September 13-28, 2012 (16 days)

Led by Dr. Abbas Alizadeh
Download the brochure for the 2012 Iran tour

The Oriental Institute is proud to invite you to join Abbas Alizadeh in exploring one of the most magnificent civilizations of the Ancient Near East. Our journey begins with the masterpieces of Iranian art at Tehran's museums. Then we follow the trajectory of Iranian history, starting with ancient Elam and the virtually complete ziggurat at Chogha Zanbil. Next stop is ancient Persia, where guests discover the famed Apadana reliefs amongst Persepolis' ruins and the tomb of Cyrus the Great at Pasargadae. We uncover the cultural legacy of Zoroastrianism in the desert oasis of Yazd before arriving in Esfahan, once considered half the world for its economic and cultural importance. Relax by Esfahan's Zayandeh Rud with its historic bridges, dine at the royal caravanserai, and walk amongst pillars of the Jameh mosque, a veritable encyclopedia of Islamic architecture. At every stop, this tour will complement the historic sites with regional cuisine and visits to local workshops so that you can return with a new appreciation of one of the world's unique cultures.

Dr. Abbas Alizadeh has been critical to the success of the Oriental Institute's research into Iranian prehistory. Combined with his intimate knowledge of local history, art, and culture, guests will be able to develop an appreciation of Iran's antiquity and the tremendous changes it has experienced through the centuries.

Learn more about the Oriental Institute's Tour to Iran . You can reserve your place online or by sending your completed form to The Oriental Institute, Membership Office, 1155 E 58th St, Chicago, IL, 60637. For additional information about the tour, call the Oriental Institute on (773) 834-9777 or email oi-membership@uchicago.edu. For questions about bookings, call Cultural Cache Tours on (773) 799-0880 or email info@culturalcache.com.