Situated in northwestern Iran, on a high plateau between Lake Orumiyeh and Mount Sahand in the East Azerbaijan Province, is the city of Tabriz. Known for its historical heritage and Silk Road market, this sprawling capital city is rich in Azeri culture. South of Tabriz, visitors will find Kandovan - a cliff village with houses carved out of mountain rock. Visitors can look forward to shopping at the Tabriz bazaar, one of the world’s best, for carpets, spices and jewelry. Other attractions include the rebuilt 15th-century Blue Mosque, retaining original turquoise mosaics on its entrance arch, the Azerbaijan Museum, with collections from prehistoric finds to 20th-century sculptures, and the Tomb of Poets, where Iranian literary scholars are buried.
Iran, where the ancient power of the Persian Empire once resided, is bordered by the Caspian Sea to the north and by the Persian Gulf to the south. This Islamic republic is one of the oldest civilisations on earth, offering travellers a variety of historical wonders, exquisite landscapes and famously friendly locals. While outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the exceptional snow-skiing conditions in Dizin and exhilarating camel rides through the deserts, those seeking more sedate activities will find an array of world-class museums to explore, as well as a variety of archaeological sites dotted throughout the countryside. Not-to-be-missed attractions include the Masjed-e Shah mosque, a blue-tiled mosaic masterpiece; the National Museum of Iran in the capital city of Tehran; and the magnificent ruins of Persepolis, dating back over 2500 years.
The city of Qazvin is the capital of the eponymous province and was once the capital of the entire country. The metropolis is known as the calligraphy capital of Iran but is famous for a wealth of reasons. It produces exquisite carpets, sweet seedless grapes, tasty Baghlava, and an important political newspaper, and is home to some renowned poets. Explore the caravanserai-turned-arts precinct to see an incredible array of jewellery, paintings, ceramics, and carpets as well as chic design and contemporary art at its galleries, and follow your walk with coffee or a meal in one of the excellent restaurants. Make sure to spend some time meandering through the atmospheric bazaar. The town functions well as a base for trips to the famous Castles of the Assassins and hiking trails through the phenomenal beauty of the Alamut Valley.
Located in west-central Iran, eighty kilometres from Shahr-e Kord, Chelgerd is a tiny settlement among magnificent snow-covered mountains in the Bakhtiari Province. The Zagros Mountains, forests, waterfalls and rivers provide breathtaking photography opportunities. The town is a mecca for skiers, mountain explorers and those wanting to discover the traditional villages of the area. The nomadic communities here are still ambivalent about visitors, meaning that formal tours are best. The extraordinary flat-top village of Sar Aqa Seyyed lies 25 kilometres along a dirt track from Chelgerd, where the village houses are set in layers down the hillside, with the rood of each house creating a walking platform for the house above. Other highlights include Chama’s Cave, a remarkable ice cave.
Set in central Iran, Isfahan or Esfahan is regarded as Iran’s number-one tourist destination – and there is so much about the city to support this. Tree-lined boulevards, Persian gardens and architecture, characteristic hand-painted tiling, significant Islamic buildings and bazaars lend a grandeur that justifies the words of a 16th-century rhyme that describes it has ‘Half the World’. Visit the city’s magnificent Naqsh-e Jahan Square - formally Imam Square, a Unesco World Heritage Site; stroll the picturesque 6 kilometres Chahar Bagh Boulevard, and the Hasht Behesht and Chehel Sotoun gardens located on either side. The mosques, including the Imam and Hakim Mosques, are among the most beautiful and oldest in Iran.
Set in south-central Iran, the city of Shiraz serves as the capital of the Fars Province. Brimming with sophistication and architectural beauty, Shiraz is a most desired destination for travellers as well as Iranians, who regard the city as something of a pilgrimage site - the beloved Persian poets Hafez and Sa’di are buried here. Visitors can look forward to spending an hour or two at these sites, as well as at the Bazar-e Vakil in the city’s ancient trading district, it’s most famous for spices, copper, handicrafts, antiques and rugs. The garden complex of Bagh-e-eram with its intricate network of canals and fauna and flora is a must, as is the area’s most famous tourist spot - the ruins of Persepolis, situated about 60 kilometres outside of the city.
