Back by popular demand! You must have heard many things about this country, from the news, radio, other travelers and blogs. Aren't it interesting that they often be of different opinions? some say good some say bad some say ok ok XD
Personally, I felt that Persia truly deserve its past nickname, the united nation of the ancient civilization. The people is wary and curious of us visitors yet very warm and hospitable, once you get to know them. Its culture and architecture are blend of a vast influence from other regions in particular the Central Asia countries. As an archeologist Arthur Pope said " the supreme Iranian art, in the proper meaning of the word, has always been its architecture"
Follow me this May 2020 as I return to this land of hospitality...a place that is very much misunderstood with abundance of majestic natures, rich cultural exchanges and warm people!
Personally, I felt that Persia truly deserve its past nickname, the united nation of the ancient civilization. The people is wary and curious of us visitors yet very warm and hospitable, once you get to know them. Its culture and architecture are blend of a vast influence from other regions in particular the Central Asia countries. As an archeologist Arthur Pope said " the supreme Iranian art, in the proper meaning of the word, has always been its architecture"
Follow me this May 2020 as I return to this land of hospitality...a place that is very much misunderstood with abundance of majestic natures, rich cultural exchanges and warm people!
HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience Esfahan, dubbed one of the most beautiful city in the world
- Trek through the uniquely Persian Alps with its everchanging landscapes and spectacular mountain valleys of Alamut
- Visit fabled ruins of Alamut historic castle “Eagle Nest”
- Experience the local culture and cuisine, both in modern cities and mountainous village
- Visit HISTORICAL and UNESCO sites including Naqsh-e Jahan Square and Golestan Palace
Isfahan Nasf-E Jahan
Once Called “Half The World”, Isfahan Is an Astonishing City With an Amazing History and Architecture. Isfahan contains perhaps one of the largest concentration of ancient yet well maintained beautiful Persian architecture reflecting it is long history. Most of these architectural constructions have been designated by the UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, putting it in similar standing as other more famous cities such as Athens or Rome (minus the crowd) understandable to call Isfahan the ‘hidden jewel of Iran’.
Join us and find out yourself whether this ancient city still deserve its title, discover the beauty of its culture and people....
Once Called “Half The World”, Isfahan Is an Astonishing City With an Amazing History and Architecture. Isfahan contains perhaps one of the largest concentration of ancient yet well maintained beautiful Persian architecture reflecting it is long history. Most of these architectural constructions have been designated by the UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, putting it in similar standing as other more famous cities such as Athens or Rome (minus the crowd) understandable to call Isfahan the ‘hidden jewel of Iran’.
Join us and find out yourself whether this ancient city still deserve its title, discover the beauty of its culture and people....
Alamut Valley Trek (Grade 3)
A hidden paradise in the heart of the mountains. This trek will bring you across the different terrains of Alborz mountain ranges consisting of wonderful valleys peppered with majestic natures beauty and uniquely varied terrains ranging from dessert like conditions switching into snowy terrain and lush greenery with waterfall, on some day all these can be encountered within a span of just 10-15 km. It is perhaps no wonder that some of the infamous figure in Persian legend made this their stronghold, as evidenced by the remains of nearly 50 castles all over the Alborz slopes. These fortresses, the stronghold of legendary myths, have been one of the most frightening religious sects of the Middle Ages.
Experience the hospitality of the local villagers in their home, though the accommodation is basic, they are cozy and reflect the resilience of the locals in the face of harsh terrain and season. We will get a chance to enjoy some of the unique local dishes, share communal meals over traditional setting and explore snowy villages.
*Presence of snow depends on weather, most of the time one or two of the village would still be under snow. Trekking may involve light snow trekking (non technical)
*Note that though terrain is generally in good condition, there is no fixed trail unlike the more touristy route in other country. a true trekking in a sense.
A hidden paradise in the heart of the mountains. This trek will bring you across the different terrains of Alborz mountain ranges consisting of wonderful valleys peppered with majestic natures beauty and uniquely varied terrains ranging from dessert like conditions switching into snowy terrain and lush greenery with waterfall, on some day all these can be encountered within a span of just 10-15 km. It is perhaps no wonder that some of the infamous figure in Persian legend made this their stronghold, as evidenced by the remains of nearly 50 castles all over the Alborz slopes. These fortresses, the stronghold of legendary myths, have been one of the most frightening religious sects of the Middle Ages.
Experience the hospitality of the local villagers in their home, though the accommodation is basic, they are cozy and reflect the resilience of the locals in the face of harsh terrain and season. We will get a chance to enjoy some of the unique local dishes, share communal meals over traditional setting and explore snowy villages.
*Presence of snow depends on weather, most of the time one or two of the village would still be under snow. Trekking may involve light snow trekking (non technical)
*Note that though terrain is generally in good condition, there is no fixed trail unlike the more touristy route in other country. a true trekking in a sense.
This adventures combine some of the best trekking routes and cultural exploration of Persia.. In the first half, you will be introduced to the cultural aspect of Persia via a visit to one of the its most beautiful city, to get used to the local culture and food before we depart to the more rural area.
In the second part of the journey, you will experience scenic trekking from Alamu Valley to Caspian Sea. We will pass many villages, waterfall, canyon, rivers and of course the Castle of Assassins in the Alamut valley. Some consider the scenery equivalent to the Swiss Alps minus the crowd, well preserved culture and high expenses....
In the second part of the journey, you will experience scenic trekking from Alamu Valley to Caspian Sea. We will pass many villages, waterfall, canyon, rivers and of course the Castle of Assassins in the Alamut valley. Some consider the scenery equivalent to the Swiss Alps minus the crowd, well preserved culture and high expenses....
THE ITINERARY
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Tehran ( 23rd May 2020 )
Arrival at IKA, pick up at the airport and transfer to hotel in Tehran.
Overnight stay in Hotel
Day 2: Tehran city tour and transfer to Isfahan ( 24th May )
A full day stroll city tour to visit the most important highlights of capital including Golestan Palace and the National Museum of Tehran
Late evening, we travel to Isfahan via overnight sleeper train or bus (B/L/-)
Note:
we will check out before leaving the hotel and items that are not needed for Isfahan can be left at hotel locker room.
Day 3: Isfahan and walking City tour- 25th May
Upon arrival, a vehicle will fetch us from the terminal transferring to Naqsh e Jahan for breakfast and continue on to visit the local landmarks such as Sheikh Lotfollah mosque and Imam mosque (Shah mosque).
Post lunch, we will go to hotel for check in and short rest. In the late afternoon, we have chance to visit the Vank Cathedral and Siosepol bridges.
Overnight stay in hotel. (B/L/-)
Day 4: Half day city tour & travel back to Tehran- 26th May
After breakfast at the hotel, we will go for a half day city tour to Chehel Soutoun and Hasht Behesht palace.
After we check out of the hotel, at noon we will take a VIP bus back to Tehran, eta to arrive by late evening.
Overnight stay in hotel. (B/L/-)
Note:
To prepare gears for the 4D3N Alamut trek, unnecessary gears can again be left at Tehran hotel
Day 5: Drive to Andej (Day 1 of the trek)- 27th May
At early morning, we will leave the hotel in Tehran and head toward Ghazvin province and the Alamut region, taking approximately five hours. We will enjoy a nice breakfast on the way and head straight to our start point in Andej village to began our trek to Gazorkhan village. A packed lunch will be prepared for us.
Depending on the timing we reach Gazorkhan, we will either visit the Alamut castle or rest at the guesthouse first.
Overnight at Guesthouse (B/L/D)
Start Point Altitude: 1600m End Point Altitude: 1980m Distance Traveled: 11km Total Ascent: 700m Total Descent: 250m
Day 6: Trekking to Pichebon (Day 2 of the trek)- 28th May
Rise and Shine with breakfast and hop on to the car for a short ride to the next village, Gamarud for starting of trek.
Today our trek will take us all the way to highland Pichebon village and stopping for lunch beside a beautiful waterfall on the way.
ETA arrival by late afternoon to the local house to stay for the night. (B/L/D)
Start Point Altitude: 1820m End Point Altitude: 2790m Distance Traveled: 12.3km Total Ascent: 1100m Total Descent: 190m
Day 7: Trekking to Maran (Day 3 of the trek)- 29th May
Powered with an early breakfast, we will start trekking the highest point of elevation at 3178 meters of our trip. There is a unique ancient caravansary (an inn where travelers could rest and recover from the day’s journey) located on the mountain pass we are passing by.
Afterward, we will descend toward of Maran village of the Caspian Sea. End of trek
Overnight at local guesthouses (B/L/D)
Start Point Altitude: 2790m End Point Altitude: 2020m Distance Traveled: 13.5km Total Ascent: 600m Total Descent: 1300m
Day 8- Ramsar city tour- 30th May
Rest your legs and take a ride to Ramsar Shah palace and if your legs not jelly yet, take a walk on the coast of Caspian Sea before getting back to Tehran.
We will reach Tehran in the late evening. Overnight hotel (B/L/D)
Day 9- Free day- 31st May
Return To Singapore (there is only one main pick up timing for airport for the main group)
or extension for Damavand (CHECK OUT here for Damavand details)
Rendezvous with Damavand team for those who extend
*Please note that the above itinerary may be modified on the actual day depending on the traffic conditions, extreme weathers and other unforeseen circumstances.
Trail Grading: 2.5-3.0
Moderate difficulty requiring good physical fitness
Beginners with good physical fitness may attempt, good preparation is absolutely necessary
*May require snow trekking (non technical) at some parts
Day 1: Arrival Tehran ( 23rd May 2020 )
Arrival at IKA, pick up at the airport and transfer to hotel in Tehran.
Overnight stay in Hotel
Day 2: Tehran city tour and transfer to Isfahan ( 24th May )
A full day stroll city tour to visit the most important highlights of capital including Golestan Palace and the National Museum of Tehran
Late evening, we travel to Isfahan via overnight sleeper train or bus (B/L/-)
Note:
we will check out before leaving the hotel and items that are not needed for Isfahan can be left at hotel locker room.
Day 3: Isfahan and walking City tour- 25th May
Upon arrival, a vehicle will fetch us from the terminal transferring to Naqsh e Jahan for breakfast and continue on to visit the local landmarks such as Sheikh Lotfollah mosque and Imam mosque (Shah mosque).
Post lunch, we will go to hotel for check in and short rest. In the late afternoon, we have chance to visit the Vank Cathedral and Siosepol bridges.
Overnight stay in hotel. (B/L/-)
Day 4: Half day city tour & travel back to Tehran- 26th May
After breakfast at the hotel, we will go for a half day city tour to Chehel Soutoun and Hasht Behesht palace.
After we check out of the hotel, at noon we will take a VIP bus back to Tehran, eta to arrive by late evening.
Overnight stay in hotel. (B/L/-)
Note:
To prepare gears for the 4D3N Alamut trek, unnecessary gears can again be left at Tehran hotel
Day 5: Drive to Andej (Day 1 of the trek)- 27th May
At early morning, we will leave the hotel in Tehran and head toward Ghazvin province and the Alamut region, taking approximately five hours. We will enjoy a nice breakfast on the way and head straight to our start point in Andej village to began our trek to Gazorkhan village. A packed lunch will be prepared for us.
Depending on the timing we reach Gazorkhan, we will either visit the Alamut castle or rest at the guesthouse first.
Overnight at Guesthouse (B/L/D)
Start Point Altitude: 1600m End Point Altitude: 1980m Distance Traveled: 11km Total Ascent: 700m Total Descent: 250m
Day 6: Trekking to Pichebon (Day 2 of the trek)- 28th May
Rise and Shine with breakfast and hop on to the car for a short ride to the next village, Gamarud for starting of trek.
Today our trek will take us all the way to highland Pichebon village and stopping for lunch beside a beautiful waterfall on the way.
ETA arrival by late afternoon to the local house to stay for the night. (B/L/D)
Start Point Altitude: 1820m End Point Altitude: 2790m Distance Traveled: 12.3km Total Ascent: 1100m Total Descent: 190m
Day 7: Trekking to Maran (Day 3 of the trek)- 29th May
Powered with an early breakfast, we will start trekking the highest point of elevation at 3178 meters of our trip. There is a unique ancient caravansary (an inn where travelers could rest and recover from the day’s journey) located on the mountain pass we are passing by.
Afterward, we will descend toward of Maran village of the Caspian Sea. End of trek
Overnight at local guesthouses (B/L/D)
Start Point Altitude: 2790m End Point Altitude: 2020m Distance Traveled: 13.5km Total Ascent: 600m Total Descent: 1300m
Day 8- Ramsar city tour- 30th May
Rest your legs and take a ride to Ramsar Shah palace and if your legs not jelly yet, take a walk on the coast of Caspian Sea before getting back to Tehran.
We will reach Tehran in the late evening. Overnight hotel (B/L/D)
Day 9- Free day- 31st May
Return To Singapore (there is only one main pick up timing for airport for the main group)
or extension for Damavand (CHECK OUT here for Damavand details)
Rendezvous with Damavand team for those who extend
*Please note that the above itinerary may be modified on the actual day depending on the traffic conditions, extreme weathers and other unforeseen circumstances.
Trail Grading: 2.5-3.0
Moderate difficulty requiring good physical fitness
Beginners with good physical fitness may attempt, good preparation is absolutely necessary
*May require snow trekking (non technical) at some parts
LAND COST (MAX 20 slots)
1850SGD
If you opt for Damavand extension, it would be an additional SGD 1300 (250SGD lower from Damavand land cost), total off 3150SGD
Registration and Payment Details:
Step 1- Deposit of $500 via ATM/Bank transfer to ADVENTURES UNLIMITED, DBS CURRENT A/C - 0039351950
Step 2: Whatsapp proof of payment receipt to Jane +65 9102 0550 (IMPORTANT: PLEASE INDICATE "Persia 2020).
Step 3 Receipt for payment will be issued and you will be added into a dedicated whatsapp chat for this trip four months (latest Jan 2020) prior to the trip or when the trip is full, whichever earlier.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Cost Includes
All the ground transportation
Local English speaking guides (cultural and trek)
Logistic porter, drivers and guides
Trip support from Adventures Unlimited
Trek leader to assist participants and facilitate the trip
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Five nights city hotel accommodation
Three nights in local homestays/guesthouse (*Communal sleeping area (4-6 pax per room), might be mix gender, private room not available)
Daily luggage forwarding service during trek (max 15kg) by cars/mules/horses
Group medical supplies (first aid kit)
Entrance Fees during the City tours
All necessary paper works and national park entry permits.
All government taxes, vat, tourist service charges
VISA
Adventures Unlimited will assist with visa application.
However, visa application fee is not included as it differ from nationality to nationality (as of 2019, Singaporean visa will cost 55 EURO(based on Oct 2019 listing)
Minimum time required for Visa Application is one month, please register and we will help you to apply early.
Please check with us if you are unsure about the visa application
Cost doesn't include
International Flight tickets (Estimated to be between 1000-1400sgd)
Travel insurance (**required to have for visa application, must cover IRAN)
Personal equipment (Equipment List)
Visa Fee (* visa application support will be provided)
All kind drinks (hot, cold and alcoholic) along the trek/at hotel mini bar
Personal shopping and laundry, shower etc.
Guide and driver tips (advised at USD5 per participants per day)
Anything else not listed in the inclusion above
Refund Policy
Deposit (non-refundable)
Until 16 weeks prior to departure – 100% Refund of balance paid
14 weeks prior to departure – 50% Refund of balance paid
12 weeks prior to departure – 0% Refund of balance paid
Training
Participants are expected to commit to dedicated training programmes jointly conducted by Adventures Unlimited.
Others:
1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.
2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:
– they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.
1850SGD
If you opt for Damavand extension, it would be an additional SGD 1300 (250SGD lower from Damavand land cost), total off 3150SGD
Registration and Payment Details:
Step 1- Deposit of $500 via ATM/Bank transfer to ADVENTURES UNLIMITED, DBS CURRENT A/C - 0039351950
Step 2: Whatsapp proof of payment receipt to Jane +65 9102 0550 (IMPORTANT: PLEASE INDICATE "Persia 2020).
Step 3 Receipt for payment will be issued and you will be added into a dedicated whatsapp chat for this trip four months (latest Jan 2020) prior to the trip or when the trip is full, whichever earlier.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Cost Includes
All the ground transportation
Local English speaking guides (cultural and trek)
Logistic porter, drivers and guides
Trip support from Adventures Unlimited
Trek leader to assist participants and facilitate the trip
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Five nights city hotel accommodation
Three nights in local homestays/guesthouse (*Communal sleeping area (4-6 pax per room), might be mix gender, private room not available)
Daily luggage forwarding service during trek (max 15kg) by cars/mules/horses
Group medical supplies (first aid kit)
Entrance Fees during the City tours
All necessary paper works and national park entry permits.
All government taxes, vat, tourist service charges
VISA
Adventures Unlimited will assist with visa application.
However, visa application fee is not included as it differ from nationality to nationality (as of 2019, Singaporean visa will cost 55 EURO(based on Oct 2019 listing)
Minimum time required for Visa Application is one month, please register and we will help you to apply early.
Please check with us if you are unsure about the visa application
Cost doesn't include
International Flight tickets (Estimated to be between 1000-1400sgd)
Travel insurance (**required to have for visa application, must cover IRAN)
Personal equipment (Equipment List)
Visa Fee (* visa application support will be provided)
All kind drinks (hot, cold and alcoholic) along the trek/at hotel mini bar
Personal shopping and laundry, shower etc.
Guide and driver tips (advised at USD5 per participants per day)
Anything else not listed in the inclusion above
Refund Policy
Deposit (non-refundable)
Until 16 weeks prior to departure – 100% Refund of balance paid
14 weeks prior to departure – 50% Refund of balance paid
12 weeks prior to departure – 0% Refund of balance paid
Training
Participants are expected to commit to dedicated training programmes jointly conducted by Adventures Unlimited.
Others:
1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.
2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:
– they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.
This will be the main group flight, if you prefer to take Qatar, you can do so, do note that additional pick up for arrival that differ from main group may incur additional cost (~40EURO)
Persia 2019 is hosted by
PLEASE CONTACT SUCAN AT 97829235 FOR MORE ENQURIES
PLEASE CONTACT SUCAN AT 97829235 FOR MORE ENQURIES
SUCAN
