Iran – Portugal. An unusual but unique history.

A piece of Portugal in the heart of Persian Gulf

The Iranian – Portuguese historical ties may not be known to a lot of people even in Iran or Portugal but these ties go back for as far as 16^th century. Persia – Portugal war took place between 1507 and 1622 and involved the Portuguese Empire and its vassal, the Kingdom of Ormus, on one side, and the Safavid Empire with the help of the Kingdom of England on the other side.

During which the Portuguese captured several Islands in the Persian Gulf and ruled them for 80 years. As with any other colonial wars, both sides affect each other culturally and architecturally also, Iran-Portugal war was no exception and today there are many Portuguese built premises in Southern Iran and particularly in the Persian Gulf islands.

Portugal’s legacy

Portuguese settlers left several castles on the Iranian islands of Qeshm, and Larak and in the port of Kong as legacies of their colonial exploitation of the Persian Gulf during the 16th and 17th centuries, these castles are still being frequented by many domestic tourists.

Forte de Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Ormuz

O Forte de Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Ormuz localiza-se na ilha de Gerun, no estreito de Ormuz, atual República Islâmica do Irão.

Ormuz (ou Hormuz) foi uma importante cidade marítima e um pequeno reino próximo à entrada do golfo Pérsico. O primitivo sítio da cidade era na margem norte do Golfo, a cerca de 30 milhas a leste da atual Bandar Abbas. Por volta de 1300, aparentemente em função de ataques Tártaros, foi transferida para a pequena ilha de Gerun, que pode ser identificada como a Organa de Nearcho, aproximadamente 12 milhas a oeste e a 5 milhas da costa.

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No matter where you are in Portugal (Lisbon, Porto, Amadora, Braga, Setubal, Coimbra, Queluz) we will organize everything for you. Please be in touch with our experts

Tours

Here at IncredibleIran.com, we believe these castles are equally interesting for Iranians as well as the Portuguese, and we have therefore decided to design a tour specifically for our Portuguese customers. In addition to Iran’s world famous historical and cultural sites, this tour will include a visit to Portuguese castles and monuments in the South where our Portuguese speaking clients can re-visit an important era in Portugal’s history.

Visa

Visa on arrival:

It is very easy for Portuguese citizens to obtain Iranian Visa at airport. You will get a 14 days visa at the airport and we can extend your visa for another 14 days if you want to stay longer.

We can also apply for your visa here in Iran and you can receive your visa either in Lisbon or at any Iranian consulate around the world.

For more information please email our specialist at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and put “Portugal Visa” as the subject of your email.

We have a great variety of tours. From Skiing in the North to desert of central Iran or cultural tours of beautiful Iranian cities and most important of all, we can offer tours exactly the way you want it. Our tour specialists are at your service round the clock and will tailor make any itinerary you wish across Iran. We look forward to seeing you in Iran.

Exclusive Itinerary for Portuguese:

13 Days Package

Tehran Kish Shiraz Yazd Isfahan

Day 1: Dubai – Qeshm

Qeshm, the island of 7 wonders.

This is quickest and most convenient way of getting to this beautiful Persian Gulf Island. Upon arrival you will meet and greet your local before being transferred to your hotel. We will have a quick tour of the Island to visit Hara Marine Forests, Stars valley and its beautiful beaches, there’s also world’s biggest handicraft workshop to visit, it is a handmade yacht factory in Qeshm. Overnight Qeshm.

Day 2: Qeshm Island – Hormuz Island

On your second day, you will visit Luft historical port, Portuguese castle. During a short boat ride to the Hormuz Island, you may be lucky enough to see wild Persian Gulf dolphins who will charm you by swimming next to your boat on your way to Hormuz. In Hormuz Island you will visit its famous Portuguese castle. The Portuguese Castle is a red stone castle in Hormuz Island, Iran. It is one of the last surviving monuments of Portuguese rule in the Persian Gulf. The castle, built by the Portuguese, is without a doubt the most impressive colonial fortress in Iran. Constructed of reddish stone on a rocky promontory at the far north of the island, the castle was originally cut off from the rest of the island by a moat, traces of which still remain. Overnight Qeshm.

Day 3: Qeshm Island – BandarAbbas

After visiting the Islands, we take a very short Ferry trip to visit the port city of Bandar Abbas which was an strategic port during Persian – Portuguese war, Bandar Abbas was conquered by the Portuguese in 1514,and was an important to protect their commerce in the Persian Gulf and India. They named the city Comorão, due to the presence of lobsters and crabs on its shores.. We will visit the Portuguese castle and building in Bandar Abbas before flying to Shiraz in the evening. Overnight Shiraz.

Day 4: Shiraz

We will start our Shiraz tour by Karmikhani complex, the residential palace of Zand dynasty. Karim Khan Zand, the founder of Zand dynasty chose Shiraz as his capital and declared himself as “Vakil”, the lawyer of the nation, rather than king. We continue to Vakil complex, Vakil Mosque, Bazar and public bath that are remaining from his reign. We also visit the colorful Nasirolmolk mosque, after a short rest and lunch, in the afternoon we will visit some astonishing buildings and shrines in Shiraz, a mixture of Persian and Islamic architecture, sites include: Quran gate, Naranjestan Ghavam garden, Shah e Cheragh shrine and Ali ebne Hamzeh Shrine . Overnight Shiraz

Day 5: Shiraz – Ghalat

We will visit the tombs of world famous poets Saadi and Hafez, we will then continue with visiting Shiraz’s beautiful gardens, they say no visit to Shiraz is complete without seeing its glorious gardens. After visiting Hafez’s tomb we will head to Bagh e Jahan nama garden, Eram garden is our next stop, an old palace located in the center of Shiraz which is our last stop before lunch. For lunch we will head to Ghalat, a beautiful sleepy village just outside Shiraz, with lots of greenery and natural water falls. Ghalat is very popular by the locals and is a good place to hang out with the people of Shiraz and enjoy a delicious local cuisine. After lunch we will head to the water falls and will have a coffee before returning to Shiraz. Overnight Shiraz.

Day 6: Persepolis – Bavanat

Early morning drive. En route you will be visiting the most magnificent city of the ancient world, Persepolis, which is now registered as a UNESCO world heritage site. Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Persian Empire during Achemaenian era. The site, in area is composed of various reception halls and palaces, private palaces, royal treasury and fortifications, where we find the tomb of Cyrus the great and remains of Achaemenian palaces and edifices. We continue our journey by visiting Naghsh-e-Rostam and later on we will drive to the village of Bavanat, the unofficial hub of Iran’s eco-tourism where you can take stroll in the beautiful nature of Zagrous mountain range. Overnight Bavanat.

Day 7: Bavanat

Sightseeing in Bavanat village for visiting its beautiful walnut forests, Imamzadeh and Qanats that are the traditional system of Iranians for distributing water. (Visiting nomads depend on the date of your travel, i.e., you can have a memorable experience of nomad living on April and September). Overnight Bavanat.

Day 8: Isfahan

Early morning drive to Isfahan. Meet and greet your local before being transferred to your hotel. After a short rest and lunch, in the afternoon we will visit the Christian quarter of the city and Vank Cathedral which is a famous church amongst Armenian Christians, in the evening we will head to the banks of Zayanderud river, the soul of the city. There are several historical bridges over this river, erected during the Safavid era (17th Century). Siosepol (33-arch) and khaju bridges are the most famous ones. We enjoy visiting these two interesting bridges, drinking tea at the tea house below the bridge, walking along the river bank or paddle on a boat from one to the other. Overnight Isfahan.

Day 9: Isfahan

In the morning we start our full day tour of Isfahan at the UNESCO world heritage site of Naghsh-e-Jahan Sq., the famous Imam Mosque (Royal Mosque), located the southern side of the square with wonderful architecture and tile-work, Aali Ghapoo and Isfahan’s old bazar are two places, one should not miss. We will visit these 2 sites before returning to hotel. Overnight Isfahan.

Day 10: Isfahan -Hamadan

Drive to the beautiful city of Hamadan. Afternoon sightseeing of Hamadan to visit: Armenians’ bathroom, tomb of Avicenna, tomb of Baba Taher, Tomb of Esther and Mordekhay and Hamedan’s old Bazar , overnight Hamedan.

Day 11: Hamadan – Kermanshah

Full day excursion to the nearby city of Kerman-shah , en-route you will visit the Anahita Temple at Kangavar , the Achaemenian inscriptions and beliefs at Bisotoun , and Sassanian rock-reliefs at Tagh-e-Bostan. Overnight Hamadan.

Day 12:Hamadan- Tehran

Half day city tour of Hamadan in the morning to visit Hegmataneh Museum and Hill, Church of Saint Gregory, the Armenian Church, and Nour (Armenian) school.

Drive to Tehran in the afternoon. transfer to hotel in Tehran. Evening at your leisure.

Day 13: Tehran

A full-day tour of the capital, Tehran. Starting with a walking tour through old Tehran and visiting the old Gate of Tehran, Golestan Palaces, Imam (former Royal) Mosque and the Grand Bazaar which is a large roofed old shopping complex. We will then get more familiar with Persian Carpets at the Carpet Museum. Transfer to hotel. In the evening depending on your departure flight, you will be transferred to Tehran’s international Airport. If you wish, you’re more than welcome to stay in Tehran for another night and fly home the day after.

What plans or ideas do you have for your itinerary?

Tell us about the sort of itinerary you have in mind. In particular, places you want to visit, accommodation you have in mind, activities you would like to do and any special interests you have (e.g. temples, local history, wildlife etc). The more information you provide the better.