Ancient Persia – Modern Iran
2016
photo: Ann Schneider
Ancient Persia – Modern Iran
Iran From Top To Bottom
Six departures in 2016 – Cultural Series – 18 Days
April 11-28 • April 18-May 5 • April 25-May 12 •
September 5-22 • September 12-29 • October 3-20
Persia, the exotic land that is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, has been known as Iran
since 1935 and is now a modern country of some 77 million people. Explore Iran’s fabulous bazaars,
admire its splendid architecture and complex ornamentation, discover its formidable archaeological sites
and converse with the people who call it home.
Begin in Tabriz, browsing its labyrinthine UNESCO-listed bazaar, flourishing since the 13th century, and
visit the nearby cave-town of Kandovan. Head to Zanjan to admire the turquoise dome of the beautifully restored Soltaniyeh Mausoleum before exploring the capital,Tehran.Travel to the celebrated cities of
Zoroastrian Yazd, 6,000-foot Kerman, poetic Shiraz with its monumental ruins of Persepolis, and graceful
lsfahan, as well as to outlying towns and villages that offer a closer look at the Iranian people. Experience ten fabulous UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way.
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Daily Itinerary
Day 1, Monday
Day 2, Tuesday
Day 3, Wednesday
Day 4, Thursday
Day 5, Friday
Day 6, Saturday
Day 7, Sunday
Day 8, Monday
Day 9, Tuesday
Day 10, Wednesday
Day 11, Thursday
Day 12, Friday
Day 13, Saturday
Day 14, Sunday
Day 15, Monday
Day 16, Tuesday
Day 17, Wednesday
Day 18, Thursday
Arrive Tabriz
Tabriz
Tabriz
Tabriz • Zanjan
Zanjan • Qazvin • Tehran
Tehran
Tehran • fly to Kerman
Kerman
Kerman • Yazd
Yazd
Yazd • Shiraz
Shiraz
Shiraz
Shiraz • Bishapur • Yasuj
Yasuj • Isfahan
Isfahan
Isfahan
Depart Isfahan
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MIR Signature Experiences
• Join the crowds of shoppers in the labyrinthine UNESCO-listed Tabriz bazaar.
• Explore the cave-town of Kandovan, dug into the side of a mountain by people fleeing the
Mongol invasion.
• Marvel at the views from the Tower of Silence in Yazd.
• Admire the stunning Islamic architecture of Isfahan.
• Enjoy lunch in a restaurant converted from a traditional hamam.
• Visit with members of the nomadic Qashqai tribe.
• Discover Iran’s greatest lyric poet’s inspiration, the gardens of Shiraz.
• Awaken to ancient history as you visit the incredible ruins of Persepolis.
• Join the crowds of shoppers in the bazaars of Isfahan.
• Visit local weavers in their workshops and learn about this ancient handicraft.
Tour Highlights
Tabriz
Zanjan
Qazvin
Tehran
Kerman
Rayen
Mahan
Yazd
Pasargadae
Shiraz
Persepolis
Firuzabad
Bishapur
Yasuj
Isfahan
15th century Blue Mosque, Tabriz Bazaar (UNESCO World
Heritage Site), Monastery of St. Stephanos (UNESCO World
Heritage Site), Kandovan
Takht-e Soleyman (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Friday Mosque, Mausoleum of Imamzadeh Hossein
Abgineh Museum of Glass and Ceramics, Sa’ad Abad Palace, Golestan Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Crown Jewels at Central Bank,
Carpet Museum, Reza Abbasi Museum
Old hamam (bathhouse) Museum, Friday Mosque,Vakil Bazaar
Arg-e Rayen ancient citadel
Shrine of Shah Nematollah Vali, Shahzadeh Gardens (UNESCO World
Heritage Site), carpet workshop
Towers of Silence, Zoroastrian Fire Temple, Friday Mosque, Old Town,
Dowlat-Abad Garden (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Alexander Prison
Achaemenid tomb of Cyrus the Great (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
“City of Roses and Nightingales,” Tomb of Hafez, Narenjestan Garden,
Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, local bazaar
(UNESCO World Heritage Site), Naghsh-e Rostam, burial sites of Darius the Great, Xerxes and Artaxerxes, Kabe-Zardosht fire temple and
sanctuary, Sassanian rock-reliefs
Ardeshir I Palace, Qashqai nomads
Rock reliefs at Tang-e-Chogan
Zagros Mountains
Imam Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Ali Qapu Palace,
Sheikh Lotfollah and Imam mosques, Armenian Quarter, Cathedral of
Vank, Bridges of the Zayandeh River, Friday Mosque (UNESCO World
Heritage Site), Ali Minaret, Jewish Quarter, Royal Qeisarieh Bazaar,
Zoorkhaneh (house of strength)
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Itinerary
Important note: Please see the notes later in this document under “Pre- and Post-tours” for details on
hotel check-in time at the beginning of the program, and the best arrival times into Tabriz.
Day One, Monday
Arrive Tabriz
On arrival today in Tabriz you will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. The day
is left free for arrivals with touring scheduled to begin tomorrow.
Tabriz, a city of 1.2 million people in northwest Iran, is the capital of Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province. A majority of its citizens speak Azeri, a Turkic language, rather than Persian, but consider
themselves Shi’a Muslims like the rest of their countrymen. Tabriz is the fourth-largest city in
Iran, and its second-largest trade and manufacturing center. The city is famous for its carpets,
and for its status as the place where the Iranian Constitutional Revolution began in 1906.
In 1998, a British Egyptologist suggested that Tabriz was the location of the historical Garden of
Eden. At an altitude of 4,200 feet, the area is cooler and more fertile than much of Iran.
Meals: En Route/Independent – Pars Hotel or similar
Day Two, Tuesday
Tabriz
Begin touring this morning after breakfast in the hotel. Touring starts with the Blue Mosque.
Built in 1465, the historic Blue Mosque is so-called because of the intricate mosaic made from
blue tiles on the facade of the building. Though damaged in a 1778 earthquake, the remains of
the mosque were restored in the early
1900s as part of an initiative by the
government to preserve Persian culture.
Next visit the Azerbaijan Museum.
Tabriz's Azerbaijan Museum houses
countless historical pieces from the
region. Of particular note are the
bronze and pottery artifacts that date
from 5000 BC and an extensive collection of Islamic books and manuscripts. On the second floor, visitors
can view traditional costumes from
throughout Iran, Armenia and Azerbaijan.
After lunch at a local restaurant, stop
at the UNESCO-listed Tabriz Bazaar. One of the oldest and largest covered bazaars in the
world, the UNESCO-listed Tabriz Bazaar was already flourishing in the 13th century, a hub of
Silk Road commerce. The labyrinthine bazaar continued in importance until the 18th century,
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when the Ottomans increased in power. Different crafts are represented in different sections of
the complex. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant before overnight at the hotel.
Meals: B, L, D – Pars Hotel or similar
Day Three, Wednesday
Tabriz
Start this morning with a trip out of town to the village of Kandovan, built into a mountain
just outside of Tabriz. The initial inhabitants were fleeing a Mongol invasion when they came
upon the natural protection afforded by the caves and rather than move into the valley below,
decided to build their homes against the cliff face so that the entire town blends into the landscape and looks like part of a rock formation.
The remote monastery of St. Stephanos is set against the dramatic backdrop of the hills
surrounding Jolfa. The 9th century Armenian monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and
a testament to the long history of Christianity in this part of Iran. The elaborate brickwork on
the facade of its central dome is an outstanding example of Armenian decorative tradition. Surrounded by a fortress, the monastery is still a place of pilgrimage.
Return to Tabriz for dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Meals: B, L, D – Pars Hotel or similar
Day Four, Thursday
Tabriz • Zanjan
Set off today for the long drive to Zanjan, stopping en route for touring near Takab to see the
Throne of Solomon. Takht-e Soleyman, or Throne of Solomon, is a UNESCO-listed archeological site centered on a volcanic crater lake. A sacred place for thousands of years, the
site includes the remains of a 3rd century Zoroastrian fire temple and a 6th century Sassanian
temple to Anahita. After the Arab invasion brought Islam to the area, temple guardians renamed
the Zoroastrian complex “Solomon’s Throne” to save it from destruction.
Continue to Zanjan, with lunch en route and evening arrival in the city. Capital of Zanjan Province in northeastern Iran, the city of Zanjan has a population of some 400,000. This province
borders Azerbaijan on the north, and is populated mainly with Iranian Azerbaijanis, who speak a
dialect of the Turkic Azerbaijani language. The city retains some of its ancient charm, with little
alleyways, mosques and a covered bazar.
Meals: B, L, D – Zanjan Grand Hotel or similar
Day Five, Friday
Zanjan • Qazvin • Tehran
Depart Zanjan this morning. The ultimate goal is Iran’s capital, Tehran, with time for touring en
route. The road passes through Qazvin, a little over a hundred miles northwest of Tehran. First
visit Soltaniyeh. The UNESCO-listed mausoleum at Soltaniyeh was constructed in the
early 14th century by Mongol sultan Oljatu Khodabandeh. It was meant to house the remains
of Imam Ali, Mohammed’s son-in-law, but the sultan had a change of heart and made it his own
burial place. The mausoleum’s dome, or gonbad, is over 150 feet high and the highlight of the
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complex. Covered in turquoise faience, the
dome is a fine example of early Islamic
architecture.
Lunch will be in Qazvin followed by touring
here. Qazvin was founded in the 3rd century BC and served as the capital of Persia
during the 16th century. The city of about
350,000 has some of Iran’s finest domed
cisterns and several beautiful shrines and
mausoleums. Enjoy a brief city tour here,
making a stop at the Friday Mosque and the
Mausoleum of Imamzadeh Hossein.
Arrive in Tehran late this evening for dinner
and overnight.
Meals: B, L, D – Laleh Hotel, Espinas Hotel, or similar
Day Six, Saturday
Tehran
After the Mongols destroyed the Silk Road city of Rey, Tehran rose in its place as the region’s
most important trading center. By 1789 Tehran had become the capital of Persia under the Qajar ruler, Agha Mohammed Khan. While the city grew in prominence, it remained basically unchanged until the massive modernization efforts of the 1920s. Since then, Tehran has grown in
population from less than 300,000 to a metropolis of more than eight million. Modern Tehran is
full of shops, museums, mosques, minarets, restaurants, teahouses and a sprawling bazaar.
Start with a visit to the Archaeology Museum, displaying Persian antiquities, art and artifacts
from Iran’s long past. French architect and archaeologist André Godard designed the museum’s
main building in the early 20th century, and was for many years director of the Archaeology Department as well. Tools thought to have been made by Neanderthals, figures from the
Achaemenid Empire, bronzes, carvings, pre-historic pottery and artifacts from Susa and Persepolis can be seen here.
Time permitting visit the Abgineh Museum of Glass and Ceramics today as well. The
glassware museum displays objects made from both glass and clay that date back as early as the
4th millennium BC. Besides archaeological artifacts, the museum displays etched glass from the
18th and 19th centuries and decorative objects from the modern period.
Golestan Palace is the oldest of Tehran’s historic monuments, begun in the 16th century as a
fortress by the Safavid Dynasty. Encompassing several palatial buildings around a cool green garden, the complex includes the Marble Throne, created from 65 pieces of yellow Yazd marble.
Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant, and then visit the world-famous Crown Jewels.
From simple unset diamonds to jewel-encrusted crowns, scepters and weapons, the size and
inestimable value of the national treasures rival any such collection in the world. (Note, the
Crown Jewels are subject to restrictive and fluctuating schedules; this visit will be included if
schedules permit.)
Meals: B, L, D – Laleh Hotel, Espinas Hotel, or similar
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Day Seven, Sunday
Tehran • fly to Kerman
Today, continue touring Tehran with a stop at the Carpet Museum. One of the major museums in Tehran, the Carpet Museum has a wonderful collection of 17th century pieces.
In Northern Tehran visit the Sa’ad Abad Palace. The palace is the former residence of the
deposed royal family of Iran. Today the several palaces of the complex, including the White and
Green Palaces, all located on beautiful and extensive grounds, have been converted into museums.
Next visit the Reza Abbasi Museum. Showcasing objects from Iran’s distant past through
19th century calligraphy, the Reza Abbasi Museum gives a general overview of the development
of decorative and applied arts throughout Iran’s long and storied history. Highlights include the
metal and gold objects from the Sassanid Dynasty (about 650 AD) and many paintings by the
museum’s namesake, Reza Abbasi, a 17th century painter of the Isfahan School renowned for his
miniature portraits.
This evening transfer to the airport for the evening flight to Kerman.
Located in southeastern Iran, Kerman enjoys a relatively cool climate because of its 5,900-foot
altitude. Set in a high valley between the huge massif of the Zagros Mountains and the Dasht-e
Lut Desert, Kerman has been geographically isolated for much of its existence. It is believed to
have been founded in the 3rd century, and traded mainly with India and the Persian Gulf countries. For the last hundred years it has been on the railway line to Pakistan. Since Sassanian
times it has endured a variety of ruling empires, from Arabs to Turkmen to Qajars. In spite of
centuries of upheaval, Kerman encompasses many architectural treasures.
On arrival in Kerman, check-in for overnight at the hotel.
Meals: B, L, D – Pars Hotel or similar
Day Eight, Monday
Kerman • day trip to Rayen, Mahan
Following breakfast at the hotel,
begin touring the region around
historic Kerman including the
nearby cities of Mahan and the
mud-brick fortress of Arg-e
Rayen. This small citadel is at least
one thousand years old, but its
foundations could be much older.
The sturdy ramparts and the
watchtowers surround a governor’s
mansion, a military garrison, a bazaar and stables. Located in the
foothills of the Hezar Mountains,
Rayen was famous for its handmade
knives, which were said to guarantee victory to their possessors.
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The touring after lunch today includes Mahan, with a visit to the mausoleum of the great Sufi
teacher, Shah Nematollah Vali, the Shahzadeh Garden, and, schedules permitting, to a carpet
workshop. Sufi leader, poet and mystic Shah Nematollah Vali was born in the 14th century.
Founder of the Nematollahi order of Sufis, he is said to have been 100 years old when he died
in 1431. His mausoleum complex, including three courtyards, a reflecting pool, minarets and a
mosque, is renowned for its tilework and its faceted interior ceiling. Nematollah’s tomb has
been a place of pilgrimage for many years.
One of perhaps ten true Persian gardens left in Iran, the UNESCO-listed Shahzadeh, or
Prince Garden is a walled oasis surrounding the palace of the governor of Kerman. Built in
the 1880s, the garden’s highlight is a stairway of terraced pools flowing one into the next below
the white palace. The graceful composition is set in front of a mountainous backdrop that is
sometimes dusted with snow. Groves of flowering almond and pomegranate trees perfume the
air.
Time permitting, there may be an the opportunity to visit some small private weaving workshops around Jupar before returning to Kerman for a tour of Kerman’s splendid bazaar.
Kerman is well known for its brilliantly-colored carpets and tapestries. The Friday Mosque,
built in 1348 and decorated in polychrome tiles, the Turkish Imam Mosque and the Vakil Bazaar
are some of Kerman’s most interesting sites.
Visit the Hamam (bathhouse)
Museum, and enjoy sipping tea in
an old hamam that has been converted to a teahouse. Return to
the hotel for dinner and an overnight.
Meals: B, L, D – Pars Hotel, or similar
Day Nine, Tuesday
Kerman • Yazd
Today after breakfast, set off overland to Yazd. En route, observe the
unusual molehill-like mounds of
earth spaced at regular intervals.
These are the surface evidence of
qanats, a system of underground
canals that collect spring runoff water from the mountains. The water flows downhill through a
series of underground pipes to urban and agricultural centers. The skills needed to build and
maintain these underground canals have been preserved for over 2,500 years.
Meals: B, L, D – Dad Hotel,Tourist Inn or similar
Please see the Important Notes section starting on Page 17 for information about Days Nine and Ten of the
October 3 departure.
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Day Ten, Wednesday
Yazd
The city of Yazd was founded in the fifth century AD. Its isolated location and desert climate
proved to be the city’s greatest assets, concealing it from the waves of invaders that destroyed
other more favorably situated cities. Zoroastrians fleeing Arab invaders found safe haven in
Yazd, as did artists and poets escaping the Mongols. Combined, they made Yazd a city of tolerance and beauty. Marco Polo called the city “noble.”
Stretched between two deserts,Yazd was a traditional center of Zoroastrianism, an ancient faith
that was the state religion during various Persian dynasties. Zoroastrianism is a monotheistic
belief system that stresses a dualism in the universe between good and evil. Practitioners are
charged with thinking good thoughts, speaking good words, and executing good deeds. The religion is often confused with fire worship due to the use of fire during ceremonies, and is known
for its Towers of Silence, used in a practice similar to Tibetan sky burial. Yazd means “to feast
and worship,” and many people in Yazd maintain their Zoroastrian traditions.
Yazd is renowned for its textiles, and in particular termeh, a type of silk brocade that has been
produced in Yazd for centuries. Today the city is a well-preserved Persian marvel. Take an introductory tour of the town’s bazaars, the Friday Mosque, the Old Town, Alexander Prison, the Zoroastrian Fire Temple, and the Dowlat-Abad Garden. While strolling along the narrow, winding
streets of Yazd, look for badgirs, or wind towers, built on the clay-colored adobe houses to
direct breezes into the homes, like ancient air-conditioners.
Originally founded in the 12th century and added to in the 14th and 15th, the Friday Mosque
stands on the site of an ancient Zoroastrian fire temple. Its beautiful tiled entrance portal, or
iwan, is the highest in the country. The dome and altar inside the mosque display lovely tile
decoration and decorative brickwork, though much is restoration from the 18th and 19th centuries.
The UNESCO-listed Dowlat Abad Garden is a
classical Persian walled garden, watered by a qanat and
with the tallest badgir in the country. Originally built
for Mohammad Tagi Khan-e Yazdi in 1783, the garden
surrounds a small pavilion decorated with beautifully
latticed doors and stained glass.
Zoroastrians from around the world visit the Fire
Temple in Yazd to see its eternal flame, said to have
been burning since 470 AD. The flame is visible
through a glass in the entrance hall; only Zoroastrians
can enter the hall where it burns, attended by priests.
The flame represents the Zoroastrian supreme being,
Ahura Mazda.
Continue with a visit to the Towers of Silence. Built
on hills or low mountains away from city centers, Towers of Silence played their part in a tradition practiced
by Iranian Zoroastrians up until the 20th century. Zoroastrians consider the dead body unclean, and were
prohibited from burying or cremating corpses, thereby
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polluting the earth or the air. Instead, they placed their dead on top of the Towers of Silence for
consumption by vultures and then cleansing by sun and wind. Although no longer used, the ancient Towers of Silence remain on the outskirts of Yazd.
Enjoy dinner and an overnight at the hotel this evening.
Meals: B, L, D – Dad Hotel, Laleh Golshan or similar
Please see the Important Notes section starting on Page 17 for information about Days Nine and Ten of the
October 3 departure.
Day Eleven, Thursday
Yazd • Pasargadae • Shiraz
Get started this morning on a drive to the city of Shiraz, and along the way make a stop to inspect the ruins of Pasargadae. Cyrus the Great founded Pasargadae, the first capital of the
Achaemenid Empire, in the 6th century BC. Set apart from the other ruins is the limestone
mausoleum of Cyrus, which had been looted by the time Alexander the Great paid it a visit in
324 BC. Darius I began building Persepolis and moved the capital to his city not long after Cyrus’ death. Pasargadae has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, and though
little remains of the ancient city, its diverse architectural styles show that the empire respected
the diversity of its subjects.
Continue the long drive, and arrive in Shiraz in the evening to check in to the hotel. The fabled
city of Shiraz has a long and remarkable history stretching over 2,500 years. It is the capital of
the Fars Province where the Persian language of Farsi originated. One of the most important
cities of the Islamic medieval period, Shiraz has reigned as the capital of several Islamic dynasties.
A major artistic, religious, and academic center, the city is famed for its poetry, gardens, learning
centers and architecture. Beautiful, romantic and hospitable, Shiraz is the favorite of many travelers, and remains one of the most enjoyable places to visit in all of Iran.
Meals: B, L, D – Pars International Hotel, Homa Hotel, or similar
Day Twelve, Friday
Shiraz • day trip to Persepolis
After breakfast, depart for one of the most
important sites of the Ancient World, the
ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid kings,
Persepolis, a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. Darius I initiated the building of Persepolis, a huge undertaking of art and architecture. Spend the day exploring this venerable
city, some of the most fascinating ruins in the
world. View the famous bas-reliefs showing
kings, courtiers and gift-bearing representatives of the Persian Empire’s tributary nations.
Please note that Friday can be a busy day
with domestic tourists at Persepolis; which
may give a great chance to visit with locals
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but can also mean crowded circumstances.
The tour continues to the tombs of Naghsh-e Rostam. The monumental rock carvings at Naghsh-e
Rostam are thought to be the tombs of Darius the
Great, Darius II, Xerxes and Artaxerxes. Carved in
the Elamite, Achaemenian and Sassanid periods, the
cliff walls contain the façade of a palace. Admire the
Kabe-Zardosht fire temple and sanctuary, and seven
magnificent Sassanian rock-reliefs, including Shapur
I’s famous victory over Roman Emperor Valerian.
Return to Shiraz to continue touring this “City of
Roses and Nightingales,” including the tomb of
Iran’s greatest lyric poet, Hafez. Surrounded by
a lovely garden, the tomb of Iran’s favorite poet is a
place of pilgrimage and reverence. Hafez was born
and died in Shiraz in the 14th century, and many Iranians know his poems by heart. The marble tombstone is engraved with some of his verses. The teahouse by a cooling pool is a wonderful place to sit
and people-watch.
Also visit the Narenjestan Garden with its beautiful
cypress-lined avenues. The Naranjestan Ghavam
Museum was once the grand house of the Qavam
family who were wealthy governors in the Shiraz
region. The house itself is a fine example of 19th
century Persian architecture and the gardens have
been kept meticulously. Frescoes and carvings in the building depict lions (the family crest) and
human figures along with flower motifs. In 1966, the house was donated to Shiraz University
and was used as an Asian Art Museum until 1979. Now, it is a museum in and of itself.
Schedules permitting there may be time for a stop at a local bazaar.
Meals: B, L, D – Pars International Hotel, Homa Hotel, or similar
Day Thirteen, Saturday
Shiraz • day trip to Firuzabad
This morning, make a quick stop to explore the lovely pink-tiled Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, constructed from 1876 to 1887. It is an explosion of color with some of the finest examples of
Persian Islamic tilework and architecture in Shiraz.
Then drive to Firuzabad, located south of Shiraz. The town dates back to 220 AD, when the
Parthians were defeated and Ardashir I, the first king of the Sassanid dynasty, became the new
king of Persia. Visit the ruins of his splendid palace, located just outside the ancient walled city,
with a view overlooking a small natural lake.
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Firuzabad is one of the centers of nomadic peoples in
Iran. There may be opportunities along the way to spot
the Qashqai nomads – on the way to, or returning from,
their summer pastures. The Qashqai women weave rugs
celebrated for their bright colors and geometric designs.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant known for its wonderful Persian stew.
Return to Shiraz for dinner and overnight.
Meals: B, L, D – Pars International Hotel, Homa Hotel, or similar
Day Fourteen, Sunday
Shiraz • Bishapur • Yasuj
Following breakfast at the hotel, drive the mountainous
route to Kazerun and Bishapur, ancient cities with ruins dating back to the Sassanian period. The Sassanids,
who reigned from 224 to 651, were the last native dynasty to rule Persia before the Arabs arrived. King
Shapur I built Bishapur in 266, using defeated Roman soldiers from the armies of Emperor Valerian. Outside the city, Shapur and one of his successors used the steep walls of the Bishapur
River Canyon as a gallery for enormous carvings depicting military victories and investitures.
The place is called Tang-e-Chogan. Although an ancient aqueduct – finally pulled down in the
1970s – damaged some of the rock-reliefs, their size and scope are spectacular.
Continue on to Yasuj for dinner and overnight.
Meals: B, L, D – Azadi Hotel or similar
Day Fifteen, Monday
Yasuj • Isfahan
Following breakfast, drive north through the Zagros Mountains. The mountain vistas are gorgeous and perfect for frequent photo stops; depending on the route you may pass several of the
cascades that give this region the nickname “The Land of Waterfalls.” Arrive in Isfahan in the
late afternoon and check in to the exotic Abbasi Hotel, built on the site of a 17th-century
caravanserai.
Under the rule of Shah Abbas the Great of the 16th-century Safavid dynasty, Isfahan became
one of the most celebrated and beautiful cities of the world, referred to as Nesf-e Jahan meaning “half of the world.” Even after centuries of turmoil and destruction at the hands of foreign
invaders, Isfahan’s grace is palpable.
Isfahan possesses what many consider the best bazaar in Iran, as well as an abundance of
mosques, gardens, palaces, and many other historical points of interest. The beautiful blue-tiled
buildings are considered some of the most extraordinary architecture in the world today.
Meals: B, L, D – Hotel Abbasi, Kowsar Hotel, or similar
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Day Sixteen, Tuesday
Isfahan
This morning, depart on a full day of exploration. Visit one of the world’s largest public squares, Meidan-e Naghsh-e Jahan,
also known as Imam Square. Located in
the center of Isfahan, it is one of the largest
urban squares in the world. Shah Abbas the
Great built the graceful ensemble in the
early 17th century after he moved the capital here. A UNESCO World Heritage
Site, the square was the symbolic center of
the Safavid Empire. Some of the buildings
surrounding the square are the wonderful
Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, the
Ali Qapu Palace, and the Qeisarieh Bazaar. Namaaz-e Jom’eh, Friday prayer, is held in this
square.
Isfahan’s Imam Mosque, at the far end of Imam Square, is considered by many to be the most
beautiful in the world. Flanked by two tall turquoise minarets, its massive entry portal is 80 feet
high, and decorated with cobalt, turquoise and lapis lazuli mosaic tiles and complicated stalactite
moldings. The inner courtyard surrounds a reflecting pool, and four iwans, or portals, lead into
four fabulously decorated sanctuaries. Begun in 1611 by Shah Abbas I, the Imam Mosque was
dedicated in 1629.
Admire the Ali-Qapu Palace, where Safavid Kings watched polo games from the balcony. The
Ali-Qapu Palace was built at the end of the 16th century and was intended as a gateway to the
royal palaces beyond. Its central feature is the tall verandah overlooking the square, its ceiling
richly decorated with painted plaster. The music room on the sixth floor has a gorgeous ceiling
punctuated with cutouts of vases and musical instruments, which served an acoustical as well as
decorative function.
The Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is an exquisite small mosque on Imam Square built during Shah
Abbas’ time, and dedicated to his father-in-law. This beautifully decorated 17th century mosque
took nearly 20 years to complete. The Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque was once called the Women’s
Mosque, because of a tunnel running between it and the Ali-Qapu Palace, which allowed the
royal women to attend prayers without being seen in public.
Next, enjoy an opportunity to learn more about traditional Iranian arts and crafts with a visit to
the legendary bazaars of Isfahan. After dinner at a local restaurant, and time permitting,
watch a performance at a Zoorkhaneh, a traditional Persian gymnasium where men practice
and perform special exercises that have great historical and sometimes spiritual meaning. First
appearing hundreds of years ago when Persia had been conquered by the Mongols, the gymnasiums were secret places where men could train to fight the occupying armies. The physical training took on a spiritual significance over time, incorporating Sufi elements such as purity and
truthfulness. Today, participants exercise with wooden clubs called mil and metal shields called
sang. Traditional music and drumming often accompany the exercises.
Meals: B, L, D – Hotel Abbasi, Kowsar Hotel, or similar
© 1996-2016 MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA 98104 • 206-624-7289 • 206-624-7360 FAX • Email [email protected] 14
Day Seventeen, Wednesday
Isfahan
Continue exploring Isfahan after breakfast this morning. See the famous
bridges of the Zayandeh River,
Shahrestan, Khaju and Si-o-se Pol.
The bridges are great places to bask in
the atmosphere of Isfahan.
Take a walk in the former Jewish
Quarter, called the Juibareh, one of the
oldest neighborhoods in Isfahan. Jews no
longer live here, although about a thousand still live in Isfahan. Jews trace their
Photo: Ann Schneider
relationship with Persia to the 6th century BC, when they were exiled to Babylon and scattered throughout the area. It was Persian Emperor Cyrus the Great who allowed
them to return to the Land of Israel. Through the centuries the Jews in Persia were alternately
tolerated and persecuted. In the 16th century, Shah Abbas I encouraged Jews to settle in Isfahan, although by the time Lord Curzon visited in the 19th century, many restrictions were in
force. Before the Islamic revolution in 1979, there were perhaps 3,000 Jews in Isfahan, many of
whom fled to Israel or the U.S. Today several synagogues hold Sabbath services in other parts
of the city, including an unmarked synagogue on Meidan Felestin (Palestine Square) near the Abbasi Hotel.
Continue the exploration with a visit to the spectacular Friday Mosque, one of the world’s
greatest mosques and an excellent example of Persian architecture. Also known as Masjid-eJameh, the Friday Mosque looks more austere from the outside than the mosques in Imam
Square. Its interior, however, encompasses over 800 years of Islamic architectural styles. With
over 200 vaults, some of them decorated with the then-innovative muqarnas (small pointed
niches or stalactite formations), the complex makes up the largest and most eclectic mosque in
Iran. It was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2012.
Time permitting, visit the Armenian Quarter, location of several churches, including the
Vank Cathedral. The sand colored stonework of Vank Cathedral conceals a beautifully ornate
interior, with delicate tilework and gilt embellishments. Vank is an important historical reminder
of the Armenian migration to Isfahan and is located in the Armenian neighborhood of New Julfa.
During the 17th century, Armenians began settling at the southern bank of the Zayandeh Roud
River and the cathedral dates from some of the earliest settlements in 1606. Used now as a
museum, a memorial to the Armenian genocide, and as the home of a historic printing press,
Vank is still at the heart of the community of Armenian-Iranians and houses over 20,000 volumes of literary and religious works in Armenian.
Enjoy a Farewell Dinner this evening with your tour manager and fellow travelers.
Meals: B, L, D – Hotel Abbasi, Kowsar Hotel, or similar
© 1996-2016 MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA 98104 • 206-624-7289 • 206-624-7360 FAX • Email [email protected] 15
Day Eighteen, Thursday
Depart Isfahan
The tour concludes with transfers to the airport.
Meals: B – Hotel Abbasi, Kowsar Hotel, or similar
Dates for 2016 - Six Departures - Cultural Series
The land itinerary is scheduled to be operated on the following dates. Please note you need to depart
the U.S. at least two days prior to the tour start date due to airline flight schedules.
April 11-28, 2016
April 18-May 5, 2016
April 25-May 12, 2016 – Special departure hosted by Patricia Schultz, author of the best selling book 1000 Places to See Before you Die
September 5-22, 2016
September 12-29, 2016
October 3-20, 2016
Package Prices
6-16 travelers, $6,495 per person, double occupancy
Plus internal air $130 (economy class, subject to change)
Single supplement $1,295
Tour Includes
• Shared accommodations in well-located first class hotels in the major cities and best available
hotels elsewhere. (Best available properties may still be basic and simple.)
• 17 breakfasts, 16 lunches, and 16 dinners.
• Bottled water at group meals.
• Restaurant tips for included meals.
• Arrival and departure transfers. MIR will arrange for all travelers to be met upon arrival
and seen off on departure whether we make your air arrangements or not, provided you
arrive in Tabriz and depart in Isfahan on the tour start and end dates.
• Transportation throughout itinerary by private van or coach (size of vehicle depends on
group size)
• Guided sightseeing tours and entrance fees as outlined in itinerary.
• Services of an experienced, English-speaking MIR Tour Manager with local guides at
specific sites.
• Baggage handling, where available.
• Gratuities to local guides and drivers.
• Complete pre-departure information including detailed packing list, reading list,
insurance information.
• Touring with MIR handbook with country-specific information, maps, and travel tips.
• Assistance booking your custom flight arrangements (on request; please note that international airfare is not included in the land tour cost).
• Customized visa application and instruction kit (please note, visa fees are not included in
the tour price).
• Final document packet including luggage tags, final updates, and more.
© 1996-2016 MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA 98104 • 206-624-7289 • 206-624-7360 FAX • Email [email protected] 16
Not Included
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Internal airfare is quoted separately and subject to change by airlines
International airfare or taxes — available through MIR; please call for rates
Meals not specified as included in the itinerary
Items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, etc.)
Gratuities to Tour Manager
Single supplement charge, if requested or required
Visa fees
Travel and trip cancellation insurance.
Interested in travel insurance?
To learn more about all the benefits of purchasing a Travel Guard travel insurance plan, please
visit www.travelguard.com/mircorp or contact Travel Guard at 1.877.709.5596.
Cultural Series
MIR’s Cultural Series programs feature some of our most distinctive tour concepts and include
uncommon and educational experiences, including visits to small towns and villages outside the
major urban areas and capital cities. All trips feature comfortable, well-located hotels.
Important Notes: Is This Trip Right For You?
The accommodations vary from first class to very basic and simple hotels. It is important to
keep in mind that parts of Iran are not up to the standards North American travelers expect.
Services are improving; however, you may encounter problems with bureaucratic service, road
conditions, plumbing, unpaved sidewalks, uneven surfaces and steps, variety of locally available
foods, and availability and quality of public restrooms. You are traveling in some areas that see
relatively few travelers, and the infrastructure is not yet fully developed.
While this program is designed to be the most comfortable possible for travel in this region, it is
rated as rigorous touring due to the daily walking involved, the length of some bus rides and
the overall shortcomings of the tourism infrastructure. This itinerary features a significant
amount of touring on foot. Many streets are made of packed dirt, and some attractions are only
accessible via steep staircases with tall uneven steps. Some of the cities visited are over 5,000
feet in elevation, about the same as Denver. Often the museums have no elevators. In particular, at the archaeological site of Persepolis, an entire half-day is spent exploring on foot, without
access to shade or seating. At Isfahan’s Ali-Qapu Palace, there are approximately 80 steps to
negotiate before coming to the rooftop viewing area. Drives in the northern part of the country at the beginning of the program include long and winding mountainous roads. In the past
some have experienced motion sickness, and it may be advisable to come prepared with motion
sickness preventatives. Western style toilet facilities are not reliably available outside of hotels.
The October 3 departure of this program will coincide with the holiday of Ashura.
This holiday will most likely fall on October 11 and October 12, though it could move by a day
or so in either direction due to the lunar calendar. During this holiday, the sites mentioned on
the itinerary such as monuments, museums, shops and bazaars will be closed. This will have an
impact on the touring schedule. However, we consider a visit during Ashura to be an exciting
opportunity for MIR travelers, who will be able to witness the processions and other holiday
observances first hand. Past groups have found a visit during this time period to be extremely
interesting and found it an opportunity for outstanding personal/cultural exchange. Travel during
© 1996-2016 MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA 98104 • 206-624-7289 • 206-624-7360 FAX • Email [email protected] 17
major holidays does require a larger than normal dose of flexibility and adaptability, and the realization that while we preserve the planned touring to the best of our abilities, some sites may
simply not be possible to visit.
Every effort has been made to make the information in this schedule accurate. However, trip
itineraries are always subject to change. We do our best to inform you in advance of any
changes, but due to the nature of travel in Iran, this may not always be possible. Only those willing to accept these conditions should consider joining this program.
To reap the full rewards of this adventure, travelers must be able to walk at least a mile a day,
keeping up with fellow travelers. Flexibility, a sense of humor and a willingness to accept local
standards of amenities and services are essential components to the enjoyment of this trip. Another challenge for women travelers is the need to wear Islamic dress at all times when
in public, even on the bus or at breakfast in the hotel. Women are expected to respect the local
dress code of covered hair and no exposed skin except for the face and hands. This can consist
of a headscarf and a loose long-sleeved over-garment, like a coat or tunic. Please call for more
specific details.
We recommend that you read the U.S. State Department’s Consular Information Sheet and
travel warning regarding travel to Iran. Check http://travel.state.gov/ for up-to-date travel information.
This tour might coincide with relatively minor religious holidays in Iran. We may eat more
lunches at our hotel during this time, as restaurants within city limits may not serve lunch.
Some minor schedule changes may occur as a result of other religious holidays which take place
frequently in Iran. Please note that alcohol is forbidden in Iran.
Are You Prepared?
A Travel Guard travel insurance plan can help cover your vacation investment, offset expenses
from travel mishaps and provide you with emergency travel assistance. To learn more about all
of the benefits of purchasing a Travel Guard travel insurance plan, please
visit www.travelguard.com/mircorp
Weather
Iran enjoys a highly variable climate, ranging from very hot at the height of summer to quite cold
during the relatively short winter months. By mid-March the cold season has generally passed,
and the weather can be expected to range from the low 50s to the mid 60s. As summer progresses daytime temperatures can reach into the mid 90s or low 100s, with July and August generally being the hottest, sunniest, driest months; at night it doesn’t cool off much and can still be
in the 70s. Rain is minimal. Temperatures in April and May range from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit, while September temperatures are typically 80-95 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. October and November are a particularly comfortable time to visit, with temperatures ranging
from 50-70+ degrees Fahrenheit during the day and in the 40s at night.
Please remember, weather at all times of year has an element of the unpredictable. This information comes from weatherbase.com and is based on data from previous temperatures on record. It is always advisable to check with weatherbase.com closer to your departure date for
current conditions and forecasts.
© 1996-2016 MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA 98104 • 206-624-7289 • 206-624-7360 FAX • Email [email protected] 18
International Airfare
MIR’s in-house, full-service air department is available to assist with your air travel needs.
Check with MIR before booking air on your own, as we are happy to research and compare the
best fares available through multiple channels. Airfare varies depending on a wide variety of factors, such as dates of travel and seasonality, seat availability, special airline promotions, how restrictive ticket changes are, how long the fares can be held without purchase, routing considerations such as stopovers, and more. Tour dates are based on the land tour only. Our preferred
carrier for this tour is Turkish Airlines, as they offer convenient itineraries and competitive rates
from multiple cities across the U.S. to Iran.
Please call us at 800-424-7289 to discuss air options and routings for this program, and to request a quote for your specific plans and dates of travel. We will be happy to put together a noobligation suggested air itinerary and estimate for you at your request.
Visas
An Iranian visa is required for this tour. You may also need a visa for any country you fly
through prior to joining the tour, such as Turkey. Extensive pre-tour paperwork and time are
necessary to obtain an Iranian visa. MIR will provide you with the necessary applications and
instructions.
An estimate of current visa costs for U.S. passport holders, based on standard processing time,
is $187. Your exact visa fees may differ as visa costs can depend on a number of factors, such as
state of residence, processing time, and return shipping. Visa fees are always subject to change.
Pre- or Post-Tours
Please note that touring begins on Tuesday, Day Two of the Ancient Persia, Modern Iran program. Touring will begin around 10:30 a.m. on that day. Common flight arrival times into Tabriz
are on the order of 4:00 a.m. Clients arriving in the early morning hours of Day Two will have
immediate access to their hotel rooms – rooms will be available from the afternoon of Day One
onward.
Some clients will choose instead to arrive in the early hours of Monday, Day One, and need to
know that the hotel rooms will not be available at that time, unless pre-booked at additional
traveler expense for Sunday check-in. MIR will be happy to make that booking for you; please
discuss with your Tour Specialist if you have any questions. Finally, please note that since touring
begins on Tuesday, clients arriving overnight Monday-Tuesday or early on Tuesday may not get
much sleep before the group meets around 10:30 a.m., or may miss part of the Day One touring.
You may wish to extend your travels by adding another program before or after this tour. Our
Flexible Essential Trips are perfect as brief overviews of a country or region and with flexible
dates of your choice, they are easily combined with small group tours.
Essential Caucasus: Armenia, Georgia, Azberbaijan, 10 days. Armenia’s intricate stone khachkar crosses, the bounteous wines of Georgia and the ancient petroglyphs of Azerbaijan are icons
of these three intertwined Caucasus countries, where you can experience five UNESCO mas-
© 1996-2016 MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA 98104 • 206-624-7289 • 206-624-7360 FAX • Email [email protected] 19
terpieces in ten days. (Works great as a post-tour with a quick flight from Tehran to Yerevan between
tours.)
Essential Central Asia, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, 13 days. Explore the markets, mosques
and minarets of oasis towns on the fringes of the Kyzyl Kum and Kara Kum deserts. Here spiritual beliefs were the greatest commodities to flow along trade routes, and civilizations blossomed amidst austere natural beauty. (Works great as a pre-tour with an easy overland transfer by
private car from Ashkabad to Mashad, and a flight from Mashad to Tehran in time to begin the Iran
program. Note, additional services in Turkmenistan and Iran, including an additional night if needed, will
incur additional expenses.)
Essential Uzbekistan, 10 days. Roam the great Silk Road oases of Bukhara, Samarkand and
Khiva, along with modern Tashkent, the Uzbek capital. Admire their mosques, madrassahs and
minarets built of mudbricks and clad in ceramic tiles the color of the desert sky. (Works great as
a pre- or post-tour with a quick flight from Tehran to Tashkent or Tashkent to Tehran between tours.)
Essential Turkmenistan, 12 days. From the golden monuments of Ashkabad and the ruins of
Parthian Nisa, head into the mountains to visit a silk weaver in a tribal village home. Visit the
Caspian seaport, Turkmenbashi, explore UNESCO-listed Merv and learn about traditional crafts.
Camp at the “Door to Hell” and survey Kunya-Urgench, ancient capital of Khorezm.
MIR can additionally arrange for private, independent tours of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and any of
the ‘Stans.
Contact us for more details.
Also Nearby...
For other options to this region, you may want to check out
Flexible Essential Trips – Classic Private Journeys
Essential Iran, 10 days. Visit a trio of Iran’s finest cities to discover Persian treasures and
modern Islamic daily life. See spirited Tehran, the country’s marketplace, romantic Shiraz with its
miles of roses, and beautiful Isfahan, its arched bridges glowing in the evening light.
Small Group Tours
Central Asian Epic Overland Adventure, 17 days. Get a taste of the incredible diversity
along the Silk Road. Discover the Kyrgyz highlands with their summer pastures of nomadic
herders, as well as the classic blue-tiled architecture of UNESCO-listed Samarkand and Bukhara.
Overnight in a yurt camp near a 15th century caravanserai and drive over the spine of the Silk
Road, 12,000-foot Torugart Pass, into Western China. Browse the incredible Kashgar animal
market, enjoy a meal in an Uzbek home, visit a silk master’s private workshop and have lunch at
a ceramics master’s studio.
Once Forbidden Lands of Central Asia & Iran, 20 days. The countries of Uzbekistan,
Turkmenistan and Iran are woven together like the burnished threads of a fine Persian carpet.
From earliest recorded history, these lands have exchanged rulers, architecture, art and religion.
Explore the dazzling bazaars and extravagant desert architecture along the byways of the old
Silk Road between Tashkent and Tehran.
© 1996-2016 MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA 98104 • 206-624-7289 • 206-624-7360 FAX • Email [email protected] 20
Silk Route Odyssey: Caravan Across Uzbekistan, 15 days. The center of Central Asia,
Uzbekistan is home to three of the most renowned of the Silk Road oases – Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Journey through these UNESCO Sites and the lush Fergana Valley, where Central Asia’s silk production began with two cocoons hidden in the headdress of a royal Chinese
bride.
Journey Through Central Asia: The Five ‘Stans, 21 days. More than 2,000 years ago, the
great trade routes that linked Europe and China opened Central Asia to foreign cultures, customs and religions. Join a modern-day caravan on an epic journey to five of these exotic countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
Conditions of Participation
Your participation on a MIR Corporation trip is subject to the conditions contained in the 2016
Tour Reservation Form and Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement. Please read
this document carefully and contact us with any questions.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Payment Terms: Non-refundable deposits are accepted by check,Visa, MasterCard or American
Express. Final land payments may be made by check or credit card for reservations made directly with MIR. If booking through a travel agent, please contact your agent to find out what
form of payment they accept. (MIR can accept final payment from travel agents by agency check
only.) Airfares are subject to change until ticketed; payment policies vary by carrier.
If you cancel your trip please notify MIR in writing. Upon MIR’s receipt of notice the following
charges apply to land tours (policies for air tickets, custom group trips vary).
Scheduled MIR Small Group Tours
Cost of cancellation, if received:
61 or more days prior to departure, deposit due or paid in full of $500;
31-60 days prior to departure, 50% of land tour cost;
30 days prior to or after trip departure, no refund.
References
We encourage you to speak directly with satisfied past travelers. Please request a list of references.
Why MIR?
Regional knowledge is crucial to the success of any trip to our corner of the world. MIR combines detailed information about geography and infrastructure, history and art, language and culture, with the depth of knowledge that comes only from decades of regional experience. You
may wonder how we differ from other tour operators…
Destination Specialization
MIR focuses exclusively on the exceptional region at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. This
area has been our overriding passion since 1986; we don’t do the rest of the world. Our hard-
© 1996-2016 MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA 98104 • 206-624-7289 • 206-624-7360 FAX • Email [email protected] 21
earned expertise gained over the last 29 years can take you from end to end of the largest
country in the world – Russia – and to all of its neighbors. We specialize in travel to Siberia, the
Silk Route, St. Petersburg & Beyond. Our destinations include: Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova,
the Baltics (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia), the Balkans (Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina), Central Asia (the five ‘Stans), Iran, the Caucasus
(Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan), Mongolia, China, Tibet and Central/East Europe (Poland, Hungary,
Slovakia, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania).
29 Years of Experience
A travel company doesn’t last 29 years in the business without a solid track record. MIR has
helped thousands of individuals achieve their travel goals. Our dedication and experience have
earned us their trust and the trust of many well-respected institutions. Today MIR is the preferred tour operator for museum, alumni and special interest organizations across the country.
Recommended & Respected
MIR has twice been rated one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National
Geographic Adventure. Several of our tours have won awards in top travel publications, such as
Outside magazine and National Geographic Traveler. Our trips have been featured in books like
Riding the Hula Hula to the Arctic Ocean and 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.
More Questions?
Please feel free to call us with questions at 1-800-424-7289, 8:30am-5:30pm Pacific Time.
MIR Corporation
85 South Washington Street, Suite 210
Seattle, WA 98104
800-424-7289, 206-624-7289
Fax 206-624-7360 [email protected]
www.mircorp.com
Sellers of Travel: Washington #601-099-932, California # 2082306-40
© Photos: MIR Corporation, Ann Schneider, Alan Levin, James Carnehan
© 1996-2016 MIR Corporation 85 South Washington St, Ste. 210, Seattle, WA 98104 • 206-624-7289 • 206-624-7360 FAX • Email [email protected] 22