The Archaeology Channel - Tour of Iran
The Archaeology Channel - Tour of Iran
A wonderful display of ancient and medieval antiquities, including some of the most iconic objects of Ancient Persia.
The best preserved zuggurat in the world, built by the King of Elam about 1250 BC. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The ceremonial capital of the Persian Empire, built in the fifth and sixth centuries BC during the reigns of Darius I and Xerxes I and destroyed by the Macedonian army under Alexander the Great in 330 BC. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The largest adobe building in the world, this ancient fortress on the Silk Road dates back to the Parthian Empire and had its heyday between the seventh and eleventh centuries AD. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This neoclassical building in Yazd houses a flame that is said to have been burning continuously since AD 470. It is cherished by followers of Zoroastrianism, a Persian religion that could be 3000 years old. Fire is a primary symbol of Zoroastrianism
One of the oldest mosques still standing in Iran, this structure dates back to AD 771. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In a suburb of Kashan sits the Tepe Sialk ziggurat, constructed around 3000 BC, which is about 400 years earlier than the Great Pyramid of Khufu in Egypt. The culture that built this was part of or related to the civilization of Elam.
Divided into several corridors over 10 km in length, this massive indoor marketplace reflects Tehran's millenniaold standing as a trading center on the Silk Road
Organized by Archaeological Legacy Institute (ALI).
In partnership with Pars Tourist Agency, Shiraz, Iran.
A tour led by archaeologist and ALI Executive Director Dr. Richard Pettigrew
This 17-day tour will lead you through the heartland of ancient and medieval Persia and stop at the most important and iconic places in Persian history.
Every night you will stay in a four-star hotel in one of six key cities.
The journey will begin in Tehran with a series of museum visits, followed on Day 2 by a flight to Ahvaz at the edge of the Mesopotamian lowlands.
From there you see ancient Susa, capital of the Elamite and Persian empires and the location of the Bridge of Valerian, built by captured Roman soldiers. You'll visit the world's best-preserved ziggurat.
Then driving southeast toward Shiraz, you visit the Sassanid capital of Bishapur and the nearby dramatic historical sculptures and reliefs. In and around Shiraz, you stop at spectacular medieval mosques, tombs and gardens before venturing out to Persepolis and other ancient Persian sites.
On Day 7 you drive to Kerman, famous for its carpets and pistachios but also your base for visiting our southernmost destinations, the massive Bam Citadel and the ancient mounds of the mysterious Jiroft Civilization.
Day 10 finds you driving north to the wonderfully preserved medieval city of Yazd, with its fortresses, caravansarai, mosque, and Zoroastrian Fire Temple and Towers of Silence.
On Day 12 you continue north to Isfahan, said by many to be Iran's most beautiful city, with its palaces, mosque, old bazaar, and even an ornate Christian church.
Day 15 takes you through Kashan and its fine old houses as well as the 5000 year old ziggurat of Tepe Sialk, on your way back to Tehran.
Your last full day leads you through Tehran with stops at the ancient Silk Road city of Rey, the Grand Bazaar of Tehran and the modern Milad Tower, the sixth-tallest telecommunications tower in the world.
Total Price: $3750-3990 depending on number of participants. (add $605 for single lodging)
Registration fee: $1000 to ALI by registration deadline of July 14. (included in total price)
Costs not included: Iran visa; air fare to Tehran
Date: October 24 - November 9, 2017
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