Museum Travel Alliance -- Iran: Architecture, Gardens & Design

MUSEUM
TRAVEL
ALLIANCE
Iran: Architecture, Gardens & Design
Shiraz, Persepolis, Isfahan, Kashan & Tehran
September 12–22, 2019

MUSEUM
TRAVEL
ALLIANCE
Dear Travelers and Friends,
If you have always been intrigued by ancient cultures and great civilizations, then 2019 could be the year for a
unique discovery and experience.
The Museum Travel Alliance is pleased to offer a new Iran tour, "Architecture, Gardens & Design in
Iran" (September 12–22, 2019). Travelers on this exclusive journey will discover the country’s most spectacular
museums, ancient sites, mosques, palaces, and public centers. They will also enjoy Iran’s contemporary culture, with
opportunities to attend a live performance of traditional Persian music, dine at local restaurants, see contemporary art,
meet artists, and shop at lively bazaars.
Begin in Shiraz to admire tombs of mystical Persian poets, elegant architecture, and fine handicrafts. In
Persepolis, wander vast ruins that have remained nearly unchanged since the city was destroyed by Alexander the
Great. Continue to Isfahan, the 17th-century capital of the Safavid Dynasty, to stroll the magnificent square (the
Maidan-e-Naghsh-e-Jahan), and explore a sumptuous palace, a music museum, the city’s Armenian Quarter, and
a historic bazaar known for its handicrafts and kilim rugs. Our journey concludes in the capital of Tehran. Explore
collections of art, artifacts, and jewelry at several of the city’s finest museums, and admire extraordinary tilework at
the UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace complex. There will also be opportunities to see some of Iran’s famous gardens in
Shiraz, Isfahan, and Kashan.
Arrangements Abroad, the tour operator for MTA, has taken travelers to Iran for many years. The local tour
operator has been a trusted partner on all these trips, and we’ll have one of the top guides in the country. I had the
opportunity to travel to Iran in 2017 with my wife Liz. We found the Iranian people to be extremely gracious and
welcoming towards Americans and the sights inspiring—far beyond our expectations. From the haunting caravanserais
along the old trade routes to the splendidly tiled city mosques, the country’s elegant 2,500-year-old heritage exists
alongside a new creative energy.
With the endless array of cultural splendors that awaits, this journey to Iran promises to be a trip of a
lifetime. And you will enjoy traveling in the congenial company of members from a number of museums and cultural
institutions. We hope you will join us.
SPECIAL NOTE ON THE REQUIRED VISA: Due to strict guidelines imposed
for necessary visas to travel to Iran, the deadline for enrollment in this
September program is May 15, 2019. A passport-sized photo is required for
enrollment. Please review the U.S. State Department’s Travel Advisory for
Iran at travel.state.gov. Arrangements Abroad has safely operated a dozen
trips to Iran over the last decade and welcomes your participation.
Sincerely,
Jim Friedlander
President,
Museum Travel Alliance
HIGHLIGHTS
DISCOVER UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from
ancient ruins to medieval mosques to lush gardens.
This includes visits to ten palaces and houses, eight
museums and collections, seven mosques, six gardens,
three ruins, two bazaars, and one vault filled with
gems and jewels.
BROWSE age-old bazaars in Shiraz and Isfahan.
MARVEL at the 2,500-year-old ruins of
Persepolis, once the center of the great Persian
Empire and one of the most important sites of the
Ancient World.
MEET contemporary artists during private gallery
visits, and learn about the creation of beautiful
Persian carpets.

Iran: Architecture, Gardens & Design
Shiraz, Persepolis, Isfahan, Kashan & Tehran
September 12–22, 2019
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12: ISTANBUL AIRPORT
Arrive independently to Istanbul Airport by late
afternoon. We will meet there to connect to our late-night
flight to Shiraz.
Narenjestan Palace, Shiraz
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13: SHIRAZ
Arrive in Shiraz in the early hours and transfer to the Homa
Hotel for time to rest. Rooms have been reserved from the
night before, so they will be ready for us. In the afternoon,
depart to visit the Qajar-period Narenjestan Palace and
Garden and the elegant Pars Museum. We will also see the
tomb of the poet Saadi and the Masjid-i-Vakil, a mosque
famed for its spacious prayer hall of vaulted bays, twisting
columns, and stained-glass windows. This evening stop at a
carpet merchant before dinner.
B,L,D
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14: SHIRAZ
After breakfast, depart for the pink-tiled 19th-century
Nasir-al-Mulk (Pink Mosque) to see its beautiful stainedglass
windows in the morning light. Continue to the Khan
Madrasa (school) to see a restoration workshop, and
stop at the Vakil Bazaar. This afternoon, visit the Stone
Museum and see the tomb of Hafez (time permitting). In
the evening, explore the Naranj Art Gallery before dinner,
where we hope to be joined by some artists. B,L,D
Abstract Calligraphy by Amin Ashrafian, Naranj Art Gallery, Shiraz
Nasir-al-Mulk (Pink Mosque), Shiraz

Entry doors and windows of the Great Palace of Xerxes, Persepolis
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15: PERSEPOLIS / ISFAHAN
Today drive to Isfahan, stopping en route in Persepolis.
Once the center of the Persian Empire, Persepolis was
one of the most important sites of the ancient world. At
the fascinating necropolis of Naghsh-é-Rostam, see the
Royal Tombs and the Ka’bé-Zardosht “fire temple.” After
lunch, we continue northwards, stopping to see the 17thcentury
Safavid caravanserai. On the ancient Silk Road,
a caravanserai (roadside inn) served travelers to rest and
recover during journeys. We will also see the hilltop remains
of the ancient castle at the Izad-Khast. The complex is
under consideration to join World Heritage List. Arrive in
Isfahan for check-in and dinner at the elegant Hotel Abbasi,
where we'll stay for three nights.
B,L,D
Caravanserai, Izad-Khast
The necropolis of Naghsh-é-Rostam, Persepolis
NEAR PERSEPOLIS: The necropolis of Naghsh-é-Rostam
House-Studio Museum of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo

Copper wares in the bazaar, Isfahan
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16: ISFAHAN
Isfahan, the 17th-century capital of the Safavid Dynasty,
is referred to as Nesf-e-Jahan, or “Half of the World.”
Admire the domes and walls surrounding the UNESCOlisted
square, Maidan-e-Naghsh-e-Jahan. The square is
flanked by the Ali-Qapu Palace and two of the world’s
greatest mosques: the Sheikh Lotfollah and the Masjid-i
Iman, both featuring splendid tile work. No visit to
Isfahan would be complete without a stop at the historic
bazaar, where hundreds of shops sell traditional Persian
handicrafts. After lunch, we will also see the Hasht Behesht
Pavilion, set amongst tree-lined alleys, a reflecting pool,
and water rills. End the afternoon with a visit to the Khaiu
Bridge, one of Isfahan’s famous eleven bridges. Enjoy an
optional visit to a carpet weaver, followed by dinner
at a restaurant.
B,L,D
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17: ISFAHAN
This morning, marvel at the sumptuous Palace of Chehel
Sotoun, whose twenty columns reflected in the garden
pool give the palace its name of “Forty Columns.” Tour the
Decorative Arts Museum before continuing to the Music
Museum to admire its collection of traditional Persian
instruments and attend a performance. Before lunch, we
will also see the Armenian Quarter, where Shah Abbas I
transplanted a colony of skilled Christian entrepreneurs in
1604. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Friday Mosque
or Masjid-I Jameh, considered to be a museum of more
than a thousand years of religious architecture. Explore a
local art gallery before dinner.
B,L,D
Masjid-i Iman, formerly known as the Shah Mosque, Isfahan

Tabatabaee House, Kashan
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18: ISFAHAN /
KASHAN / TEHRAN
Drive north to Kashan, known as the City of Roses, to find
shops selling rose water, fragrances, soaps, lotions, and
even rose candies. We'll discover the UNESCO-listed Fin
Garden, or Bagh-e Fin, a 19th-century merchant residence,
and Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse. If time allows, we'll
visit the Tabatabaee House, once a merchant's home. This
evening, we arrive in Tehran and check in at the centrally
located Espinas Hotel.
B,L,D
Bagh-e-Fin Garden, Kashan
Bagh-e-Fin Garden, Kasha, Kashan,
photo by Erwin Bolwidt
Rose distillery, inset of roses,
Kashan

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19: TEHRAN
We start our day at the Golestan Palace Complex, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site dating from the 18th to
early 20th century. See the Marble Throne Hall and the
Hall of Mirrors, used as a coronation room, and stroll the
garden to view the ornate tile-covered walls. After lunch,
visit the Malek National Museum and Library, Iran’s first
private museum, to admire the manuscripts collection.
An optional guided walk takes us to the nearby Laleh
Park and past the Tehran Museum of Contemporary
Art, currently closed for renovation. Dine at a local
restaurant tonight.
B,L,D
Fragment of a stone column from
Persepolis, National Museum
of Iran, Tehran
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20: TEHRAN
In the morning, discover the National Museum of Iran
and the adjacent Islamic Era Museum. Enjoy lunch at the
Ferdowsi Hotel with a special ice cream dessert and tea/
coffee in the 1960s lobby lounge. This afternoon, tour the
Abgineh Museum’s collection of pre-Islamic and Islamic
glass and ceramics, displayed in an elegant early 20thcentury
mansion. There will also be time for visiting a few
art galleries.
B,L,D
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21: TEHRAN
Today we go to the fashionable northern part of Tehran
for a visit to the Niavaran Palace complex, set among the
foothills of the Alborz Mountains. See the former Pahlavi
residences and tour the museum of paintings and artifacts
collected by Farah Diba, the last Empress of Iran. We will
also see the Green Palace before lunch. In the afternoon,
explore the Jewels Museum, housed in the vaults of the
Central Bank of Iran. The museum displays one of the most
dazzling collections in the world, including the legendary
Peacock Throne. Then, admire a fine array of carpets from
ancient to contemporary at the Carpet Museum. Dinner
tonight is at the hotel.
B,L,D
SPECIAL NOTE: On September 21, hotel rooms are reserved for late
check-out. Thus following dinner, we will transfer to the airport for our
late-night flight to Istanbul.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22: ARRIVE TO ISTANBUL /
CONNECT TO RETURN FLIGHTS HOME
Our flight will arrive in Istanbul in the very early morning.
Onward connections will depart today.
DISCLAIMER: The itinerary is subject to change at the
discretion of The Museum Travel Alliance. For complete
details, please carefully read the terms and conditions at
https://museumtravelalliance.com/faq.php.
Mirrored hall, Golestan Palace, Tehran
Main hall of the Islamic Era Museum, Tehran

ACCOMMODATIONS
All hotels are equipped with Wi-Fi in the rooms and lobby,
flat-screen TVs, desks, in-room mini-bars; and in-room personal
safes. The hotels offer laundry and dry-cleaning services.
Homa Hotel, Shiraz
PROGRAM RATE
$6,999 per person, double occupancy
$7,999 single rate
RATE INCLUDES
n Nine nights accommodations as per itinerary
n Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch,
D=Dinner); bottled water, sodas, and coffee/tea with all
meals (alcohol is forbidden at all times in Iran)
n Airport/hotel/airport group transfers for all participants on
suggested flights
n Escorted sightseeing, transportation, and entrance fees for
all included visits
n Taxes, service, and porterage charges
n Gratuities to local guides and drivers
HOMA HOTEL, SHIRAZ
The hotel offers the facilities of a first-class business hotel,
along with the peace of a relaxing atmosphere and with
beautiful gardens. The hotel has a beautiful shopping
arcade and indoor swimming pool. Homa, a mythical bird of
Iranian legends and fables, is featured in the stone column
sculptures at Persepolis.
NOT INCLUDED IN RATE International airfare; passport/visa fees;
airport transfers other than for those on suggested flights; baggage
in excess of one suitcase; trip insurance; personal items and
expenses; any other items not specifically mentioned as included.
Golestan Palace, Tehran
Abbasi Hotel, Isfahan
ABBASI HOTEL, ISFAHAN
This hotel comprises an original 300-year old caravanserai
structure and a modern wing. The courtyard is a magnificent
oasis within the city with pools of water and gardens. There
are a variety of restaurants and there is a pool, sauna, gym,
jacuzzi, massage service, barber shop and shopping arcade.
Espinas Persian Gulf Hotel, Tehran,
photo © Espinas Persian Gulf Hotel
ESPINAS PERSIAN GULF HOTEL, TEHRAN
Experience one of the most refined hotels downtown, which
blends modern design elements with rich natural materials.
The hotel features two restaurants, swimming pool, and a
wellness center with weight room and cardio equipment.
A NOTE ABOUT TRAVEL TO IRAN
Participants must be in good health and able to keep pace
with an active group. They must be able to walk up to one
mile a day on uneven terrain; walk and stand for periods
of two hours at time; climb stairs (some without handrails)
at monuments and other locations not handicapped
accessible; and board a motorcoach unassisted. Any
condition that may require assistance or special medical
attention must be reported at the time of your reservation.
Participants are advised to bring “broken-in” walking shoes,
a sun hat, and comfortable attire.
Iranian people are warm and hospitable towards visitors.
Certain rules of dress and conduct are strictly observed
in Iran and all trip participants are expected to adhere to
local laws and customs. Alcohol is forbidden at all times,
and details about appropriate attire will be shared with
participants prior to departure. Long drives are to be
expected during this program; however, the remarkably
varied landscapes of Iran will offer a scenic panorama
along the way. Review the U.S. State Department’s Travel
Advisory for Iran at travel.state.gov.

Ceiling Dome at the Kahn Madrasa, Shiraz
THE MUSEUM TRAVEL ALLIANCE
IRAN: ARCHITECTURE, GARDENS & DESIGN n SEPTEMBER 12–22, 2019
RESERVATION FORM
To reserve a place, please call The Museum Travel Alliance at 212-324-1893 or 855-533-0033, fax: 212-344-7493; or complete and return this form with your
deposit of $1,000 per person (of which $500 is non-refundable for administrative fees) payable to The Museum Travel Alliance. Mail to: The Museum Travel
Alliance, 1040 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd floor, New York, NY 10018-3721.
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On the front cover: Masjid-i Imam, formerly known as the Shah Mosque, Isfahan
Photography by Chas A. Miller III
B_19LNDSYZ0912_MTA