THIS IS A 13-DAY HOSTED JOURNEY. REMEMBER THAT WE CAN CREATE A JOURNEY TO IRAN OF ANY LENGTH TO MEET YOUR EXACT SPECIFICATIONS. Iran. 1 unusual Hosted Journey with R. Crusoe & Son Isfahan. 1860. The word extraordinary can be overused. But when applied to the country of Iran, it is, perhaps, an understatement. From its ancient beginnings, Persia has a past filled with intrigue, mystery, and drama. Its heritage dates back thousands of years. The legacy? Spectacular art and exemplary architecture, archaeology, gardens, literature, and music. Iran has been hidden from our view for decades, but the nation has opened its doors. Americans will find Iran s citizens warm and welcoming. Now is the time to experience its wonders on a journey hosted by Crusoe vice president Cheryl Sturm. Peacock Throne, encrusted with gems, enamel, and gold, in Golestan Palace. Tehran. A rrive on your own in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday, 5 November 2016. Here we gather as a group at our hotel, the Park Hyatt, and get to know one another at an evening cocktail reception. (Never been to Dubai? Speak to us about a pre-tour extension to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.) The following day, we have a briefing on Iran past and present. Then fly to Tehran, the capital city of Iran. We begin at the National Museum of Iran to view pottery, bronze, and other artifacts from 33,000 B.C. to the Islamic Era. On to the Golestan Palace complex, built by the Qajar Dynasty during the 19th century. Tour the marble throne, main palace, and the wind tower. We have time at the Treasury of National Jewels; the Reza Abbasi Museum, with artifacts from the second millennium B.C. through the early 20th century; and the Niavaran Palace complex, built by the Qajars and Pahlavis, including the exquisite Saheb Qaranie House. Then bid farewell to Tehran. In the outskirts of the city, visit the tomb of Imam Khomeini, final resting place for the Iranian leader Americans know as the Ayatollah Khomeini. Our drive continues. Destination? Isfahan, 17th-century capital of the Safavids, who called it Nesf-e-Jahan, Half of the World. Welcome to the jewel of ancient Persia and one 800.585.8555 R.Crusoe & Son www.rcrusoe.com 1
Safavids called Isfahan Half the World. of the finest cities in the Islamic world. We begin at 17th-century Chehel Sotun Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its frescoes and its marriage of two Persian loves: gardens and grand interiors. Historic Khadjou Bridge leads us to the Armenian Quarter. See a 17th-century cathedral that is both a functioning church and a museum. The frescoes within are gripping. Next, visit a well-known Iranian artist, Mustafa Fotovat, in his studio. Born in Isfahan, Mostafa learned miniaturist painting from his father before beginning his formal studies. He has exhibited in Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Austria, and the United States. From here, enjoy some free time or, if you d like, join us to browse a Persian rug workshop and learn about how these incredible carpets are made; or come tour the Eight Paradise Summer Palace, built in 1669. If it is open, we enter 600-year-old Mullah Jacub s Synagogue. You might be surprised to learn that Judaism is one of the oldest religions practiced in Iran. Most Jews who emigrated from Iran in the 20th century reside in Israel and the United States. Continue to Old Jome Mosque, essentially a museum of Islamic architecture. Eight centuries of the design are represented here, each an example of the best of its particular era. Within, Masjed-e Jamé (the Friday Mosque) illustrates the evolution of mosque architecture over 12 centuries, starting in A.D. 841. The oldest preserved edifice of its kind in Iran and a prototype for later mosques, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shah Abbas I the Great built Imam (Naghshe Jahan) Square, another UNESCO site, in the early 17th century. Monumental buildings linked by arcades surround the square. See its three components: the Imam Mosque; the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque; and Ali Qapou Palace. Together, they stand as testimony to the level of social and cultural life in Persia during the days of Safavid rule. Enjoy some free time browsing the bazaar. Depart Isfahan and head southeast. Our next stop? Meybod, to see what an old caravanserei looks like. Then we continue our drive to Yazd, which has been continually inhabited for 7,000 years. Marco Polo described it as a very fine and splendid city and a center of commerce. The architecture of Yazd is unique. Graceful bad-girs, ancient wind towers, provide ventilation to lower parts of old structures. There are fine examples at Dowlat Abad Garden, a jewel of Persian architecture. Learn about the town s Zoroastrian past. Zoroastrians have long resided in Yazd; today, roughly 12,000 locals are adherents. We visit the Towers of Silence; the Fire Temple, whose See the Towers of Silence, part of the Zoroastrian death ritual. Yazd. sacred flame is said to have been burning continuously since A.D. 479; and the Glass Cage. Stop at Amir Chakhmagh, which commemorates the death of Imam Hossein, son of the Prophet Mohammed. Tour the Water Museum. Step inside the Friday Mosque in 2 800.585.8555 R.Crusoe & Son www.rcrusoe.com
the old town, and enter an old Safavid house to view handicrafts. Stroll through the Fahadan neighborhood to Alexander Prison not a prison at all, but a 15th-century school mentioned in a Hafez poem. See the 12 Imam Shrine and meet a tile artisan who works with UNESCO. We next drive toward Pasargad, stopping en route in Abarkouh to see the Sarv-e-Abarqu, a living cypress tree estimated to be more than 4,000 years old. Continue to Pasargad, the first Persian capital. Its history stretches back to 550 B.C. We see the limestone tomb of Cyrus the Great, the world s first emperor. UNESCO recognizes Pasargad as a World Heritage site, with outstanding examples of the first phase of royal Achaemenian art and architecture and exceptional testimonies of Persian civilization the first empire that respected the cultural diversity of its different peoples. Our drive continues to Shiraz, the sophisticated City of Roses and Nightingales. Education, poetry, wine (once upon a time), gardens, and the like have all contributed to make this a remarkable Iranian city. Begin at Eram, the Garden of Paradise. Built in the Qajar era, the property (including its palace) was used by the feudal elite and tribal leaders and later by Iran s royalty. Enter 400-year-old Khan Theological Madrassa, where we hope to meet with an imam. Then one of the most elegant mosques in Iran, the pink-tiled, 19th-century Nasir-ol-Molk. To the tomb of Hafez, the most famous Iranian lyric writer, who wrote during the 14th century. Vakil Bazaar, one of the most beautiful markets in the world. We find ourselves immersed in an age-old rhythm of buying and selling. Tour the bath house as well as the bazaar. At Saray-e Moshir, a nearby artisans market, enjoy some free time to chat with the locals and peruse the stalls. Extraordinary stained glass in Nasir-ol-Molk. Shiraz. This R. Crusoe Iran journey, hosted by Crusoe vice president Cheryl Sturm, has a set departure date of Saturday, 5 November 2016. Our tour begins the next day, 6 November, in Dubai, U.A.E. From there, we fly into Tehran, Iran. The tour ends in Shiraz, Iran, on Thursday, 17 November 2016. It is important that interested travelers understand the limitations of traveling in Iran. Here are a few things you should know: Within Iran, there are no deviations to our program per rules imposed by the Iranian government. All meals within Iran are included in the tour. There are no alcoholic beverages served in Iran. Credit cards are accepted on a very limited basis. Our hotels, the best in each location, are comfortable but less luxurious than the five-star properties R. Crusoe travelers usually enjoy. On this journey, we drive between destinations rather than taking internal flights, making ample stops along the way. Interested in seeing a bit of Dubai? If so, speak to us about a custom extension. More questions? We love to chat. Call Patty Weber at 888-490-8014, or email her at pweber@rcrusoe.com. Now, a day-trip outside Shiraz. Our destination? Persepolis, ruined capital of ancient Iran. Welcome to one of the great legacies of the ancient world and a beautiful and spectacular archaeological site. In the sixth century B.C., Achaemenian King Darius I founded Persepolis. Step back in time as we enter the Gate of All Nations. Superb bas reliefs depict the flow of ritual processions that once passed through. Explore the Gate of Xerxes, Apadana Palace, the Treasury, the Harem, and the private palaces of various rulers. Xerxes and Artaxerxes I, who ruled Persia in the fifth century B.C., completed Persepolis. Its palaces were used by the Achaemenian kings until the buildings were razed by Alexander the Great in 330 B.C. On to Naghsh-e Rostam, which contains the carved rock chambers of four Achaemenian rulers: Darius the Great, Xerxes, Artaxerxes, and Darius II. Ornamental rock relief facades date from A.D. 224-650 and depict scenes of imperial conquest as well as a fire temple from Achaemenian times. After a farewell dinner and a last overnight in Shiraz, head to the airport for your journey home. 800.585.8555 R.Crusoe & Son www.rcrusoe.com 3
Passage Through Persia. A Hosted Journey with Cheryl Sturm. 13 Days. Day 1: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Saturday, 5 November 2016 Arrive in Dubai, evening cocktail reception. Park Hyatt. Day 2: Dubai; Tehran, Iran Sunday, 6 November 2016 Tour briefing, group flight to Tehran, arrival. Parsian Azadi Hotel. Day 3-4: Tehran Monday &Tuesday, 7-8 November 2016 National Museum, Golestan Palace, Treasury of National Jewels, Reza Abbasi Museum, Niavaran Palace. Parsian Azadi Hotel. Day 5: Tehran, Isfahan Wednesday, 9 November 2016 Ayatollah Khomeini tomb, drive to Isfahan. Abbasi Hotel. Khadjou Bridge, completed in 1650. Isfahan. Vakil Bazaar, founded in the 11th century. Shiraz. Day 6-7: Isfahan Thursday & Friday, 10-11 November 2016 Mullah Jacub Synagogue (if open), Old Jome Mosque and Masjed-e-Jame, leisure time, Naghshe Jahan Maidan, Ali Qapou Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Shah Mosque and madrassas, leisure time at the bazaar. Abbasi Hotel. Caspian Sea Tehran Isfahan Naghsh-e Yazd Rostam Pasargad Shiraz & Persepolis Dubai I RAN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Day 8: Naein, Meybod, Yazd Saturday, 12 November 2016 Drive to Naein, continue to Meybod caravanserei, arrive Yazd, Dowlat Abad Garden. Moshir-Al-Mamalek Garden Hotel. Day 9: Yazd Sunday, 13 November 2016 Towers of Silence, Fire Temple, Glass Cage, Amir Chakhmagh, Water Museum, Old Friday Mosque, Safavid house, Fahadan neighborhood, Alexander Prison, 12 Imam Shrine, tile artisan. Moshir-Al-Mamalek Garden Hotel. Day 10: Abarkouh, Pasargad, Shiraz Monday, 14 November 2016 Drive to Abarkouh, ancient cypress tree, Pasargad archaeological site, arrive Shiraz. Shiraz Hotel. Day 11: Shiraz Tuesday, 15 November 2016 Eram Garden, Khan Theological Madrassa with possibility of meeting an imam, Nasir-ol-Molk, Hafez Tomb, Vakil Bath House and Bazaar, leisure time at Saray-e Moshir artisans bazaar. Shiraz Hotel. Day 12: Persepolis, Naghsh-e Rostam, Shiraz Wednesday, 16 November 2016 Drive to Persepolis, archaeological site, drive to Naghsh-e Rostam, archaeological site, drive to Shiraz, Koran Gate, farewell dinner. Shiraz Hotel. Day 13: Shiraz; United States Thursday, 17 November 2016 Head home on the commercial flight of your choice. Air travel Land travel For more information or to book, call Patty Weber at 888-490-8014 or email pweber@rcrusoe.com. 4 800.585.8555 R.Crusoe & Son www.rcrusoe.com
Walk in the footsteps of Achaemenid kings at Persepolis, one of many UNESCO World Heritage sites we visit. Price: Per person sharing a room...from $7,880 Single supplement...$1,970 The tour price does not include airfare between Dubai and Tehran, but it does include all meals within Iran. Inclusions Accommodations based on double occupancy; hotel taxes; ground transportation; transfers; sightseeing and meals as indicated; and beverages (soda, water, coffee, tea) with included meals; entrance fees; gratuities to local guides, drivers and baggage porters. Exclusions International airfare; costs of passports and/or visas; sightseeing listed as optional; personal expenses such as laundry and meals or beverages not listed; room service; excess baggage fees; porterage; communication charges; airport and port taxes; gratuities to tour escort; personal insurance coverage. Note: Iran prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages, so we are unable to provide any throughout the Iran portion of our journey. Registration A deposit of 25 percent of the total tour price is required at the time you book. The remainder of the cost of your trip is due 90 days prior to your departure date. Payment can be made by personal check, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. If your reservation is made within 90 days of departure, the entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of confirmation. Cancellation Cancellation must be received in writing by R. Crusoe. Cancellations received 90 days or more prior to departure are subject to a per person/per tour cancellation fee of 10 percent of the cost of the tour. Cancellations received less than 90 days prior to departure are subject to the following forfeit as a percentage of tour cost: 89-60 days, 35 percent of tour cost; 59-30 days, 50 percent of tour cost; 29 days or less, 100 percent of tour cost. For more information or to book this journey with R. Crusoe & Son, please call 800-585-8555. We recommend travel insurance that covers trip cancellation or interruption; illness or injury while abroad; baggage loss, theft, or damage; and emergency medical evacuation. Though R. Crusoe s usual insurer does not cover travel in Iran, Travel Guard does. For online info, visit Travelguard.com. Health Status Touring during this program requires travelers to be in good health. Walking on uneven surfaces and climbing stairs are part of many of these excursions. If you have any health or mobility issues, we urge you to discuss them with us. 2016 R. Crusoe & Son. 21 January 2016 800.585.8555 R.Crusoe & Son www.rcrusoe.com 5
T E R M S & C O N D I T I O N S On the advancement of deposit, the depositor acknowledges that he or she has read and understands the specific inclusions, exclusions, registration, and cancellation policies of the tour, the terms and conditions listed below, and that he or she agrees to be bound by them. Cancellation penalties apply, and R. Crusoe & Son makes no refund for unused services. R. Crusoe & Son strongly recommends that travelers purchase travel insurance as described below. Arrangements: Quoted tour prices include planning, handling, and operational charges and are quoted in U.S. dollars based on the current rate of exchange, tariff, and fuel prices. In the event of unexpected and significant cost increases, prices are subject to revision. On some programs, a fuel surcharge may apply. R. Crusoe & Son will advise travelers of possible surcharges that apply to a specific journey as soon as these surcharges are known. Responsibility: R. Crusoe & Son and its operating partners purchase transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurant services, and other services from various independent suppliers not subject to its control. R. Crusoe & Son and its operating partners cannot, therefore, be liable for any personal injury, loss, or damage to person or property that may occur due to (1) a wrongful, negligent, or arbitrary act by others not under the direct control of R. Crusoe & Son and its operating partners, (2) defects in, or failures of, any aircraft, vessel, automotive vehicle, or other means of transportation not under its control, or (3) acts of God. R. Crusoe & Son and its operating partners also reserve the right to withdraw a tour or any part of it, to make such alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary or desirable, to refuse to accept or retain as a member of any tour or part thereof any person at any time, and to pass on to tour members any expenditures or losses caused by airline schedule changes, delays, or events beyond its control. R. Crusoe & Son and its operating partners are not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penaltycarrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses. Eligibility: Participation in R. Crusoe s programs requires that travelers be in generally good health. Walking and stair climbing are commonly part of many tours. Travelers with physical disabilities must make them known to R. Crusoe & Son at the time of booking. It is also essential that persons with any medical problems or related dietary restrictions inform R. Crusoe & Son well before departure. All travelers are expected to be ready to experience cultural differences with grace. Travel Documents: All travel documents (air and cruise tickets, passport, destination-specific vaccination records, and inoculation verification) are the traveler s responsibility. It is also the responsibility of the traveler to obtain any necessary visas and public health documents for all applicable destinations and to comply with all customs requirements. Without the required documents, travelers may be denied entry into a particular destination. R. Crusoe & Son is not liable for such denial. Air Transportation: International air prices are a separate cost in addition to the land prices of tours. Should a traveler cancel or change an air reservation before or after his or her departure, cancellations penalties may apply. Baggage: Baggage handling is at the traveler s risk throughout the tour. Baggage restrictions may apply. If so, R. Crusoe & Son is not responsible for excess baggage fees. Smoking: Smoking is not permitted during situations that involve fellow travelers. This applies when travelers are in restaurants, sightseeing vehicles, trains, ships and other water transport, air transport, and when participating in group activities. R. Crusoe & Son Travel Protection Plan Even on a perfectly planned vacation there are forces of nature that R. Crusoe & Son cannot prevent. There is the possibility that luggage is lost en route, an illness pops up, or even the sudden need for emergency cash. To ensure that your voyage provides you with a lifetime of pleasant memories, this program contains a broad package of benefits for our travelers including: insurance coverage for trip cancellation or interruption insurance coverage for illness or injury while abroad emergency medical evacuation reimbursement for baggage loss, theft, or damage 24-hour assistance anywhere in the world Complete details (including terms, condition limits, costs, and enrollment procedures) are sent upon confirmation of your tour reservation. For pre-existing condition coverage, the premium must be paid within 21 days of the initial deposit. 2015 R. Crusoe & Son. DBD T&C 13 August 2015