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Travel to Iran with our sister organization
Global Exchange. Click here for dates Why a Reality
Tour to Iran?
Did you know that more than half of Iran's
university students are women? That Iranian
films are considered among the best in the
world? Or that despite censorship, most
Iranians openly express their views about
their government? Since the 1979 Revolution
and overthrow of the US-backed Shah, Iran
and the United States have severed ties
and few Americans visit Iran to explore
the country's rich historic legacy and the
complexity of its society.
Contrary to popular Western perception,
the vast majority of Iranians are eager
to rebuild relations with the United States
and are extremely hospitable to Americans.
In this time of increased political tension
between the US and Iran, American travel
to this misunderstood country helps establish
the people-to-people ties that facilitate
understanding and peace between the countries.
Join Global
Exchange's Reality Tour to Iran and:
- Learn about women's advances and struggles
under the Revolutionary government and
the work of non-governmental organizations.
- Explore Iranian poetry, music and bazaars.
- Experience the warmth and hospitality
of the Iranian people.
- Embrace the beauty of Iran's mosques,
palaces and natural landscape.
- Become fascinated by Persian history
on a journey from modern-day Tehran to
ancient cities.
- Read a past participant's article about
her experience in Iran.
How is a
Reality Tour Different?
By traveling on a Global Exchange Reality
Tour you will be able to visit Iran's well-known
sites while at the same time adding a deeper
dimension to your understanding of the country,
its people and culture through meetings
with Iranians. We arrange for you to meet
with women's groups, academics, environmental
NGOs, artists, and ordinary Iranians, giving
you the opportunity to explore Iranians'
views on the revolution, the impact of US-Iranian
relations on their lives, and their hopes
for the future. We try to meet your personal
interests as much as possible by requesting
input from you, the participant. Prior to
departure we will provide you with a reader
on Iran with articles about Iranian history,
current events, art, culture, and the history
of US-Iranian relations.
Program Highlights:
- In Shiraz visit the ancient ruins of
Persepolis and the tomb of the world-renowned
poet, Hafez.
- Learn about the ancient Zoroastrian
religion, which is still practiced by
a minority of Iranians. Learn about the
religion's contribution to Iran's current
culture and visit the Towers of Silence
in Yazd where Zoroastrians once left their
dead for the vultures.
- Explore bustling bazaars and learn about
the important role they play in Iranian
commerce and culture.
- In Tehran visit beautiful gardens and
museums, including the Abbasee Museum
which houses pottery, jewelry and ancient
calligraphy from the Quran.
- Stroll through Tehran's famous Sadabad
Palace (summer residence of the Ghajar
Dynasty Shah) and the Golestan Palace.
- Meet with women's organizations and
community groups to learn about the role
of gender and religion in Iranian society.
- Learn about Islam as practiced in Iran.
Visit beautiful mosques decorated with
intricate and colorful mosaic designs.
- Visit an Armenian church and learn how
this Christian minority lives among the
Shiite Muslim majority
- Chat with Iranians at one of the teahouses
tucked underneath Isfahan's Si-O-Se Bridge
or at the Khan Hamum bathhouse in Yazd.
- In the past, participants have requested
to meet with doctors, artists, teachers,
poets filmmakers and others. Whenever
possible we try to meet your interests
by arranging such meetings.
Cost: Varies, from $2150
- $2400
Price Includes:
- Price includes accommodations in 3-4
star hotels, all program activities and
entrance fees, three meals per day, in-country
transportation, qualified trip leader,
English-speaking guides, assistance with
acquiring visas, and a reader on Iran.
- Tips, international airfare, visa fee,
and personal expenses are not included.
- Price is based on double room accommodations;
add $425 for single room.
- A limited number of partial scholarships
are available for low-income applicants.
- Contact trip coordinator about an optional
4-day tour extension to the Caspian region.
How to Register:
- To reserve your space on this trip,
submit your registration and a non-refundable
deposit of $200 at your earliest convenience.
Due to the length of time it takes to
acquire visas, we must receive your application
and deposit no later than two months before
departure. Payments by Mastercard or Visa
are welcome.
- In order to be granted a visa for Iran,
participants CANNOT have evidence of travel
to Israel in their passports. Please contact
the tour coordinator if you have an Israeli
stamp in your passport.
- A limited number of partial scholarships
are available for low-income applicants
if you are traveling as part of CODEPINK.
- Make your reservation online at the
Global Exchange website. See http://www.globalexchange.org/tours/782.html
- Contact Sanaz with any questions about
this trip, or call toll-free 1-800-497-1994
ext. 251. Please tell her that that you
were referred by CODEPINK.
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