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


A short account of the sites included in the program

This tour would cover the most important Shiite holy sites in Iran. There are many other Mosques and Shrines to be visited. However, to best use of the tour time, we have selected the following Shrines in the tour.

Shrine of Imam Reza (S.A.):

The Shrine of Imam Reza is located in the city of Mashhad, northeastern of Iran. Imam Reza is the 8th Imam of Shiite Islam, and is a descendent of prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H.). He was borne on 11th day of Zigha'adeh (Muslim calendar), 148 A.H. (762 A.D.), in the city of Medina. He was martyred on 17th day of Safar (Muslim Calendar), 203 A.H. (817 A.D.), by Ma'moon, the Abbasid Caliph, at Mashhad. According to a Muslim tradition, he was buried in the village of the then Sanabad. His burial place then began to attract Shiite pilgrims up to this day. The village later on was known as Mashhad.

Shrine of Imam Reza (A.S.)

Due to its importance to the Iranians throughout the history, except a few examples where the Shrine has been damaged, most Kings and rules have been lavishly tried to preserve the Shrine. It was in 9th century that the Shrine over the Imam's grave was destroyed, and later, it was rebuilt by Sultan Mahmood Ghaznavi. Mongols however, severely damaged the Shrine in the 12th century. Later, and also in 15th century and up to this day, the construction of the Shrine and its surroundings have been improved. To the interests of both pilgrims and merchants, most streets around the Shrine are full of hotels, and shops.


Shrine of King of Light (Shah-e- Cheragh):

The Shrine of Shah-e- Chergah is located in the city of Shiraz, Iran. He is the brother of Imam Reza (S.A.). He passed away in this city, and his burial site has since been a place for pilgrims to visit. The structure including the tile work and the dome of the Mausoleum have been rebuilt a number of times. The beautiful mirror work which are mostly from 19th century are done by the Shirazian Artists. The Ivan located at the eastern site of the sanctuary adds to the overall beauty of the architecture. Shah-e- Cheragh also has a Museum which is open to public. It include; priceless Koran, books, coins, metal and porcelain dishes, and textiles.

The Interior ceiling design

Shrine of Hazrat-e- Abdul Azim:

The Shrine of Hazrat-e- Abdul Azim is located in the city of Ray, adjacent to city of Tehran. He is a third century descendant of Imam Hasan (S.A.), the second Shiite Islam Imam. He was martyred in the 9th century A.D., and buried here in Ray. The mirror work & paintings are just beautiful and fantastic. The Shrine consists of a portal, a loft Ivan decorated with beautiful mirrors. It has also a golden dome and two tile minarets.

Shrine of Hazrat-e- Ma'asoomeh:

The Shrine of Hazrat-e- Ma'soomeh is located in the city of Ghom (Qum). She is sister of Imam Reza (S.A.), and was buried at this place after she passed away at year 816 A.D. The city has also been wrecked during Mongols and Teimoor (Timur) periods, but later on, and during the Safavid's ruling, it was revived.

Itinerary:

Recommended for Spring, Summer and Autumn
In: April 4, 2009   Out: April 12, 2009

Day 1/ April 4 TEHRAN, arrive at Tehran. Transfer to hotel. After breakfast, we visit Shrine of Hazrat-e- Abdul Azim, Bazaar & lunch, overnight at hotel./BLD

Day 2/ April 5 TEHRAN- MASHHAD, after breakfast, flying to Mashhad, arrive at Mashhad, transfer to Hotel.  Proceed  to visit Imam Reza (A.S.) Shrine., free time for prayers, overnight at hotel./BLD

Day 3/ April 6  MASHHAD, after breakfast, proceed   to visit Imam Reza (A.S.) Shrine., free time for prayers, overnight at hotel./BLD

Day 4/ April 7 MASHHAD, after breakfast, proceed   to visit Imam Reza (A.S.) Shrine., free time for prayers, Bazaar, overnight at hotel../BLD

Day 5/ April 8 MASHHAD- TEHRAN- RAY, after breakfast, flying to Tehran, transfer to hotel, visit Hazrat-e- Abdul Azim Shrine, free time for prayers, overnight at hotel./BLD

Day 6/ April 9 TEHRAN- SHIRAZ, after breakfast, flying to Shiraz, transfer to hotel. Visit the Shrine of Shah-e- Cheragh & Seyed Alaeddin Hosein, free time for prayers, overnight at hotel./BLD
 

Day 7/ April 10 SHIRAZ- TEHRAN, after breakfast, visit Shah-e- Cheragh and Seyed Alaeddin Hosein, and lunch. In the afternoon, flying to Tehran, transfer to hotel./BLD

Day 8/ April 11 TEHRAN GHOM (QOM), after breakfast, driving to Ghom, transfer to hotel, proceed to visit Hazrat-e- Ma'soomeh Shrine, free time for prayers, overnight at hotel./BLD

Day 9/ April 12 GHOM- TEHRAN, after breakfast, drive back to Tehran, transfer to the airport for flying back home. The tour ends here./B

(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.