Iran: Architecture, Gardens & Design Shiraz, Persepolis, Isfahan, Kashan & Tehran September 12–22, 2019
Dear Architects, Designers, Landscape Designers, Travelers, and Friends, If you have always been intrigued by the ancient culture and great civilizations of Iran, then 2019 could be the year to experience this fascinating land yourself. We're pleased to offer a new Iran tour, “Iran: Architecture, Gardens & Design,” September 12–22, 2019. Travelers on this exclusive journey will discover the country’s most spectacular museums, ancient sites, mosques, palaces, and public centers. They will also enjoy Iran’s contemporary culture, with opportunities to attend a live performance of traditional Persian music, dine at local restaurants, see contemporary art, meet artists, and shop at lively bazaars. Begin in Shiraz, where you will admire tombs of mystical Persian poets, as well as elegant architecture and fine handicrafts. In Persepolis, wander vast ruins that have remained nearly unchanged since the city was destroyed by Alexander the Great. Continue to Isfahan, stroll the magnificent square, (the Maidan-e-Naghsh-e-Jahan,) and explore a sumptuous palace, a music museum, the city’s Armenian Quarter, and a historic bazaar known for its handicrafts and kilim rugs. Our journey concludes in the capital, Tehran. Explore collections of art, artifacts, and jewelry at several of the city’s finest museums, and visit the UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace complex. There will also be opportunities to see some of Iran’s famous gardens in Shiraz, Isfahan, and Kashan. Arrangements Abroad has taken travelers to Iran for many years. The local tour operator has been a trusted partner on all these trips, and we’ll have one of the top guides in the country in addition to popular tour director Chas Miller. I had the opportunity to travel to Iran in 2017 with my wife Liz. We found the Iranian people to be extremely gracious and welcoming towards Americans and the sights inspiring—far beyond our expectations. From the haunting caravanserais along the old trade routes to the splendidly tiled city mosques, the country’s elegant 2,500-year-old heritage exists alongside a new creative energy. With the endless array of cultural splendors that awaits, this journey to Iran promises to be a trip of a lifetime. We hope you will join us. Sincerely,
Jim Friedlander President, Arrangements Abroad
HIGHLIGHTS DISCOVER UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from MARVEL at the 2,500-year-old ruins of
ancient ruins to medieval mosques to lush gardens. This includes visits to ten palaces and houses, eight museums and collections, seven mosques, six gardens, three ruins, two bazaars, and one vault filled with gems and jewels.
BROWSE age-old bazaars in Shiraz and Isfahan.
Persepolis, once the center of the great Persian Empire and one of the most important sites of the Ancient World.
MEET contemporary artists during private gallery visits, and learn about the creation of beautiful Persian carpets.
Iran: Architecture, Gardens & Design Shiraz, Persepolis, Isfahan, Kashan & Tehran September 12–22, 2019 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12: ISTANBUL AIRPORT
Narenjestan Palace, Shiraz
Arrive independently to Istanbul Airport by late afternoon. We will meet there to connect to our late-night flight to Shiraz.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13: SHIRAZ
Arrive in Shiraz in the early hours and transfer to the Homa Hotel for time to rest. Rooms have been reserved from the night before, so they will be ready for us. In the afternoon, depart to visit the Qajar-period Narenjestan Palace and Garden and the elegant Pars Museum. We will also see the tomb of the poet Saadi and the Masjid-i-Vakil, a mosque famed for its spacious prayer hall of vaulted bays, twisting columns, and stained-glass windows. This evening stop at a carpet merchant before dinner. B,L,D
Nasir-al-Mulk (Pink Mosque), Shiraz
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 : SHIRAZ After breakfast, depart for the pink-tiled 19th-century Nasir-al-Mulk (Pink Mosque) to see its beautiful stainedglass windows in the morning light. Continue to the Khan Madrasa (school) to see a restoration workshop, and stop at the Vakil Bazaar. This afternoon, visit the Stone Museum and see the tomb of Hafez (time permitting). In the evening, explore the Naranj Art Gallery before dinner, where we hope to be joined by some artists. B,L,D Abstract Calligraphy by Amin Ashrafian, Naranj Art Gallery, Shiraz
Entry doors and windows of the Great Palace of Xerxes, Persepolis
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15: PERSEPOLIS / ISFAHAN Today drive to Isfahan, stopping en route in Persepolis. Once the center of the Persian Empire, Persepolis was one of the most important sites of the ancient world. At the fascinating necropolis of Naghsh-é-Rostam, see the Royal Tombs and the Ka’bé-Zardosht “fire temple.” After lunch, we continue northwards, stopping to see the 17thcentury Safavid caravanserai. On the ancient Silk Road, a caravanserai (roadside inn) served travelers to rest and recover during journeys. We will also see the hilltop remains of the ancient castle at the Izad-Khast. The complex is under consideration to join World Heritage List. Arrive in Isfahan for check-in and dinner at the elegant Hotel Abbasi, where we'll stay for three nights. B,L,D
The necropolis of Naghsh-é-Rostam, Persepolis
NEAR PERSEPOLIS: The necropolis of Naghsh-é-Rostam House-Studio Museum of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo
Caravanserai, Izad-Khast
Copper wares in the bazaar, Isfahan
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16: ISFAHAN Isfahan, the 17th-century capital of the Safavid Dynasty, is referred to as Nesf-e-Jahan, or “Half of the World.” Admire the domes and walls surrounding the UNESCOlisted square, Maidan-e-Naghsh-e-Jahan. The square is flanked by the Ali-Qapu Palace and two of the world’s greatest mosques: the Sheikh Lotfollah and the Masjid-i Iman, both featuring splendid tile work. No visit to Isfahan would be complete without a stop at the historic bazaar, where hundreds of shops sell traditional Persian handicrafts. After lunch, we will also see the Hasht Behesht Pavilion, set amongst tree-lined alleys, a reflecting pool, and water rills. End the afternoon with a visit to the Khaiu Bridge, one of Isfahan’s famous eleven bridges. Enjoy an optional visit to a carpet weaver, followed by dinner at a restaurant. B,L,D TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17: ISFAHAN
This morning, marvel at the sumptuous Palace of Chehel Sotoun, whose twenty columns reflected in the garden pool give the palace its name of “Forty Columns.” Tour the Decorative Arts Museum before continuing to the Music Museum to admire its collection of traditional Persian instruments and attend a performance. Before lunch, we will also see the Armenian Quarter, where Shah Abbas I transplanted a colony of skilled Christian entrepreneurs in 1604. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Friday Mosque or Masjid-I Jameh, considered to be a museum of more than a thousand years of religious architecture. Explore a local art gallery before dinner. B,L,D
Masjid-i Iman, formerly known as the Shah Mosque, Isfahan
Tabatabaee House, Kashan
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18: ISFAHAN /
Bagh-e-Fin Garden, Kashan
KASHAN / TEHRAN Drive north to Kashan, known as the City of Roses, to find shops selling rose water, fragrances, soaps, lotions, and even rose candies. We'll discover the UNESCO-listed Fin Garden, or Bagh-e Fin, a 19th-century merchant residence, and Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse. If time allows, we'll visit the Tabatabaee House, once a merchant's home. This evening, we arrive in Tehran and check in at the centrally located Espinas Hotel. B,L,D
Bagh-e-Fin Garden, Kashan, Kasha, photo by Erwin Bolwidt
Rose distillery, inset of roses, Kashan
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19: TEHRAN
Fragment of a stone column from Persepolis, National Museum of Iran, Tehran
We start our day at the Golestan Palace Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating from the 18th to early 20th century. See the Marble Throne Hall and the Hall of Mirrors, used as a coronation room, and stroll the garden to view the ornate tile-covered walls. After lunch, visit the Malek National Museum and Library, Iran’s first private museum, to admire the manuscripts collection. An optional guided walk takes us to the nearby Laleh Park and past the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, currently closed for renovation. Dine at a local restaurant tonight. B,L,D
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20: TEHRAN In the morning, discover the National Museum of Iran and the adjacent Islamic Era Museum. Enjoy lunch at the Ferdowsi Hotel with a special ice cream dessert and tea/ coffee in the 1960s lobby lounge. This afternoon, tour the Abgineh Museum’s collection of pre-Islamic and Islamic glass and ceramics, displayed in an elegant early 20thcentury mansion. There will also be time for visiting a few art galleries. B,L,D SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21: TEHRAN
Today we go to the fashionable northern part of Tehran for a visit to the Niavaran Palace complex, set among the foothills of the Alborz Mountains. See the former Pahlavi residences and tour the museum of paintings and artifacts collected by Farah Diba, the last Empress of Iran. We will also see the Green Palace before lunch. In the afternoon, explore the Jewels Museum, housed in the vaults of the Central Bank of Iran. The museum displays one of the most dazzling collections in the world, including the legendary Peacock Throne. Then, admire a fine array of carpets from ancient to contemporary at the Carpet Museum. Dinner tonight is at the hotel. B,L,D
SPECIAL NOTE: On September 21, hotel rooms are reserved for late check-out. Thus following dinner, we will transfer to the airport for our late-night flight to Istanbul.
Main hall of the Islamic Era Museum, Tehran
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22: ARRIVE TO ISTANBUL / CONNECT TO RETURN FLIGHTS HOME Our flight will arrive in Istanbul in the very early morning. Onward connections will depart today. DISCLAIMER: The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of Arrangements Abroad. For complete details, please carefully read the terms and conditions at www.arrangementsabroad.com/terms. Mirrored hall, Golestan Palace, Tehran
ACCOMMODATIONS
PROGRAM RATE
All hotels are equipped with Wi-Fi in the rooms and lobby, flat-screen TVs, desks, in-room mini-bars; and in-room personal safes. The hotels offer laundry and dry-cleaning services.
$6,999 per person, double occupancy $7,999 single rate RATE INCLUDES
Homa Hotel, Shiraz
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Ten nights accommodations as per itinerary
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Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch,
D=Dinner); bottled water, sodas, and coffee/tea with all meals (alcohol is forbidden at all times in Iran)
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Airport/hotel/airport group transfers for all participants on
suggested flights
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E scorted sightseeing, transportation, and entrance fees for
all included visits
HOMA HOTEL, SHIRAZ The hotel offers the facilities of a first-class business hotel, along with the peace of a relaxing atmosphere and with beautiful gardens. The hotel has a beautiful shopping arcade and indoor swimming pool. Homa, a mythical bird of Iranian legends and fables, is featured in the stone column sculptures at Persepolis.
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Taxes, service, and porterage charges
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Gratuities to local guides and drivers
NOT INCLUDED IN RATE International airfare; passport/visa fees; airport transfers other than for those on suggested flights; baggage in excess of one suitcase; trip insurance; personal items and expenses; any other items not specifically mentioned as included.
Golestan Palace, Tehran
Abbasi Hotel, Isfahan
ABBASI HOTEL, ISFAHAN This hotel comprises an original 300-year old caravanserai structure and a modern wing. The courtyard is a magnificent oasis within the city with pools of water and gardens. There are a variety of restaurants and there is a pool, sauna, gym, jacuzzi, massage service, barber shop and shopping arcade.
Espinas Persian Gulf Hotel, Tehran, photo © Espinas Persian Gulf Hotel
ESPINAS PERSIAN GULF HOTEL, TEHRAN Experience one of the most refined hotels downtown, which blends modern design elements with rich natural materials. The hotel features two restaurants, swimming pool, and a wellness center with weight room and cardio equipment.
A NOTE ABOUT TRAVEL TO IRAN Participants must be in good health and able to keep pace with an active group. They must be able to walk up to one mile a day on uneven terrain; walk and stand for periods of two hours at time; climb stairs (some without handrails) at monuments and other locations not handicapped accessible; and board a motorcoach unassisted. Any condition that may require assistance or special medical attention must be reported at the time of your reservation. Participants are advised to bring “broken-in” walking shoes, a sun hat, and comfortable attire. Iranian people are warm and hospitable towards visitors. Certain rules of dress and conduct are strictly observed in Iran and all trip participants are expected to adhere to local laws and customs. Alcohol is forbidden at all times, and details about appropriate attire will be shared with participants prior to departure. Long drives are to be expected during this program; however, the remarkably varied landscapes of Iran will offer a scenic panorama along the way. Review the U.S. State Department’s Travel Advisory for Iran at travel.state.gov.
Ceiling Dome at the Kahn Madrasa, Shiraz
ARRANGEMENTS ABROAD
IRAN: ARCHITECTURE, GARDENS & DESIGN
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RESERVATION FORM
SEPTEMBER 12–22, 2019
To reserve a place, please call Arrangements Abroad at phone: 212-514-8921 or 800-221-1944, fax: 212-344-7493; or complete and return this form with your deposit of $1,000 per person (of which $500 is non-refundable for administrative fees) payable to Arrangements Abroad. Mail to: Arrangements Abroad, 1040 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd floor, New York, NY 10018-3721. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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On the front cover: Masjid-i Imam, formerly known as the Shah Mosque, Isfahan Photography by Chas A. Miller III
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