Seattle, WA - MIR Corporation is pleased to announce the first-ever European private train tour allowed into Iran. This new five-country, 15-day inaugural private train journey travels to Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Iran. Kicking off in October 2014 aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express, and rolling between Budapest and Tehran, this tour is aptly named Jewels of Persia. For more information, visit here.
“For the first time ever, a European private train tour will be allowed into Iran,” says MIR Vice President Annie Lucas. “Intrepid travelers will be a part of history on this truly unique journey.”
The Golden Eagle Danube Express stops in locations significant for their history or natural wonder; many are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Highlights include: Sighișoara, Romania (rumored birthplace of Dracula); Veliko Tarnovo (Bulgaria’s ancient capital); Turkey’s historic Istanbul area; the Fairy Chimneys of Göreme Valley in Turkey; and Iran’s vast treasures of Isfahan’s Imam Square, the ruins of Persepolis and beautiful Gulestan Palace.
“What makes the Golden Eagle Danube Express private train distinctive is its relatively small group size capacity of around 65 passengers – considerably smaller than similar private rail journeys in Russia,” said Lucas. “It’s a more intimate experience, and makes for greater opportunities to meet fellow passengers onboard.”
These luxury train tours offer convenience and all-inclusive pricing: all meals; hotel and train accommodations; transportation; sightseeing excursions with local guides; and gratuities. Food is locally sourced, and travelers experience a fusion of cuisines and regional specialties while traveling from Europe into the Middle East.
Lucas also points out that, unlike the more typical upper/lower berth configuration used on private Trans-Siberian trains in Russia, deluxe en suite cabins on the Golden Eagle Danube Express are laid out with two lower beds, adding to comfort and mobility.
Interest in travel to Iran has grown at a stunning pace in the past year. MIR has added a second fall departure of its Ancient Persia – Modern Iran tour, and the spring 2014 departure of this tour is nearly filled.
The Jewels of Persia eastbound tour is scheduled for October 14-28, 2014 and the westbound tour is October 27-November 10, 2014 with prices from $12,995, double occupancy.