Travel and learn with AIA study leader Alexander Nagel, an expert in the archaeology of Iran. This well paced 14-night itinerary brings you to to twelve UNESCO World Heritage sites including two visits (afternoon and morning) to Persepolis, one of the world’s most spectacular archaeological sites; Pasargadae, the location of the first Achaemenid capital, with the tomb of Cyrus II and the ruins of gardens, palaces, and altars; Tehran’s lavish, 18th-century Golestan Palace; Soltaniye’s 14th-century mausoleum of Mongol Sultan Oljeitu Khodabande; The Sassanian religious center of Takht-e Soleiman (Solomon’s Throne); Bisotun, with a 6th-century bas-relief surrounded by over a thousand lines of inscriptions in Elamite, Babylonian, and Old Persian; Susa’s Ardeshir’s Palace and archaeological mounds, whose layers date from the 5th millennium B.C. to the 13th century A.D.; Choga Zanbil, a 13th-century B.C. Elamite complex with a ziggurat; Yazd’s historic center and its traditional, underground irrigation channels (qanats).

Isfahan’s immense Meidan Emam (Royal Square) and Masjed-e Jame, one of the world’s greatest mosques. Two full days in the capital city of Tehran for an introduction to the archaeology, culture, and history of the country with visits to several excellent museums and monuments. Na’in, renowned for its carpet-making and fine early mosque; and Ardestan, home to a large, 10th-century Seljuk mosque. Two full days in Isfahan, perhaps Iran’s most splendid city, with glittering, tiled domes that tower above wide, shaded avenues and terraced gardens. Staying in the finest available accommodations, with all meals included. Maximum of 16 participants.