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Iran, Gem of the Middle East

Itinerary correct as at Mar 06, 2018 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au

IRAN, GEM OF THE MIDDLE EAST

Iranian culture is very old and considered one of the richest in the world. Religion, arts, pottery and weaving have been developed to a high degree. Ancient cultures and settlements have existed on the Iranian Plateau since the fourth millennium BCE. Many great empires came and went. In the 13th century, the Mongols invaded and killed most of the inhabitants and destroyed most of the cities. The following centuries were marked by constant wars with neighbouring states. It wasn’t until 1906 that the nation’s first parliament was established, however a coup led by Reza Khan (Shah) in 1921, toppled the government. In 1925 he replaced the ruling Qajar Dynasty founding his own Pahlavi Dynasty. In 1941 the Shah was exiled and replaced with his son Mohammad Reza Shah. The Pahlavi’s are credited with the development of Iran’s modern industry, transport and education system. They did however, with their autocratic rule, manage to alienate many of their countrymen including the religious leaders. Eventually, the Ayatollah Khomeini’s revolution toppled the Pahlavi Dynasty in 1979.

Formerly Persia until 1939, the country is now officially known as the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is a mountainous and generally arid country with the interior containing a vast salt wasteland. Much of the terrain is unpassable and as such, is yet to be explored. Its population is diverse and consists of many ethnic and religious backgrounds. Today, make up the bulk of the people with Kurds and Azerbaijanis making up the biggest ethnic groups. The country’s population is around 66 million (three times that of ours). It is a large country at 1,636,000 square kilometres - about the size of Queensland. Iran can be very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. Best times to travel are spring and autumn.

Come visit Iran with us in April/May 2017. This country is not just for history buffs, but for those who appreciate different and varied cultures. Our 24 day itinerary covers the ‘must-sees” along with many less popular gems. By the time you depart, you will have a thorough understanding of this fascinating country.

Itinerary correct as at Mar 06, 2018 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au IRAN – ITINERARY

Day 1 museum includes an extensive collection of old and TRANSIT new Persian carpets and rugs from the major Depart Australia for Tehran. All flight schedules to carpet weaving centres of Iran. For those arriving be confirmed depending on your city of departure. earlier than the group, there is a lovely park near Meals in flight. the hotel, plus the contemporary art museum is about a 10 minute walk away. Overnight stay at DAY 2 Laleh Hotel for two nights. B/L/D TEHRAN *Two tips; The bookshop in the hotel has many Welcome to great books not available in other parts of the Tehran, a city of country. There’s a great shop opposite the hotel on around 10 the other side of the road that sells nuts and dried million people! fruits for your coach journey. On arrival at Tehran’s IKA DAY 3 Airport each TEHRAN member of the Today includes a full day visits to include the Sa’ad group will apply for their travel visa. The process is Abad Palace, the former residence of the ex-Royal fairly simple requiring an insurance check, the Family of Iran, where many of the old palaces have payment process and then the visa stamp. Then, been converted into museums, such as the White you will transfer (about an hour depending on and Green Palaces. From here the group will go to traffic) to the Laleh Hotel to check in and freshen the Niavaran Palace Complex which is a historical up. You’ll meet your guide on arrival in the foyer of complex situated in the northern part of Tehran. It the hotel. There is a short walk to the nearby carpet consists of several buildings and a museum. The museum planned for when the group is ready. The main Niavaran Palace, completed in 1968, was the

Itinerary correct as at Mar 06, 2018 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au primary residence of the last Shah and his family paradise), Chini Khaneh (meaning the house of the until the Islamic Revolution. After this you’ll chinaware), Khaneqh (the house of Dervishes), continue to the Glass & Cheragh Khaneh (the house of lamps), Shahid Ceramics (Abguineh) Museum, a valuable Khaneh (the house of the martyrs) and Chelleh collection of pre-Islamic and Islamic glass and Khaneh (the place where devotees shut ceramics, beautifully displayed and located in an themselves up for the 40 days of Lent). The elegant early 20th- century mansion. Overnight mausoleum of Sheikh Safi, the famous dome of stay at Laleh Hotel. B/L/D which is called ”Allah-Allah” has an octagonal interior. Then, you’ll drive to Kandovan to visit the DAY 4 troglodytes. These people fled the Mongols in the TEHRAN - late 1200’s and never left. They are unique to Iran ALAMUT- and speak their own dialect. Then drive to Tabriz for ZANJAN your accommodation at the Pars Hotel for two Today has nights. B/L/D you up and *Tip, the best photo opportunity in Kandovan is on on the road the opposite side of the town over the stream. very early Also, try and buy some of the delicious sour plums (about at one of the vendors. 7.00am subject to your guide’s advice). The group will drive DAY 7 to Qazvin for an excursion to the Valley of Alamut TABRIZ (the so-called Valley of the Assassins), with - only After breakfast the group will go sightseeing in for the fit - a steep 25 minutes climb via a stairway Tabriz. You’ll start with a quick visit to the gardens to visit the remains of Qaleh (Fort) of Hassan-e- near the hotel. We suggest you do as the locals do Sabah, referred to as “The Old Man of the and take a walking lap of the lake. You are Mountains”, and the Leader of the Isma’ilis, at guaranteed to feel welcomed by the locals. Then Gazor-Khan. The fortress was destroyed on you will visit the Blue Mosque, known in the world December 15, 1256 by Hulagu Khan as part of the as the Turquoise of Islam, and then the Azerbaijan Mongol offensive on Islamic southwest Asia. You’ll (region, not country) Museum, displaying a fine have lunch in a private home and then continue to collection of pre-historic and historic artefacts found Zanjan. Note, even if you don’t climb to the fortress, in the area. You’ll stop briefly at the 13th century the scenery is spectacular and well worth the effort. Arg-e Alishah, which was originally a magnificent On this side trip, you are likely to take a small Friday Mosque, but then turned into a fortress in minibus as your main coach is not suitable for the the 19th century. After lunch visit the of road. You’ll arrive late into the Grand Hotel for one Tabriz and then overnight at the Pars Hotel. B/L/D night B/L/D DAY 8 DAY 5 TABRIZ - TAKAB ZANJAN - SARAIN Today is a long drive of around 300kms km to In the morning you’ll visit the magnificent Takab. On the way, you’ll visit Orumeih Lake Mausoleum of Uljaitu, set like a gem in the formerly (unless it is dry). It is the largest lake in the Middle vast plain of Sultanieh, constructed during the reign East. In this beautiful route you’ll drive through East of Sultan Muhammad Khoda Bandeh (1304-1330). Azerbaijan The monument is remarkable in many ways; its province and huge dome is about 51 metres high - one of the reach the largest domes in the world. The stucco work, the Kurdish/Azeri tile work, and the designs decorating this town of Takab monument are quite unique. Continue to Sarain for and visit overnight stay at Laleh Sarain Hotel for one night. some villages B/L/D of these two ethnics on the DAY 6 way and SARAIN - TABRIZ observe Ardabil is a historical and beautiful city located in lifestyle of the the skirts of Sabalan Mountain (the bride of Iran’s Turks and Azeries. The highlight for today is our mountains). In this city the Safavid dynasty took up visit to the archaeological site of Takht-e Soleyman, residence. You will visit the mausoleum of Sheikh situated in a valley set in a volcanic mountain Safi-ad- Din-e-Ardabil. It’s an impressive ancient region. The site includes the principal Zoroastrian monument comprising the following components: sanctuary partly rebuilt in the Il-Khanid (Mongol) the mausoleums of Sheikh Safi and Shah Isma’il, a period (13th century) as well as a temple of the mosque, Jannat Sara (meaning the house of Sassanian period (6th and 7th centuries) dedicated

Itinerary correct as at Mar 06, 2018 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au to Anahita. The site has important symbolic DAY 11 significance. The designs of the fire temple, the HAMADAN - KERMANSHAH palace and the general layout have strongly This morning you’ll drive to Kermanshah visit influenced the development of . Kangavar, a small town of great antiquity dating What remains are the massive stone walls and back to 2000BC. Along the way, visit the majestic remnants of the 38 watchtowers, palaces, fire and historic Parthian Temple of Anahita, the temple, Anahita Temple, all built around the lake Goddess of Water and Fertility. Then continue to mainly by the Sassanians in the 3rd century AD. Bisotun where there is the relief inscription of The crater of Zendan-e-Soleiman (Prison of Darius the Great, which is 400ft high on the Solomon) can be seen in the distance and time mountain face. The Bistoun trilingual inscriptions permitting, you can climb it. Overnight at the Ranji and relief depicts Darius facing the nine rebel Hotel for one night. (Note, this is a very basic hotel kings, whom the Achaemid ruler suppressed when but the only option). B/L/D he came to power. (Unfortunately we will not get a DAY 9 clear view as the relief has scaffolding in front of it TAKAB - HAMADAN for repairs). There’s lunch planned in a lovely hotel, a lovely stroll from the inscriptions. Then, in Today after breakfast we will drive to Hamadan, Kermanshah, visit several important Sassanian and continue to the south of the city to near rock carvings at Tagh-e-Bostan depicting royal Malayer to visit Tepe Nushe-i-Jan, believed to have hunting scenes and the investiture of Sassaian been a Median Fort/Temple. It was excavated in kings, including a gigantic equestrian statue of the 1960’s and 70’s by the British Institute of Khosrow the 2nd, (591 to 628AD), mounted on his Persian Studies under the direction of Professor famous horse Shabdiz. Over- night at the Parsian David Stronach. You’ll return to Hamadan to check Hotel for the one night. B/L/D in to your hotel - the Azadi - for two nights. B/L/D DAY 12 DAY 10 KERMANSHAH - AHWAZ HAMADAN Today is a long day driving through the countryside. We’ll have a full day in Hamadan today. Hamadan After breakfast, the group has an early start with is an important city, the centre of the Province of the drive to Ahwaz, through the provinces of Ilam Hamadan and there are many sites to be visited. and Lorestan, We’ll start with the ancient town, the capital of the and via Pol-e- Median Empire in the 7th-century B.C., and the Dokhtar. You’ll summer capital of the Achaemenid kings in the 5th- visit the century B.C. The archaeological site of Ecbatana, remains of the or Hegmataneh, both ancient names for Hamadan, Sassanian extensively excavated in recent years, is a Bridge over testimony to the ancient glory of this town. You’ll Kashkan River visit the Ganjnameh, the inscriptions by Darius I, along the way. and his son, Xerxes, carved on the mountain face. The scenery for At the same destination, you’ll take a trip via the the first half of cable car to the top of the mountain. The views are the trip through outstanding and the gondola takes about 20 the mountainous minutes. There’s a basic café at the top if you’d region is simply stunning. Arrive in Ahwaz late in like a cuppa. You will also visit the Tomb of Esther the afternoon for two overnight stays at the Fajr & Mordecai, a major Jewish pilgrimage centre and Hotel. (Note that Ahwaz is one of the hottest cities your guide will relate the story of Purim celebrated in Iran and usually gets hot from April). B/L/D by Jews around the world. The group will then visit the 12th century Alavyan Tomb Tower, plus the DAY 13 tomb of Avicenna (died in 1034), Iran’s celebrated AHWAZ - philosopher/ scientist/ physician, whose Another early start for a full day excursion to prescriptions were used by Western and Iranian Chogha- Zanbil, to visit the ziggurat built about medical universities. We’ll also see the Stone Lion, 1250 BC by the Elamite king Untash-Gal. Also visit an intriguing sole statute, believed to date from the Haft-Tappeh (Elamite Necropolis), and Susa, the Hellenistic Period when Alexander invaded Iran, site of one of the oldest civilisations in Western and was, supposedly, made to honour one of his Asia, dating back to 5,000 BC, and the remains slain generals. Time permitting, you can be plus the site museum. In the new town of Susa you dropped off at the city’s bazaar for some shopping. can also visit the tomb of the Biblical Prophet It’s about a $10 taxi ride back to the hotel. B/L/D Daniel; continue to visit Shushtar, a small town perched on limestone cliffs above a tributary of the Karun River, whose past can be traced through a

Itinerary correct as at Mar 06, 2018 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au remarkable series of inter-connecting channels, DAY 17 dams/ bridges and irrigation works, overnight stay - at Fajr Hotel. B/L/D - NAGHSH-E-ROSTAM DAY 14 Today is, surely one of AHWAZ - SHIRAZ the highlights of the tour. It involves a full day After early breakfast, the group will drive to Shiraz. excursion to Persepolis, En-route you’ll visit , remains of the one of the most important Sassanian round city built by Shapur 1st (241-273 sites of the Ancient AD), the second Sassanian king. The building World. It is the complex includes a central chamber, a large ceremonial capital of the courtyard which had been covered with impressive Achaemenid kings with mosaics, plus the remains of a temple dedicated to remains of the palaces of Anahita, the goddess of water and fertility; on either Darius the Great, Xerxes side of a narrow gorge, there are also Sassanian and Artaxerxes, and its famous bas-reliefs, rock-reliefs at Tang-e-Chogan commemorating depicting kings and courtiers and gift-bearing Shapur’s victories over the Romans and other representatives of tributary nations of the Persian adversaries. You’ll reach Shiraz ready for dinner. Empire. We also visit Naghsh-e-Rostam to see Check in for four nights at the lovely Homa Hotel. Ka’be-Zardosht (fire temple/sanctuary) and Royal (Note the Homa Hotel is situated right next to a Tombs (also Achaemenid) plus seven magnificent large park - great for a stroll if you have any spare Sassanian rock-reliefs (including Shapur the First’s time and wonderful for talking to the locals who are famous victory over Roman Emperor Valerian). all keen to chat. B/L/D Finally, you’ll visit Naghsh-e-Rajab, a nearby grotto DAY 15 with several Sassanian reliefs. Return to Shiraz SHIRAZ - FIRUZABAD and visit the tombs of Iran’s greatest lyric poets, and Sa'adi, both located in beautiful gardens Today comprises of a day excursion to Firuzabad, on your way to the hotel. B/L/D built by Sassanian King Ardashir in 220 AD, as his royal residence. The place known today as DAY 18 Firuzabad was originally called Ardashir- Khurra SHIRAZ - meaning the “Glory of Ardashir”, and it was a You’ll drive to Yazd today, en-route visiting walled city, circular in shape, with four gates , the site of the simple, but impressive located at each cardinal point. A square minaret of tomb and remains of the palaces of Cyrus the rubble stone rose to almost one hundred feet in the Great (the Founder of the Persian Empire). There’s centre of the city, remains of which is all that also a stop at the small desert town of Abarkuh and survives. Nearby stands the enormous palace of then a quick stop at the 3,500-year old cypress Ardashir, built on the plain with a view over a small tree. Continue to Mehriz where you’ll visit the natural lake. There are also some bas-reliefs in the amazing Sar-e-Yazd Castle and then continue to opening of the valley where Ardashir built his city, Yazd where you’ll stay for two nights at the depicting Ardashir defeating the Parthian king beautiful Moshir Garden Hotel. B/L/D Artabanus. Firuzabad is also a main centre of the Qashqai nomads so you may have a chance to see DAY 19 the people of this tribe in their village. Return to YAZD hotel late in the afternoon. B/L/D Your itinerary DAY 16 includes a SHIRAZ full-day sightseeing in After breakfast, the group will take a city tour of Yazd, the Shiraz to visit some of the famous gardens of this centre for city of “roses and nightingales”. Sightseeing will Iran’s small include the , the pink tiled 19th- Zoroastrian century Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, the Arg-e-Karim community. You will visit one of the two Zoroastrian Khan (18th-century citadel), the Zand-period Vakil abandoned Towers of Silence (Dakhma), dating Mosque, the Qajar- period Narenjestan Garden/ back to the 18th century, where until some 50-60 House, the of Shiraz, ending in Saray- years ago the dead were carried and left to e-Moshir with splendid architecture and shops. decompose and be devoured by birds. You’ll also After dinner there’s the outside of the Holy Shrine see the active Zoroastrian Fire Temple and the of Shah-e-Cheragh (not open to non- Moslems) small museum. The fire has been burning for about which looks stunning with its night lights. Return to 1500 years! Among Yazd’s Islamic sites are the your hotel late in the afternoon. B/L/D Friday Mosque (1324 A.D.) with the highest portal

Itinerary correct as at Mar 06, 2018 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au and minarets in Iran and the Mirchachmagh Maidan famous Uljaitu Mihrab (Prayer Niche) of the Il- and Mosque. Other notable Islamic monuments in Khanid period. The Friday Mosque is considered a the old Fahadan area of Yazd are the Seljuk shrine museum of a thousand years of Persian religious dedicated to the Twelve Shi’ite Imams; and architecture and is truly one of the world’s greatest Ziaieyeh Theological School, known as Zendan-e- mosques. You’ll also visit the Harun-e-Velayat Eskanderor Alexandar’s Prison. There are also Shrine and the Ali Minaret. From here the group will many beautiful old houses in Yazd, among them drive to the Chehel Sotun Palace, built by Shah the Dowlat-Abad Garden, with an 18th century Abbas II in the 17th century. It’s twenty wooden feudal hexagonal house. Back to your hotel late in columns reflected in the surface of the pool give the afternoon. B/L/D rise to its name ‘The Palace of Forty Columns’. There’s a short excursion to visit the Atashgah (Fire DAY 20 Temple), which entails a steep walk up the hill (for YAZD - ISFAHAN those up to it) and the Menar Jonban (Shaking After an early breakfast you’ll drive to Isfahan Minarets). Return to the Maidan for the handicraft making a few stops along the way. The first is at shops before heading back to the hotel. B/L/D Meybod, a small desert town with several very interesting monuments of mud architecture and a DAY 23 . Continue to the village of ISFAHAN - TEHRAN Mohamadiye, to see the traditional workshops In the morning the group will drive to Tehran weaving the camel cloaks worn by the Moslem stopping at the charming town of Natanz on the clergy in Iran. Then proceed to Na’in another way to visit a beautiful Islamic Complex (Friday charming desert town, half way between Yazd and Mosque/Monastery/Tomb of Sheikh Abdol Samad Isfahan to visit the 10th century Friday Mosque and Isfahani). Then you’ll drive to Kashan and visit one the 17th century Pirnia House/ Ethnographic of the most important and ancient archaeological Museum (closed on Mondays). You’ll take a walk sites in Iran known as Teppe Sialk. The site was through the old part of town and then drive on to excavated in the 1930’s and dates back to 4000BC. Isfahan. Overnight at Abbasi Hotel where you’ll The artefacts found at this site adorn many major spend three nights. B/L/D museums in the world. Also visit the historical garden of Fin, first planted during the Safavid DAY 21 period and kept alive with water from the nearby ISFAHAN Sulaimanieh Spring. This beautiful garden was Today expanded by the Zand and Qajar monarchs who comprises a added the pavilions. You’ll also visit a fine example full day tour of a 19th century merchant residence known as of the Taba-Tabai House with its beautiful stucco dome beautiful city and inlaid mirror work and of the best examples of of Isfahan. existing “badgirs” (wind-catchers). Continue to You’ll visit Tehran for overnight stay at The Ferdowsi Hotel for the 17th two nights. B/L/D century capital of the Safavids, referred to as Nesf-e-Jahan DAY 24 (Half of the World), the famous bridges of TEHRAN Shahrestan/Khajou/Sio-se-pol, the Armenian Your final full day includes a visit to the Milad Tower Quarter with several churches, including the to enjoy the magnificent views of the city and to important Cathedral of Vank. In the afternoon visit learn a little about some famous Iranian people at one of the world’s grandest squares, the Maidan-e- the museum there. You’ll then visit the quant Naghsh-e-Jahan, with several sites (the Ali-Qapu township of Uraman Takht at the foothills of the Palace with its enchanting music rooms and mountain for lunch. On return late in the afternoon, balcony overlooking the Maidan, from where the you’ll visit the Archaeological Museum, displaying Safavid Kings watched polo games, and two of an authentic collection of pottery, bronze and other Islamic world’s greatest mosques – the Sheikh valuable pieces from 6-7 millenniums BC up to the Lotfollah and the Imam – with magnificent Achaemenid, Parthian and Sassanian eras. This is architecture and tilework, finishing with a visit to the just a pleasant fifteen minute walk from the hotel. Qeisarieh Bazaar with hundreds of shops B/L/D displaying the arts and handicrafts for which Isfahan is world-famous. B/L/D DAY 25 DEPARTURE DAY 22 Today you’ll depart for home or your next ISFAHAN destination. All flights are to be confirmed. Another full day of sightseeing in Isfahan today. Visit the magnificent Friday Mosque, with the

Itinerary correct as at Mar 06, 2018 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au