The Land of Ancient Persia

Insurance: However, sharedaccommodationscannotbeguaranteedandasingle supplementratewillapply. Single Travelers: recommended thatyounotpurchaseinternationalflightsuntilinstructedbyMIRCorporation. penalty incurredbythepurchaseofanon-refundableticketinconnection withthistour. It is Note: NeitherUCOrientalInstitutenorMIRCorporationacceptsliability foranyairlinecancellation any. to therequirementthatrecoverablecostofunusedservicesand accommodationsberefunded,if health, safety,orgeneralwelfareofthetourgroupindividual participant,andsubjectonly his/her ownexpense,whensuchactionisdeterminedbytourstaff tobeinthebestinterestof person asaparticipantintour,ortorequireanywithdrawfromtourattime the tourannounced(i.e.,cancelatour). MIRCorporationreservestherighttodeclineacceptany Institute andourtouroperatorMIRCorporationreservetheright,withoutpenalty,towithdraw cannot bemadetopassengerswhodonotcompletethefulltourforanyreasonatall. UCOriental 50% oflandtourcostperperson;thosereceived30daysorlessbeforedeparture,norefund. Refunds deposits paidordueinfullof$500perperson;thosereceived31daysto60beforedeparture, following cancellationchargeswillapply:Cancellationsreceived61ormoredaysbeforedeparture, Cancellations andRefunds: 2016, 60dayspriortodeparture. Paymentofbalanceduebycheckorbanktransfer only. address onthereservationform. BalanceofpaymentforalllandandaircostsisduebyAugust14, MIR Corporation-Trust)orcreditcardinformationtoourtouroperatorCorporationthe Reservations andPayments: services arehighlyrecommendedasdelaysorchangesintheitinerarylikely. walking toursandmuseumvisits. Flexibilityandawillingnesstoacceptlocalstandardsofamenities miles aday(withorwithouttheassistanceofcane)andstandforanextendedperiodtimeduring accessible. To reapthefull rewards ofthisadventure,travelersmustbeabletowalkatleasttwo the extensivewalkingandstairclimbingrequired;partsoftourwillnotalwaysbewheelchair What toExpect: Information willbesent on a recommendedbyourtouroperatoruponconfirmation. flightitinerary Because oftheglobalnature ofourmembersandpatrons, there isnogroup flight for thisprogram. Air Arrangements: localguidesanddrivers National Guide, itinerary •Personalitemssuchastelephonecalls,laundry,excessbaggagefeesGratuitiestothe Corporation canassistwithreservations•TravelinsuranceMealsnotspecifiedasincludedinthe Not Included:Internationalround tripairfareto Tehran/from Isfahan. OurtouroperatorMIR Comprehensive pre-departurepacket • •WelcomeandfarewelldinnersBaggagehandlingatthehotelsIranianvisasupport itinerary and extensivesightseeing,includingentrancefees•EnglishspeakingNationalGuidethroughout the Tehran toAhwaz• All overland transportationperitineraryby privatevehicle •Specialculturalevents end daysforontherecommended passengersarriving/departing group flight•Internalairfarefrom passengers arriving/departingonscheduledstart/ D=dinner) •Arrival/departuretransfersfor • Mealsperitinerary(B=breakfast,L=lunch, assumption ofriskagreementisrequired fortripparticipation. upon enrollmentandisavailable to prospectivetravelersuponrequest. A signedrelease ofliability/ and MIRCorporationforlossof property, injury,illnessordeathwillbeprovidedtopassengers Responsibility: insurance for U.S. residents only.

Included: Single Supplement: $1,395 Land Program Rate: $6,995 (per personbasedondoubleoccupancy)

All accommodation, hotel taxes Allaccommodation,hoteltaxes

MIR Corporationcanassistwithmedical/evacuation andtripcancellation/interruption

A detailed statement of limitations and exclusions of liability of UC Oriental Institute A detailedstatementoflimitations andexclusionsofliabilityUCOrientalInstitute This trip is moderately active due to the substantial distances covered and Thistripismoderatelyactiveduetothesubstantialdistancescoveredand

We makeeveryefforttomatchsingletravelerswhorequestaroommate. Program ratesdonotincludeinternationalairfare to Tehran/from Isfahan. ©2015 MIR Corporation, allrights reserved. Photos: Ann Schneider, MIRCorporation All cancellations must be made in writing to MIR Corporation and the AllcancellationsmustbemadeinwritingtoMIRCorporationandthe

Please mail the completed registration form with check (payable to Please mailthecompletedregistrationformwithcheck(payableto

MIR Corporation: CST#2082306-40. WST #601-099-932.

Please mail the completed registration form with check (payable to MIR Corporation-Trust) or credit card information to MIR Corporation, 85 S Washington St. Suite 210, Seattle, WA 98104. Balance of payment for all land and air costs is due by August 14, 2016, 60 days prior to departure. Payment of balance due by check or bank transfer only. Space is limited. Reser- vations will be processed in order of receipt, subject to availability. The enclosed non-refundable deposit of $ ______($500 per person) to hold ______place(s).  Enclosed check, payable to MIR Corporation-Trust  Visa  Mastercard  American Express  Discover ______Credit card number Exp date CVC ______Billing Address (if different from mailing address) ______Signature of cardholder ______Full name #1 (as listed in passport) Date of birth ______Full name #2 (as listed in passport) Date of birth ______Mailing address (no PO boxes please) ______City State/Province Zip Country ______Phone (Home) (Work/Cell) Email Please note preferences:  I am traveling alone and prefer a single room wherever available at the single supplement rate ($1,395).  I will share accommodations with ______ I would like to share with a  Non-smoker  Smoker (shares are not guaranteed) International airfare is not included in the tour price. Information on the recommended flight itinerary will be sent by our tour operator upon confirmation. Please send me a recommended air itinerary and fare estimate between my home city ______and Tehran/ departing Isfahan in:  Business class  Economy class

Included: Single Supplement: $1,395 Land Program Rate: $6,995 (per personbasedondoubleoccupancy)

All accommodation, hotel taxes Allaccommodation,hoteltaxes

MIR Corporationcanassistwithmedical/evacuation andtripcancellation/interruption

Please mail the completed registration form with check (payable to Please mailthecompletedregistrationformwithcheck(payableto

MIR Corporation: CST#2082306-40. WST #601-099-932.

For more info, contact MIR Corporation by phone (855) 691-7903 or email [email protected]. The Land ofAncientPersia October 13-28, 2016 Led by Abbas Alizadeh For more information or to register, contact: Anne Thorsteinson at MIR Corporation (855) 691-7903 / [email protected] Day by Day Itinerary Program Highlights October 13 Arrive Tehran October 21 Shiraz • day trip to Persepolis • Admire the UNESCO-listed Shushtar Hydraulic System, begun in the 5th Arrive in Tehran, transfer to the hotel. (Meals in flight) – Espinas Hotel Pay a visit to UNESCO-listed Persepolis. In 1933, archaeologists from the Oriental century BC. Institute were instrumental in discovering a trove of clay tablets in the palaces of Persepolis. Continue to the tombs of Naghsh-e Rostam, with their monumental rock • Visit Ahwaz, one of the oldest settlements in the world, encompassing October 14 Tehran Spend the morning at leisure adjusting to the time difference before visiting UNESCO- carvings. (1B, 1L) – Homa Hotel the ruins of the Palace of Darius. listed Gulestan Palace and the State Jewels Museum, guarding the world’s largest uncut • Explore the vast remains of ancient Persia at UNESCO-listed Persepolis, diamond. (1B, 1L, 1D) – Espinas Hotel October 22 Shiraz • drive to Yazd via Pasargadae Cyrus the Great founded Pasargadae, the first capital of the Achaemenid Empire. a wonder of the Ancient World. Set apart from the other ruins is the limestone mausoleum of Cyrus. (1B, 1L, 1D) – October 15 Tehran • Visit the Zoroastrian Fire Temple in Yazd, where the eternal flame has Explore the Reza Abassi Museum and the Archaeological Museum, displaying Persian Moshir Garden Hotel been burning since 470 BC. antiquities, art and artifacts. (1B, 1L, 1D) – Espinas Hotel October 23 Yazd • Witness feats of strength during a visit to a zoorkhaneh, a traditional In Yazd, visit the beautiful Friday Mosque and stroll UNESCO-listed Dowlat Abad Persian gymnasium where men practice stylized physical and spiritual October 16 Tehran • fly to Ahwaz Garden. Make a stop at the Zoroastrian Fire Temple, with its eternal flame, said to exercises. Survey the Carpet Museum, with its wonderful collection of hand loomed Persian have been burning since 470 AD. Enjoy a sunset visit to the Zoroastrian Towers of 1B, 1L, carpets, kilims and designs. In the afternoon fly to Ahwaz in southwestern Iran. ( Silence. (1B, 1L, 1D) – Moshir Garden Hotel 1D) – Fajr Grand Hotel October 24 Yazd • drive to Isfahan via Maybod and Naein Tour Leader: October 17 Ahwaz • day trip to Susa Discover Maybod’s massive mudbrick fortress, 2,000-year-old Narin Castle. Visit the Visit Susa, dating from 4000 BC, to see the ruins of the Palace of Darius and the small town of Naein to see the 10th century Jameh Mosque. (1B, 1L, 1D) – Abbasi Tappeh-ye Chogha Mish archeological site. Excavations by Oriental Institute of Chicago Hotel Abbas Alizadeh archaeologists found the low hill to be an incredibly rich site. Continue on to Shushtar, Dr. Abbas Alizadeh is Senior Research Associate with its UNESCO-listed Shushtar Hydraulic System. (1B, 1L) – Fajr Grand Hotel October 25 Isfahan and Director of the Iranian Prehistoric Project at Explore UNESCO-listed Imam Square, one of the world’s largest public squares, and the Oriental Institute, as well as the director of October 18 Ahwaz browse Isfahan’s amazing 17th century bazaar. (1B, 1L) – Abbasi Hotel Drive to UNESCO-listed Chogha Zanbil, an ancient Elamite ziggurat. Pay a visit to Haft the Susa National Research. He has been critical Tappeh, a city built around 1000 BC by the Elamites. (1B, 1L) – Fajr Grand Hotel to the success of the Oriental Institute’s research October 26 Isfahan Survey Isfahan’s famed arched bridges over the Zayendeh River, the Vank Cathedral into Iranian prehistory. Combined with his intimate October 19 Ahwaz • drive to Shiraz via Bishapur knowledge of local history, art, and culture, guests will be able to develop in the Armenian Quarter and the UNESCO-listed Friday Mosque, encompassing King Shapur I built Bishapur in 266. Shapur and one of his successors used the steep over 800 years of Islamic architectural styles. Gather this evening for a festive an appreciation of Iran’s antiquity and the tremendous changes it has 1B, 1L, 1D) – walls of the Bishapur River canyon as a gallery for enormous carvings. ( farewell dinner. (1B, 1L, 1D) – Abbasi Hotel experienced through the centuries. Homa Hotel October 27 Isfahan October 20 Shiraz Walk through Isfahan’s Jewish Quarter, or Juibareh. By special arrangement, attend In Shiraz, visit Arg-e-Karim Khan, a massive 12th-century stronghold; Nasir-ol-Molk a performance at a zoorkhaneh, a traditional Persian gymnasium. The afternoon and 1B, 1L) – Mosque, with fine examples of stained glasswork; and exciting Vakil Bazaar. ( evening are free to independently explore. (1B, 1L) – Abbasi Hotel Homa Hotel October 28 Depart Isfahan The tour concludes with a transfer to the airport. (1B) For more information or to register, contact: Anne Thorsteinson at MIR Corporation (855) 691-7903 / [email protected] Day by Day Itinerary Program Highlights October 13 Arrive Tehran October 21 Shiraz • day trip to Persepolis • Admire the UNESCO-listed Shushtar Hydraulic System, begun in the 5th Arrive in Tehran, transfer to the hotel. (Meals in flight) – Espinas Hotel Pay a visit to UNESCO-listed Persepolis. In 1933, archaeologists from the Oriental century BC. Institute were instrumental in discovering a trove of clay tablets in the palaces of Persepolis. Continue to the tombs of Naghsh-e Rostam, with their monumental rock • Visit Ahwaz, one of the oldest settlements in the world, encompassing October 14 Tehran Spend the morning at leisure adjusting to the time difference before visiting UNESCO- carvings. (1B, 1L) – Homa Hotel the ruins of the Palace of Darius. listed Gulestan Palace and the State Jewels Museum, guarding the world’s largest uncut • Explore the vast remains of ancient Persia at UNESCO-listed Persepolis, diamond. (1B, 1L, 1D) – Espinas Hotel October 22 Shiraz • drive to Yazd via Pasargadae Cyrus the Great founded Pasargadae, the first capital of the Achaemenid Empire. a wonder of the Ancient World. Set apart from the other ruins is the limestone mausoleum of Cyrus. (1B, 1L, 1D) – October 15 Tehran • Visit the Zoroastrian Fire Temple in Yazd, where the eternal flame has Explore the Reza Abassi Museum and the Archaeological Museum, displaying Persian Moshir Garden Hotel been burning since 470 BC. antiquities, art and artifacts. (1B, 1L, 1D) – Espinas Hotel October 23 Yazd • Witness feats of strength during a visit to a zoorkhaneh, a traditional In Yazd, visit the beautiful Friday Mosque and stroll UNESCO-listed Dowlat Abad Persian gymnasium where men practice stylized physical and spiritual October 16 Tehran • fly to Ahwaz Garden. Make a stop at the Zoroastrian Fire Temple, with its eternal flame, said to exercises. Survey the Carpet Museum, with its wonderful collection of hand loomed Persian have been burning since 470 AD. Enjoy a sunset visit to the Zoroastrian Towers of 1B, 1L, carpets, kilims and designs. In the afternoon fly to Ahwaz in southwestern Iran. ( Silence. (1B, 1L, 1D) – Moshir Garden Hotel 1D) – Fajr Grand Hotel October 24 Yazd • drive to Isfahan via Maybod and Naein Tour Leader: October 17 Ahwaz • day trip to Susa Discover Maybod’s massive mudbrick fortress, 2,000-year-old Narin Castle. Visit the Visit Susa, dating from 4000 BC, to see the ruins of the Palace of Darius and the small town of Naein to see the 10th century Jameh Mosque. (1B, 1L, 1D) – Abbasi Tappeh-ye Chogha Mish archeological site. Excavations by Oriental Institute of Chicago Hotel Abbas Alizadeh archaeologists found the low hill to be an incredibly rich site. Continue on to Shushtar, Dr. Abbas Alizadeh is Senior Research Associate with its UNESCO-listed Shushtar Hydraulic System. (1B, 1L) – Fajr Grand Hotel October 25 Isfahan and Director of the Iranian Prehistoric Project at Explore UNESCO-listed Imam Square, one of the world’s largest public squares, and the Oriental Institute, as well as the director of October 18 Ahwaz browse Isfahan’s amazing 17th century bazaar. (1B, 1L) – Abbasi Hotel Drive to UNESCO-listed Chogha Zanbil, an ancient Elamite ziggurat. Pay a visit to Haft the Susa National Research. He has been critical Tappeh, a city built around 1000 BC by the Elamites. (1B, 1L) – Fajr Grand Hotel to the success of the Oriental Institute’s research October 26 Isfahan Survey Isfahan’s famed arched bridges over the Zayendeh River, the Vank Cathedral into Iranian prehistory. Combined with his intimate October 19 Ahwaz • drive to Shiraz via Bishapur knowledge of local history, art, and culture, guests will be able to develop in the Armenian Quarter and the UNESCO-listed Friday Mosque, encompassing King Shapur I built Bishapur in 266. Shapur and one of his successors used the steep over 800 years of Islamic architectural styles. Gather this evening for a festive an appreciation of Iran’s antiquity and the tremendous changes it has 1B, 1L, 1D) – walls of the Bishapur River canyon as a gallery for enormous carvings. ( farewell dinner. (1B, 1L, 1D) – Abbasi Hotel experienced through the centuries. Homa Hotel October 27 Isfahan October 20 Shiraz Walk through Isfahan’s Jewish Quarter, or Juibareh. By special arrangement, attend In Shiraz, visit Arg-e-Karim Khan, a massive 12th-century stronghold; Nasir-ol-Molk a performance at a zoorkhaneh, a traditional Persian gymnasium. The afternoon and 1B, 1L) – Mosque, with fine examples of stained glasswork; and exciting Vakil Bazaar. ( evening are free to independently explore. (1B, 1L) – Abbasi Hotel Homa Hotel October 28 Depart Isfahan The tour concludes with a transfer to the airport. (1B) What toExpect: Information willbesent on a recommendedbyourtouroperatoruponconfirmation. flightitinerary Because oftheglobalnature ofourmembersandpatrons, there isnogroup flight for thisprogram. Air Arrangements: localguidesanddrivers National Guide, itinerary •Personalitemssuchastelephonecalls,laundry,excessbaggagefeesGratuitiestothe Corporation canassistwithreservations•TravelinsuranceMealsnotspecifiedasincludedinthe Not Included:Internationalround tripairfareto Tehran/from Isfahan. OurtouroperatorMIR Comprehensive pre-departurepacket • •WelcomeandfarewelldinnersBaggagehandlingatthehotelsIranianvisasupport itinerary and extensivesightseeing,includingentrancefees•EnglishspeakingNationalGuidethroughout the Tehran toAhwaz• All overland transportationperitineraryby privatevehicle •Specialculturalevents end daysforontherecommended passengersarriving/departing group flight•Internalairfarefrom passengers arriving/departingonscheduledstart/ D=dinner) •Arrival/departuretransfersfor • Mealsperitinerary(B=breakfast,L=lunch, assumption ofriskagreementisrequired fortripparticipation. upon enrollmentandisavailable to prospectivetravelersuponrequest. A signedrelease ofliability/ and MIRCorporationforlossof property, injury,illnessordeathwillbeprovidedtopassengers Responsibility: insurance for U.S. residents only. Insurance: However, sharedaccommodationscannotbeguaranteedandasingle supplementratewillapply. Single Travelers: recommended thatyounotpurchaseinternationalflightsuntilinstructedbyMIRCorporation. penalty incurredbythepurchaseofanon-refundableticketinconnection withthistour. It is Note: NeitherUCOrientalInstitutenorMIRCorporationacceptsliability foranyairlinecancellation any. to therequirementthatrecoverablecostofunusedservicesand accommodationsberefunded,if health, safety,orgeneralwelfareofthetourgroupindividual participant,andsubjectonly his/her ownexpense,whensuchactionisdeterminedbytourstaff tobeinthebestinterestof person asaparticipantintour,ortorequireanywithdrawfromtourattime the tourannounced(i.e.,cancelatour). MIRCorporationreservestherighttodeclineacceptany Institute andourtouroperatorMIRCorporationreservetheright,withoutpenalty,towithdraw cannot bemadetopassengerswhodonotcompletethefulltourforanyreasonatall. UCOriental 50% oflandtourcostperperson;thosereceived30daysorlessbeforedeparture,norefund. Refunds deposits paidordueinfullof$500perperson;thosereceived31daysto60beforedeparture, following cancellationchargeswillapply:Cancellationsreceived61ormoredaysbeforedeparture, Cancellations andRefunds: 2016, 60dayspriortodeparture. Paymentofbalanceduebycheckorbanktransfer only. address onthereservationform. BalanceofpaymentforalllandandaircostsisduebyAugust14, MIR Corporation-Trust)orcreditcardinformationtoourtouroperatorCorporationthe Reservations andPayments: services arehighlyrecommendedasdelaysorchangesintheitinerarylikely. walking toursandmuseumvisits. Flexibilityandawillingnesstoacceptlocalstandardsofamenities miles aday(withorwithouttheassistanceofcane)andstandforanextendedperiodtimeduring accessible. To reapthefull rewards ofthisadventure,travelersmustbeabletowalkatleasttwo the extensivewalkingandstairclimbingrequired;partsoftourwillnotalwaysbewheelchair

Included: Single Supplement: $1,395 Land Program Rate: $6,995 (per personbasedondoubleoccupancy)

All accommodation, hotel taxes Allaccommodation,hoteltaxes

MIR Corporationcanassistwithmedical/evacuation andtripcancellation/interruption

Please mail the completed registration form with check (payable to Please mailthecompletedregistrationformwithcheck(payableto

MIR Corporation: CST#2082306-40. WST #601-099-932.

For more info, contact MIR Corporation by phone (855) 691-7903 or email [email protected].

The Land ofAncientPersia October 13-28, 2016 Led by Abbas Alizadeh