ESSENTIAL

In conjunction with the Near East Archaeological Foundation, Sydney University

APRIL 5-19, 2017 TOUR LEADER: DR JOHN TIDMARSH

Essential Iran Overview Tour dates: April 5-19, 2017 The Persian Empire, based within modern Iran’s borders, was a significant force in the ancient world, when it competed and interacted with both Tour leader: Dr John Tidmarsh Greece and Rome and was the last step on the Silk Road before it reached Europe and one of the first steps of Islam outside Arabia. In its Tour Price: $9,475 per person, twin share heyday, Iran boasted lavish architecture that inspired Tamerlane’s Samarqand and the Taj Mahal, and its poets inspired generations of Single Supplement: $1,575 for sole use of Iranians and foreigners, while its famed gardens were a kind of earthly double room paradise. In recent times Iran has slowly re-established itself as a leading nation of the Middle East.

Booking deposit: $500 per person Over 15 days we travel through the spring-time mountain and desert landscapes of Iran and visit some of the most remarkable monuments in Recommended airline: Emirates the ancient and Islamic worlds. We explore Achaemenid palaces and royal tombs, mysterious Zoroastrian fire temples, enchanting mud-brick cities on Maximum places: 20 the desert fringes, and fabled Persian cities with their enchanting gardens, , , and stunning cobalt-blue . Perhaps more Itinerary: Tehran (3 nights), (4 nights), importantly, however, we encounter the unsurpassed friendliness and (2 nights), (4 Nights), Tehran (1 hospitality of the Iranian people which leave most travellers longing to night) return.

Date published: July 19, 2016 Your tour leader

Dr John Tidmarsh was previously Tutor and then Part- Time Lecturer in the Department of Archaeology at the University of Sydney and is currently President of the Near Eastern Archaeology Foundation. He is a Co- Director of the University of Sydney’s excavations at Pella in Jordan (where he has worked since 1979) and is also Co-Director of the ANU/University of Melbourne excavations at Jebel Khalid in Syria. He was previously Associate Director of the University of Sydney’s excavations at Paphos, Cyprus, and was also Senior Investigator at the university’s excavations at Torone in Greece.

His main areas of interest are the archaeology of Alexander the Great’s conquests, the Hellenistic Period in the Near East and Asia, and the Islamic world. He travels widely in the Middle East, especially in Iran, and has now led approximately 20 tours to that country as well as numerous tours to Oman, Syria, Jordan, Turkey, and Greece. Apart from his archaeological endeavours,

John answers the questions of “Why would you want to go to Iran” and “Is it safe?” Enquiries and bookings "Few countries can boast of such an illustrious past, diversity of cultures and peoples, marvellous mountain and desert landscapes, awe-inspiring For further information and to monuments and evocative cities as Iran. Furthermore, in the 25 years or secure a place on this tour so that I have been travelling extensively in Iran, never have I felt unsafe please contact Frederick or met with hostility from the Iranians. Rather, there is always a genuine Steyn at Academy Travel on warmth and a real gratitude that we were visiting their country. This has 9235 0023 or 1800 639 699 never changed over the years and so for many travellers it is the (outside Sydney) or email unsurpassed friendliness and hospitality of the Iranian people— just as [email protected] much as Iran’s spectacular monuments and wonderful landscapes— .au which leave most travellers longing to return".

Tour Highlights

Tehran The remarkable museums and Qajar palaces of Tehran

Shiraz The gardens of Shiraz, where Persia's poets are celebrated

Yazd The desert city of Yazd, with its evocative Zoroastrian Towers of Silence

Persepolis & The great Achaemenid sites of and Pasargadae

Isfahan The UNESCO World Heritage city of Isfahan, centre of the 'renaissance' Safavid period

Persepolis

For a country with such an extensive history, there are the Persian Empire and the spiritual home of the Persians literally hundreds of ancient sites in Iran: each a testament to themselves. Around 50km to the north is Pasargadae; the a particular period of Iranian history. Whether it is the royal capital first constructed by the founder of the Persian mudbrick ziggurat at Choga Zanbil dating to the second Empire, Cyrus the Great, and right next door is Naqsh-e millennium BCE or the magnificent tile work at the Rostam, the royal burial place of such Persian luminaries as seventeenth century CE Sheikh Lotfollah at Isfahan, Darius and Xerxes the Great. each is unique and fascinating in its own right. Literally dripping with symbolism, Persepolis was used by However, the most popular and well-known site in Iran is the Persians to awe their guests and to reinforce the central undoubtedly Persepolis: the city of Persia. The Greek name tenants of the Persian Empire which was the world’s first for the site, Persepolis, is only part right: Persepolis was multinational empire. Remarkably well-preserved reliefs at certainly built and occupied by the Persians in the fifth the site show two things: one that the Persian Empire was a century BCE, but it wasn’t a city. Rather, it was a ceremonial coalition between the Persians and the Medes as they are complex of palaces, treasuries and storerooms, and often shown hand-in-hand, and two, that at No Rouz archaeologists have so far failed to find an attached ‘city’ ambassadors came from all parts of the empire bearing where merchants, farmers and labourers may have lived. tributes of their local produce: Armenians bring cloth, Greeks Indeed it seems that for most of the year, Persepolis was bear bales of wool, Egyptians bring a bull and Indians hold virtually deserted apart from a garrison and a skeleton staff bags of spice (or possibly gold dust). The multinational of servants to maintain the buildings and their sumptuous character of the Persian Empire is even emphasised in the interiors. However, at one time of the year, at No Rouz or the site’s architecture from the Assyrian inspired Gate of All New Year festival, Persepolis would have been crowded with Nations through which one entered the complex to the Persian and Median dignitaries, and dozens of ambassadors graceful Grecian fluting on the columns. In all, Persepolis from the four corners of the Persian Empire. was an imperial statement and every corner screams what the Persian, Babylonian and Elamite inscription above the The location of the site is today evocative as it stands at the Gate of All Nations tells us: “I am Xerxes… King of Kings, head of a broad valley beneath Mt Rahmat and is itself King of lands, King of many races…”. No one visiting elevated on a huge podium 12m high. As it probably was in Persepolis at No Rouz could have failed to have this Persian times, the valley is a rich agricultural region that also impression hammered home: in their day, they were in the contains the city of Shiraz located around 80km to the presence of the most powerful man on earth. southwest. It is also clear that Persepolis was at the heart of

Detailed itinerary

Included meals are shown with the symbols B, L and D.

Wednesday 5 April Arrival Arrive into Tehran where you will be met and transferred to our hotel. In the afternoon visit the fabulous State’s Jewels Museum. It showcases some of the magnificent jewellery belonging to the last kings of Iran, including the Darya-i Nur (Sea of Light), the largest uncut diamond in the world, and the ‘Globe of Jewels’, a map of the world in emerald, sapphire, ruby, and diamonds. Overnight Tehran (D) Above: architect Hossein Amanat combined elements of Sassanid and in his design for what is now known as Azadi or Thursday 6 April Freedom Tower in Tehran Tehran museums

Today is devoted to visiting some of Tehran’s Museums, demonstrating the rich cultural heritage of the country. The Below: the intricately carved Marble Throne on display in the Complex and the lovely Bagh-e Eram in Shiraz visits will include the archaeological section of Iran’s National Museum, displaying an authenticated collection of pre- historic and ancient artefacts with pottery dating back to 6-7 millennium B.C., the Abguineh (Glass & Ceramics) Museum, featuring a valuable collection of pre-Islamic and Islamic glass and ceramics, beautifully displayed and located in an elegant early 20th-century mansion, and the Reza Abbasi Museum. Overnight Tehran (B, L, D)

Friday 7 April Golestan Palace This morning we visit the Golestan Palace and Museum Complex, the former residence of the 19th and early 20th century Qajar Kings of Iran, incorporating several museums including the Marble Throne Room. After a break for lunch we visit the Carpet Museum to see the extensive collection of old and new Persian carpets and rugs sourced from the major carpet-weaving centres of Iran. Overnight Tehran (B, L, D)

Saturday 8 April TO shiraz This morning we head Tehran’s domestic airport by coach and board our domestic flight to Shiraz. Arriving in Shiraz we visit the tomb of the great 14th century poet Hafez. Set in a peaceful garden, the marble tombstone is engraved with a verse from the poet and many Iranians treat the tomb as a site of pilgrimage. We visit the wonderful Bagh-i- with a grand residence overlooking the fountains and botanic gardens; and Nasr el-Molk mosque with its unusually deep blue tiling, finely carved pillars and exquisite stained glass. Overnight Shiraz (B, L, D)

Sunday 9 April persepolis Persepolis, one of the most important sites of the Ancient World, is our destination today. It is the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid kings with remains of the palaces of , Xerxes and Artaxerxes, and its famous bas- reliefs, depicting kings and courtiers and gift-bearing representatives of tributary nations of the Persian Empire. At Naghsh-e-Rostam we see the Achaemenid fire temple Ka’be-Zardosht and Royal Tombs plus seven magnificent Sassanian rock-reliefs (including Shapur the First’s famous victory over the Roman Emperor Valerian). Returning to Shiraz this afternoon there is time for shopping in the Vakil . Overnight Shiraz (B, L, D)

Monday 10 April Firuzabad We travel south to the city known today as Firuzabad to visit the enormous , of unique architectural design with its huge arch and three domes. On the ancient road to Firuzabad we pass by two bas-reliefs, depicting Ardashir defeating the Parthian king Artabanus and receiving the crown of kingship from Ahuramazda, as well as the Qaleh-i Dokhtar, built by Ardashir as a fortress guarding the entrance to the valley. Overnight Shiraz (B, L, D)

Tuesday 11 April Exploring shiraz Today we travel to to visit the site of the Sassanian city built by Shapur 1st (241-273 A.D.), the second Sassanian king. We investigate the building complex which includes six Sassanian rock-reliefs at Tang-e-Chogan, commemorating Shapur’s victories over the Romans and other adversaries. The afternoon is free for further shopping in the bazaar or visiting more of the many monuments of Shiraz. Overnight Shiraz (B, L, D)

Wednesday 12 April Pasargardae Above: the Royal tombs carved out of the rock face at Naqsh-e Rostam; and a rock relief carved into the Tomb of Artaxerxes On the way to Yazd we visit Pasargadae, the site of the tomb and remains of palaces of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire, all located in the magnificent Dasht-e- Below: Set on two barren hilltops, on the southern outskirts of Yazd, are the Morghab. Driving through the typical desert town of Abarkuh evocative Zoroastrian Towers of Silence. A Tower of Silence or Dakhma is a place on top of a hill where Zoroastrians brought corpses for vultures to we stop and and have tea under the shade of a 4,000-year devour as a funeral formality old Cypress tree before arriving into Yazd and checking into our hotel. Overnight Yazd (B, L, D)

Thursday 13 April Zoroastrian yazd The Zoroastrian religion was the main religion of Iran from at least Sassanian times and perhaps even earlier. It emphasizes the manifestation of divinity in nature, and its centres of worship are nature itself or the fire temples in each city or town. Today in Yazd, the centre for Iran’s small remaining Zoroastrian community we visit one of the two Zoroastrian abandoned Towers of Silence (Dakhma), and the active Zoroastrian Fire Temple, the fire of which has been burning for about 1500 years. Among Yazd’s Islamic sites is the Friday Mosque, with the highest portal and minarets in Iran. There are also many beautiful old houses in Yazd, among them the Dowlat Abad Garden which we see later this afternoon. Overnight Yazd (B, L, D)

Friday 14 April TO ISFAHAN Leaving Yazd we drive to Isfahan, with a stop en-route at the village of Meybod where we visit the fine Zilou museum and ceramic shops. We continue to Na’in, another charming desert town and visit the 10th century Friday Mosque, and the 17th century Pirnia House and Ethnographic Museum, with a walk through the old part of town. After a break for lunch we head to Isfahan and check into our hotel. Overnight Isfahan (B, L, D)

Saturday 15 April EXPLORING ISFAHAN Our full day tour of the beautiful city of Isfahan commences with a survey of the city’s three famous bridges; Shahrestan, Khajou, Sio-se-pol each with its own design and architectural features. We visit the Armenian Quarter with several churches, including the important Cathedral of Vank, decorated in a mixture of Islamic tile designs, Christian imagery and wonderful frescoes. In the afternoon visit one of the world’s grandest squares, the Maidan-e-Naghsh-e-Jahan, including the Ali-Qapu Palace with its balcony overlooking the Maidan. We also visit two of Islamic world’s greatest mosques – the Sheikh Lotfollah and the Shah – both with magnificent architecture and tile work. Our touring today concludes with a visit to the Qeisarieh Bazaar. Overnight Isfahan (B, L, D)

Sunday 16 April ISFAHAN Our sightseeing in Isfahan continues with a visit the magnificent Friday Mosque, with the famous Uljaitu Mihrab (Prayer Niche) of the Il-Khanid period. The Friday Mosque is considered a museum of a thousand years of Persian religious architecture. Our exploration continues to the Chehel Sotun Palace, its wooden columns reflected in the surface of the pool give its name ‘The Palace of Forty Columns’. In the afternoon we have free time to return to the main Maidan for a further visit to the shops and bazaar. Overnight Isfahan (B, L, D)

Monday 17 April AT LEISURE Today is at leisure to further your explorations of Isfahan. Overnight Isfahan (B, D)

Images right: Ali Qapu Palace, with its balcony overlooking Naqsh-e Jahan Square; fresco of Shah Abbas II entertaining Nader Mohammed Khan, King of Turkistan, in ; and the extraordinary blue mosaics of the Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque, Isfahan

Tuesday 18 April RETURN TO TEHRAN Today we return to Tehran by road, firstly stopping at the town of Natanz to visit a beautiful Islamic mosque and dervish complex. Next we travel to , to visit one of the most important and ancient archaeological sites in Iran, the ziggurat known as Tepe Sialk. We also visit the historical garden of Fin, which was first planted during the Safavid period and kept alive with water from the nearby Sulaimanieh Spring. A museum on the site displays artefacts from nearby Tepe Sialk. Before departing Kashan we visit a fine example of a 19th century merchant residence known as Borujerdi House with its beautiful stucco and painted decoration. Arrive in Tehran this afternoon and check into our hotel with time to freshen up before we gather for our farewell meal. Overnight Tehran (B, L, D)

Wednesday 19 April DEPARTURE Emirates Airlines has several flights departing Tehran to Dubai throughout the day. Your tour consultant can assist with arranging the best possible connections and booking a late check out at an extra cost if required. (B)

Above: the inviting Bagh-e in Kashan Hotels

Potential participants are advised that Iran is well off the Below: the Badgir (or wind-catcher) on the roof of the Borujerdi House. The mainstream tourist path. While every effort has been made slightest air movement in any direction is caught by the tower's openings and to provide the best available accommodation and services, funnelled around ducts to cool the house and water supply not all tourist services are at western standards. Where possible, all hotels on this tour are four or five-star – though this does not necessarily imply the standards of four and five-star hotels in Western countries.

 Tehran, Laleh Hotel (4 nights) www.lalehhotels.com

 Shiraz, Homa Hotel (4 nights) www.homahotels.com

 Yazd, Moshir Garden Hotel (2 nights) www.hotelgardenmoshir.com

 Isfahan, Abbasi Hotel (4 nights) www.abbasihotel.ir

Hotels may be subject to change (to another hotel of equivalent quality). Any changes will be advised to all clients booked on the tour.

Tour Price Fitness Requirements

The tour price is $9,475 per person, twin share (land content of THIS tour only). The supplement for a single room is $1,575 per person. A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is Grade Two required to secure a place on the tour. It is important both for you and for your fellow travellers that you are fit enough to be able to enjoy all the activities on this Tour Inclusions tour. To give you an indication of the level of physical fitness required to participate on our tours, we have given them a Included in the tour price star grading. Academy Travel’s tours tend to feature  All accommodation in selected four and five star hotels extended walking tours and site visits, which require greater  All breakfasts and most lunches and dinners in hotels fitness than coach touring. We ask you to carefully consider and local restaurants as indicated in the itinerary your ability to meet the physical demands of the tour.  Economy class flight Tehran to Shiraz Participation criteria for this tour  Land travel in Iran by air-conditioned coach This Grade Two tour is designed for people who lead active  Extensive tour notes lives and can comfortably participate in up to five hours of  Services of an Australian tour leader throughout the tour physical activity per day on most days, including longer  All entrance fees to sites mentioned on itinerary walking tours, challenging archaeological sites, climbing  Qualified national guide throughout stairs, embarking and disembarking trains and/or boats, and  Tips to local guides and drivers a more demanding tour schedule with one night stops or  Visa fees several internal flights. Not included You should be able to:  International air fares, taxes and surcharges (see below)  keep up with the group at all times   Travel insurance walk for 4-5 kilometres at a moderate pace with only short breaks  Meals not mentioned in itinerary  stand for a reasonable length of time in galleries and  Expenses of a personal nature museums  tolerate uncomfortable climatic conditions such as cold, Air travel OPTIONS humidity and heat  walk up and down slopes The tour price quoted is for land content only. For this tour  negotiate steps and slopes on archaeological sites, we recommend Emirates or Etihad which offers flights into which are often uneven and unstable and out of Tehran from most Australian cities. Please  get on and off a large coach with steep stairs, train or contact us for the best possible prices on economy, business boat unassisted, possibly with luggage or first class fares. Transfers between airport and hotel are  move your luggage a short distance if required included for passengers booking their flights through A note for older travellers Academy Travel. Transfers may be group or individual. If you are more than 80 years old, or have restricted mobility, it is highly likely that you will find this itinerary challenging. Visas You will have to miss several activities and will not get the full value of the tour. Your booking will not be accepted until Visas for visits of 30 days or under can be obtained on after you have contacted Academy Travel to discuss your arrival at Tehran Airport. Detailed information on the process situation and the exact physical requirements of this tour. and required documentation will be sent with your welcome While we will do our best to reasonably accommodate the letter. physical needs of all group members, we reserve the right to refuse bookings if we feel that the requirements of the tour are too demanding for you and/or if local conditions mean Enquiries and we cannot reasonably accommodate your condition. bookings For further information and to secure a place on this tour Weather on Tour please contact Frederick Steyn at Academy Travel on April is a lovely time to visit Iran with the spring flowers in 9235 0023 or 1800 639 699 (outside Sydney) or email bloom. Expect minimum temperatures of around 15 degrees [email protected] Celsius at night rising to between 21 to 31 degrees during the day over the course of the tour.