-speakers. Overnight at the Shiraz Grand Hotel.\r\nApproximate Driving Distance\/Time: 76 miles. 2 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":16,"DayTo":16,"Headline":"Explore Shiraz","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After a late breakfast, we'll spend the day exploring the wonders of Shiraz. We start with a visit to the verdant World Heritage Site of Eram Gardens, with its tall cypress trees and blooming flowers, the tombs of the beloved poets Hafez (b. 1325) and Saadi (b. 1213), set amid serene gardens to celebrate the most prominent Persian poets of the 13th and 14th centuries, and Ghavam-i-Narenjestan (1789-1886), an old house belonging to an aristocratic family that is a beautiful example of the houses of rich Iranians of the 19th century. We also visit the old bazaar of Vakil to roam its maze of stores selling carpets, spices, and handicrafts, and the unique Mosque of Vakil, with its incredible tiled ceilings and facades. Built between 1751 and 1773, this mosque is unique in that it has only two iwans instead of the usual four. An iwan is the rectangular hall or space that serves as an entrance and is usually vaulted and walled on three sides. Overnight at the Shiraz Grand Hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":17,"DayTo":17,"Headline":"Shiraz \/ Mashhad","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A morning flight brings us to the city of Mashhad, Iran&apos;s holiest and second largest city, and the resting place of the Imam Reza, Shi&apos;a Islam&apos;s 8th Imam. In the afternoon, we&apos;ll visit the holy Shrine of Imam Reza, including the courtyards of the shrine and tomb of Imam Reza. The complex is the largest mosque in the world by dimension and the second largest by capacity. We&apos;ll also visit the Quran Museum, with its display of rare Qurans, and the Imam Reza Museum. Overnight at the Royal Darvishi Hotel.\r\nApproximate Flight Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":18,"DayTo":18,"Headline":"Mashhad \/ Neyshabour \/ Mashhad","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We take a day trip to the small Silk Road city of Neyshabour (also spelled Neishbour, Nishapur), founded around the 3rd century. It grew to prominence in the 8th century and succumbed to Mongol invasions and earthquakes in the 13th century. Omar Khayyam, the Persian poet, mathematician, and astronomer, was born here. He was recognized in his own country for his scientific achievements but is best known to English-speakers for his classic work &ldquo;The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam,&rdquo; translated into English in 1859 by Edward Fitzgerald. During the medieval ages of Islam, Neyshabour was home to artisans who excelled in pottery, woodwork, and turquoise jewelry. Nearby in the hills of Binalud are turquoise mines that have supplied the world with turquoise for at least two millennia. Our excursion includes visits to the tombs of Omar Khayyam, Attar Neyshaboori (another of the most famous Persian poets, along with Hafez and Saadi), and Kamal-ol-molk, one of Persia&apos;s greatest painters.&nbsp; Before our return to Mashhad, we&apos;ll stop by a turquoise gallery and showroom. After dinner in Mashhad, we&apos;ll return to the shrine of Imam Reza for a night tour. Overnight at the Royal Darvishi Hotel.\r\nApproximate Driving Distance\/Time: 154 miles, 4 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":19,"DayTo":19,"Headline":"Mashhad \/ Tous \/ Tehran","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"This morning we&apos;ll visit Tous, an ancient town captured by Alexander the Great in 330 BCE and nearly destroyed by Mongol conquests between 1220 and 1259. Here we&apos;ll see the impressive marble and granite mausoleum of Ferdowsi, the great poet of Persia, whose long, epic poem Shahnameh: The Persian Book of Kings (aka King&apos;s Letter) tells the story of pre-Islamic Iran from the time of Creation. The poem was written between 980 and 1010 and is considered the &ldquo;Iliad&rdquo; of Persia and one of the great works of world literature. Couplets of his famous poem are carved in pictorial form around the walls of the tomb. We&apos;ll proceed to the Mashhad airport for our flight to Tehran. Arrive and transfer directly to our hotel. Overnight at the Espinas Palace Hotel.\r\nApproximate Driving Distance\/Time: 56 miles, 1.5 hours\r\nApproximate Flight Time: 1.5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":20,"DayTo":20,"Headline":"Tehran","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"The day is at leisure or for shopping, and we&apos;ll gather for our Farewell Dinner tonight at the Sky Lounge of our Espinas Palace Hotel. Overnight at the Espinas Palace Hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":21,"DayTo":21,"Headline":"Depart","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Early morning transfer to the airport for departing flights.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Tehran","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>In Tehran, Iran's capital since 1795, our explorations include Golestan Palace, a World Heritage Site and former residence of the Qajar rulers, as well as the Reza Abbasi Museum, with its fine miniatures and illustrated manuscripts, and the famous Crown Jewels Museum, where the stunning jewelry of the Safavid and Qajar monarchs is kept.<\/body>","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":8,"Headline":"Tabriz \/ St. Thaddeus Monastery \/ Kandovan \/ Qazvin","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Flying to Tabriz in Azerbaijan Province, we'll visit the 15th century Blue Mosque, with its spectacular calligraphy, and explore the traditional covered bazaar. We'll visit two monastic ensembles here, the St. Thaddeus and St. Stephanos, the most important Christian monuments in Iran. In the ancient village of Kandovan, we'll visit its tufa-carved troglodyte houses, then head back to Tehran by way of Qazvin, capital of the Persian Empire in the 16th century and known today as the calligraphy capital of Iran.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":9,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Qom \/ Kashan \/ Isfahan","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After a stop at Qom's Shrine of Hazrat Masoumeh, we head to Kashan to explore its 19th century mansions and peaceful Fin Gardens, a World Heritage Site of resplendent pools. We'll have two full days to savor Isfahan, Iran's art capital, with its blue-tiled architecture, ancient bridges, and tea houses. We'll visit the enormous central square where Persian kings once watched polo, see the magnificent Masjed-e Shah mosque, built in 1611, and roam the Qeysarie Bazaar to look for fine silk, tribal carpets, and antiques.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":13,"DayTo":15,"Headline":"Yadz \/ Kerman","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"The ancient town of Yazd is a fascinating World Heritage Site where Zoroastrians have practiced their religion since 400 BC, and we'll discover many Zoroastrian fire temples here. Our journey brings us to Kerman, where we visit the covered Kerman Grand Bazaar, one of the largest bazaars in Iran.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":16,"DayTo":17,"Headline":"Bam \/ Rayen \/ Shiraz","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We drive across the fringes of the Dasht-e-Kavir Desert to the magnificent World Heritage Site of Bam, a mud-brick edifice whose origins may go back as early as the 3rd century BCE. Sitting on the ancient Silk Road, it provided a welcome rest stop to weary travelers and traders. On our way to Shiraz, we'll also stop at Rayen Citadel, a spectacular desert fortification spanning some 48,000 square yards that functioned as a small city until about 150 years ago.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":18,"DayTo":19,"Headline":"Shiraz \/ Pasargadae \/ Persepolis \/ Nowruz","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"From Shiraz, once known as &#8220;the city of poets, nightingales, and fine wine,&#8221; we make a day trip to Persepolis, site of the temples and palaces of Persia's great Achaemenid kings. Our walk up its grand staircases gives us a glimpse into life in this ancient city of emperors. We'll also explore Pasargadae, the capital of Cyrus the Great, founder of the Persian Empire, and visit his tomb overlooking the Dasht-e Morghab plain. We'll be in Shiraz for Nowruz, Persian New Year, and we'll join the locals for an early morning visit to the Tomb of Hafez, the beloved 14th century Persian poet who was born here.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":20,"DayTo":24,"Headline":"Mashhad \/ Neyshabour \/ Tous \/ Tehran","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We'll visit Mashhad, Iran's holiest and second largest city, the old Silk Road city of Neyshabour, and ancient Tous, where we'll visit the tomb of Ferdowsi, the great poet of Persia. We have a final day in Tehran before flying home on Day 24.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true}],"itinpdf":[{"ItinYear":"","docType":"2","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/itins\/iran-in-the-footsteps-of-kings-and-conquerors-predeparture.pdf"}],"whattoexpect":[{}],"highlights":[{"DisplayOrder":1,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Enjoy Isfahan, the soul of Iran, with its blue-tiled architecture, ancient bridges, tea houses, and traditional restaurant","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":31066,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":2,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Explore the gardens of Shiraz, the temples and palaces of Persia&apos;s great Achaemenid kings at Persepolis","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":31066,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":3,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Visit the Zoroastrian fire temples and Persian carpet workshops of Yazd","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":31066,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":4,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Discover Tabriz, with its troglodyte village, monastic ensembles, and famous covered 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to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":2,"Type":"E","Description":"Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":3,"Type":"E","Description":"Optional gratuities to Trip Leader, guides, drivers, and hotel staff","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":4,"Type":"E","Description":"Optional travel insurance","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":5,"Type":"E","Description":"Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":6,"Type":"E","Description":"Visa fees","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":1,"Type":"I","Description":"Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader Roger Williams and local guides","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":2,"Type":"I","Description":"Accommodations in hotels","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":3,"Type":"I","Description":"All meals","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":4,"Type":"I","Description":"All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":5,"Type":"I","Description":"All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""}],"destinations":[{"DestinationID":45,"Name":"Asia","Type":"Region"},{"DestinationID":198,"Name":"Iran","Type":"Country"}],"activities":[{"ActivityID":217,"Name":"Cultural","Primary":0},{"ActivityID":220,"Name":"Walking","Primary":0}],"guides":[{"GuideID":850907,"First_Name":"Roger","Last_Name":"Williams","BioShort":"Roger Williams has been one of our most versatile guides since 1986, and he shows no sign of stopping. If it isn&apos;t the surplus of knowledge Roger brings when he leads a trip that makes him so unique, then it may be his awareness for cultural preservation that keep trip members so loyal to his new adventures. &ldquo;There should be a rating higher than excellent for Roger,&rdquo; one client wrote after her journey with Roger. &ldquo;His knowledge, energy, planning, and attentiveness are superlative.&rdquo;","BioLong":"Roger Williams has been one of our most versatile guides since 1986, and he shows no sign of stopping. He spent eight years studying Tibetan Buddhism, Buddhist iconography, Himalayan languages, and woodblock art in Nepal, and another two years studying Japanese woodblock art, Japanese language, and Shingon Shu, an esoteric sect of Japanese Buddhism in Japan. If it isn&apos;t the surplus of knowledge Roger brings when he leads a trip that makes him so unique, then it may be his awareness for cultural preservation that keep trip members so loyal to his new adventures. Each year, Roger works with WT to design new trips in fascinating areas. He has led in such far-flung locations as Iran, Pakistan, northern Afghanistan, Kamchatka, Burma, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Madagascar. When he&apos;s not leading, you can find Roger in Berkeley, California, where he is the director of Snow Lion Graphics\/SLG Books, a publishing house specializing in Asian cultures. &ldquo;There should be a rating higher than excellent for Roger,&rdquo; one trip member wrote after her journey with Roger. &ldquo;His knowledge, energy, planning, and attentiveness are superlative.&rdquo;"}],"guestreviews":[{}],"Extensions":[{}],"SimilarTrips":[{"TripID":10404,"SimilarTripID":10297,"Trip_Code":"CENASIA","Trip_Name":"Central Asia Explorer"},{"TripID":10404,"SimilarTripID":10250,"Trip_Code":"GREATGAM","Trip_Name":"The Great Game"},{"TripID":10404,"SimilarTripID":10437,"Trip_Code":"SILKXIAN","Trip_Name":"The Silk Road"},{"TripID":10404,"SimilarTripID":10372,"Trip_Code":"TRANSCAU","Trip_Name":"Trans-Caucasus Adventure"}],"Specialists":[{}],"TripSegments":[{"VendorID":73470,"ProductID":84770,"SelectType":"Mandatory","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Internal Flight","Vendor":"Iranian Ziggurat Tour & Travel Co.","Address1":"Unit 02, 2nd Floor, No. 03, Ahmad G","Address2":"","City":"Tehran","State":"","Postal":"1514736714","Product":"Internal Airfare","Day":1,"Sequence":1,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":11,"ProductID":54,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Single Supplement","Vendor":"Wilderness Travel","Address1":"1102 Ninth Street","Address2":"","City":"Berkeley","State":"CA","Postal":"94710","Product":"Single Supplement","Day":1,"Sequence":2,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"<p><\/p>","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false}],"CustomFields":{"Custom_TC_Detailed_Itin_URL":"","Custom_Trip_Name_Addendum":"","Custom_Welcome_Letter_Addendum":"","Custom_Trip_Level_5":"","Custom_Welcome_Email_Send_List":"","Custom_FI_Optional_Donation_Text":"","Custom_Final_Docs_Letter_Send_List":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Trip_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_TP_Trip_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Payment_Terms":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Emergency_Evac_Insurance":"","Custom_Valid_Passport_Alternative":"","Custom_Visa":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Luggage_Requirements":"","Custom_Carry-On":"","Custom_Hiking_Poles":"","Custom_Daypack":"","Custom_Vaccination_Card":"","Custom_FB_Packing_Reminders_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Arrival":"","Custom_Arrival-_Meeting_Place":"","Custom_Arrival_Transfer":"","Custom_Departure":"","Custom_Extra_Services":"","Custom_Contact_Information_for_Friends_and_Family":"","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Left":"","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Right":"","Custom_name_slug":"iran-persia-cultural-tour","Custom_Meta_Description":"Discover the wonderful people and rich heritage of Iran on a cultural journey, with Persian New Year in Shiraz and visits to 15 of Iran's 26 World Heritage Sites.","Custom_List_Description":"Discover the wonderful people and rich heritage of Iran on a cultural journey, with Persian New Year in Shiraz and visits to 15 of Iran's 26 World Heritage Sites.","Custom_Redirect":"","Custom_PJ_-_Best_Months":"","Custom_After_Dates":"","Custom_Trip_Web_Note":"","Custom_Title_Tag":"Iran Active Cultural Tour | In the Footsteps of Kings","Custom_Before_Days":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_2":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_2":"","Custom_Choosing_Right_Trip_Office_Contact":"","Custom_About_WT_Expeditions":"","Custom_Arrival_-_Sales":"","Custom_Departure_-_Sales":"","Custom_International_Air_Travel":"","Custom_Extra_Hotel_Nights":"","Custom_Recommended_Hotels":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_2":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_5":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_5":"","Custom_file_name":"iran-in-the-footsteps-of-kings-and-conquerors","Custom_Passport":"A valid passport is required for your trip. Be sure to check the expiration date. Your passport must be valid for six months after your date of exit from Iran. It is a good idea to carry a photocopy of your passport photo page and any acquired visa pages for your trip in case your passport is lost. It is also a good idea to carry at least four extra passport photos with you on the departure (one for each country you will be visiting on the trip). If you lose your passport during the trip, having a passport photocopy and extra passport photos will prove invaluable. In addition, we recommend your passport has at least one completely blank visa page for each country you will be visiting. It is very important that these blank pages say &#8220;Visas&#8221; at the top. The last few pages of your passport, which say &#8220;Amendments and Endorsements,&#8221; and the final page of your passport, which may not have a page number, are not considered to be legitimate \"visa\" pages.You can request a new passport through <a href=\"http:\/\/travel.state.gov\/passport\/passport_1738.html\">US Passport Services Office<\/a> (the service of adding pages for visas was discontinued as of January 1, 2016) or use a visa service agency, which can take care of your passport renewal and expedite the process, if needed. We recommend <a href=\"http:\/\/www.passportvisasexpress.com\/?affId=2120\">Passport Visas Express<\/a>. Be sure to allow sufficient time to acquire this before your trip.","Custom_Visas_and_Entry_Notes":"US citizens need a visa for Iran. Visas must be approved in Tehran before being issued in Washington DC at the Iranian Interest Section of the Embassy of Pakistan. Once we receive your approval, we highly recommend that you contact <a href=\"http:\/\/www.passportvisasexpress.com\/?affId=2120\">Passport Visas Express<\/a> (PVE) for help in obtaining your actual visa. <br><br>Wilderness Travel will send more detailed information regarding the visa process approximately 2-3 months prior to departure. <br><br>If you are a citizen of any country other than the US, check with a local consulate or tourist office for entry requirements.","Custom_Money":"The currency in Iran is the <em>rial<\/em>. Credit cards are generally not accepted so we strongly advise that you carry your spending money in US dollars, preferably crisp notes printed since 1996. $1,000 per person is the recommended amount. There is no limit on the amount of money you can bring in, but amounts over $1,000 must be declared on entry. Iranian authorities allow departing passengers to take out an unlimited amount of Iranian products except rugs, precious metals, high quantities of certain agricultural products, and recognized works of art and antiques. Travelers are only allowed to take out one hand-woven carpet measuring maximum 6 square meters with each passport. Please keep all sales receipts to show Iranian authorities on exit as well as US authorities on return home. It is forbidden to bring alcohol into the country. <br><br>You will need to budget spending money for extra gratuities, any meals listed as &#8220;on your own&#8221; in the trip itinerary, and for personal items such as souvenirs, phone calls, laundry at hotels, etc.","Custom_Tipping":"During the departure, the Trip Leader takes care of tips for waiters at restaurants, for porters for luggage handling, and for trip representatives who are with the group for only a short time. For the staff who have accompanied you throughout a significant portion of your adventure&mdash;our local guides and drivers&mdash;excellent service can be rewarded through a pooled tip, a process that will be facilitated by your Trip Leader. Tipping for the Trip Leader himself is not formally organized. Should you wish to tip your Trip Leader, we suggest that you do so toward the end of the adventure. <br><br>Tipping is completely discretionary, but over the years, clients have asked us for tipping guidelines to reward outstanding service. A range of reference would be $12-14 per trip member, per day for the local guides\/drivers, and $15-$18 per trip member, per day for the Trip Leader. <br><br>Some clients have expressed concern over carrying a large amount of cash on the trip for tips. So, for your convenience, your Trip Leader will accept personal checks from you for any tips that you would like to give to him or the local guides and drivers - he will carry extra local currency with him, which he can use for tipping on your behalf. He will then cash your check once he returns home to the US.","Custom_Food":"Please reach out to us directly to discuss any dietary restrictions or concerns you may have. We can easily make arrangements for most diets, but please keep in mind that certain cultural differences or logistical limitations can make it difficult or at times impossible to accommodate all requests. With this in mind, please inform us at least eight weeks before your trip if you have a special diet, and any food allergies in particular, so we can do our best to meet your needs.","Custom_Communications":"<strong>Telephone<\/strong><br>The international dialing code for Iran is +98. Please contact your cell phone company for specific instructions for international use.<br><strong><br>Email &amp; Internet Access<\/strong><br>Internet access may be limited throughout the trip, so please be prepared for limited access. If available at the hotels, it may come at additional cost.","Custom_Electricity":"Iran has 220-240 volt current. Bring a voltage converter as well as a plug adaptor. For electrical outlets, you need to use plug adaptor type &#8220;C&#8221; or &#8220;F&#8221;&mdash;two round European-style prongs. Please bring a converter and plug adaptor kit for appliance use.","Custom_Laundry":"","Custom_Ship_Notes":"","Custom_Inoculations":"Entry requirements and international health situations are subject to change; check with the Centers for Disease Control for updates. All shots should be entered on your International Health Card (yellow card), which is provided by the facility giving the shots. Keep it with your passport while traveling. It provides an important personal record for you to refer to when making future travel plans. Please consult with your physician regarding the following:<br><br><strong>Tetanus Booster<\/strong><br>Strongly recommended (effective for 10 years).<br><br><strong>Polio<\/strong><br>People who have received the primary series of at least three doses of polio vaccine are considered fully immunized. People who are unsure of their status should receive the vaccine (three doses spaced at intervals).<br><br><strong>Hepatitis<\/strong><br>The vaccines HAVRIX and VAQTA (two injections, six to 18 months apart) give long-term protection against Hepatitis A and are worthwhile if you travel regularly to developing countries.<br><br><strong>Typhoid<\/strong><br>The CDC recommends the shot or the oral vaccine Vivotif Berna.","Custom_International_Health":"","Custom_Malaria_Prevention":"","Custom_Staying_Healthy":"Change of diet and a number of other factors can cause stomach upsets while traveling, especially in underdeveloped countries. To guard against illness, follow these guidelines: Consider all tap water unsafe. Do not drink it or brush your teeth with it. Bottled water is available everywhere. Don't drink the water served in restaurants (bottled water is widely available). Avoid ice in your drinks (it may not have been made with treated water). Beware of uncooked or raw foods such as salads. Don't eat fruit unless you have peeled it yourself. Avoid custards, pastry creams, yogurt, and milk where refrigeration and pasteurization are unreliable. Don't eat food bought from sidewalk vendors. Overall, be conservative about what you eat. Frequent hand washing, especially after using the bathroom and before eating, can cut down on the possibility of traveler's diarrhea. On any airline, drink only the bottled water, not the tap water.","Custom_Getting_In_Shape":"This trip is not expected to be physically strenuous, but there are many days with long drives, and transportation conditions may be demanding. Our overland travel is in air-conditioned buses. For your own enjoyment, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. We believe that the most important requirements are a spirit of adventure and the understanding that you are visiting a country where tourism infrastructure can vary greatly between regions.","Custom_Medical_Care":"Medical services are extremely limited in certain areas we visit on this trip. In the event of illness requiring evacuation, there are risks involved. Depending upon the point where we are in the itinerary, an evacuation may take several days. You should bring an ample supply of any prescription medicines you need and the items listed on the personal first aid list, in consultation with your physician.","Custom_Altitude_Considerations":"","Custom_Reading_List":"Elevate your travel experience by delving into this curated collection of books tailored to your upcoming adventure. They will not only entertain but also provide invaluable insights into the history, culture, cuisine, wildlife, mountain trails, or even folklore of the places you're about to explore. Discover the perfect companions for your journey ahead by <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/lists\/wilderness-travel-iran-in-the-footsteps-of-kings-and-conquerors\">following the link<\/a> or scanning the QR code.","Custom_Photography":"","Custom_Cultural_Considerations":"","Custom_Giving_Back":"","Custom_Enviromental_Concerns":"","Custom_Shopping_and_Souvenirs":"","Custom_Seasickness":"","Custom_Explore":"","Custom_Additional_Information":"","Custom_Essentials":"<ul><li>Valid passport (valid for at least six months after your date of exit from Iran)<\/li><li>Visa for Iran<\/li><li>2-4 extra passport photos<\/li><li>Photocopy of passport page to carry in your wallet\/purse<\/li><li>Air tickets and expense money<\/li><li>Recommended insurance<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Luggage":"Some airlines are now only allowing a small purse or camera bag. Please check with your airline for the latest guidelines. <br><br><div><ul><li>Soft-sided roller bag with small padlock (must be unlocked for travel). Be mindful of baggage weight limits on flights.<\/li><li>Daypack, large enough for a rain\/wind jacket, water bottle, camera gear, and other items you want during the day<\/li><li>Small roll-up duffel if you are an avid shopper<\/li><\/ul><\/div>","Custom_Clothing":"The clothing list below is provided as a guideline only; we encourage you to pack as lightly as possible. Dress on the trip is very informal, with the exception of city dinners for which you may want to dress up a little (jackets are not required for men). You should carry or wear your walking shoes on your flights to make sure they arrive with you.<br><br>A flexible system of modest, layered clothing is recommended, such as lightweight shirts and trousers. Comfortable walking shoes will carry you a long way on this trip. A lightweight fleece jacket for cooler evenings is convenient. The places we visit are very dry, with bright sunshine, and it can also be very windy. A sunhat and sunglasses are highly recommended.<br><br>While Iran's Islamic dress code is not as strict as it once was, there is still a dress code. Women visitors must wear a head scarf that covers the hair and neck, a loose outer layer such as a lightweight knee-length coat or jacket, and long-sleeved, tunic-type blouse worn over trousers (or over a long skirt). he idea is that women's clothes should be loose and flowing and not show the shape of a woman's body. Only hands, feet, and face should be exposed in public. The head scarf need not be tight&mdash;it can be tied loosely and it's acceptable for some hair to show around the face. Apart from plain rings, jewelry should be discreet.<br><br>For men, shorts are not to be worn in Iran.<br><br>For women, be sure to bring your head scarf and knee-length coat or jacket on the plane with you. These items need to be worn upon landing in Tehran.<br><br>Although there is no need to buy special clothes, and there are places to shop in and around our hotels in Iran, there is a website you can look at for ideas of appropriate clothing styles: <a href=\"https:\/\/shukronline.com\/\">shukronline.com<\/a>. Shukr specializes in modest Islamic-style clothing at a moderate prices.<br><br><ul><li>Wind\/waterproof lightweight rain jacket with hood<\/li><li>Fleece jacket or sweater for evenings<\/li><li>Hiking pants, loose-fitting and comfortable. Quick-drying synthetic fabrics are a practical choice.<\/li><li>Long-sleeved shirts. Quick-drying &#8220;travel&#8221; fabrics are ideal.<\/li><li>T-shirts<\/li><li>Shade hat with wide brim<\/li><li>Lightweight hiking boots or sturdy running shoes with good traction and ankle support<\/li><li>Tevas or other sturdy hiking sandals<\/li><li>Socks, underwear<\/li><li>Sleepwear<\/li><li>Casual city\/hotel attire<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Hiking_Boots":"","Custom_Equipment":"<ul><li>Bath towel (travel fabrics dry faster)<\/li><li>Water bottle, 1 qt. capacity. Bottled water is available throughout the trip<\/li><li>Good quality sunglasses with cases<\/li><li>Flashlight with extra batteries<\/li><li>Kleenex pocket packs for &#8220;nature breaks&#8221; on drives<\/li><li>Assorted plastic bags to organize items in your luggage; garbage bags to use as a bag liner for rain protection<\/li><li>Money belt or neck pouch. Always carry your passport, credit cards, and cash with you in a money belt or neck pouch tucked down inside your shirt or blouse.<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Personal_First_Aid":"Every trip member should bring a small kit for personal use. Your own experience will influence your choices.<br><br><ul><li>Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher<\/li><li>Lip balm with sunscreen<\/li><li>Aspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol for muscle pain or headache, Tylenol PM for sleep<\/li><li>Topical antibiotic (such as Neosporin) for cuts, bites, or sores<\/li><li>Insect repellent<\/li><li>Blister kit. Look for the long-lasting gel-type bandages that you can apply directly on blisters, such as Band-Aid Advanced Healing Bandages or Curad Gel Multi-Day Bandages. &#8220;Liquid band-aids,&#8221; such as New-Skin, are useful because they dry rapidly to form a tough protective cover over a blister.<\/li><li>Anti-bacterial gel for hand washing (at least 60% alcohol to be effective)<\/li><li>Antihistamine such as Benadryl and cold remedy such as Sudafed<\/li><li>Imodium for diarrhea. If you wish to bring an antibiotic for diarrhea prophylaxis, consult your physician.<\/li><li>Prescription medications properly labeled, bring a plentiful supply as they will be impossible to replace in Central Asia<\/li><li>Spare contact lenses or spare prescription glasses<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Optional_Items":"<ul><li>Converter and plug adapter kit for appliance use in hotels. Plugs have a variety of blade types. It is best to bring a plug adapter kit.<\/li><li>Camera, spare batteries.<\/li><li>Reading\/writing material<\/li><li>Lightweight binoculars<\/li><li>Travel clock<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Prohibited_Items":"","Custom_When_to_Go":"","Custom_Children":"","Custom_Tag_Line":"And Persian New Year in Shiraz","Custom_Lodging":"20 nights hotels","Custom_Meals":"All meals included","Custom_Difficulty":"Cultural exploration, easy to moderate walks, some long driving days","Custom_Currency_Exchange_Rate":"","Custom_Fuel_Surcharge":"","Custom_Signing_Up_For_a_Trip_-_Email":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_This_Year":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_Next_Year":"","Custom_Trip_Cost_Misc_Header":"","Custom_Trip_Cost_Misc_Text":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like":"<p>This trip is rated <strong>Level 3, Moderate, <\/strong>according to our trip grading system. It is not designed as a hiking trip, but we&#39;ll enjoy full days of exploring historic and cultural sites on foot, with a few optional exploration walks of several hours. The terrain can make for challenging walking at some sites. There are some long driving days.<\/p>","Custom_Terrain":"","Custom_Getting_in_Shape":"","Custom_Weather":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>Spring is an ideal time to visit Iran, but the country's climate varies widely and we cover a lot of ground, so it is sensible to pack accordingly. In Tehran (3,900'), the minimum\/maximum temperatures for March are 42&deg;F-57&deg;F and for Shiraz (4,890') they average 45&deg;F-62&deg;F. In mountain areas such as Hamadan, lows range from possible freezing temperatures to highs of 53&deg;F-65&deg;F. Please note these are average temperatures and are subject to change due to unpredictable conditions, such as drought or unseasonable rains.<\/body>","Custom_Accommodations":"","Custom_Cuisine":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-11T22:55:07 --><p>At meals, we sample Iranian cuisine such as kebabs, fresh fish, sweet and savory spiced vegetable dishes, and we can wander through bazaars where we can buy lovely miniature paintings, textiles, copper and brassware, ceramics, and saffron.<\/p>","Custom_Transportation":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_1":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-11T22:55:45 --><p>Special Notes<\/p>","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_1":"<body><p>From our past experience with Wilderness Travel journeys in Iran, we can expect an exceedingly warm welcome from the people of Iran everywhere we go. They enjoy meeting people from other countries. Many speak excellent English and are eager to practice it with visitors. While Iran's Islamic dress code is not as strict as it once was, there is still a dress code. Women visitors must wear a head scarf that covers the hair and neck, a loose outer layer such as a lightweight coat, and a knee-length, long-sleeved, tunic-type blouse worn over trousers (or over a long skirt). The idea is that women's clothes should be loose and flowing and not show the shape of a woman's body. Only hands, feet, and face should be exposed in public. The head scarf need not be tight&mdash;it can be tied loosely and it's acceptable for some hair to show around the face. For men, shorts are not to be worn.<\/p><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><\/body>","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_2":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_2":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_1":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_2":"","System_Choosing_the_Right_Trip":"<p>Adventure travel often involves exotic destinations, unusual levels of physical exertion, or activities you may not have participated in previously. We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 or email us at <a href=\"mailto:\/\/info@wildernesstravel.com\">info@wildernesstravel.com<\/a>.<\/p>","System_References":"<p>We&rsquo;d be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us on this trip.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can book your trip online or find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and one-time Limited Edition adventures that aren&rsquo;t listed in our catalog. You can also access our complete library of detailed itineraries filled with enticing photos and videos, read bios of our Trip Leaders, find descriptions of trip accommodations, and check real-time availability of any trips that interest you.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. Find the Toucan Club tab on the home page of our website and choose Helpful Links: <a href=\"http:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/ toucan\/links\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links<\/a>.<\/p>","System_About_New_Trips":"This is a new adventure and one that we are particularly excited about offering. However, as with all new departures, flexibility and a spirit of adventure are always appreciated! Activities are described in the itinerary but they can vary, sometimes considerably, depending on weather conditions, the group, and other factors.","System_About_Private_Journeys":"<p>Wilderness Travel Private Journeys are designed for people who want to travel with their own small private group, but who still want to experience the same superb itinerary design, great accommodations, and signature quality of Wilderness Travel's escorted group trips. These Private Journeys allow you to choose your own dates and your traveling companions&mdash;and enjoy the WT touch on all aspects of the journey.<\/p>","System_Limited_Edition_Adventures":"This is a Limited Edition adventure&mdash;which means a unique trip we've never run before or offer only every few years. Led by our most experienced Trip Leaders, these journeys often take place in remote destinations with only the most basic infrastructure for tourism. If you see a Limited Edition trip scheduled for this year, now is the time to sign up, as spaces fill very early and the trip may not be back for a while! Planned daily activities and actual timings may vary due to local conditions or the discretion of your Trip Leader&mdash;it is important to bring your spirit of adventure for these special exploratory journeys!","System_Social_Media":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:33:43 --><p><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA:<\/strong> We invite you to share your adventure with us on social media. Tag @wildernesstravel and we may even feature your content on our pages!<\/p>","System_If_You_Miss_Your_Flight":"<p><strong>IF YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT<\/strong><br>If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, contact our Wilderness Travel office, as well as our local partners, with your new flight information. Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. If you cannot find your email confirmation, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. If you have not purchased Travelex insurance already, you have the option to do so up to 24 hours prior to your departure.<\/p>","System_Covid-19_Travel_Requirements":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-19T13:27:44 --><p><strong>COVID-19 TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:<\/strong> Please double-check COVID-19 entry requirements for any countries you may be traveling to or transiting through, on this website: <a href=\"apply.joinsherpa.com\/travel-restrictions\">apply.joinsherpa.com\/travel-restrictions<\/a><\/p>","System_Pre-Trip_Safety":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:37:06 --><p><strong>PRE-TRIP SAFETY:<\/strong> In the next weeks, we encourage you to do everything possible to stay healthy. Please practice social distancing, steer clear of potential COVID-19 exposure, and take an at-home antigen or lab based PCR test before you depart.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. We are available during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, PST). <\/p>","System_ECI_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:31 --><p>If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan through Wilderness Travel, please remember to bring your Confirmation of Coverages (COC) with you on the trip, including your Plan Number and important emergency contact information.<\/p><p>If you've purchased a travel protection plan on your own, we recommend that you bring a copy of your policy, including all coverages, with you on your trip.<\/p>","System_Face_Masks_and_Hand_Sanitizer":"","System_DidNotPurchase_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-28T12:27:44 --><p>Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this trip. For your convenience, we offer Travelex travel protection. Please let us know if you would like us to add the Travelex Travel Protection Plan to this final invoice. You can learn more about the policy on our <a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/toucan\/travel-insurance\">website<\/a>.<\/p>","System_Purchased_Insurance":"Please remember to bring a copy of your Travelex Confirmation of Coverage and State Specific Policy with you on your trip. You should have received an email directly from Travelex with these documents. If you need this email to be re-sent, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. <br><br><br>","System_Photography":"<strong>Camera Recommendations<\/strong><br>With the many advances in digital technology, a simple compact digital camera or even your smartphone is capable of taking pictures suitable for the needs of most people. For higher quality images and the ability to use long lenses for closer wildlife pictures, a DSLR camera is well worthwhile, though heavier. Most digital cameras and phones have good video options, but you may want to consider a GoPro for a lightweight, waterproof option. Always practice ahead of time with new equipment and bring your manual with you. You may want to consider renting camera equipment for your trip from places such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.borrowlenses.com\/\">borrowlenses.com<\/a>. This is an especially good idea for renting large zoom lenses that you may need for just one trip. Adding their extra insurance fee to cover expensive equipment is recommended. <br><strong><br>Camera Accessories<\/strong><br>We recommend bringing at least two large capacity memory cards or a small digital storage unit (or tablet) to back up your photos, freeing space on your memory cards. Don't forget to bring a battery charger and a backup battery so one is always charged and ready to use. For trips where you may be away from power sources for multiple days, consider looking into a solar-powered battery charger or buying additional backup batteries, and check that you have the appropriate adapter for the electrical outlets in your destination.<br><strong><br>Sharing Your Images<\/strong><br>We would love for you to share photos from your trip, and with your permission, may even use your photos in our marketing materials or on our photo blog. We request that you send us a small sample of your best images. Please email your photos to wtphotoblog@gmail.com or tag us @WildernessTravel on social media.<br><strong><br>Photography Etiquette<\/strong><br>When taking pictures of local people, be aware of cultural considerations. Approaching people with a warm smile and using polite gestures or simple phrases to ask permission to photograph them usually works well. It is always recommended to engage people in conversation before asking to photograph them, but if people do not wish to have their photo taken, please honor their requests. We urge travelers to avoid giving money in exchange for photo opportunities, which makes it harder for future travelers to have a meaningful personal interaction with local people. Please always heed your Trip Leader's guidelines for what is appropriate. ","System_Gear_Store":"To help you prepare for your next WT adventure, we've put together a great collection of top brands including Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Eagle Creek, and more at our WT Gear Store (<a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.newheadings.com\/\">wildernesstravel.newheadings.com<\/a>).","System_Questions?":"<p>Our Area Specialists are your single point of contact and would be happy to answer any questions about your trip!<br>800.368.2794 | 510.558.2488<\/p>","System_Pricing_Detail-Small_Group_Adventure":" <br><br>To offer the lowest possible cost, our trips are priced according to the number of participants on the trip. All costs are per person, based on double occupancy. If you wish to have a single room, you must pay the single supplement fee. Please note that Wilderness Travel staff, or guests of Wilderness Travel such as travel writers, photographers, or leaders-in-training, are not included in the tier pricing count.","System_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:58:05 --><p>We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex, or purchase other insurance on your own. See our website for details: <a href=\"http:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/insurance\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a><\/p>","System_Make_it_Your_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:18 --><p>The prices above are for the ready-to-book adventure outlined in this Detailed Itinerary, a popular option that has been handcrafted by our Area Specialists to include the best of every destination. While many travelers choose to book this tour as is, our Area Specialists are also happy to work with you to customize this Private Journey to suit your specific interests and style of travel. We can arrange for longer or shorter stays, offer hotel upgrades (see below for sample costs), or add an extension to additional places of interest. We can even add special activities or customize excursions depending on your interests. We invite you to contact us to discuss your options!<\/p>","System_Signing_up_for_a_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:42 --><p>Early reservations are recommended since accommodations often sell out far in advance. Please call 1-800-368-2794 and ask for our [Africa Manager] or email us at [africa@ wildernesstravel.com] with any questions that you may have about this trip. To reserve your Private Journey, we will need to know your preferred dates of travel. We will then check availability and send you a proposed itinerary with exact pricing for your adventure. We can typically hold a provisional booking for one week. At that time, we must collect your initial deposit or accommodations will be released. We accept Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you a Welcome Packet that includes a letter of confirmation, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet with information to help you prepare for your adventure. Please see our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for specific payment information.<\/p>","System_Trip_Leaders":"<p>Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.829dev.com\/leaders\/\">wildernesstravel.com\/leaders<\/a>.<\/p>"},"terms":{"PaymentSchedule":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><p>$600 due at time of reservation <br \/>90 days prior to departure: Balance<\/p><\/body>","CancelSchedule":"<p>Up to 151 days prior to departure: No charge!<br \/>91-150 days prior to departure: $600 per person<br \/>90 days or less: 100% of trip cost<\/p><p><em>*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.<\/em><\/p>"}}