sign in sign up
<<
Home , Abarkuh, Chogha Zanbil, Eram Garden, Ganjnameh, Golestan Palace, Jameh Mosque of Zanjan

TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS IN 2013

Cobalt and Lustre: Treasures of Ancient Persia

TEHRAN – ZANJAN – – – –

with John Tidmarsh 4 –26 November 2013 (23 days) Tour Cobalt and Lustre: leader Treasures of Ancient Persia

Few countries can boast of such an illustrious past and diversity of cultures as . Visit such architectural masterpieces as the awe-inspiring Achaemenid and tombs of , , Pasargad and Naqsh-i-Rustam. Also enter the lesser known world of the Sassanians whose opulent palaces at and Firuzabad, along with the remarkable religious centre of Takht-i- Sulaiman, with its bottomless lake and great , represent some of the finest monuments seen in Iran today. Explore the enchanting mud-brick city of Yazd with its brooding Zoroastrian Towers of Silence, narrow winding lanes, and opulent merchants’ houses with Dr John Tidmarsh was their tall wind-towers. In Shiraz, ‘the city of roses and nightingales’, enter the previously tutor and then enchanted world of and poetry through the wonderful gardens part-time Lecturer in the Department of Archaeology at of the Bagh-i-Eram, the Narenjastan Pavilion and the tombs of and Sa’adi. the University of Sydney. He is currently President of the Near Eastern Archaeology Foundation of that University. He is a Co-Director of the University of Sydney’s At a glace excavations at Pella in Jordan and is also Co-Director of the ANU University of Melbourne • Explore the enchanting mud-brick city of Yazd excavations at Jebel Khalid in • Shiraz, ‘the city of roses and nightingales’ Syria. • Discover the stunning gardens, , and of Isfahan, the His main areas of interest are ‘Pearl of ’ the archaeology of ’s conquests, the • Visit ‘Persepolis’ the city of the in the Near East and Asia, and the Islamic world. He has led tours for the Art Gallery Society of NSW and other institutions to Oman, Syria, Jordan, Iran, Turkey and Greece. He travels widely in Zanjan the Middle East.

Tehran Hamadan IRAN

Isfahan

Coach Ahwaz Yazd Map is a guide only

Map is a guide only Shiraz Itinerary

Sun 3 November 2013 Depart Australia Fri 8 Nov Zanjan Suggested departure from Australia on Emirates via Dubai to Tehran. Excursion to Takht-e-Soleiman, the ‘ of ’, located in a remote mountain valley near Takab, one of the most interesting Mon 4 Nov Arrive Tehran and enigmatic sacred sites in Iran. Arrive Tehran in the morning. Transfer to the hotel located in the At the centre of a flat stone hill rising twenty meters above the centre of Tehran. In the afternoon visit the Carpet Museum, which surrounding lands, is a small lake of mysterious beauty. Brilliantly has an excellent collection of Persian carpets from different regions clear but dark as night due to its depth, the lake’s waters are fed by of Iran on display. a hidden spring far below the surface. Places like this were known Tonight join John Tidmarsh and fellow art lovers for a welcome in legendary times as portals to the underworld, as abodes of earth dinner. D spirits. The massive stone walls and remnants of the thirty eight watch Tue 5 Nov Tehran towers, together with remains of the palaces, the fire temple and Begin your exploration of Tehran with a visit to the Archaeological the Anahita temple, built around the lake mainly by the Sassanians Museum, displaying an authentic collection of pottery, bronze and in the 3rd century AD, are part of what is left of the complex. valuable pieces from millenniums BC until the Islamic era. Continue The crater of Zendan-e-Soleiman (the Prison of Solomon) can be to the Glass and Ceramics Museum with a beautiful collection of glimpsed in the distance. B L D glass and pottery from different periods. Finish with a visit to the displaying objects from pre-historic era until Sat 9 Nov Zanjan - Hamadan th 20 century; the two galleries of paintings and calligraphy in this Travel from Zanjan to Hamadan, the capital of the Median Empire museum show different schools of painting and calligraphy from in the 7th century BC, and the summer capital of the Achaemenid various periods in Iran’s history. B L kings in the 5th century BC. The archaeological site of , or Hegmataneh, both ancient names for Hamadan, is a testimony to Wed 6 Nov Tehran the ancient glory of this town. After breakfast visit the Golestan and Museum Complex, the former residence of the 19th and early 20th century Qajar Kings of Hamadan, the centre of the Province of Hamadan, is still an Iran, with several museums including the Room and important city today with many sites to be visited, including the the Ethnographic Museum. , with inscriptions by Darius I and his son, Xerxes, carved on the rocks of the mountain. In the afternoon, visit the fabulous State Jewels Museum, housed in the vaults of the , displaying the most dazzling Also see the Tomb of and , a major Jewish th and priceless collection of jewels and gems in the world. B L centre; the 12 century Alavyan Tomb Tower; the tomb of (died in 1034) - Iran’s celebrated philosopher/scientist/ Thu 7 Nov Tehran - Zanjan physician, whose prescriptions are still used by Western and In the morning journey from Tehran to Zanjan via . After Iranian medical universities; and finally the Stone Lion, an intriguing lunch visit to the magnificent Mausoleum of Uljaitu, set like a gem sole statute, believed to date from the Hellenistic Period when in the formerly vast plain of Sultanieh, constructed during the reign Alexander invaded Iran and was, supposedly, made to honour one of Sultan Muhammad Khoda Bandeh (1304-1330). The monument of his slain generals. B L D is remarkable, its huge dome is about 51 metres high and ranks amongst the largest domes in the world. The stucco-work, the - work, and the designs decorating this monument are unique. B L D

Golestan Palace, Tehran Typical group lunch at a local restaurant Sun 10 Nov Hamadan Thu 14 Nov Ahwaz – Shiraz Morning excursion to Tepe Nush-i-Jan, an important archaeological Early departure for Shiraz. En route stop in Bishapur to visit the site, located to the south of Hamadan. The site dates to the remains of the Sassanian city built by Shapur 1st (241-273AD), the Median Period and is a superb example of a Median fort, palace second Sassanian king. The building complex includes a central and Fire-Temple. In the palace, see the precursor and architectural chamber, a large courtyard which had been covered with impressive inspiration for the much-larger Apadana at Persepolis. , plus the remains of a temple dedicated to Anahita, the goddess of water and fertility. At Tang-e Chogan, on either side of a The most impressive site is a very well preserved Fire-Temple, narrow gorge, there are six Sassanian rock-reliefs commemorating which was deliberately filled to a depth of six metres with shale Shapur’s victories over the Romans and other adversaries. B L D chips to protect its sanctity once the site was abandoned. As a result, this monument is one of the earliest and best-preserved Fri 15 Nov Shiraz Zoroastrian Fire-Temples in the whole of western Iran. Afternoon Full day tour of Shiraz, the city of ‘roses and nightingales’. Visit some at leisure in Hamadan. B L of the delightful gardens of Shiraz, including the , the Mon 11 Nov Hamadan - Kermanshah tombs of Iran’s greatest lyric poets, Hafez and Sa’adi, both located in pleasant gardens, with a charming “Chai-Khaneh” (tea-house). Today travel to Kermanshah, another important ancient city along the Caravan Routes, via Kangavar, a small town of great antiquity Shiraz, the capital of the 18th century Zand Rulers of Iran, has many dating back to 200BC, located half way between Hamadan and monuments dating back to this period: the Arg-e-Karim Khan, a Kermanshah. Here visit the Temple of Anahita, the Goddess of fortress building in the now town-centre, which was the seat of Water and Fertility before continuing to Bisotun to see the trilingual government of Zand Rulers and the Vakil . inscriptions and relief depicting Darius facing the nine rebel kings, After lunch visit the Qajar period Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, popularly whom the Achaemenid ruler suppressed when he came to power. known as the ‘Pink Mosque’ because of its colourful tile decorations. On arrival in Kermanshah, visit several important Sassanian reliefs Continue to the Narenjestan Garden, also dating from the Qajar at Tagh-e-Bostan (some are located inside a grotto), depicting royal period, and the family home of the wealthy Qavam Family of Shiraz. hunting scenes and the investiture of the Sassanian kings, including Finish the day with a visit to Vakil . B L D the gigantic equestrian statue of Khosrow II (AD 591-628), mounted on his favorite charger Shabdiz. B L D Sat 16 Nov Shiraz Full day excursion to Persepolis, one of the most important sites Tue 12 Nov Kermanshah - Ahwaz of the Ancient World, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid En route from Kermanshah to Ahwaz, stop in Susa to visit the ruins kings with remains of the palaces of , Xerxes of the Achaemenian palaces, one of the oldest civilizations in the and Artaxerxes. See the famous bas-reliefs, depicting kings and world, dating back to 5000BC. See the nearby Tomb of Biblical courtiers and giftbearing representatives of tributary nations of the Prophet Daniel, held sacred by Christians, Moslems and Jews. Persian Empire. B L D At Naghsh-e-Rostam see Ka’be-Zardosht (fire temple/sanctuary) Wed 13 Nov Ahwaz and the Royal Tombs as well as the seven magnificent Sassanian rock-reliefs including the relief depicting Shapur the First’s famous Excursion to Chogha-Zanbil to visit the built by Untash Gal, victory over Roman Emperor Valerian. B L King of , about 1250BC. The massive artificial mountain was the focal point of his city of Dur Untashi, and was dedicated to the great Sun 17 Nov Shiraz god Inshushinak, ‘Lord of Susa’, symbolised in the form of a bull. Full day excursion to Firuzabad, which was the capital of Ardashir Continue to to explore the remarkable series of I (224-241AD) who founded the Sassanian empire, the last ancient interconnecting canals, dam bridges and irrigation works. Return to Persian empire before the arrival of the Arabs. Archaeological Ahwaz in the afternoon. B L D remains of the ancient city of Firuzabad (called Gur) include Ardashir’s palace called Qalah-e Dokhtar, a fortress, rock reliefs, a ziggurat and a walled city. B L

Persepolis Nasir al-Molk Mosque, Shiraz Mon 18 Nov Shiraz - Yazd games, and two of the Islamic world’s greatest mosques, the Sheikh Today journey to Yazd. En-route stop in to visit the Lotfollah and the Shah, with their magnificent architecture and tile remains of the palaces and tomb of the Great, the Founder work. Finish with a visit to the Qeisarieh Bazaar with hundreds of of the Persian Empire, located in the magnificent Dasht-e-Morghab. shops displaying the arts and handicrafts for which Isfahan is world- Stop in , a typical desert town, and have tea under the famous. B L shade of a 4,000-year old Cypress tree before arriving in Yazd in Sat 23 Nov Isfahan the afternoon. B L D Continue your exploration of Isfahan with a visit to the magnificent Tue 19 Nov Yazd Friday Mosque, with the famous Uljaitu (Prayer Niche) of Full day sightseeing in Yazd, the centre for Iran’s small Zoroastrian the Il-Khanid period. The Friday Mosque is considered a museum of community who, seeking refuge from the invading Arabs, found a a thousand years of Persian religious architecture and is truly one of safe haven within its fortified walls. Visit one of the two Towers of the world’s greatest mosques. Silence (Dakhma), dating back to the 18th century, where until some Also visit the Harun-e-Velayat Shrine and the Ali Minaret. From 40-50 years ago, the dead were carried and left to decompose and here drive to the Chehel Sotun Palace, built by Shah Abbas II in the be devoured by birds. 17th century. Its wooden columns reflected in the surface of the See the active Zoroastrian Fire Temple, the fire of which has been pool give rise to its name ‘The Palace of Forty Columns’. B L burning for about 1500 years. Among Yazd’s Islamic sites is the Friday Mosque (1324AD), with the highest portal and minarets in Sun 24 Nov Isfahan Iran. Other notable Islamic monuments in Yazd are the Seljuk shrine Day at leisure in Isfahan. B dedicated to the Twelve Shi’ite Imams; and the Ziaieyeh Theological School, known as Zendan-e-Eskandar or Alexander’s Prison. There Mon 25 Nov Isfahan - Tehran are also many beautiful old houses in Yazd, among them the Dowlat Morning drive to Tehran, stopping en-route at the town of Natanz Abad Garden, with an 18th-century feudal hexagonal house. B L to visit a beautiful Islamic Complex consisting of the Friday Mosque, Monastery and Tomb of Sheikh Abdol Samad Isfahani. Continue to Wed 20 Nov Yazd and visit one of the most important archaeological sites in Day at leisure in Yazd. B Iran known as . The site was first excavated in the 1930’s and dates back to 5000BC. The artifacts found at this site adorn Thu 21 Nov Yazd - Isfahan many major museums in the world. Today travel from Yazd to Isfahan. Stop at the village of Visit the historical garden of Fin, which was first planted during the Mohamadiye, to see the traditional workshops weaving the camel Safavid period. This beautiful garden was expanded by the Zand cloaks worn by the Moslem clergy in Iran. Continue to Na’in, and Qajar monarchs, who added many open pavilions. A museum another charming desert town, half way between Yazd and Isfahan. on the site displays artifacts from nearby Tepe Sialk. Also visit a fine On a walk through the old town, visit the 10th century Friday example of a 19th century merchant residence known as Taba-Tabai Mosque, the 17th century Pirnia House, containing the Ethnographic House with its beautiful stucco dome and inlaid mirror work, with Museum. Arrive in Isfahan in the afternoon. B L D some of the best examples of existing ‘badgirs’ (wind-catchers). Fri 22 Nov Isfahan On arrival in Tehran drive by the Mausoleum of Imam Khomeini en Full day tour of the beautiful city of Isfahan, the 17th century capital route to your hotel. Tonight join John Tidmarsh and fellow travellers of the Safavids, referred to as Nesf-e-Jahan (Half of the World). for a farewell dinner. B L D Start with a visit to the famous bridges of Shahrestan, Khajou and Tue 26 Nov Depart Tehran Sio-se-pol, the Armenian Quarter with several churches, including the important Cathedral of Vank. Day at leisure until the transfer to the airport. Evening departure on Emirates via Dubai to Australia. B After lunch, explore the buildings surrounding one of the world’s grandest squares, the Maidan-e-Naghsh-e-Jahan, including the Wed 27 Nov Arrive Australia Ali-Qapu Palace with its enchanting music rooms and balcony Evening arrival in Australia. overlooking the Maidan, from where the Safavid Kings watched polo

Masjed-i Jame’ Mosque, Yazd Bas-relief at Persepolis Tour Prices Visas Australian and New Zealand passport holders require a Per person, twin-share AUD 8,450 visa for Iran. Renaissance Tours will assist tour members in Single supplement* AUD 1,500 obtaining their visa prior to departure from Australia. Deposit per person AUD 500 Dress code Final payment 5 September 2013 The most visible daily expressions of Iran’s Shi’ite Islam are *Single travellers may request to share. the modest dress code, and rules for behaviour at mosques Please advise at time of booking. both of which apply for men and women.

AG1314 Dress code for Women: Tour code Women will be required to wear a head-scarf, long-sleeve shirt, trousers, and a trench-coat (to the knee) at all times. Tour prices include During visits to some mosques women will also be required to wear a special robe provided at the entrance. • Accommodation in centrally located hotels with private facilities and daily breakfast (B) Dress code for Men: • Transfers on arrival and departure if travelling on Men are required to wear trousers and shirts with either suggested flights long-sleeves or half-sleeves. (No singlets). • Meals as per itinerary (L=Lunch, D=Dinner) including Shorts are not permitted. special Welcome • and Farewell dinners. Food and alcohol • Comprehensive sightseeing, visits to museums and attractions with John Tidmarsh including entrance fees as is heavily based on rice, bread, fresh vegetables, per itinerary herbs and fruit. Meat is mostly lamb or mutton. The national • Lectures and talks with your tour leader throughout drink of Iran is chai (tea), always served scalding hot, black and • Gratuities for local guides and drivers strong. All sorts of delicious fresh fruit juices, milkshakes and • Hotel porterage (one piece per person) yoghurt drinks are available throughout Iran. Alcohol is strictly • Visa for Iran forbidden. Do not take any alcohol into Iran. Tour price does not include • International airfares • Transfers on arrival and departure if not travelling on suggested flights • Items of a personal nature, including telephone, laundry, taxis etc. • Drinks with meals • Airport porterage • Travel insurance

Your hotel Best available in country towns Tehran - Laleh Hotel      Zanjan - Grand Zanjan    Hamadan - Bu-ali -or- Azadi    Kemanshah -     Ahwaz - Fajr     Shiraz - Homa Hotel      Yazd - Moshir Garden     Isfahan - Abbasi      Tehran - Laleh Hotel      NB. Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.

Shah Mosque, Isfahan Terms & Conditions

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

Rooftops of Yazd Naghsh-e-Jahan Square, Isfahan TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS IN 2013

Front: Darius Palace at Persepolis Back: , Tehran

Your travel agent is

Renaissance Tours Level 4, 47 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000 GPO Box 5068, Sydney NSW 2001 ABN 14 069 591 448 Lic. 2TA4526 Toll Free (AU) 1300 727 095 Toll Free (NZ) 0800 403 621 t (02) 9299 5801 f (02) 9299 5805 e [email protected] w www.renaissancetours.com.au Brochure effective October 2012