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2012 departure date is tentative and subject to change. |
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To many Westerners the word "Persia" evokes a distant land remote in time and conjures evocative images of turquoise domes, exotic bazaars, the scent of roses and fabulous carpets. The very names of the cities are magical: Shiraz, Persepolis, Isfahan These images live on in today's Iran. Indeed, Iran is a world both ancient and contemporary, linking the heartland of Asia and the cradle of Western civilization, a bridge between East and West.
Waves of invaders throughout the country's long history the Greeks accompanying Alexander, Arab armies, the Turkish tribes that forced their way westward from Central Asia, and finally the Mongols all left their mark upon the people of Persia, creating a vibrant tapestry that at its core, however, is indelibly Persian. During our trip we will see Shah Abbas's astonishing royal city of Isfahan, one of the great monumental cities of the world, the silent ruins of Persepolis, destroyed by Alexander's fury thousands of years ago, the garden city of Shiraz and the lesser-known but equally splendid desert city of Yazd.
Persia has been almost completely hidden from the West since the 1979 revolution. The country underwent huge changes with an uprising that marked the end of an era, a revolution whose effects are still felt today and one of the most destructive wars of the twentieth century. The country and its people have emerged from these events eager to show the majesty of their country to the enterprising traveller. The friendliness of our welcome will set the tone for a fascinating journey into a country of great cities and timeless landscapes still resonating with the charmed poetry of Omar Khayyam. |
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| FACTS: |
| • | 13 days |
| • | Maximum 18 participants |
| • | Start and finish in Tehran |
| • | Includes all meals |
| • | Includes one domestic flight Tehran-Kerman |
| • | Extension to Tabriz and the Caspian Sea available |
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| HIGHLIGHTS: |
| • | Reading Khayyam's quatrains in Tehran |
| • | Learning about carpets in Kerman |
| • | Visiting the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence in Yazd |
| • | Strolling the gardens of Shiraz |
| • | Exploring the spectacular ceremonial city of Persepolis |
| • | Marveling at the turquoise domes in Isfahan |
| • | Travelling where few Westerners have been |
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| ACCOMMODATIONS: |
| Laleh Hotel, Tehran |
| Pars Hotel, Kerman |
| Safayieh Hotel, Yazd |
| Pars Hotel, Shiraz |
| Kowsar Hotel, Isfahan |
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| EXTENSIONS: |
| Northern Iran |
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| ITINERARY IN BRIEF: |
| Day 1: |
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Arrive in Tehran |
| Day 2: |
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Tehran |
| Day 3: |
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Fly to Kerman |
| Day 4: |
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Rayan and Mahan |
| Day 5: |
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Drive to Yazd |
| Day 6: |
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Yazd |
| Day 7: |
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Drive to Shiraz |
| Day 8: |
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Shiraz |
| Day 9: |
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Persepolis, flight to Isfahan |
| Day 10: |
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Isfahan |
| Day 11: |
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Isfahan |
| Day 12: |
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Drive to Tehran |
| Day 13: |
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Depart Tehran |
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 Over the past thirty years, Lewie has researched and led trips to some of the most exciting destinations in the world. From early days leading Himalayan mountain treks to most recently scouting out Iran, Lewie's vast experience and regular inspection trips make him the 'go to' person for all our guests' questions. Each year Lewie offers "President's Trips" to a selection of favourite destinations including his native India.
416-633-5666 / 1-800-387-1483
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