From the Thu 02 – Sun 12 April 2020 (11 days) With the Listed Property Owners’ Club
Home to one of the oldest civilisations on Earth, Iran can boast a cultural legacy of unparalleled scope. The lands of Cyrus the Great and the powerful Achaemenids, the Persia of antiquity once held sway over all the known world, from North Africa to the lands west of the Indus. This short but insightful trip takes us on a journey through the heartland of these empires and ‘behind the veil’ of this much misunderstood country. Beginning in the ancient capital of Shiraz, we will explore the ancient cities of Persepolis and Pasgardae, before moving on to the town of Yazd, with its well- preserved traditional houses and Zoroastrian burial towers. We then travel through the desert to the beautiful 16th century Safavid capital of Isfahan. Home not only to some of the region’s finest Islamic architecture and the world’s second largest square, the Mayden-e Imam, this is also a great place to wander through the narrow corridors of the extensive souks with their handicrafts and carpets.
We will also explore something of the traditional character of the country, with a visit to the merchants houses of Kashan, before finishing in Tehran, a city steeped in the traditions of the old and new Persia, and home to historic mosques, churches and Zoroastrian fire temples.
Day 1: Tour starts in Shiraz: Accommodation for this night is included due to the arrival times of our suggested flights, in the early hours of Day 2.
Kharim Khan Hotel or similar (no meals)
Day 2: Shiraz: Our late morning walking tour includes a visit to the imposing Arg-e Karim Khan Fortress, with its 14-metre high circular towers which dominate the city centre. There will also be time to explore the bazaar and some of Shiraz’s famous gardens and teahouses before soaking up the atmosphere at the tomb of the great Persian poet Hafez.
Kharim Khan Hotel or similar (B,L,D)
Day 3: Shiraz – Persepolis - Shiraz: Today we have the whole day to enjoy what must surely be a highlight of Iran, if not of the entire Middle East: Darius the Great’s fabulous Persepolis. We will also visit the magnificent Achaemenid tombs at Nagsh e Rostam, cut high into cliffs above the ground and facing respectfully towards Persepolis. After ample time exploring the site we will make our way back to Shiraz where there’ll be time to discover this beautiful city at your leisure.
Kharim Khan Hotel or similar (B,L,D)
Day 4: Shiraz – Pasargadae - Yazd: Leaving Shiraz today, we head for Pasargadae with its six-tiered tomb of Cyrus the Great, founder of the great Persian Empire. Later we’ll continue to Yazd in time to watch an eerie sunset from the Towers of Silence, the unique Zoroastrian burial towers.
Moshir Garden Hotel or similar (B,L,D)
Architectural Traveller | Page 60
IRAN SPRING 2020
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