Keystone Journeys Persian Delights: Escorted Tour of

September 2014 23 days: Tehran to Tehran 25 days: Auckland to Auckland Persian Delights

IRAN - previously known as Persia - is a land of exceptional Come join me on a remarkable journey in this ancient beauty and remarkable contrast and is home to one of land: learn how to cook Persian delights, get fabulously the world’s oldest cultures. Throughout the years, Iranian lost in the , drink tea in the courtyards of traditional culture has infl uenced different parts of the globe from tea houses, stroll with the evening crowds and delight in the Nile River to the heart of Europe. People from all over the generous hospitality of the people of this beautiful the world have traveled the historic trade route of the country. Any one with a passion for food, history and Silk Road and marveled at the varied glory of the Persian ancient cultures will love this journey. Empire’s great civilization.

This Persian tour will take you to the very depths of Iranian Culture and History. Iran is a land of exceptional beauty and remarkable contrast and we are thrilled to invite you to soak up the amazing food, history, breathtaking scenery and incredible Iranian hospitality with us.

I am extremeley excited about escorting this amazing tour again to one of the worlds oldest and most alluring of cultures.

Jemma Wilson, Tour Escort About Iran/Iranians:

Iran - one of the world’s least visited countries - is an extraordinary place where visitors are welcomed by people who have redefi ned the word ‘hospitality’. The architecture is amazing with the likes of breathtaking and the country’s history is astonishingly rich, having embraced and been dominated by countless civilisations. In its glory days as Persia, Iran was at the forefront of culture and architecture. Much of this remains today. Esfahan is one of the world’s most exquisite cities, and then there is the majesty of ancient , the gardens of and the sheer energy of Tehran. Iran is also about the magnifi cent tea houses, the ancient bazaars, the unique food and the people.

It is a land full of warm, lively and friendly people. Iranians are Persian. Persians are not Arabs, and they do not speak Arabic. They speak Farsi and the Persian / Arab difference is a very important distinction to the people of Iran. Persian is one of the world’s oldest languages, a well-recognized tongue as early as the 6th century B.C. As you travel through this fascinating country and discover refi ned Islamic cities, colourful bazaars and ancient Persian ruins you will fi nd the warmth and hospitality of the Iranian people endearing and the profound beauty of the land mesmerising. 25 Days: Flight + Tour Package ex Auckland from Single supplement:

$ *per person $ * per person 10,500 twin double room 11,80 0 single room *Price subject to change until PIF *Price subject to change until PIF

INCLUDES: Return Economy Class fl ights from Auckland to EXCLUDES: Transfers to/from Auckland, Visas, Travel Tehran on Emirates, **1 night stopover in Dubai plus airport Insurance, pre and post tour hotels, tips for the Driver/ transfers, Visa invitation letter for Iran, Twin/Double room Local Guides, meals not mentioned in the itinerary, optional or Single room accommodation in selected hotels with excursions/activities, personal expenses and services, daily , portage at hotels, meals as per itinerary beverages on tour not included with meals. (B - breakfast, L - lunch, D - dinner), English speaking Local DEPARTURE DATE EX AUCKLAND: Guide plus a Keystone Journeys Tour Escort from Auckland, • September 26 2014 ***airport arrival and departure transfers in Tehran, transport on tour in a private air-conditioned vehicle, internal fl ights X2 GUEST NUMBERS: in Iran, meals with local families as per itinerary, sightseeing • Min Passengers 10 fees and permits during guided time at Monuments and • Max Passengers 14 UNESCO World Heritage listed sites, city tours and market tours as per itinerary.

* Business Class upgrades available. Please enquire. ** Stopover only applicable to those booking Land & Flight package *** Arrival / departure transfers only applicable to those booking Land & Flight package. Transfers available outside group airfare times, please enquire.

Jemma Wilson Keystone Journeys Email: [email protected] | [email protected] Phone: +64 (0) 7 542 9308 About Persian Cuisine & Wine:

Iranian (Persian) food is is ancient, unique and chefs were and still are women. From the palaces of the cosmopolitan. Since the beginning of civilization a Persian Kings to the average housewife, women have series of peoples have invaded and conquered the had fabulous skills preparing exquisite cuisine. Most men area exposing new foods and new ideas. The ancient do no cook but expect the best food from their wives or Babylonians, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, Romans and mothers. Iranians regard most foods at restaurantsas Turks are just a few of the groups that have had an second-class and homemade food is precious and more infl uence on Iranian culture and its cuisine. Iranians often appreciated. choose what foods will be served by following a set of food rules that originated from ancient Greek medicine. The history of wine making and wine drinking is an old Foods are classifi ed as either “hot” or “cold”, depending one in Persia. Wine drinkers today will be familiar with on the food’s heating or cooling effect on the individual the word Shiraz, the name of a town in southwest Persia (rather than the food’s actual temperature). famed for its grapes. Shiraz is alleged as the source of the Rhone Valley grapes in Avignon; this makes it clear Hot foods include meats, sweets, and . , that the prestige of the town and its grapes was fabled in cucumbers and fi sh for instance classify as cold. Iranians antiquity and the middle ages. It was also the Shiraz grape try to serve a balance of hot and cold foods at every which was brought to Australia in the early nineteenth meal. in general uses only small amounts century. But the history of wine making in Persia is much of red meats (mainly beef or lamb) emphasizing larger older; archaeological investigations have shown that in amounts of grains, fruits and vegetables. The cuisine is fact it was in Persia that the earliest wine in world history largely based on berenj (rice) and i.e. nan, was made - and Persians continue a love affair with wine and . Meat - chicken and lamb - is most commonly for many years. With the coming of Islam however, the eaten as and and yogurt (an Iranian consumption of wine and other alcoholic beverages was mainstay) are often added to soups and stews (). deemed haram (illicit). Fruits such as quince, pears, grapes, dates, apricots and Iranian melons fl avored with rosewater are typically eaten for dessert.

Halva and are common and Chay tea is Iran’s most treasured beverage with ghahve (coffee) coming a close second. Central to Persian cooking are the numerous rice dishes available: some containing , , raisins, glazed carrots or orange peels; others with vegetables and spices, some occasionally with meat. Rice dishes are most often perfected and fi nished by the use of specially prepared Iranian and cooked slowly after boiling. Iranians use a variety of breads which are mostly fl at and all are baked in special ovens similar to clay ovens in Indian restaurants. In Iran the is bought fresh every day and sometimes for each meal. Iranians consume of all kinds of meat - except pork for those who follow the religious codes. The meat has to be slaughtered in a certain way according to religious prescription.

The people who follow such practices purchase their meat from special halal meat shops. Halal means ‘permitted’ and is normally referred to shops selling meat slaughtered according to the Islamic prescribed codes. Iranians are avid consumers of dairy products and many still make their own yogurt and cheese at home. Iranian food is varied and changes from area to area, the result is a feast of fl avors and textures. Women have had a great infl uence in the history of cooking in Iran. The best Important Notes:

FEMALE TRAVELERS: ALCOHOL: Hejab, the ‘traditional’ Iranian dress code for women, According to Islam, it is forbidden to drink alcohol at all. require them to be covered modestly in public. Wear a Approx 90% of Iranians are Muslims who adhere to Shia scarf and loose fi tting clothing. A Manteau or roo-poosh (a Islam. It is forbidden to bring alcohol into Iran and even long/short cost/shirt dress) is what most Iranian women though moral codes have relaxed, you are a guest and wear. Watch the local women and folow their lead. should follow as those around you.

MALE TRAVELERS: Everyone needs to adhere to the Islamic clothing rules of Iran; men included. Shorts are not readily accepted. Only the hands, neck and head should be visible. Wear shirts and short sleeves rather than tshirts. The buttons on the shirt must not be open to reveal too much chest.

GREETINGS: Greet people of the same sex with a hand shake, three kisses or both. Avoid physical contact with unrelated people of the opposite sex. Place your hand over your heart and bow slightly to greet them instead. Avoid political discussions. Itinerary

DAY 1A: DEPART AUCKLAND / 26 SEPTEMBER 2014 (D) survived the 1773 earthquake.The Museum displays pre- historic and historic artifacts from the area. A number of exhibits are Depart Auckland on Emirates at 17.55pm. Arrive Dubai 05.40am. Depart from the Iron Age nearby town of Hasanlu, and a re-working of the famous Dubai 07.45am and arrive Tehran 09.25am. We are greeted at the airport Ardebil carpet. After lunch, we spend time in the extensive, UNESCO listed and transferred to our hotel. Tabriz , a wonderfully constructed Bazaar which is the second oldest in the world after the one in Aleppo, Syria. The Silk Road passed DAY 1: ARRIVE TEHRAN - SEPTEMBER 2014 (D) through Tabriz, and today silk, wool and cotton Tabriz carpets are a well known exports to France and Germany. This evening we will eat dinner in DINNER: GROUP MEAL IN THE HOTEL - MEET AND GREET DINNER the Nobar Hammam. Overnight Gostaresh Hotel; or similar. Arrival Tehran - Khosh Amadid - Welcome to Iran. After being greeted at the airport we are transferred to our hotel. You are free to relax this afternoon after your long flight. This evening we will meet in the Hotel Lobby and DAY 4: TABRIZ - JOLFA - TABRIZ (B / L) enjoy our first group meal together at the hotel. Overnight Parsian Azadi Today we have a full day excursion to Jolfa, via the city of Maku. We will Hotel; or similar. visit St. Stephanus Church, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. St. After a rest and wash, those that wish can spend the afternoon at the Stephanus Church is found in the valley of Darreh Sham, 15km west of Tajrish Bazaar with our Guide. The Bazaar has been bustling for nearly a the city of Jolfa. Set in the midst of this stunning scenery, it is one of the thousand years. The stalls are a labyrinth that runs over 10km. The Bazaar oldest and most beautiful Armenian churches in the area, dating to the has several entrances, its own church, guesthouses and banks. Right in 10-12 century A.D. The church takes its name from St. Stephanus, one the heart of the Bazaar is the Imam Khomeini . This mosque was of the first Christian martyrs. The original structure survives in its entirety built during the Safavid period and is considered one of the best feats of thanks to a thick wall of stone, and an impressive seven watch towers Persian architecture. Those that wish to stay at the hotel and relax after the which helped prevent attacks. The façade of the church shows images long flight, may do so. of Mary and Jesus, and portraits of angels and apostles are beautifully Tehran: Established as the capital of Persia just over 200 years ago is a carved into the stone. We pass/visit the Aras River and will enjoy a picnic huge, modern and heavily populated city. It does not have the romance lunch en-route. We return to Tabriz and overnight. Evening free. Overnight nor the ancient sites which attract visitors to many other parts of Iran, but it Gostaresh Hotel; or similar. is the place to find the country’s best museums, restaurants and shopping. Tehran is vast and can be daunting, yet this giant capital was only a village DAY 5: TABRIZ - KANDOVAN (B / L / D) until the end of the 18th century. Although it is not an ancient city like Shiraz or , Tehran offers something else – foreboding murals of This morning you have a chance of re-visiting the Tabriz Bazaar for one Ayatollah Khomeini gaze down at you from high rise buildings and it is final splurge. At midday, we will travel to Kandovan via Osku. The troglodyte of course home to the American Embassy, now known as the ‘den of village of Kandovan is found on Mt. , a volcanic mountain. High espionage’ in which numerous diplomats and other US citizens were held in the northwestern Iran near Osku and Tabriz, the architectural history during the infamous hostage crisis. of Kandovan dates back to the 13th century. In this unique village, the homes are not just built on the mountain, they are carved into it. Built out of volcanic ash and debris spewed during an eruption of Mount Sahand, DAY 2: TEHRAN (B / L) these rocky structures were compressed and shaped by natural forces into LUNCH: TRADITIONAL IRANIAN FOODS AT THE FOOT OF THE ALBORZ cone-shaped pillars containing pockets. They have been eroded by the MOUNTAINS elements over the years into their current shapes. Local residents say that the homes are not only strong but also unusually ‘energy efficient’: These Full day of sightseeing of Tehran. This sprawling city became Iran’s capital homes require minimal supplemental heat during the long cold season in the 18th century under Agha Mohammad Khan, the founder of the and remain cool in the summer. ‘Kando’ means ‘a bee’s hive’, and this is Qajar Dynasty. Tehran (meaning warm slope) is located south of the how Kandovan got its name. Overnight Laleh Kandovan Hotel; or similar. impressive snow-capped Alborz Mountains and the city is known for its large museums, art centers and palaces. We have lunch at a traditional restaurant who will have arranged several Iranian traditional foods to be DAY 6: KANDOVAN - ZANJAN (B / L / D) presented to us. We will visit the Sa’dabad Palace in the north of Tehran DINNER - TRADITIONAL CARAVANSERAI SANGI and the Niavaran Palace. The Niavaran Palace is a historical complex situated in the northern part of Tehran. It consists of several buildings After breakfast we drive towards Zanjan. We will visit the Zanjan Bazaar, and a museum. The Sahebqraniyeh Palace, from the time of Naser al-Din and time permitting, Rakht Shuy Khaneh. The Qajar Wash-house (Rakhat Shah of Qajar dynasty, is also inside this complex. The main Niavaran Shooy Khane) is located in the old part of the city. This beautifully Palace, completed in 1968, was the primary residence of the last Shah, designed public building was traditionally used by Zanjan’s inhabitants Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the Imperial family until the Iranian to wash their clothes and linen. It was cool in the summer and warm in Revolution. Time dependent, we will also visit any of the following: the the winter, and it also provided privacy for the women who were doing Jewel Museum, the National Museum, the Carpet Museum and Golestan the washing. Today it is used as Zanjan’s Museum of Anthropology. The Palace. Dinner can be eaten in the hotel, or at a local restaurant - free most fascinating historical site in Zanjan is ‘Gonbad-e Soltaniye’ (the time. Overnight Parsian Azadi Hotel; or similar. Sultaniyeh Dome) which is a World Heritage site. It is one of the most famous Iranian domes, and the largest brick dome in the world. The word ‘Zanjan’ (which is both the province and city name) has a Zoroastrian DAY 3: TEHRAN - TABRIZ (B / L / D) origin. Picnic lunch en-route. Tonight we eat dinner in Caravanserai Sangi. DINNER - TRADITIONAL HAMMAM A traditional Caravanserai now converted into a traditional restaurant. Overnight Zanjan Grand Hotel; or similar. In the morning we transfer to the airport and fly to Tabriz. Check into our hotel. We spend time exploring Tabriz - the 15th century Blue Mosque and the . The Blue Mosque is referred to as ‘the turquoise DAY 7: ZANJAN - SANANDAJ (B / L / D) of Islam’. Built in 1465, every part of the Mosque was coloured by blue DINNER - KURD HOUSE majolica tiles which were engraved with striking calligraphy. The mosque was re-constructed in 1951, having lain in pieces for almost two centuries This morning we drive towards Sanandaj, the capital of after Tabriz suffered a devastating earthquake. The restored interior now and which occupies a fertile valley in the Zagreb Mountains. The city is a appears in the original blue style, but only the original entrance portal major manufacturing and retail trade center with many diverse products including carpets, cotton textiles, leather, metal ware, cutlery, pottery, wood crafts, milled rice, refined , and processed foods. Its old bazaar is desert of the Esfahan province. The city is world famous for its carpets and noted as a place to buy Kurdish handicrafts. Tonight we eat dinner at Kurd also has a name for silk, ceramics, copperware and rosewater. The famous House traditional hammam restaurant. After dinner, we will be given the rose fields of are very near to , so you’ll see rosewater opportunity to spend a night with some Kurdish daf musicians. Overnight stalls everywhere. Rosewater is used in a lot of Iranian desserts. We will Shadi Hotel; or similar. have a picnic lunch en-route. Overnight Manouchehri House or similar. Qom is one of the holiest cities in Iran - and the Middle East - and is DAY 8: SANANDAJ - KERMANSHAH (B / L) entrenched in centuries of history. Qom is considered holy by the Shi’a of Iran as it is the site of the shrine of Fatema Mæ’sume who was the sister After breakfast we will visit Khosro Abad Edifice. Khosro Abad monument of Imam Reza, who lived from 789–816 AD. The city itself is the largest is a memorial of the reputed Amanollah Khan. Its construction is related center for Shi’a study in the world and it is a significant destination of to the beginning of the Qajar period and it was a seat of government. This pilgrimage. It is counted as one of the focal centers of the Shi’a both in aggregation has been built in the form of internal and external sections, Iran and around the globe. Since the revolution the clerical population has with a beautiful garden between the two. The external building has got risen from around 25,000 to more than 45,000. Non-Muslims are allowed two stories and its entrance door is in the form of octagonal vestibule. entry to the city, but they are not allowed entry in the holy shrine unless There are two sentry chambers on either side. We continue on to visit the with a Muslim companion or guide. UNESCO World-Heritage Site of Bistun, and explore its ruins. Taq e Boston The bazaar of Kashan is one of the most beautiful in Iran. It has many has impressive reliefs cut from the stone cliff, depict royal scenes of battles interesting buildings inside; mosques, caravanserais, arcades, baths, and and hunts reflecting the glorious history of the Sassanid Kings. Bistun, is water reservoirs - each were constructed in a different period. We will a UNESCO protected cliff area with bas-relief carvings and inscriptions. have an opportunity to visit a 300 year old bath-house within the Bazaar Dating back to the Middle Paleolithic, the Achaemenian inscriptions offers that has been passed down from generation to generation, and is now three versions of the same text, written in three different cuneiform script converted into an incredible Tea House. Feast on dates and biscuits, while languages: Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian. In over 1,200 lines you drink tea inside a 300 year old bath house, located in the depths of are described the battles of Darius the Great who fought against the a 1000 year old Iranian bazaar. Overnight Manouchehri House or Similar. governors trying to dismantle the Empire originally founded by Cyrus. We continue to Kermanshah for overnight. Free evening. Overnight Azadegan Hotel or similar. DAY 12: KASHAN (B / L) Kashan, often overlooked by tourists, is the first of the large oases along DAY 9: KERMANSHAH - HAMEDAN (B / L / D) the Qom-Kerman road which runs along the edge of the Great Desert. Its charm is mainly due to the contrast between the parched immensities Today we drive to Hamadan, a city with a history that can be traced back of the Kavir region and the greenery of the well-tended oasis. Kashan is to the 8th century BC. It became the summer retreat of King Cyrus in located in the north of the province of Esfahan and is to the south of Qom. the 6th century BC, but fell foul of the marauding troops of the Mongols in 1220 and Timur in 1386. En-route we stop at Kangavar and visit the Today we have a full day to visit the (Bagh-e Tarikhi-ye Fin). This 2300-year-old Anahita Temple. Little remains of what would once have is one of the most famous gardens of Iran. This beautiful garden with its been a major place of worship, but you can get a sense of its scale pool and orchards was designed for Shah Abbas I as a classical Persian nevertheless. We visit the cuneiform rock carvings of Ganjnameh; these vision of paradise. The original Safavid buildings have been substantially carvings date from the 5th Century BC and contain messages of thanks replaced and rebuilt by Qajar dynasty although the layout of trees and from the Achaemenid King Xerxes to the Zoroastrian god Ahuramazda. In marble basins is close to the original. This gorgeous garden with remains the evening we will visit the Esther and Mordecai tomb, once the most of its two story palace is a pleasant spot to relax in the shade. important Jewish pilgrimage site in Iran and supposedly the resting place - this mosque and theological school (Madreseh of the Old Testament’s Esther. Overnight Parsian Azadi or similar. Agha Bozorg) is located in the center of Kashan. The mosque consisted of two large “eivan”, one in front of the “mehrab” and the other by the entrance. The courtyard has a second court in the middle which DAY 10: HAMEDAN (B / L) comprised of a garden with trees and a fountain. Surrounding the Hamadan was the summer capital for the Achaemenid kings in the 5th courtyard are arcades. The eivan in front of mehrab has two minarets century BC. The town is raised on a high plane which escapes the heat in with a brick dome. The colors of arcades and eivan are restricted to blue, summer but is mercilessly cold in winter, attracting snow and harsh winds. red, or yellow against a brick ground. Boroujerdi Residence - the 19th The city walls were allegedly composed of seven layers, enclosing two century Boroujerdi Residence used to be a private home but now is open walls lined with gold and silver in the centre. Hamadan is an important city, to public as a museum. This house was built in the early 19th century having re-established itself under the planning of a German engineer in and consisted of a beautiful courtyard, delightful wall paintings and very the 19th century. Ancient sites remaining today including the Ganjnameh, unusual wind towers which helps cool the house. We also visit Broojerdiha the inscriptions engraved on the mountain by Darius I and his son, House, which was built in the 1840s for the affluent Tabatabaei family. Xeres. Dating to the 12th century are the Tomb of Esther & Mordecai, a Evening free. Overnight Manouchehri House or similar. major Jewish pilgrimage site, and the Alavyan Tomb Tower. Other gems include the Stone Lion, which is an intriguing lone statue, thought to date to Alexander’s invasion of Iran in the Hellenistic period. Today our visits DAY 13: KASHAN - NAEIN - (B / L / D) include the Ali Cadr cave. Originally called Ali Saadr or Ali Saard (meaning DINNER - TRADITIONAL RESTAURANT / VARIOUS LOCAL FOODS cold) is the world’s largest water cave. The cave walls can extend up to We leave Kashan and make our way to Yazd - the “Queen of the Iranian 40 meters high, and it contains several large, deep lakes. The cave has a Desert. Yazd is one of the oldest cities in Iran and one the best examples river flowing through it and most travel through the cave system is done of a desert city. Because of generations of adaptations to its desert by boat. More than 11 kilometers of the cave’s water canals have been surroundings, Yazd is an architecturally unique city. It is also known in discovered so far. In the evening, we will see the tomb of Avicenna (also Iran for the high quality of its handicrafts, especially silk weaving, and its known as Abu Ali Ibn Sina) - a philosopher, physicist and poet widely sweet shops. This evening we eat dinner in a traditional restaurant and considered to be one of the founders of modern medicine. Evening free. enjoy various local foods. En-route we will stop at Naein. The quiet town of Overnight Parsian Azadi or similar. Na’in is a place well known for its Persian rugs. We visit the 10th century Jameh Mosque, which is one of the oldest in Iran, as well as the Kavir Museum and the old part of town. We will have lunch in Naein and drive DAY 11: HAMEDAN - KASHAN (B / L / D) to Meybod. Meybod is a is an ancient city that goes back to pre-Islamic DINNER - IN THE KASHAN BAZAAR arena and is the home to many ancient points of interests. The Historical This morning we drive to Kashan via the ancient city of Qom and in the City of Meybod is qualifying for inclusion in the World Heritage List. It was evening, time permitting, we will visit the Bazaar. Kashan is a city in the the capital of Iran during the Mozaffarid period. One of the oldest castles in Iran is in in Meybod and many important major poets, Sufis, clergymen DAY 16: SHIRAZ (B / L / D) and politicians came from Meybod. We will visit the Pigeon Tower and Ice This morning, our journey first takes us across the stunning Zagros House. Overnight the Moshir Garden Hotel; or similar. Mountains to the historical town of Abarqu, located in the desert valley Yazd: The city of Yazd is located in the eastern part of central Iran situated beneath the Zagros Mountains. We visit the famous ice house, the on the high, desert plateau that forms much of the country. Amidst the Jameh Mosque and a 4,000-year-old cypress tree. Onto Shiraz, the ‘Pearl immense desert, Yazd retains its old religion, traditions and architecture. of Persia’ - its very name brings forth visions of tranquil gardens, lavish Recognized by UNESCO as holding some of the oldest architecture in the palaces, philosophers, artists and poets. It is Iran’s cultural capital. It is world. The ancient desert city of Yazd is unique for its intriguing architecture, also considered by many Iranians to be the city of gardens, due to the which has been perfectly adapted to the harsh weather conditions of the many gardens and fruit trees that can be seen in the city. We have have desert. The famous wind towers, a feature of most buildings in the old city, a picnic lunch en-route and continue to Shiraz. Overnight Chamran Hotel; are designed to trap even the smallest of draughts and direct them into or similar. the dwellings below for cooling. It is a fascinating place to wander around Shiraz: This city encapsulates the image of ancient Persia - exotic gardens, and there are 12 different bazaars dotted around the city which make for lavish mansions, rich red wine, silky woolen rugs, philosophy and poetry. some wonderful exploring. Yazd is also Iran’s center of Zoroastrians - one Shiraz has also always been a renowned center of learning, boasting of the world’s oldest religions, and the state religion in Persia until the many of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the country. advent of Islam. It is possible to visit Artashkadeh, the fire temple of the Known as Iran’s “Poetic Capital”, it was also home to two of Persia’s most Zoroastrian community and to see a flame that the Zoroastrians claim famous poets of the 13th and 14th centuries, Saadi and Hafez, whose has been burning for more than 1,500 years. Outside the city are the mausoleums are here in Shiraz. Free time in Shiraz can be spent exploring fascinating Towers of Silence, an old Zoroastrian burial ground where the at your own pace. Wander the maze of narrow streets and alleyways of dead bodies of the believers were left to be devoured by vultures before the old city filled with traditional handicraft workshops and local markets. burying the remaining bones. It is a poignant place to visit. For avid sightseers the splendid mansion of Ghavam Orangery, the sumptuous Garden of Paradise, and the impressive intricately decorated DAY 14: YAZD (B / L) Karim Khan Citadel are each worthy of a visit. After breakfast we visit the impressive Jameh Mosque; The Jame Mosque (Friday Mosque) crowned by a pair of minarets, the highest in Persia, DAY 17: SHIRAZ (B / L) the portal’s facade is decorated from top to bottom in dazzling tile work, This morning we embark on a city tour that covers the highlights of this predominantly blue in colour. Within there is a long arcaded court where, historical city. We visit the lovely or Garden of Paradise behind a deep-set south-east Ivan, is a sanctuary chamber. This chamber, (Bagh-e Eram), which has an impressive collection of cypress trees as under a squat tiled dome, is exquisitely decorated with faience mosaic: its well as a pond and a small 19th century palace. Following this we visit tall faience Mihrab, dated 1365, is one of the finest of its kind in existence. the tombs of Hafez and Sa’di. Hafez was a Persian poet who was born in The Mosque was largely rebuilt between 1324 and 1365, and is one of Shiraz around 1310. After several years of traveling round the world, he the outstanding 14th century buildings in Persia. The tile work has recently returned to Shiraz and remained there until he passed away. His works been skilfully restored and a modern library built to house the mosque’s were very surreal and mystical and he is still regarded these days as a bit valuable collection of books and manuscripts. We take a look at the of a folk hero in Iran. His tomb in the beautiful Musalla Gardens, which has Zoroastrian Fire Temple. The Zoroastrian religion, which dates back over been restored many times (present structure was constructed in 1942), is 4000 years, was at one time the state religion of Iran before the arrival a place of pilgrimage. Sa’di, another great poet and writer from Shiraz, was of Islam. We also visit the Tower of Silence (Goor Dakhmeh). The Towers more of a scholar. His tomb is also set in a garden, beside a fish pond. We of Silence are two Zoroastrian towers set on two barren mountains which finish our tour by walking around the Bazar-e Vakil, regarded as one of the provided a ritual site for dealing with death according to Zoroastrian finest and most evocative bazaars in the country. Evening free. Overnight beliefs. Dead bodies would be carried up to, and placed, in the towers Chamran Hotel; or similar. so that the vultures could pick the bones clean, maintaining purity of the earth. The Towers were surrounded by walls built to prevent others from seeing the frightening sight of the big birds using their powerful beaks and picking on the body of the deceased. As a result generally in less than DAY 18: SHIRAZ - PERSEPOLIS - SHIRAZ (B / L) an hour nothing of the body would remain other than bones. This practice lasted until the 1960’s.One of the most distinctive features of Yazd are Today we we have a full day excursion to Persepolis to visit the glorious the wind towers (‘badgirs’) that capture even the softest of breezes and ruins of Achamenians. Persepolis, which in Greek literally means the capital send them through the buildings below to cool them. Yazd is also famous of Persia, lies 36 miles north of Shiraz. Persepolis was the one-time center for its cakes and sweets; especially baghlava, Qottab, and Hadji of the Persian Empire and one of the great cities of the ancient world. Badam which are delicacies relished all over Iran. Evening free. Overnight Construction began by Darius the Great (521 - 468 BC) as the focus of the Moshir Garden Hotel; or similar. the mighty Achaemenian Empire nearly 2,500 years ago. The grandeur of these monuments is certainly impressive. We then visit Naqsh-e-Rostam, a cave-tomb containing the bodies of several Achaemenid Kings. There DAY 15: YAZD - ZEIN’ODDIN (B / L / D) are seven reliefs dating back to Sassanid era, each of which depicts a This morning we will visit the Yazd bazaar and have lunch at Khan battle that glorifies a Sassanid King. At one time a Zoroastrian religious Hammam (Khan Tea House). After lunch we depart for Caravanserai center, perhaps once the most important in the world, was located here. Zeinoddin. The Caravanserai Zeinoddin features a rooftop terrace, home- We return to Shiraz and have the evening free. Overnight Chamran Hotel; cooked Persian cuisine, and was used as an overnight stop for traders or similar. travelling along the Silk Route. From the outside this is a strange outcrop Persepolis: Persepolis is one of Iran’s many UNESCO World Heritage of bricks squeezed between the Dasht-e Lut and the Zagros Mountains. Sites and rightly so. Building of this extraordinary site began under the On the inside, however, is a marvellous Persian caravanserai that has Achaemenid King Darius the Great in 515 BC, and was continued under been spruced up and softened into an atmospheric place to stay. Rooms his successors before being destroyed when the armies of Alexander are separated by thick curtains (in the style of an old caravanserai) and swept through the region two hundred years later. What remains though the spotless bathrooms are shared, but they have western toilets and hot is spectacular – ruins of enormous buildings decorated with elaborate showers. Views over the desert are especially beautiful at sunset and and well preserved relief carvings or warriors, horses and chariots. Several at sunrise and if you are lucky, the staff may perform some traditional places contain numerous pillars and staircases, and the site is a joy to dances for you after dinner. Please note that there are some private rooms explore. available should you prefer. Overnight the Caravanserai Zeinoddin. DAY 19: YAZD - PASARGADE - ISFAHAN (B / L / D) I, who valued their skills as artists and merchants. Esfahan also has a DINNER - IRANIAN BANQUET MEAL AT THE ABASSI HOTEL wonderful bazaar where we can browse for fabrics, spices, jewellery and other treasures. Dinner is eaten at a traditional restaurant showcasing an This morning en-route to Esfahan we stop at ; an ancient Isfahani speciality - Beryani (Beryooni). This dish is made of baked mutton city that precedes Persepolis. The centerpiece is a large hall with eight & lungs that are minced and then cooked in a special small pan over columns made of white stone. In the northern doorway, there is an open fire with a pinch of . Beryooni is generally eaten with a impression of a winged human with two wings directed towards the sky certain type of bread, “nan-e taftton.” Evening free. Overnight Abassi Hotel; and two wings pointing down. Its hands are raised towards the sky in a or similar. gesture of prayer. A mass of black and white stones have been used as construction material. Another characteristic of Pasargadae are canals made of white stone, which were used for irrigation. From here we drive DAY 21: ISFAHAN (B) to Esfahan - a jewel in the crown of Persia and a UNESCO World Heritage Today is a free day to take in more of the glories of Esfahan. Overnight Site. It was once one of the largest cities in the world and is famous for Abassi Hotel; or similar. its’ Islamic architecture - beautiful boulevards, covered bridges, mosques, palaces and minarets. The Naghsh-e-Jahan Square is one of the biggest city squares in the world. Early evening, we can stroll to the Zayandeh DAY 22: ISFAHAN - TEHRAN (B / D) River and have a look at the historic bridges where local people gather to BANQUET DINNER - HOSTED BY A LOCAL IRANIAN CHEF / FAMILY talk, drink tea and sing beautiful folk songs. This is truly a magical place to wile away some time in one of the most atmospheric places in all Iran. We This morning is free time. We then continue our journey with a flight to will have a picnic lunch en-route. Tonight we will eat dinner and overnight Tehran. We settle into our hotel and in the afternoon / evening we have a at the fabulous Abassi Hotel. Overnight Abassi Hotel; or similar. final group dinner hosted by a local Iranian family. Overnight Parsian Azadi Hotel; or similar. Isfahan: This is without doubt Iran’s most enchanting city. The magnificent capital of Safavid King Shah Abbas I (1587-1629) on the banks of the River, was often described by the words: “Esfahan nesf-e DAY 23: 18 OCTOBER 2014. DEPART TEHRAN / OVERNIGHT Jahan” (Esfahan is half the world) and has long attracted travelers from DUBAI (B) all over the world. It is here where one can really appreciate the true grace and beauty of Persian heritage. Our journey in Iran ends this morning after breakfast. We will be transferred to the airport for our International flight(s). We depart on Emirates at 10.40am and arrive in Dubai at 13.10pm. We are transferred to our hotel DAY 20: ISFAHAN (B / D) where we will spend the night.You are free to relax this afternoon in the Today we take in the glories of Esfahan. The city reached its peak during hotel, or partake in sightseeing options. Overnight Dubai. the reign of Shah Abbas the Great in 1587 when it became the capital. After an Afghan invasion in 1722, the city declined and the capital DAY 24: 19 OCTOBER 2014. DEPART DUBAI (B) was subsequently moved to Shiraz and then Tehran. Today we start our discovery at the immense Iman Square (formerly Naqsh-e Jahan Square) After breakfast this morning we will be transferred to the Dubai airport for which covers an area of 82,500 square metres and is surrounded by our International flights. Depart Dubai 10.10am. Arrive Auckland 13.45pm many grand buildings such as Ali Qapu Palace, , - 20 October Qeysarieh Portal and the majestic Imam Mosque. Located in the west of Imam Square, the Ali Qapu Palace covers six floors and was originally built as the main palace of Shah Abbas, who used it to receive guests and foreign ambassadors. Its plaster works and paintings are considered as masterpieces of the Safavid era. Chehel Sotun Palace, located in a pleasant garden, is famous for its beautiful collection of frescoes. We also visit . This church is located in Jolfa, the Armenian quarter of the city, and is most striking with its gilded ceiling and painting. The Armenian Christians were originally brought there by Shah Abbas

For more info / to book: Jemma Wilson Keystone Journeys Please contact your local agent for further details: Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Phone: +64 (0) 7 542 9308

CONDITIONS: This tour requires a minimum of 10 guests to depart as an Escorted Tour. A non-refundable deposit of NZD$1500.00 per person is required to secure your seat on this tour. Further payment of NZD$3500.00 per person is required by the 31st May 2014. Final Balance is due no later than 90 days pre departure. Booking made within 90 days of departure will only be processed if we hold full payment. Once paid in full, the price is set and no further communication over pricing will be entered into. Cancelled Bookings will incur charges which can be up to 100% of the cost of the Booking regardless of whether travel has commenced. Travel Insurance is mandatory for this tour. Pricing is subject to change until paid in full.