IRAN PERSIAN DELIGHTS 14 DAYS FROM $4599 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE EX MELBOURNE, SYDNEY, BRISBANE, ADELAIDE & PERTH DAILY DEPARTURES FROM AUSTRALIA.

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1 IRAN PERSIAN DELIGHTS 14 DAYS FROM $4599 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE EX MELBOURNE, SYDNEY, BRISBANE, ADELAIDE & PERTH DAILY DEPARTURES FROM AUSTRALIA. Iran is quite simply an extraordinary country, where visitors are welcomed with open arms by friendly people who have redefined the word hospitality. The architecture is amazing with breathtaking mosques, stepped hillside villages, cleverly-designed wind towers (badgirs) and impressive structures such as the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence. The country's history is astonishingly rich, having embraced and been dominated by countless civilisations. The Archaemedians, Alexander the Great, the Parthanians, Sassanians, Arabs, Seljuks, Mongols, Safavids and many other groups have all left their mark over the centuries. We include return airfares from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth to Tehran fling with Emirates, Qatar or Etihad Airlines, 13 nights modern, centrally located 4 star hotel accommodation, all transfers, visa assistance, services of English speaking guides, and entrance fees to sites of interest. The tour departs DAILY 01 Oct to 30 Nov 2014 and 01 February to 31 May The cost is only $4599 per person twin share. For reservations, please contact Destinations International on TOUR HIGHLIGHTS, 4 star Hotels B&B, All Domestic flights All Airport transfers, Transportation with A/C Van, guides

2 All entrance fees, Nomadic Tour,Tehran: Archeological Museum Isfahan: Nagsh-e-Jahan square, Alighapou Palace, Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Bazaar, Chehel Sotoon Palace, Vank Cathedral Shiraz: Persepolis, Hafez and Sadi mausoleums, Eram Garden, Vakil Bath and Bazaar, Qavam House, Mausoleum of Aliebnehamze. O/v in 4*Hotels, Visa handling, Guide, Car and Driver, all fees, all domestic flights, Airport transfer. Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan. On this journey you will visit the great culture cities of Iran. 13 Nights // 14 days Itinerary: Day 01 Arrival at IKIA airport, Meet & assist by our tour guide and welcome with a bunch of red roses and transfer to hotel, overnight Tehran. Laleh 5 star Day 02 a full day city tour of Tehran to visit Saad abd museum & Iran national museum and then Golestan palace complex museum, and carpet museum, overnight Tehran. Day 03 Fly Shiraz then visit Bishpour (( The remaining of ruined palace of Sassanid dynasty )) en-route visiting Tange Chogan, Overnight Shiraz. Park sadi 4 star Day 04 A full day city tour of Shiraz visiting Eram garden, Saadi & Hafez tomb, Pars museum and Vakil bath, Overnight Shiraz. Day 05 A full day excursion to Persepolis & Nagh Sh E Rostam, on the way back to shiraz visiting Quran gate and Khajoye Kermani tomb, Overnight Shiraz. Day 06 drive toward Kerman en-route visiting Estahban and Nyriz (( The Sassanid palace )), Overnight Kerman. Pars hotel 5 star Day 07 a full day excursion to Rayen citadel, En-route visiting at mahan the mausoleum of Shah Neamatollah Vali and Shahzadeh garden, Overnight Kerman. Day 08 Half a day tour to visit the Ganj Alikhan complex of bath & inn drive toward Yazd, Overnight Yazd. Safieh 4 star top Laleh 4 star Day 09 - A morning tour to visit The tower of silence and then fire temple and Doulat Abad garden, driving toward Esfahan, en-route visiting Meybod caravanserai and at Naiin visiting Narin castle & PIRNIA house to see the handicraft, Overnight Esfahan. Kowsar 5 star Day 10 A full day tour to visit the most beautiful mosque in Iran (( Jamea mosque )) and then Vank cathedral, Chehel sotoon palace (( Pavilion with 40 columns )) and bazaar, a night tour to visit Sio SE Pole & Khaju & Shahrestan bridges, Overnight Esfahan.

3 Day 11 - A full day tour to visit Nagh Sh E Jahan square, Aali qapou palace, Imam & Sheikh Lotfollah mosques, coppersmith & goldsmith bazaar, Overnight Esfahan. Day 12 Drive toward Tehran, en-route visiting, Abyaneh village, and at Kashan visiting Fiin garden, pass by holy city of Qom and salt lake, check in Tehran hotel, a farewell dinner in an Iranian traditional restaurant with live music. Overnight Tehran. Day 13 Morning visit Nyavaran museum, Tajrish bazaar, Imam zadeh saleh, Jewellery museum O/N Tehran Day 14 Transfer to IKIA airport for home bound flight. 1) 13 nights Accommodation in the mentioned hotels in itinerary with breakfast! 2) All entrance fees including portages and daily bottled water during the tour 3) All airport transfers 4) Transport with modern vehicle with AC 5) Most qualified English speaking guide 6) Visa handling 7) Tehran Shiraz air ticket Discover Iran!

4 IRAN ANCIENT PERSIA. 14 days / 13 nights from $4799 Per person twin share Ex Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth or Sydney We can custom any tour to Iran. There has never been a better time to visit Iran. Join us as we explore Tehran. Take a desert Safari into Shahdad and see the sunset from among its weird huge hills. Gaze at the precious historic pieces in Iran national Museum, admire the old construction of underground water canals (Qanats) in Yazd, delight in Iranian traditional music in Shiraz, unearth Old Persian secrets in Persepolis, tread aside Zayanderood River and its glittering bridges, catch scent of the spices in Vakil Bazaar in Shiraz, sip tea on the slopes of snow peaked Damavand mountain in Tehran, enjoy your time in marvelous gardens of Fin in Kashan, idle on gardens in Shiraz, Get into the mysterious life of Zoroastrians in Yazd, Experience welcoming Iranian hospitality.

5 Destination International has a 14 day escorted tour of Iran from only $4799 per person twin share. The tour is valid for monthly departures from Melbourne, Sydney, Perth Adelaide or Brisbane to Tehran flying with Emirates Airlines, 13 nights accommodation, transfers, tours and meals as per the itinerary, along with the services of our English speaking tours guides. Group Departure Dates: Departing Australia 22 November & 11 February 2015 Individual Departures for 2 passengers or more Every Week from 01 September to 30 November February to 31 March For brochures and reservations please phone Destination International Price includes airfares Return economy airfares from Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide or Brisbane to Tehran flying with Emirates, Etihad or Qatar Airlines. All prepayable airport taxes are included. Magical Persian Iran 13 Nights/14 Days from $4799 per person twin share.

6 Single Supplement $1600 for own room 13 Nights // 14 days Itinerary: Day 01 Arrival at IKIA airport, Meet & assist by our tour guide and welcome with a bunch of red roses and transfer to hotel, overnight Tehran. Day 02 a full day city tour of Tehran to visit Iran national museum and then Golestan palace complex museum, and carpet museum, overnight Tehran. Day 03 Drive toward Shiraz via Bishpour (( The remaining of ruined palace of Sassanid dynasty )) en-route visiting Tange Chogan, Overnight Shiraz. Day 04 a full day city tour of Shiraz visiting Eram garden, Saadi & Hafez tomb, Pars museum and Vakil bath, Overnight Shiraz. Day 05 A full day excursion to Persepolis & Nagh Sh E Rostam, on the way back to shiraz visiting Quran gate and Khajoye Kermani tomb, Overnight Shiraz. Day 06 drive toward Kerman en-route visiting Estahban and Nyriz (( The Sassanid palace )), Overnight Kerman. Day 07 a full day excursion to Rayen citadel, En-route visiting at mahan the mausoleum of Shah Neamatollah Vali and Shahzadeh garden, Overnight Kerman. Day 08 Half a day tour to visit the Ganj Alikhan complex of bath & inn drive toward Yazd, Overnight Yazd.

7 Day 09 - A morning tour to visit The tower of silence and then fire temple and Doulat Abad garden, driving toward Esfahan, en-route visiting Meybod caravanserai and at Naiin visiting Narin castle & PIRNIA house to see the handicraft, Overnight Esfahan. Day 10 A full day tour to visit the most beautiful mosque in Iran (( Jamea mosque )) and then Vank cathedral, Chehel sotoon palace (( Pavilion with 40 columns )) and bazaar, a night tour to visit Sio SE Pole & Khaju & Shahrestan bridges, Overnight Esfahan. Day 11 - A full day tour to visit Nagh Sh E Jahan square, Aali qapou palace, Imam & Sheikh Lotfollah mosques, coppersmith & goldsmith bazaar, Overnight Esfahan. Day 12 Drive toward Tehran, en-route visiting, Abyaneh village, and at Kashan visiting Fiin garden, pass by holy city of Qom and salt lake, check in Tehran hotel, a farewell dinner in an Iranian traditional restaurant with live music. Overnight Tehran. Day 13 Free day Tehran. Overnight Tehran. Day 14 Transfer to IKIA airport for home bound flight. Our services Include: 1- Airport // Hotel // Airport transfers. 2- Hotel accommodation, bed and breakfast with private facilitates. 3- Domestic flight (( As mentioned in itineraries )). 4- Accompanying licensed English speaking tour guide. 5- All land transportation with Air Conditioned vehicle. 6- All entrances fees. 7- All tips at restaurants and hotels (( Except the guide and driver tip )). 8- Farewell dinner at an Iranian traditional restaurant. 9- Mineral water or tea or coffee during the day tour. 10- Visa processing support. Hotels in use :

8 We mostly use 4 star hotels at major cities and best available hotels at small cities. Can t see what you are looking for or prefer another departure date for this tour, please or call our office and we will design a tour specifically for your travel requirements cati@ditravel.com.au, jantine@ditravel.com.au sonya@ditravel.com.au, mark@ditravel.com.au Phone We have many tour options for Iran, please call us today. Land only Iran Tour! International airfares not included. 14 days from $2500 per person twin share. IRAN-Inspiration 14 day / 13 night Code: GA.03 O/v in 3 / 4*Hotels, Visa handling, Guide, Car and Driver, all fees, all domestic flights, Airport transfer. In Hamadan you will visit the Esther and Mordekhai mausoleum. Day 01: Arrival-Tehran Arrival at Tehran airport, transfer to hotel & rest. O/N Tehran. Lale 5* Grand 4* Asareh Day 02: Tehran- Shiraz After breakfast, we will visit Archaeological & Islamic Art Museum, the finest museum in Iran where you'll view a collection of ancient Persian civilization. In the evening fly to Shiraz, transfer to hotel and rest. O/N Shiraz. Pars international 5* Park Sadi 4 star Eram 3*

9 Day 03: Shiraz-Bishapoor excursion Early morning we go to visit Bishapoor, an ancient city in heart of history, built as the commemoration of Persian Victory in Persian- Roman war. O/N Shiraz. Pars international 5* Park Sadi 4 star Eram 3* Day 04: Shiraz We will visit Eram and Narenjestan Gardens, Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, Khan Theological School, Hafez (or Saadi) mausoleum, Vakil complex and the most astonishing mirror decoration of Aliebnehamze Holy Shrine. O/N Shiraz. Pars international 5* Park Sadi 4 star Eram 3* Day 05: Shiraz - Persepolis - Necropol- Pasargad-Yazd Drive to Yazd, en route we will visit Quran gate, Persepolis (a castle made by free workers not slaves in 500 BC), Necropol (tombs of Achamenian kings) and Pasargad, tomb of Cyrus the great which was the Achamenian center. O/N Yazd. Moshir Garden 4*

10 Day 06: Yazd According to UNESCO, Yazd is one of the oldest cities in the world; it is like a living museum. We will visit narrow alleys, the highest wind tower of city which keeps the building cool, Friday mosque from 14th century and the silk weaving workshop where exquisite brocades are still made on traditional looms. O/N Yazd. Moshir Garden 4* Day 07: Yazd- Isfahan In the morning we will explore on foot this ancient city and visit a Zoroastrian temple where sacred fire has been kept alive for hundreds of years and is now a Zoroastrian pilgrim center. This is an opportunity to learn about Zoroastrianism which had been the Persian religion until Arabs brought Islam to Iran. Then go to Towers of Silence on outskirts of the city, which was a burial place for Zoroastrian. In the afternoon drive to Isfahan, en route we will visit Nareen Castle & an old caravanserai in Meibod and a carpet workshop in Naeen. O/N Isfahan. Abassi 5* Alighapo 4* Day 08:Isfahan In the morning we will visit Imam square, the huge open square in center of Isfahan with four monuments at four sides including Imam mosque covered inside and outside with intricate turquoise tiles, The smaller Sheikh Lotfollah mosque contains some of the best mosaics from 17th century, Ali Ghapoo Palace which was the first skyscraper in Iran and Isfahan bazaar where you can visit the workshop of artists who paint miniature sometimes on bone. In the afternoon, we will visit Si-o-Se Pol (thirty three) and khajoo bridges over zayanderud, relax in one of the traditional tea houses,drink tea and smoke Persian water pipe. O/N Isfahan. Abassi 5* Alighapo 4* Day 09: Isfahan We will visit Armenian quarter of Jolfa, Vank cathedral, Friday mosque, Shaking Minarets and Chehel Sotoun known

11 as forty column palace with its exquisite wall painting. O/N Isfahan. Abassi 5* Alighapo 4* Day 10: Isfahan- Kermanshah In the morning we drive toward Kermanshah, en route we will visit Falak-ol- Aflak castle in Khoramabad.O/N Kermanshah. Azadegan Hotel 4* Day 11: Kermanshah- Hamedan Drive to Hamedan, en route we will visit Bisotun inscription, the curved stones from Sassanid time. O/N Hamedan. Bu Ali 4* Day 12: Hamedan We will visit Ester & Mordkhay tombs (Jewish holy shrine) Alaviyan dome and Hegmataneh hill. O/N Hamedan. Bu Ali 4* Day 13:Hamedan- Tehran In the Morning we go to visit one of the greatest lake caves in the world, Ali-Sadr and then Avicenna tomb. Afternoon drive back to Tehran, O/N Tehran. Lale 5* Grand 4* Asareh Day 14: Tehran - Departure Transfer to Tehran Intl. airport for your return flight. General information on IRAN

12 Administrative Structure Iran is divided into 28 provinces ruled over by a governorgeneral. Tehran is the capital of Iran with population more than 6.6 million inhabitants. Among other big cities are Mashhad (1.8 million), Isfahan (1.2 million), Tabriz (1.1 million), Shiraz (0.97 million) and Hamadan (0.95 million). Climate The climate of Iran is dry tropical with very hot summer and cold, with some snow, winter. Winter is normally the rainy season for the whole country. The Desht-e Kavir Desert, south-east of the capital, is harsh, inhospitable, and very, very hot in summer. Winters are not much better, and at night the temperature can fall well below zero. The Dasht-e Lut to the south is even worse; almost completely devoid of water from any direction and the last word in extreme aridity. The regions along the mountainous parts of the country have milder summers and colder winters. The north-west of the country is generally the coldest and among the rainiest parts of the country. The winters in Azarbaijan and Kurdestan can be severe: temperatures sometimes fall as low as -20 oc (-4oF). Snow frequently remains until early spring, or even later in the mountains. But the coastal regions have quite a different climate. The Caspian coast is damp all year round and provides a pleasant contrast with the dryness of plateaux, which are only a few hours away by road. Wind is undoubtedly the most unpleasant element especially from June in the east of the country. In Mashhad there are tales of wind from Central Asia lasting for one hundred and twenty days, which in the middle of summer blow at up to 200 km / h. The temperature can vary widely. In the summer, temperatures vary from a high of 50 o C (122o F) in the south to a low of 1o C (34 o F) in the north-west. Average winter temperature is 5.9 o C (42.6 o F), summer temperature is 37.8 o C (100 o F). Precipitation also varies greatly, ranging from less than 50 mm (2 in) in the south-east to about 2,000 mm (80 in) in the Caspian region. The annual average is about 250 mm (10 in). Spring (April to May) and autumn (late September to late November) are good seasons for visiting Iran. Summer is pleasant in Tehran and on the Caspian coast. Clothing Visitors to Iran are officially requested to wear decent clothing. According to the Islamic and social beliefs in Iran, it is necessary for women to be modestly covered & wearing a head scarf together with a long dress. It is essential for women to cover all parts of the body except the hands, feet and face (from hairline to neckline), and to ensure that the outer layer of clothing gives no hint or impression of the shape of the body. No woman traveller is recommended to go on extremes as far as the jewellery and make-up is concerned. The laws on dress are particularly strictly observed during Ramazan when Iranians avoid reds and any other bright colours. The same applies to the colours of dress worn in the month of mourning, Moharram. In summer take lightweight and easily washed clothes of natural fabrics, a cardigan or pullover for the cooler nights, a pair of sunglasses and (only if you are male) a hat which will protect your face from the sun.

13 In nearly all mosques people are required to take off their shoes, and ladies must certainly cover their heads. Communications Communication system is ensured via a system of line and station facilities of post, telephone, telegraph, and tele-and-radio communication. As a result of heavy investing in the telephone system since 1994, the number of longdistance channels in the microwave radio relay trunk has grown substantially. Many villages have been brought into the net; the number of main lines in the urban systems has approximately doubled; and thousands of mobile cellular subscribers are being served; moreover, the technical level of the system has been raised by the installation of thousands of digital switches. International communication is based on HF radio and microwave radio relay with Turkey, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Syria, Kuwait, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan; submarine fiber-optic cable to UAE with access to Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG); Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line runs from Azerbaijan through the northern portion of Iran to Turkmenistan with expansion to Georgia and Azerbaijan; satellite earth stations - 9 Intelsat and 4 Inmarsat. Internet service is available but limited to electronic mail to promote Iranian culture. Crafts Iranian arts and crafts need no introduction, their excellence being amply demonstrated by priceless objects in museum throughout the world. Carpet and textile weaving, ceramic and clay work, blown glass, wood and stone work have a history in this country of over twenty-five centuries. Throughout history, oriental carpets have enjoyed a universal reputation because of their craftsmanship and quality, and the most prized have been those originating in Iran. The best silver and copper ware come from Isfahan. Inlaid work is a Shiraz speciality although that from Isfahan and Tehran is also excellent. Shiraz produces incomparable marquetry, inlaid mosaics in wood, and picture frames. Isfahan excels in metalwork and textiles. Hamadan displays its famous blue-glazed pottery and ceramics. Persian miniatures of traditional scenes painted by hand on mother-of-pearl, bone, enamel or papier-mache, are cherished souvenirs of many travellers. Bargaining is an old practice and maybe tried by the visitor, especially in the bazaars. Cuisine All provinces of Iran have their own dishes. However, the national dish is rice prepared in several special ways. In Iran rice is served in two basic ways, either as polo or chelo. Chelo is the steamed white rice cooked separately and over which different types of sauces or meats are served. Polo, often called pilaf in the West, is the name applied to rice with which other ingredients are mixed in the cooking process. Khoresh (Sauce for Pilaf) is usually prepared with meat or fowl combined with fresh or dried vegetables, fresh or dried fruit, and sometimes nuts and cereals. Persians almost always eat rice with khoresh. Chelo Kabab is rice with broiled lamb. The secret of good and tasty chelo kabab lies in marinating of the meat. The meat should be properly marinated in onion juice and sometimes in yogurt for a day or two. There is an old Iranian tradition as to how one should eat chelo kabab. Put plenty of chelo in a plate, make a small hole in the centre of it, put an egg yolk in it, then plenty of butter, the broiled kabab, and a teaspoon or two of sumac over it. Mix these ingredients well and start eating. Abgusht (Lamb Stew), which in Persian means the water of the meat, is one of the most popular dishes in Iran. Abgusht is cooked in a crock for half a day on a very low grill over hot ashes. Some people prefer not make it watery, serving the broth as a soup and the meat and the rest of the ingredients separately. Others use less water and let it cook until a very thick broth remains. Ash (Iranian Soup) depends on geographic location and the available ingredients. It can be a very simple meal, prepared inexpensively, or it can be a rich meal if one knows how to spice it properly.

14 Dolmeh is any kind of vegetable and fruit stuffed with meat and rice. Dolmeh Barg, literally meaning stuffed leaves, is the name for stuffed grape leaves. When served cold, it is normally stuffed with rice and currants. Kufteh Tabrizi (meat balls). Iranians make a variety of meat balls and use them in soups, khoreshes, and as a basis for quick meals. Kuku (Casserole Dish) is a type of dish usually made of vegetables and eggs. Eggs are the bases for these casserole dishes, because of serving as the binding agent. Tea (never with milk) is the staple drink in Iran. Coffee is not widely available and is usually expensive. Fruits are served almost at all kinds of ceremonies and occasions. In Iran there are very delicious, delicate cucumbers which are served as a fruit. Mast (yoghurt), used almost in every Iranian family, is served with meals. For generations, Iranians have served mast as a soft drink in summer as well. They dilute it with water, add a pinch of salt, spearmint, and call it abdugh. Culture Iran is a land of ancient and rich culture. Numerous historical monuments evidence its high cultural standards and national originality. Objects found during archaeological excavations are of lasting artistic value and show the deep historical roots of Iranian culture. Iran used to be a home for great poets: Rudaki, Daqiqi, Ferdowsi, Omar Khayyam (both a poet and a mathematician), Anvari, Molavi, Saadi and Hafez. Daqiqi was an epic poet, commissioned to write the original Shahnameh. He died when having completed only a thousand lines. His task was ably completed by Ferdowsi. The great poet Ferdowsi was 40 years old when he wrote Shahnameh (The Book of Kings), the national epic. It took him about 30 years to compose 60,000 couplets of the Shahnameh which gives the history of Iran to the end of the Sassanian period. Iranians are great music lovers and during the course of their twenty-five centuries of their recorded history, they have developed not only a very distinctive music of their own but also numerous musical instruments, several of which were the first prototypes of the modern musical instruments of today. The first references to musicians in Iran are found in Susa, Elam (relief sculptures and paintings of the 27th century BC). Iranian theatre has a history of traditional and ritualistic plays originating in both Islamic ceremonies and folk culture, with an oral performance-oriented nature. The country was introduced to Western-style dramatic forms about one hundred years ago through a number of translated plays. A lot of adapted or translated plays by playwrights like Albee, Brecht, Anouilh, Ibsen, Strindberg, Beckett, and Shakespeare are performed with alacrity as are plays originally written in Persian. Alongside urban theatre, a tradition of folk theatre is still present in the rural areas, rendering thin performances usually in village fairs and various folk occasions. Today, the theatrical landscape of Iran is characterised mainly by its public theatres, fully subsidised directly by the government and offers a wide range of drama including stage drama, puppet theatre and theatre for children and youth. Festivals and theatre reviews have become important segments of theatre life in more recent times. The Dramatic Arts Centre has organised annual and biennial national and international theatre festivals such as The International Fair Festival, held annually in Tehran with the participation of foreign and Iranian theatre companies. The festivals have eventually become one of the most important channels enhancing theatre life in the country. Customs All the travellers are obliged to fill in the Customs Declaration Form duplicate upon entering Iran. All currencies and other valuable items such as jewellery, cameras and computers being imported into the country must be declared in this form. The Customs Declaration Form must be surrendered at the time of departure. This allows

15 an easy export of all imported items. Duty Free: The following goods may be imported into Iran by tourists aged 18 and older without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or equivalent in tobacco products; a reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use; a reasonable amount of clothing and personal goods, otherwise it may be treated for trade purposes; camera and video camera, provided it is declared to the custom on arrival; sport gears and equipment, tents and camping facilities. Prohibited import: alcohol, narcotics, guns and ammunitions, radio apparatus, fashion magazines and obscene publications, and filmed, recorded or printed material carrying views contrary to those held by the Islamic regulations. Prohibited export: antiques, works of art, hand-written manuscripts, or different valuable coins, gems or precious stones. To export musical instruments, a permit is required from the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. When leaving Iran, you are allowed to take with you all kinds of souvenirs, provided they are not recognised antiques (it is always best to keep your sales receipts to show to the Customs officers). Every passenger may have one hand-woven carpet or two rugs of a maximum size of 12 square meters, 150 grams of wrought gold without gems and up to 3 kg of wrought silverware without gems. Ecology Air and water quality is generally good. Automobiles and industrial fossil fuel emissions cause most pollution problems. The unrestrained destruction of forests has caused widespread erosion and desertification in Iran. Likewise, deforestation of land near rivers and over-grazing has lead to extensive flooding in some parts of the country. Fertile topsoil is rapidly eroding due to poor conservation practices, mono cropping, heavy chemical pesticide and fertiliser use. Economy The government of Iran practices the so called Islamic economy, based upon three sectors: public, co-operative and private providing the most essential needs: housing, food, clothing, public health, medical treatment, education and the necessary conditions for establishing a family for all. The main economic wealth of Iran is, of course, petroleum. It is the fourth among the countries of the World, after Saudi Arabia, Russia and Kuwait, and is ranked second in the world in view of its natural gas reserve, after Russia. Almost one-tenth of the world's oil and one-fifth of the world's natural gas reserve are in Iran. Besides this, Iran has large mineral deposits and considerable amount of forest wealth, in addition to zinc, lead, chromate, iron ore, copper, red oxide and manganese, nickel, cobalt, tungsten, uranium, gold and silver. Iran has established free trade zones in Persian Gulf and Caspian Sea and offers incentives for investment and distribution of good in the domestic and regional market. In Iran, agricultural production accounts for about 20% of the gross domestic product. The principal products include wheat, rice, other grains, sugar beets, fruits, nuts, cotton, dairy products, wool, and caviar. Education By 2000 literacy for all Iranians aged 15 and older had reached 76.9 %. The literacy rate was higher for males (83.7 %) than for females (70 %); the rate was also higher in cities than in rural areas. In the past two decades, the education system has been reformed several times. General education is free and compulsory from the age of six. It comprises 5 years of primary, 3 years of lower secondary, 3 years of upper secondary and one year of preuniversity education. The language of instruction is Farsi.

16 Iran has more than 30 tuition-free public universities and many other institutes of higher learning. These include medical universities and specialised colleges providing instruction in teacher training, agriculture, and other subjects. In addition to the public system, Iran has a private system of higher education that consists of theological colleges and the Islamic Free University, which has been developing campuses in cities throughout the country since its establishment in the late 1980s. The university is presently active in over 110 cities in Iran with more than half a million students. Presently, 54 universities and institutes of higher education are active under the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology. In addition, the comprehensive Applied Sciences University was established in order to strengthen technical and vocational education. Some 33 private institutes of higher education, offering both undergraduate and postgraduate courses with about 23,000 students are active in Iran. Distance education is also available. Payam-e-Nour University aimed to expand higher education in remote areas for employed candidates, takes part in training of specialised manpower and makes efficient use of educational potentials and facilities. The university admitted students in 18 disciplines through nation-wide entrance examinations in 147 centres across the country. The number of students enrolled in all institutions in the academic year was 1,308,150 including 47.62% students in the public sector and 52.38% students in the private sector. The proportion of female students was 42.26% in the public sector and 44.46% in the private sector. Emblem was adopted on 10 May The colour of emblem is green. The symbol consists of four crescents and a sword. The four crescents are meant to stand for the word Allah (there is indeed some resemblance to the Arabic writing of it). The five parts of the emblem symbolise the five principles of Islam. Above the sword (central part) is a tashdid (looks a bit like a W). In Arabic writing this is used to double a letter, here it doubles the strength of the sword. The shape of the emblem is chosen to remind a tulip, for the memory of the (young) people who died for Iran. It is an ancient belief in Iran, dating back to mythology, that if a young soldier dies patriotically, a red tulip will grow on his grave. In recent years it is considered as the symbol of martyrdom. Flag was adopted on 29 July National Flag of Iran consists of three horizontal stripes: green, white and red with a red emblem in centre and stylised writings on the horizontal edges of the white stripe. The colours of the Iranian flag are traditional and they can be interpreted as representing the Islamic religion (green), peace (white), and courage (red). The flag's centrepiece formerly comprised a lion with a sword standing before a raising sun, with a crown above, but all traditional flags and banners were abolished after the abdication of the shah in There is Arabic writings in the borderline of the stripes. These are 11 green copies of the main Islamic phrase Allahu Akbar meaning "God is greater (than everything)" on the top and 11 red copies on the bottom of the white strip. Geography Iran occupies the territory of 1,648,195 square kilometres. It is situated in south-western Asia and borders on three CIS states: the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Turkmenistan, as well as the Caspian Sea in the north, Turkey and Iraq in the west, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman in the south and Pakistan and Afghanistan in the east. Iran is one of the world's most mountainous countries. The main mountain chain is the Zagros Mountains, that bisect the country from north-west to south-east. Many peaks in the Zagros exceed 3,000 meters above sea level, and in the south-central region of the country there are at least five peaks that are over 4,000 meters. Rimming the Caspian Sea littoral is another chain of mountains, the narrow but high Alborz Mountains. The centre of Iran consists of several closed basins that collectively are referred to as the Central Plateau. Two salt deserts, the Dasht-e Kavir and the Dasht-e Lut with an

17 area of over 200,000 and 166,000 square kilometres, respectively, cover the eastern part of the plateau. Except for some scattered oases, these deserts are uninhabited. Several rivers are flowing inside Iranian mainland, the only navigable one of which is the Karun (890 km). There is a permanent salt lake, Lake Urmia in the north-west, whose brine content is too high to support fish or most other forms of aquatic life. There are also several connected salt lakes along the Iran-Afghanistan border. The wildlife of Iran is very rich and includes many wolves, foxes, leopards, and lynx. Seals are found in the Caspian. In addition to wild goats, deer and gazelles abound, as do sheep and boars. Rodents are ubiquitous and 98 varieties of lizard are found. Health Medical care in Iran is limited and expensive. There are about 16,000 doctors in the country, mainly therapists and dentists, and about half of them work in the capital. There is a small number of hospitals with 1.5 beds per 1,000 people. Basic medical care and medicines are available in the principal cities of Iran, but they may not be available in outlying areas. When making a decision regarding health insurance, travellers should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service. Uninsured travellers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. Holidays March 21 - Now Ruz, New Year's Day. Businesses are on holiday for 5 days. The school holidays continue until: April 2 - Sizdah be-dar, 13th day of Now Ruz. On this day everyone stays out of doors thus repulsing evil according to an ancient tradition. April 1 - Islamic Republic Day June 4 - Death of Imam Khomeini June 5 - National Uprising February 11 - Victory of Islamic Revolution March 19 - Oil Industry Nationalised Religious Holidays The dates of Muslim holidays change each year in correspondence with Lunar Calendar. 13th Rajab - Imam Ali's Birthday. 27th Rajab - Mission of Holy Prophet. 15th Sha'ban - Birthday of Twelfth Imam. 21st Ramazan - Imam Ali's Martyrdom. 1st Shavval - End of Fasting Month. 25th Shavval - Martyrdom of Imam Saadeq 11th Zi-Qa'deh - Birthday of Imam Reza 10th Zi-Hajeh - The Festival of Sacrifices (Qadir) 9th Moharram - Taasou'a 10th Moharram - Ashura 20th Safar - Arba'in-e Hosseini 28th Safar - Death of Prophet, Martyrdom of Imam Hassan. 17th Rabi ol-avval - Birth of Prophet and Imam Saadeq. The last Friday of the fasting month is observed as Quods Day. Christian, Jewish, and Zoroastrian minorities have their own holidays. The favourite holiday is Now Ruz (New Day or New Year). Navruz is widely celebrated everywhere as the day of peace and charity.

18 Languages Persian (Farsi) is a member of the Indo-Iranian sub-family of the Indo- European languages, and the official language of the government and public instruction and is the mother tongue on more than half of the population. Historically, the Persian language has developed through three distinct stages: Old, Middle, and Modern. Old Persian, used exclusively for royal proclamations and announcements, is known chiefly from cuneiform inscriptions dating from the time of the Achaemenian Kings of ancient Persia (6th - 4th centuries BC). Middle Persian, derived directly from Old Persian, and also known as Pahlavi, prevailed under the Sassanian rulers of Persia (3rd - 8th centuries AD). Grammatically, much simplification of inflection took place in Middle Persian, which was recorded both in an Aramaic alphabet and a script called Huzvaresh. The official language of Zoroastrian Priesthood, it also had a noteworthy literature of Manichaean and Zoroastrian texts. The Modern form of Persian evolved directly from the Middle Persian (900 AD onward) has not changed much since that date. A number of Arabic words were added to the vocabulary as a result of the conquest of the Persia by the Muslim Arabs in the 7th century AD. Modern Persian, written from right to left in a modified version of the Arabic alphabet (it has four letters of its own in addition to those of the Arabic). English is the most widely spoken foreign language in Iran. Hotel and airline employees and others who deal with foreigners know enough English to cope with everyday problems. Tour guides are trained to specialise in one or more foreign languages. To make yourself understood, you may have to speak very slowly, clearly and simply. There are a number of other dialects and traditional languages Turkish (Azarbaijani), Kurdish, Luri, Guilaki, Baluchi and Arabic used by the corresponding provincial population for daily life purposes. Money The monetary unit in Iran is the Iranian Rial, internationally abbreviated into RI or Ris. There are 100 dinars in one Rial. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 250-Rial silver alloy coins are in circulation as well as banknotes for a value of 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and Rials. The value of the coins is indicated in Persian figures, the banknotes have the figures printed on one side in Persian and on the other in Latin numerals. In their daily dealings, Iranians use old currency unit called tuman, worth 10 Rials. In compliance with new currency policies and for the convenience of the foreigners, hotel and travel tour rates and the price of carpets are expressed in US dollars. Bank and Currency-Exchange Offices: A certain number of banks change foreign currency. Be sure to take your passport along when you go to change money. Note that small towns do not always have foreign currency exchange offices or banks. Most hotels and restaurants do not accept credit cards. Cash-dollars (not travellers' checks) are accepted as payment. Foreign currency must be declared at customs upon entry into the country. Banking hours: 08:30 AM to 04:00 PM Saturday to Wednesday and 08:30 AM to 12:00 AM Thursday and closed all day on Friday. Currency restrictions: The import of foreign currency is unlimited, but should be declared on arrival. The export of foreign currency is permitted up to the amount declared on arrival. The import and export of local currency exceeding 200,000 Iranian Rials is prohibited. Political system Iran is the Islamic Republic established after the Islamic Revolution of Under the Constitution of November 1979 all cultural, social, political and economic institutions of Iranian society are to be based on the Islamic principles and norms. All government policies are supervised and correlated with Divine decrees through the pious jurist (faqih) or the Supreme Leader. The legislative organ of the state is Islamic

19 Consultative Assembly. The chief executive is the President, and both are elected for a four-year term. The Constitution has also provided for a constitutional council of sages known as the Council of the Guardians of the Constitution, which has the power to either approve or vote out the Assembly's resolutions. The Assembly of Experts is another Islamic body responsible for the choosing of a Leader in the event of the present leader's demise, or to replace him with another one if required. Population The population of Iran is 66.6 million (2002 estimate); the growth rate is 0.76 % and population density is made up of 40.4 persons per square kilometre. The population of Iran consists of the following national and ethnic groups: Turks, Kurds, Baluchis, Lurs, Turkmens, Arabs, the Armenians, the Assyrians, and the Nomads, consisting of the Bakhtiari, Qashqaie, and several other smaller tribes. Approximately 57.3% of the population is urban and 42.7% is rural or migrating. Religion About 98.5% of the population is Muslim. The official religion of Iran is Islam, mainly of Shiite sect, although there are many Sunnis. Iran also has minority groups of Zoroastrians, Jews, Armenians, Assyrians, Catholics and Protestants, all of which are respected. Iran has a great mass of religious followers. Access to Islamic places of worship is generally open, except to non-believers and non-muslims. Synagogues and churches can be found in big cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Mashhad, Shiraz, Hamadan, Tabriz, etc. Shopping Shops offer a wide choice of carpets, rugs, Iranian handicrafts, miniatures, China inlaid works, engravings, brocade, silk and paintings. These shops are usually open between 9 AM to 9 PM during the week and closed on Fridays. In 4 or 5 stars hotels there is a number of gift / handicraft shops where a wide range of Iranian goods can be found. State System Iran is an Islamic Republic established after the Islamic Revolution of April 1, 1979 became the Islamic Republic Day. Traditions Iranian culture is class based, traditional and patriarchal. Tradition is mostly based on religion, particularly Islam, and its prescribed codes of behaviour. Iranians love to gather in big groups on family occasions. Weddings are considered to be the most important event in one's life. In a country as ethnically diverse and colourful as Iran, each region or ethnic group has a different set of traditions for the wedding process with the majority of those customs sharing some religious (Islamic) elements. Groom's family is expected to pay for all wedding expenses and if they do not they will be looked down. Bride's family on the other hand provides dowry in form of necessary items such as furniture etc. The higher the status of bride and groom the more elaborate are the parties, jewellery, bride price (mahr) dowry etc. Hospitality is major feature of Iranian people. People stand up when new guests arrive except with the elderly who will remain seated and sometimes women will only stand up when other females arrive. Zoroastrianism was the religion of Iran before the conquest of Islam in the 7th century AD. The architect of this religion, Zoroaster created many feasts and celebrations to pay homage to many deities and yazata (Eyzads) who symbolised all forces beneficial to humans. Seven of these festivals were regarded as feasts of obligation. Avestan texts (the Zoroastrians' holy book) divide the Iranian year into two equal parts or seasons. The first season was summer or Hama and the second was winter or Zayana. The coming of the two seasons would be celebrated through Now Ruz and Mehregan. The later is celebrated on the 16th of the seventh month Mehr at the time of the harvest festivals and beginning of the winter. It has been the second most elaborate celebration after Now Ruz. One of the oldest historical records about Mehregan refers back to the

20 Achaemenian times. Animal sacrifices are made by some. Lambs are slaughtered and the remains are mixed with lentils, herbs and a substantial meal is prepared. Once cooked, the meal is distributed freely to all local people including the non-zoroastrians. Now Ruz (New Year's Day) is widely celebrated everywhere in Iran. It is time of visiting family and friends. Carpet making is one of the ancient traditions. The art of carpet weaving is passed from generation to generation. Transport Air: Iran has an excellent airline network. Tehran is the major gateway to Iran, but international flights operate to other big cities as well. There are thirty airports in active use, eight of which are suitable for international flights. The latter include the Tehran Mehrabad Airport, Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz, Bandar Abbas, Ahwaz, and Zahedan. Iran Air, the state-owned domestic and international carrier, Aseman, and (the newly established) Mahan and Kish Air airlines have regular flights to the big cities and even smaller towns in remote parts of Iran. In Tehran you can find offices of some of the major international airlines such as: Aeroflot Russian, Air France, Arab Airlines, Armenian Airlines, Azerbaijan Hava Yolari, British Airways, Emirates, Gulf Air, KLM-Royal Dutch, Kuwait Airways, Lufthansa German Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Pakistan Int. Airlines, Swissair, Syrian Airlines. The Islamic Republic of Iran is connected with many countries of the world via direct flights. Rail: Iran's railway system is of relatively recent construction. The Trans-Iranian railway started operation in The overall Iranian railways include 5,802 km of single-track lines. Iran is linked by rail to three countries: Turkey, Pakistan, and the Republic of Azerbaijan (former Soviet Union). The two countries of Iran and Turkmenistan have also been discussing construction of a railway line from the nearest border point in Turkmenistan to Sarakhs in north-east Iran. The line would then be linked to Mashhad, and is scheduled to be a part of the Trans- Iranian railway line joining the north-east to the Persian Gulf through the Bafgh- Bandar-e Abbas line in the future. Several lateral railway lines connect the main line to remote provinces: Tehran- Tabriz-Jolfa, as well as connections with Turkish and European systems, with Qom-Isfahan and extension to Yazd, Bafgh, Zarand and Kerman; Zahedan Mirjabeh line joins the Pakistan system. Work is currently under way on a Kerman-Zahedan line and another one from Kerman to Bandar-e Abbas. The Iranian railway system uses relatively new equipment such as passenger carriages (3 classes), sleepers and restaurant-cars. Because of their comfort, security and speed, Iranian railways are an excellent means of discovering the country. BUS: Large towns and cities have urban bus services. Generally, inter-city bus services are not comfortable (except Tehran) or in some cases fairly regular. Bus terminals are often situated close to the railway stations, where you will found timetables and other information. Services from one town to another are provided by comfortable, air-conditioned, fast Pullman coaches. Apart from buses and taxis, there are a number of privately owned passenger carrying cars which act as part-time taxis, mainly in Tehran and provincial capitals. Construction of an underground railway (subway) is already underway. The first part of the metro began operating in Southern Tehran in 1989, which is mainly on the surface (and is used only during peak days of pilgrimage to the late Imam Khomeini's mausoleum).

21 Reservations Phone Cati: Sonya: Mark: Jantine: Laura: Mark Yeo International Travel Consultant Reservations: E: 12 Hoddle St, Abbotsford Phone Office hours Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. Our exclusive focus is on supported travel arrangements which provide our customers with a breadth and depth of service complimented by local expertise that is simply unparalleled Registered Travel Agents Licence Number Destination International Holidays is a member of the Travel Compensation Fund offering you security and peace of mind. How to book: Our office is located in Abbotsford in Melbourne. You can call our office on You can us on Mark: mark@ditravelcom.au You can call our office and make an appointment to come and meet with one of travel consultants. Payment can be made by: Credit card there is 2% bank fee charged for all major credit cards that will be added to your tour cost at time of payment. We only accept visa or mastercard. You can also pay by cash or cheque or by depositing these funds directly into our bank account at any Bendigo bank in Australia. There are no bank fees charged when you direct deposit the funds directly into our bank account.

22 Reservations Phone Please read this information prior to making your reservation. BROCHURE VALIDITY The information presented in our brochure is correct to the best of our knowledge, but is subject to change without notice. Changes can occur with respect to prices, itineraries, duration of holidays, service standards, tour content, airfares and schedules. This is out of our control. Please ensure you advise details of your requirements at the time of booking. GOODS AND SERVICES TAX (GST) The Australian GST does not apply to international travel. Any service fees, courier, cancellation and amendment fees are subject to GST. You will be charged GST where applicable. DEPOSIT A deposit of 50% per person of the total price is required to confirm your booking. Receipt of deposit will be taken as an understanding by Destination International & Rail & Cruise Tours that the customer has checked their confirmed travel arrangements and has read and agreed to the terms and conditions. FINAL PAYMENT Payment in full must be made no less than 65 days before travel. PRICES All prices for our tours are advised in Australian Dollars ($AUD). They are based on airfares, schedules and tariffs at the time of printing. Destination International & Rail & Cruise Tours reserves the right to vary the cost of the tour, taxes and airline prices if TRAVEL INSURANCE You must be insured for the duration of your trip. You need comprehensive travel insurance to cover cancellation, health requirements, luggage and additional expenses. Insurance policies rarely cover for loss of cash. ACCOMMODATION There will be variations in the size, standard and presentation of rooms and facilities within the one hotel. This is beyond the control of Destination International & Rail & Cruise Tours. CLAIMS If you encounter any problems on your holiday, you should to try and solve it directly with the supplier whilst overseas. If it is not possible to do so please do so in writing within 30 days of completing your Destination International & Rail & Cruise Tours arrangements. PASSPORT, VISA & VACCINATIONS You must familiarise yourself with any visa and health requirements that may be applicable in the countries you are visiting. You are responsible for all entry/exit health and any other documents required by laws, regulations, orders, demands or requirements of countries visited or transited. Please note that passport and visa requirements are not the responsibility of Destination International & Rail & Cruise Tours. We will not be held liable for any loss or expense due to the failure to comply with the above. We recommend that you be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay overseas.