Serious Traveler

26/04/2024

This is the weekend for the Life and Times of the Great Dan Patch!

10/04/2024

You last heard from me a while ago. I've been swamped working on an exciting project, the Life and Times of the Great Dan Patch. This a new (only second year) festival honoring Oxford as the birthplace of America's greatest sports hero of the turn of the 20th century. The Standardbred pacer was a speed sensation. He raced against the clock because no other pacer could keep up with him. He set a record of 1:55 at the Minnesota State Fair before an audience of over 94,000. I am learning WordPress, and you can see the schedule of events on my new website: http://thegreatdanpatch.org
Hope to see you there!

05/04/2024

Always hoping for improved relations between the U.S. and Iran.

Memory from Shutterfly

02/03/2024

Surprise your family and friends with some of your best memories together.

02/03/2024

Every bit of aid is better than none. This is a glimmer of hope, especially for parents trying desperately to feed their starving families. A sea lane is needed. Put our ships in the Eastern Mediterranean to work for good.

CNN
—
The United States has begun air-dropping humanitarian aid into Gaza, according to two US officials, one day after President Joe Biden said the US would pull out “every stop” to get more aid into the besieged coastal enclave.

Three US C-130s dropped humanitarian supplies over Gaza on Saturday, according to a US official.

28/02/2024

email sent this morning:

START AN AIR-LIFT TODAY

President Biden, you are going to lose the election, which would be a catastrophe, if you don't do something now to stop the suffering and misery of innocents in Gaza. You can scramble jets to attack anywhere in the world. Instead, I beg of you to airlift food and water today; children are dying hungry and thirsty. Can they wait until next week until maybe a ceasefire will happen? You would show that you are a true hero. You could also help save Israel from the certain ire that builds more every day, both internationally and in the United States. Our young soldier's self-immolation is a message. Starting an airlift now is urgent.

 Thank you for contacting the Biden-Harris Administration.

President Biden and Vice President Harris value every opportunity to engage with the American people, and the Administration is grateful for your outreach. Our country faces many challenges, and messages like yours help us better understand how the Biden-Harris Administration can serve American families.

We take careful note of the suggestions, thoughts, questions, and stories we receive, and we’re working hard to ensure you receive an appropriate response.
Sincerely,
The Office of Presidential Correspondence

Now I will call.

16/02/2024

10 years ago in Tehran.

02/02/2024

We hope to be going back to Ethiopia soon!

Surprise your family and friends with some of your best memories together.

05/11/2023

Travel for the people, not the politics say Tony and Maureen Wheeler who founded Lonely Planet guidebooks.

In today's Washington Post: Of all the travel guides, Wheeler said Burma caused them the most angst. At the time, people were urged to boycott the country to avoid indirectly aiding the brutal military regime. After several research trips, the couple decided to publish the book in 1979, but encouraged travelers to support local businesses and not government-owned ones.

“The locals really wanted the tourists, and it wasn’t just for the money,” Wheeler said. “It was for the communication with the outside world.”

Wheeler is similarly conflicted by Iran. “The government’s awful, but the people are wonderful,” he said. To illustrate this point, he described the heartwarming interactions he repeatedly experienced in restaurants. Diners would notice that he was eating alone and spoke English and would invite him to join them at their table.
“How often does that happen in a restaurant in England or America?” he said. “In Iran, that does happen and I think it’s kind of amazing.”
The eighth edition of “Lonely Planet Iran” is scheduled for release next December, an update to the 2017 version."

Bravo, Tony and Maureen! We have just the tours to prove your point!

5500 Bucks Bar Road • Placerville, CA 95667 USASecure encrypted Fax (833) 730-7859 | Voice and text direct (530) [email protected] | Website www.SeriousTraveler.com

14/09/2023

Seven exciting tours to Iran set for 2024.

Report from our May 2023 Return to Iran:

“Iran was nothing like I expected. I have traveled very widely in the Middle East, visiting almost every single country (hoping to visit Syria, my final one this fall). Iran is an entity to itself. It is such a fascinating, beautiful, and misunderstood country. What a privilege it was to visit, finally.” - Linda Tabb, May 2023

14/09/2023

Islands of the Persian Gulf
Shiraz, Firuzabad, Bishapour, Ahwaz, Susa, Chogha Zanbil, Shushtar, Qeshm Island, Hormoz Island, and Bandar e Abbas, Tehran NEW TOUR February 29-March 10, 2024
February 29-March 10, 2024 11 days
$4790 single supplement $960

Persian Highlights 10 days
Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd, Shiraz (Before Nowruz)
March 10-19, 2024 10days
$4250 Single Supplement $810

Treasures of Persia
Tehran, Kashan, Natanz, Isfahan, Na’in, Meybod, Yazd, Kerman, Rayen, Mahan, Sarvestan, Shiraz, Persepolis, Naghsh-é-Rostam, Pasargadae, Firuzabad, Shiraz
May 4-18, 2024 15 days
$5,580 Single Supplement $1,090

Return to Iran
Tehran, Abyaneh, Kashan, Niasar, Tehran, Zanjan,Takht-e-Soleyman, Tabriz, Jolfa,Ardibil, Anzali Port, Masuleh, Rasht, Qazvin,Mashad, Neishapur,Tus, Mashad NEW ITINERARY
May 20-June 3, 2024 15 days
$5,570 Single Supplement $980

Persian Highlights, 8 days
Tehran, Kashan, Natanz, Isfahan, Na’in, Meybod, Yazd, Kerman, Rayen, Mahan, Sarvestan, Shiraz, Persepolis, Naghsh-é-Rostam, Pasargadae, Firuzabad, Shiraz
June 5-12, 2024 8 days
$3,610 Single Supplement $680

Treasures of Persia
Tehran, Kashan, Natanz, Isfahan, Na’in, Meybod, Yazd, Kerman, Rayen, Mahan, Sarvestan, Shiraz, Persepolis, Naghsh-é-Rostam, Pasargadae, Firuzabad, Shiraz
October 13-27, 2024 15 days
$5,580 Single Supplement $1,090

Persian History and Culture Revisited
Tehran, Hamadan, Kermanshah, Tagh-e-Bostan, Pol-e-Dokhtar, Ahwaz, Chogha-Zanbil, Susa, Bishapour, Shiraz, Persepolis, Naghsh-é-Rostam, Pasargadae, Abarquh, Yazd, Na’in, Isfahan • Natanz • Abyaneh, Tehran
November 9-23, 2024 After U.S. Elections and Before Thanksgiving 15 days
$5,370Single Supplement $980

13/06/2023

My latest edition of Archaeology Magazine arrived in my mail box today. Can't wait to read two articles about places we can show you in our upcoming tours: Iran and Ethiopia.

22/04/2023

For the most exciting, memorable, and satisfying two weeks of 2023

Come with me to Iran, May 29-June 11.

I know, dear friends, you are getting tired of me harping on how wonderful a trip Iran is for Americans, but I can’t help it. It’s simply true. I want to take you there and show you.

We have a small group excitedly preparing for the trip, and one dear lady asked if I was going also. (Thank you, Robin) Why not? I’ll be happy to es**rt the group.

I am aware of how some of our readers feel about Iran. I assure you, I also am not happy (to say the least) with the current government, but neither are thousands upon thousands of young women (and men) in Iran today. I feel like our presence is a vote of support for needed change-without violence or revolution. No one wants that!

I’d like to invite you once again to join me on the Return to Iran tour May 29-June 11, the itinerary for which you can see on our website at https://serioustraveler.com/index.php/destinations/iran/return-to-iran-5-29/

I can send you the 12-page brochure right now. It will answer almost any question you are likely to have. If I missed anything, just ask, and I’ll gladly answer. Text me at 1-530-7528 or send an email to [email protected]

The first visa authorizations came through quickly, and passports have been sent to the Interest Section for the visas to be stamped inside.

You might know that the only way Americans are going to get a tourist visa is with an authorization. We take care of that for you.

When I put out my last message introducing this trip, I received a wonderful post from a dear Iranian/American that I would like to share with you:

In case you missed Kelly's comment on our page, here it is...from Kelly Reaves

My greatest wish is to be able to return to see Iran before I die. Maybe one day I'll get to! I lived in Tehran from late 1973 to late 1978. My family fled during the Revolution after our school (Tehran American School) was closed down.

I would encourage everyone who is able to go, to visit the beautiful country of Iran. Iranians are some of the most hospitable people you'll ever meet. I pray that one day, traveling to Iran freely and safely becomes normalized. I miss SO many things about living in Tehran, Iran and a part of my heart will always remain there.

For those going on this trip, enjoy, have fun and make some unforgettable memories!

PS. Be sure to eat some Ghormeh Sabzi and Chelo Kabob AND indulge in some roasted corn from the street vendors.

Kelly Reaves

So, please come along. There is time (but not much) to secure your visa. I will travel with you.

My travel companion is older and concerned that she might not be able to keep a fast pace. I assured her that we are not in a race, and we’ll all travel comfortably. She may not be able to climb every single step, but that’s okay: she will have what has been her heart’s desire- to finally see Iran (Love you, Barb!) I’ll stay with anyone who wants to wait out some activity. Bahman will schedule his fascinating lectures in convenient places, so you don’t need to stand around for long periods.

I am waiting to hear from you.

Most sincerely,

Gwen

17/03/2023

In case you missed Kelly's comment, here it is...Kelly Reaves
My greatest wish is to be able to return to see Iran before I die. ❤️ Maybe one day I'll get to! I lived in Tehran from late 1973 to late 1978. My family fled during the Revolution after our school (Tehran American School) was closed down. I would encourage everyone who is able to go, to visit the beautiful country of Iran. Iranians are some of the most hospitable people you'll ever meet. ❤️ I pray that one day, traveling to Iran freely and safely becomes normalized. I miss SO many things about living in Tehran, Iran and a part of my heart will always remain there. For those going on this trip, enjoy, have fun and make some unforgettable memories! PS. Be sure to eat some Ghormeh Sabzi and Chelo Kabob AND indulge in some roasted corn from the street vendors. 💚🤍

22/02/2023

All the most experienced world travelers should visit Iran at least once, or twice, for the most memorable and exciting cultural trips ever!. You can travel safely and in the best of company with Bahman Zenhari and our skilled personal driver.
Here's a preview.

Treasures of Iran
May 13-27, 2023
(Sat-Sat) • 15 days 14 nights
$5530 Single $1090 Guaranteed share yes
LAND ONLY from Tehran-Shiraz
Price based on # 4 Min

May 13 ARRIVE TEHRAN
Saturday Arrive Tehran, IKA (Imam Khomeini Airport)
Arrive In the early afternoon on Turkish Airlines from Istanbul, Qatar Airlines from Doha or another airline of your choosing.
Khosh amadid (Welcome) to Iran!
Proceed through the visitor line for entrance formalities, including fingerprinting for Americans. Proceed downstairs to baggage claim and gather your luggage. Your guide, Bahman Zenhari, will greet you outside customs. Join your driver to transfer to the lovely deluxe Espinas Hotel (approximately 1 hour). Dine at the hotel before spending a comfortable night in luxurious accommodations.
*****Espinas International (Persian Gulf)

May 14 TEHRAN
Sunday This sprawling city became Iran’s capital in the 18th century under Agha Mohammad Khan, the founder of the Qajar Dynasty. Tehran (meaning warm slope) is located south of the impressive snow-capped Alborz Mountains, and the city is known for its large museums, art centers, and palaces.
We begin with the National Archaeological Museum, the country’s foremost museum established in 1937. A good introduction to Iran, the museum is divided into two parts: Prehistoric and Pre-Islamic periods. See a stone capital of a winged lion from Susa and the sixth century BC audience hall relief of Darius the Great from the Treasury at Persepolis. Time permitting, see the newly opened Islamic Museum next door. After lunch, we’ll head back to central Iran and top off our look at the treasures of Iran to see Golestan Palace - a masterpiece of the Qajar era and the first UNESCO site of Iran. You’ll marvel at the mirrored entryway and stairway leading up to the dining rooms and ballrooms featuring Persian crafts integrated with western influences.
Return to the hotel for dinner. (B-L-D)
*****Espinas International (Persian Gulf)

May 15 TEHRAN - KASHAN
Monday NATANZ - ISFAHAN
Today we enjoy a leisurely coach ride from Tehran to Isfahan. En route, we stop in Kashan to see the historical garden of Fin, which was first planted during the Safavid period and kept alive with water from the nearby Suleymaniye Spring/Qanat. The Zand and Qajar monarchs expanded this beautiful walled Persian Garden, with many open pavilions added. A museum on the site displays artifacts from nearby Teppe Sialk, which is one of the most important archaeological sites in Iran, dating back to 4000-5000 B.C. We can also see some of the many restored merchant houses in Kashan such as the Borujerdi and Taba-Tabai House, with very fi ne examples of the “Badgirs” or wind-catchers. Kashan city, whose name in Persian is equivalent to ceramic, has given its name to ceramic in the Persian language. Kashan is the epitome of everything grand from old Persia: mosques, caravansaries, gardens, and homes. Further along the way, we stop at the charming town of Natanz to visit a beautiful Islamic Complex of Friday Mosque, Monastery, and the Tomb of Sheikh Abdol Samad Isfahani. We will also enjoy a tea break under the shade of a beautiful old plane tree just outside the complex and visit a nearby traditional pottery workshop. We continue our drive Isfahan. Isfahan is perhaps the most beautiful of all Iranian cities. It is located 250 miles south of Tehran at an elevation of nearly a mile. With historical buildings, bridges and eye-catching sites, Isfahan is one of the most significant tourist attractions in Iran. It dates back 2500 years and was the capital of Iran during three historical periods. The golden age of Isfahan was in the Safavid era from 1505 to 1736, and much of the art and architecture you will be seeing will be from this period. Shah Abbas I mastered one of the world’s grandest experiments in city planning in 1598. Mosques, palaces, bazaars and public parks were built over the next thirty years. We’ll stay for three nights at the exotic Abbasi Hotel which was built in the 1960’s on the site of a 17th century caravanserai. It is the most sought-after hotel in Iran. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (289 miles traveled) (B-L-D)
*****Abbasi Hotel (Pardis Room)

May 16 ISFAHAN
Tuesday Today’s full-day tour begins with a visit to Chehel Sotoon Palace (of forty pillars) with its beautiful reflecting pool. Shah Abbas II (1647 AD) built it as an official court and a reception hall. Today you are guests of honor Continue to the Armenian Quarter to visit the richly decorated Vank Cathedral. Begun in 1606 at the time of arrival of Armenian immigrants to Isfahan, it was completed between 1655 and 1664 under the supervision of Arch-bishop David, with the encouragement of the Safavid rulers. It is the historic focal point of the Armenian Christian Church in Iran. The dome and walls have colorful paintings representing the story of Creation.
Return to our hotel for a short rest. Before dinner, we walk to a famous miniaturist’s art gallery to see how this world-renowned artwork is done. Dinner is at Shahrzad Restaurant this evening. Overnight in Isfahan. (B-L-D)
*****Abbasi Hotel

May 17 ISFAHAN
Wednesday Enjoy a full-day tour of Isfahan. Begin by visiting the first of its two UNESCO sites -Meidan Emam to see the Ali Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah and Royal Mosques. Meidan Emam or Naghsh-e Jahan (literally image of the world) complex is the central focus of Isfahan. Its royal square measures 1674 feet by 540 feet and is enclosed by double-storied arcades. The square drew merchants and ambassadors to the Safavid court for centuries. It’s unmatched in elegance and spaciousness anywhere in the world! It is seven times the size of the Piazza San Marco in Venice and puts the grandeur of the surrounding palaces and mosques into appropriate proportions. On the north side is the entrance to the Royal Qaysariyyeh Bazaar. On the east side is the Lotfollah Mosque. Constructed between 1603 and 1617, it served as a private chapel for the Imperial family. You’ll see exquisite17th-centuryy Persian tile work on the domed ceiling. On the west side is the Ali Qapu Palace. To the south is the Shah or Royal Mosque, dedicated to Shah Abbas the Great. To many, it is the most beautiful mosque in the world! Lunch at the hotel. If construction in the area permits, we will visit the antique Friday Mosque, or Masjed-e Jame, Isfahan’s second UNESCO Site. As it stands now, it is the result of continual construction, reconstruction, additions, and renovations on the site from around 841AD to the end of the twentieth century. Archaeological excavation has determined an Abbasid hypostyle mosque in place by the 10th century. Buyid construction lined a facade around the courtyard and added two minarets which are the earliest example of the double minaret on record. Overnight in Isfahan. (B-L-D)
*****Abbasi Hotel

May 18 ISFAHAN - NA'IN MEYBOD - YAZD
Thursday Depart early this morning for Yazd. While motoring en route from Isfahan, stop in Meybod to see the Ancient Narin Qaleh or castle, a 17th-century Safavid caravanserai. This town is a jewel! See Zilo weaving, learn about the courier service dating back 2,500 years, see the pigeon house, and explore the oldest and largest icehouse dating from the Safavid era. Depending on our arrival time, have a city tour upon arrival in Yazd before transferring to the hotel. (BLD) r****Moshir Garden Hotel

May 19 YAZD
Friday We have a full-day tour of Yazd. It is the second oldest city in the world according to UNESCO, from the architectural viewpoint. First, we visit the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence (where the bodies of the deceased were placed, according to their religious beliefs). While most of the population is Muslim, there is a large minority of both Jews and Zoroastrians. Bahman will explain the Zoroastrian religion, which at one time was the state creed but faded away after the Arab conquest. Zoroastrians are followers of the prophet Zarathushtra (Zoroaster in Greek), who was born in the 7th century B.C. in what is now a part of Afghanistan. The religion is monotheistic and dualistic, and it influenced Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The Magi, or three wise men, who are said to have visited Jesus at his birth, are considered to be Zoroastrians. Zoroastrians revere fire as a symbol of God and keep eternal flames burning at their temples. Today there are 400,000 Zoroastrians left in the world of which about 60,000 live in and around Yazd. Others have established a prosperous life in the Bombay (Mumbai) area of India, where they are known as Parsees (Persians). Zoroastrians morality is summed up as, “Good thoughts, good words, good deeds.” See the Water Museum and learn about Qanats, an advanced technology system fi first developed about 1000 BC to bring mountain water through underground conduits to the plains. It rivals the Roman system of Aqueducts. Today there are about 22,000 qanats that provide 75% of Iran’s fresh water. Masters of power technology, in the 7th century BC, Persian engineers also developed an advanced wind-power machine, the windmill, invented by the Babylonians. Round out our Zoroastrian lesson at the Fire Temple and Amir Chakhmagh Square. See the Bazaar in Yazd. After lunch visit the Friday Mosque, Alexander Prison, Twelve Imam Shrine, and then the old section of the town which is recognized by UNESCO. (B-L-D)
****Moshir Garden Hotel

May 20 YAZD – KERMAN
Saturday Today after breakfast we drive to Kerman. Our scenic 5-hour drive is through some beautiful pistachio groves. Arrive and transfer to the Pars Hotel. This afternoon, we explore the 17th-century Safavid period Ganj-Ali- Khan Complex. Walk through the Friday Mosque followed by the Caravanserai and Bazaar. Kerman is famous for its needlework embroidery. See the sites, shops and people offering goods outside shops. Enjoy an interesting stop at the Bathhouse, now transformed into an Ethnological Museum. See what life was like for erstwhile bathers of differing occupations; and then stop for tea, sweets, music, and perhaps a hubble-bubble (ho**ah or water pipe) at a teahouse. Overnight in Kerman. (B-L-D) ***** Pars Hotel

May 21 KERMAN – RAYEN - MAHAN - KERMAN
Sunday Today after breakfast we have a full day excursion. Drive up into the mountains to the town of Rayen and visit one of the oldest citadels in Iran (over 2000 years old). We continue to Shahzadeh (Prince) Garden and stroll through the beautiful garden with its waterfall cascades (late 19th century Qajar period garden/mansion). In the afternoon, we visit Mahan to see the blue-tiled Mausoleum of Shah Nematollah-e-Vali, the great 14th-century Sufi leader. Overnight in Kerman. (B-L-D) *****Pars Hotel

May 22 KERMAN – SARVESTAN SHIRAZ
Monday Drive to Shiraz, the city of nightingales, historic monuments, poets and philosophers, warriors, kings, and orchards. En-route visit the Sassanian Palace at Sarvestan, the 5th century A.D. structure thought by many to be a hunting lodge or small palace built by Bahram V (420-440 AD). Continue to Shiraz passing through the majestic mountainous routes and seeing two large salt lakes on the way.
Welcome to Shiraz, the present-day capital of the Fars Province, the heartland of Iran, which gave its name to the Persian language: Farsi. It was capital of the Zand Dynasty (1747-1779) and one of the most important cities of the medieval Islamic world. Shiraz is situated in a plain surrounded by two mountain ranges. The city is well known for its mild climate and friendly people. We stay four nights at the 5-star Homa Hotel in Shiraz. (B-L-D)
***** Homa Hotel / Grand Shiraz

May 23 SHIRAZ
Tuesday Full day city tour of Shiraz, the present-day capital of the Fars Province, the heartland of Iran, which gave its name to the Persian language: Farsi. It was the capital of the Zand Dynasty (1747-1779) and one of the most important cities of the medieval Islamic world. Shiraz is situated in a plain surrounded by two mountain ranges. The city is well known for its mild climate and friendly people. Visit some of the famous gardens of this “City of Roses and Nightingales”, including Nasir-ol-Molk the pink-tiled 19th-century mosque and Qajar period Garden and House Lunch at the hotel then continue to a Eram Garden. We'll have a display of both city and nomadic carpets, particular to Fars.
Then we will step back in time as we wander through the Vakil Bazaar with its blue tiled dome roof. It is considered by many to be the most beautiful bazaar in the world. The bazaars take travelers completely away from the outside world and immerse them in an age-old rhythm of life. Here the atmosphere is full of the market cries of vendors, the hammering of the coppersmiths, the activities of carpet weavers, silversmiths, and cloth printers, the grilling of kabobs and the preparation of spices. Dinner will be outside the hotel.
Overnight in Shiraz. (B-L-D) *****Homa Hotel

May 24 PERSEPOLIS & PASARGADAE
Wednesday
Get ready for a truly wonderful day! After breakfast, we’ll drive about 35 miles to Takht-e Jamshid or as the Greeks called it, Persepolis, a ruined capital of ancient Iran. It is one of the greatest artistic legacies of the ancient world and perhaps one of the most beautiful and spectacular archaeological sites surviving today. In the 6th century BC, the Achaemenian King Darius I, created Persepolis as a palatial precinct for an empire which eventually became larger and more efficiently ruled than any other in the ancient world. Persepolis was reserved only for ritual celebrations. In the spring of each new year during Nowruz the dynamic ruler and his court gathered at Persepolis to receive the tribute of subject nations and to reestablish universal order for the coming year. Step back in time as we enter through the Gate of All Nations. The arrival of the erstwhile delegations was announced by trumpeters who stood at the top of the staircase in front of the Gate of Nations. They were then led to the Hundred Column Palace to the presence of the king. Superb bas reliefs depict the flow of ritual processions that once passed through the palaces and audience halls of the Achaemenian Kings. We’ll explore the Gate of Xerxes, the Apadana Palace, the Treasury, the Harem and the private palaces of the different rulers. Xerxes and Artaxerxes I who ruled Persia in the 5th century BC completed Persepolis. The Achaemenid Kings used the palaces up until Alexander the Great destroyed them in 330 BC as revenge for the sacking of Athens during the Persian Warswith the Greeks. To top off the afternoon with a visit to Pasargadae, the capital of Cyrus the Great and site of his simple but imposing tomb. Finally we visit Naghsh-Rostam, which contains the rock carved chambers of four Achaemenian tombs, believed to be those of Darius the Great, Xerxes, Artaxerxes and Darius II. The ornamental facades are rock reliefs from the Sassanian dynasty depicting various scenes of imperial conquests as well as a probable fire temple from Achaemenian times. Later, return to Shiraz via the Quran Gate and Jahan Nama Seljuk Garden followed by dinner and overnight. (B-L-D)
*****Homa Hotel

May 25 FIRUZABAD EXCURSION
Thursday After breakfast have a full day excursion to Firuzabad, built by Sassanian King Ardashir in 220 A.D. as his royal residence. The place was originally called Ardashir-Khurra meaning the “Glory of Ardashir”, and it was a walled city, circular in shape, with four gates located at each cardinal point. Nearby stands the enormous palace of Ardashir, built on the plain with a view over a small natural lake. Return to Shiraz for further visits and overnight stay. (B-L-D)
* * * * * Homa Hotel

May 26 SHIRAZ
Friday
Another full day in Shiraz to visit the Pars Museum located in an elegant Zand period building situated in Nazar Garden, with a collection of Zand and Qajar period artifacts and paintings, Shapour House/Garden, Afifabad Garden, built in 1863 – this garden was very important in the Safavid era and was the recreation place of the king, also visit the tomb of Iran’s greatest lyric poet Hafez. Have your fortune read and make a wish! (B-L-D)
*****Homa Hotel

May 27 SHIRAZ
Saturday
Transfer to the Shiraz, SYZ airport
Bid farewell to Iran on an after-midnight flight using Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, or the airlines of your choice.

Or stay on to take the brand new Return to Iran tour May 27-June 11, 2023 also expertly guided by Bahman Zenhari

Thanks for traveling with us!
Gwen Erwood

Please send an email for complete details [email protected]
www.SeriousTraveler.com

20/02/2023

We've set the dates for our 2023 trips to Iran:

Treasures of Persia
May 13-27

Return to Iran
May 29-June 11

Return to Iran
October 8-21

Watch for all the exciting details in our Robly newslettershttps://list.robly.com/subscribe?a=9cc68febb66882a1a1fa0068cdc7922a

13/02/2023

Today I sent earthquake relief via Western Union to our beloved guide, May Kanjrawi, in Syria. May found work in Brussels during the devastating war. She is returning tomorrow to Latakkia, her home city to offer direct aid to the eathquake victims. She will be sending pictures on her journey. As you probably know, most aid is going through organizations to Turkey. This is a way to get direct aid to Syrians. If you are so inclined to join me in this effort, please email and I will explain in detail how it can be done. Here are pictures taken by Paulette Lewis of just a part of our trip April 2011. We were the last American tour group to visit Syria.

03/02/2023

I'm pretty sure you can't take a bad picture in Ethiopia. The colors are dazzling, the scenery enchanting, and the people are some of the most charming and beautiful in the world. Just look!at these faces!

23/01/2023

We've been going to Ethiopia since 2005 when these pictures were taken.

14/12/2022

It's International Monkey Day, according to Pam Reinertsen. Here are a few images of our group hunting for Gelada monkeys in the Highlands of northern Ethiopia. We are going back to Ethiopia soon, maybe next fall for the Meskel Festival.

27/11/2022

15 years ago in Iran. I can't help but wonder where these wonderful young women are today. Hoping for their safety and the freedom they deserve.

25/11/2022

The first of two segments of PBS's American Experience is a must-see to understand the U.S.-Iranian relationship.

The Iran hostage crisis through the stories of those whose ordeal riveted the world.

12/11/2022

Iran again. This time 15 years ago. I guess we are all a little older

07/11/2022

VOTE

Election information you need. Brought to you by The League of Women Voters Education Fund.

05/11/2022

Nine years ago in Iran. We have postponed our November trip as the courageous women of Iran fight for their rights. We'll go back soon!

21/09/2022

News from Bahman regarding our next trip to Iran November 12-28. You can still sign up! Email [email protected] if you’d like to see the brochure, or text if that is easier for you 530-409-7528.

Dearest Gwen,

Hi, hope you and Jim both are well.

These protests are not new and it has been going on since the mandatory coverings law for ldies came about 40 years ago.

So no worries for our foreign ladies nothing has changed since your last group visited Iran.

As you said this is exactly just like all the other women protests all across the globe for the women fighting for their rights.

Iranian women can no longer tolerate any disrespect and discriminations imposed by any body.

It is 100 percent safe and we currently have many European groups in Iran traveling around and almost 137 American tourists have visited Iran on the past 3 months. 😊

As for the visas the good news is that we have already gotten al the visas for my first group of 10 Americans organized by Ihab Zaki and will soon get the Visa for your party of two.

Please reassure your two clients that if there were any life threatening risk for tourists in Iran I would be the first to cancel the tour.

So I hope this would help convince and calm down your worried clients.

Cheers and send you warm hugs with much love,

Bahman