Ancient Persia Modern Iran

Transcription

1 Ancient Persia Modern Iran 2016

2 photo: Ann Schneider Ancient Persia Modern Iran Iran From Top To Bottom Six departures in 2016 Cultural Series 18 Days April April 18-May 5 April 25-May 12 September 5-22 September October 3-20 Persia, the exotic land that is home to one of the world s oldest civilizations, has been known as Iran since 1935 and is now a modern country of some 77 million people. Explore Iran s fabulous bazaars, admire its splendid architecture and complex ornamentation, discover its formidable archaeological sites and converse with the people who call it home. Begin in Tabriz, browsing its labyrinthine UNESCO-listed bazaar, flourishing since the 13 th century, and visit the nearby cave-town of Kandovan. Head to Zanjan to admire the turquoise dome of the beautifully restored Soltaniyeh Mausoleum before exploring the capital, Tehran. Travel to the celebrated cities of Zoroastrian Yazd, 6,000-foot Kerman, poetic Shiraz with its monumental ruins of Persepolis, and graceful lsfahan, as well as to outlying towns and villages that offer a closer look at the Iranian people. Experience ten fabulous UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA FAX info@mircorp.com 2

3 Daily Itinerary Day 1, Monday Day 2, Tuesday Day 3, Wednesday Day 4, Thursday Day 5, Friday Day 6, Saturday Day 7, Sunday Day 8, Monday Day 9, Tuesday Day 10, Wednesday Day 11, Thursday Day 12, Friday Day 13, Saturday Day 14, Sunday Day 15, Monday Day 16, Tuesday Day 17, Wednesday Day 18, Thursday Arrive Tabriz Tabriz Tabriz Tabriz Zanjan Zanjan Qazvin Tehran Tehran Tehran fly to Kerman Kerman Kerman Yazd Yazd Yazd Shiraz Shiraz Shiraz Shiraz Bishapur Yasuj Yasuj Isfahan Isfahan Isfahan Depart Isfahan MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA FAX 3

4 MIR Signature Experiences Join the crowds of shoppers in the labyrinthine UNESCO-listed Tabriz bazaar. Explore the cave-town of Kandovan, dug into the side of a mountain by people fleeing the Mongol invasion. Marvel at the views from the Tower of Silence in Yazd. Admire the stunning Islamic architecture of Isfahan. Enjoy lunch in a restaurant converted from a traditional hamam. Visit with members of the nomadic Qashqai tribe. Discover Iran s greatest lyric poet s inspiration, the gardens of Shiraz. Awaken to ancient history as you visit the incredible ruins of Persepolis. Join the crowds of shoppers in the bazaars of Isfahan. Visit local weavers in their workshops and learn about this ancient handicraft. Tour Highlights Tabriz 15th century Blue Mosque, Tabriz Bazaar (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Monastery of St. Stephanos (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Kandovan Zanjan Takht-e Soleyman (UNESCO World Heritage Site) Qazvin Friday Mosque, Mausoleum of Imamzadeh Hossein Tehran Abgineh Museum of Glass and Ceramics, Sa ad Abad Palace, Golestan Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Crown Jewels at Central Bank, Carpet Museum, Reza Abbasi Museum Kerman Old hamam (bathhouse) Museum, Friday Mosque, Vakil Bazaar Rayen Arg-e Rayen ancient citadel Mahan Shrine of Shah Nematollah Vali, Shahzadeh Gardens (UNESCO World Heritage Site), carpet workshop Yazd Towers of Silence, Zoroastrian Fire Temple, Friday Mosque, Old Town, Dowlat-Abad Garden (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Alexander Prison Pasargadae Achaemenid tomb of Cyrus the Great (UNESCO World Heritage Site) Shiraz City of Roses and Nightingales, Tomb of Hafez, Narenjestan Garden, Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, local bazaar Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Naghsh-e Rostam, burial sites of Darius the Great, Xerxes and Artaxerxes, Kabe-Zardosht fire temple and sanctuary, Sassanian rock-reliefs Firuzabad Ardeshir I Palace, Qashqai nomads Bishapur Rock reliefs at Tang-e-Chogan Yasuj Zagros Mountains Isfahan Imam Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Ali Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah and Imam mosques, Armenian Quarter, Cathedral of Vank, Bridges of the Zayandeh River, Friday Mosque (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Ali Minaret, Jewish Quarter, Royal Qeisarieh Bazaar, Zoorkhaneh (house of strength) MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA FAX info@mircorp.com 4

5 Itinerary Important note: Please see the notes later in this document under Pre- and Post-tours for details on hotel check-in time at the beginning of the program, and the best arrival times into Tabriz. Day One, Monday Arrive Tabriz On arrival today in Tabriz you will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. The day is left free for arrivals with touring scheduled to begin tomorrow. Tabriz, a city of 1.2 million people in northwest Iran, is the capital of Iran s East Azerbaijan Province. A majority of its citizens speak Azeri, a Turkic language, rather than Persian, but consider themselves Shi a Muslims like the rest of their countrymen. Tabriz is the fourth-largest city in Iran, and its second-largest trade and manufacturing center. The city is famous for its carpets, and for its status as the place where the Iranian Constitutional Revolution began in In 1998, a British Egyptologist suggested that Tabriz was the location of the historical Garden of Eden. At an altitude of 4,200 feet, the area is cooler and more fertile than much of Iran. Meals: En Route/Independent Pars Hotel or similar Day Two, Tuesday Tabriz Begin touring this morning after breakfast in the hotel. Touring starts with the Blue Mosque. Built in 1465, the historic Blue Mosque is so-called because of the intricate mosaic made from blue tiles on the facade of the building. Though damaged in a 1778 earthquake, the remains of the mosque were restored in the early 1900s as part of an initiative by the government to preserve Persian culture. Next visit the Azerbaijan Museum. Tabriz's Azerbaijan Museum houses countless historical pieces from the region. Of particular note are the bronze and pottery artifacts that date from 5000 BC and an extensive collection of Islamic books and manuscripts. On the second floor, visitors can view traditional costumes from throughout Iran, Armenia and Azerbaijan. After lunch at a local restaurant, stop at the UNESCO-listed Tabriz Bazaar. One of the oldest and largest covered bazaars in the world, the UNESCO-listed Tabriz Bazaar was already flourishing in the 13th century, a hub of Silk Road commerce. The labyrinthine bazaar continued in importance until the 18th century, MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA FAX info@mircorp.com 5

6 when the Ottomans increased in power. Different crafts are represented in different sections of the complex. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant before overnight at the hotel. Meals: B, L, D Pars Hotel or similar Day Three, Wednesday Tabriz Start this morning with a trip out of town to the village of Kandovan, built into a mountain just outside of Tabriz. The initial inhabitants were fleeing a Mongol invasion when they came upon the natural protection afforded by the caves and rather than move into the valley below, decided to build their homes against the cliff face so that the entire town blends into the landscape and looks like part of a rock formation. The remote monastery of St. Stephanos is set against the dramatic backdrop of the hills surrounding Jolfa. The 9th century Armenian monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to the long history of Christianity in this part of Iran. The elaborate brickwork on the facade of its central dome is an outstanding example of Armenian decorative tradition. Surrounded by a fortress, the monastery is still a place of pilgrimage. Return to Tabriz for dinner and overnight at the hotel. Meals: B, L, D Pars Hotel or similar Day Four, Thursday Tabriz Zanjan Set off today for the long drive to Zanjan, stopping en route for touring near Takab to see the Throne of Solomon. Takht-e Soleyman, or Throne of Solomon, is a UNESCO-listed archeological site centered on a volcanic crater lake. A sacred place for thousands of years, the site includes the remains of a 3rd century Zoroastrian fire temple and a 6th century Sassanian temple to Anahita. After the Arab invasion brought Islam to the area, temple guardians renamed the Zoroastrian complex Solomon s Throne to save it from destruction. Continue to Zanjan, with lunch en route and evening arrival in the city. Capital of Zanjan Province in northeastern Iran, the city of Zanjan has a population of some 400,000. This province borders Azerbaijan on the north, and is populated mainly with Iranian Azerbaijanis, who speak a dialect of the Turkic Azerbaijani language. The city retains some of its ancient charm, with little alleyways, mosques and a covered bazar. Meals: B, L, D Zanjan Grand Hotel or similar Day Five, Friday Zanjan Qazvin Tehran Depart Zanjan this morning. The ultimate goal is Iran s capital, Tehran, with time for touring en route. The road passes through Qazvin, a little over a hundred miles northwest of Tehran. First visit Soltaniyeh. The UNESCO-listed mausoleum at Soltaniyeh was constructed in the early 14th century by Mongol sultan Oljatu Khodabandeh. It was meant to house the remains of Imam Ali, Mohammed s son-in-law, but the sultan had a change of heart and made it his own burial place. The mausoleum s dome, or gonbad, is over 150 feet high and the highlight of the MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA FAX info@mircorp.com 6

7 complex. Covered in turquoise faience, the dome is a fine example of early Islamic architecture. Lunch will be in Qazvin followed by touring here. Qazvin was founded in the 3rd century BC and served as the capital of Persia during the 16th century. The city of about 350,000 has some of Iran s finest domed cisterns and several beautiful shrines and mausoleums. Enjoy a brief city tour here, making a stop at the Friday Mosque and the Mausoleum of Imamzadeh Hossein. Arrive in Tehran late this evening for dinner and overnight. Meals: B, L, D Laleh Hotel, Espinas Hotel, or similar Day Six, Saturday Tehran After the Mongols destroyed the Silk Road city of Rey, Tehran rose in its place as the region s most important trading center. By 1789 Tehran had become the capital of Persia under the Qajar ruler, Agha Mohammed Khan. While the city grew in prominence, it remained basically unchanged until the massive modernization efforts of the 1920s. Since then, Tehran has grown in population from less than 300,000 to a metropolis of more than eight million. Modern Tehran is full of shops, museums, mosques, minarets, restaurants, teahouses and a sprawling bazaar. Start with a visit to the Archaeology Museum, displaying Persian antiquities, art and artifacts from Iran s long past. French architect and archaeologist André Godard designed the museum s main building in the early 20th century, and was for many years director of the Archaeology Department as well. Tools thought to have been made by Neanderthals, figures from the Achaemenid Empire, bronzes, carvings, pre-historic pottery and artifacts from Susa and Persepolis can be seen here. Time permitting visit the Abgineh Museum of Glass and Ceramics today as well. The glassware museum displays objects made from both glass and clay that date back as early as the 4th millennium BC. Besides archaeological artifacts, the museum displays etched glass from the 18th and 19th centuries and decorative objects from the modern period. Golestan Palace is the oldest of Tehran s historic monuments, begun in the 16th century as a fortress by the Safavid Dynasty. Encompassing several palatial buildings around a cool green garden, the complex includes the Marble Throne, created from 65 pieces of yellow Yazd marble. Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant, and then visit the world-famous Crown Jewels. From simple unset diamonds to jewel-encrusted crowns, scepters and weapons, the size and inestimable value of the national treasures rival any such collection in the world. (Note, the Crown Jewels are subject to restrictive and fluctuating schedules; this visit will be included if schedules permit.) Meals: B, L, D Laleh Hotel, Espinas Hotel, or similar MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA FAX info@mircorp.com 7

8 Day Seven, Sunday Tehran fly to Kerman Today, continue touring Tehran with a stop at the Carpet Museum. One of the major museums in Tehran, the Carpet Museum has a wonderful collection of 17th century pieces. In Northern Tehran visit the Sa ad Abad Palace. The palace is the former residence of the deposed royal family of Iran. Today the several palaces of the complex, including the White and Green Palaces, all located on beautiful and extensive grounds, have been converted into museums. Next visit the Reza Abbasi Museum. Showcasing objects from Iran s distant past through 19th century calligraphy, the Reza Abbasi Museum gives a general overview of the development of decorative and applied arts throughout Iran s long and storied history. Highlights include the metal and gold objects from the Sassanid Dynasty (about 650 AD) and many paintings by the museum s namesake, Reza Abbasi, a 17th century painter of the Isfahan School renowned for his miniature portraits. This evening transfer to the airport for the evening flight to Kerman. Located in southeastern Iran, Kerman enjoys a relatively cool climate because of its 5,900-foot altitude. Set in a high valley between the huge massif of the Zagros Mountains and the Dasht-e Lut Desert, Kerman has been geographically isolated for much of its existence. It is believed to have been founded in the 3rd century, and traded mainly with India and the Persian Gulf countries. For the last hundred years it has been on the railway line to Pakistan. Since Sassanian times it has endured a variety of ruling empires, from Arabs to Turkmen to Qajars. In spite of centuries of upheaval, Kerman encompasses many architectural treasures. On arrival in Kerman, check-in for overnight at the hotel. Meals: B, L, D Pars Hotel or similar Day Eight, Monday Kerman day trip to Rayen, Mahan Following breakfast at the hotel, begin touring the region around historic Kerman including the nearby cities of Mahan and the mud-brick fortress of Arg-e Rayen. This small citadel is at least one thousand years old, but its foundations could be much older. The sturdy ramparts and the watchtowers surround a governor s mansion, a military garrison, a bazaar and stables. Located in the foothills of the Hezar Mountains, Rayen was famous for its handmade knives, which were said to guarantee victory to their possessors MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA FAX info@mircorp.com 8

9 The touring after lunch today includes Mahan, with a visit to the mausoleum of the great Sufi teacher, Shah Nematollah Vali, the Shahzadeh Garden, and, schedules permitting, to a carpet workshop. Sufi leader, poet and mystic Shah Nematollah Vali was born in the 14th century. Founder of the Nematollahi order of Sufis, he is said to have been 100 years old when he died in His mausoleum complex, including three courtyards, a reflecting pool, minarets and a mosque, is renowned for its tilework and its faceted interior ceiling. Nematollah s tomb has been a place of pilgrimage for many years. One of perhaps ten true Persian gardens left in Iran, the UNESCO-listed Shahzadeh, or Prince Garden is a walled oasis surrounding the palace of the governor of Kerman. Built in the 1880s, the garden s highlight is a stairway of terraced pools flowing one into the next below the white palace. The graceful composition is set in front of a mountainous backdrop that is sometimes dusted with snow. Groves of flowering almond and pomegranate trees perfume the air. Time permitting, there may be an the opportunity to visit some small private weaving workshops around Jupar before returning to Kerman for a tour of Kerman s splendid bazaar. Kerman is well known for its brilliantly-colored carpets and tapestries. The Friday Mosque, built in 1348 and decorated in polychrome tiles, the Turkish Imam Mosque and the Vakil Bazaar are some of Kerman s most interesting sites. Visit the Hamam (bathhouse) Museum, and enjoy sipping tea in an old hamam that has been converted to a teahouse. Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight. Meals: B, L, D Pars Hotel, or similar Day Nine, Tuesday Kerman Yazd Today after breakfast, set off overland to Yazd. En route, observe the unusual molehill-like mounds of earth spaced at regular intervals. These are the surface evidence of qanats, a system of underground canals that collect spring runoff water from the mountains. The water flows downhill through a series of underground pipes to urban and agricultural centers. The skills needed to build and maintain these underground canals have been preserved for over 2,500 years. Meals: B, L, D Dad Hotel, Tourist Inn or similar Please see the Important Notes section starting on Page 17 for information about Days Nine and Ten of the October 3 departure MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA FAX info@mircorp.com 9

10 Day Ten, Wednesday Yazd The city of Yazd was founded in the fifth century AD. Its isolated location and desert climate proved to be the city s greatest assets, concealing it from the waves of invaders that destroyed other more favorably situated cities. Zoroastrians fleeing Arab invaders found safe haven in Yazd, as did artists and poets escaping the Mongols. Combined, they made Yazd a city of tolerance and beauty. Marco Polo called the city noble. Stretched between two deserts, Yazd was a traditional center of Zoroastrianism, an ancient faith that was the state religion during various Persian dynasties. Zoroastrianism is a monotheistic belief system that stresses a dualism in the universe between good and evil. Practitioners are charged with thinking good thoughts, speaking good words, and executing good deeds. The religion is often confused with fire worship due to the use of fire during ceremonies, and is known for its Towers of Silence, used in a practice similar to Tibetan sky burial. Yazd means to feast and worship, and many people in Yazd maintain their Zoroastrian traditions. Yazd is renowned for its textiles, and in particular termeh, a type of silk brocade that has been produced in Yazd for centuries. Today the city is a well-preserved Persian marvel. Take an introductory tour of the town s bazaars, the Friday Mosque, the Old Town, Alexander Prison, the Zoroastrian Fire Temple, and the Dowlat-Abad Garden. While strolling along the narrow, winding streets of Yazd, look for badgirs, or wind towers, built on the clay-colored adobe houses to direct breezes into the homes, like ancient air-conditioners. Originally founded in the 12th century and added to in the 14th and 15th, the Friday Mosque stands on the site of an ancient Zoroastrian fire temple. Its beautiful tiled entrance portal, or iwan, is the highest in the country. The dome and altar inside the mosque display lovely tile decoration and decorative brickwork, though much is restoration from the 18th and 19th centuries. The UNESCO-listed Dowlat Abad Garden is a classical Persian walled garden, watered by a qanat and with the tallest badgir in the country. Originally built for Mohammad Tagi Khan-e Yazdi in 1783, the garden surrounds a small pavilion decorated with beautifully latticed doors and stained glass. Zoroastrians from around the world visit the Fire Temple in Yazd to see its eternal flame, said to have been burning since 470 AD. The flame is visible through a glass in the entrance hall; only Zoroastrians can enter the hall where it burns, attended by priests. The flame represents the Zoroastrian supreme being, Ahura Mazda. Continue with a visit to the Towers of Silence. Built on hills or low mountains away from city centers, Towers of Silence played their part in a tradition practiced by Iranian Zoroastrians up until the 20th century. Zoroastrians consider the dead body unclean, and were prohibited from burying or cremating corpses, thereby MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA FAX info@mircorp.com 10

11 polluting the earth or the air. Instead, they placed their dead on top of the Towers of Silence for consumption by vultures and then cleansing by sun and wind. Although no longer used, the ancient Towers of Silence remain on the outskirts of Yazd. Enjoy dinner and an overnight at the hotel this evening. Meals: B, L, D Dad Hotel, Laleh Golshan or similar Please see the Important Notes section starting on Page 17 for information about Days Nine and Ten of the October 3 departure. Day Eleven, Thursday Yazd Pasargadae Shiraz Get started this morning on a drive to the city of Shiraz, and along the way make a stop to inspect the ruins of Pasargadae. Cyrus the Great founded Pasargadae, the first capital of the Achaemenid Empire, in the 6th century BC. Set apart from the other ruins is the limestone mausoleum of Cyrus, which had been looted by the time Alexander the Great paid it a visit in 324 BC. Darius I began building Persepolis and moved the capital to his city not long after Cyrus death. Pasargadae has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, and though little remains of the ancient city, its diverse architectural styles show that the empire respected the diversity of its subjects. Continue the long drive, and arrive in Shiraz in the evening to check in to the hotel. The fabled city of Shiraz has a long and remarkable history stretching over 2,500 years. It is the capital of the Fars Province where the Persian language of Farsi originated. One of the most important cities of the Islamic medieval period, Shiraz has reigned as the capital of several Islamic dynasties. A major artistic, religious, and academic center, the city is famed for its poetry, gardens, learning centers and architecture. Beautiful, romantic and hospitable, Shiraz is the favorite of many travelers, and remains one of the most enjoyable places to visit in all of Iran. Meals: B, L, D Pars International Hotel, Homa Hotel, or similar After breakfast, depart for one of the most important sites of the Ancient World, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid kings, Persepolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Darius I initiated the building of Persepolis, a huge undertaking of art and architecture. Spend the day exploring this venerable city, some of the most fascinating ruins in the world. View the famous bas-reliefs showing kings, courtiers and gift-bearing representatives of the Persian Empire s tributary nations. Day Twelve, Friday Shiraz day trip to Persepolis Please note that Friday can be a busy day with domestic tourists at Persepolis; which may give a great chance to visit with locals MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA FAX info@mircorp.com 11

12 but can also mean crowded circumstances. The tour continues to the tombs of Naghsh-e Rostam. The monumental rock carvings at Naghsh-e Rostam are thought to be the tombs of Darius the Great, Darius II, Xerxes and Artaxerxes. Carved in the Elamite, Achaemenian and Sassanid periods, the cliff walls contain the façade of a palace. Admire the Kabe-Zardosht fire temple and sanctuary, and seven magnificent Sassanian rock-reliefs, including Shapur I s famous victory over Roman Emperor Valerian. Return to Shiraz to continue touring this City of Roses and Nightingales, including the tomb of Iran s greatest lyric poet, Hafez. Surrounded by a lovely garden, the tomb of Iran s favorite poet is a place of pilgrimage and reverence. Hafez was born and died in Shiraz in the 14th century, and many Iranians know his poems by heart. The marble tombstone is engraved with some of his verses. The teahouse by a cooling pool is a wonderful place to sit and people-watch. Also visit the Narenjestan Garden with its beautiful cypress-lined avenues. The Naranjestan Ghavam Museum was once the grand house of the Qavam family who were wealthy governors in the Shiraz region. The house itself is a fine example of 19th century Persian architecture and the gardens have been kept meticulously. Frescoes and carvings in the building depict lions (the family crest) and human figures along with flower motifs. In 1966, the house was donated to Shiraz University and was used as an Asian Art Museum until Now, it is a museum in and of itself. Schedules permitting there may be time for a stop at a local bazaar. Meals: B, L, D Pars International Hotel, Homa Hotel, or similar Day Thirteen, Saturday Shiraz day trip to Firuzabad This morning, make a quick stop to explore the lovely pink-tiled Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, constructed from 1876 to It is an explosion of color with some of the finest examples of Persian Islamic tilework and architecture in Shiraz. Then drive to Firuzabad, located south of Shiraz. The town dates back to 220 AD, when the Parthians were defeated and Ardashir I, the first king of the Sassanid dynasty, became the new king of Persia. Visit the ruins of his splendid palace, located just outside the ancient walled city, with a view overlooking a small natural lake MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA FAX info@mircorp.com 12

13 Firuzabad is one of the centers of nomadic peoples in Iran. There may be opportunities along the way to spot the Qashqai nomads on the way to, or returning from, their summer pastures. The Qashqai women weave rugs celebrated for their bright colors and geometric designs. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant known for its wonderful Persian stew. Return to Shiraz for dinner and overnight. Meals: B, L, D Pars International Hotel, Homa Hotel, or similar Day Fourteen, Sunday Shiraz Bishapur Yasuj Following breakfast at the hotel, drive the mountainous route to Kazerun and Bishapur, ancient cities with ruins dating back to the Sassanian period. The Sassanids, who reigned from 224 to 651, were the last native dynasty to rule Persia before the Arabs arrived. King Shapur I built Bishapur in 266, using defeated Roman soldiers from the armies of Emperor Valerian. Outside the city, Shapur and one of his successors used the steep walls of the Bishapur River Canyon as a gallery for enormous carvings depicting military victories and investitures. The place is called Tang-e-Chogan. Although an ancient aqueduct finally pulled down in the 1970s damaged some of the rock-reliefs, their size and scope are spectacular. Continue on to Yasuj for dinner and overnight. Meals: B, L, D Azadi Hotel or similar Day Fifteen, Monday Yasuj Isfahan Following breakfast, drive north through the Zagros Mountains. The mountain vistas are gorgeous and perfect for frequent photo stops; depending on the route you may pass several of the cascades that give this region the nickname The Land of Waterfalls. Arrive in Isfahan in the late afternoon and check in to the exotic Abbasi Hotel, built on the site of a 17th-century caravanserai. Under the rule of Shah Abbas the Great of the 16th-century Safavid dynasty, Isfahan became one of the most celebrated and beautiful cities of the world, referred to as Nesf-e Jahan meaning half of the world. Even after centuries of turmoil and destruction at the hands of foreign invaders, Isfahan s grace is palpable. Isfahan possesses what many consider the best bazaar in Iran, as well as an abundance of mosques, gardens, palaces, and many other historical points of interest. The beautiful blue-tiled buildings are considered some of the most extraordinary architecture in the world today. Meals: B, L, D Hotel Abbasi, Kowsar Hotel, or similar MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA FAX info@mircorp.com 13

14 Day Sixteen, Tuesday Isfahan This morning, depart on a full day of exploration. Visit one of the world s largest public squares, Meidan-e Naghsh-e Jahan, also known as Imam Square. Located in the center of Isfahan, it is one of the largest urban squares in the world. Shah Abbas the Great built the graceful ensemble in the early 17th century after he moved the capital here. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the square was the symbolic center of the Safavid Empire. Some of the buildings surrounding the square are the wonderful Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, the Ali Qapu Palace, and the Qeisarieh Bazaar. Namaaz-e Jom eh, Friday prayer, is held in this square. Isfahan s Imam Mosque, at the far end of Imam Square, is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the world. Flanked by two tall turquoise minarets, its massive entry portal is 80 feet high, and decorated with cobalt, turquoise and lapis lazuli mosaic tiles and complicated stalactite moldings. The inner courtyard surrounds a reflecting pool, and four iwans, or portals, lead into four fabulously decorated sanctuaries. Begun in 1611 by Shah Abbas I, the Imam Mosque was dedicated in Admire the Ali-Qapu Palace, where Safavid Kings watched polo games from the balcony. The Ali-Qapu Palace was built at the end of the 16th century and was intended as a gateway to the royal palaces beyond. Its central feature is the tall verandah overlooking the square, its ceiling richly decorated with painted plaster. The music room on the sixth floor has a gorgeous ceiling punctuated with cutouts of vases and musical instruments, which served an acoustical as well as decorative function. The Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is an exquisite small mosque on Imam Square built during Shah Abbas time, and dedicated to his father-in-law. This beautifully decorated 17th century mosque took nearly 20 years to complete. The Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque was once called the Women s Mosque, because of a tunnel running between it and the Ali-Qapu Palace, which allowed the royal women to attend prayers without being seen in public. Next, enjoy an opportunity to learn more about traditional Iranian arts and crafts with a visit to the legendary bazaars of Isfahan. After dinner at a local restaurant, and time permitting, watch a performance at a Zoorkhaneh, a traditional Persian gymnasium where men practice and perform special exercises that have great historical and sometimes spiritual meaning. First appearing hundreds of years ago when Persia had been conquered by the Mongols, the gymnasiums were secret places where men could train to fight the occupying armies. The physical training took on a spiritual significance over time, incorporating Sufi elements such as purity and truthfulness. Today, participants exercise with wooden clubs called mil and metal shields called sang. Traditional music and drumming often accompany the exercises. Meals: B, L, D Hotel Abbasi, Kowsar Hotel, or similar MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA FAX info@mircorp.com 14

15 Day Seventeen, Wednesday Isfahan Continue exploring Isfahan after breakfast this morning. See the famous bridges of the Zayandeh River, Shahrestan, Khaju and Si-o-se Pol. The bridges are great places to bask in the atmosphere of Isfahan. Take a walk in the former Jewish Quarter, called the Juibareh, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Isfahan. Jews no longer live here, although about a thousand still live in Isfahan. Jews trace their Photo: Ann Schneider relationship with Persia to the 6th century BC, when they were exiled to Babylon and scattered throughout the area. It was Persian Emperor Cyrus the Great who allowed them to return to the Land of Israel. Through the centuries the Jews in Persia were alternately tolerated and persecuted. In the 16th century, Shah Abbas I encouraged Jews to settle in Isfahan, although by the time Lord Curzon visited in the 19th century, many restrictions were in force. Before the Islamic revolution in 1979, there were perhaps 3,000 Jews in Isfahan, many of whom fled to Israel or the U.S. Today several synagogues hold Sabbath services in other parts of the city, including an unmarked synagogue on Meidan Felestin (Palestine Square) near the Abbasi Hotel. Continue the exploration with a visit to the spectacular Friday Mosque, one of the world s greatest mosques and an excellent example of Persian architecture. Also known as Masjid-e- Jameh, the Friday Mosque looks more austere from the outside than the mosques in Imam Square. Its interior, however, encompasses over 800 years of Islamic architectural styles. With over 200 vaults, some of them decorated with the then-innovative muqarnas (small pointed niches or stalactite formations), the complex makes up the largest and most eclectic mosque in Iran. It was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in Time permitting, visit the Armenian Quarter, location of several churches, including the Vank Cathedral. The sand colored stonework of Vank Cathedral conceals a beautifully ornate interior, with delicate tilework and gilt embellishments. Vank is an important historical reminder of the Armenian migration to Isfahan and is located in the Armenian neighborhood of New Julfa. During the 17th century, Armenians began settling at the southern bank of the Zayandeh Roud River and the cathedral dates from some of the earliest settlements in Used now as a museum, a memorial to the Armenian genocide, and as the home of a historic printing press, Vank is still at the heart of the community of Armenian-Iranians and houses over 20,000 volumes of literary and religious works in Armenian. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner this evening with your tour manager and fellow travelers. Meals: B, L, D Hotel Abbasi, Kowsar Hotel, or similar MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA FAX info@mircorp.com 15

16 The tour concludes with transfers to the airport. Meals: B Hotel Abbasi, Kowsar Hotel, or similar Day Eighteen, Thursday Depart Isfahan Dates for Six Departures - Cultural Series The land itinerary is scheduled to be operated on the following dates. Please note you need to depart the U.S. at least two days prior to the tour start date due to airline flight schedules. April 11-28, 2016 April 18-May 5, 2016 April 25-May 12, 2016 Special departure hosted by Patricia Schultz, author of the best selling book 1000 Places to See Before you Die September 5-22, 2016 September 12-29, 2016 October 3-20, 2016 Package Prices 6-16 travelers, $6,495 per person, double occupancy Plus internal air $130 (economy class, subject to change) Single supplement $1,295 Tour Includes Shared accommodations in well-located first class hotels in the major cities and best available hotels elsewhere. (Best available properties may still be basic and simple.) 17 breakfasts, 16 lunches, and 16 dinners. Bottled water at group meals. Restaurant tips for included meals. Arrival and departure transfers. MIR will arrange for all travelers to be met upon arrival and seen off on departure whether we make your air arrangements or not, provided you arrive in Tabriz and depart in Isfahan on the tour start and end dates. Transportation throughout itinerary by private van or coach (size of vehicle depends on group size) Guided sightseeing tours and entrance fees as outlined in itinerary. Services of an experienced, English-speaking MIR Tour Manager with local guides at specific sites. Baggage handling, where available. Gratuities to local guides and drivers. Complete pre-departure information including detailed packing list, reading list, insurance information. Touring with MIR handbook with country-specific information, maps, and travel tips. Assistance booking your custom flight arrangements (on request; please note that international airfare is not included in the land tour cost). Customized visa application and instruction kit (please note, visa fees are not included in the tour price). Final document packet including luggage tags, final updates, and more MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA FAX info@mircorp.com 16

17 Not Included Internal airfare is quoted separately and subject to change by airlines International airfare or taxes available through MIR; please call for rates Meals not specified as included in the itinerary Items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, etc.) Gratuities to Tour Manager Single supplement charge, if requested or required Visa fees Travel and trip cancellation insurance. Interested in travel insurance? To learn more about all the benefits of purchasing a Travel Guard travel insurance plan, please visit or contact Travel Guard at Cultural Series MIR s Cultural Series programs feature some of our most distinctive tour concepts and include uncommon and educational experiences, including visits to small towns and villages outside the major urban areas and capital cities. All trips feature comfortable, well-located hotels. Important Notes: Is This Trip Right For You? The accommodations vary from first class to very basic and simple hotels. It is important to keep in mind that parts of Iran are not up to the standards North American travelers expect. Services are improving; however, you may encounter problems with bureaucratic service, road conditions, plumbing, unpaved sidewalks, uneven surfaces and steps, variety of locally available foods, and availability and quality of public restrooms. You are traveling in some areas that see relatively few travelers, and the infrastructure is not yet fully developed. While this program is designed to be the most comfortable possible for travel in this region, it is rated as rigorous touring due to the daily walking involved, the length of some bus rides and the overall shortcomings of the tourism infrastructure. This itinerary features a significant amount of touring on foot. Many streets are made of packed dirt, and some attractions are only accessible via steep staircases with tall uneven steps. Some of the cities visited are over 5,000 feet in elevation, about the same as Denver. Often the museums have no elevators. In particular, at the archaeological site of Persepolis, an entire half-day is spent exploring on foot, without access to shade or seating. At Isfahan s Ali-Qapu Palace, there are approximately 80 steps to negotiate before coming to the rooftop viewing area. Drives in the northern part of the country at the beginning of the program include long and winding mountainous roads. In the past some have experienced motion sickness, and it may be advisable to come prepared with motion sickness preventatives. Western style toilet facilities are not reliably available outside of hotels. The October 3 departure of this program will coincide with the holiday of Ashura. This holiday will most likely fall on October 11 and October 12, though it could move by a day or so in either direction due to the lunar calendar. During this holiday, the sites mentioned on the itinerary such as monuments, museums, shops and bazaars will be closed. This will have an impact on the touring schedule. However, we consider a visit during Ashura to be an exciting opportunity for MIR travelers, who will be able to witness the processions and other holiday observances first hand. Past groups have found a visit during this time period to be extremely interesting and found it an opportunity for outstanding personal/cultural exchange. Travel during MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA FAX info@mircorp.com 17

18 major holidays does require a larger than normal dose of flexibility and adaptability, and the realization that while we preserve the planned touring to the best of our abilities, some sites may simply not be possible to visit. Every effort has been made to make the information in this schedule accurate. However, trip itineraries are always subject to change. We do our best to inform you in advance of any changes, but due to the nature of travel in Iran, this may not always be possible. Only those willing to accept these conditions should consider joining this program. To reap the full rewards of this adventure, travelers must be able to walk at least a mile a day, keeping up with fellow travelers. Flexibility, a sense of humor and a willingness to accept local standards of amenities and services are essential components to the enjoyment of this trip. Another challenge for women travelers is the need to wear Islamic dress at all times when in public, even on the bus or at breakfast in the hotel. Women are expected to respect the local dress code of covered hair and no exposed skin except for the face and hands. This can consist of a headscarf and a loose long-sleeved over-garment, like a coat or tunic. Please call for more specific details. We recommend that you read the U.S. State Department s Consular Information Sheet and travel warning regarding travel to Iran. Check for up-to-date travel information. This tour might coincide with relatively minor religious holidays in Iran. We may eat more lunches at our hotel during this time, as restaurants within city limits may not serve lunch. Some minor schedule changes may occur as a result of other religious holidays which take place frequently in Iran. Please note that alcohol is forbidden in Iran. Are You Prepared? A Travel Guard travel insurance plan can help cover your vacation investment, offset expenses from travel mishaps and provide you with emergency travel assistance. To learn more about all of the benefits of purchasing a Travel Guard travel insurance plan, please visit Weather Iran enjoys a highly variable climate, ranging from very hot at the height of summer to quite cold during the relatively short winter months. By mid-march the cold season has generally passed, and the weather can be expected to range from the low 50s to the mid 60s. As summer progresses daytime temperatures can reach into the mid 90s or low 100s, with July and August generally being the hottest, sunniest, driest months; at night it doesn t cool off much and can still be in the 70s. Rain is minimal. Temperatures in April and May range from degrees Fahrenheit, while September temperatures are typically degrees Fahrenheit during the day. October and November are a particularly comfortable time to visit, with temperatures ranging from degrees Fahrenheit during the day and in the 40s at night. Please remember, weather at all times of year has an element of the unpredictable. This information comes from weatherbase.com and is based on data from previous temperatures on record. It is always advisable to check with weatherbase.com closer to your departure date for current conditions and forecasts MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA FAX info@mircorp.com 18

19 International Airfare MIR s in-house, full-service air department is available to assist with your air travel needs. Check with MIR before booking air on your own, as we are happy to research and compare the best fares available through multiple channels. Airfare varies depending on a wide variety of factors, such as dates of travel and seasonality, seat availability, special airline promotions, how restrictive ticket changes are, how long the fares can be held without purchase, routing considerations such as stopovers, and more. Tour dates are based on the land tour only. Our preferred carrier for this tour is Turkish Airlines, as they offer convenient itineraries and competitive rates from multiple cities across the U.S. to Iran. Please call us at to discuss air options and routings for this program, and to request a quote for your specific plans and dates of travel. We will be happy to put together a noobligation suggested air itinerary and estimate for you at your request. Visas An Iranian visa is required for this tour. You may also need a visa for any country you fly through prior to joining the tour, such as Turkey. Extensive pre-tour paperwork and time are necessary to obtain an Iranian visa. MIR will provide you with the necessary applications and instructions. An estimate of current visa costs for U.S. passport holders, based on standard processing time, is $187. Your exact visa fees may differ as visa costs can depend on a number of factors, such as state of residence, processing time, and return shipping. Visa fees are always subject to change. Pre- or Post-Tours Please note that touring begins on Tuesday, Day Two of the Ancient Persia, Modern Iran program. Touring will begin around 10:30 a.m. on that day. Common flight arrival times into Tabriz are on the order of 4:00 a.m. Clients arriving in the early morning hours of Day Two will have immediate access to their hotel rooms rooms will be available from the afternoon of Day One onward. Some clients will choose instead to arrive in the early hours of Monday, Day One, and need to know that the hotel rooms will not be available at that time, unless pre-booked at additional traveler expense for Sunday check-in. MIR will be happy to make that booking for you; please discuss with your Tour Specialist if you have any questions. Finally, please note that since touring begins on Tuesday, clients arriving overnight Monday-Tuesday or early on Tuesday may not get much sleep before the group meets around 10:30 a.m., or may miss part of the Day One touring. You may wish to extend your travels by adding another program before or after this tour. Our Flexible Essential Trips are perfect as brief overviews of a country or region and with flexible dates of your choice, they are easily combined with small group tours. Essential Caucasus: Armenia, Georgia, Azberbaijan, 10 days. Armenia s intricate stone khachkar crosses, the bounteous wines of Georgia and the ancient petroglyphs of Azerbaijan are icons of these three intertwined Caucasus countries, where you can experience five UNESCO mas MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA FAX info@mircorp.com 19

20 terpieces in ten days. (Works great as a post-tour with a quick flight from Tehran to Yerevan between tours.) Essential Central Asia, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, 13 days. Explore the markets, mosques and minarets of oasis towns on the fringes of the Kyzyl Kum and Kara Kum deserts. Here spiritual beliefs were the greatest commodities to flow along trade routes, and civilizations blossomed amidst austere natural beauty. (Works great as a pre-tour with an easy overland transfer by private car from Ashkabad to Mashad, and a flight from Mashad to Tehran in time to begin the Iran program. Note, additional services in Turkmenistan and Iran, including an additional night if needed, will incur additional expenses.) Essential Uzbekistan, 10 days. Roam the great Silk Road oases of Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva, along with modern Tashkent, the Uzbek capital. Admire their mosques, madrassahs and minarets built of mudbricks and clad in ceramic tiles the color of the desert sky. (Works great as a pre- or post-tour with a quick flight from Tehran to Tashkent or Tashkent to Tehran between tours.) Essential Turkmenistan, 12 days. From the golden monuments of Ashkabad and the ruins of Parthian Nisa, head into the mountains to visit a silk weaver in a tribal village home. Visit the Caspian seaport, Turkmenbashi, explore UNESCO-listed Merv and learn about traditional crafts. Camp at the Door to Hell and survey Kunya-Urgench, ancient capital of Khorezm. MIR can additionally arrange for private, independent tours of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and any of the Stans. Contact us for more details. Also Nearby... For other options to this region, you may want to check out Flexible Essential Trips Classic Private Journeys Essential Iran, 10 days. Visit a trio of Iran s finest cities to discover Persian treasures and modern Islamic daily life. See spirited Tehran, the country s marketplace, romantic Shiraz with its miles of roses, and beautiful Isfahan, its arched bridges glowing in the evening light. Small Group Tours Central Asian Epic Overland Adventure, 17 days. Get a taste of the incredible diversity along the Silk Road. Discover the Kyrgyz highlands with their summer pastures of nomadic herders, as well as the classic blue-tiled architecture of UNESCO-listed Samarkand and Bukhara. Overnight in a yurt camp near a 15th century caravanserai and drive over the spine of the Silk Road, 12,000-foot Torugart Pass, into Western China. Browse the incredible Kashgar animal market, enjoy a meal in an Uzbek home, visit a silk master s private workshop and have lunch at a ceramics master s studio. Once Forbidden Lands of Central Asia & Iran, 20 days. The countries of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Iran are woven together like the burnished threads of a fine Persian carpet. From earliest recorded history, these lands have exchanged rulers, architecture, art and religion. Explore the dazzling bazaars and extravagant desert architecture along the byways of the old Silk Road between Tashkent and Tehran MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA FAX info@mircorp.com 20

21 Silk Route Odyssey: Caravan Across Uzbekistan, 15 days. The center of Central Asia, Uzbekistan is home to three of the most renowned of the Silk Road oases Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Journey through these UNESCO Sites and the lush Fergana Valley, where Central Asia s silk production began with two cocoons hidden in the headdress of a royal Chinese bride. Journey Through Central Asia: The Five Stans, 21 days. More than 2,000 years ago, the great trade routes that linked Europe and China opened Central Asia to foreign cultures, customs and religions. Join a modern-day caravan on an epic journey to five of these exotic countries Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Conditions of Participation Your participation on a MIR Corporation trip is subject to the conditions contained in the 2016 Tour Reservation Form and Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement. Please read this document carefully and contact us with any questions. Cancellation and Refund Policy Payment Terms: Non-refundable deposits are accepted by check, Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Final land payments may be made by check or credit card for reservations made directly with MIR. If booking through a travel agent, please contact your agent to find out what form of payment they accept. (MIR can accept final payment from travel agents by agency check only.) Airfares are subject to change until ticketed; payment policies vary by carrier. If you cancel your trip please notify MIR in writing. Upon MIR s receipt of notice the following charges apply to land tours (policies for air tickets, custom group trips vary). Scheduled MIR Small Group Tours Cost of cancellation, if received: 61 or more days prior to departure, deposit due or paid in full of $500; days prior to departure, 50% of land tour cost; 30 days prior to or after trip departure, no refund. References We encourage you to speak directly with satisfied past travelers. Please request a list of references. Why MIR? Regional knowledge is crucial to the success of any trip to our corner of the world. MIR combines detailed information about geography and infrastructure, history and art, language and culture, with the depth of knowledge that comes only from decades of regional experience. You may wonder how we differ from other tour operators Destination Specialization MIR focuses exclusively on the exceptional region at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. This area has been our overriding passion since 1986; we don t do the rest of the world. Our hard MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA FAX info@mircorp.com 21

22 earned expertise gained over the last 29 years can take you from end to end of the largest country in the world Russia and to all of its neighbors. We specialize in travel to Siberia, the Silk Route, St. Petersburg & Beyond. Our destinations include: Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, the Baltics (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia), the Balkans (Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina), Central Asia (the five Stans), Iran, the Caucasus (Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan), Mongolia, China, Tibet and Central/East Europe (Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania). 29 Years of Experience A travel company doesn t last 29 years in the business without a solid track record. MIR has helped thousands of individuals achieve their travel goals. Our dedication and experience have earned us their trust and the trust of many well-respected institutions. Today MIR is the preferred tour operator for museum, alumni and special interest organizations across the country. Recommended & Respected MIR has twice been rated one of the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth by National Geographic Adventure. Several of our tours have won awards in top travel publications, such as Outside magazine and National Geographic Traveler. Our trips have been featured in books like Riding the Hula Hula to the Arctic Ocean and 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. More Questions? Please feel free to call us with questions at , 8:30am-5:30pm Pacific Time. MIR Corporation 85 South Washington Street, Suite 210 Seattle, WA , Fax info@mircorp.com Sellers of Travel: Washington # , California # Photos: MIR Corporation, Ann Schneider, Alan Levin, James Carnehan MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA FAX info@mircorp.com 22