Here lies the capital of the Safavid empire, in the country's centre. Magnificent monuments from the 16th and 18th centuries, arranged like a huge garden. The stop not to miss in order to discover all Iran's splendour.

Middle East

It needs to be said: Iran is not the first tourist destination that springs to mind when travellers are planning their next trip. The events of the last few decades have horribly tarnished the image of the country, to the extent of making it into a place which has been deserted by tourism. However, nothing but riches and wonders await those who have the courage to go beyond the clichés and the adverts. Along with the legendary hospitality of the Iranian people, is the thousand-year-old culture, which is both rich and precious, interior designs of unexpected beauty and archaeological heritage which will make any history enthusiasts interested in ruins tremble in anticipation. Iran is also a country that is half the size of Europe at the crossroads of Mediterranean and Asian civilisations, of inspirations, a subtle mix which will eternally surprise the traveller by its richness, its diversity and the beauty of the encounters which will be in no short supply during your journey! Put what other people say aside and leave, as others have, on the trail of the Persian empire, Persepolis, Shiraz or even Isfahan on a journey to Iran.

Iran

Isfahan

At one time Iran's capital, Shiraz is home to the tombs of the greatest Iranian poets, Hafez and Saadi, and was once famous for the wine formerly produced here from the well-known grape variety that today shares the city's name.

Shiraz

A metropolis with 15 million inhabitants, Tehran is an essential destination while on holiday in Iran. With the variety of its museums, its many bazaars, and its hiking trails that wind around the 3,900 metre tall Mount Tochal which overlooks the city, you won't get bored there.

Tehran

One of the largest towns in the country and the capital of the Azeris (a Turkish speaking ethnicity), the largest minority in Iran, Tabriz has been an important gateway town for centuries, at the crossroads of Turkey, the Caucasus and Iran.

Tabriz

Capital of the Achaemenid empire, stretching between the coasts of Greece and Afghanistan, before going up in flames after having been conquered by Alexander the Great in 330 AD,  Persepolis gives you an idea of Iran's ancient grandeur. 

Persepolis

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The city was founded in 300 BC to serve as the administrative centre of a huge empire. The bas relief attest to the diversity of this empire which fought against the Greek cities, freed the Jews in captivity in Babylon and was then burnt down after being conquered by Alexander the Great on his way to India. Before doing the tour of the site, I suggest you pass through the small museum to get an idea of this little known chapter of Iranian history.
Combine the visit of this site with that of Pasargades , the neighbouring site that was the capital before it and whose elaborate gardens gave their name to "paradise". Also remember to visit the tombs on the side of the hill of the Naqsh-e Rostam site located nearby.
 The visit to Persepolis can be completed by a stop at Iran's National Museum in <a href="/iran/holidays/places/12596-tehran/"> Teheran </a>, as it exhibits many artifacts that come from Persepolis.

Capital of the Achaemenid empire, stretching between the coasts of Greece and Afghanistan, before going up in flames after having been conquered by Alexander the Great in 330 AD, Persepolis gives you an idea of Iran's ancient grandeur.

Persepolis Vacations

Persepolis: How to get there?

Persepolis: When to go?

Persepolis: For how long?

Persepolis: What to see in the surroundings?