IRAN ANCIENT PERSIA & THE SILK ROAD OCTOBER 7-25, 2017 TOUR LEADER: CHRIS BRADLEY

Overview The Persian Empire, based within modern Iran’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 reached Europe. It was also one of Islam’s first forays outside Arabia. In its heyday, Iran boasted lavish architecture that inspired Tamerlane’s Samarqand and the Taj Mahal, its poets inspired generations of Iranians and foreigners, and its famed gardens were a kind of earthly paradise. In recent times Iran has slowly re-established itself as a leading nation of the Middle East. Our 19-day tour begins in Tehran with an introduction to the fine arts and traditional culture of Iran exploring the Qajar built Golestan Palace complex, archaeology and Reza Abassi museums. From here we make our way west to Zanjan and the Zagros Mountains, visiting the ancient Median ruins of Ecbatana near Hamadan, and continue to the great renaissance-era city of Isfahan. We view Iran’s remaining Zoroastrian shrines, intricate and unusual Muslim mosques in Yazd and continue to Kerman and cross the vast Central Plateau to Shiraz, the city of poets. Here we see some of Iran’s most exceptional historical monuments, such as the magnificent relief carvings of Persepolis and the understated royal tomb of Cyrus the Great. Our tour concludes with a flight back to twenty-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 and saffron) on a bed of Jewelled rice (white rice with pistachios, barberries, almonds, carrots and candied orange-peel).”

“Chris Bradley was an excellent tour leader – his knowledge and humour greatly enhanced the travelling experience. Our Iranian guide was excellent also and expanded our understanding of life in Iran.”

Feedback from a tour participant on Iran: Ancient Persia and the Silk Road, September 2015.

IRAN ANCIENT PERSIA & THE SILK ROAD

Tour dates: October 7-25, 2017

Tour leader: Chris Bradley

Tour Price: $10,690 per person, twin share

Single Supplement: $1,890 for sole use of double room

Booking deposit: $500 per person

Recommended airline: Emirates

Maximum places: 20

Itinerary: Tehran (3 nights), Zanjan (2 nights), Hamadan (2 nights), Isfahan (3 nights), Yazd (2 nights), Kerman (2 nights), Shiraz (3 nights), Tehran (1 night)

Date published: September 30, 2016

Enquiries and bookings

For further information and to secure a place on this tour please contact Frederick Steyn at Academy Travel on 9235 0023 or 1800 639 699 (outside Sydney) or email frederick@academytravel.com.au

Tour Highlights

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

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

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

PERSEPOLIS & PASARGADAE Encounter the great Achaemenid sites of Persepolis built by Cyrus the Great and Pasargadae dating from the 6th century BC, and home to the great kings Darius and Xerxes.

ISFAHAN 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.

THE GREAT ZOROASTRIAN EFFECT

Pre-dating Judaism, Christianity and Islam, Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s earliest monotheistic religions and greatly influenced the later faiths with early ideas of a heaven and hell. It is uncertain exactly where the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra to the Persians) came from, or even when, but it was probably somewhere in northern Persia, between 1000 BC and 600BC. He preached that there was a single God, called Ahura-Mazda (Wise Lord) who represented truth and order. Through good thoughts and good deeds his followers could keep chaos and evil at bay. Ahura-Mazda communicated with his devotees via their dreams. The meaning of these messages was not always clear, so the priests of the Median Empire (known as Magi, from the Greek magoi or wise men) became powerful with their interpretations. The Greek historian Herodotus, writing in the 5th century BC, records that the Magi had appeared some 200 years earlier and were particularly skilled at reading dreams. These Magi were part of Persia’s elite and valued advisors to their rulers, successfully spreading their faith and other ideas around the expanding Persian empire. Their speciality was studying the night sky, because they believed that whatever they observed in the heavens would be reflected in events on earth. By monitoring movements in the sky, they could make predictions about what would

happen on earth. It has been credibly suggested that the Magi referred to in the Christian nativity story were these same Zoroastrian priests. They developed their own astrology using the twelve signs of the Zodiac that are recognised today. The Magi were not astrologers or astronomers in the modern sense; rather they were “searchers of wisdom” and regarded as the scholars of their time. They tried to explain and understand the world around them by calculating time, developing calendars, predicting tides and studying the early sciences – medicine and alchemy – as well as poetry, art and religion. Today it is estimated that the worldwide population of Zoroastrians is about 200,000. The largest group belong to India’s Parsee (meaning Persian) community, who became successful as middlemen between the elite ruling British and diverse Indian nationals, with the Tata family name becoming one of the most famous. The population in Iran is significantly smaller, having been driven out or converting to Islam during the 7th century. Iran’s Zoroastrians are concentrated in Tehran and Yazd, where there is still an operational Zoroastrian fire temple (fire being a ritual purifier). Their practice of laying out dead bodies inside the Towers of Silence is now restricted, and many Zoroastrians are instead buried in concrete-lined graves to prevent the decaying corpse from polluting the earth.

Tower of Silence, or Dakhma in Persian

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 jewels

This morning our focus is the Golestan Palace Complex, built by the Qajar Kings. Featuring the Marble Throne, an intricately carved ensemble of more than 65 pieces of stone, 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 Qazvin, 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 Anahita 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)

Above: architect Hossein Amanat combined elements of Sassanid and Islamic architecture in his design for what is now known as Azadi or Freedom Tower in Tehran Below: gold rams head in the Reza Abassi Museum; and the Mausoleum of Oljeitu, erected from 1302 to 1312 AD, has the oldest double-shell dome in Iran

Friday 13 october Ancient ectabana

This morning we visit the tomb of Esther and Mordeccai and the ruins of the ancient city of Ecbatana. After lunch we return to Hamadan and visit Avicenna'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 Malayer 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 Chehel Sotoun, 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 Mosques and Palaces

This morning is spent exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Naqsh-e Jahan. From the elegant Sheikh 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

Above: fresco of Shah Abbas II entertaining Nader Mohammed Khan, King of Turkistan, in Chehel Sotoun; and Ali Qapu Palace, Isfahan, with its balcony overlooking Naqsh-e Jahan Square Below: the music room of Ali Qapu Palace. The plaster walls and ceilings are richly decorated with intricate niches to improve and perfect acoustics

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)

Friday 20 october Around kerman

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 Neyriz before continuing on to Sarvestan, 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)

Above: and the view from the Amir Chakhmagh Complex over the desert city of Yazd Below: the Royal tombs carved out of the rock face at Naqsh-e Rostam; and the spectacular Gate of All Nations at Persepolis

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. Tehran, Azadi Hotel (3 nights)

Zanjan, Grand Hotel (2 nights)

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.

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)

Above: intricate tile work on the pavilion above the tomb of Iran’s great poet, Hafez; and the lovely Bagh-e Eram in Shiraz Below: the Carpet Museum in Tehran exhibits a variety of Persian carpets from all over Iran, dating from the 18th century to the present day

Tour Price The tour price is $10,690 per person, twin share (land content only). The supplement for a single room is $1,890 per person. A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required to secure a place on the tour.

Tour Inclusions Included in the tour price

18 nights’ accommodation in four and five-star hotels Domestic economy class flight from Shiraz to Tehran All breakfasts, lunches and 12 dinners Services of tour leader from arrival into and departure

from Tehran Local English speaking guide Background talks and tour notes All land travel by air-conditioned coach All entrance fees to sites mentioned in itinerary Tips to local guides, drivers and restaurants Porterage of 1 piece of luggage in and out of hotels Visa fees if applying from Australia

Not included

International air fares, taxes and surcharges (see below) Travel insurance Meals not mentioned in itinerary Expenses of a personal nature

Air travel OPTIONS The tour price quoted is for land content only. For this tour we recommend Emirates which offers flights into and out of Tehran from most Australian cities. Please contact us for further information on competitive Economy, Business and First Class airfares. Transfers between airport and hotel are included for all passengers booking their flights through Academy Travel. These may be group or individual transfers.

Enquiries & bookings For further information and to secure a place on this tour please contact Frederick Steyn at Academy Travel on 9235 0023 or 1800 639 699 (outside Sydney) or email frederick@academytravel.com.au

Weather on Tour October is a lovely time to visit Iran with the heat of summer having waned and more moderate temperatures prevail 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.

Fitness Requirements of THIS tour

Grade Two

It is important both for you and for your fellow travellers that 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 required to participate on our tours, we have given them a star grading. Academy Travel’s tours tend to feature extended walking tours and site visits, which require greater fitness than coach touring. We ask you to carefully consider your ability to meet the physical demands of the tour.

Participation criteria for this tour This Grade Two tour is designed for people who lead active lives and can comfortably participate in up to five hours of physical activity per day on most days, including longer walking tours, challenging archaeological sites, climbing stairs, embarking and disembarking trains and/or boats, and a more demanding tour schedule with one night stops or several internal flights. You should be able to: keep up with the group at all times walk for 4-5 kilometres at a moderate pace with only

short breaks stand for a reasonable length of time in galleries and

museums tolerate uncomfortable climatic conditions such as cold,

humidity and heat walk up and down slopes negotiate steps and slopes on archaeological sites,

which are often uneven and unstable get on and off a large coach with steep stairs, train or

boat unassisted, possibly with luggage move your luggage a short distance if required

A note for older travellers If you are more than 80 years old, or have restricted mobility, it is highly likely that you will find this itinerary challenging. You will have to miss several activities and will not get the full value of the tour. Your booking will not be accepted until after you have contacted Academy Travel to discuss your situation and the exact physical requirements of this tour. While we will do our best to reasonably accommodate the physical needs of all group members, we reserve the right to refuse bookings if we feel that the requirements of the tour are too demanding for you and/or if local conditions mean we cannot reasonably accommodate your condition.