TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS IN 2013

Cobalt and Lustre: Treasures of Ancient Persia

TEHRAN – - ZANJAN – KERMAN – – –

with John Tidmarsh 05–28 November 2013 (24 days) Tour Cobalt and Lustre: leader Treasures of Ancient Persia

Few countries can boast of such an illustrious past and diversity of cultures as . From , Tabriz and Zanjan in the north to Kerman, Shiraz, Yazd and Isfahan in the south and centre, this tour will thoroughly explore the extraordinary historical, architectural and cultural legacy since Cyrus the Great founded the Persian Empire in the 6th century BC. In addition to exploring the major sites such as , Pasargad and Naqsh- i-Rustam, you will also enter the lesser known world of the Sassanians whose opulent palaces at Bishapur and Firuzabad, along with the remarkable religious centre of Takht-i-Sulaiman, with its bottomless lake and great Fire Temple, represent some of the finest monuments seen in Iran today. Dr John Tidmarsh was previously tutor and then Stay in the enchanting mud-brick city of Yazd with its brooding Zoroastrian part-time Lecturer in the Towers of Silence, narrow winding lanes and opulent merchants’ houses with Department of Archaeology at the University of Sydney. their tall wind-towers. In Shiraz, ‘the city of roses and nightingales’, enter the He is currently President of enchanted world of Persian gardens and poetry through the wonderful gardens the University’s Near Eastern Archaeology Foundation. of the Bagh-i-Eram, the Narenjastan Pavilion and the tombs of Hafez and Sa’adi. He is a Co-Director of the University of Sydney’s excavations at Pella in Jordan At a glance and is also Co-Director of the ANU University of Melbourne • Begin and end in Tehran, rich in museums, palaces and monuments excavations at Jebel Khalid in • Visit Tabriz, a place of cultural exchange since antiquity . • Explore the enchanting mud-brick city of Yazd His main areas of interest are the archaeology of Alexander • Be enchanted by Shiraz, ‘the city of roses and nightingales’ the Great’s conquests, the • Discover the stunning gardens, and of Isfahan, the Hellenistic Period in the Near East and Asia, and the Islamic ‘Pearl of Islam’ world. • Visit Persepolis, ‘the city of the Persians’ He has led tours for the Art Gallery Society of NSW and other institutions to Oman, Tabriz Syria, Jordan, Iran, Turkey and Greece. He travels widely in the Middle East. Zanjan

Tehran IRAN

Isfahan Air Yazd Coach Map is a guide only

Map is a guide only Kerman Shiraz Itinerary

Mon 04 Nov 2013 Depart Australia Fri 08 Nov Tehran – Tabriz Suggested departure from Australia on Emirates via Dubai to Tehran. Transfer to Tehran Airport for a morning flight (1 hr 10 min) to B L Tabriz. Tue 05 Nov Arrive Tehran In the afternoon, drive out of Tabriz (50 km) to Kandovan, a small picturesque village. The landscape is reminiscent of Cappadoccia Arrive Tehran in the morning. Transfer to the hotel located in the in Turkey, but the cone formed rocks cover a much smaller area. centre of Tehran. The volcanic rocks have been eroded to strange formations and In the afternoon, begin your exploration of Tehran with a visit are home to houses which have been carved into the rocks and to the fabulous State Jewels Museum, housed in the vaults of the inhabited for the last 1600 years. B L D Central Bank of Iran, displaying the most dazzling and priceless collection of jewels and gems in the world. Sat 09 Nov Tabriz Enjoy a full day tour of Tabriz, one of the historical capitals of Iran Tonight join John Tidmarsh and fellow art lovers for a welcome and the capital of East Azerbaijan Province. Situated at an altitude of dinner. D 1,350 meters at the junction of the Quru River and Aji River, Tabriz Wed 06 Nov Tehran was the second largest city in Iran until the late 1960s, and is rich in many historical monuments dating back to the Ilkhanid, Safavid, and This morning visit the Reza Abbasi Museum displaying objects from Qajar periods. Following a visit to the Blue and Azerbaijan pre-historic era until 20th century. The two galleries of paintings and Museum you may wish to visit of Tabriz. B L D calligraphy in this museum show different schools of painting and calligraphy from various periods in Iran’s history. Sun 10 Nov Tabriz Continue to the Glass & Ceramics Museum with a beautiful Enjoy a full day trip out of Tabriz (125 km, one-way) to the collection of glass and from different periods. Finish at Armenian church and monastery of St Stephanos, situated in the the Archaeological Museum, displaying an authentic collection of Aros River valley with a beautiful mountain scenery around. On the pottery, bronze and valuable pieces from millenniums BC until the other side of the river is Azerbaijan (). B L Islamic era. B L D Mon 11 Nov Tabriz - Zanjan Thu 07 Nov Tehran Depart Tabriz for a morning drive to Zanjan (300 km, approx 4hr). This morning visit the Golestan Palace and Museum Complex, the Following lunch, visit the magnificent Mausoleum of Uljaitu, set like former residence of the 19th and early 20th century Qajar Kings of a gem in the formerly vast plain of Sultanieh, constructed during Iran, with several museums including the Marble Throne Room and the reign of Sultan Muhammad Khoda Bandeh (1304-1330). The the Ethnographic Museum. monument is remarkable, its huge dome is about 51 metres high Continue to the Niavarān Palace (1968), the primary residence of and ranks amongst the largest domes in the world. The stucco- the last Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the Imperial family until work, the tile-work, and the designs decorating this monument are the Iranian Revolution. unique. B L D Time permitting, finish the day with a visit to the Carpet Museum, which has an excellent collection of Persian carpets from different regions of Iran on display B L

Golestan Palace, Tehran Typical group lunch at a local restaurant Tue 12 Nov Zanjan Sun 17 Nov Shiraz Excursion to Takht-e-Soleiman, the ‘Throne of Solomon’, located in Morning excursion to Persepolis, one of the most important sites of a remote mountain valley near Takab, one of the most interesting the Ancient World, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid kings and enigmatic sacred sites in Iran. At the centre of a flat stone hill with remains of the palaces of Darius the Great, rising twenty meters above the surrounding lands, is a small lake of Xerxes and Artaxerxes. See the famous bas-reliefs, depicting kings mysterious beauty. Brilliantly clear but dark as night due to its depth, and courtiers and giftbearing representatives of tributary nations of the lake’s waters are fed by a hidden spring far below the surface. the Persian Empire. Places like this were known in legendary times as portals to the underworld, as abodes of earth spirits. At Naghsh-e-Rostam see Ka’be-Zardosht (fire temple/sanctuary) and the Royal Tombs as well as the seven magnificent Sassanian The massive stone walls and remnants of the thirty eight watch rock-reliefs including the relief depicting Shapur the First’s famous towers, together with remains of the palaces, the fire temple and victory over Roman Emperor Valerian. the Anahita temple, built around the lake mainly by the Sassanians in the 3rd century AD, are part of what is left of the complex. Return to Shiraz for visits to some of the delightful gardens, The crater of Zendan-e-Soleiman (the Prison of Solomon) can be including the Eram Garden, the tombs of Iran’s greatest lyric poets, glimpsed in the distance. B L D Hafez and Sa’adi, both located in pleasant gardens, with a charming “Chai-Khaneh” (tea-house). Shiraz, the capital of the 18th-century Wed 13 Nov Zanjan - Kerman Zand Rulers of Iran, has many monuments dating back to this Morning drive from Zanjan to Tehran Airport (373 km, 5 hr) for an period: the Arg-e-Karim Khan, a fortress building in the now town- afternoon flight to Kerman. B L D centre, which was the seat of government of Zand Rulers and the Vakil Mosque. B L Thu 14 Nov Kerman Today is a full day at leisure. NB. Wed 13 and Thu 14 November Mon 18 Nov Shiraz are the two religious mourning days (public holidays) of T’asua and Morning excursion to Firuzabad, which was the capital of Ardashir A’shura in the month of Moharram. B L D I (224-241AD) who founded the Sassanian empire, the last ancient Persian empire before the arrival of the Arabs. At Firuzabad we visit Fri 15 Nov Kerman Ardashir’s great palace, probably the finest Sassanian monument A former capital of Iran during several periods Kerman is famous in all Iran with its great and domed audience halls, as well as a for its long history and strong cultural heritage. The city is home to fine rock relief celebrating his accession to the throne. many historic mosques and Zoroastrian fire temples. Following a After lunch visit the Qajar period Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, popularly morning tour of the city, drive south of Kerman (100 km) to visit the known as the ‘Pink Mosque’ because of its colourful tile decorations. well-preserved medieval mud-brick citadel of Rayen, inhabited until Continue to the Narenjestan Garden, also dating from the Qajar 150 years ago although believed to be at least 1,000 years old. period, and the family home of the wealthy Qavam Family of Shiraz. On the return to Kerman, stop in Mahan to visit the Shazdeh Finish the day with a visit to Vakil Bazaar. B L D Garden (Prince’s Garden), an historical Persian garden, and the mausoleum of Shah Nematollah Vali, the renowned Iranian mystic Tue 19 Nov Shiraz and poet. Shah Nematollah Vali died in 1431 aged over 100. B L Morning excursion to Bishapur to visit the remains of the Sassanian city built by Shapur 1st (241-273AD), the second Sassanian king. Sat 16 Nov Kerman – Shiraz The building complex includes a central chamber, a large courtyard Early departure for Shiraz (566 km, 7-8 hr including breaks). En route which had been covered with impressive mosaics, plus the remains stop in the ancient city of Sarvestan to visit the Sasanids’ Palace (Kakhe of a temple dedicated to Anahita, the goddess of water and fertility. Sasan) constructed during the Sasanid dynastic era (224-651 A.D). At Tang-e Chogan, on either side of a narrow gorge, there are six Sassanian rock-reliefs commemorating Shapur’s victories over the Late afternoon arrival in Shiraz. B L D Romans and other adversaries. Afternoon at leisure in Shiraz. B L

Persepolis Nasir al-Molk Mosque, Shiraz Wed 20 Nov Shiraz - Yazd After lunch, explore the buildings surrounding one of the world’s Today journey to Yazd (438 km, 7-8 hr including breaks). En-route grandest squares, the Maidan-e-Naghsh-e-Jahan, including the stop in Pasargadae to visit the remains of the palaces and tomb of Ali-Qapu Palace with its enchanting music rooms and balcony Cyrus the Great, the Founder of the Persian Empire, located in the overlooking the Maidan, from where the Safavid Kings watched polo magnificent Dasht-e-Morghab. Stop in Abarkuh, a typical desert games, and two of the Islamic world’s greatest mosques, the Sheikh town, and have tea under the shade of a 4,000-year old Cypress Lotfollah and the Shah. Finish with a visit to the Qeisarieh Bazaar tree before arriving in Yazd in the afternoon. B L D with hundreds of shops displaying the arts and handicrafts for which Isfahan is world-famous. B L Thu 21 Nov Yazd Mon 25 Nov Isfahan Full day sightseeing in Yazd, the centre for Iran’s small Zoroastrian community who, seeking refuge from the invading Arabs, found a Continue your exploration of Isfahan with a visit to the magnificent safe haven within its fortified walls. Visit one of the two Towers of Friday Mosque, with the famous Uljaitu Mihrab (Prayer Niche) of Silence (Dakhma), dating back to the 18th century, where until some the Il-Khanid period. The Friday Mosque is considered a museum of 40-50 years ago, the dead were carried and left to decompose and a thousand years of Persian religious architecture and is truly one of be devoured by birds. the world’s greatest mosques. See the active Zoroastrian Fire Temple, the fire of which has been Also visit the Harun-e-Velayat Shrine and the Ali Minaret. From burning for about 1500 years. Among Yazd’s Islamic sites is the here drive to the Chehel Sotun Palace, built by Shah Abbas II in the Friday Mosque (1324AD), with the highest portal and minarets in 17th century. Its wooden columns reflected in the surface of the Iran. Other notable Islamic monuments in Yazd are the Seljuk shrine pool give rise to its name ‘The Palace of Forty Columns’. B L dedicated to the Twelve Shi’ite Imams; and the Ziaieyeh Theological Tue 26 Nov Isfahan School, known as Zendan-e-Eskandar or Alexander’s Prison. There are also many beautiful old houses in Yazd, among them the Dowlat Day at leisure in Isfahan. Tonight, celebrate the conclusion of the Abad Garden, with an 18th century feudal hexagonal house. B L tour with a special farewell dinner. B D

Fri 22 Nov Yazd Wed 27 Nov Isfahan–Tehran Full day at leisure in Yazd. B Full day drive to Tehran (460 km, approx.7–8 hr, including stops). First, stop at the town of to visit a beautiful Islamic complex Sat 23 Nov Yazd – Isfahan consisting of the Friday Mosque, Monastery and Tomb of Sheikh Today travel from Yazd to Isfahan (313 km, 7-8 hr including stops). Abdol Samad Isfahani. En route stop to visit the and Zilu textile museum and Continue to and visit one of the most important shop at Meybod. Continue to the village of Mohamadiye, to see archaeological sites in Iran known as Tepe Sialk. Later, visit the the traditional workshops weaving the camel cloaks worn by the historical garden of Fin, which was first planted during the Safavid Moslem clergy in Iran. Also stop in Na’in, another charming desert period. This beautiful garden was expanded by the Zand and Qajar town to visit the 10th century Friday Mosque and the 17th century monarchs, who added many open pavilions. Also visit a fine example Pirnia House, containing the Ethnographic Museum. Arrive in of a 19th century merchant residence known as Taba-Tabai House. Isfahan in the afternoon. B L D On arrival in Tehran drive by the Mausoleum of Imam Khomeini en Sun 24 Nov Isfahan route to your hotel. B L D Full day tour of the beautiful city of Isfahan, the 17th century capital Thu 28 Nov Depart Tehran of the Safavids, referred to as Nesf-e-Jahan (Half of the World). Start with a visit to the famous bridges of Shahrestan, Khajou and Day at leisure until the transfer to the airport. Evening departure on Sio-se-pol, the Armenian Quarter with several churches, including Emirates via Dubai to Australia. B the important Cathedral of Vank. Fri 29 Nov Arrive Australia Evening arrival in Australia.

Masjed-i Jame’ Mosque, Yazd Bas-relief at Persepolis Visas Tour Prices Australian and New Zealand passport holders require a Per person, twin-share AUD 8,850 visa for Iran. Renaissance Tours will assist tour members in Single supplement* AUD 1,600 obtaining their visa prior to departure from Australia. Deposit per person AUD 500 Dress code Final payment 6 September 2013 The most visible daily expressions of Iran’s Shi’ite Islam are Tour code AG1314 the modest dress code, and rules for behaviour at mosques both of which apply for men and women. *Single travellers may request to share. Please advise at time of booking. Dress code for Women: Women will be required to wear a head-scarf, long-sleeve Fitness level Challenging shirt, trousers, and a trench-coat (to the knee) at all times. During visits to some mosques women will also be required Please see terms & conditions for fitness level definitions. to wear a special robe provided at the entrance. Dress code for Men: Tour prices include Men are required to wear trousers and shirts with either • Accommodation in centrally located hotels with private long-sleeves or half-sleeves. (No singlets). facilities and daily breakfast (B) Shorts are not permitted. • Transfers on arrival and departure if travelling on suggested flights Food and alcohol • Meals as per itinerary (L=Lunch, D=Dinner) including special Welcome Iranian cuisine is heavily based on rice, bread, fresh vegetables, • and Farewell dinners. herbs and fruit. Meat is mostly lamb or mutton. The national • Comprehensive sightseeing, visits to museums and drink of Iran is chai (tea), always served scalding hot, black and attractions with John Tidmarsh including entrance fees as strong. All sorts of delicious fresh fruit juices, milkshakes and per itinerary yoghurt drinks are available throughout Iran. Alcohol is strictly • Lectures and talks with your tour leader throughout forbidden. Do not take any alcohol into Iran. • Gratuities for local guides and drivers • Hotel porterage (one piece per person) • Visa for Iran Tour price does not include • International airfares • Transfers on arrival and departure if not travelling on suggested flights • Items of a personal nature, including telephone, laundry, taxis etc. • Drinks with meals • Airport porterage • Travel insurance

Your hotel Best available in country towns Tehran – Laleh Hotel      Tabriz – Pars Hotel      Zanjan – Grand Zanjan     Kerman – Pars      Shiraz – Homa Hotel      Yazd – Moshir Garden     Isfahan – Abbasi      Tehran – Laleh Hotel      NB. Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.

Shah Mosque, Isfahan Terms & Conditions

How to Book minimum tour participant numbers). Except for MODERATE Complete, sign and return the Booking Form available force majeure, we will not cancel a tour less than 60 for the overall benefit of the group, all tour members from Renaissance Tours with your deposit and page days before departure. No further compensation must possess a moderate level of mobility, including one of your passport. will be paid in the event of cancellation by the ability to: Renaissance Tours. A full refund of monies paid for • negotiate airports and railway stations without Deposit / Final Payments tour costs will be the full extent of our liability. Your deposit is due at the time of booking and is wheelchair assistance used to pay hotel, airline, performance tickets and/ Cancellation and/or amendment fees may apply • use combined shower/bath facilities (it is or other deposits. It is non-refundable in the event for additional travel arrangements booked by impossible to guarantee walk-in shower facilities) of your cancellation. Renaissance Tours. • undertake walking tour of 1-2 hours duration, Final payment is due 60 days before departure. Passports, Visas and Vaccinations including using stairs, walking over cobblestones Failure to make the final payment by the due date All travellers must be in a possession of a valid and other uneven surfaces may result in cancellation of your booking and loss passport – most countries require a 6-month • stand for long periods in museums and other of deposit. validity from your date of entry or exit. For some sites countries (e.g. , Vietnam, , Russia), visas Payments are accepted in cash and by cheque, • embark / disembark coaches, trains and other are included in the tour cost and will be arranged methods of transportation without assistance bank transfer, American Express, Diners Club, by Renaissance Tours prior to travel. For other MasterCard and Visa. A 3% service charge applies countries, it is your responsibility to ensure you have • handle your own luggage for payment by American Express and Diners Club. the appropriate visa(s). ABOVE AVERAGE Cancellation & Refunds In addition to the above, tour members must also You are also responsible for obtaining all necessary be able to: a) Cancellation by You - Cancellation charges will inoculations and preventative medicines as may be be applied as shown below, calculated from the required for the duration of the tour. • Undertake walking tours of 2 – 3 hours day written notification is received by Renaissance • climb staircases of 100 or more steps Tours. In addition to cancellation fees for tours Travel Insurance operated by Renaissance Tours as shown below, It is a condition of travel that you are covered by CHALLENGING airlines, hotels and other third parties may impose comprehensive travel insurance for international In addition to the above, tour members must also up to 100% cancellation charges. tours. Your travel insurance can be arranged by be able to: Renaissance Tours. • Handle extremes of temperature (e.g. below 0 60 days or more Forfeit of deposit or above 35 degrees) 59 – 45 days 25% of tour cost Fitness and Participation Most of our tours require a MODERATE level of • handle extremes of altitudes (e.g. 4000 metres 44 – 31 days 50% of tour cost fitness. and above). 30 – 15 days 75% of tour cost However, in certain destinations (e.g. Silk Less than 15 days 100% of tour cost Road, Central Asia, Outback Australia, tropical You can find the full terms & conditions on the The above cancellation charges include applicable destinations) or in certain seasons (eg. mid-winter, Renaissance Tours booking form. GST. mid-summer) or because of the nature of travel (eg. They can also be found at remote rail), certain tours will require an ABOVE www.renaissancetours.com.au/booking-conditions/ In addition to the above, cancellation charges AVERAGE or CHALLENGING level of fitness. or we would be happy to post you a copy on may apply for additional arrangements booked request. by Renaissance Tours, such as air tickets, hotels If you (or we) have any doubts about your level and travel insurance premium. If the reason for of fitness, you may be required to have a doctor’s cancellation is covered by the insurance policy, you appraisal. This would require your doctor to read may be able to reclaim these charges. the itinerary of your chosen tour, including the fitness level, and provide you (and us) with a written b) Cancellation by Us - We reserve the right to confirmation of your ability to participate. cancel a tour for any reason (such as failure to reach

The dome of the Cathedral in St. Stephanos Naghsh-e-Jahan Square, Isfahan TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS IN 2013

Front: Darius Palace at Persepolis Back: Golestan Palace, Tehran

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