Iran

The Persian Empire

And Alexander

September 17 – October 7, 2016

Tour leader: Dr John Tidmarsh

In conjunction with

The Near East Archaeological

Foundation, Sydney University

Overview

Join us as we travel through the strikingly picturesque and dramatic landscapes of Iran and trace the footsteps of Alexander the Great through the heartland of the vast Persian empire. Starting in Tehran we enter the world of the formidable Persian Empire destroyed by Alexander. We follow (but in reverse) Alexander’s path along the northern edge of the formidable Dasht-i Kavir salt desert (later to become one of the main branches of the Silk Route) as the Macedonian king desperately (and ultimately, in vain) pursued the defeated Darius and his kinsman Bessus. We visit the great palaces of Persepolis and Pasargadae, the Achaemenid royal burial ground of Naqsh-i Rustam, and Hamadan; ancient Ecbatana where Alexander arranged for the execution of his old general Parmenio and mourned his closest companion, Hephaisteion.

We also explore the beautiful city of Bishapur, capital of the great Sassanian king Shapur I who attempted to emulate the conquests of his Achaemenid forebears. Then on to Isfahan, Pearl of Islam among whose earliest inhabitants were those Jews from Babylon freed by Cyrus the Great.

We have ample time to wander through and explore some of the finest and most picturesque cities in the Islamic world such as the fabled Mashhad, home to the tomb of the eighth Shiite Imam, Shiraz (“City of Nightingales and Roses”) and, above all, Isfahan. The tour is enhanced by a series of talks and lectures by John Tidmarsh on Alexander’s campaigns, the mighty Persian Empire which he destroyed, and the opulent Hellenistic kingdoms which arose after his death.

Some highlights

The decadent palaces and museums in Tehran including the

Crown Jewels Museum

The pilgrimage city of Mashhad in the East

The rarely visited desert fortresses of Robat-e Sharaf and

Khalat-e Naderi in the north east

Travel along the ancient silk route on the low plains of the Great

Salt Desert between Mashhad and Tehran

Safavid sites near Hamadan and the Achaemenid period fortress

of Hagmatana

Four nights staying in Isfahan, the jewel of ancient Persia

Four nights in Shiraz visiting the great classical sites of

Persepolis and Pasargadae

The imposing Sassanian rock-reliefs at Bishapur

Iran The Persian empire and Alexander

Left: detail of the Alexander Mosaic depicting a battle between the armies of Alexander the Great and Darius III of Persia, now housed in the National Archaeological Museum, Naples; detailed decoration from Persepolis celebrates the achievements of the Achaemenid Kings

Tour Price

The tour price is $9,690 per person, twin share accommodation. The supplement for a single room is $1,640 per person. A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required to secure a place on the tour.

Included in the tour price

One way economy flights between Tehran and Mashhad and from Shiraz to Tehran

Land travel in Iran by private air-conditioned coach

All accommodation in selected two to five star hotels

Porterage of luggage in and out of hotels

All breakfasts, lunches and dinners in hotels and restaurants as indicated in this itinerary

All entrance fees to sites mentioned in this itinerary

Services of tour leader throughout the tour

Qualified local guides throughout the tour

Illustrated background talks

Tips to local guides, drivers and restaurants

Visa costs for Iran

Not included in tour price

Return international airfares

Travel insurance

Meals not stated as included in this itinerary

Expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls and internet usage

Air travel OPTIONS

The tour price quoted is for land content only. For this tour we recommend Etihad or Emirates who flies into and out of Tehran from most Australian ports. Please contact us for further information on competitive Economy, Business, or First Class airfares for Etihad, Emirates or another carrier of your choice.

Airport transfers

Transfers are included for passengers booking their flights through Academy Travel. Please contact Stuart Barrie for further details regarding transfers.

Enquiries and bookings

For further information or to secure a place on this tour please contact Stuart Barrie at Academy Travel, on 9235 0023 or 1800 639 699 (outside Sydney) or email stuart@academytravel.com.au

Tour Leader

Dr John Tidmarsh is president of the University of Sydney's Near Eastern Archaeology Foundation, and a former lecturer in the Department of Archaeology. He is also Co-Director of the

University's excavations at Pella in Jordan, and has also excavated in Greece and Cyprus. He has led numerous tours to Oman, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Jordan and other countries in the eastern Mediterranean.

Left: detail of the music room at the Ali Qapu Palace in Isfahan which is known for its fantastic acoustics; exquisite craftsmanship on display in

the tile work at the grand Sheik Loftollah Mosque in Isfahan

Detailed Itinerary

All breakfasts included. Included lunches and dinners are indicated by the letters (L) and (D).

saturday 17 September

Arrive in Tehran

Arrive into Tehran and transfer to our hotel. Meet your fellow travellers over dinner in the hotel this evening. (D)

sunday 18 September

TEhran

Our touring today provides us with an overview of Iran’s history and culture, with visits to several of Tehran’s well regarded museums. Our first visit is to the archaeology museum with its collection showcasing the ancient cultures of Iran, from its prehistory to Elamite and ancient Persia. Set in a 19th-century Qajar house, the glass and ceramics museum houses an extraordinary collection of works dating from the 4th millennium BC to the contemporary era. After a break for lunch we continue on to the Reza Abassi Museum. The museum has select examples of the finest artworks produced in Iran, including Achaemenid gold vessels and outstanding examples of early Islamic ceramics, calligraphy and miniatures. We gather this evening for our welcome dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight Tehran (B, L, D)

monday 19 September

TO MAshhad

We transfer to the airport this morning for our flight to Mashhad. Mashhad lies on the ancient silk route and is the second most populous city in Iran. For centuries Mashhad derived its wealth both from its favourable position on the east-west caravan routes between India and Iran and those running north-south between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf, and from the agricultural produce from the fertile valleys surrounding the city. Now of course its wealth has increased as a result of the millions of pilgrims who flock to the city annually. On arrival we have a brief orientation tour of the city before checking into our hotel. Dinner is in the hotel this evening. Overnight Mashhad (B, L, D)

Tuesday 20 September

MAshhad & Tus

Mashhad has long been a centre of pilgrimage but it was only under Safavid rule, when the Shi’ite faith was adopted as the nation’s religion, that it became the holiest city in Iran. This morning we visit the vast Haram-e Razavi, the shrine complex of Imam Reza, the eighth Shi’ite Imam who died in the village of Sanabad in 817 AD. The Imam was said to have been poisoned on the orders of the Abbasid Caliph Ma’mun who, nevertheless, buried him next to the tomb of his own father, the illustrious Harun al-Rashid. We explore the outer courtyards and visit the quirky collection in the main museum and the carpet museum. After lunch in a

local restaurant we head to Tus where the celebrated 11th-century poet, Ferdosi is buried. We visit the old city walls and Gonbad-e Haruniyeh, a 14th-century domed brick mausoleum. Overnight Mashhad (B, L, D)

Iran The Persian empire and Alexander

Above: Sassanid and Islamic architecture combine in this design for the Azadi or Freedom Tower in Tehran Below: gold rams head in the Reza Abassi Museum; the Haram-e Razavi complex is a popular site for Shi'ite pilgrims

wednesday 21 September

Robat-e SHaraf

Approximately two hour's drive from Mashhad is Robat-e Sharaf standing isolated in the desert landscape. Constructed under Sultan Sanjar in the early 12th century, this structure with its two courtyards (each with four iwans) within strong fortification walls served as both a royal mosque and caravanserai. Its strategic position on the Silk Route made it an important rest stop for travellers as indicated by the small mihrab to one side on the exterior walls, showing the direction of prayer to journey makers who arrived after the gates were closed. Our visit includes the inner courtyard, the central iwan, with its intricate brickwork façade that opens into a domed chamber flanked by two large and self-contained suites. We return to Mashhad this afternoon where dinner is at the hotel. Overnight Mashhad (B, L, D)

thursday 22 September

Kalat-e Naderi

Kalat is an elevated, isolated natural plateau in the Khorasan Mountains, edged with steep cliffs that transform it into an almost impenetrable natural fortress. Used as a defensive post since before the Achaemenid era it is the only fortress to withstand a siege by Tamerlane. We visit the Khorshid Palace built at the time of Nader Shah, the great military commander and ruler of Persia, to house the royal family. The cylindrical façade stands 20 metres high and houses 12 rooms decorated with paintings and ornamental plaster mouldings. The building also houses a small ethnology museum depicting local Khorasan village life. After lunch, there is time to explore further before returning to Mashhad where dinner is in the hotel or a local restaurant. Overnight Mashhad (B, L, D)

friday 23 September

to sharud

We depart by coach this morning for Bastam. After lunch in the town we visit the blue-tiled monastery complex of Bayazid-e Bastami, an influential ninth century Sufi philosopher. The site is made up of a mausoleum, mosque wall and minaret decorated with outstanding stucco motifs. We stay in nearby Shahrud this evening where dinner is in the hotel. Overnight Shahrud (B, L, D)

saturday 24 September

Return to Tehran

Today's journey back to Tehran takes us to Damghan, a caravan town situated on the great desert plateau. The eight century Tarik Khana Mosque is one of the few in Iran built to reflect the Arab plan with an arcaded court, low thick columns, stuccoed brick and hypostyle prayer hall, differing greatly from the tiled, four iwan mosques we have encountered so far. Arriving in Tehran in the late afternoon there is time to relax before dinner in the hotel. Overnight Tehran (B, L, D)

sunday 25 September

golestan Palace – crown jewels museum

This morning our focus is the Golestan Palace Complex, built by the 19th-

Above: Isolated in the landscape Robat-e Sharaf served as both a palace and a rest stop for travellers; the blue-tiled monastery complex of Sufi philosopher, Bayazid-e Bastami Below: The Arab plan if the Tarik Khana Mosque in Damghan is unusual for Iran

century Qajar kings. Here we see the Marble Throne, an intricately carved ensemble of more than 65 pieces of stone, and a photographic exhibition of old Tehran. The afternoon is a highlight, with a visit to the Crown Jewels Museum. It showcases some of the magnificent jewellery belonging to the last kings of Iran, including the Darya-i Nur (Sea of Light), the largest uncut diamond in the world, and the ‘Globe of Jewels’, a map of the world in emerald, sapphire, ruby, and diamonds. Overnight Tehran (B, L, D)

monday 26 September

Niavaran Palace

Today we head to Tehran’s northern suburbs to visit the Niavaran Palace, a historical and cultural complex consisting of five museums set among tree filled gardens. The palace traces its origins to a garden in Niavaran that was used as the summer residence of the Qajar rulers. The main Niavaran Palace, completed in 1968, was the primary residence of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran. We travel into the Alborz Mountains for lunch before we exploring the local area which has a cosmopolitan atmosphere, swanky shops and expensive houses. We return to the city where dinner is in the hotel or a local restaurant this evening. Overnight Tehran (B, L, D)

Tuesday 27 September

To hamadan

We depart Tehran today and head south-west to Hamadan (ancient Ecbatana). En route we stop in Qazvin, the second capital of the Safavid Empire. Here we visit the Friday Mosque and the Qajar shrine of Zadeh Hossein. After a break for lunch we continue to Hamadan via the Median fort of Nush-e Jan, site of the earliest known Iranian fire temple. After checking into or hotel, we stop at the stone lion (Sang-e Shir) which is all that remains of a funerary monument to Hephaisteion, and Ganj Nameh, where we will see some excellent examples of ancient rock-cut inscriptions before continuing to our hotel. Overnight Hamadan (B, L, D)

wednesday 28 September

HAgmatana

Our focus today is the ancient Median and Achaemenid period fortress of Hagmatana, the capital of Medes and one of the capitals of the Achaemenid Empire. The museum here shows some fine archaeological finds including large amphorae, Acheamenid pillar bases and Parthian coffins. This afternoon we visit the Mausoleum of Esther, the Achaemenid Queen and wife of Xerxes and her uncle, Mordeccai, a site of pilgrimage for Iranian Jews. Overnight Hamadan (B, L, D)

thursday 29 September

To Isfahan

Departing Hamadan we make the approx 520km journey to Isfahan stopping at the small towns of Arak and Khomeyn, famous as the birth place of the leader of the Iranian Revolution, Ruhollah Khomeini. Arriving in Isfahan there is time to freshen up and relax before dinner in the hotel. Overnight Isfahan (B, L, D)

Above: the intricately carved Marble Throne on display in the Golestan Palace Complex Below: The sprawling suburbs of Tehran with the Alborz Mountains in the background; detail from the Qajar shrine of Zadeh Hossein in Hamadan

Iran The Persian empire and Alexander

friday 30 September

Touring Isfahan

We spend a full day touring the beautiful city of Isfahan, the 17th century Safavid capital. Following the riverbank we survey three impressive bridges, the Sharestan Bridge with its eleven arches constructed from brick and stone in the 12th century, the Khaju Bridge perhaps the finest with two levels of terraced arcades and the Sio-Se Bridge one of the best examples of Safavid design. In the Armenian Quarter of Jolfa we see several churches, including the important Cathedral of Vank. After lunch, we explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Naqsh-e Jahan Square. From the elegant Sheikh Lotfallah Shrine to the grand Imam Mosque, no expense was spared to decorate this square. The Ali Qapu Palace had some of the best acoustics in the medieval world with its innovative music room. The grandest of the grand bazaars of Iran also originates in this square, with miles of shopping for those who can’t resist. Dinner is in a restaurant in the Maidan. Overnight Isfahan (B, L, D)

saturday 1 october

Isfahan

Our explorations continue at Chehel Sotun, a 17th-century garden palace of the Safavid kings built in the Achaemenid style. The unusual portico entrance to the palace has twenty columns: when reflected in the pool, the illusion of forty columns symbolises the forty days of mourning for the death of Mohammad’s grandson Hossein. The building’s historical wall paintings show the evolution of Iranian art and history. Before lunch we visit the Hasht Beshesht or “Eight Paradises” Palace, whose interior features impressive mosaics and moulded ceilings. The afternoon is at leisure or to shop in the bazaar. Overnight Isfahan (B, L, D)

sunday 2 october

At Leisure

Today is at leisure to further your explorations of Isfahan. Overnight Isfahan (B)

monday 3 October

Pasargadae

We depart for Shiraz stopping at the archaeological site of Pasargadae on the way. Construction of the city was begun by Cyrus the Great, an enlightened ruler who wished to create a society in which the diverse cultures of each region were respected and promoted under Persian administration. Cyrus was killed in battle before his great city was finished and the site became his final resting place. Today we visit his tomb and the ruins of his nearby gardens and palaces which were plundered by Alexander. Continue to Shiraz and check into our hotel. Overnight Shiraz (B, L, D)

Tuesday 4 October

Persepolis

Persepolis, the best-preserved city of ancient Persia, is our destination today. Dating from the sixth century BC, Persepolis was the home of Darius, Xerxes, and the Achaemenid kings, who built Iran into a major

Above: The Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque is one of the many beautiful buildings found around Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan; decorations adorn the walls of Chehel Sotun Palace Below: The imposing gate of all nations at Persepolis

power of the ancient world. No expense was spared on the detailed relief decoration that celebrated their achievements. On the way to Persepolis we visit the ancient fire temple Kab-e Zaratosht and the nearby royal tombs at Naqsh-e Rostam, as well as the coronation site of the Sassanian Kings at Naqsh-e Rajab. Overnight Shiraz (B, L, D)

Wednesday 5 October

Bishapur

Today we visit the Sassanian city of Bishapur, built by Shapur I after he defeated three successive Roman Emperors and subsequently brought over 70,000 Roman captives to Iran to help construct his empire. The Temple of Anahita, the goddess associated with water, brought water from miles away and led through a series of underground channels (qanats) to the elegant subterranean temple. Shapur’s Palace had a Roman Mosaic Hall and a central court possibly covered by a dome. At Tang-e Chogan, on either side of a narrow gorge, there are six Sasanian rock-reliefs commemorating Shapur’s victories over the Romans and other adversaries. Returning to Shiraz the afternoon is at leisure. Overnight Shiraz (B, L, D)

thursday 6 October

At LEisure

Today is at leisure to enjoy Shiraz. This evening we gather for our farewell dinner. Overnight Shiraz (B, D)

Friday 7 October

Departure

We transfer from our hotel for our flight to Tehran to meet international connections. (B)

Iran The Persian empire and Alexander

Above: Royal tombs carved into the rock face at Naqsh-e Rostam Below: The Sassanian city of Bishapur featured a Roman mosaic hall built by Roman captives brought to Iran after Shapur defeated the Roman Emperors

Hotel Information

Tehran, laleh Hotel (5 nights total)

Well located five-star hotel in walking distance of Laleh Park. Rooms are equipped with all the western comforts including satellite television and cable television, wireless internet connection and air-conditioning.

Mashhad, Homa Hotel 2 (4 nights)

A five-star property built with typical Iranian architecture andlocated in a peaceful park side location is Mashad.

shahrud, Tourist Inn (1 night)

Conveniently located in central Shahrud this is the best option for our one night stay.

Hamadan, azadi hotel (2 nights)

Four-star, forty five room hotel run by the well regarded Parsian Hotels group. Centrally located in the North of Hamadan.

Isfahan, abbasi Hotel (4 nights)

Set in a historic 300 year old building, the hotel is conveniently located in the centre of Isfahan.

shiraz, homa Hotel (4 nights)

This five-star hotel in Shiraz is located in a quiet, parkland district northwest of the city centre. * Hotels may be subject to change (to another hotel of equivalent quality). Any changes will be advised to all clients booked on the tour

Additional travel

AND stopovers

We are more than happy to arrange additional travel either before or after the tour dates. Stopovers on the outbound or return flight are also possible for those wishing to break their journey. Please contact Stuart Barrie on (02) 9235 0023 to discuss your requirements.

Above: A standard room at the Laleh Hotel in Tehran; the pleasant gardens and courtyards of the Abbasi Hotel In Isfahan make this hotel an eternal favourite Below: A room at the Abbasi Hotel, Isfahan; and the striking Homa Hotel in Shiraz

Physical Requirements of

THIS tour

Physical rating

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 instead to consider carefully 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.

Iran the persian empire and Alexander

Above: a vendor displays his wares of dried fruits, spices and nuts in the Grand Bazaar at Isfahan Below: the main entrance to Robat-e Sharaf, the 12th century fortification constructed under the rule of Sultan Sunjar