London – 19 October 2015

Upmarket tour operator Cox & Kings has reintroduced Iran to its comprehensive Middle East collection for the first time since 2011. With its rich culture, magnificent architecture and enthralling history, the country was previously one of the most popular in the region for Cox & Kings clients and recently improved Foreign Office advice has made it possible for the company to organise group tours there once again.

Cox & Kings' Middle East product manager Michael Fleetwood says “Iran is one of the world's most important historical centres and we are thrilled to be returning there. Hundreds of clients used to travel with us to Iran annually and we have had many people asking when we will be returning. So we are expecting a great deal of pent up demand from people eager to experience its exquisite treasures, spectacular landscapes and hospitable people at first hand'.

Treasures of Persia is a new 10-night small group tour priced from £1,995 per person. Beginning in Shiraz, discover the beautiful Islamic architecture of the city; wander the former Persian capital of Persepolis; explore Cyrus the Great's capital at Pasargadae; and discover layers of history in wonders such as Isfahan and Zoroastrian Towers of Silence in Yazd. Finally, spend 2-nights in Tehran exploring the capital, including the Unesco world heritage site of the Golestan Palace. There are ten tour departures for 2016, with the first departing on 3 March 2016.

Prices are per person and include flights from London via Istanbul, 4- to 5-star accommodation with breakfast daily.

Cox & Kings also offers two extensions to the Treasures of Persia group tour.

The 2-night Mashhad extension unveils the home of the shrine of Imam Reza – one of holiest sites in Islam. This extension includes internal flights, 2-nights' accommodation, excursions to the Imam Reza Shrine and breakfast daily.

The 3-night Kerman extension explores this culturally rich city, including the Zoroastrian fire temples. Pricing includes internal flights, 3-nights' accommodation, excursions and breakfast daily.

For more information on the tour please visit www.coxandkings.co.uk/middle-east/iran-group-tours/treasures-of-iran

RESERVATIONS: 020 7873 5000 / www.coxandkings.co.uk

PRESS OFFICE:020 7808 5694 / kimberley.hay@coxandkings.co.uk

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NOTE TO EDITORS

Cox & Kings is the world's longest established travel company. Its history stretches back more than 250 years to 1758 when Richard Cox was appointed regimental agent to the Footguards (later the Grenadier Guards). The company's fortunes grew hand in hand with the British empire and by the early 20th century the company was acting as agent and banker throughout the armed forces and as a shipping agent. In 1922 Cox & Co merged with the Henry S King bank, which had strong connections with India. The bank became part of Lloyds and the shipping agency grew separately, evolving into the modern travel company.

Today, built on the high quality service and attention to detail established by Richard Cox in the 18th century, the company continues to flourish as an independent tour operator, with operations in London, the US, Japan, Australia and throughout India. Cox & Kings organises escorted small-group tours and private tailor-made travel in the Indian Subcontinent, Latin America, the Middle East, the Far East, Africa, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, and the Caribbean.