The Persian Empire And Alexander

12 Pages·2016·2.6 MB·English

In conjunction with
Iran
The Near East Archaeological
Foundation, Sydney University

The Persian Empire
And Alexander

September 17 – October 7, 2016
Tour leader: Dr John Tidmarsh
Iran
The Persian empire and Alexander

Overview
Join us as we travel through the strikingly picturesque and dramatic
landscapes of Iran and trace the footsteps of Alexander the Great through
the heartland of the vast Persian empire.

Starting in Tehran we enter the world of the formidable Persian Empire
destroyed by Alexander. We follow (but in reverse) Alexander’s path
along the northern edge of the formidable Dasht-i Kavir salt desert (later
to become one of the main branches of the Silk Route) as the
Macedonian king desperately (and ultimately, in vain) pursued the
defeated Darius and his kinsman Bessus.

We visit the great palaces of Persepolis and Pasargadae, the
Achaemenid royal burial ground of Naqsh-i Rustam, and Hamadan;
ancient Ecbatana where Alexander arranged for the execution of his old
general Parmenio and mourned his closest companion, Hephaisteion.
We also explore the beautiful city of Bishapur, capital of the great
Sassanian king Shapur I who attempted to emulate the conquests of his
Achaemenid forebears. Then on to Isfahan, Pearl of Islam among whose
earliest inhabitants were those Jews from Babylon freed by Cyrus the
Great.
We have ample time to wander through and explore some of the finest
and most picturesque cities in the Islamic world such as the fabled
Mashhad, home to the tomb of the eighth Shiite Imam, Shiraz (“City of
Nightingales and Roses”) and, above all, Isfahan.

The tour is enhanced by a series of talks and lectures by John Tidmarsh
on Alexander’s campaigns, the mighty Persian Empire which he
destroyed, and the opulent Hellenistic kingdoms which arose after his
death.
Some highlights
 The decadent palaces and museums in Tehran including the
Crown Jewels Museum
 The pilgrimage city of Mashhad in the East
 The rarely visited desert fortresses of Robat-e Sharaf and
Khalat-e Naderi in the north east
 Travel along the ancient silk route on the low plains of the Great
Salt Desert between Mashhad and Tehran
 Safavid sites near Hamadan and the Achaemenid period fortress
of Hagmatana
 Four nights staying in Isfahan, the jewel of ancient Persia
 Four nights in Shiraz visiting the great classical sites of
Persepolis and Pasargadae
 The imposing Sassanian rock-reliefs at Bishapur

L eft: detail of the Alexander Mosaic depicting a battle between the armies of
Alexander the Great and Darius III of Persia, now housed in the National

Archaeological Museum, Naples; detailed decoration from Persepolis celebrates
the achievements of the Achaemenid Kings
Tour Leader
Tour Price
Dr John Tidmarsh is
The tour price is $9,690 per person, twin share accommodation. The
president of the University of
supplement for a single room is $1,640 per person. A non-refundable
Sydney's Near Eastern
deposit of $500 per person is required to secure a place on the tour.
Archaeology Foundation, and
a former lecturer in the
Included in the tour price
Department of Archaeology.
 One way economy flights between Tehran and Mashhad and from He is also Co-Director of the
Shiraz to Tehran University's excavations at Pella in Jordan, and
 Land travel in Iran by private air-conditioned coach has also excavated in Greece and Cyprus. He
 All accommodation in selected two to five star hotels has led numerous tours to Oman, Iran, Turkey,
Syria, Jordan and other countries in the eastern
 Porterage of luggage in and out of hotels
Mediterranean.
 All breakfasts, lunches and dinners in hotels and restaurants as

indicated in this itinerary
 All entrance fees to sites mentioned in this itinerary
 Services of tour leader throughout the tour
 Qualified local guides throughout the tour
 Illustrated background talks
 Tips to local guides, drivers and restaurants
 Visa costs for Iran
Not included in tour price
 Return international airfares
 Travel insurance
 Meals not stated as included in this itinerary
 Expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls and
internet usage

Air travel OPTIONS
The tour price quoted is for land content only. For this tour we
recommend Etihad or Emirates who flies into and out of Tehran from
most Australian ports. Please contact us for further information on
competitive Economy, Business, or First Class airfares for Etihad,
Emirates or another carrier of your choice.
Airport transfers
Transfers are included for passengers booking their flights through
Academy Travel. Please contact Stuart Barrie for further details regarding
transfers.
Enquiries and bookings
For further information or to secure a place on this tour please contact
Stuart Barrie at Academy Travel, on 9235 0023 or 1800 639 699
(outside Sydney) or email [email protected]

Left: detail of the music room at the Ali Qapu Palace in Isfahan which is
known for its fantastic acoustics; exquisite craftsmanship on display in
the tile work at the grand Sheik Loftollah Mosque in Isfahan
Iran
The Persian empire and Alexander

Detailed Itinerary
All breakfasts included. Included lunches and dinners are indicated by the
letters (L) and (D).
saturday 17 September
Arrive in Tehran
Arrive into Tehran and transfer to our hotel. Meet your fellow travellers
over dinner in the hotel this evening. (D)
sunday 18 September
TEhran
Our touring today provides us with an overview of Iran’s history and
culture, with visits to several of Tehran’s well regarded museums. Our first
visit is to the archaeology museum with its collection showcasing the
ancient cultures of Iran, from its prehistory to Elamite and ancient Persia.
Set in a 19th-century Qajar house, the glass and ceramics museum
Above: Sassanid and Islamic architecture combine in this
houses an extraordinary collection of works dating from the 4th millennium
design for the Azadi or Freedom Tower in Tehran
BC to the contemporary era. After a break for lunch we continue on to the
Below: gold rams head in the Reza Abassi Museum; the
Haram-e Razavi complex is a popular site for Shi'ite pilgrims Reza Abassi Museum. The museum has select examples of the finest
artworks produced in Iran, including Achaemenid gold vessels and
outstanding examples of early Islamic ceramics, calligraphy and

miniatures. We gather this evening for our welcome dinner in a local
restaurant. Overnight Tehran (B, L, D)

monday 19 September
TO MAshhad
We transfer to the airport this morning for our flight to Mashhad. Mashhad
lies on the ancient silk route and is the second most populous city in Iran.
For centuries Mashhad derived its wealth both from its favourable position
on the east-west caravan routes between India and Iran and those running
north-south between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf, and from the
agricultural produce from the fertile valleys surrounding the city. Now of
course its wealth has increased as a result of the millions of pilgrims who
flock to the city annually. On arrival we have a brief orientation tour of the
city before checking into our hotel. Dinner is in the hotel this evening.
Overnight Mashhad (B, L, D)
Tuesday 20 September
MAshhad & Tus
Mashhad has long been a centre of pilgrimage but it was only under
Safavid rule, when the Shi’ite faith was adopted as the nation’s religion,
that it became the holiest city in Iran. This morning we visit the vast
Haram-e Razavi, the shrine complex of Imam Reza, the eighth Shi’ite
Imam who died in the village of Sanabad in 817 AD. The Imam was said
to have been poisoned on the orders of the Abbasid Caliph Ma’mun who,
nevertheless, buried him next to the tomb of his own father, the illustrious
Harun al-Rashid. We explore the outer courtyards and visit the quirky
collection in the main museum and the carpet museum. After lunch in a
local restaurant we head to Tus where the celebrated 11th-century poet,
Ferdosi is buried. We visit the old city walls and Gonbad-e Haruniyeh, a
14th-century domed brick mausoleum. Overnight Mashhad (B, L, D)
wednesday 21 September
Robat-e SHaraf
Approximately two hour's drive from Mashhad is Robat-e Sharaf standing
isolated in the desert landscape. Constructed under Sultan Sanjar in the
early 12th century, this structure with its two courtyards (each with four
iwans) within strong fortification walls served as both a royal mosque and
caravanserai. Its strategic position on the Silk Route made it an important
rest stop for travellers as indicated by the small mihrab to one side on the
exterior walls, showing the direction of prayer to journey makers who
arrived after the gates were closed. Our visit includes the inner courtyard,
the central iwan, with its intricate brickwork façade that opens into a
domed chamber flanked by two large and self-contained suites. We return
to Mashhad this afternoon where dinner is at the hotel. Overnight
Mashhad (B, L, D)
thursday 22 September
Kalat-e Naderi
Kalat is an elevated, isolated natural plateau in the Khorasan Mountains,
edged with steep cliffs that transform it into an almost impenetrable natural
fortress. Used as a defensive post since before the Achaemenid era it is
the only fortress to withstand a siege by Tamerlane. We visit the Khorshid
Palace built at the time of Nader Shah, the great military commander and
ruler of Persia, to house the royal family. The cylindrical façade stands 20
metres high and houses 12 rooms decorated with paintings and
ornamental plaster mouldings. The building also houses a small ethnology
museum depicting local Khorasan village life. After lunch, there is time to
explore further before returning to Mashhad where dinner is in the hotel or
a local restaurant. Overnight Mashhad (B, L, D)
Above: Isolated in the landscape Robat-e Sharaf served as
friday 23 September
both a palace and a rest stop for travellers; the blue-tiled
to sharud monastery complex of Sufi philosopher, Bayazid-e Bastami
Below: The Arab plan if the Tarik Khana Mosque in
We depart by coach this morning for Bastam. After lunch in the town we Damghan is unusual for Iran
visit the blue-tiled monastery complex of Bayazid-e Bastami, an influential
ninth century Sufi philosopher. The site is made up of a mausoleum,
mosque wall and minaret decorated with outstanding stucco motifs. We
stay in nearby Shahrud this evening where dinner is in the hotel.
Overnight Shahrud (B, L, D)
saturday 24 September
Return to Tehran
Today's journey back to Tehran takes us to Damghan, a caravan town
situated on the great desert plateau. The eight century Tarik Khana
Mosque is one of the few in Iran built to reflect the Arab plan with an
arcaded court, low thick columns, stuccoed brick and hypostyle prayer
hall, differing greatly from the tiled, four iwan mosques we have
encountered so far. Arriving in Tehran in the late afternoon there is time to
relax before dinner in the hotel. Overnight Tehran (B, L, D)
sunday 25 September
golestan Palace – crown jewels museum
This morning our focus is the Golestan Palace Complex, built by the 19th-
Iran
The Persian empire and Alexander

century Qajar kings. Here we see the Marble Throne, an intricately carved
ensemble of more than 65 pieces of stone, and a photographic exhibition
of old Tehran. The afternoon is a highlight, with a visit to the Crown Jewels
Museum. It showcases some of the magnificent jewellery belonging to the
last kings of Iran, including the Darya-i Nur (Sea of Light), the largest
uncut diamond in the world, and the ‘Globe of Jewels’, a map of the world
in emerald, sapphire, ruby, and diamonds. Overnight Tehran (B, L, D)
monday 26 September
Niavaran Palace
Today we head to Tehran’s northern suburbs to visit the Niavaran Palace,
a historical and cultural complex consisting of five museums set among
tree filled gardens. The palace traces its origins to a garden in Niavaran
that was used as the summer residence of the Qajar rulers. The main
Niavaran Palace, completed in 1968, was the primary residence of
Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran. We travel into the Alborz
Above: the intricately carved Marble Throne on display in the
Mountains for lunch before we exploring the local area which has a
Golestan Palace Complex
Below: The sprawling suburbs of Tehran with the Alborz cosmopolitan atmosphere, swanky shops and expensive houses. We
Mountains in the background; detail from the Qajar shrine of return to the city where dinner is in the hotel or a local restaurant this
Zadeh Hossein in Hamadan evening. Overnight Tehran (B, L, D)

Tuesday 27 September
To hamadan
We depart Tehran today and head south-west to Hamadan (ancient
Ecbatana). En route we stop in Qazvin, the second capital of the Safavid
Empire. Here we visit the Friday Mosque and the Qajar shrine of Zadeh
Hossein. After a break for lunch we continue to Hamadan via the Median
fort of Nush-e Jan, site of the earliest known Iranian fire temple. After
checking into or hotel, we stop at the stone lion (Sang-e Shir) which is all
that remains of a funerary monument to Hephaisteion, and Ganj Nameh,
where we will see some excellent examples of ancient rock-cut
inscriptions before continuing to our hotel. Overnight Hamadan (B, L, D)
wednesday 28 September
HAgmatana
Our focus today is the ancient Median and Achaemenid period fortress of
Hagmatana, the capital of Medes and one of the capitals of the
Achaemenid Empire. The museum here shows some fine archaeological
finds including large amphorae, Acheamenid pillar bases and Parthian
coffins. This afternoon we visit the Mausoleum of Esther, the Achaemenid
Queen and wife of Xerxes and her uncle, Mordeccai, a site of pilgrimage
for Iranian Jews. Overnight Hamadan (B, L, D)
thursday 29 September
To Isfahan
Departing Hamadan we make the approx 520km journey to Isfahan
stopping at the small towns of Arak and Khomeyn, famous as the birth
place of the leader of the Iranian Revolution, Ruhollah Khomeini. Arriving
in Isfahan there is time to freshen up and relax before dinner in the hotel.
Overnight Isfahan (B, L, D)
friday 30 September
Touring Isfahan
We spend a full day touring the beautiful city of Isfahan, the 17th century
Safavid capital. Following the riverbank we survey three impressive
bridges, the Sharestan Bridge with its eleven arches constructed from
brick and stone in the 12th century, the Khaju Bridge perhaps the finest
with two levels of terraced arcades and the Sio-Se Bridge one of the best
examples of Safavid design. In the Armenian Quarter of Jolfa we see
several churches, including the important Cathedral of Vank. After lunch,
we explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Naqsh-e Jahan Square.
From the elegant Sheikh Lotfallah Shrine to the grand Imam Mosque, no
expense was spared to decorate this square. The Ali Qapu Palace had
some of the best acoustics in the medieval world with its innovative music
room. The grandest of the grand bazaars of Iran also originates in this
square, with miles of shopping for those who can’t resist. Dinner is in a
restaurant in the Maidan. Overnight Isfahan (B, L, D)
saturday 1 october
Isfahan
Our explorations continue at Chehel Sotun, a 17th-century garden palace
of the Safavid kings built in the Achaemenid style. The unusual portico
entrance to the palace has twenty columns: when reflected in the pool, the
illusion of forty columns symbolises the forty days of mourning for the
death of Mohammad’s grandson Hossein. The building’s historical wall
paintings show the evolution of Iranian art and history. Before lunch we
visit the Hasht Beshesht or “Eight Paradises” Palace, whose interior
features impressive mosaics and moulded ceilings. The afternoon is at
leisure or to shop in the bazaar. Overnight Isfahan (B, L, D)
sunday 2 october
At Leisure
Today is at leisure to further your explorations of Isfahan. Overnight
Isfahan (B)
monday 3 October
Above: The Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque is one of the many
Pasargadae
beautiful buildings found around Naqsh-e Jahan Square in
Isfahan; decorations adorn the walls of Chehel Sotun Palace
We depart for Shiraz stopping at the archaeological site of Pasargadae on
Below: The imposing gate of all nations at Persepolis
the way. Construction of the city was begun by Cyrus the Great, an

enlightened ruler who wished to create a society in which the diverse
cultures of each region were respected and promoted under Persian
administration. Cyrus was killed in battle before his great city was finished
and the site became his final resting place. Today we visit his tomb and
the ruins of his nearby gardens and palaces which were plundered by
Alexander. Continue to Shiraz and check into our hotel. Overnight Shiraz
(B, L, D)
Tuesday 4 October
Persepolis
Persepolis, the best-preserved city of ancient Persia, is our destination
today. Dating from the sixth century BC, Persepolis was the home of
Darius, Xerxes, and the Achaemenid kings, who built Iran into a major
Iran
The Persian empire and Alexander

power of the ancient world. No expense was spared on the detailed relief
decoration that celebrated their achievements. On the way to Persepolis

we visit the ancient fire temple Kab-e Zaratosht and the nearby royal
tombs at Naqsh-e Rostam, as well as the coronation site of the Sassanian
Kings at Naqsh-e Rajab. Overnight Shiraz (B, L, D)
Wednesday 5 October
Bishapur
Today we visit the Sassanian city of Bishapur, built by Shapur I after he
defeated three successive Roman Emperors and subsequently brought
over 70,000 Roman captives to Iran to help construct his empire. The
Temple of Anahita, the goddess associated with water, brought water from
miles away and led through a series of underground channels (qanats) to
the elegant subterranean temple. Shapur’s Palace had a Roman Mosaic
Hall and a central court possibly covered by a dome. At Tang-e Chogan,
on either side of a narrow gorge, there are six Sasanian rock-reliefs
commemorating Shapur’s victories over the Romans and other
adversaries. Returning to Shiraz the afternoon is at leisure. Overnight
Shiraz (B, L, D)
thursday 6 October
At LEisure
Today is at leisure to enjoy Shiraz. This evening we gather for our farewell
Above: Royal tombs carved into the rock face at Naqsh-e dinner. Overnight Shiraz (B, D)
Rostam
Friday 7 October
Below: The Sassanian city of Bishapur featured a Roman
Departure
mosaic hall built by Roman captives brought to Iran after
Shapur defeated the Roman Emperors
We transfer from our hotel for our flight to Tehran to meet international

connections. (B)
Hotel Information
Tehran, laleh Hotel (5 nights total)
Well located five-star hotel in walking distance of Laleh Park. Rooms are
equipped with all the western comforts including satellite television and
cable television, wireless internet connection and air-conditioning.
Mashhad, Homa Hotel 2 (4 nights)
A five-star property built with typical Iranian architecture andlocated in a
peaceful park side location is Mashad.
shahrud, Tourist Inn (1 night)
Conveniently located in central Shahrud this is the best option for our one
night stay.
Hamadan, azadi hotel (2 nights)
Four-star, forty five room hotel run by the well regarded Parsian Hotels
group. Centrally located in the North of Hamadan.
Isfahan, abbasi Hotel (4 nights)
Set in a historic 300 year old building, the hotel is conveniently located in
the centre of Isfahan.
Above: A standard room at the Laleh Hotel in Tehran; the
shiraz, homa Hotel (4 nights) pleasant gardens and courtyards of the Abbasi Hotel In
Isfahan make this hotel an eternal favourite
This five-star hotel in Shiraz is located in a quiet, parkland district Below: A room at the Abbasi Hotel, Isfahan; and the striking
Homa Hotel in Shiraz
northwest of the city centre.

* Hotels may be subject to change (to another hotel of equivalent quality). Any
changes will be advised to all clients booked on the tour

Additional travel
AND stopovers
We are more than happy to arrange additional travel either before or after
the tour dates. Stopovers on the outbound or return flight are also possible
for those wishing to break their journey. Please contact Stuart Barrie on
[phone] to discuss your requirements.
Iran
the persian empire and Alexander

Physical Requirements of
THIS tour
Physical rating
It is important both for you and for your fellow travellers that you are fit
enough to be able to enjoy all the activities on this tour. To give you an
indication of the level of physical fitness required to participate on our
tours, we have given them a star grading. Academy Travel’s tours tend to
feature extended walking tours and site visits, which require greater
fitness than coach touring. We ask you instead to consider carefully your
ability to meet the physical demands of the tour.
Participation criteria for this tour
This Grade Two tour is designed for people who lead active lives and can
comfortably participate in up to five hours of physical activity per day on
most days, including longer walking tours, challenging archaeological
sites, climbing stairs, embarking and disembarking trains and/or boats,
and a more demanding tour schedule with one night stops or several
internal flights.
You should be able to:
Above: a vendor displays his wares of dried fruits, spices
 keep up with the group at all times
and nuts in the Grand Bazaar at Isfahan
 walk for 4-5 kilometres at a moderate pace with only short breaks
Below: the main entrance to Robat-e Sharaf, the 12th  stand for a reasonable length of time in galleries and museums
century fortification constructed under the rule of Sultan
 tolerate uncomfortable climatic conditions such as cold, humidity and
Sunjar
heat

 walk up and down slopes
 negotiate steps and slopes on archaeological sites, which are often
uneven and unstable
 get on and off a large coach with steep stairs, train or boat
unassisted, possibly with luggage
 move your luggage a short distance if required
A note for older travellers
If you are more than 80 years old, or have restricted mobility, it is highly
likely that you will find this itinerary challenging. You will have to miss
several activities and will not get the full value of the tour. Your booking
will not be accepted until after you have contacted Academy Travel to
discuss your situation and the exact physical requirements of this tour.
While we will do our best to reasonably accommodate the physical needs
of all group members, we reserve the right to refuse bookings if we feel
that the requirements of the tour are too demanding for you and/or if local
conditions mean we cannot reasonably accommodate your condition.