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Passage Through Persian Culture & History
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"Would you like to see pictures of our last trip to Iran (November 2007)?
We're organizing photo albums for all our tours.
They may be accessed through the scrapbook link on our website.
Gwen
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October 31 - November 15, 2008
$4,990 per person, double occupancy from New York
Single Supplement $880
Caspian Extension
November 15 - 19, 2008
$1,490 per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement $250
 
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Dear Intrepid World Traveler,
The first question you are sure to ask is, “Is it safe to travel to Iran?” I sincerely believe it is as safe as anywhere else in the world. After personally escorting several tours, the most recent in November 2007, my confidence is undiminished. It was in 1998 that on behalf of our company, my daughter made the first exploratory trip to Iran. She came back astonished, saying, “Ah, all the wonderful sights and sounds! The treasures held in Tehran’s museums are outstanding. Persepolis, a short drive from Shiraz, is absolutely extraordinary! Isfahan is a unique city with exquisite mosaic clad domes, bridges and Persian gardens. Iran as a whole is nothing short of breathtaking!”
We operated our first tour in 1999 and have had groups of all sizes since that time. Some experienced travelers are returning for a second trip. Through the years, the acceptance of Americans has, if anything, increased.
I have a challenge for you! See for yourself! Don’t let the naysayer diminish your enthusiasm. Many who say they will never go there themselves, do not have the resources, health, or most importantly, desire to make “the trip of a lifetime.” These are the exact words of one of the travelers on our November tour, and if you would like to talk with her or others who have traveled to Iran, we’ll gladly provide references. We’ll also provide links to photo albums including one very special one, by Paulette Lewis, Friendly Faces of Iran. Just ask!
A U.S. State Department travel warning exits for Iran, as it has for several years. Travel warnings are often political tactics, which can be considered much more desirable than other forms of conflict. Call me if you have any concerns. We’ll prepare you completely with briefing material on customs and regulations including attire.
Rich in culture, Iran is an excellent destination for those who would like to better understand the world and its people. With our highly educated and very personable local guide by your side, your driver and his assistant, you can rest assured that you will have an amazing experience to treasure and share with others.
Gwen Erwood
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Click map for larger view
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All This Included
- Fly roundtrip from selected U.S. cities via Turkish Airlines
- Travel in Security with our experienced Iranian tour manager
- Learn from excellent hand-picked local guides and our pre-trip study materials
- Taste local delicacies with ALL MEALS breakfast, lunch, dinner included daily in Iran
- Enjoy carefully selected hotels
- Travel by internal flights and private motor coaches
- Experience the beautifully displayed museums of Tehran
- Visit the ancient capital of Iran, Persepolis
- Spend three nights in the historic city of Isfahan
- Meet the warm and friendly people of Iran
- Escorted from the U.S. with a group of just 10 participants
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THIS IS NOT THE FULL BROCHURE
We invite you to call Sarah or Gwen at 1-800-762-4216 to request the full brochure. The brochure will include Important Traveler Information (and answers to most questions) and a Reservation Form. We can send the brochure through the Postal Service or as a PDF attachment. If you would like to receive a PDF, probably the best way to keep the message from going into a SPAM filter is to send a message to sarah@serioustraveler.com. If you are already on our mailing list, no need to complete the entire brochure request form.
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Arts & Crafts of Iran
February 20 - March 8, 2009 • $5370 from JFK via Turkish Airlines
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Thanks so much for your interest in this tour. We are working on all the arrangements right now. We're also finishing the complete brochure, which contains answers to most questions.
Please let us know your name, email address and mailing address so we can speed the details to you the minute they are finished (Click "Request a brochure" below). Also kindly let us know if your computer will receive PDFs (Portable document files). We'll gladly email the entire brochure, complete with color pictures and of course the reservation form!
We'll be delighted to welcome you to the tour. Of course you may pick up the phone at any time and call us at 1-800-762-4216.
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THIS IS NOT THE FULL BROCHURE
We invite you to call Sarah or Gwen at 1-800-762-4216 to request the full brochure. The brochure will include Important Traveler Information (and answers to most questions) and a Reservation Form. We can send the brochure through the Postal Service or as a PDF attachment. If you would like to receive a PDF, probably the best way to keep the message from going into a SPAM filter is to send a message to sarah@serioustraveler.com. If you are already on our mailing list, no need to complete the entire brochure request form.
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April 3 - 18, 2009
$5290 from JFK via Turkish Airlines
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Dear Intrepid World Travelers,
Magical and rich in culture, Iran is an excellent destination for your middle-eastern journey of discovery. Enjoy local delicacies and submerse yourself in the numerous beautiful museums and mosques. With our highly educated local guide by your side, you can rest assured that you will have an amazing experience to treasure for the rest of your life.
Regarding any political concerns you may ask, “Is it safe to travel to Iran?” I believe it is as safe as anywhere else in the world. My daughter took the trek, and came back astonished. She came back saying, “Ah, all the wonderful sights and sounds! The treasures held in Tehran’s museums are outstanding. Persepolis, a short drive from Shiraz, is absolutely extraordinary! Isfahan is a unique city with exquisite mosques. Iran as a whole is nothing short of breathtaking!”
I have a challenge for you! See for yourself!
You’ll be very glad you did. Like others, you’ll say it was the most amazing trip you ever took. A U.S. State Department travel warning does exist for Iran (as it has for several years). Regardless, during this time, we have safely and securely operated numerous trips to Iran. Travel warnings are often political tactics, which can be considered favorable to other forms of conflict. Call me if you have any concerns and I can gladly share some of the remarks of other past travelers.
Gwen Erwood
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Click map for larger view
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All This Included
- Fly roundtrip from selected U.S. cities via Turkish Airlines
- Travel in Security with our experienced Iranian tour manager
- Learn from excellent hand-picked local guides and our pre-trip study material
- Taste local delicacies with ALL MEALS breakfast, lunch, dinner included daily in Iran
- Enjoy carefully selected hotels
- Travel by internal flights and private motor coaches
- Experience the beautifully displayed museums of Tehran
- Visit the ancient capital of Iran, Persepolis
- Spend three nights in the historic city of Isfahan
- Meet the warm and friendly people of Iran
- Escorted from the U.S. with a group of just 10 participants
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Biblical Sites of Iran
October 30 - November 14, 2009
$4990 from JFK via Turkish Airlines
Caspian Extension
November 14 - 18, 2009
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Preliminary Day by Day Itinerary
October 30 DEPART U.S.A.
Friday
Meet your traveling companions tonight at New York’s JFK airport for our Turkish Airlines flight (TK002) departing at 6:45 PM. Meals enroute. Alternate departure available from Chicago. See Airfare and Upgrades for more information.
October 31 ISTANBUL – TEHRAN
Saturday
Arrive in Istanbul at 11:45 AM. Connect with your flight TK1278 departing at 2:25 PM on to Tehran. We arrive at 6:55 PM at the new Tehran airport. Khosh amadid (welcome) to Iran! We’ll be greeted at the airport, transferred to the Laleh Hotel, the former Intercontinental. View Tehran from your hotel window, with snow-capped mountains in the backdrop. If you’d like a snack at the hotel restaurant, it will be provided.
*****Laleh Hotel
November 1 ARRIVAL TEHRAN
Sunday
Arrival at Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA), meet and transfer to Laleh Hotel; morning at rest; lunch in the hotel, and visit the Archaeological Museum, displaying an authenticated collection of pre-historic and ancient artifacts with pottery dating back to 6-7 millenium B.C.; and Abguineh (Glass and Ceramics) Museum with a wonderful and delicate collection of ancient and Islamic glass and pottery, located in a charming early 20th-century house and garden
*****Laleh Hotel
November 2 TEHRAN-HAMADAN (380 km)
Monday
Drive to Hamadan, afternoon sightseeing in Hamadan to include Tepe Ecbatana (an archaeological site dating back to 700-500 B.C.), the Tombs of Esther and Mordecai, a major Jewish pilgrimage center; the 12th-century Alavyan Tomb Tower, and the Ganj-Nameh inscriptions by Darius and his son Xerxes.
O/N at Bu-Ali/Azadi Hotel.
November 3 HAMADAN-KERMANSHAH (180 km)
Tuesday
Drive to Kermanshah, stopping en-route at bTuyserkan, to visit the tomb of Habakkuk-e-Nabi another Biblical prophet. Also see the Temple of Anahita, built in 200 B.C during the Hellenistic occupation of western Iran, at Kangavar. Anahita, the goddess of water and fertility, was worshipped in ancient Persia along with Ahura-Mazda; also visit the site of the relief and inscriptions of Darius the Great at Bisotoun, which depicts Darius facing the nine rebel kings whom the Achaemenid ruler suppressed when he came to power; on to Kermanshah and visit the several important Sassanian reliefs at Tagh-e-Bostan (some 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 this favorite charger Shabdiz.
O/N Azadegan Hotel.
November 4 KERMANSHAH-AHWAZ (550 km)
Wednesday
Drive to Ahwaz, via Pol-e-Dokhtar, and visit remains of Sassanian Bridge over Kashkan River; continue to Ahwaz.
O/N at Fajr Hotel.
November 5 AHWAZ-EXCURSION/SUSA (Return 240 km)
Thursday
Full day excursion to Chogha-Zanbil, to see the ziggurat built around 1250 B.C. by the Elamite king Untash-Gal. Also visit Haft-Tappeh (Elamite Necropolis), and Susa, the site of one of the oldest civilizations in Western Asia, dating back to 5,000 B.C. and the remains of the Achaemenian palaces, plus the nearby Tomb of Biblical Prophet Daniel; return to Ahwaz.
O/N at Fajr Hotel
November 6 AHWAZ-SHIRAZ (560 km)
Friday
Drive to Shiraz, en-route visit the single Sassanian Relief at Sarab-e-Bahram above a spring, and on to Bishapur, 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; on either side of a narrow gorge, there are also six Sassanian rock-reliefs at Tang-e-Chogan, commemorating Shapur’s victories over the Romans and other adversaries. Picnic lunch. Continue to Shiraz for dinner at Homa Hotel.
O/N at Homa Hotel
November 7 SHIRAZ
Saturday
Full day city tour of Shiraz to visit some of the famous gardens of this city of “roses and nightingales”, including the Eram Garden, the tomb of Iran’s greatest lyric poets, Hafez and Sa'adi, the Pars Museum; the pink tiled 19th-century Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, the Arg-e-Karim Khan (18th-century citadel), the Madrassa Khan (Theological School), to have interaction with teachers and students, the Vakil Bazaar of Shiraz, the Old or Atigh Mosque, and the Holy Shrine of Shah-e-Cheragh (not open to non-Moslems and can only be seen from outside).
O/N Homa Hotel
November 8 SHIRAZ-EXC/PERSEPOLIS (Return 100 km)
Sunday
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, and its famous bas-reliefs, depicting kings and courtiers and gift-bearing representatives of tributary nations of the Persian Empire; after lunch at the pleasant and nearby Laneh Tavous Restaurant, visit Naghsh-e-Rostam to see Ka’be-Zardosht (fire temple/sanctuary), and Royal Tombs (also Achaemenid); plus seven magnificent Sassanian rock-reliefs (including Shapur the First’s famous victory over Roman Emperor Valerian); and Naghsh-e-Rajab, a nearby grotto with several more Sassanid reliefs. Return to Shiraz.
O/N stay at Homa Hotel
November 9 SHIRAZ-YAZD (450 km)
Monday
Drive to Yazd, enroute visit Pasargadae, site of the simple, but impressive, tomb, and remains of the palaces of Cyrus the Great (the Founder of the Persian Empire), after picnic lunch at the site, drive through Abarkuh and continue to Yazd and, time-permitting, visit the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence; dinner at Moshir Garden/Laleh Golshan Hotel
O/N at Moshir Garden/Laleh Golshan Hotel
November 10 YAZD-ISFAHAN (300 km)
Tuesday
Half-day visits in Yazd, to include the Fire Temple, the magnificent 14th century Friday Mosque, and the Mausoleum dedicated to the Twelve Imams; after lunch at Hamam-e-Khan Restaurant (converted bathhouse), drive to Na’in to visit the early Islamic-period Friday Mosque; continue to Isfahan for dinner at the exotic Abbasi Hotel.
O/N stay at the exotic Abbasi Hotel
November 11 ISFAHAN
Wednesday
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) in Safavid sources, to visit the famous bridges of Shahrestan/Khajou/Sio-se-pol, the Armenian Quarter with several churches, including the important Cathedral of Vank; in the afternoon visit one of the world’s grandest squares, the Maidan-e-Naghsh-e-Jahan, with several sites (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 Islamic world’s greatest mosques – the Sheikh Lotfollah and the Shah – with magnificent architecture and tilework), finishing with a visit to the Qeisarieh Bazaar with hundreds of shops displaying the arts and handicrafts for which Isfahan is world-famous.
O/N Abbasi Hotel
November 12 ISFAHAN
Thursday
Another full day sightseeing of Isfahan to visit 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 Coulmns’. Final stop of the day is at the Hasht Behesht pavilion built in 1670 by Shah Solayman and known as the Pavilion of Eight Paradises or the Palace of Nightingales. This small but intricate building is set amongst tree-lined alleys, a reflecting pool and water rills.
O/N Abbasi Hotel.
November 13 ISFAHAN-TEHRAN
Friday
Morning drive to Tehran, en-route stop over at the charming town of Natanz to visit a beautiful Islamic Complex (Friday Mosque/Monastery/Tomb of Sheikh Abdol Samad Isfahani), on to Kashan to visit the historical garden of Fin which was first planted during the Safavid period and kept alive with water from the nearby Sulaimanieh Spring. This beautiful garden was expanded by the Zand and Qajar monarchs, with many open pavilions added. In Kashan, there is also 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 to Tehran and transfer to Laleh Hotel for overnight stay.
Laleh Hotel
November 14 TEHRAN – ISTANBUL
Saturday U.S.A.
We rise early this morning and are transferred to the airport for our 4:35 AM flight to Istanbul (TK1277) arriving at 6:30 AM. We’ll have plenty of time to explore the duty-free shops before our connecting flight to JFK (TK001) departs at 12:20 PM. Arrive in New York at 4:45 PM with plenty of time for flights to your home city. Welcome home! Note: Flight schedules always subject to change.
Caspian Extension
November 14 - 18
November 14 TEHRAN - TABRIZ
Saturday
To enhance our Iranian experience, we fly north by Iran Air early this morning to Tabriz. We are heading in the direction of Armenia and Azerbaijan to the third largest city in Iran after Tehran and Mashad. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for breakfast and a short rest. According to Herodotus, even in ancient times, this area had a turbulent history. In the 13th Century it was the Mongol capital. On our tour, we’ll see the Blue Mosque built by Shah Jahan in 1465, the small exquisite Azerbaijan Museum, and the Citadel.
Our guide will lead us through the wonderfully constructed Tabriz Bazaar, second oldest in the world after the one in Aleppo, Syria. The Silk Road passed Tabriz; today silk, wool and cotton Tabriz carpets with figures on a pink background, are a well known export to France and Germany.
In the late afternoon, we’ll have a chance to stroll to the Safavid summer residence of Shah Goli, a short walk from the hotel. Tabriz was the capital of the Safavid dynasty until the end of the 16th Century, when it was moved to Isfahan. There, as you have already learned, half the world was to be found in the huge square, Naqsh-e Jahan. The other half was in Tabriz. Research has shown that this area, today rich in the production of nuts and fruits, might have been the site of the Garden of Eden. Other research interestingly places Eden under the waters of the Persian Gulf. (B-L-D)
*****Pars Hotel
November 15 TABRIZ - ARDABIL
Sunday ANZALI
Today after breakfast we drive east towards the Caspian Sea visiting the city of Ardabil to see the one of Iran’s precious jewels, the mausoleum of Sheikh Safii-eddinn Ardebili, father of the Sufi inspired Safavid dynasty. The gardens, amongst the exquisite tile work, is a gathering place for both visitors and friendly local people alike.
We’ll also see the beautiful China house.
With 14,000 ft Mt. Savalan, a stunning snow capped extinct volcano to our left, we pass orchards, grazing lands and fishing lakes. Descend from the Alborz mountain heights though tunnels and along green terraced landscapes. Continue along the northern Iran border with Azerbaijan, and stop for a taste of delicious local honey. It is perhaps one of the secrets of longevity for people of this area. We arrive at a modest beach resort, which fortunately is not crowded at this time of year. Enjoy a dinner of fish caught in the warm waters of Caspian Sea, and perhaps some caviar; and then have a stroll under the stars by the Sea. (B-L-D)
****Hotel Sepid Kenar
November 16 ANZALI - FUMAN
Monday MASULEH - RAMSAR
Our drive this morning continues south to Ramsar, visiting en route the beautiful town of Fuman with its rice paddies and neatly manicured tea plantations.
Cuttings to start the plants came from India and produce healthy tea, full of antioxidants. There are many nature reserves in this area where birds winter near poplar lined freshwater pools. Indulge in a taste of kuliches, a delicious local pastry filled with walnuts, cinnamon and cardamom.
Follow a cascading mountain stream up to the picturesque village of Masuleh, protected by the Iranian Tourism Organization and developed by UNESCO. Have a leisurely walk through the multi layered paths and perhaps enjoy some afternoon tea.
Return towards the coast of the Caspian Sea via Fuman.
Continue the drive to Ramsar and arrive in the evening at the 80-year old Ramsar Hotel, our accommodation for the night.
Not yet refurbished, the complex still exudes the grandeur of the erstwhile era of the Pahlavi’s who built it for VIP guests. (B-L-D)
*****Ramsar Hotel
November 17 RAMSAR - TEHRAN
Tuesday
Our drive today takes us along the scenic road of Chalus back to Tehran. Weather permitting stop in Namk Abroud recreational area and take a cable car to the mountain top, rising above the construction area of new villas and vacation homes to a magnificent view of the Caspian. Turn towards the Alborz mountains following the streams through the soaring mountains towards Tehran. Stop for a BBQ lunch enroute. A new road, which will shorten the time to two hours, is under construction with equipment boring through the rugged mountains. Ski slopes are preparing for the winter season. Upon arrival in Tehran, time permitting, we will visit the Contemporary Museum of Art or have time for last minute shopping. (B-L-D)
***** Laleh Hotel
November 18 TEHRAN - ISTANBUL
Wednesday U.S.A.
Transfer to the international airport for your flight back to the U.S. via Istanbul.
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THIS IS NOT THE FULL BROCHURE
We invite you to call Sarah or Gwen at 1-800-762-4216 to request the full brochure. The brochure will include Important Traveler Information (and answers to most questions) and a Reservation Form. We can send the brochure through the Postal Service or as a PDF attachment. If you would like to receive a PDF, probably the best way to keep the message from going into a SPAM filter is to send a message to sarah@serioustraveler.com. If you are already on our mailing list, no need to complete the entire brochure request form.
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Foundation
