The Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, a prestigious European operator of exclusive, long-distance rail tours, is scheduled to run new rounds of its services that offers extensive excursions throughout Iran.
Tourists walk on a platform at a station in Tehran after arriving in the Iranian capital on a luxury train from Budapest on October 27, 2014. (AFP PHOTO/Atta Kenare)
Passengers from several countries including the UK, Spain, the U.S., Australia, Canada, and South Africa will aboard the opening southbound train that is scheduled to depart from Moscow on November 10th, IRNA reported on November 3.
Of an 18th-day itinerary titled “Persian Odyssey” the train will stop at various spots in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan before it enters the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad early on the 11th day of its journey.
Holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS), Nader Shah Museum, and mausoleum of the illustrious Persian poet Ferdowsi (c. 940–1020), are amongst destinations for one-day stop in Khorassan Razavi Province.
The backpackers will also have stopovers in cities of Kerman, Yazd, Isfahan, and Shiraz where rich collections of historical sites and natural beauties of the country stands within or nearby.
The journey will come to an end in Tehran by November 27, following a three-day stay in the capital that will include visits to the Treasury of National Jewels and the 19th-century Golestan Palace.
The final Persian Odyssey, which will be a northbound service, is slated to leave Tehran for Moscow on November 24, 2017, the Society of International Railway Travelers announced on its website.
According to Iranian officials, foreign tourist arrivals in the country have been more than double that of the global average since the nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), went into effect in January 2016.
National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) and Polish state owned oil and gas company, PGNiG (Polskie Górnictwo Naftowe i Gazownictwo), signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Saturday, based on which the polish company will conduct primary studies on Iran’s Sumar oil field in the Iranian western province of Kermanshah, Shana reported.
The MOU was signed in Tehran by Gholamreza Manouchehri, the deputy managing director of NIOC for development and engineering affairs, and Piotr Wozniak, the managing director of PGNiG.
According to Manouchehri, the Polish side should conduct the studies and provide the results to NIOC within a six-month period.
The final decision for development of the field will be made after obtaining the results of studies; NIOC intends to put the development project on tender, the official stated.
Golden Eagle luxury tourist train stopped in Yazd in centeral of Iran.
European and American tourists, who are on sightseeing trip to some Iranian cities on luxury train named ‘Hezar-o Yek Shab’ (Thousand and One Nights), visited the central provinces of Isfahan (on Oct. 26) and Yazd (on Oct. 25).
They are due to go on to Shiraz in Fars Province.
Speaking on the sojourn, caretaker of Yazd Cultural Heritage Department, said 48 tourists who embarked on the trip from Budapest, Hungary, arrived in Iran on Oct. 21 after traversing Bulgaria and Turkey.
Mostafa Fatemi added that they visited the southern province of Kerman for two days before arriving in Yazd.
In Yazd, they went to the Yazd Jame’ Mosque, Zoroastrian fire temple, Dowlatabad Garden and strolled through the city’s historical textures, he said.
He continued that provinces of Isfahan, Fars and Yazd are considered golden triangle of Iranian tourism. “A majority of foreign tourists choose these provinces as a tourism destination during their trip to Iran.”
Yazd is one of the most well-known desert cities of Iran.
Many Iranians and foreign tourists like to visit Yazd to view the architecture typically found in desert regions.
The city is famous for its wind towers, termeh (traditional broçade), silk weaving and sweets (such as ‘baqlava’ and ‘qotab’).
A trip to Yazd will make you familiar with life in desert towns and how people have adapted to it. You learn about ‘qanat’ (underground water supply system) for which Iranians are well-known.
The water reservoirs, icehouses, wind-towers and pigeon towers make the visit to Yazd worthwhile, as tourists explore the uniqueness of this ancient city.
Yazd, located 270km southeast of Isfahan, has a population of approximately 560,000. It attracts a growing number of tourists.
The city is hot and dry in summer due to its location, which is between the two main deserts of Dasht-e Kavir and the Kavir-e Lut.
Traditionally, Yazd is famous for termeh, the brocades made with Iranian patterns and used in dresses, bags, footwear and interior decoration.
Golden Eagle luxury tourist train arrived in Isfahan on 18 October 2016.
European and American tourists, who are on sightseeing trip to some Iranian cities on luxury train named ‘Hezar-o Yek Shab’ (Thousand and One Nights), visited the central provinces of Isfahan (on Oct. 26) and Yazd (on Oct. 25).
They are due to go on to Shiraz in Fars Province.
Speaking on the sojourn, caretaker of Yazd Cultural Heritage Department, said 48 tourists who embarked on the trip from Budapest, Hungary, arrived in Iran on Oct. 21 after traversing Bulgaria and Turkey.
Mostafa Fatemi added that they visited the southern province of Kerman for two days before arriving in Yazd.
In Yazd, they went to the Yazd Jame’ Mosque, Zoroastrian fire temple, Dowlatabad Garden and strolled through the city’s historical textures, he said.
He continued that provinces of Isfahan, Fars and Yazd are considered golden triangle of Iranian tourism. “A majority of foreign tourists choose these provinces as a tourism destination during their trip to Iran.”
Yazd is one of the most well-known desert cities of Iran.
Many Iranians and foreign tourists like to visit Yazd to view the architecture typically found in desert regions.
The city is famous for its wind towers, termeh (traditional broçade), silk weaving and sweets (such as ‘baqlava’ and ‘qotab’).
A trip to Yazd will make you familiar with life in desert towns and how people have adapted to it. You learn about ‘qanat’ (underground water supply system) for which Iranians are well-known.
The water reservoirs, icehouses, wind-towers and pigeon towers make the visit to Yazd worthwhile, as tourists explore the uniqueness of this ancient city.
Yazd, located 270km southeast of Isfahan, has a population of approximately 560,000. It attracts a growing number of tourists.
The city is hot and dry in summer due to its location, which is between the two main deserts of Dasht-e Kavir and the Kavir-e Lut.
Traditionally, Yazd is famous for termeh, the brocades made with Iranian patterns and used in dresses, bags, footwear and interior decoration.
Nomads have one of the most attractive life styles that can be seen in the modern world. They are not primitive like some faraway Islanders rather they are mainly known for being on the move. When talking about Iran, Nomads are mentioned as one of its highlights. Seeing such a traditional life style just a few miles away from the modern cities is a wonderful life-time experience.
Nomads spread all around Iran in different regions including west and south-west, East and south-east, north west and finally north east and center. Each region is resident to some of the tribes who live in that area; Afshar tribe in the north-east, Balouch in the south-east, Shahsavan in the North West are just a few examples. Still, the biggest nomadic population lives in the west and south-west near Zagros Mountains located in 6 south-western provinces including Kurdistan, Kermanshah, Ilam, Isfahan, Chahar-Mahal Bakhtiari, kohkilooye and Fars.
Bakhtiaris and Ghashghaees
The biggest and most well-known tribes in Iran are Bakhtiaris, Ghashghaees and Khamseh. Bakhriaris as the biggest nomadic tribe who live on western part of Chahar Mahal province and move along way to the East of Khouzestan province in the winter. Ghashghaee (Qashqaee), the second famous nomadic tribe, live in different parts of Fars, the south part of Isfahan and near the Persian Gulf. Most of the year, they are on the move between their summer and winter resorts and they stay mainly in big rectangular tents. Although, many of these were forced to settle down some 100 years ago or decided to abandon their nomadic life, still some big population of nomads is on the move. There are approximately one million moving nomads divided into 96 major tribes.
As the settlement and passing routes of Bakhtiaris and Ghashghaees overlap with touristy routes, there are many possibilities for paying a visit. In fact, Fars province is hosting the biggest nomadic population probably because the biggest nomadic tribes reside (at least temporarily) in this region. Some of the tribes pass through the Fars province; others move from southern parts to the northern parts and take a shorter trip to reach their summer destination. The latter reside in the plains near ZarinDasht, Neyriz, Fasa , Simakan, Ghir, FirouzAbad, Farashband, and Kazeroon and then move to Abadeh, Eghlid, Bavanat, Sepidan, Khorambid, and Pasargadae to find their summer resort. The spring movement usually takes place after the New Year at the beginning of April.
Needless to say that famous Sassanid sites are located in Firouzabad and Kazeroon which are common routes for these tribes as well. As Isfahan and Shiraz are major tourist destinations, it is common to plan a visit near Isfahan (Semirom) and near Shiraz (FirouzAbad or Kohmare) where they usually reside for a few months.
Nomadic life has many interesting aspect which cannot be explained in a short article. Their attractive colorful dresses, special music, invaluable handicrafts, different type of carpets such as Glim, Jajim, Gabbe are a few examples of their fabulous life. Fortunately, their genuine art and products are still preserved and unaffected by modernity. But to enjoy these extraordinary and amazing aspects, you have to experience it first-hand.
Itinerary
IRAN nomads tour in warm seasons is approximately from May to October. We say “approximately” because the arriving of the warm seasons can vary in different years for a couple of weeks. Our route in Iran to meet the nomads in warm season is usually the colder areas of southwest, west and northwest of Iran and depending the length of the time you want to stay with nomads and the tribes you want to meet we can adjust the itinerary.
Please note that this description is by no means complete. It was a mere attempt to give tourists a general account of various nomadic tribes scattered in different parts of Iran. To have a deeper sense of this aspect of Persian land, further readings and a personal visit are beyond question.
The capital of Yazd province has a unique Persian architecture. The historical city is nicknamed the city of wind catchers because of its ancient Persian wind catchers.
Yazd is almost in the center of Iran. It is an ancient city, dating from Sassanian Period (224-651 AD). Acording to UNESCO, Yazd is the Second Historic City in the World.
Get in
Yazd is located midway between Isfahan and Kerman, 689 km (427 miles) southeast of Tehran.
Yazd is served by all means of transportation except boats, both airplanes, trains and buses are available for tourists who would like to visit the city of Yazd. Also,Yazd is said to have one of the most safest and fast automobile routes throughout Iran because of its steady and well-built roads.
By Plane
There are International flights to Dubai and Damascus and daily flights to Tehran.
Get around
Most places in the old town are within easy walking distance from each other. Otherwise taxis are inexpensive.Motorcycle Taxis are another faster and cheaper way to move around in the city,but try to settle on a price before going anywhere. Local buses are also available for travelers.
See
Masjid-e Jame (Friday Mosque), dating back to the fourteenth century, is well worth a visit. Admire it at night when it is lit up.
Atashkadeh is the Zoroastrian fire temple. The fire on the inside has supposedly been burning since 470 AD. Entrance is free, though donations are appreciated.
Yazd Tower of silence (Zoroastrian’s Dakhmeh) – the name tower is misleading as they consist of huge circular walls, within those the dead were left to be picked clean by the vultures. This is done in accordance with Zoroastrian belief. However, the towers are not in use anymore and open to the public. A quiet, serene place.
Yazd Market Square’s Clock
The cistern of Fatemeh-ye-Golshan
Amir Chakhmakh complex, a breathtaking construction and a must-see. Visitors can climb to the top.
Amir Chakmakh mosque, not to be confused with the complex of the same name, but nearby and easily visited when visiting the more famous complex.
Yazd Water museum lots of interesting information about the Canat water distribution system, admission free, a must-see
Hazireh mosque
water reservoir with its four badgirs (wind towers)
Khan-e-Lari, a historical house
Alexanders prison, which was neither built by Alexander the great nor a prison, but quite an interesting sight with a cafe in the ‘prison room’
tomb of the 12 imams
Madrasse-e-Kamalieh
Bogeh-ye Seyed Rokamdin mosque
Dowlat Abad Gardens with a building with a beautiful large badgir.Do
Walk and relax in the parks and places the city of Yazd can offer for tourists and local iranians or you can hike in the beautiful mountains of Yazd that show a spectacular and beautiful view of the city.If you are a more sociable kind of person,you can chat with local Iranians at cafes,they would be interested and would love to have a dialogue with you.Buy
The local bazaar is the best way to go. Iran’s most famous snacks, nougat and cashews are available. Yazd is very famous in Iran for its various handicrafts, such as carpet, silk fabrics, cashemers and also for its pastries. If you are looking for Persian carpets at reasonable prices, there are many Persian carpets to choose from at the bazaar.
Eat
Tourists say old fashion Persian Restaurants are the best way to go if you want a more friendlier and more cultural atmosphere.If you are a Kebab lover,the city has many Kebab cuisines.There are a few international restaurants in Yazd which serve Italian,Indian,Arabic and Mexican food.
The traditional restaurant and tea house of Kohan Hotel is opened.There are served various kinds of iranian traditional foods,like FESSENJUN,GHEIME…and some delicious european,indian food,cooked by an Iranian lady!with a nice atmospher full of iranian paintings and tea house paintings,which gives you a different feeling!this place is strongly recommanded to all people,who want to enjoy their food near Alexander Prison.
Drink
Persian Tea is almost available anywhere in Yazd.Juice Vendors sell natural fresh Orange Juice which is considered very healthy.There are also Pomegrante Vendors who sell pomegrante juice for about the price of 0.10$ per cup.
Sleep
There are many nice, yet good value hotels to choose from. A number of grand, Old City houses have been recently refurbished into atmospheric hotels, some well, others not quite so well. Many of them offer immaculate, comfortable rooms arranged around tranquil garden courtyards where you can eat, drink tea or puff away on a ghalyan while gazing at the sky above. If you’ve been slumming it through questionable mosafekhanehs until Yazd, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.
Get out
Another city close by is the Holy city of Qom,If you feel like visiting a place more cultural and beautiful, the ancient city of Isfahan is near Yazd.
Kavir National Park. The magnificent Iranian deserts embrace all those who are interested in adventurous journey or trekking across the intact beautiful nature. The desert vividly signifies the diverse and colourful features of the Iranian terrain. The white vast salt flats, the golden dunes as well as the striking mounds in bright green, yellow and red create a marvellous spectrum of spectacular colours for day travellers in the desert. Undoubtedly, the desert’s night does surpass all expectations and further displays an spectacle of appealing stars–appearing so temptingly real and near.
The capital of Yazd province has a unique Persian architecture. The historical city is nicknamed the city of wind catchers because of its ancient Persian wind catchers.
Yazd is almost in the center of Iran. It is an ancient city, dating from Sassanian Period (224-651 AD). Acording to UNESCO, Yazd is the Second Historic City in the World.
Get in
Yazd is located midway between Isfahan and Kerman, 689 km (427 miles) southeast of Tehran.
Yazd is served by all means of transportation except boats, both airplanes, trains and buses are available for tourists who would like to visit the city of Yazd. Also,Yazd is said to have one of the most safest and fast automobile routes throughout Iran because of its steady and well-built roads.
By Plane
There are International flights to Dubai and Damascus and daily flights to Tehran.
Get around
Most places in the old town are within easy walking distance from each other. Otherwise taxis are inexpensive.Motorcycle Taxis are another faster and cheaper way to move around in the city,but try to settle on a price before going anywhere. Local buses are also available for travellers.
See
Masjid-e Jame (Friday Mosque), dating back to the fourteenth century, is well worth a visit. Admire it at night when it is lit up.
Atashkadeh is the Zoroastrian fire temple. The fire on the inside has supposedly been burning since 470 AD. Entrance is free, though donations are appreciated.
Yazd Tower of silence (Zoroastrian’s Dakhmeh) – the name tower is misleading as they consist of huge circular walls, within those the dead were left to be picked clean by the vultures. This is done in accordance with Zoroastrian belief. However, the towers are not in use anymore and open to the public. A quiet, serene place.
Yazd Market Square’s Clock
The cistern of Fatemeh-ye-Golshan
Amir Chakhmakh complex, a breathtaking construction and a must-see. Visitors can climb to the top.
Amir Chakmakh mosque, not to be confused with the complex of the same name, but nearby and easily visited when visiting the more famous complex.
Yazd Water museum lots of interesting information about the Canat water distribution system, admission free, a must-see
Hazireh mosque
water reservoir with its four badgirs (wind towers)
Khan-e-Lari, a historical house
Alexanders prison, which was neither built by Alexander the great nor a prison, but quite an interesting sight with a cafe in the ‘prison room’
tomb of the 12 imams
Madrasse-e-Kamalieh
Bogeh-ye Seyed Rokamdin mosque
Dowlat Abad Gardens with a building with a beautiful large badgir.Do
Walk and relax in the parks and places the city of Yazd can offer for tourists and local iranians or you can hike in the beautiful mountains of Yazd that show a spectacular and beautiful view of the city.If you are a more sociable kind of person,you can chat with local Iranians at cafes,they would be interested and would love to have a dialogue with you.
Buy
The local bazaar is the best way to go. Iran’s most famous snacks, nougat and cashews are available. Yazd is very famous in Iran for its various handicrafts, such as carpet, silk fabrics, cashemers and also for its pastries. If you are looking for Persian carpets at reasonable prices, there are many Persian carpets to choose from at the bazaar.
Eat
Tourists say old fashion Persian Restaurants are the best way to go if you want a more friendlier and more cultural atmosphere.If you are a Kebab lover,the city has many Kebab cuisines.There are a few international restaurants in Yazd which serve Italian,Indian,Arabic and Mexican food.
The traditional restaurant and tea house of Kohan Hotel is opened.There are served various kinds of iranian traditional foods,like FESSENJUN,GHEIME…and some delicious european,indian food,cooked by an Iranian lady!with a nice atmospher full of iranian paintings and tea house paintings,which gives you a different feeling!this place is strongly recommanded to all people,who want to enjoy their food near Alexander Prison.
Drink
Persian Tea is almost available anywhere in Yazd.Juice Vendors sell natural fresh Orange Juice which is considered very healthy.There are also Pomegrante Vendors who sell pomegrante juice for about the price of 0.10$ per cup.
Sleep
There are many nice, yet good value hotels to choose from. A number of grand, Old City houses have been recently refurbished into atmospheric hotels, some well, others not quite so well. Many of them offer immaculate, comfortable rooms arranged around tranquil garden courtyards where you can eat, drink tea or puff away on a ghalyan while gazing at the sky above. If you’ve been slumming it through questionable mosafekhanehs until Yazd, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.
Get out
Another city close by is the Holy city of Qom,If you feel like visiting a place more cultural and beautiful, the ancient city of Isfahan is near Yazd.
Kavir National Park. The magnificent Iranian deserts embrace all those who are interested in adventurous journey or trekking across the intact beautiful nature. The desert vividly signifies the diverse and colourful features of the Iranian terrain. The white vast salt flats, the golden dunes as well as the striking mounds in bright green, yellow and red create a marvellous spectrum of spectacular colours for day travellers in the desert. Undoubtedly, the desert’s night does surpass all expectations and further displays an spectacle of appealing stars–appearing so temptingly real and near.
The Shah Nematollah Vali shrine is a historical complex, located in Mahan (Kerman), Iran, which contains the mausoleum of Shah Nematollah Vali, the renowned Iranian mystic and poet. Shah Nematollah Vali died in 1431 aged in over 100. In 1436 a shrine was erected in his honor and became a pilgrimage site ; with the attention of successive rulers contributing various attentions over the centuries.
The tomb of Shah Nur-eddin Nematollah Vali, poet, sage, Sufi and founder of an order of dervishes, has twin minarets covered with turquoise tiles from the bottom up to the cupola. The mausoleum was built by Ahmad Shah Kani; the rest of the building was constructed during the reigns of Shah Abbas I, Mohammad Shah Qajar and Nasser-al-Din Shah. Shah Nematallah Vali spent many years wandering through central Asia perfecting his spiritual gifts before finally settling at Mahan, twenty miles south-east of Kerman, where he passed the last twenty five years of his life. He died in 1431, having founded a Darvish order which continues to be an active spiritual force today. The central domed burial vault at Mahan, completed in 1437 was erected by Ahmad Shah Bahmani, king of the Deccan, and one of Shah Nematallah’s most devoted disciples.
shahnematolahAmong the splendour, beautiful and most spectacular works we can pointed to Shah Nematollah Vali dome. This beautiful sites in the center of Mahan town. the Shah Nematollah Vali Shrine is a historical complex, which contains the mausoleum of Shah Nematollah Vali.
The Vakil-ol-Molk court-yard is opposite this mausoleum, and was constructed in the Qajar era. The structure displays a Mongol type of architecture (of the Eilkhani and pre-Safavid periods) and its porch pertains to the Esfahani mode of architecture, and is one of the wonderful pieces of art works in desert area of Iran.
The building and its gardener opened from both sides to street and public road. On the shahnematolahpublic road which in the past passed through the center of city thee is a wide and circle frontage at a 3m high from the road level. It is probably because of securing the frontage from the danger of river. In the middle of this frontage there is a pool and an old plane-tree that have saved from the danger of flood in 1932. In both sides of road, where the wall of mausoleums sites. There are two arches (taqnama), they that have been close because of huge tree that the flood in 1932 brought with itself there.
The upper part of a large door which opened to tomb’s yard has been decorated with beautiful painting which have been drawn on plaster, but unfortunately some parts of them are destroying, Passing through this door, one would reach to a large court yard which is called Shah Abassi court yard and it is founded by the order of great Shah Abass. Recently while it was restoring, it became clear that inside part of most of pillars has been made of mud brick.
visitors who like to stay at night close to Shahnematollah vali , can reserve a room in “Motevalli bashi traditional hotel”, to experience living in a place with Iranian Architecture, and with a view to beautiful marinates of Shahnematolloh vali mausoleum. the Motevalli bashi complex include accommodation and restaurant.
By David Sim: The lifting of sanctions on Iran as a result of its nuclear deal with world powers could result in a huge tourism boom. Iran made it on to the top destination lists of major publications such as The Financial Times and The Guardian in 2015 thanks to sights that include 2,500-year-old ruins at Persepolis near Shiraz and 16th-century Islamic architectural gems in Isfahan.
The World Travel Market 2015 Industry Report said Iran was set to become a tourism hotspot. Adventurous tourists are already rushing to discover the riches the country has to offer, including ancient ruins, pristine beaches and popular ski resorts. In this gallery, IBTimes UK presents 30 photos of beautiful sights that should be on every itinerary.
The ancient city of Isfahan, the former Persian capital from 1598 to 1722, is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world – and is Iran’s number-one tourist destination. Leafy streets, hand-painted tiling and the famous Islamic architecture are unparalleled by any other Iranian city, centred around the magnificent Unesco-listed Naghsh-e Jahan Square. One of the world’s largest city squares, it is home to several magnificent monuments, the Shah Mosque, the Lotfollah Mosque, the Ali Qapu Palace and the Imperial Bazaar/iStock
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, built in the early 1600s, was the first of four monuments that dominate Isfahan’s huge Naqsh-e-Jahan Square. The marble mosque is decorated throughout with exquisite tiles and calligraphy/iStock
The Shah Mosque or Imam Mosque, a Unesco World Heritage site on Naghsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan, is regarded as one of the masterpieces of Persian Architecture, with stunning mosaics and calligraphic inscriptions/iStock
The highly ornamented Ali Qapu Palace is located on Naqsh e Jahan Square, opposite the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan/iStock
The Bazaar of Isfahan, a vaulted two-kilometre street linking the old city with the new, is one of the oldest and largest markets in the Middle East/iStock
Isfahan’s Allāhverdi Khan Bridge, more popularly known as Si-o-seh pol, has two rows of 33 arches over the Zayandeh River/iStock
Vank Cathedral, also known as Holy Saviour Cathedral, is an Armenian Apostolic church built in the early 1600s in Isfahan/ iStock
In the 17th century, Isfahan was home to around 3,000 magnificent towers built to house pigeons. About 300 remain scattered throughout the countryside around the city/ iStock
Abyaneh is one of the oldest villages in Iran. Located at 2,500m above sea level in Isfahan province, the village is a jumble of houses packed one on top the other on the slopes of Mount Karkas. The walls of the houses are made of mud bricks that contain a lot of iron oxides, giving them a reddish colour/ iStock
Dizin, established in 1969, is the most popular ski resort in Iran. The ski season here runs from December to May – longer than European resorts because of its high altitude (3,600m, making it one of the 40 highest ski resorts in the world)iStock
Darbandsar, 60km to the north-east of Tehran, is one of the newest ski resorts in Iran. It offers a variety of winter sports such as snowboarding, mountain climbing, cross-country and off-piste skiing, etc/iStock
Founded by Darius I in 518 BC, Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire and is situated around 70km north-east of the city of Shiraz/iStock
The tomb of Cyrus the Great, in the Pasargadae World Heritage Site, is believed to date back to the 4th century BC/iStock
Narenjestan-e Qavam, the Qavam Orange Grove, is a 19th-century garden in Shiraz. It leads to the elegant Qavam House, decorated in a style inspired by Victorian era Europe/iStock
The Nasir ol Molk Mosque in Shiraz is also known as the Pink Mosque, thanks to colour of the tiles used to decorate the interior. It looks particularly beautiful with light streaming through its coloured glass windows/iStock
Tehran lacks the beautiful architecture of Isfahan and the history of Persepolis, but makes up for it with its range of restaurants, cafés, museums and art galleries – and its location at the foothills of the Alborz mountains make for fantastic walking trails/iStock
Golestan Palace is a Unesco world heritage site in Tehran, and part of a former royal complex that includes palaces and museums, decorated with intricately carved marble and mirrored halls/iStock
Milad Tower, also known as the Tehran Tower, is the sixth tallest tower in the world. Standing at 435m (1,427ft) high, the top floors are home to observation deck and a revolving restaurant/iStock
Mount Damāvand is the highest peak in Iran and the Middle East. This potentially active volcano is located in the Alborz range, near the southern coast of the Caspian Sea, about 60km north-east of Tehran/iStock
Meymand, an ancient village in Kerman Province, is thought to date back 12,000 years ago. More than 600 people still live in around 350 hand-dug rock houses/iStock
Kandovan is a village in East Azerbaijan Province containing cliff dwellings excavated inside volcanic rocks similar to those in the Turkish region of Cappadocia. These rock houses are still occupied today – at the 2006 census, the village had a population of around 600/iStock
Yazd, a city of around a million people and the driest city in Iran, is architecturally unique and an important pilgrimage destination for Zoroastrians/iStock
The Amir Chakhmaq Complex is the largest structure in Iran. It is illuminated with orange light in the evenings and provides wonderful views over the city of Yazd/iStock
The city of Bam in Kerman Province surrounds an ancient citadel dating back around 2,000 years, to the Parthian Empire (248 BC–224 AD)/iStock
Qom, a city of around a million people about 125km south-west of Tehran, is considered holy by Shia Islam and is a popular pilgrimage destination/iStock
The Zagros Mountains, regarded as sacred by the Kurds, run along Iran’s western border. The highest point on the range is Zard Kuh, at 4548m (14,921 ft)/iStock
Anzali Lagoon in the Caspian Sea in the northern Iranian province of Gilan is a good place for birdwatching, despite increasing pollution thanks to being used for many years as waste dumping site/iStock
The port city of Bandar Abbas is capital of Hormozgān Province on the southern coast of Iran, on the Persian Gulf. Thousands of tourists visit the city and the nearby islands, including Qeshm and Hormuz/iStock
The Bazaar of Tabriz, another Unesco World Heritage Site, is thought to be the largest covered bazaar in the world. Situated on the ancient Silk Road, the bazaar has separate sections for jewellery, carpets, leather goods, etc/iStock
The Golden Eagle Danube Express is a luxury train that takes two weeks to wind through the 7,000km journey from Budapest to Iran, via the Balkans, the Bosphorus and eastern TurkeyBernadett Szabo/Reuters
Visit Iran – 79 reasons and places that will make Iran your next travel destination
João Leitão: Iran is an amazing country. Do you have any doubts about it? I know that the general opinion in the West is that Iran is a dangerous country.
The NEWS in Europe and the US tell us about a different Iran. They describe a place full of violence that makes us believe the country is populated with mad, unfriendly and ferocious people.
Well, we got that wrong…
Why?
First: Iran is one of the safest places I’ve ever been to. Crime is much lower than in most European countries and USA.
Second: Iranian people are among the friendliest and most hospitable in the World;
Third: Iran is quite developed, clean, and its population are well educated and have cultural / political awareness.
I’ve been twice to Iran. The last time was back in 2012. I went along with my girlfriend and we left Iran with the desire of coming back soon. And we will.
I’m sure that your opinion about Iran will change after you check out these 79 reasons and places that will make Iran your next travel destination.
1- Arg-e Rayen Citadel in Rayen – Visit Iran
1,000 years old Arg Rayen Citadel in Rayen – Places to Visit in Iran
2- Ali Qapu Palace in Isfahan
Ali Qapu Palace in Isfahan built in the 16th century. The interior decoration of this palace is incredible – Visit Iran
3- Golestan Palace in Tehran – Visit Iran
Golestan Palace in Tehran built in the 16th century – UNESCO Sites in Iran
4- Naqsh-e Khostam
Naqsh-e Khostam ancient necropolis from 1000 BC – Sightseeing in Iran
5- Alis Non-Alcoholic Malt Beverage
Alis Malt Beverage – What to drink in Iran
6- Amir Chakmak Mosque Complex in Yazd
Amir Chakmak Mosque in Yazd from the 16th century – Monuments and Sightseeing in Iran
7- Architecture in Tehran – Visit Iran
Architecture in Tehran – Visit Iran
8- Arg-e Bam Citadel in Bam
Bam Citadel, was the largest adobe building in the world – UNESCO Sites in Iran
9- Ateshkadeh Zaroastrian Fire Temple in Yazd
Zoroastrian Religion Ateshkadeh Fire Temple in Yazd – Religion in Iran
10- Bastani Traditional Restaurant in Isfahan
Bastani Traditional Restaurant in Isfahan – Where to eat in Iran
Traditional Iranian Puppet Show – What to do in Iran
Video of Traditional Iranian Puppet Show in Golestan Palace, Tehran:
72- Iranian Religiousness and Spirituality
Religiousness and Spirituality – Religion in Iran
73- Vakil Mosque in Shiraz
Vakil Mosque in Shiraz – Visit Iran
74- Iranian Street Wall Art
Wall Art – What to see in Iran
75- Water Museum in Yazd
Water Museum in Yazd – What to do in Iran
76- Old City in Yazd
Yazd Old City – Where to go in Iran
77- Zaid Mosque in Tehran
Zaid Mosque in Tehran – Religion in Iran
78- Ziai Ye School in Yazd
Ziai Ye School in Yazd, also known as Alexander’s Prision – Monuments and Sightseeing in Iran
79- City Center in Shiraz
City Center in Shiraz – What to visit in Iran
Some ideas about Iran to be taken in consideration:
Everything Western TV says about Iran is mostly propaganda and do not correspond to the real Iran.
People are more friendly than you think.
The country is more developed than you think.
Iran is relatively cheap.
Iran will be one of the safest countries you’ve ever been to. Crime is almost non-existent.
Women travelers have to cover their hair while in Iran.
All countries in the world can get an easy 15 day Iranian Visa on arrival at any international airport. However, this rule does not apply to nationals of the following countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Colombia, India, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Somalia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, United Kingdom, United States and Uzbekistan. Visa exemption countries are: Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Turkey and Venezuela. Entry is banned to Israeli nationals.
Also that you should know about Iran,
Iranian sites inscribed on the World Heritage UNESCO list:
Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran, Bam and its Cultural Landscape, Bisotun, Golestan Palace, Gonbad-e Qābus, Masjed-e Jāmé of Isfahan, Meidan Emam, Esfahan, Pasargadae, Persepolis, Sheikh Safi al-din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble in Ardabil, Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System, Soltaniyeh, Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex, Takht-e Soleyman, Tchogha Zanbil and The Persian Garden.
Imam Mosque in Isfahan built in 1611 – UNESCO Sites in Iran
Iranian sites submitted on the Tentative List of UNESCO:
Alisadr Cave, Arasbaran Protected Area, Bastam and Kharghan, Bazaar of Qaisariye in Laar, Cultural Landscape of Alamout, Damavand, Firuzabad Ensemble, Ghaznavi- Seljukian Axis in Khorasan, Hamoun Lake, Harra Protected Area, Hegmataneh, Historic ensemble of Qasr-e Shirin, Historic Monument of Kangavar, Historical Ensemble of Qasr-e Shirin, Hyrcanian Forest Caspian Forest, Jame’ Congregational Mosque of Esfahan, Jiroft, Kaboud Mosque, Kerman Historical-Cultural Structure, Khabr National Park and Ruchun Wildlife Refuge, Khorramabad Valley, Kuh-e Khuaja, Lut Desert the vicinity of Shahdad, Nasqsh-e Rostam and Naqsh-e Rajab, Persepolis and other relevant, Qanats of Gonabad, Qeshm Island, Sabalan, Shahr-e Sukhteh, Shush, Silk Route also as Silk Road, Susa, Tape Sialk, Taq-e Bostan, The Collection of Historical Bridges, The Complex of Handmade Settlements in Iran Maymand Village, The Complex of Izadkhast, The Cultural Landscape of Uramanat, The Cultural-Natural Landscape of Ramsar, The Ensemble of Historical Sassanian Cities in Fars Province Bishabpur Firouzabad Sarvestan, The Historical City of Masouleh, The Historical City of Maybod, The Historical Port of Siraf, The Historical Structure of Yazd, The Historical Texture of Damghan, The Historical Village of Abyaneh, The Historical–Cultural Axis of Fin Sialk Kashan, The Natural-Historical Landscape of Izeh, The Zandiyeh Ensemble of Fars Province, Touran Biosphere Reserve, Tous Cultural Landscape and Zozan.
