Portuguese Voyage to Persian Isles and Villages
Iran – Portugal. An unusual but unique history.
A piece of Portugal in the heart of the Persian Gulf
The Iranian – Portuguese historical ties may not be known to many people, even in Iran or Portugal, but these ties go back as far as the 16th 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.
The Portuguese captured several Islands in the Persian Gulf and ruled them for 80 years. As with any other colonial war, both sides affected each other culturally and architecturally. Also, the Iran-Portugal war was no exception, and today, there are many Portuguese-built premises in Southern Iran, particularly in the Persian Gulf islands.
Qeshm Island - Stars Vally
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; many domestic tourists still frequent these castles.
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.
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 and the Portuguese, and we have 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 visiting Portuguese castles and monuments in the South where our Portuguese-speaking clients can revisit an essential era in Portugal’s history.
Visa
Visa on arrival:
It is straightforward for Portuguese citizens to obtain an Iranian Visa at the 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 worldwide.
For more information, please email our specialist at info@incredibleiran.com and put “Portugal Visa” as the subject of your email.
We have a great variety of tours. From Skiing in the North to the desert of central Iran or cultural terms of beautiful Iranian cities and most important of all, we can offer tours precisely the way you want them. Our tour specialists are at your service round the clock and will tailor-any itinerary you wish across Iran.
We look forward to seeing you in Iran.
Cultural Delights and Gastronomy:
Portuguese explorers, immerse yourselves in Iran's traditional music and culinary arts. Master the art of Iranian cuisine and soak up the rich cultural flavors of this ancient land.
Exploring History, Villages, and Islands:
Journey through Iran's storied past, from quaint rural villages to the captivating islands of Hormuz and Qeshm. Revel in the serene landscapes and uncover the historical treasures of these unique locales.
Artisans and Marketplaces:
Delve into bustling Iranian markets, engaging in the art of carpet weaving and marquetry. Witness the skillful creation of traditional crafts and absorb the lively atmosphere of Iran's local bazaars.
13 Days of Iran: Portuguese Discovery Itinerary
Iran Tours for Portuguese Citizens
A 13-day Portuguese-exclusive journey through Iran, where island wonders and historic mainland sites converge. From Qeshm’s marine forests to Hormuz’s Portuguese Castle, Shiraz’s cultural gems to the splendor of Persepolis, this curated adventure promises an immersive blend of nature, history, and culture. A seamless fusion of past and present awaits, making memories that will endure.
13 Days
Day 1: Dubai – Qeshm
Qeshm, the Island of 7 Wonders.
This is the quickest and most convenient way to get 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 the world’s most extensive handicraft workshop, a handmade yacht factory in Qeshm. Overnight Qeshm.
Qeshm Island - Chah-kuh
Day 2: Qeshm Island – Hormuz Island
On your second day, you will visit Luft’s historic port, a Portuguese castle. During a short boat ride to 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. On 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 court, built by the Portuguese, is undoubtedly Iran’s most impressive colonial fortress. Constructed of reddish stone on a rocky promontory at the far north of the Island, the castle was initially cut off from the rest of the Island by a moat, traces of which remain. Overnight Qeshm.
Day 3: Qeshm Island – Bandar Abbas
After visiting the Islands, we take a concise Ferry trip to see the port city of Bandar Abbas, which was a strategic port during Persian – the Portuguese war; Bandar Abbas was conquered by the Portuguese in 1514 and was essential to protect their commerce in the Persian Gulf and India. They named the city Comorão due to the 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 the Karmikhani complex, the residential palace of the Zand dynasty. Karim Khan Zand, the founder of the Zand dynasty, chose Shiraz as his capital and declared himself as “Vakil,” the lawyer of the nation, rather than a king. We continue to Vakil complex, Vakil Mosque, Bazar and public bath remaining from his reign. We also visit the colorful Nasirolmolk mosque after a short rest and lunch; in the afternoon, we will see 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 even Hamzeh Shrine. Tonight, on our Iran Tours for Portuguese Citizens, we’ll unwind in a comfortable hotel in the heart of Shiraz.
Day 5: Shiraz – Ghalat
We will visit the tombs of world-famous poets Saadi and Hafez and continue 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 Shiraz’s center, our last visit before lunch. We will head to Ghalat, a beautiful sleepy village outside Shiraz, with lots of greenery and natural waterfalls for lunch. Ghalat is very popular with the locals and is an excellent place to hang out with the people of Shiraz and enjoy delicious local cuisine. After lunch, we will head to the waterfalls and have a coffee before returning to Shiraz. Overnight Shiraz.
Day 6: Persepolis – Bavanat
Early morning drive. En route, you will visit 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 the Achemaenian era. The site comprises 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 will continue our journey by visiting Naghsh-e-Rostam; later, we will drive to the village of Bavanat, the unofficial hub of Iran’s eco-tourism, where you can stroll in the beautiful nature of the Zagros 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 depends on your travel date, i.e., you can have a memorable experience of nomads living in 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, a famous church amongst Armenian Christians; in the evening, we will head to the banks of Zayanderud River, the city’s soul. Several historical bridges over this river were 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 paddling on a boat from one to the other. Overnight Isfahan.
Day 9: Isfahan
Today marks the start of another exciting day on our Iran Tours for Portuguese Citizens, with visits to the vibrant bazaars of 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 on the southern side of the square with incredible architecture and tile-work, Aali Ghapoo and Isfahan’s old bazaar are two places; one should not miss. We will visit these two sites before returning to the hotel. Overnight Isfahan.
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. On our Iran Tours for Portuguese Citizens, we’ll spend the night in a charming hotel near the bustling bazaars of Tehran. Evening at your leisure.
Day 13: Tehran
A full-day tour of the capital, Tehran. You are 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, a large roofed old shopping complex. We will then get more familiar with Persian Carpets at the Carpet Museum. Transfer to hotel. Depending on your departure flight, you will be transferred to Tehran’s International Airport in the evening. If you wish, you can stay in Tehran for another night and fly home the day after.
Highlights
- Dubai:
- Dubai to Qeshm: (183) km
- Qeshm to Hormuz: (185) km
- Hormuz to Bandar Abbas: (26) km
- Bandar Abbas to Shiraz: (529) km
- Shiraz to Ghalat: (50) km
- Shiraz to Bavanat: (231) km
- Shiraz to Isfahan: (404) km
- Isfahan to Hamadan: (509) km
- Hamadan to Kermanshah: (188) km
- Kermanshah to Tehran: (497) km
- Tehran
- Duration: 13 Days
- Arrival: Dubai
- Departure: Tehran
- Wheelchair Access Available
- Iranian Cuisine Workshop
- Iranian SIM card
- Portuguese-speakingg guides
- Free visa for Portuguese Citizen
- Experiencing Camping Desert of Iran
- Embark on a journey tailored for Portuguese-speaking visitors, exploring Iran's UNESCO sites like Persepolis and the stunning architecture of Golestan Palace. Experience the rich history and culture that defines Iran's ancient civilization.
- Discover the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Qeshm Island, alongside the spiritual ambiance of the Nasirolmolk Mosque, showcasing Iran's diverse landscapes and artistic heritage.
- Conclude your exploration in the serene Bavanat Village, offering a glimpse into traditional Iranian life. This concise tour blends historical wonders with natural beauty, providing a memorable experience for Portuguese-speaking travelers.
Hotspots
- UNESCO World Heritages
- Persepolis
- Pasargadae
- Golestan Palace
- Portuguese castle
- Ghalat Village
- Hafezieh
- Nasirolmolk Mosque
- National Museum of Iran
- Hamedan Attractions
- Bisotun
- Naqsh-e Jahan Sq
- Hormoz Island
- Qeshm Island
- Bavanat Village
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