THIS IS A 13-DAY HOSTED JOURNEY. REMEMBER THAT WE CAN CREATE A JOURNEY TO OF ANY LENGTH TO MEET YOUR EXACT SPECIFICATIONS.

Iran. 1 unusual Hosted Journey with R. Crusoe & Son

Isfahan. 1860.

The word “extraordinary” can be overused. But when A rrive on your own in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, applied to the country of Iran, it is, perhaps, an on Saturday, 5 November 2016. Here we gather as a group at understatement. From its ancient beginnings, Persia has our hotel, the Park Hyatt, and get to know one another at an a past filled with intrigue, mystery, and drama. Its evening cocktail reception. (Never been to Dubai? Speak to heritage dates back thousands of years. The legacy? us about a pre-tour extension to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.) Spectacular art and exemplary architecture, The following day, we have a briefing on Iran past and archaeology, gardens, literature, and music. present. Iran has been hidden from our view for decades, but Then fly to , the capital city of Iran. We begin at the nation has opened its doors. Americans will find the to view Iran’s citizens warm and welcoming. Now is the time to pottery, bronze, and other artifacts from experience its wonders on a journey hosted by Crusoe 33,000 B.C. to the Islamic Era. vice president Cheryl Sturm. On to the Golestan complex, built by the during the 19th century. Tour the marble , main palace, and the wind tower. We have time at the Treasury of National Jewels; the , with artifacts from the second millennium B.C. through the early 20th century; and the Palace complex, built by the Qajars and Pahlavis, including the exquisite Saheb Qaranie House. Then bid farewell to Tehran. In the outskirts of the city, visit the tomb of Imam Khomeini, final resting place for the Iranian leader Americans know as the Ayatollah Khomeini. Our drive continues. Destination? , 17th-century Peacock Throne, encrusted with gems, enamel, and gold, in capital of the Safavids, who called it Nesf-e-Jahan, Half of . Tehran. the World. Welcome to the jewel of ancient Persia and one

800.585.8555 R.Crusoe & Son www.rcrusoe.com 1 era. Within, Masjed-e Jamé (the Friday ) illustrates the evolution of mosque architecture over 12 centuries, starting in A.D. 841. The oldest preserved edifice of its kind in Iran and a prototype for later , it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shah Abbas I the Great built Imam (Naghshe Jahan) Square, another UNESCO site, in the early 17th century. Monumental buildings linked by arcades surround the square. See its three components: the Imam Mosque; the ; and Ali Qapou Palace. Together, they stand as testimony to the level of social and cultural life in Persia during the days of Safavid rule. Enjoy some free time browsing the . Safavids called Isfahan “Half the World.” Depart Isfahan and head southeast. Our next stop? of the finest cities in the Islamic world. We begin at Meybod, to see what an old caravanserei looks like. Then we 17th-century Chehel Sotun Palace, a UNESCO World continue our drive to , which has been continually Heritage site famous for its frescoes and its marriage of two inhabited for 7,000 years. Marco Polo described it as “a very Persian loves: gardens and grand interiors. fine and splendid city and a center of commerce.” Historic Khadjou Bridge leads us to the Armenian The architecture of Yazd is unique. Graceful bad-girs, Quarter. See a 17th-century cathedral that is both a functioning ancient wind towers, provide ventilation to lower parts of old church and a museum. The frescoes within are gripping. structures. There are fine examples at Dowlat Abad Garden, Next, visit a well-known Iranian artist, Mustafa Fotovat, in a jewel of Persian his studio. Born in Isfahan, Mostafa learned miniaturist painting architecture. from his father before beginning his formal studies. He has Learn about the exhibited in Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Austria, and the town’s Zoroastrian United States. past. Zoroastrians From here, enjoy some free time or, if you’d like, join us to have long resided in browse a Persian rug workshop and learn about how these Yazd; today, incredible carpets are made; or come tour the Eight Paradise roughly 12,000 Summer Palace, built in 1669. locals are adherents. If it is open, we enter 600-year-old Mullah Jacub’s We visit the Towers See the Towers of Silence, part of the Synagogue. You might be surprised to learn that Judaism is one of Silence; the Fire Zoroastrian death ritual. Yazd. of the oldest religions practiced in Iran. Most Jews who Temple, whose emigrated from Iran in the 20th century reside in Israel and the sacred flame is said to have been burning continuously since United States. A.D. 479; and the Glass Cage. Continue to Old Jome Mosque, essentially a museum of Stop at Amir Chakhmagh, which commemorates the . Eight centuries of the design are death of Imam Hossein, son of the Prophet Mohammed. represented here, each an example of the best of its particular Tour the Water Museum. Step inside the Friday Mosque in

2 800.585.8555 R.Crusoe & Son www.rcrusoe.com the old town, and enter an old Safavid house to view handicrafts. Stroll through the Fahadan neighborhood to This R. Crusoe Iran journey, hosted by Crusoe vice Alexander Prison—not a prison at all, but a 15th-century president Cheryl Sturm, has a set departure date of school mentioned in a Hafez poem. See the 12 Imam Shrine Saturday, 5 November 2016. Our tour begins the next day, and meet a tile artisan who works with UNESCO. 6 November, in Dubai, U.A.E. From there, we fly into We next drive toward Pasargad, stopping en route in Tehran, Iran. The tour ends in , Iran, on Thursday, Abarkouh to see the Sarv-e-Abarqu, a living cypress tree 17 November 2016. estimated to be more than 4,000 years old. It is important that interested travelers understand the Continue to Pasargad, the first Persian limitations of traveling in Iran. Here are a few things you capital. Its history stretches back to 550 B.C. should know: We see the limestone tomb of Cyrus the Great, the world’s first emperor. UNESCO • Within Iran, there are no deviations to our program recognizes Pasargad as a World Heritage per rules imposed by the Iranian government. site, with “outstanding examples of the • All meals within Iran are included in the tour. There first phase of royal Achaemenian art and are no alcoholic beverages served in Iran. architecture and exceptional testimonies of Persian • Credit cards are accepted on a very limited basis. civilization… the first empire that respected the cultural • Our hotels, the best in each location, are diversity of its different peoples.” comfortable but less luxurious than the five-star Our drive continues to Shiraz, the sophisticated City of properties R. Crusoe travelers usually enjoy. Roses and Nightingales. Education, poetry, wine (once upon a • On this journey, we drive between destinations time), gardens, and the like have all contributed to make this rather than taking internal flights, making ample a remarkable Iranian city. stops along the way. Begin at Eram, the Garden of Paradise. Built in the Qajar era, the property (including its palace) was used by the feudal Interested in seeing a bit of Dubai? If so, speak to us elite and tribal leaders and later by Iran’s royalty. about a custom extension. Enter 400-year-old Khan Theological Madrassa, where More questions? We love to chat. Call Patty Weber we hope to meet with an imam. Then one of the most elegant at 888-490-8014, or email her at [email protected]. mosques in Iran, the pink-tiled, 19th-century Nasir-ol-Molk. To the , the most famous Iranian lyric writer, who wrote during the 14th century. Now, a day-trip outside Shiraz. Our destination? , one of the most beautiful markets in the , ruined capital of ancient Iran. Welcome to one of world. We find ourselves immersed in an age-old rhythm of the great legacies of the ancient world and a beautiful and buying and selling. Tour the bath house as well as the bazaar. spectacular archaeological site. In the sixth century B.C., At Saray-e Moshir, a nearby artisans’ market, enjoy some Achaemenian King Darius I founded Persepolis. free time to chat with the locals and peruse the stalls. Step back in time as we enter the . Superb bas reliefs depict the flow of ritual processions that once passed through. Explore the Gate of Xerxes, Palace, the Treasury, the Harem, and the private of various rulers. Xerxes and , who ruled Persia in the fifth century B.C., completed Persepolis. Its palaces were used by the Achaemenian kings until the buildings were razed by Alexander the Great in 330 B.C. On to Naghsh-e Rostam, which contains the carved rock chambers of four Achaemenian rulers: , Xerxes, Artaxerxes, and Darius II. Ornamental rock relief facades date from A.D. 224-650 and depict scenes of imperial conquest as well as a fire temple from Achaemenian times. After a farewell dinner and a last overnight in Shiraz, Extraordinary stained glass in Nasir-ol-Molk. Shiraz. head to the airport for your journey home.

800.585.8555 R.Crusoe & Son www.rcrusoe.com 3  Caspian Sea Passage Through Persia. A Hosted Day 6-7: Air travel Isfahan Land travel Journey with Cheryl Sturm. 13 Days. Thursday & Tehran  Friday, 10-11 I RAN Day 1: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Isfahan Saturday, 5 November 2016 November 2016 Yazd Arrive in Dubai, evening cocktail reception. Mullah Jacub Naghsh-e Park Hyatt. Rostam Synagogue (if open), Pasargad  Day 2: Dubai; Tehran, Iran Old Jome Mosque and Shiraz & Sunday, 6 November 2016 Masjed-e-Jame, leisure Persepolis Tour briefing, group flight to Tehran, arrival. time, Naghshe Jahan Parsian Azadi Hotel. Maidan, Ali Qapou Dubai Palace, Sheikh  Day 3-4: Tehran Lotfollah Mosque, UNITED ARAB Monday &Tuesday, 7-8 November 2016 and EMIRATES National Museum, Golestan Palace, Treasury of National Jewels, madrassas, leisure Reza Abbasi Museum, Niavaran Palace. Parsian Azadi Hotel. time at the bazaar. For more information or to book,  Day 5: Tehran, Isfahan Abbasi Hotel. call Patty Weber at 888-490-8014 or email [email protected]. Wednesday, 9 November 2016  Day 8: Naein, Ayatollah Khomeini tomb, drive to Isfahan. Abbasi Hotel. Meybod, Yazd Saturday, 12 November 2016 Drive to Naein, continue to Meybod caravanserei, arrive Yazd, Dowlat Abad Garden. Moshir-Al-Mamalek Garden Hotel.  Day 9: Yazd Sunday, 13 November 2016 Towers of Silence, Fire Temple, Glass Cage, Amir Chakhmagh, Water Museum, Old Friday Mosque, Safavid house, Fahadan neighborhood, Alexander Prison, 12 Imam Shrine, tile artisan. Moshir-Al-Mamalek Garden Hotel.  Day 10: Abarkouh, Pasargad, Shiraz Monday, 14 November 2016 Drive to Abarkouh, ancient cypress tree, Pasargad archaeological site, arrive Shiraz. Shiraz Hotel. Khadjou Bridge, completed in 1650. Isfahan.  Day 11: Shiraz Tuesday, 15 November 2016 , Khan Theological Madrassa with possibility of meeting an imam, Nasir-ol-Molk, Hafez Tomb, Vakil Bath House and Bazaar, leisure time at Saray-e Moshir artisans’ bazaar. Shiraz Hotel.  Day 12: Persepolis, Naghsh-e Rostam, Shiraz Wednesday, 16 November 2016 Drive to Persepolis, archaeological site, drive to Naghsh-e Rostam, archaeological site, drive to Shiraz, Koran Gate, farewell dinner. Shiraz Hotel.  Day 13: Shiraz; United States Thursday, 17 November 2016 Vakil Bazaar, founded in the 11th century. Shiraz. Head home on the commercial flight of your choice.

4 800.585.8555 R.Crusoe & Son www.rcrusoe.com Walk in the footsteps of Achaemenid kings at Persepolis, one of many UNESCO World Heritage sites we visit.

Price: Per person sharing a room ...... from $7,880  Registration Single supplement ...... $1,970 A deposit of 25 percent of the total tour price is required at the time you book. The remainder of the cost of your trip is due 90 The tour price does not include airfare between Dubai and days prior to your departure date. Payment can be made by Tehran, but it does include all meals within Iran. personal check, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. If your  Inclusions reservation is made within 90 days of departure, the entire cost of Accommodations based on double occupancy; hotel taxes; the trip must be paid at the time of confirmation. ground transportation; transfers; sightseeing and meals as  Cancellation indicated; and beverages (soda, water, coffee, tea) with Cancellation must be received in writing by R. Crusoe. included meals; entrance fees; gratuities to local guides, Cancellations received 90 days or more prior to departure are drivers and baggage porters. subject to a per person/per tour cancellation fee of 10 percent of  Exclusions the cost of the tour. Cancellations received less than 90 days prior to departure are subject to the following forfeit as a percentage of International airfare; costs of passports and/or visas; tour cost: 89-60 days, 35 percent of tour cost; 59-30 days, 50 sightseeing listed as optional; personal expenses such as percent of tour cost; 29 days or less, 100 percent of tour cost. laundry and meals or beverages not listed; room service; excess baggage fees; porterage; communication charges; For more information or to book this journey airport and port taxes; gratuities to tour escort; personal with R. Crusoe & Son, please call 800-585-8555. insurance coverage. Note: Iran prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages, so we are unable to provide any We recommend travel insurance that covers trip throughout the Iran portion of our journey. cancellation or interruption; illness or injury while  abroad; baggage loss, theft, or damage; and Health Status emergency medical evacuation. Though R. Crusoe’s Touring during this program requires travelers to be in good usual insurer does not cover travel in Iran, Travel health. Walking on uneven surfaces and climbing stairs are part Guard does. For online info, visit Travelguard.com. of many of these excursions. If you have any health or mobility issues, we urge you to discuss them with us. ©2016 R. Crusoe & Son. 21 January 2016

800.585.8555 R.Crusoe & Son www.rcrusoe.com 5 TERMS & CONDITIONS

On the advancement of deposit, the depositor dietary restrictions inform R. Crusoe & Son well before acknowledges that he or she has read and understands the departure. All travelers are expected to be ready to specific inclusions, exclusions, registration, and experience cultural differences with grace. cancellation policies of the tour, the terms and conditions Travel Documents: All travel documents (air and cruise listed below, and that he or she agrees to be bound by tickets, passport, destination-specific vaccination records, them. Cancellation penalties apply, and R. Crusoe & Son and inoculation verification) are the traveler’s responsibility. makes no refund for unused services. R. Crusoe & Son It is also the responsibility of the traveler to obtain any strongly recommends that travelers purchase travel necessary visas and public health documents for all insurance as described below. applicable destinations and to comply with all customs Arrangements: Quoted tour prices include planning, requirements. Without the required documents, travelers handling, and operational charges and are quoted in U.S. may be denied entry into a particular destination. R. Crusoe dollars based on the current rate of exchange, tariff, and fuel & Son is not liable for such denial. prices. In the event of unexpected and significant cost Air Transportation: International air prices are a separate increases, prices are subject to revision. On some programs, cost in addition to the land prices of tours. Should a traveler a fuel surcharge may apply. R. Crusoe & Son will advise cancel or change an air reservation before or after his or her travelers of possible surcharges that apply to a specific departure, cancellations penalties may apply. journey as soon as these surcharges are known. Baggage: Baggage handling is at the traveler’s risk Responsibility: R. Crusoe & Son and its operating throughout the tour. Baggage restrictions may apply. If so, partners purchase transportation, hotel accommodations, R. Crusoe & Son is not responsible for excess baggage fees. restaurant services, and other services from various Smoking: Smoking is not permitted during situations independent suppliers not subject to its control. R. Crusoe & that involve fellow travelers. This applies when travelers are Son and its operating partners cannot, therefore, be liable for in restaurants, sightseeing vehicles, trains, ships and other any personal injury, loss, or damage to person or property water transport, air transport, and when participating in that may occur due to (1) a wrongful, negligent, or arbitrary group activities. act by others not under the direct control of R. Crusoe & Son and its operating partners, (2) defects in, or failures of, any aircraft, vessel, automotive vehicle, or other means of R. Crusoe & Son Travel Protection Plan transportation not under its control, or (3) acts of God. Even on a perfectly planned vacation there are forces of nature R. Crusoe & Son and its operating partners also reserve that R. Crusoe & Son cannot prevent. There is the possibility the right to withdraw a tour or any part of it, to make such that luggage is lost en route, an illness pops up, or even the sudden need for emergency cash. To ensure that your voyage alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary or desirable, provides you with a lifetime of pleasant memories, this program to refuse to accept or retain as a member of any tour or part contains a broad package of benefits for our travelers including: thereof any person at any time, and to pass on to tour  insurance coverage for trip cancellation or interruption members any expenditures or losses caused by airline  insurance coverage for illness or injury while abroad schedule changes, delays, or events beyond its control.  emergency medical evacuation R. Crusoe & Son and its operating partners are not  reimbursement for baggage loss, theft, or damage responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in  24-hour assistance anywhere in the world preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty- Complete details (including terms, condition limits, costs, carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport and enrollment procedures) are sent upon confirmation of your fees, or other trip-related expenses. tour reservation. Eligibility: Participation in R. Crusoe’s programs For pre-existing condition coverage, the premium must be requires that travelers be in generally good health. Walking paid within 21 days of the initial deposit. and stair climbing are commonly part of many tours. Travelers with physical disabilities must make them known to R. Crusoe & Son at the time of booking. It is also essential that persons with any medical problems or related ©2015 R. Crusoe & Son. DBD T&C 13 August 2015