IRAN ANCIENT PERSIA & THE SILK ROAD

OCTOBER 7-25, 2017 TOUR LEADER: CHRIS BRADLEY

Overview

The Persian Empire, based within modern ’s borders, was a significant force in the ancient world, when it competed and interacted with both Greece and Rome and was the last step on the Silk Road before it Tour dates: October 7-25, 2017 reached Europe. It was also one of Islam’s first forays outside Arabia. In its heyday, Iran boasted lavish architecture that inspired Tamerlane’s Tour leader: Chris Bradley Samarqand and the Taj Mahal, its poets inspired generations of Iranians and foreigners, and its famed gardens were a kind of earthly paradise. In Tour Price: $10,690 per person, twin share recent times Iran has slowly re-established itself as a leading nation of the Single Supplement: $1,890 for sole use of Middle East. double room Our 19-day tour begins in with an introduction to the fine arts and Booking deposit: $500 per person traditional culture of Iran exploring the Qajar built Golestan complex, archaeology and Reza Abassi museums. From here we make Recommended airline: Emirates our way west to Zanjan and the , visiting the ancient Median ruins of Ecbatana near , and continue to the great Maximum places: 20 renaissance-era city of . We view Iran’s remaining Zoroastrian Itinerary: Tehran (3 nights), Zanjan (2 nights), shrines, intricate and unusual Muslim in and continue to Hamadan (2 nights), Isfahan (3 nights), Yazd (2 Kerman and cross the vast Central Plateau to , the city of poets. nights), Kerman (2 nights), Shiraz (3 nights), Here we see some of Iran’s most exceptional historical monuments, such Tehran (1 night) as the magnificent relief carvings of and the understated royal tomb of the Great. Our tour concludes with a flight back to twenty- Date published: September 30, 2016 first century Tehran.

Your tour leader

Christopher Bradley has an honours degree from Liverpool University and specialises in the history of the Middle East. One of his particular interests is Iran's unique place in world art and culture. He wrote most of ‘The Insight Guide to the Silk Road,’ which is lavishly illustrated by many of his own photographs. He lectures to ADFAS, universities and the Royal Geographical Society, and has travelled along the Silk Road for over 30 years.

“An unexpected highlight for many visitors is the fabulous Persian cuisine,” he says. “Being the link between East and West, the food is a delicious fusion of culinary traditions from India, China, Arabia, Turkey and the Mediterranean where traded spices make all the difference, even to the simplest of dishes. My own favourite is Fesenjan (slow-cooked chicken with pomegranate paste, onions, walnuts, cinnamon Enquiries and and saffron) on a bed of Jewelled rice (white rice with pistachios, barberries, almonds, carrots and candied orange-peel).” bookings “Chris Bradley was an excellent tour leader – his knowledge and For further information and to humour greatly enhanced the travelling experience. Our Iranian guide was secure a place on this tour excellent also and expanded our understanding of life in Iran.”

please contact Stuart Barrie Feedback from a tour participant on Iran: Ancient Persia and the Silk at Academy Travel on Road, September 2015. 9235 0023 or 1800 639 699

(outside Sydney) or email

[email protected]

Tour Highlights

Explore the remarkable museums and Qajar of Tehran including the , archaeology museum, glass & ceramics museum and Reza Abassi Museums.

Admire the gardens, grand residences such as Bag-e Eram and Nasir al Molk in Shiraz, where Persia's poets are celebrated.

Investigate the 1000-year-old citadel of Arg-e Rayen, constructed of mud are believed to have been inhabited up until 150 years ago.

Encounter the great Achaemenid sites of Persepolis built by and dating from the 6th century BC, and home to the great kings Darius and Xerxes.

Relax in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Isfahan, centre of the 'renaissance' Safavid period and explore the Sheik Loftollah mosque and Ali Qapu Palaces around Naqsh-e Jahan square, where locals come to chat and promenade.

Tower of Silence, or Dakhma in Persian

Pre-dating Judaism, Christianity and Islam, is happen on earth. It has been credibly suggested that the Magi one of the world’s earliest monotheistic religions and greatly referred to in the Christian nativity story were these same influenced the later faiths with early ideas of a heaven and Zoroastrian priests. They developed their own astrology using

hell. It is uncertain exactly where the prophet Zoroaster the twelve signs of the Zodiac that are recognised today. The (Zarathustra to the ) came from, or even when, but it Magi were not astrologers or astronomers in the modern was probably somewhere in northern Persia, between 1000 sense; rather they were “searchers of wisdom” and regarded BC and 600BC. He preached that there was a single God, as the scholars of their time. They tried to explain and called Ahura-Mazda (Wise Lord) who represented truth and understand the world around them by calculating time, order. Through good thoughts and good deeds his followers developing calendars, predicting tides and studying the early could keep chaos and evil at bay. sciences – medicine and alchemy – as well as poetry, art and religion. Ahura-Mazda communicated with his devotees via their dreams. The meaning of these messages was not always Today it is estimated that the worldwide population of clear, so the priests of the Median Empire (known as Magi, Zoroastrians is about 200,000. The largest group belong to from the Greek magoi or wise men) became powerful with India’s Parsee (meaning Persian) community, who became their interpretations. The Greek historian , writing in successful as middlemen between the elite ruling British and the 5th century BC, records that the Magi had appeared some diverse Indian nationals, with the Tata family name becoming 200 years earlier and were particularly skilled at reading one of the most famous. The population in Iran is significantly dreams. These Magi were part of Persia’s elite and valued smaller, having been driven out or converting to Islam during advisors to their rulers, successfully spreading their faith and the 7th century. Iran’s Zoroastrians are concentrated in other ideas around the expanding Persian empire. Tehran and Yazd, where there is still an operational Zoroastrian (fire being a ritual purifier). Their Their speciality was studying the night sky, because they practice of laying out dead bodies inside the Towers of believed that whatever they observed in the heavens would Silence is now restricted, and many Zoroastrians are instead be reflected in events on earth. By monitoring movements in buried in concrete-lined graves to prevent the decaying the sky, they could make predictions about what would corpse from polluting the earth.

Detailed itinerary

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

Saturday 7 October Arrive The tour commences at the hotel in Tehran. Meet Chris in the lobby this afternoon for a tour briefing and dinner in the hotel. Overnight Tehran (D)

Sunday 8 October Tehran Museums Our touring today provides an overview of Iran’s history and culture and arts, with visits to several of Tehran’s well regarded museums including the archaeology museum, the glass and ceramics museum and the Reza Abassi Museum. Overnight Tehran (B, L, D)

Monday 9 October Golestan Palace and the crown Above: architect Hossein Amanat combined elements of Sassanid and jewels in his design for what is now known as Azadi or Freedom Tower in Tehran This morning our focus is the Golestan Palace Complex, built by the Qajar Kings. Featuring the Marble , an Below: gold rams head in the Reza Abassi Museum; and the Mausoleum of intricately carved ensemble of more than 65 pieces of stone, Oljeitu, erected from 1302 to 1312 AD, has the oldest double-shell dome in Iran the complex also includes an Ethnography Museum and the Painting Museum. This afternoon we visit to the Crown Jewels Museum housing some of the magnificent jewellery belonging to the last kings of Iran. Overnight Tehran (B, L)

Tuesday 10 october To zanjan Today we travel to Zanjan via , a Sassanian city that prospered under Seljuk rule, characterised by architecture that was to become a precursor to Isfahan. After lunch we visit the magnificent Mausoleum of Oljeitu. Its huge dome ranks amongst the largest in the world. Overnight Zanjan (B, L, D)

Wednesday 11 october Takht-e-soleiman A full day’s journey to the Zagros Mountains where we visit the site of Takht-e-Soleiman. What remains are the massive stone walls, thirty-eight watch towers, palaces, the fire temple and the temple, built by the Sassanians in the 6th century. Overnight Zanjan (B, L)

Thursday 12 october To Hamadan Today we depart by coach to Hamadan stopping for refreshments and lunch along the way. Overnight Hamadan (B, L, D)

Friday 13 october Ancient ectabana

This morning we visit the tomb of and Mordeccai and the ruins of the ancient city of Ecbatana. After lunch we return to Hamadan and visit 's tomb, the lion gates of the Old City and visit Ganj Nameh, to see the ancient rock-cut inscriptions Overnight Hamadan (B, L)

Saturday 14 october To Isfahan Today we travel to Isfahan, stopping at to see the Median site of Tappeh Nush-e Jan. We continue to Isfahan and take an evening stroll along the banks of the Zayandeh River, which originates in the Zagros Mountains and flows through the city. Overnight Isfahan (B, L, D)

Sunday 15 october Exploring Isfahan Morning visit to , a 17th-century garden palace of the Safavid kings built in the Achaemenid style. In the Armenian quarter is the Vank Cathedral and Museum, decorated in a mixture of Islamic tile work designs, Christian imagery and frescoes. Following lunch, we survey Isfahan’s bridges – the Sharestan Bridge, the Khaju Bridge, which also serves as a dam, and the Safavid designed Sio-Se Bridge. We also pass by the Ali Mosque and Minaret before heading to the Mausoleum of Harun-e Vellayat, which contains some excellent frescoes and mosaics. Overnight Isfahan (B, L)

Monday 16 october Above: fresco of Shah Abbas II entertaining Nader Mohammed Khan, King of Mosques and Palaces Turkistan, in Chehel Sotoun; and Ali Qapu Palace, Isfahan, with its balcony overlooking Naqsh-e Jahan Square This morning is spent exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Naqsh-e Jahan. From the elegant Sheikh Below: the music room of Ali Qapu Palace. The plaster walls and ceilings are richly decorated with intricate niches to improve and perfect acoustics Lotfallah Shrine to the grand Imam Mosque, no expense was spared to decorate this square. The Ali Qapu Palace has some of the best acoustics in the medieval world with its innovative music room. We continue to the grand Jameh Mosque, an active place of worship that showcases 800 years of Islamic design and architecture. Overnight Isfahan (B, L, D)

Tuesday 17 october To Yazd via Naeein Before farewelling Isfahan, we visit the Hasht Beshesht or “Eight Paradises” Palace, whose interior features impressive mosaics and moulded ceilings. We stop at Naeein and admire the Friday Mosque with its fine Mihrab, and visit the Pirnia House and Ethnology Museum, a perfect example of desert architecture. Overnight Yazd (B, L, D)

Wednesday 18 october Around Yazd The Zoroastrian religion was the original religion of Iran dating back one thousand years before Christ. Emphasising the manifestation of divinity in nature, its centres of worship are the fire temples in each town. We visit one of the few remaining fire temples in Iran, before wandering through the old town to the Mosque and the mud-brick quarter of ancient Yazd. In the afternoon we visit the Towers of Silence and the Amir Chakhmagh Complex, from where we can enjoy views over the Old City. This evening there is an opportunity to witness Zurkhaneh, a unique Iranian experience. Meaning “house of strength”, it is a combination of moral and philosophical values and feats of strength performed to music and poetry. Overnight Yazd (B, L, D) Thursday 19 october To Kerman Depart for Kerman, founded as a defensive outpost of the Sassanid Empire. Kerman is home to a large population of Baluchi people, nomadic tent dwellers originally from the Baluchestan desert region of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Overnight Kerman (B, L, D) Above: and the view from the Amir Chakhmagh Complex over the desert city of Yazd Friday 20 october Around kerman Below: the Royal tombs carved out of the rock face at Naqsh-e Rostam; and the spectacular at Persepolis Outside of Kerman are the towns Rayen and Mahan, which we visit today. At Rayen we visit the Arg-e Rayen, a citadel constructed of mud with thick outer walls supporting 15 towers. Dating back 1000 years it is believed to have been inhabited up until 150 years ago. This afternoon we stop at Mahan to visit the Shahzahdeh garden, an oasis of beautifully maintained grounds and fountains fed from the surrounding natural springs and water channels. Before returning to Kerman, we visit the mausoleum of Shah Nematollah Vali, a Sufi poet and founder of a Darvish order. Overnight Kerman (B, L) Saturday 21 october To Shiraz Today we travel to Shiraz, stopping at before continuing on to , where we see the Sassanian monument built in the 5th century. Arriving in Shiraz in the late afternoon, we check into our hotel. Overnight Shiraz (B, L, D) Sunday 22 october Persepolis This morning we visit Pasargadae, constructed by Cyrus the Great. Cyrus was killed in battle before his great city was finished. Today we visit his tomb and the ruins of his nearby gardens and palaces. On the way to Persepolis we visit the ancient fire temple Kab-e Zaratosht and the royal tombs at Naqsh-e Rostam, as well as the coronation site of the Sasanian Kings at Naqsh-e Rajab. Finally, we visit Persepolis, dating from the 6th century BC, which was the home of Darius, Xerxes, and the Achaemenid kings, who built Iran into a major power of the ancient world. Overnight Shiraz (B, L) monday 23 october Touring Shiraz

Our touring in Shiraz commences at the tomb of Iran’s great poet, Hafez. Set in a peaceful garden, the marble tombstone is engraved with verse by the poet and is a site of pilgrimage for Iranians. We visit two of Shiraz’s famous gardens, 19th- century Bagh-e Eram, with a grand residence overseeing the fountains and botanic gardens; and Bagh-e Naranjestan a traditional rose garden. Following lunch, we explore Arg-e Karim Khan, a 250-year old fortress that formed part of the royal court, and the elegant Nasir al Molk Mosque with its unusually deep blue tiling, finely carved pillars and exquisite stained glass. Overnight Shiraz (B, L, D) tuesday 24 october Tehran Fly back to Tehran and visit the Carpet Museum to see the extensive collection of old and new Persian carpets and rugs sourced from the major carpet-weaving centres of Iran. Tonight we gather for our farewell dinner. Overnight Tehran (B, L, D) wednesday 25 october Departure The tour concludes after breakfast. (B)

Hotels

Potential participants are advised that Iran is well off the mainstream tourist path. While every effort has been made to provide the best available accommodation and services, not all tourist services are at western standards. Where possible, all hotels on this tour are four or five-star – though this does not necessarily imply the standards of four and five-star hotels in Western countries. Above: intricate tile work on the pavilion above the tomb of Iran’s great poet, Hafez; and the lovely Bagh-e Eram in Shiraz  Tehran, Azadi Hotel (3 nights) Below: the Carpet Museum in Tehran exhibits a variety of Persian carpets  Zanjan, Grand Hotel (2 nights) from all over Iran, dating from the 18th century to the present day

 Hamadan, Parsian Azadi Hotel (2 nights)  Isfahan, Abbasi Hotel (3 nights)  Yazd, Moshir Garden Hotel (2 nights)  Kerman, Pars Hotel (2 nights)  Shiraz, Homa Hotel (3 nights)  Tehran, Azadi Hotel (1 night)

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

Tour Price Fitness Requirements

The tour price is $10,690 per person, twin share (land of THIS tour content only). The supplement for a single room is $1,890 per person. A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is Grade Two required to secure a place on the tour. It is important both for you and for your fellow travellers that Tour Inclusions you are fit enough to be able to enjoy all the activities on this tour. To give you an indication of the level of physical fitness Included in the tour price required to participate on our tours, we have given them a star grading. Academy Travel’s tours tend to feature  18 nights’ accommodation in four and five-star hotels extended walking tours and site visits, which require greater  Domestic economy class flight from Shiraz to Tehran fitness than coach touring. We ask you to carefully consider  All breakfasts, lunches and 12 dinners your ability to meet the physical demands of the tour.  Services of tour leader from arrival into and departure from Tehran Participation criteria for this tour  Local English speaking guide  Background talks and tour notes This Grade Two tour is designed for people who lead active  All land travel by air-conditioned coach lives and can comfortably participate in up to five hours of  All entrance fees to sites mentioned in itinerary physical activity per day on most days, including longer  Tips to local guides, drivers and restaurants walking tours, challenging archaeological sites, climbing  Porterage of 1 piece of luggage in and out of hotels stairs, embarking and disembarking trains and/or boats, and  Visa fees if applying from Australia a more demanding tour schedule with one night stops or several internal flights. Not included You should be able to:  International air fares, taxes and surcharges (see below)  keep up with the group at all times  Travel insurance  walk for 4-5 kilometres at a moderate pace with only Meals not mentioned in itinerary  short breaks  Expenses of a personal nature  stand for a reasonable length of time in galleries and museums Air travel OPTIONS  tolerate uncomfortable climatic conditions such as cold, humidity and heat The tour price quoted is for land content only. For this tour  walk up and down slopes we recommend Emirates which offers flights into and out of  negotiate steps and slopes on archaeological sites, Tehran from most Australian cities. Please contact us for which are often uneven and unstable further information on competitive Economy, Business and  get on and off a large coach with steep stairs, train or First Class airfares. Transfers between airport and hotel are boat unassisted, possibly with luggage included for all passengers booking their flights through  move your luggage a short distance if required Academy Travel. These may be group or individual transfers. A note for older travellers Enquiries & bookings If you are more than 80 years old, or have restricted mobility, it is highly likely that you will find this itinerary challenging. For further information and to secure a place on this tour You will have to miss several activities and will not get the please contact Stuart Barrie at Academy Travel on full value of the tour. Your booking will not be accepted until 9235 0023 or 1800 639 699 (outside Sydney) or email after you have contacted Academy Travel to discuss your [email protected] situation and the exact physical requirements of this tour. While we will do our best to reasonably accommodate the Weather on Tour physical needs of all group members, we reserve the right to refuse bookings if we feel that the requirements of the tour October is a lovely time to visit Iran with the heat of summer are too demanding for you and/or if local conditions mean having waned and more moderate temperatures prevail we cannot reasonably accommodate your condition. making excursions to archaeological sites more pleasant. Expect minimum temperatures of around 13 degrees Celsius at night rising to between 22 to 28 degrees during the day over the course of the tour. There is little chance of rain during October.