pt-pten +351 21 845 26 89 / 90 geral@papa-leguas.com
+351 21 845 26 89 / 90 geral@papa-leguas.com

Discovering Iran

Starting 1.870
Flights not included
Single Room
350
Disponibilidade
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Saturday07 Oct, 2023
Monday23 Oct, 2023
cancelada1.870,0
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Particular Conditions Condições Gerais

Discovering Iran


Condições Gerais

The present program/online catalog is the informative document in which the current general conditions are included. They constitute, in the absence of a separate document, the travel contract.
 
The information is binding for the agency, except for some of the present conditions: 
  • If the changes in the following conditions have been clearly communicated in writing to the client before the conclusion of the contract and they are properly provided for in the program;

  • Any changes subsequent to the conclusion of the contract are subject to prior agreement of both the agency and the client, except as provided in the "impossibility of comply" clause.

These general conditions comply with the provisions of Decree-Law 61/2011 of May 6th, as amended by Decree-Law 199/2012 of August 24th.

The general conditions, which refer to an organized trip described in this program, along with the specific conditions provided to the client in the travel documentation at the time of booking, constitute the travel contract that binds the agency and the client.


1. ORGANIZATION

The technical organization and sale of the activities included on this website are the responsibility of Papa-Léguas, a travel and tourism agency, with home office at Rua Manuel Assunção Mestre, nº22,  7780-199 Castro Verde, registered in the Commercial Registry Office of Lisbon with Taxpayer Identification Number 504163590. It has a share capital of €99,759.60 (ninety-nine thousand, seven hundred and fifty-nine euros and sixty cents). Papa-Léguas is also registered with the National Registry of Travel Agents and Tourism Operators (RNAVT) nº2275 and the National Registry of Tourist Animation Agents (RNAT) nº67/2014.

2. REGISTRATIONS

At the time of registration the client must deposit 30% of the service price, paying the remaining 70% up to 21 days before the service begins. If the registration takes place 21 days or less before the service begins, the total price of the service must be paid at the time of registration. Papa-Léguas, Agência de Viagens e Turismo Lda. reserves the right to cancel any booking that has not been paid for under the conditions mentioned above. Reservations are subject to the obtaining of a confirmation from suppliers for all services.

The prices of tours are presented per person and based on the occupation in a room shared by two people. The organizing agency will group clients who sign up individually for the same tour in pairs, by gender, and in chronological order of registration. Clients who are singled out must pay the respective individual supplement, when required by the service provider.

INFORMATION UNDER LAW N.º 144/2015 OF SEPTEMBER 8:

According to Law No. 144/2015 of September 8th, we inform that the customer may resort to the following Alternative Consumer Dispute Resolution Entities:

           i) Customer Authority of Travel and Tourism Agencies at provedorapavt.com;

          ii) Arbitration Commission of Tourism in Portugal at turismodeportugal.pt;

         iii) Or any of the entities indicated in the list provided by the Directorate-General for Consumer Affairs at http://www.consumidor.pt, which we recommend consulting. 

3. COMPLAINTS

Complaints will only be considered if submitted in writing to the agency within a maximum period of 30 days after the completion of the services.

In the event of a complaint regarding non-compliance with contracted services, the customer may activate the Travel and Tourism Guarantee Fund provided for in DL 61/2011 of May 6, in its current wording, by submitting the respective complaint:

i) To the Customer Authority, as Papa-Léguas, Travel and Tourism Agency Ltd., is a member of the Customer Ombudsman for Travel and Tourism Agencies at www.provedorapavt.com. To benefit from this service, you must submit your written complaint within 20 business days after the end of the trip. Agencies are bound to comply promptly with any decisions issued by this entity.

ii) To Tourism of Portugal I.P. at www.turismodeportugal.pt within 30 days after: (i) the end of the trip; (ii) the cancellation of the trip attributable to the agency; (iii) the date of knowledge of the impossibility of its realization due to the agency; (iv) the closure of the establishment.

iii) To any of the entities listed on the website of the General Directorate for Consumer Affairs at http://www.consumidor.pt.

4. LUGGAGE

1) The agency is responsible for the luggage in the legal terms;

2) The Client has the obligation to complain to the service provider at the moment of subtraction, deterioration or destruction of luggage.

3) In international transport, if the luggage is damaged, the complaint must be made in writing to the carrier immediately after the damage is verified, and no later than 7 days after delivery. If the luggage is merely late in delivery, the claim must be made within 21 days from the date of delivery.

4) The presentation of such a claim will be an essential basis for Papa-Léguas, Agência de Viagens e Turismo Lda. to hold responsible the entity providing the service.

5. LIMITS

The responsibility of the agency will be limited to the maximum amount that can be demanded from the service providers, in accordance with the Montreal Convention of May 28, 1999, on International Air Transport, and the Bern Convention of 1961, on Rail Transport.

Regarding maritime transport, the liability of travel agencies, concerning their clients, for the provision of transport services or accommodation, when applicable, by maritime transport companies, in the event of damages resulting from their willful misconduct or negligence, will be limited to the following amounts:

a) € 441,436, in case of death or physical injury;

b) € 7,881, in case of total or partial loss of baggage or its damage;

c) € 31,424, in case of loss of a motor vehicle, including the baggage contained therein;

d) € 10,375, in case of loss of baggage, whether accompanied or not, contained in a motor vehicle;

e) € 1,097, for damages to baggage resulting from the damage to the motor vehicle.

Where applicable, the liability of travel agencies and tourism for the deterioration, destruction, and theft of baggage or other items in tourist accommodation establishments, while the client is staying there, is limited as follows:

a) € 1,397, in total;

b) € 449 per item;

c) The value declared by the client regarding the items deposited under the custody of the tourist accommodation establishment.

The agency's liability for non-bodily damages may be contractually limited to an amount corresponding to five times the price of the service sold.

6. RESERVATION EXPENSES

For each reservation the following will be charged:

Reservation Expenses:

  • Portugal: 15€ (fifteen euros);
  • Remaining Countries: 30€ (thirty euros).

Alteration Expenses:

For each alteration (names, dates, type of apartment or room, travel, etc) : 50€ (fifty euros). Please note that the acceptance of such changes depends on the acceptance by the respective suppliers.

7. DOCUMENTATION

The client must have their personal or family documentation in good order (identity card, military documentation, authorization for minors, visas, vaccination certificates, and any other documents that may be required). The agency disclaims any responsibility for visa refusal or the client's denial of entry into a foreign country. The client is solely responsible for any costs incurred as a result of such a situation.

Travel in European Union: 

  • Clients (regardless of age) traveling within the European Union must possess the respective civil identification document (passport; ID card, Citizen Card).
  • To receive medical assistance, they must carry the corresponding European Health Insurance Card.
  • Nationals of non-EU countries should consult specific information regarding the necessary documentation for travel with the embassies/consulates of their countries of origin.

Travel outside the European Union:

  • Clients (regardless of age) traveling within the European Union must possess the respective civil identification document (passport) as well as a visa, if necessary (get this information from the agency at the time of booking);
  • Nationals of non-EU countries should consult specific information regarding the necessary documentation for travel from the embassies/consulates of their countries of origin.
8. CHANGES

If the travel suppliers involved allow it, whenever a customer who is registered for a particular trip wishes to change their registration to another trip or the same trip with a different departure date, or any other changes, they must pay a fee as alteration expenses. However, if the change takes place 21 days or less before the departure date of the trip for which the customer is registered, or if the service providers do not accept the change, the customer will be subject to the expenses and charges specified under the “cancellation (termination)” section.

Once the trip has started, if a request is made to change the contracted services for reasons not related to the agency (e.g., extending the number of nights of stay, changing the flight), the prices of the touristic services may not correspond to those published on the website that prompted the contract.

9. ASSIGNMENT OF REGISTRATION (CONTRACT POSITION)

The customer may transfer their registration by being replaced by another person who meets all the required conditions for the trip, provided that they inform the selling agency at least seven days in advance and such transfer is possible under the applicable air transport regulations. In the case of cruises and air travel, the prescribed period will be fifteen days in advance.

The transfer of the registration makes both the transferor and the transferee jointly responsible for the payment of the trip price and any additional charges incurred.

 

10. ALTERATIONS

Whenever there are external reasons that justify it, the organizing agency may change the order of the itineraries, modify the departure times, or substitute any of the planned hotels with others of similar category and location. The agency must inform the client of such changes as soon as they become aware of them.

11. CANCELLATION OF THE PROGRAM BY THE AGENCY

When the tour is dependent on a minimum number of participants the Agency reserves the right to cancel the organized tour if the number of participants reached is less than the minimum. In such cases, the Client will be informed in writing of the cancellation within 15 (fifteen) days.

12. PRICE CHANGES

The prices in the program are based on the costs of services and exchange rates in effect on the date of printing of the program, and are therefore subject to change resulting from variations in the cost of transportation or fuel, duties, taxes, fees, and exchange rate fluctuations up to 20 days prior to the date of departure.

13. REFUNDS

Once the tour has begun, no refund is due for services not used by the client due to unforeseeable circumstances or for reasons attributable to the client, except for refunds by the respective suppliers. Failure to provide services foreseen in the travel program for reasons attributable to the organizing agency and if it is not possible to replace them with equivalent ones, entitles the client receive a refund for the price difference between the originally anticipated services and the services actually provided.

 

 

14. IMPOSSIBILITY OF COMPLIANCE

If, prior to the start of the journey and due to circumstances beyond the control of the organizing agency, it becomes unable to fulfill any essential service included in the travel program, the client has the right to cancel the trip and immediately receive a refund of all amounts paid, or alternatively, accept a modification and possible price variation.

If the aforementioned circumstances beyond the control of the organizing agency result in the cancellation of the trip, the client may choose to participate in another organized trip of equivalent price. If the proposed replacement organized trip is of a lower price, the client will be refunded the price difference accordingly.

15. WITHDRAWAL (TERMINATION)

The client or their companions are free to cancel the trip at any time.

i) Such cancellation implies that the client is responsible for the payment of all charges arising from the beginning of the fulfillment of the contract and their withdrawal, as well as a percentage that can go up to 15% of the price of the trip.

ii) If applicable, the client will be refunded the difference between the amount paid and the aforementioned amounts.

iii) The cancellation of travel services/organized trips whose reservation has been made using the voucher issued under Decree-Law No. 17/2020 of April 23rd is subject to a cancellation fee equal to the price of the service, in order to prevent simulated or fraudulent reservations made solely with the intention of anticipating the receipt of the voucher-entitled values.

16. CANCELLATION

If for reasons not attributable to the client, the agency has to cancel the organized tour before the departure date, the client can choose to:

i) Being immediately refunded all amounts paid;

ii) Optionally, choose to participate in another organized tour and be refunded for any difference in price.

17. RESPONSABILITY

The liability of the travel agency organizing the trips included in this program and arising from the assumed obligations is covered by a civil liability insurance policy with Fidelidade Insurance Company, under policy number 9257343, for an amount of 75,000€ (Seventy-five thousand euros), in accordance with the applicable legislation.

18. VAT

The prices mentioned in this program already include the Value Added Tax at the current rate of 23%

19. VALIDITY

This program is valid from 01/01/2022 to 12/31/2022

20. NOTES
  • The remaining special conditions will be included on the page of each destination and trip - in the particular conditions - and they are part of the travel contract.
  • These general conditions may be supplemented by any other specific conditions agreed upon by the agency and the client.
  • The program prices are based on the average exchange rate of the dollar, so any significant deviation from this currency may result in a revision of the travel prices, as stated in the "price alteration" clause.
  • Due to constant fluctuations in fuel prices, there may be changes to the fuel surcharge included in the price, as stated in the "price alteration" clause.
  • The hotel categories presented in this brochure comply with the quality standards of the host country. However, they may be replaced by similar ones if, due to reasons beyond the agency's control, it is not possible to maintain or confirm the existing reservation. The agency will promptly inform the client once they become aware of such situations.
21. GENERAL INFORMATION

Arrival or departure times:

Departure and arrival times are stated in the local time of the respective country of destination and according to respective airline schedules at the time of printing this program, and may therefore be subject to change.

Hotels / Apartments:

Apartments - In case the accommodation is contracted in apartments, the client is responsible for informing the number of people that will occupy the apartment. If there are more people than booked, the apartments may refuse admittance.

Hotels - The prices shown are per person and are based on double occupancy. Not all hotels have triple rooms and usually an extra bed is placed in the room, which may not be of equal quality. In rooms equipped with two beds or a double bed, the triple may consist only of those beds.

The list of hotels and apartments in the program is indicative, as is their category, which is based on local criteria and classifications that are sometimes different from those used in Portugal.

Meals:

Unless otherwise indicated, the prices shown for the Half Board and Full Board supplements do not include drinks.

On arrivals at the hotel after 7PM the first meal service will be breakfast the next day, on the last day and except for the possibility of late check-out, the last service of the hotel will be breakfast.

Check-in and check-out times:

The check-in and check-out times on the first and last day, will be defined according to the first and last service. As a rule, without binding character, the rooms can be used from 2PM on the day of arrival and should be left free by noon (12PM) on the day of departure.

In the apartments, the entry takes place generally at 5PM on the day of arrival and must be left free by 10AM on the day of departure.

Special conditions for children:

Given the conditions applied for children (destination and provider) it is recommended to always question the special conditions that may apply to the tour in question.

Insurande:

The agency offers the sale of insurance that can be purchased depending on the tour to guarantee assistance situations and cancellation expenses.

The maximum age limit, for the insurance, is 75 years-old.

22. DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY POLICY

See our full Data Protection and Privacy Policy here.

Discovering Iran


Condições Particulares

Documentation
The necessary documentation may vary, depending on your nationality, the country of origin and the places you will travel to. For further information, consult the relevant embassy websites or contact Papa-Léguas.

Clothing
Women:
– It is mandatory by Islamic law to wear a headscarf in order to cover the hair;
– Shirts must have long sleeves and be below the hips;
Most women wear neutral colors: black, brown, cream. But there is no problem to wear another color;
– Pants or skirts should cover your heels;
– You may wear sandals.
Men:
– You may not wear shorts;
– You may wear sandals.

Transfers
Travelers who do not purchase flights from Papa-Léguas may not be assured of arrival and departure transfers if their flights are not exactly the same as the flights booked for the group.
If the traveller chooses to book the transfers Papa-Léguas for the flights they have bought on their own, there is an additional fee, which varies according to the destination country and the program.

Individual Supplement
The individual supplement does not apply to nights spent on trains.

Tour Leader
This is a trip of adventure and cultural discovery. The tour leader is a person with experience in the country to be visited, having a network of contacts and knowledge that facilitates interaction and a unique cultural experience. Their mission is to lead the group during the whole trip facilitating the interaction and integration of the group with the places to be visited.
The tour leader’s role should never be confused with that of a tour guide. No specific knowledge about monuments, museums, or other places of tourist interest is required of the tour leader.
If your trip includes places that, due to their historical, geological, biological or artistic complexity, need a guide, this will be hired in advance and there will be an explicit reference to his existence in the trip program.

Líder da viagem

Nuno Cruz

Tour leader

In the groups I lead, I bridge the gap between these people who make up their spaces and travelers while immersing themselves together in local cultures and habits through these guides, friends and travelers that life has brought my way 😀

Learn more >

Estamos a preparar o seu programa de viagem.
Aguarde por favor...

Do you have a question?

Do not hesitate to call us. We have a specialized team and we will be happy to talk to you.

+351 21 845 26 89 / 90

geral@papa-leguas.com

Details of viagem
  • Conforto
  • Dificuldade
  • Duração 17 dias
  • Inscrições 4 - 11 people
  • Idade 18 - 75
  • Tipo de viagem Discovery, Tour leader
  • Destinos Iran
  • Alojamento Guesthouse, Hotel, Train

Far away, exotic, mysterious, fascinating. This is how many travelers describe Iran.

Those who have been there say that the country and its people are some of the most welcoming on earth. Travelers confirm that the culture is rich, the people educated and the monuments fascinating.

This trip is accompanied by a Portuguese travel leader who will “open the doors” to local houses and therefore experience contact with local populations.

Why this viagem is a must?
  • Discover the caravanserais of the silk route from Kashan to Zeinodin;
  • Experience firsthand the desert and its expanse of dunes, oases, stars and stories;
  • Reinvent the history of the Persian empire in Pasergarde and Persepolis;
  • Understand the difficulties of the Portuguese conquest of Hormuz;
  • Get to know an ancient culture and people, rich and open to those who visit.

Included

  • Accompaniment by a portuguese Papa-Léguas tour leader;
  • Transfer airport - hotel - airport (see specific conditions);
  • Accommodation in double room and one night in a sleeper train for 4 persons;
  • Meals: 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners;
  • Trips in mini-van;
  • Entrance to the monuments;
  • Travel insurance and assistance.

Excluded

  • International flights;
  • Iran entry visa (cost of 50 EUR, to be handled at the consulate in Lisbon);
  • Local expenses are estimated at about 150 EUR;
  • All personal expenses;
  • Any type of gratuity;
  • Any item not mentioned as included.
Mapa
Itinerary

Dia 1 Flight city of origin - Tehran

Today is dedicated to the flight between your home city and Tehran. There are no direct flights between Portugal and Iran, so the flight will make a layover in a European or Middle Eastern city. You will arrive in Tehran in the early morning of the following day.
Note: the arrival/departure dates may vary, depending on your origin city. If you have any doubts, contact Papa-Léguas for further clarification. If you wish to buy your own flights, they must be the same as (or earlier than) the group flights indicated by Papa-Léguas, since the tour leader will be at the airport waiting for the group and should all leave the airport together. If you arrive at a very different time from the group, you will have to go to the hotel on your own.

Alojamento: XRefeições: X
Conforto: Dificuldade:

Dia 2 Arrival in Tehran and first sightseeing in the city

Arrival in Tehran in the early morning, meet the tour leader at the airport and transfer to the hotel if you have the group flights (otherwise the meeting will be at the hotel).

Morning free to rest.

In the afternoon we will set out to discover the vibrant city of Tehran. Capital of Iran since the XVIII century, this city is the largest in the country and home to the greatest cultural diversity. Although many of its historic buildings have been destroyed by wars, politics, or earthquakes, the city retains a mystical and vibrant atmosphere where we can witness history, culture, religion, and the daily life of a hospitable and humble people.

We start by exchanging the money we need for our explorations and take the metro, where an interesting first experience awaits us. We then travel to Tajrish station to explore the local bazaar, the Cinema Museum, and the more colorful and daring people of this part of the city. Next we pass the Bridge of Nature, or Tabiat, for a different view of the city before heading to the Den of Espionage, the former United States of America embassy, which, as the current designation indicates, was where the electronic equipment that enabled the actual spying of the Iranian regime was located.

At the end of the day, we take a stroll in Artists Park, check out the exhibitions, and have a chat with the young artists we come across.

Alojamento: HotelRefeições: X
Conforto: Dificuldade:

Dia 3 Tehran

This morning we start by walking through Iranshahr Park to the Tehran bazaar with its thousand and one trinkets and mosques. After that, we'll go to the old house of the Shas in Gollestan Palace for lunch, and then head to the Azadi Tower to contemplate another monumental face of the city.

From there we wander the streets and feel the vibes of these people as we head for a relaxed evening that culminates with dinner in a traditional teahouse.

Alojamento: HotelRefeições: Pequeno-almoço
Conforto: Dificuldade:

Dia 4 Tehran, Qom and Kashan

Today is a free morning to go shopping in the bazaar, visit a museum of your personal interest (carpets, jewelry, history), go to a cafe/tea house to meet locals or just wander around some part of the city and feel the life in the Iranian capital.

In the afternoon we will head to Qom to visit one of the holiest sites in Iran, the mausoleum of Fatima, the sister of Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam, and understand the intrinsic and complex Iranian religious network along with the main differences and similarities between Shiites, Sunnis and Ismailis.

The day ends with arrival in Kashan, a city situated on the rich route between Tehran and Isfahan. Kashan was once famous for being the residence of some of Persia's most illustrious merchants who built their beautiful mansions and a uniquely beautiful bazaar here, but this is the scenery for the next day.

Alojamento: GuesthouseRefeições: Pequeno-almoço
Conforto: Dificuldade:

Dia 5 Kashan, Abyaneh and Isfahan

Kashan today retains some of its former splendor. The bazaar is known for its stunning craftsmanship and vibrant atmosphere, and more specifically the architectural beauty mirrored in its houses that retain today, the traces of the luxury and beauty of ancient times. Back then, rich merchants inhabited them and filled them with comforts and useful items from their prosperous businesses.

In the afternoon we pass through Abyaneh to visit this photogenic village, which is distinguished by its red color and by being one of the oldest in Iran.
It is still home to the Abyunaki ethnic group and we can still find women wearing clothes that are more colorful and lively than the traditional black.

From Abyaneh we head to the emblematic Isfahan, former capital and center of the Safavid empire. This city prospered and became one of the most important centers of medicine, mathematics, science and literature in the world.
Today the city still retains its charm spread through the gardens, palaces, squares, mosques and bridges that bring it to life.

Alojamento: HotelRefeições: Pequeno-almoço
Conforto: Dificuldade:

Dia 6 Isfahan

Today is dedicated to exploring the Nasqh-e Jahan Square where we can enjoy the morning light, the green spaces, the amazing design of the mosques and the Ali Qapu palace.
If we have time, we will also explore the oldest part of the city and its mosque, Masjid Jamme and the Chelsotoon palace with its frescos and 40 columns.

Alojamento: HotelRefeições: Pequeno-almoço
Conforto: Dificuldade:

Dia 7 Second day in Isfahan

Isfahan is also home to the largest Christian community in Iran.
Therefore, lunch will be in the Armenian and Christian neighborhood of Vank, where a quiet atmosphere, which contrasts with the constant vibrancy of the rest of the city, welcomes us.

The cathedral, the neighborhood, and the Museum of Music are in themselves the reasons for our journey, and we will spend the morning there in pleasant explorations of this ecumenism in the heart of Islam.
After lunch we will cross the Khajou bridge and walk to the Si-o-se-pol (thirty-three) bridge from where we will return to the hotel with dinner in between.

Alojamento: HotelRefeições: Pequeno-almoço
Conforto: Dificuldade:

Dia 8 Isfahan and Garmeh

The morning will be free and there will be the opportunity to rest at the hotel, explore the Isfahan bazaar and take the opportunity to buy some unique carpets, ceramics or copper and silver work; or simply take one last stroll and explore the city's teahouses.

In the afternoon we take the bus and leave for the village of Garmeh where our host Maziad and his family welcome us with their stories and music around the campfire.

Night in Garmeh (accommodation with shared bathroom).

Alojamento: GuesthouseRefeições: Pequeno-almoço, Jantar
Conforto: Dificuldade:

Dia 9 Kavir Desert

In the morning we explore the oasis surrounding this village at the foot of the mountains.
Having eaten lunch and relaxed we continue through the mountains into the desert.
The desert is the place where the night is infinitely starry, where the sun rises among a sea of moving sand dunes and sets, passing to the moon the testimony of being a guide and hostess of dreams and rest.
It is where camels and other animals walk free and quiet away from the world.
It is where peace and inner silence are manifested.

Finally, this is an experience not to be missed. We will have the opportunity to enjoy and explore during an afternoon of adventures such as sunset on the dunes, and the rising of the starry and immense sky as a watchman that will guide us to the guesthouse where we will fall asleep lulled by the undulating memories of the dunes.

Night in Garmeh (accommodation with shared bathroom).

Alojamento: GuesthouseRefeições: Pequeno-almoço, Almoço, Jantar
Conforto: Dificuldade:

Dia 10 Kharnaqah and Yazd

After breakfast we relax around the village and say goodbye to Maziad, Ariane and the rest of the family after lunch.

We then head to the village of Kharanaq to explore the adobe and its mosque tower, minaret, which oscillates. We continued our journey southward to reach the desert city known as Yasdi, where a distinctive silk production had given the city its name.

Yazd is known for its brown adobe buildings, which can be found throughout the city. It is also one of the most religious cities in Iran and home to the largest community of Zoroastrians today.
Due to its location right in the center of Iran, it has become an important crossing point for caravans and people since ancient times, and there is an interesting mix of desert and city.

Alojamento: HotelRefeições: Pequeno-almoço
Conforto: Dificuldade:

Dia 11 Yazd. Night train to Bandar Abbas

Following breakfast, we proceeded to visit the Towers of Silence, that once housed the bodies of the Zoroastrians, and today contemplate the city in silence.
The Zoroastrian fire temple is next on the list and we learn more about this ancient religion that is among the first monotheistic in the world.
Before lunch, in the arcades of the Amir Tchakhmaq complex, we still have time to learn about the qanats in the water museum and how they function inside and outside the cities.

In the afternoon, we stroll through the bazaar to reach the Friday or congregational mosque, and from there we explore the Fahadan neighborhood and its houses, surrounded by adobe walls and the characteristic wind-catching chimneys.

To unwind, we enjoyed the sunset and then proceeded to observe the traditional zhurkane, a sport that has its roots in the ancient training of the Persian armies.

As nightfall arrived, we savored a delightful dinner before embarking on the night train, where we will find a peaceful sleep, until we reach Bandar Abbas, in the Persian Gulf. This is the port of departure to the nearby town of Minab, where the famous, colorful and diversity-filled Thursday market awaits us; and to the island of Hormuz, an important bastion of Portuguese imperial eras.

Night in 4-person room on a night train (shared bathroom).

Alojamento: TrainRefeições: Pequeno-almoço
Conforto: Dificuldade:

Dia 12 Bandar Abbas and the Island of Hormuz

Today's day is dedicated to exploring Bandar Abbas and the island of Hormuz.
Bandar means port and the people who inhabit these ports are the bandaris who generally lived from port to port. The populations consisted of people who came from the various regions of the Persian Gulf and the surrounding nomadic tribes who came in search of business and goods in the port regions.

In the afternoon, we board a boat to immerse ourselves in the grandeur of the global history of Portugal's empire. From the island of Hormuz, the Portuguese navy extended its uncontested dominance in the Indian Ocean as a European and world power by controlling the trade routes that circulated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean.

The island today is a natural sanctuary, with a salt lake in the middle and sun eroded mountains that still allow for a festival of colors, as about 80 different colors are extracted from its rocks and taken all over Iran to dye fabrics and other materials.

After going around the island by tuk-tuk, visiting its incredible and majestic geological formations, who knows, maybe there is time to take a swim to refresh your body.

We return by boat to Bandar Abbas, where we dine on Persian fish and return to the hotel for a well deserved rest.

Alojamento: HotelRefeições: Pequeno-almoço
Conforto: Dificuldade:

Dia 13 Minab

In the early morning, we woke up and, since it was Thursday, we made our way to the ancient city of Minab. The city's strategic location has fostered the growth of one of Iran's liveliest and most diverse markets, known as the Panjshambe Bazaar.

In this 500 year old traditional market, which only happens on Thursdays, people, cultures and languages from different parts of the Persian Gulf mix together reflecting a variety of ethnicities, cultures and religions. Most of Iran is Shiite but here we will see Sunni Iranians, Arabs, Indians, Pakistanis and people from other regions in southern Iran who come here to buy cattle, vegetables, clothes and other utensils.

However the most interesting thing is the many colors due to the women wearing colorful hijabs in contrast to the traditional black. The market is where we spend the morning and have lunch.

In the afternoon, we leisurely made our way back to Bandar Abbas, where we take the opportunity to explore various parts of the city. It was a remarkable experience to witness the city's diversity and inclusive nature firsthand.

Alojamento: HotelRefeições: X
Conforto: Dificuldade:

Dia 14 Journey to Shiraz

Today, the day is dedicated to the journey through deserts and mountains to the poetic city of Shiraz, where we will arrive in the late afternoon.

Alojamento: HotelRefeições: Pequeno-almoço
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Dia 15 Shiraz and its poetry

A city of poets, gardens, mausoleums and wine, this city is one of the oldest in the Persian world.

Early in the morning we visit the play of colors of the stained glass windows of the Nassir Almolk Mosque, and then stop by Naranjestan to enjoy this house with gardens and rooms worthy of kings.

We have lunch and after a brief visit to Baba Bastani with its incredible ice cream, we’re on our way to the mausoleums of the poets Hafez and Sadi, where poetry invades our soul.

Finally we have time to wander through the bazaar where we will dine a traditional Iranian meal before returning to the hotel.

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Dia 16 Pasargadae, Persepolis and Shiraz

This morning we wake up early for a journey through mountains and history.

We head towards the grand finale that begins with Pasargadae (the last residence of the great Persian king, Cyrus, with his famous mausoleum), passes through Naqsh e-rostam (the funerary citadel of the great Persian emperors) and ends with Persepolis and the golden age of the ancient Persian kings that so many myths and legends feed off even today.

At the end of the day, we make our way back to Shiraz, where dinner and a rest awaits us before embarking on the journey back home, therefore ending the exploration of one of the most hospitable and ancient countries in the world, Iran.

Alojamento: HotelRefeições: Pequeno-almoço
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Dia 17 Flight Shiraz - City of origin

The flight leaves Shiraz in the early morning hours with a layover in a European or Middle Eastern city.
Note: the arrival/departure dates may vary, depending on your origin city. If you have any doubts, contact Papa-Léguas for further clarification.
Transfer included if you have the group flights.

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FAQs

Is this trip for me?

This trip is designed to get to know the cultural heart of Iran. As a consequence, we visit the cities that were the splendor of the golden ages of ancient Persia over the centuries exploring and uncovering their secrets. This will be done with the participation of friends of the leader and experienced local guides. Iran is also synonymous with desert, and as such there will be time for adventure through the dunes and rest in an oasis village where we will surely travel through history to the beginning of villages and cities. In the Persian Gulf we will explore the remnants of the Portuguese presence and marvel at the brutal nature of Hormuz. We will walk around the cities, through streets and alleys where history lurks in every corner, be it in bazaars, mosques or a simple café or shisha house.

Who will guide this trip?

The tour leader for this trip is Nuno Cruz who has several personal visits and led tours to Iran and collaborates with Papa-Léguas since 2015 also leading trips to other destinations: Indochina (Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos), Indonesia, Iran and the Baltics (Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia and Finland).

What kind of accommodation do I stay in during this trip?

Accommodation is in double or twin (two single beds) rooms. If the need requires or is requested, there will also be the possibility of staying in triple rooms. In the village of Garmeh we will sleep in local accommodation on single mattresses and double or triple rooms. All rooms provide towels, linen and have private bathrooms except in the village of Garmeh where the bathroom is shared but usually only by our group. We will also have an overnight trip on a comfortable train, sleeping in a cabin with four couchettes in which sheets and covers are provided.

What kind of transportation do we use on this trip?

We will use private vans for the larger trips between cities or with various stops. We will also take cabs in the cities or for trips where it is more convenient and public transportation such as the metro in Tehran. There is a night train ride and a public bus ride of about 6 hours.

Are arrival and departure transfers included?

Yes, arrival and departure transfers are included and are arranged between the tour leader and the participants before arrival at the destination or before the return departure. On this trip there is a group flight, that is, there is a specific time for arrival and the transfers will be according to the arrival of that flight. Those who choose to buy different flights will have to be at the airport at the same time to take advantage of the transfers.

Does Papa-Léguas handle the flights?

Papa-Léguas sends you a flight proposal. Note: the arrival/departure dates may vary, depending on your origin city. If you have any doubts, contact Papa-Léguas for further clarification. After you receive the flight simulation, you can choose to buy from Papa-Léguas, another agency, or online.

Where do I meet the group?

The group can meet at the airport if the travelers are in the same origin city and have identical flights, or at the airport upon arrival in Tehran.

If I sign up alone, do I have to pay an individual supplement?

Not necessarily. If you do not wish to stay alone in the accommodations, you can share them with another person who is signed up. Papa-Léguas may group travelers who sign up individually for the same trip in pairs, by sex and chronological order of registration, and if the number of participants is odd, the traveler who stays alone must pay the respective individual supplement.

Can I drink tap water in Iran?

In Iran there are generally no contraindications to drinking tap water, as in the accommodations where we will stay, with the exception of the village in Garmeh and the night train, there are no contraindications to drinking tap water.

How much money should I bring for my personal expenses?

We remind you that Iran is outside the international banking system, so credit or debit cards (Revolut, N26 and other such cards included) are useless in this country. So it is recommended that you carry cash for any and all expenses as it is unlikely you will be able to get money other than what you carry with you. It is recommended that you take between 150 to 250 Eur for food and some transport expenses not included that may arise. If you want to buy souvenirs or the famous Iranian carpets, it is recommended to take an extra 150 to 500 Eur depending on the quality or quantities required. Some carpet houses already allow payment with credit cards or transfer through banks in other countries but many times they may not work or we may not go to those establishments.

Is insurance included in the land program? What does it cover?

The answer is yes, it is included. The exception is for travelers not departing from national soil, whether or not they hold Portuguese nationality. The included insurance does not cover COVID-19, but you can trigger an optional insurance policy suggested by Papa-Léguas that does cover COVID-19.

What documentation do I need to go on this trip?

The necessary documentation may vary, depending on your nationality, the country of origin and the places you will travel to. For further information, consult the relevant embassy websites or contact Papa-Léguas.

What equipment is essential for this trip?

For men it is recommended to wear long pants or capri pants. For women, scarves to cover the hair and long cool shirts that cover the shoulders, chest and buttocks area are essential because the Muslim culture in Iran is still conservative especially in some of the more religious cities, in the mosques and in some areas of the bazaars. It is recommended to bring a canteen to fill with water, sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Sunscreen is recommended. Comfortable walking shoes and light, cool clothing as the temperatures are generally mild to hot and humid, especially in the Persian Gulf area. You may also want to bring some warm clothing (sweater or jacket) because in Tehran and Shiraz, especially on the April tour, it can still be a bit chilly due to the proximity to the Alborz and Zagroos mountains respectively.

What are the health restrictions for entering the country?

Health restrictions may vary, depending on various factors, such as your country of origin. We recommend scheduling a Travel Medicine consultation before your trip. For further information, consult the websites of relevant agencies or contact Papa-Léguas.

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