Secrets of Persia

t: 01392 660056 e: [email protected] Iran Secrets of Persia Iran’s ancient Muslim culture has for many years seemed inaccessible to westerners. This is changing, so be quick to take the opportunity to show students a country of dramatic contrasts and be welcomed by a people who have reinvented what hospitality means! Blessed with scenery ranging from snow-clad mountains to vast, inhospitable deserts, this comprehensive tour uncovers the treasures of Persia, providing a fascinating insight for students learning about religion, history and archaeology. politics and history. Journey through Islamic centres at Yazd, Shiraz and Isfahan and visit the legendary ruins at Persepolis; this fascinating, and relatively undiscovered, country will never fail to impress and inspire. Recommended itinerary: Culture shock rating: Day 1: Arrival – Shiraz Physical rating: On arrival in Shiraz, we will be welcomed at the airport by an STC representative and transferred to our hotel. Day 2: Shiraz Sightseeing We will start our adventure in Iran with a full day of sightseeing in Shiraz, Irans cultural capital and a Pearl of Persia. Regarded as one of the oldest cities of ancient Persia, it has been a regional trade centre for over a thousand years, and conjours visions of tranquil gardens, lavish palaces, poets, philosophers and artist. We will make a visit to Vakil – a mosque built between 1751 and 1773 during the Zand period but later restored in the 19th century during the Qajar period. Later, we will visit Nasir-ol-molk, a stunning mosque displaying other traditional elements such as the Panj Kāse ("five concaved") design. Stepping inside this amazing building, you will understand exactly why it has been nicknamed the Pink Mosque. We visit the tombs of Hafez and Saadi – two giants of Persian poetry – before visiting the Khan Religious School where we will have the chance to meet a local priest. We will conclude the day with a visit to the Shah Cheragh holy shrine. This is the holiest site in Shiraz and is likely to be packed with Shiite pilgrims. With its most beautiful mirror interior decoration a visit to this amazing example of Iranian design is not to be missed. If there is time we can also explore the Bazar-e Vkil, regarded as one of the finest bazars in all of Iran. Day 3: Shiraz – Persepolis – Necropolis – Shiraz This morning we say goodbye to Shiraz and, via the Quran gate, make our way to Persepolis. Once the centre of the great Persian Empire, Persepolis architecture with its imposing gateways, stunning relief carvings, tombs cut in the side of the mountains and towering columns will leave you in no doubt this was the centre of the known world! We will visit Nasqh-e- Rostam high in the limestone escarpments where we will have the opportunity to see four tombs of Achaemeninan Kings. Destroyed in 330BC by Alexander the Great we can learn of a history you never knew existed! We will then return to Shiraz where we will end the day with a visit to the cookery school and get a taste of the fine local cuisine – kebabs at their very best! Day 4: Shiraz – Pasargadae – Yazd This morning, we make our way through incredible mountainous scenery continuing on to Pasargadae, the earliest Achaemenian capital and location of the tomb of Cyrus the Great. We will then continue with our journey over the central Iranian ranges arriving later in the day at our next stop, the city of Yazd. Day 5: Yazd Today is all about exploring Yazd, a major stop on the caravan routes to Central Asia and India during the Silk Road period. Marco Polo visited on route to China. We will start to learn more about ancient religion of Persia – Zoroastrianism. This religion dates back 4000 years and was the state religion before Islam. We will visit the city’s most amazing gems including Atash Kadeh – otherwise known as the Fire Temple. This building was constructed in 1934 and enshrines the Atash Bahram, meaning “Victorious Fire”, which dates back to 470 AD. It is one of the nine Atash Bahrams; the other eight of which are all in India. We will then continue on to the Tower of Silence, a circular, raised structure used by Zoroastrians for exposure of the dead, particularly to scavenging birds, for the purposes of excarnation. Day 6: Yazd After breakfast, we will drive towards the town of Chak Chak via the El Abad village. Chak Chak is the most sacred shrine of Zoroastrianism where according to legend, the constant dripping springs is said to be the tears of the mountain. After lunch in Chak Chak there will be some free time for sightseeing as well as prayer and reflection. We will then return to Yazd where we will spend the night. It is possible to meet religious leaders here to find out more about their beliefs and philosophy. Day 7: Yazd – Naein – Isfahan This morning we will make our way to our final destination of Isfahan, stopping en route to visit the Jāmeh Mosque of Nain. This is said to date back to the 9th century making it one of the oldest mosques in Iran. However, the interiors are Seljuki in brick craftsmanship, which allude more to the 11th century. Although the country is mainly Shiite it is likely you will encounter a range or religions. Surprisingly Iran is home to the largest middle eastern Jewish population outside Israel! Day 8: Isfahan Isfahan is an important city located on the main north–south and east–west routes crossing Iran, and was once one of the largest cities in the world. It flourished from 1050 to 1722, particularly in the 16th century under the Safavid dynasty, when it became the capital of Persia for the second time in its history. In the morning we will visit the Naqsh-e Jahan Square. Constructed between 1598 and 1629, it is now an important historical site and one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. The square is surrounded by buildings from the Safavid era including the Shah Mosque, the Ali Qapu Palace and the Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque. To the north sits the extensive and colourful Isfahan bazaar, brimming over with talented artisans and their fine products. Later, we will visit the ChaharBagh Religious School where we will have the chance to meet and talk with some of the town’s clergyman who will provide a fascinating insight into the town’s culture and religion. Day 9: Isfahan – Departure Transfer to Isfahan Airport for your return flight from Iran. Please note: It is important to realise that the itinerary needs to be flexible. While every effort will be made to follow the above schedule, in the event of political problems, airline schedule changes, we will do our best to make your trip as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible, but it is important to EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED and be prepared to accept some slight changes. For more information and a detailed quote, please contact us: telephone: 01392 660056 email: [email protected] website: www.thestc.co.uk .

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