Experience a Tour of Jewish Holy Sites of Iran with Darwan Tour


A short account of the sites included in the program

This program provides a unique opportunity to discovery the most important Jewish heritage in Iran. During the tour, one could discover the ancient relationship between the Jewish community and the ancient Persia.

Del Rahim Synagogue (Kaniseye Del Rahim):

The Synagogue is located in the city of Shiraz, Iran. It is perhaps the oldest of its own kind in Iran. Shiraz is home to more than 6000 Jews, who live in peace and harmony with their Muslims, Christians, and Zoroastrians counterparts. There are 16 other Synagogues in Shiraz, each with its own history. The Jews are said to have lived in Iran since 2000 years ago.

Pasargadae (The Mausoleum of Cyrus The Great 546 B.C.):

Pasargadae is the first capital of Achaemenian empire. Achaemenians under the rule of Cyrus The Great established the Persian empire. Cyrus is highly regarded as a King who favored all faiths including the Judaism equally. When he conquered the empire Babylonia in 538 B.C., he freed all Jews. Cyrus because of his respect for local customs and religions of different parts of his vase empire, is highly regarded as a liberator, rather than a conqueror. Pasargadae has always been an attractive place for the Jewish community from all over the world to visit. A little northeast of Pasargadae, is a large stone platform on a hill known as the Takht-e- Madar-e- Soleiman (Throne of the Mother of Solomon). Jews also visit this place to pay their respect.

The Mausoleum is 12 m high which symbolizes the greatness of the man who conquered most part of the world. It consists of a small chamber borne by a basement of six courses which diminish upwards, so as to form steps. The tomb is entirely built of megalithic stone.


Shrine of Esther and Mordecai:

Mausoleum of Esther and Mordecai is located in the city of Hamedan. According to a Jewish tradition, this place is a burial to the Esther, the Jewish Queen of Shusha (Susa), who was also King Xerxes' wife, and Mordecai, her uncle. This undoubtedly is considered the most important site for Jewish pilgrims all over the world. Inside the brick dome and upon the Plaster work of the walls, there are some Hebrew inscriptions.

According to some historians, the building was constructed in the 13th century on the site of an earlier building (probably 5th century). One can enter the building using a rough stone door, which swings open into a large assembly room. The exterior for of this Mausoleum, built of brick and stone, resembles Islamic architectures. There is also a chamber facing the twin tombs which is used for prayers aided by an ancient Torah on vellum.

Itinerary:

Recommended for Spring, Summer and Autumn
In: April  6, 2009  Out: April 12, 2009


Day 1/ April  6 TEHRAN, arrive at Tehran. Transfer to hotel. After breakfast, visit Haim and Morshedi Synagogues, Bazaar and Carpet museum../BLD

Day 2/ April  7 TEHRAN- SHIRAZ, after breakfast, flying to Shiraz, arrive at Shiraz, transfer to Hotel.  City tour including visit Del Rahim Synagogue, Bazaar. Overnight at hotel./BLD

Day 3/ April  8 SHIRAZ- PERSEPOLIS- PASARGADAE, after breakfast, proceed to visit Persepolis (Takht-e- Jamshid), Pasargadae (about 75 km northeast of Shiraz), and Takht-e- Madar-e- Soleiman, return to Shiraz, overnight at hotel./BLD

Day 4/ April  9 SHIRAZ-TEHRAN-HAMEDAN, after breakfast, flying to Hamedan via Tehran, transfer to hotel. City tour including visit the Shrine of Esther and Mordechai, Ganj Nameh (the ancient Achaemenian rock carvings), and overnight at hotel./BLD

Day 5/ April 10 HAMEDAN-ALI SAR WATER CAVE (The longest Water Cave in the World), after breakfast, visit Ali Sadr Water Cave, return to Hamedan. In the afternoon, visit Maghbareye Aboo Ali Sina (Avicenna's Mausoleum and Museum), overnight at hotel../BLD

Day 6/ April 11 HAMEDAN-TEHRAN, after breakfast, flying to Tehran, transfer to hotel, free time./BLD
 

Day 7/ April 12 TEHRAN, early morning, transfer to the airport for flying back home. The tour ends here.


(B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner


Services included:

Tourist visas*, accommodation in four/ three star hotels in a ** twin shared bedroom with private facilities, breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday, domestic flights, sightseeing visits and all entrance fees as per itinerary, English speaking tour guide throughout the tour, all land transport, transfers including all government taxes.

Services not included:

Return International Air ticket, all personal extras such as laundry, long distance calls, all optional excursions, tips, and travel insurance***.
 

*Granting visas is at the discretion, and subject to approval, by Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
** Single room available upon request.

***Available through Darwan Tour & Travel Co. Ltd.