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Passage Through Persian Culture & History
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Would you like to see pictures of our previous trips to Iran?
Martha Raak's Iran for Carnegie Mellon Click Here - November 2010
Click here (pictures by David Lewis - April 2010)
Click here (pictures by Gwen Erwood - April 2010)
Comments from all our past tours to Iran Click Here
Comments from travelers as of 4-8-10 Click here
Click here (pictures by Mary Flores - November 2009)
Click here (pictures by Neal Bertrand - November 2009)
Click here (pictures by Gwen Erwood - April 2009)
Click here (pictures by Marjorie Walz - April 2009)
Click here, here or here (pictures by Gwen Erwood - November 2008)
Click here (pictures by Paulette Lewis - November 2007)
We're organizing photo albums for all our tours.
They may be accessed through the scrapbook link on our website.
Gwen
| What travelers are saying about our tours to Iran...
As an inveterate and demanding traveler, I seldom find a travel expediter that earns my unqualified kudos. Gwen Erwood is the exception. I have traveled to Iran with Gwen and still communicate with some of the thwarted young people there. We had an exceptional guide and experienced the Arts of Iran in a wonderful and personal way. I cherish the statue I bought from the artist in Tehran (which arrived here safely before I did) and the experiences like talking with an educated man (a professor in the Shah's time) who makes precious dyes out of garbage (pomegranate, onion, and other fruit skins) for the rug industry. He had wonderful vines (he was near Shiraz) and when he found that I was from the wine country of California, he urged me to return and hopefully share a CASE of Shiraz when we returned.). Gwen takes care of the problems which inevitably occur on trips, with elan and competence. My mother died while I was with Gwen's trip to Turkey ( a GREAT trip, by the way) and she got me to western Kansas in time for the funeral. I am forever in her debt.
Iran, Sri Lanka, Turkey, the Baltic, Costa Rica--I have traveled with Gwen. Her trips are fairly priced, very comfortable (wonderful hotels in out of the way places like Cappadocia and in northern Sri Lanka)
Oonly when I am with a formal delegation to other places (like Cuba,Iceland, Argentina and Japan) do I elect to travel with other groups. I HIGHLY recommend THE SERIOUS TRAVELER.
Joan Poulos
Dear Gwen,
People are often incredulous when I tell them of our visit to Iran, the extremely warm and welcoming citizens from both cities and villages, the extraordinary historical, architectural, and cultural heritage the country offers, the “crown jewels” which put the London ones to shame, and the comfort of the accommodations as well as the delicious food offered to us daily. I look at my miniature portraits painted on camel bone and remember Iran with fondness and a keen desire to return. I never felt unsafe or uncomfortable, though I do confess a newfound respect for the women forced to cover themselves from head to toe. Feel free to give anyone considering this trip my home telephone number; they can feel free to ask me any questions and expect an honest reply. They can also call me on my toll free number at work, but I may not be able to speak at length because it ties up the office line. We are looking forward to Bali next June!
(And Ethiopia, and the China Silk Road, etc., etc!)
Merry Christmas!!!
Carol
Gwen, you, especially, will appreciate this story of how I can to help the UNA: I attended a presentation of a man and his wife that had just returned from......you guessed it....Iran! We both had the same book of translated Hafiz poems and when we saw this we all smiled at each other! It was that simple. The conversation was so fascinating, and everyone in attendance paid such acute attention to Dr. Baxer's presentation and after asked questions about his experience, the people, was he scared.....you know, as you have been answering these exact questions for years!
I met a woman who grew up in Tehran, as her father was an architect hired by the late Shah. She shared with me that despite her leaving many years ago and not returning, she was considering going back to Iran. She was so familiar with so many places and asked me about them, and she and everyone wanted to know what travel organization I used. Of course I told them, gave them your name and email.
I can't thank you enough Gwen for the journey to Iran. You, Sarah, Bahman, everyone, our fellow travelers as unofficial goodwill ambassadors, the people of Iran. Iran has my heart.
Much love,
Monica
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THIS IS NOT THE FULL BROCHURE
We invite you to call Sarah or Gwen at 1-800-762-4216 to request the full brochure. The brochure will include Important Traveler Information (and answers to most questions) and a Reservation Form. We can send the brochure through the Postal Service or as a PDF attachment. If you would like to receive a PDF, probably the best way to keep the message from going into a SPAM filter is to send a message to sarahb@serioustraveler.com. If you are already on our mailing list, no need to complete the entire brochure request form.
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April 6 - 21, 2012 • 16 days
$6360 per person, double occupancy from New York via TURKISH AIRLINES
plus departure taxes of $429
and Iran visa fee of $124
Single Supplement $1275
Caspian Extension
April 21 - 25, 2012 • 4 days
$2190 per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement $440
 
Dear Intrepid World Traveler,
The first question you are sure to ask is, “Is it safe to travel to Iran?” I sincerely believe it is as safe as anywhere else in the world. After personally escorting several tours and sending many more, the most recent in Spring 2011, my confidence is undiminished. It was in 1998 that on behalf of our company, my daughter made the first exploratory trip to Iran. She came back astonished, saying, “Ah, all the wonderful sights and sounds! The treasures held in Tehran’s museums are outstanding. Persepolis, a short drive from Shiraz, is absolutely extraordinary! Isfahan is a unique city with exquisite mosaic clad domes, bridges and Persian gardens. Iran as a whole is nothing short of breathtaking!”
We operated our first tour in 1999 and have had groups of all sizes since that time. Some experienced travelers are returning for a second trip. Through the years, the acceptance of Americans has, if anything, increased.
I have a challenge for you! See for yourself! Don’t let the naysayer diminish your enthusiasm. Many who say they will never go there themselves, do not have the resources, health, or most importantly, desire to make “the trip of a lifetime.” These are the exact words of one of the travelers on our November tour, and if you would like to talk with her or others who have traveled to Iran, we’ll gladly provide references. We’ll also provide links to photo albums including one very special one, by Paulette Lewis, Friendly Faces of Iran. Just ask!
A U.S. State Department travel warning exits for Iran, as it has for several years. Travel warnings are often political tactics, which can be considered much more desirable than other forms of conflict. Call me if you have any concerns. We’ll prepare you completely with briefing material on customs and regulations including attire.
Rich in culture, Iran is an excellent destination for those who would like to better understand the world and its people. With our highly educated and very personable local guide by your side, your driver and his assistant, you can rest assured that you will have an amazing experience to treasure and share with others.
Gwen Erwood
President, Travel Concepts International
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Click map for larger view
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All This Included
- Fly roundtrip from New York via TURKISH AIRLINES
- Travel in Security with our experienced Iranian tour manager with tips for guide and driver pre-paid
- Learn from excellent hand-picked local guides and our pre-trip study packet
- Taste local delicacies with ALL MEALS in Iran included daily, breakfast-B, lunch-L, dinner-D
- Enjoy carefully selected hotels
- Travel by internal flight and comfortable private motor coach
- Experience the beautifully displayed palaces and museums of Tehran
- Visit the Achaemenian capital of Persia—Persepolis
- Spend three nights in a caravanserai in the historic city of Isfahan (Esfahan)
- Meet the warm and friendly people of Iran
- Escorted from the U.S. with a group of just 10 participants - maximum group size 15
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THIS IS NOT THE FULL BROCHURE
We invite you to call Sarah or Gwen at 1-800-762-4216 to request the full brochure. The brochure will include Important Traveler Information (and answers to most questions) and a Reservation Form. We can send the brochure through the Postal Service or as a PDF attachment. If you would like to receive a PDF, probably the best way to keep the message from going into a SPAM filter is to send a message to sarahb@serioustraveler.com. If you are already on our mailing list, no need to complete the entire brochure request form.
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November 2 - 17, 2012
$5980 Per person double occupancy from JFK via Turkish Airlines
plus $430 departure taxes and $132 Iranian Visa processing
Single Supplement $1310
Caspian Extension
November 17 - 21, 2012
$2190 per person double occupancy from Tehran
Single Supplement $440
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Dear Intrepid World Traveler,
Our group has just returned from the November 2011 tour following this exquisite itinerary. I have personally escorted many tours to Iran since 1999 and my confidence and enthusiasm is undiminished. But don’t take my words for it. Here are recent remarks from Susan D.:
Paulette [my roommate] kept telling me about how Iranians would come up to us and welcome us to their country, and she was right-even though her experiences were a few years earlier.
Everywhere we went we ran into Iranians from other cities visiting the same sites we were visiting. We also saw lots of students on field trips. The approach would often be the same: a small group would walk past us, and would quietly say hello. If we responded they knew they could speak English to us. Invariably, they started off by asking where we were from. Never did ‘America’ elicit an unhappy look or a turning away. Instead, we heard phrases like ‘We love America. How long have you been here? Where have you been? Do you like our country? We want to visit/study in America. Please tell your friends to come and visit Iran, etc.’
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This is to reassure you of the warm welcome you will receive. The other thing that is certain to cross your mind is whether the U.S. or Israel will attack Iran. All I can say is, “May common sense prevail.” The argument by the neo-cons has been an issue for over ten years; and during that time dozens of Americans have traveled with us to Iran.
Regarding the itinerary, all our tours include Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz. Shiraz, as the gateway to Persepolis is never to be missed. Isfahan, the Pearl of Iran, deserves numerous visits. We’ll take in the desert city of Yazd to learn about ancient technological systems using bafgirs (windcatchers), qanats (water channels from the mountains), and yakhchals (ice houses), making life in the desert along the Silk Road thrive. We’ll learn about the Zoroastrians, who Christians will fondly recognize as the Magi.
This tour includes the western part of Iran including Khuzestan. In Hamadan we’ll see Biblical sites including Queen Esther and her uncle Mordecai’s tombs, which is sure to please Jews and Christians alike (read the book of Esther). We are also introduced to a remarkable Iranian physician and philosopher of the 11th century, Abu Ali Sina or Avicenna (Latinized) and learn about his most famous works, The Book of Healing and The Canon of Medicine. In the province of Khuzestan, the Cradle of Civilization, we’ll learn about the Elamites at Chogha-Zanbil (a 12th century B.C. ziggurat) and see the site of Susa, where Queen Esther protected her Jewish subjects. We’ll learn about the hearty nomadic Bakhtiera tribe whose annual migration was documented in the classic film “Grass”. In Ahwaz, we’ll learn about the Iranian Oil industry in nearby Abadan.
We are also offering the Tabriz and Caspian extension for those who would like to see a totally different landscape and more interesting history. This is another great reason to return to Iran now. Inquire about our Mashad extension which links this tour to our Jewels of the Silk Road - Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan tour.
A U.S. State Department travel warning exits for Iran, as it has for several years. Travel warnings are often political tactics, which can be considered much more desirable than other forms of conflict. Call me if you have any concerns. We’ll prepare you completely with briefing material on customs and regulations including attire.
Whether you have an interest in ancient history, the archaeological and cultural aspects of Iran, or modern day life, this trip should appeal to everyone who has an appreciation for beauty and a rich historical treasure trove. November is an excellent time to visit Iran. With our highly educated and very personable local guide by your side, your driver and his assistant, you can rest assured that you will have an amazing experience to treasure and share with others.
Gwen Erwood, President, Travel Concepts International
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Click map for larger view
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All This Included
- Fly roundtrip from the U.S. via Turkish Airlines
- Travel in Security with our experienced Iranian tour manager and his highly trained team
- Prepare thoroughly with our pre-trip study materials
- Taste local delicacies with ALL MEALS breakfast-B, lunch-L, dinner-D included daily in Iran
- Enjoy carefully selected hotels
- Travel by private motor coaches
- Experience the beautifully displayed museums, private homes and meetings with artists
- Visit the ancient ceremonial capital of Persia, Persepolis
- Spend three nights in the historic city of Isfahan at the deluxe Abbasi Hotel, a former caravanserai
- Meet the warm and friendly people of Iran
- Escorted from the U.S. with a group of just 10 participants - maximum 15
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THIS IS NOT THE FULL BROCHURE
We invite you to call Sarah or Gwen at 1-800-762-4216 to request the full brochure. The brochure will include Important Traveler Information (and answers to most questions) and a Reservation Form. We can send the brochure through the Postal Service or as a PDF attachment. If you would like to receive a PDF, probably the best way to keep the message from going into a SPAM filter is to send a message to sarahb@serioustraveler.com. If you are already on our mailing list, no need to complete the entire brochure request form.
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