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EXPLORE IRAN

TEHRAN  |  QOM  |  KASHAN  |  ISFAHAN  | NA'IN |  YAZD  |  PERSEPOLIS | SHIRAZ 

Join Dr. Jihad Turk on a rare journey to some of the most significant and stunning sites in Islamic and world history. Register now!

With Deposit

AND OPTIONAL EXCURSION TO MASHHAD

MAY 23  june 4, 2025

11 Nights 12 Days

Mashhad extension: MAY 20-24

(additional 2 Nights • 3 DayS)

Iran is the heartland of one of the world's oldest continuous major civilizations. Historically known as Persia (named for the region of Fars), Iran is a modern nation self-described as an Islamic Republic. Prior to the spread of Islam to this region, the ancient Achaemenid and Parthian dynasties challenged the Greeks and established a flourishing culture. Zoroastrianism emerged as the dominant religious tradition by the time of the Sasanid dynasty, which was overthrown during the 630s by Muslim forces. The area of Iran and Iraq became a central and dynamic nexus for the integration of various intellectual and cultural traditions into a rich new Islamic environment. Under the Abbasid and regional empires that ensued, trade, material culture, literature, and poetry thrived. Arabic and Persian expression set cultural standards for surrounding areas, such as Central Asia and Indian Subcontinent, and beyond. Whereas the inhabitants in the medieval period were predominantly Sunni in their orientation, in the 16th century, the rise of the Safavid dynasty led to a large-scale shift to Shi’ism, which continues to be the basis for Iranian government and society today. All who visit Iran remark on the warm hospitality and utter beauty of the country, challenging stereotypes and geopolitical characterizations. We will learn about the country’s rich history, appreciate unrivaled architectural marvels, savor delicious foods and gain an authentic understanding of the Iranian people.

faculty guide

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Dr. Seyed Hadi Qazwini 

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Dr. Seyed Hadi Qazwini is a Bayan faculty member and trustee, international scholar, educator, religious leader, and public speaker. He serves as the Muslim Chaplain at the Claremont Colleges in southern California. For over 15 years, he has educated diverse audiences across the United States and other parts of the world on topics related to Islam and Muslims in a variety of settings, including academic conferences, college and university campuses, schools, places of worship, and media outlets. Dr. Qazwini completed advanced traditional Islamic studies at the Seminary of Qum under the guidance of prominent scholars. He holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of California - Irvine, an M.A. in Islamic Studies and Leadership from Claremont School of Theology and Bayan Islamic Graduate School, and a Ph.D. in Religion with a concentration on Global Islam from the University of Southern California. Dr. Qazwini's scholarly interests encompass Islamic intellectual history, with a focus on theology, law, and Imami Shiʿism. His publications have appeared in leading academic venues, such as Islamic Studies, The Encyclopaedia of Islam III, Shii Studies Review, and Edinburgh University Press.

Dr. Jihad Turk 

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Bayan’s President, Dr. Jihad Turk will lead the tour. He has extensive experience as an imam and faith leader in Los Angeles, the city with the largest Iranian population outside of Tehran. During his graduate studies in Islamic law and society, he spent an academic year in Iran studying the Persian language. Dr. Turk has traveled to various countries in the Persian Gulf region for high-level meetings and conferences and will offer his perspective on contemporary challenges and opportunities. He holds a B.A. in History from the University of California - Berkeley, an M.A. from the University of Texas at  Austin, and an Ed.D. from the University of Southern California in Global Educational Leadership.

ITINERARY IN IRAN

The tour program officially begins at noon on Sunday, May 25. In order to arrive in Tehran before this time, participants from North America should depart from their origin city on or before Friday, May 23 (Participants from other origins may be able to depart on Saturday, May 24 and arrive in Tehran in the evening of the same day or early on May 25).

                      friday,  may 23                    depart from us gateways                       

day 1          
saturday, may 24               arrive in tehran (evening)

day 2           sunday, may 25                   Tehran - golestan complex / park-e shahr / tabi' at bridge

day 3           monday, may 26                  Tehran - milad tower / grand bazaar 

day 4           tuesday, may 27                 qom - hawzah 'ilmiyyah / SHRINE OF Fatima masumeh; kashan: borujerdi                                                                                        house / bagh-e fin

day 5           wednesday, may 28           ABYAneh / isfahan: armenian quarter / jame masjid

day 6           thursday, may 29               isfahan sites: naqsh-e jahan square / gheysarieh bazaar / chehel sotun
                                                                        palace / si-o-se pol


day 7           friday, may 30                     na'in - jame masjid / pirnia house; yazd: old city

day 8           saturday, may 31               yazd - amir chakhmagh complex / atashkadeh zoroastrian temple /                                                                                              jame masjid

day 9           sunday, june 1                     persepolis - takht-e jamshid & necropolis / shiraz

day 10        monday, june 2                    shiraz - bagh-e eram / nasir al-mulk masjid / vakil bazaar / citadel

day 11        tuesday, june 3                   shiraz - / tombs of hafez & saadi / MAHARLOO SALT LAKE / farewell dinner /  
                                                                       LATE NIGHT DEPARTURE


day 12        wednesday, june 4             final check-out and additional departures

ITINERARY FOR OPTIONAL Excursion to mashhad

For participants adding the excursion to Mashhad, you must arrive in Tehran by the evening of Wednesday, May 21, three days prior to the main itinerary. Thus, participants from North America should depart from their origin city on or before Tuesday, May 20.

                      Tuesday,  may 20                          depart from us gateways for mashhad exTension                       

day 1         
 WEDNESday, MAY 21                     arrive in tehran (evening)

day 2           THURSday, may 22                        Flight to Mashhad / Shrine of Ali al-Rida (Imam Reza)

day 3           FRIday, may 23                              Tomb of Ferdowsi / Bazaar / Shrine of Imam Reza

day 4           SATURday, may 24                        Tomb of Nader Shah / Goharshad Mosque / Return flight to Tehran to                                                                                        join main itinerary          

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Bayan has been offering faculty-led tours to world heritage destinations since 2017, with previous tours to Southern Spain, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Jerusalem & Jordan, Turkey, Egypt, Iran, and Senegal/Gambia, with exciting new destinations being planned in the coming years.

 

WHY JOIN A BAYAN TOUR?

Tours offered by Bayan cater to the diverse interests and needs of families, while offering an exceptional educational and cultural program. Each tour is led by one or more faculty members who provide daily background lectures and insights about the historical and contemporary contexts. Local guides are utilized as well at various points in time. The itinerary is crafted by experienced personnel to maximize your enjoyment and satisfaction. While the scheduled program is robust, ample time is provided to explore on your own, shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs, and enjoy some leisure activities. Bayan’s tour group size is typically between 20-30 participants.

TOUR pricing

LAND PACKAGES ONLY

All pricing is double occupancy and per person.  International airfare is not included.

 

A partial deposit of $2,000 per traveler is required upon booking.  This deposit is refundable through 12/31/2024, however, a $ 250 per traveler cancellation charge will apply to any refunds processed between 6/25/2024 and 12/31/2024.

 

                                                             Early Bird (Reserve by 12/15/24)                         After 12/15/24

 

Adult                                      $3,695                                                                           $4,095

Minors (8-17)                      $3,495                                                                           $3,995

Single Supplement           $1,000                                                                            $1,000

Mashhad Extension         $895                                                                               $895

  • Reservations will be taken only through January 15 to allow for visa processing time.

  • Entry point into Iran: Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA).

  • Departure point from Iran: Shiraz Shahid Dastgheib Airport (SYZ).

  • We recommend your baggage only be comprised of only one checked suitcase, one carry-on, and one personal item.

  • Most nationalities require a visa to enter Iran. Although visa fees are not included, we will provide the necessary support to acquire the "grant notice" which is necessary to secure an e-visa. A separate charge of $150 per person will be invoiced prior to travel for the e-visa if you are approved.

land PACKAGE INCLUSIONS

  • Airport transfers in Tehran on December May 24 (based on your arrival time), and in Shiraz on June 3 evening (for late night departure) or June 4 (morning departure). Participants in the Mashhad excursion will be provided the arrival transfer in Tehran on May 21 instead, and transfers for the domestic flights.

  • 11 nights hotel (4* & 5*)

  • Ground transportation by private A/C coach

  • All entrance fees for scheduled sites

  • Daily breakfasts plus two dinners

  • English-speaking local guide(s)

  • Local taxes

 

EXCLUSIONS

  • ​​International airfare to Iran (budget $1,500-2,000 round-trip per person from US gateways), baggage fees, seat selection fees

  • Tourist visa processing fee ($150 per person)

  • Additional meals/beverages

  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers, hotel porters, servers, activities

  • Personal items

  • Hotel incidental charges and other individualized services

  • Covid-19 testing, treatment and/or quarantine costs (if applicable)

  • Urgent care, medical treatment, and testing, related expenses

  • Travel insurance (recommended)

tour highlights

Mashhad

  • Shrine of Ali al Rida (imam Reza)

  • Tomb of Ferdowsi

  • Tomb of Nader Shah

  • Goharshad Mosque

  • Imam Reza Bazaar

Tehran

  • Golestan Complex

  • Park-e Shahr

  • Azadi Square

  • Milad Tower

  • National Jewelry Museum

  • Tabi'at Bridge

  • Darband neighborhood

  • Grand Bazaar

Qom

  • Shrine of Fatima Masumeh

  • Astaneh Museum

  • Old Bazar

  • Hoz-e Soltan salt lake

Kashan

  • Borujerdi House

  • Bagh-e Fin Garden

  • Abyaneh Village

Isfahan

  • Jame Masjid

  • Vank Cathedral and Museum

  • Jolfa Armenian Quarter

  • Masjid-e Shah 

  • Sheikh Lotfullah Mosque

  • Ali Qapu Palace

  • Gheysarieh Bazaar

  • Chehel Sotun Palace

  • Si-o-Se Pol Bridge

Na'in

  • Jame Mosque

  • Pirnia House

  • Meybod Shah Abbasi Caravanserai

Yazd

  • Ancient Fahadan district

  • Amir Chakhmagh Complex

  • Atashkadeh Zoroastrian Temple

  • Jame Mosque

Persepolis

  • Ancient ruins

  • Takht-e Jamshid

  • Naqsh-e Rostam Necropolis

Shiraz

  • Bagh-e Eram Garden

  • Nasir al-Mulk Masjid (Pink Mosque)

  • Vakil Bazaar

  • Karim Khan Citadel

  • Tombs of Hafez and Saadi

With Deposit

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