heart of persia - guidepost tours › util › doc.jsp?n=gw16-17-heart-of-pers… · heart of...

Our ‘Heart of Persia’ tour is aimed at those who display true pioneering spirit; a distinctive adventure by

private train allowing you to immerse yourself wholly into the fascinating culture of Persia that will

delight and enthral with the potential for a surprise or two along the way.

heart of persia

golden eagle danube express

www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com20

Shiraz

Mashhad

Kerman

Rayen& Mahan

Tehran

Isfahan

Persepolis

Yazd

Kashan

Sari

Susa& Shushtar

P e r s i a nG u l f

I R A N

IRAQ

SAUDI ARABIA

JOR

DA

N

AFGHANISTAN

PAKISTAN

QATAR

KUWAIT

UAE

OMAN

Tour Route

February 22 – March 6, 2016 (available for charter only)

September 8 – September 21, 2016

October 23 – November 5, 2016

tehranIRAND

AY

1

tehran

DA

YS

2-3

IRAN

rayen & mahan

DA

Y 7

IRAN

sari

DA

Y 4

IRAN

kerman

DA

Y 6

IRAN

Arrivals day in Tehran where you will be met and transferred to

reception dinner, whilst you meet your fellow travellers on this

highly anticipated journey.

The highlight of our stay in Tehran is undoubtedly the visit to

of Iran Building, with its vast array of crown jewels used by the

explore the city’s Grand Bazaar, situated in the southern heart

of Tehran, it is a historical market with a seemingly never-ending

maze of bustling alleyways.

Late afternoon on Day 3 we transfer to Tehran railway station

Golden Eagle Danube

Express, our home for the next ten nights. Settle in to your cabin

and later enjoy dinner as the train heads overnight to Sari.

Enjoy the spectacular scenery today as our train climbs from

the coastal plane to the Iranian Plateau. Sari is a former capital

of Iran well known for its traditional architecture and a cluster

of three 15th century tomb towers; the Imamzadeh Yahya, the

Imamzadeh Abba and the Borj-e Soltan Zein-al Abedin. Sari

is located in the north of the country, between the northern

slopes of the Elborz Mountains and southern coast of the

Caspian Sea. Mid-afternoon our train will leave Sari and follow

the Talar River Valley. View the dramatic mountain scenery

and impressive viaducts on this beautiful section of the line

as we climb from the coastal plain through eleven horseshoe

360 foot high Verkesk Bridge to get up to the Iranian Plateau. A

stunning piece of Danish railway engineering, opened in 1937.

An early morning arrival provides us with the whole day to

explore the city of Mashhad, which is home to the Imam Reza

Holy Shrine, the largest mosque in the world in terms of its

dimension, followed by a tour of the Nader Shah Museum. After

lunch in the city, we will visit the Tomb of Ferdowsi, the father of

Persian Literature who lived over 1,000 years ago. Dinner on

the train as we head south.

The city has a mud-brick core centred around the historic and

very lively bazaar, where we will have free time. We’ll also visit a

restored and transformed into a museum. Wonderful frescoes

adorn the walls and wax dummies illustrate the workings of a

traditional bathhouse.

After breakfast we alight in Rayen. The 20,000 square metre

Rayen castle is situated beneath the snow capped Mt Hezar in

it was considered second only to Bam before the 2003

earthquake. Rayen displays all the architectural elements of

a deserted citadel (it was inhabited until 150 years ago) and

is extremely well preserved. It is considered one of the most

interesting sites in Iran. We continue by road to Mayan where we

visit the 19th century Royal building, Prince Garden and tomb.

Nematollah Vali, dating back to the Mongol Era. We rejoin the

train at dusk in time for dinner as we depart for Yazd.

To Book Call +44 (0)161 928 9410 or Call Your Travel Agent 21

mashhad

DA

Y 5

IRAN

Voyages of a Lifetime by Private TrainTM | HEART OF PERSIA

Golestan Palace, Tehran

Rayen Citadel, near Mahan

www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com

Yazd is thought to be one of the oldest cities in the world, dating

back over 3,000 years, and we spend the day here. Our tour

takes in the Zoroastrian Fire Temple and Silent Towers, Amir

Chakhmagh Square and the Friday Mosque, home to one of

museum. Lunch will be served in the Moshir Garden Hotel which

features a lovely Pomegranate Garden (Yazd is famous for

pomegranates). We return to the train late afternoon.

This enchanting city, which served as Persia’s capital from 1598

to 1722, is 2,500 years old and one of the oldest in Iran. As a

crossroad of international trade and diplomacy, Isfahan has a

rich mix of languages, religions and customs

of great historical monuments, and its Life-Giving River, the

Zayandeh-Rood, which has given the city its beauty. Isfahan is

packed with some of Iran’s best sights and today we spend a

whole day in the city, visiting the Vank Church in the Armenian

Palace and Shah and Sheikh Lutfullah Mosques can be found.

Here, the time is yours to enjoy the huge square and pick up a

Following breakfast onboard we arrive in Sadat Shaha,

for the nearby ruins of Persepolis, another World Heritage

Site. Perhaps Iran’s most important archaeological site, this

ceremonial capital of the Persian Empire dates back to the

6th century. Even now, the ruins are extremely impressive.

Rustam. After lunch we continue by road to Shiraz.

Shiraz is Persia’s cultural Capital. Dating back over 4,000

years it is also known as the city of poets, literature, wine and

Citadel are the highlights of our afternoon tour.

the Fin Garden, Iran’s oldest garden dating from 1590 (a

World Heritage Site), and nearby Sialk Hills archaeological site,

dating back almost 8,000 years and Brojerdi and Taba Tabaei -

restaurant we can visit the impressive and ancient bazaar

most important centre for Persian carpets. As dinner is served

Zagros Mountains around midnight.

yazd

DA

Y 8

IRAN

persepolis & shiraz

DA

Y 1

0

IRAN

isfahan

DA

Y 9

IRAN

kashan

DA

Y 1

1

IRAN

22

a spectacular journey through the mountains before arriving in

Shushtar after an early lunch.

and still provides water to the town of Shushtar. We move on to

the Choghazanbil site dating back to 1250 BC and then tour the

ancient city of Susa before rejoining the train for dinner and a

of our journey on the Golden Eagle Danube Express.

This morning we visit the Golestan Palace (a UNESCO World

Heritage Site) with its renovated Versailles-inspired mirror-

encrusted Marble Throne Hall used for the coronation of the last

Shah. Most of the remaining brick and tile buildings date back

In the afternoon there is free time before our Farewell Gala

Dinner and an overnight at the Espinas Hotel.

Following breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your

Choghazanbil

Fin – Persian Gardens

Isfahan - Royal Square (Median Emam)

Persepolis

Shushtar ancient Hydraulic System

Tehran - Golestan Palace, Tehran

unesco world heritage sitesvisited on our tours

shustar, choghazanbiland susa

DA

Y 1

2

IRAN

tehran

DA

Y 1

3

IRAN

tehran

DA

Y 1

4

IRAN


Voyages of a Lifetime by Private TrainTM | HEART OF PERSIA

Ruins at Shushtar

Choghazanbil

Tehran


Rail cruising is a fantastic way to absorb the rich culture and cinematic landscape of the country. The programmes we offer

are carefully designed to balance generous amounts of relaxation, while voyaging across the vast landscapes with sightseeing

that opens a window into the soul and spirit of the places and communities we visit.

– no matter where you choose to explore.

rail cruising

golden eagle luxury trains

Golden Eagle Danube Express Onboard Staff Golden Eagle Danube Express

unique itineraries

Some days will be spent partly onboard the train providing

an opportunity for guests to watch the landscape unfold.

The Golden Eagle Danube Express offers different onboard

activities so you might spend the time attending talks on the

local history and culture, trying your hand at bridge, tasting

wines, improving your photographic skills or simply soaking up

the atmosphere in the Bar Lounge Car.

Our rail cruise itineraries are planned and operated exclusively

by us and we never lose sight of the little things that really

matter to you so that you can experience our Voyages of a

Lifetime in a relaxed and informal manner.

Our itineraries are designed to turn dreams of a lifetime into

priceless memories and take in some of the most culturally

diverse destinations the world has to offer. With these countries

changing so rapidly, it remains an immensely exciting time

to visit, not to mention that it also offers some of the most

remarkable and iconic rail journeys in the world.

Each rail cruise is a hand-picked collection of fascinating places,

and each day brings a new opportunity for discovery – another

chance to explore your world in a personal and meaningful way.

On a typical day the Golden Eagle Danube Express will

travel through the night, as you sleep in your private cabin.

Disembarking after breakfast the following morning you will be

whisked away by coach or on foot to explore, for example, the

sights and sounds of Cappadocia, Isfahan or Mashhad and at

the end of the day return to the sanctuary of your hotel-on-

wheels, greeted by your cabin attendants. Enjoy pre-dinner

drinks in the Bar Lounge Car as we set off again to our next

destination. Then settle down with your travelling companions

in the Restaurant Car for a meal of local specialities and

There is no need to hurry, the Restaurant Cars accommodate

all the guests in a single sitting – so linger over coffee and

night-cap and listen to the resident pianist.

exploring remote landsin style and comfort

A TYPICAL DAY ONBOARD YOUR PRIVATE TRAIN

Budapest Istanbul Isfahan



what’s included in the tour price

EXPERIENCED TOUR MANAGERS

Our experienced Tour Managers are selected for their travel

knowledge, and their linguistic and organisational abilities

allowing you to relax and enjoy your rail cruise. We receive

exceptional passenger comments about our Tour Managers and

their aim is to ensure you enjoy every minute of your holiday.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Arrival and departure transfers are included.

HOTEL AND ONBOARD ACCOMMODATION

Although you will spend much of your time sightseeing or relaxing

a welcome retreat at the end of a rewarding day. All hotels are of

BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER DAILY

ending with breakfast on the last day. All departures feature one

or two uniquely designed Restaurant Cars where you can enjoy the

excellent waiter-served food and wine. Several times during the tour

we will also sample authentic local cuisine with wine and a selection

of drinks off the train, which is also included in the tour price.

DRINKS

A generous drinks allowance, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, is

included with lunch and dinner on and off the train. Drinks are

also included in the Bar Lounge Car from the standard bar list.

No alcoholic drinks will be served on or off the train in Iran but

a range of non-alcoholic beers and soft drinks will be available.

PORTERAGE

As you only have to unpack once your luggage and belongings will

stay with you on the train throughout the journey but, wherever

necessary, porterage is included between the hotels and stations.

ONBOARD SERVICE

You can expect service which is attentive, friendly and unintrusive.

Your car attendants provide housekeeping and bedding turndown

services to assist you and to ensure you are comfortable in your

cabin. Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled drinking water are

served to you in your cabin.

GUIDED OFF-TRAIN EXCURSIONS

The history and culture of the places we visit on our rail cruises will

come alive through our expert local guides. All our tours include a

wide-ranging sightseeing schedule to make the most of the time

you have off the train and bring you closer to the culture, people

and history of your destinations. We believe it is the special little

touches that help create magical memories.

PERSONAL HEADSETS

On all the off–train excursions, to enhance your enjoyment

and insights into the places you visit, you will be provided with a

lightweight personal headset on which to listen to your tour guide

as you take in the sights. The range of the headset means that you

do not need to worry about missing any of the guide’s commentary

on your excursion, even if you prefer to wander away from the group.

ONBOARD DOCTOR AND MEDICAL FACILITIES

To give you peace of mind our tours are accompanied by a doctor

who travels with us for the entire journey; so you can rest assured

that medical assistance is always available. On call 24 hours a

day, the doctor is on hand to give primary care as required. In

almost every case, the doctor will be English-speaking and be

ALL GRATUITIES

You will not have to worry about tipping on or off the train on your

rail journey as all gratuities are included in the tour price.

As far as possible our tours are all-inclusive with no hidden extras. What follows are all those elements

which are included in the tour price. The only extra items you may need to budget for include personal

insurance and laundry.



The Golden Eagle Danube Express restaurant cars are a delightful

venue in which to enjoy meals skillfully prepared by our Executive

Chef and his onboard restaurant team using the very best in

ingredients, locally sourced wherever possible. Depending on the

number of guests onboard, one or two of our restaurant cars will

be on every departure.

Enjoy the delights of an on-train breakfast each morning - a wide

selection of fruit, cereals, orange juice and cold plates are available

from our bountiful buffet. Alternatively enjoy a cooked breakfast

bought to your table by our waiting staff, all complemented by

steaming hot tea and coffee.

attentive service in the welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant

car. We offer a culinary experience that is a mixture of Hungarian

as well as international cuisine throughout the journey. Vegetarian

and other dietary options are also available.

All our meals at lunch and dinner are complemented by an

excellent choice of wines from around the world, personally

selected by our Company Founder, Tim Littler, along with bottled

water, beer and soft drinks. Meals onboard are a relaxed affair as

the restaurant cars can accommodate all our guests in a single

sitting. Throughout the journey there is an informal dress code,

so you can enjoy our culinary experiences in convivial and relaxed

surroundings and with our open-seating policy you can dine

wherever, and with whomever, you please. No alcoholic drinks will

be served on and off the train in Iran.

dining onboard

Restaurant Car Onboard Cuisine

Onboard Cuisine



The social heart of the Golden Eagle Danube Express is the Bar

Lounge Car, a great place to relax and settle into the unhurried

pace of life on board. Unwind in comfortable surroundings and

watch the world go by as you get to know your fellow passengers

and begin long-lasting friendships. Perhaps read a novel to while

away the time or challenge your friends to a game of cards.

It is here that our Tour Manager will also organise a programme

of activities. Passengers will receive printed daily itineraries

throughout the tour detailing train arrival and departure timings,

latest weather forecasts for the next destination and information

on the following day’s excursions and activities. The Bar

Lounge Car and Restaurant Cars will host an entertaining and

enlightening range of activities and engaging talks.

In the evening enjoy the sounds of the resident pianist playing

in the Bar Lounge Car. Every night the bar stays open until the

last person leaves.


relax in our bar lounge car

Bar Lounge Car Bar Lounge Car


deluxe cabinsgolden eagle danube express

Deluxe Cabin – Ensuite

Deluxe Cabin - Day Deluxe Cabin – Night


may sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery as it rolls by.

Private bathrooms feature a shower with constant hot water, washbasin

and toilet. There is a heated towel rail, shaver socket and hairdryer.

A range of toiletries and a dressing gown are provided. Cabins have

individually controlled air-conditioning, lighting with dimmer switches,

individual reading lights, power sockets and a safe.

Co-ordinated fabrics complement wood-panelled walls and brass

wardrobe provide ample storage whilst the large picture window and

full length mirror enhance the spacious feel. A second window will

open for fresh air and for that perfect photo opportunity.

During dinner each evening the living room is converted into two

comfortable lower beds by your attendant who is also on hand to bring

you early morning tea or coffee.

Deluxe Cabins

5 x 2-bed cabins per carriage

Cabin size (inc. ensuite): 15’6” x 6’4” (474cm x 195cm)

Cabin area (inc. ensuite): 99.4 ft2 (9.24m2)

Bed size (each): 6’1” x 2’7½” (185cm x 80cm)

Private en-suite bathroom with cubicle shower and WC

Individually controlled air-conditioning

Two armchairs and a free-standing chair for daytime seating

Large picture window – opens partially, perfect for

photograph opportunities

Full length wardrobe and power sockets

Day

Night

Each Heritage sleeper carriage has nine sleeping cabins with an upper and lower bed. A shared

toilet is available at one end of the carriage and a shared shower at the other end.

9 x 2-bed cabins per carriage

Cabin size: 6’4” x 5’2” (194cm x 158cm)

Cabin area: 33 ft2 (3.06m2)

Upper bed size: 5’10” x 2’5” (176cm x 74cm)

Lower bed size: 6’1” x 2’5½” (185cm x 75cm)

Air-conditioned

Shared toilet facility and shower facility available at

opposite ends of the carriage

Full length couch provides daytime seating

Large picture window - opens partially, perfect for

photograph opportunities

Clothes hanging storage and power sockets

Heritage Cabins

Heritage Cabin – Day Heritage Carriage Corridor Heritage Cabin – Night

cabins may vary

Each cabin has wood-panelled walls, air-conditioning, power sockets

and hanging space. A range of toiletries and a dressing gown are

provided. A full length couch provides daytime seating. The large

picture window will open for fresh air and for that perfect photo

opportunity. During dinner each evening the cabin is converted into

two comfortable beds by your attendant who is also on hand to bring

early morning tea or coffee.

heritage cabinsgolden eagle danube express


heart of persia - guidepost tours › util › doc.jsp?n=gw16-17-heart-of-pers… · heart of...

Documents