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.
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.
13 Days of Iran: Portuguese Discovery Itinerary
Exclusive Itinerary for Portuguese:
Embark on 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
Tour Options
Be in Touch
Tour Map
- Tehran
- Shiraz
- 7 Days
- Free Visa
- Airport transfers
- Free breakfast
- Local tour guides
- Accessibility Options
- Free Wi-Fi
- Adventure activities
- Historical landmarks visits
Your Journey, Your Way: We're Here to Help!
Do you have questions about this tour? Feel free to reach us anytime on WhatsApp. I'm here to provide you with information about this tour in Iran. Our operator is ready around the clock and will quickly reply to your messages.
Tour Highlights
- UNESCO World Heritages
- Persepolis
- Pasargadae
- Golestan Palace
- Portuguese castle
- Ghalat Village
- Hafezieh
- Sadie Tomb
- National Museum of Iran
- Hamedan Attractions
- Bistun
- Chehel-sotun
- Hormoz Island
- Qeshm Island
- Bavanat Village
Tour Itinerary
We want to inform you that this tour is not bound to specific dates. It’s an introductory Iran tour designed to be flexible and adaptable to your schedule and preferences. Whether you wish to explore the wonders of Iran in the spring, summer, fall, or winter, the opportunity is always available. We aim to make your dream trip come true, allowing you to discover Iran’s diverse cultural heritage, natural beauty, and warm hospitality at your convenience. Whenever you are ready to embark on this incredible journey, we’ll be here, eager to curate an unforgettable experience that aligns perfectly with your desires.
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.
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. Overnight 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
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. Transfer to a hotel in 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.
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, the 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.
Are you interested in traveling to Iran?
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Iran Climate Patterns for Trip
| January | February | March | April | May | June |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cold | Cold | Peak season | High season | Warm | Warm |
| July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very warm | Very warm | High season | High season | Cold | Cold |
