Iran

A cosmopolitan city, first-time visitors to Tehran are often surprised by the modernity and offerings available, such as its many museums, sprawling parks, and endless restaurant opportunities. There are plenty of urban icons to visit as well, such as Azadi Tower and Golestan Palace.

The focal point of Esfahan (or Isfahan) is Naqsh-e Jahan Square, which means “Half the World” in Persian. The relaxed pace of the city, combined with extensive UNESCO listed architecture, such as the Imam Mosque, make it one of the most talked about cities in Iran. Along with checking out the bazaar, which has beautiful handicrafts for sale, along with teas, and sweets, it’s also worth visiting Ali Qapu Palace for it’s well-decorated and ornate ceilings.

Nicknamed the “City of Windcatchers”, Yazd is an ancient city dating back to the 3rd Century A.D. There is a lot packed into Yazd ranging from; the Zoroastrian fire temples, which Yazdian’s claim has been burning non-stop since 470 A.D; the 15th Century Amir Chakhmaq Complex, which hosts a caravanserai, mosque, bathhouse, confectioners, a well and a tekyeh, which is a location for Shiite’s to gather for mourning of Muharram. If that’s not enough to keep you busy there’s also the exquisitely decorated Masjid-e Jame, the domed rooftops you can wander amongst, and the old parts of the city to explore.

Mount Damavand (5610m), is a stratovolcano and the highest peak in the Middle East and Iran. As well as being the highest volcano in Asia it has long been a special place in Persian folklore and mythology. Located in the middle of the Alborz Mountains, on a clear day you can catch glimpses of the Caspian Sea from the summit caldera.

On top of all these incredible places to visit, there’s still many more exciting things to discover in Iran ranging from Mashhad, the Qashqau nomads, the Great Wall of Gorgan, the masked women of Bander Abbas and the traditional Iranian gyms called zurkhanehs.