Open to alumni UBC and friends IRAN OCTOBER 1 14, 2018 Join educator and curator Paula Swart to explore the rich cultural heritage of ancient Persia on this exclusive alumni UBC tour to Iran. Iran is home to some of the most sublime architecture in the world with spectacular mosques, palaces, gardens, and public buildings that will astound you with their grace and beauty. There is grace too in the warm welcome of the Iranian people and delight in the discoveries made while exploring bazaars and sipping tea by the fountains in beautiful public squares. Visit the renowned sites of ancient Persepolis, the mud-brick houses and Zoroastrian sites of Yazd, and enjoy three days to explore atmospheric Isfahan. Examine the architecture of palaces, shrines and mosques, and the influential Persian gardens with their related hydraulic engineering. Explore fascinating archaeological sites including the tomb of Cyrus the Great. Visit bustling bazaars and meet artisans practicing ancient crafts. We re travelling overland to take in the scenery and the small towns along our route. We ll have opportunities to meet people and dine in local restaurants as well as enjoy presentations from Paula and our local guides. Paula has travelled three times to Iran and knows the country well. She looks forward to sharing what she has learned and learning more with you. TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS BY:
Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan WHY ALUMNI UBC TRAVEL CLUB? Meeting a Zoroastrian priest at the Towers of Silence Visiting a village weaving studio Sipping tea with locals in Shiraz s main square Learning about Persian garden architecture Enjoying classic Iranian dishes in popular restaurants Tehran Isfahan IRAN Yazd Persepolis Shiraz Persian Gulf SAUDI ARABIA UAE Kerman plane van/bus start end Gulf of Oman OMAN STUDY LEADER Paula Swart, an art historian specializing in Asian culture, who has been a museum curator for more than 20 years. In 2012, she curated an exhibition of Buddhist art at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC. Paula holds degrees in sinology, Chinese history & archaeology, and Asian art history. She lectures on educational expeditions, and has made numerous trips to Asia including two recent trips to Iran.
DETAILED ITINERARY Monday, Oct. 1: Meet in Tehran Arrive in Tehran, where our local representative provides a transfers to our hotel. After settling into your room, there will be a briefing with Paula, your study leader, and a welcome dinner for you to meet your travel companions. Please note that many flights from North America arrive in the late evening. The timing of welcome dinner and briefing will be adjusted as needed. Overnight: Hotel Azadi, Tehran Meals: Dinner Tuesday, Oct. 2: Tehran Explore Iran s capital city with Paula and our local guide. Now home to over 12 million people, Tehran is an exciting, chaotic city; nonetheless expect to be stopped by local people welcoming you to the country. As well as getting a feel for the city, we ll visit several of the grand museums that showcase Iran s artistic and archaeological treasures; the Abguineh Glass and Ceramics Museum, displaying artifacts from 4th century BC to modern day; the National Jewelry Museum safeguarding a spectacular 182-carat pink-colored diamond and the famous Peacock Throne; and the Archaeological Museum with bronzes and artifacts from Persepolis and other ancient sites. Overnight: Hotel Azadi, Tehran Wednesday, Oct. 3: Tehran Start the day at the Golestan Palace, a spectacular complex of interesting structures constructed and renovated over a 400 year period. One of the most remarkable pieces in this ancient fortress is the Marble Throne created from 65 pieces of yellow Yazd marble. The Sa ad Abad Palace is the former residence of the deposed royal family of Iran. Today the several palaces of the complex have been converted into museums including the White and Green Palaces and several art museums. Overnight: Hotel Azadi, Tehran Golestan Palace Thursday, Oct. 4: Fly to Kerman One of the most historic cities in the country, Kerman has several eclectic reasons for being well known across the globe. Between its name as a fossil paradise, one of the top 1000 cleanest cities in the world, its history as a textile heaven, the title of the largest pistachio producer in the world, and being home to the second largest copper mine in the world, it has a lot to brag about! Visit the Friday Mosque with its spectacular vaulted entrance decorated with many shades of blue tiles and the Grand Bazaar with caravanserais, shops, restaurants, bathhouses, and many hardworking shoemakers, coppersmiths, woodworks, and other merchants. Hotel: Kerman Pars Hotel Rayen castle Friday, Oct. 5: Day trip to Rayen and Mahan Tour the well-preserved mud brick city of Rayen to see its 1000-year-old Castle in the foothills of the Hezar Mountains, surrounded by waterfalls and fruit gardens. In Mahan visit the beautiful pilgrimage shrine of the Sufi dervish Shah Ne matollah Vali, one of the most magnificent architectural masterpieces in old Persia surrounded by a delightful garden. In the small town of Jupar, visit a community of weavers to observe this tradition. Back in Kerman, visit one of perhaps ten true Persian gardens left in Iran, the UNESCO-listed Shahzadeh, an oasis of terraced pools set in front of a background of mountains. Groves of flowering almond and pomegranate trees perfume the air. Hotel: Kerman Pars Hotel Saturday, Oct. 6: Yazd Travel overland to the oasis city Yazd, one of the principal centres of the Zoroastrian religion where many people still practice the religion and philosophy based on the teachings of the prophet Zoroaster and the eternal battle of good and evil. Stop en-route at one of Shah Abbas 999 caravanserais, each one approximately 25 miles from the next along the caravan routes, the distance a laden camel can cover in a day. Yazd means to feast and worship and many Zoroastrians fleeing Arab invaders found safe haven in Yazd, as did artists and poets escaping the Mongols. Combined, they made Yazd a city of tolerance and beauty. After check-in to the hotel there is leisure time to feast on delicious nougat, pastries, and cashews while admiring beautiful carpets and the famous textiles. Overnight: Dad Hotel, Yazd
Sunday, Oct. 7: Yazd Yazd is one of the country s most atmospheric cities, a ramble of historic lanes, atmospheric teahouses, and exquisite tilework. Our walking tour of the old city reveals some of the most enchanting sights; the classical Persian walled Dowlat Abad Gardens; the wonderfully-preserved Friday Mosque on the site of an ancient Zoroastrian fire temple; and the serene Amir Chakhmaq Complex. Visit the Fire Temple to see the Sacred Eternal Flame, said to have been burning since 470 CE and learn, from a priest about its significance and the use of the Towers of Silence where the dead are cleansed by sun and wind. Overnight: Dad Hotel, Yazd Monday, Oct. 8: Shiraz Today s long drive to Shiraz takes us through the oil-rich province of Khuzestan and the tribal areas of Mamasani and Boyer-Ahmadi and into the upland Province of Fars. En route, we visit the glorious site of Pasargadae, the first capital of the Persian Empire, constructed by Cyrus the Great in 546 BCE. Though little remains of the ancient city, its diverse architectural styles show the diversity of its subjects and, with a little climb, you get to enjoy the magnificent vista of the valley below. Arrive in Shiraz, a major artistic, religious, and academic center, famed for its poetry, its luxuriant gardens, its learning centers, and extravagant architecture. Overnight: Zandieh Hotel, Shiraz Tuesday, Oct. 9: Shiraz Shiraz is known as the City of Roses and Nightingales ; our explorations today include the Eram Garden, with its beautiful cypress-lined avenues leading to an elegant summer palace, the pink-tiled nineteenth century Masjed-é Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque with fine examples of Persian Islamic tilework and stained glass work, and the gardens of the grand Naranjestan Ghavam Museum. Stop in at the lovely teahouse beside the tomb of Sa di, one of the greatest figures in classical Persian literature, to people-watch and make a wish in the fountain. Overnight: Zandieh Hotel, Shiraz Wednesday, Oct. 10: Day trip to Persepolis An early start after breakfast this morning takes us to ancient Persepolis, the heart of the Persian Empire and one of the most important sites of the Ancient World. Visit the remains of the magnificent palace complex conceived by Darius the Great in 520BCE, an eclectic complex of structures including monumental staircases decorated with massive winged bulls and a gigantic platform on which hundreds of figures carved in low relief look exactly as Darius and Xerxes saw them. This is one of the world s most extraordinary sites and will surely be one of the highlights of our trip. Overnight: Zandieh Hotel, Shiraz Thursday, Oct. 11 : Drive to Isfahan Today s drive (about six hours) takes us north to Isfahan, a living museum of traditional culture. We have two-and-a-half days to enjoy the tree-lined boulevards, the Persian gardens, the important architecture, and the historic bazaar filled with artisan workshops. The beautiful blue-tiled buildings are considered some of the most subline architecture in the world today. Overnight: Hotel Abbasi, Isfahan Friday, Oct. 12: Isfahan Start the day at one of the largest public squares in the world, the Maidan-e-Naghsh-e-Jahan, dating from the early 17th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this wondrous space is framed on all sides by architectural gems with a fountain and gardens at its centre. The entire space is a pedestrian zone, the better to appreciate the fine examples of Safavid architecture including mosques and palaces. We ll visit each of these structures and enjoy a promenade in the late afternoon when families congregate and the lights are turned on to illuminate the splendid buildings. Overnight: Hotel Abbasi, Isfahan Saturday, Oct. 13 : Isfahan Today s further exploration of Isfahan takes us to the magnificent and eclectic Friday Mosque with over 200 vaults, some of them decorated with small pointed niches or stalactite formations. In the Armenian Quarter admire some of the five graceful bridges over Isfahan s Zayandeh River and visit the All Saviours Cathedral with its beautifully ornate interior and over 20,000 volumes of literary and religious works in Armenian. Visit the new Fire Temple where the city s Zoroastrian minority comes to worship to converse with a priest and learn more about the beliefs of Zoroastrianism. Enter Isfahan s amazing 17th century Qeisarieh Bazaar and stroll the narrow lanes lined with artisans and shopkeepers. Celebrate our voyage of discovery with a splendid dinner together this evening. Overnight: Hotel Abbasi, Isfahan Sunday, Oct. 14: Depart Isfahan This morning we depart Isfahan for our short flight back to Tehran with onward connections to homeward-bound flights. Meals: Breakfast at hotel or aloft (depending on flight times) Note: The itinerary and accommodation described in this tour brochure are subject to change due to logistical arrangements and to take advantage of local events.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION TABRIZ AND THE CASPIAN SEA Sunday, Oct. 14: Fly to Tabriz Today you will be transferred to the airport for the flight, via Tehran, to Tabriz, Iran s fourth largest city. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Although the early history of Tabriz is shrouded in legend and mystery, the town s origins are believed to date back to distant antiquity, perhaps even before the Sassanian period (224-637). Tabriz was the capital of Azerbaijan in the 3rd century CE and again under the Mongol dynasty. Overnight: Pars El-Goli Hotel, Tabriz Monday, Oct. 15: Tabriz Today we explore the city, starting with the Tabriz Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered bazaars in the world. The UNESCO-listed Tabriz Bazaar was already flourishing in the 13th century, a hub of Silk Road commerce. We ll travel to the nearby city of Kandovan, dating from the 7th century BCE. Here houses resemble caves, dug out of the mountainside. Overnight: Pars El-Goli Hotel, Tabriz Tuesday, Oct. 16: Drive to Ardabil Today s drive takes us through the mountainous Ardabil province to the city of the same name. The city is over 1500 years old and was closely associated with Zoroaster, the Iranian prophet. Once of major importance on the trade route from west to east, the city is now famed for its many thermal springs with therapeutic qualities. Overnight: Laleh Sarein Hotel, Ardabil OCT. 14 20, 2018 Wednesday, Oct. 17: Drive to Bandar e Anzali This area is popular for Iran s domestic tourists and rarely visited by others. Originally developed by the Russians in the nineteenth century, Bandar-e Anzali is now Iran s major port on the Caspian, the world s largest lake, and producer of 95% of the world s caviar. The city and local area sites include the long harbour promenade and the nearby delta of the Sefid Rud, the world s largest fresh water lagoon. Overnight: Sepid Kenar Hotel, Bandar e Anzali Thursday, Oct. 18: Bandar e Anzali This morning we ll visit the nearby village of Massooleh, one of the most beautiful of the traditional villages in the province. The village is built up on irregular terraces on the mountainside. We ll spend the afternoon taking in village life as it has been for centuries. Overnight: Sepid Kenar Hotel, Bandar e Anzali Friday, Oct. 19: Bandar e Anzali - Caspian Sea - Tehran The Caspian coastline is an area of lush vegetation and spectacular natural scenery with sandy beaches giving way to wide open steppes, thickly forested foothills and the bare peaks of the Alborz mountain range. We ll drive along the coastline, then south, returning to Tehran. Overnight: Espinas Hotel, Tehran Saturday, Oct. 20: Depart Tehran Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. Meals: Breakfast
Vakil mosque in Shiraz TOUR DETAILS Tour Cost (per person): C$5995 Taxes and Gratuities: C$300 Single Supplement: C$1495 We would be happy to try to match you with a suitable roommate. If we are unable to, the single supplement will apply. Group Size: 15 18 participants What s Included: Airport transfers for passengers arriving and departing as per the group itinerary Accommodation based on double occupancy in hotels listed or similar Meals as listed in the itinerary Bottled water, tea, coffee with meals Sightseeing with local qualified English-speaking guides All activities and entrance fees All internal transportation by air-conditioned private coach Bottled water available on the coach Flight from Tehran to Kerman in economy class Flight from Isfahan to Tehran in economy class Iran visa invitation Gratuities as indicated (for guides, drivers, hotels, restaurants) Fully escorted by Paula Swart Not Included: Airfare from your home to join the tour Visa fees (approximately US$75) Fuel surcharges, if applicable Travel insurance Excess baggage charges Items of a personal nature Additional arrangements required due to any emergency or other situation Payment Details: A non-refundable deposit of C$500 per person is required to reserve your space on this tour. A second payment of C$1000 is due six months prior to departure. The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. HOW TO BOOK Please contact Worldwide Quest. 1-800-387-1483
Joining Instructions To be advised. WHAT TO EXPECT Level of Activity: Moderate This tour involves walking on uneven terrain and irregular paving. There are some steep ascents to visit some of the sights. You should be able to walk unassisted for up to two hours. Should you have any questions about your ability to take part in this tour, please give us a call. Accommodation You can expect comfortable accommodation with private facilities. However, these are not 5 star hotels so are not always up to the standards in the West. Safaiyeh Hotel, Yazd Transportation We will be travelling by air-conditioned coach driven by a professional driver. There are some four- and six-hour long coach journeys with limited facilities en route. Weather October is a comfortable month to travel in Iran with plenty of sunshine and minimal rainfall. Temperatures range from highs of 22 C - 27 C and overnight lows of 11 C 18 C. Travel Documents You will require a passport for this trip. Please ensure it is valid for at least six months beyond your scheduled return home. Canadian, USA and UK passport holders will require a visa for your trip to Iran. Visas can take from eight to ten weeks to process. We will provide detailed instructions and assistance in obtaining your visa. ADDITIONAL INFO Terms and Conditions For additional information about our terms and conditions, please refer to your booking form, the current brochure or our website. All participants booking with Worldwide Quest are covered by the terms of the Ontario Travel Industry Act (Worldwide Quest International, Ontario - License # 2667946). Cancellation Policy All payments are non-refundable, however you may transfer your initial deposit for any land tour to another tour 90 days or more prior to your scheduled departure date. Initial deposits for cruises are non-refundable and non-transferable. Your second payment and your final payment are nonrefundable and non-transferable. If you cancel within 90 days prior to trip departure, all associated trip costs are nonrefundable. The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credits will be given for services not used. In the event of a cancellation, you must notify Worldwide Quest immediately and in writing. Travel Insurance We urge you to ensure that you have adequate cancellation and medical insurance in place, should an unexpected event cause you to cancel or interrupt your trip or should the tour not be operable per our terms and conditions. We will offer you Manulife insurance coverage. Medical insurance including emergency medical evacuation coverage is mandatory on all our tours. TRAVEL WITH ALUMNI UBC It s your travel experience. Indulge your curiosity as we take you to unique places you ve always dreamed about. UBC experts and knowledgeable local hosts provide context. That allows you to develop a deep connection to the people you meet and the cultures, cuisines and landscapes you re exploring. Best value in educational travel Meaningful local experiences Thoughtful itineraries See our complete list of tours at: WorldwideQuest.com/alumniUBC TICO#: 2667946 The University of British Columbia Alumni Association will not be responsible for the financing, the arranging, or the conducting of these tours. They assume no liability or responsibility for damages or financial loss to person howsoever arising from the negligence, omission or otherwise of travel services arranged through Worldwide Quest International. Refer to the General Terms and Conditions established by Worldwide Quest International with respect to participating in this tour.