IRAN TEA TASTING TOUR

Day 1

This morning we take you north of Iran to visit Rasht. On our way to Rasht city, we will have a short stop in Rudbar. Its name (meaning “by the river” in Persian) is a reference to the river named Sepid Rood that passes by the town. Rudbar is also called “Roodbar Zeitoun (olive)” for the olive gardens in the area. Rudbar’s local economy notably includes olives and olive-based products. Groves of olive trees surround the city. Olive oil is produced locally. Rudbar is also known for its cream-hued, handcrafted carpets of fine quality. Despite the olive gardens that may suggest the presence of a Mediterranean climate, the winters are very cold in the area. The winds in the Sepid Rood valley (Manjil) are well known in the country. Here we will try an amazing local food named Zeytoon Parvardeh (Persian Pomegranate, Olive, & Walnut Dip). Leaving Rudbar behind we continue to visit Gilan rural heritage museum to see the real lifestyle and culture of Gilan which are collected in this place. It is one of the most fantastic and attractive places in Gilan. Then we go to the city center to have special seafood from the Caspian Sea like the Persian Caviar, Mirza Ghasemi (A Persian Eggplant), Morgh–e Torsh (Sour Chicken Stew) or wonderful Baghala Ghatogh (Lima Beans with Eggs and Dill). Then we will visit the Rasht market and the local fish market of Rasht. Prepare your camera! This market includes fresh fish, local vegetables and fruits, and other Food produced by local people. Tonight we will walk in Rasht pedestrian around the old Town Hall.

Day 2

Leaving Rasht behind, we will travel to Rudkhan Castle which is a brick and stone medieval castle in Iran. Located 25 km southwest of Fuman city north of Iran in Gilan province, it is a military complex that had been constructed during the Sasanian era.

Day 3

Today we move to Lajijan. Lahijan is one of the most important cities in Iran’s northern Gilan province with regard to tourism and agriculture. The city, which reflects an Iranian-European architectural blend, is located on the southern slope of the Alborz mountain range. We have a full schedule today which starts of course with tea! and then visit tea farms in Lahijan and meet people how to work in the area. Pressing onward, we reach the Iran national Tea Museum for a look at the origins of Iran’s tea farming and production.

Day 4

This morning we’ll start our day in the tea gardens plucking the tender leaves alongside the expert tea pickers. Take our leaves back to the factory and see all the processing steps that turn the green leaf into our favorite brew. In the afternoon we’ll put our tongues to work in the tasting area, evaluating the day’s production.

Day 5

After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the Rasht airport because we’re off to Tehran! Arriving in Tehran we’ll meet our guide, enjoy a delicious lunch and settle into our hotel.