A comprehensive fifteen day journey through highloghts of both ancient and contemporary Iran.Tehran,Isfahan and Shiraz as well as the eastern regions of Kerman and Yazd are explored in detail giving the opportunity for a through acquaintance with this often misunderstood nation.

Arrive in Tehran,Meet and Greet at the airport,transfer to hotel.

Late morning start for a guided city tour of Iran's capital, including the famed crown jewels,the Golestan Palace and the Archaeological Museum.(B)

Fly to Kerman this morning in the south-east of Iran and this afternoon enjoy a city sightseeing tour including the Friday Mosque,the bazaar and Ganj-Ali Khan bathhouse.(B)

Excursion to Mahan,a lovely oasis village,home to the Masuoleum os Shah Nematollah Valli,the founder of a Sufi order.Take a walk in the cool gardens,against their bachdrop of snow-capped mountains.Travel to Rayen, a town through which Marco Polo passed during the Middle Ages and whose architecture he much admired.(B)

Drive to Yazd across the desert,passing pistachio plantations and caravanseais. Yazd is one of the oldest cities in the world and the centre of Zoroastrianism.On your afternoon tour explore the old city made of sun-dried bricks with its labyrinthine alleyways and see the ''Badgirs'' or wind towers which provide natural air-conditioning during the summer heat.Also visit the magnificent Friday Mosque.(B)

A day for further exploration with your guide. Visits includ the Zoroastrian Fire Temple or ''Atashkadeh'',the towers of silence, Amir Chakhmagh Mosque and the Doulat Garden.(B)

This morning drive to Shiraz,visiting Pasargade,Cyrus the Great's capital begun in 518 BC.(B)

A city associated with learning,roses,nightingales and poetry, you have three full days to enjoy the sights in and around Shiraz. On today's full day sightseeing tour,you will visit the Vakil Mosque, the Eram Gardens and the tomb of Hafez,the Persian mystic poet. This afternoon visit the Narenjestan Palace built in the late 1870s by Mohammad Reza and the beautiful Mausoleum of Shah Cheragh (King of the lamp).(B)

In the morning visit the magnificent archaeological site of Perspolis, capital of the Persian Empire built in the 6th century BC and Naghshe Rostam with its rock cut tombs.(B)

A free day in Shiraz to visit the bazaar and for your own exploration of the city. In the evening transfer to the airport for the flight to Isfahan.(B)

Today enjoy a walking tour ofthe splendid Royal(Emam) Square, surrounded on three sides by the exquisite Imam and Shaikh Lotfallah Mosques and the Ali Qapu palace.Visit Isfahan's vast covered bazaar lying on the fourth side of the square and see some of the historic bridges spanning the Zayandehrud river.(B)

Afull day sightseeing tour of Isfahan's magnificent buildings. Visit the Jame Mosque showing many diffrent architectural elements and the Chehel Sotoon (Forty Columns) palace before continuing to the Armenian quarter of Isfahan to see Vank Cathedral. Also visit the Hasht Behesht or Eight Heavens palace and the curious shaking Minarets. In the evening you may visit the ''Zoorkhaneh''or house of strength to watch this traditional sport.(B)

Day at leisure in Isfahan to find a bargain in the bazaar or relax in the Abbasi hotel, a converted 17th century caravanserai with a magnificent courtyard and Silk Road atmosphere.(B)

An intresting drive takes you back to the Iranian capital via the charming village of Abyaneh in the mountains and the town of Kashan. Visit the tranquil Fin Gardens and the Agha Bozorgh Mosque as well as the house of Boroujerdi with its velvet weaving workshop.(B)

Transfer to the airport for flight to home.