DOWNLOAD BROCHURECobalt and Lustre: Treasures of Ancient Persia
Few countries can boast of such an illustrious past and diversity of cultures and peoples as Iran.
On this 23 day tour travel through marvellous mountain and desert landscapes and visit such architectural masterpieces as the awe-inspiring Achaemenid palaces and tombs of Persepolis, Susa, Pasargad and Naqsh-i-Rustam.
Also enter the lesser known, but equally powerful, world of the Sassanians whose opulent palaces at Bishapur and Firuzabad, along with the remarkable religious centre of Takht-i-Sulaiman (with its bottomless lake and great Fire Temple) represent some of the finest monuments seen in Iran today.
Explore the enchanting mud-brick city of Yazd, on the edge of the Dasht-i-Kavir, with its brooding Zoroastrian Towers of Silence, narrow winding lanes, and opulent merchants’ houses with their tall wind-towers. In Shiraz (“the city of roses and nightingales”) enter the enchanted world of Persian gardens and poetry through the wonderful gardens of the Bagh-i-Eram and the Narenjastan Pavilion and the tombs of Hafez and Sa’adi.
Finally spend several days exploring the stunning parks and gardens, caravanserais, bazaars, and mosques of Safavid Isfahan, truly the “Pearl of Islam”.
Mosque in Yazd
ITINERARY:
Sun 04 November 2012: Depart Australia
Suggested departure from Australia on Emirates via Dubai to Teheran.
Mon 05 Nov: Arrive Teheran
Arrive Teheran in the morning. Transfer to the hotel located in the centre of Teheran.
In the afternoon visit the fabulous State’s Jewels Museum, housed in the vaults of the Central Bank of Iran, displaying the most dazzling and priceless collection of jewels and gems in the world.
Tonight join John Tidmarsh and fellow art lovers for a welcome dinner. (D)
Tue 06 Nov: Teheran
Begin your exploration of Teheran with a visit to the Archaeological Museum, displaying an authentic collection of pottery, bronze and valuable pieces from millenniums BC until the Islamic era. Continue to the Glass & Ceramics Museum with a beautiful collection of glass and pottery from different periods. Finish with a visit to the Reza Abbasi Museum displaying objects from pre-historic era until 20th century; the two galleries of paintings and calligraphy in this museum show different schools of painting and calligraphy from various periods in Iran’s history. (BL)
Wed 07 Nov: Teheran
After breakfast visit the Golestan Palace and Museum Complex, the former residence of the 19th early 20th century Qajar Kings of Iran, with several museums including the Marble Throne Room and the Ethnographic Museum. Also visit the former residence of the former Royal Family of Iran at Sa’ad-Abad Palace and Museum.
Afternoon at leisure. We recommend a visit to the Carpet Museum, which has an excellent collection of Persian carpets from different regions of Iran on display. (BL)
Thu 08 Nov: Teheran - Zanjan
In the morning journey from Teheran to Zanjan via Qazvin. After lunch visit to the magnificent Mausoleum of Uljaitu, set like a gem in the formerly vast plain of Sultanieh, constructed during the reign of Sultan Muhammad Khoda Bandeh (1304-1330). The monument is remarkable, its huge dome is about 51 metres high and ranks amongst the largest domes in the world. The stucco-work, the tile-work, and the designs decorating this monument are unique. (BLD)
Fri 09 Nov: Zanjan
Excursion to Takht-e-Soleiman, the ‘Throne of Solomon’, located in a remote mountain valley near Takab, one of the most interesting and enigmatic sacred sites in Iran. At the centre of a flat stone hill rising twenty meters above the surrounding lands, is a small lake of mysterious beauty. Brilliantly clear but dark as night due to its depth, the lake’s waters are fed by a hidden spring far below the surface. Places like this were known in legendary times as portals to the underworld, as abodes of earth spirits.
The massive stone walls and remnants of the thirty eight watch towers, together with remains of the palaces, the fire temple and the Anahita temple, built around the lake mainly by the Sassanians in the 3rd century AD, are part of what is left of the complex. The crater of Zendan-e-Soleiman (the Prison of Solomon) can be glimpsed in the distance. (BLD)
Sat 10 Nov: Zanjan - Hamadan
Travel from Zanjan to Hamadan, the capital of the Median Empire in the 7th century BC, and the summer capital of the Achaemenid kings in the 5th century BC. The archaeological site of Ecbatana, or Hegmataneh, both ancient names for Hamadan, is a testimony to the ancient glory of this town.
Hamadan, the centre of the Province of Hamadan, is still an important city today with many sites to be visited, including the Ganjnameh, with inscriptions by Darius I and his son, Xerxes, carved on the rocks of the mountain. Also see the Tomb of Esther & Mordecai, a major Jewish pilgrimage centre; the 12th century Alavyan Tomb Tower; the tomb of Avicenna (died in 1034) - Iran’s celebrated philosopher/scientist/physician, whose prescriptions are still used by Western and Iranian medical universities; and finally the Stone Lion, an intriguing sole statue, believed to date from the Hellenistic Period when Alexander invaded Iran and was, supposedly, made to honour one of his slain generals. (BLD)
Sun 11 Nov: Hamadan
Morning excursion to Tepe Nush-i-Jan, an important archaeological site, located to the south of Hamadan. The site dates to the Median Period and is a superb example of a Median fort, palace and Fire-Temple. In the palace, see the precursor and architectural inspiration for the much-larger Apadana at Persepolis. The most impressive site is a very well preserved Fire-Temple, which was deliberately filled to a depth of 6 metres with shale chips to protect its sanctity once the site was abandoned. As a result, this monument is one of the earliest and best-preserved Zoroastrian Fire-Temples in the whole of western Iran. Afternoon at leisure in Hamadan. (BL)
Mon 12 Nov: Hamadan - Kermanshah
Today travel to Kermanshah, another important ancient city along the Caravan Routes, via Kangavar, a small town of great antiquity dating back to 200 BC, located half way between
Hamadan and Kermanshah. Here visit the Temple of Anahita, the Goddess of Water and Fertility before continuing to Bisotun to see the trilingual inscriptions and relief depicting Darius facing the nine rebel kings, whom the Achaemenid ruler suppressed when he came to power. (BLD)
Tue 13 Nov: Kermanshah - Andimeshk
En route from Kermanshah to Andimeshk, visit several important Sassanian reliefs at Tagh-e-Bostan (some are located inside a grotto), depicting royal hunting scenes and the investiture of the Sassanian kings, including the gigantic equestrian statue of Khosrow II (AD 591-628), mounted on his favorite charger Shabdiz. Continue to Pol-e-Dokhtar, to see the remains of the Sassanian Bridge before arriving in Andimeshk in the afternoon. (BLD)
Wed 14 Nov: Andimeshk - Ahwaz
Drive south to Susa to visit the ruins of the Achaemenian palaces, one of the oldest civilizations in the world, dating back to 5000 BC. See the nearby Tomb of Biblical Prophet Daniel, held sacred by Christians, Moslems and Jews. Travel on to Chogha-Zanbil to visit the ziggurat built by Untash Gal, King of Elam, about 1250 BC. The massive artificial mountain was the focal point of his city of Dur Untashi, and was dedicated to the great god Inshushinak, ‘Lord of Susa’, symbolised in the form of a bull.
At Shushtar explore the remarkable series of interconnecting canals, dam bridges and irrigation works before arriving in Ahwaz in the afternoon. (BLD)
Thu 15 Nov: Ahwaz – Shiraz
Early departure for Shiraz, En route stop in Bishapur to visit the remains of the Sassanian city built by Shapur 1st (241-273 A.D.), the second Sassanian king. The building complex includes a central chamber, a large courtyard which had been covered with impressive mosaics, plus the remains of a temple dedicated to Anahita, the goddess of water and fertility. At Tang-e Chogan, on either side of a narrow gorge, there are six Sassanian rock-reliefs commemorating Shapur’s victories over the Romans and other adversaries. (BLD)
Fri 16 Nov: Shiraz
Full day tour of Shiraz, the city of ‘roses and nightingales’. Visit some of the delightful gardens of Shiraz, including the Eram Garden, the tombs of Iran’s greatest lyric poets, Hafez
and Sa’adi, both located in pleasant gardens, with a charming “Chai-Khaneh” (tea-house).
Shiraz, the capital of the 18th-century Zand Rulers of Iran, has many monuments dating back to this period: the Arg-e-Karim Khan, a fortress building in the now town-centre, which
was the seat of government of Zand Rulers and the Vakil Mosque.
After lunch visit the Qajar period Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, popularly known as the ‘Pink Mosque’ because of its colourful tile decorations. Continue to the Narenjestan Garden, also dating from the Qajar period, and the family home of the wealthy Qavam Family of Shiraz. Finish the day with a visit to Vakil Bazaar. (BL)
Sat 17 Nov: Shiraz
Full day excursion to Persepolis, one of the most important sites of the Ancient World, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid kings with remains of the palaces of Darius the Great,
Xerxes and Artaxerxes. See the famous bas-reliefs, depicting kings and courtiers and giftbearing representatives of tributary nations of the Persian Empire.
At Naghsh-e-Rostam see Ka’be-Zardosht (fire temple/sanctuary) and the Royal Tombs as well as the seven magnificent Sassanian rock-reliefs including the relief depicting Shapur the First’s famous victory over Roman Emperor Valerian. (BL)
Sun 18 Nov: Shiraz
Full day excursion to Firuzabad, which was the capital of Ardashir I (AD 224-241) who founded the Sassanian empire, the last ancient Persian empire before the arrival of the Arabs. Archaeological remains of the ancient city of Firuzabad (called Gur) include Ardashir's palace called Qalah-e Dokhtar, a fortress, rock reliefs, a ziggurat and a walled city. (BL)
Mon 19 Nov: Shiraz - Yazd
Today journey to Yazd. En route stop in Pasargadae to visit the remains of the palaces and tomb of Cyrus the Great, the Founder of the Persian Empire, located in the magnificent Dasht-e- Morghab. Stop in Abarkuh, a typical desert town, and have tea under the shade of a 4,000-year old Cypress tree before arriving in Yazd in the afternoon. (BLD)
Tue 20 Nov: Yazd
Full day sightseeing in Yazd, the centre for Iran’s small Zoroastrian community who, seeking refuge from the invading Arabs, found a safe haven within its fortified walls. Visit one of the two Towers of Silence (Dakhma), dating back to the 18th century where, until some 40-50 years ago, the dead were carried and left to decompose and be devoured by birds.
See the active Zoroastrian Fire Temple, the fire of which has been burning for about 1500 years. Among Yazd’s Islamic sites is the Friday Mosque (1324 AD), with the highest portal and minarets in Iran. Other notable Islamic monuments in Yazd are the Seljuk shrine dedicated to the Twelve Shi’ite Imams; and the Ziaieyeh Theological School, known as Zendan-e-Eskandar or Alexander’s Prison. There are also many beautiful old houses in Yazd, among them the Dowlat Abad Garden, with an 18th-century feudal hexagonal house. (BL)
Wed 21 Nov: Yazd
Day at leisure in Yazd. (B)
Thu 22 Nov: Yazd - Isfahan
Today travel from Yazd to Isfahan. Stop at the village of Mohamadiye, to see the traditional workshops weaving the camel cloaks worn by the Moslem clergy in Iran. Continue to Na’in, another charming desert town, half way between Yazd and Isfahan. On a walk through the old town, visit the 10th century Friday Mosque, the 17th century Pirnia House, containing the Ethnographic Museum. Arrive in Isfahan in the afternoon. (BLD)
Fri 23 Nov: Isfahan
Full day tour of the beautiful city of Isfahan, the 17th century capital of the Safavids, referred to as Nesf-e-Jahan (Half of the World). Start with a visit to the famous bridges of Shahrestan, Khajou and Sio-se-pol, the Armenian Quarter with several churches, including the important Cathedral of Vank.
After lunch, explore the buildings surrounding one of the world’s grandest squares, the Maidan-e-Naghsh-e-Jahan, including the Ali-Qapu Palace with its enchanting music rooms and balcony overlooking the Maidan, from where the Safavid Kings watched polo games, and two of the Islamic world’s greatest mosques, the Sheikh Lotfollah and the Shah, with their magnificent architecture and tile work. Finish with a visit to the Qeisarieh Bazaar with hundreds of shops displaying the arts and handicrafts for which Isfahan is world-famous. (BL)
Sat 24 Nov: Isfahan
Continue your exploration of Isfahan with a visit to the magnificent Friday Mosque, with the famous Uljaitu Mihrab (Prayer Niche) of the Il-Khanid period. The Friday Mosque is considered a museum of a thousand years of Persian religious architecture and is truly one of the world’s greatest mosques.
Also visit the Harun-e-Velayat Shrine and the Ali Minaret. From here drive to the Chehel Sotun Palace, built by Shah Abbas II in the 17th century. Its wooden columns reflected in the surface of the pool give rise to its name ‘The Palace of Forty Columns’. (BL)
Sun 25 Nov: Isfahan
Day at leisure in Isfahan. (B)
Mon 26 Nov: Isfahan - Teheran
Morning drive to Tehran, stopping en-route at the town of Natanz to visit a beautiful Islamic Complex consisting of the Friday Mosque, Monastery and Tomb of Sheikh Abdol Samad Isfahani. Continue to Kashan and visit one of the most important archaeological sites in Iran known as Tepe Sialk. The site was first excavated in the 1930’s and dates back to 5000 BC. The artifacts found at this site adorn many major museums in the world.
Visit the historical garden of Fin, which was first planted during the Safavid period. This beautiful garden was expanded by the Zand and Qajar monarchs, who added many open pavilions. A museum on the site displays artifacts from nearby Tepe Sialk. Also visit a fine example of a 19th century merchant residence known as Taba-Tabai House with its beautiful stucco dome and inlaid mirror work, with some of the best examples of existing ‘badgirs’ (wind-catchers).
On arrival in Tehran drive by the Mausoleum of Imam Khomeini en route to your hotel. Tonight join John Tidmarsh and fellow travellers for a farewell dinner. (BLD)
Tue 27 Nov: Depart Teheran
Day at leisure until the transfer to the airport. Evening departure on Emirates via Dubai to Australia. (B)
Wed 28 Nov: Arrive Australia
Evening arrival in Australia.
