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.

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

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

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.

Isfahan

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The story of Isfahan begins well before its conquest by the Mongol armies and reaches its peak with the Safavids when it becomes the empire's capital. On the list of things to see in Isfahan feature many historic monuments : the bazaar, the Friday mosque, Imam Square and the monuments which line it, the Chahar Bagh madrasah and Chehel Sotoun Palace, which received European ambassadors in the 17th century.
If you had to make a choice in what to see, I would advise you to give priority to a visit of Ali Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and to discovering the unique mural paintings of Chetel Sotoun, the palace of forty columns.
 Away from Isfahan's historical centre, I loved going across the Zayande River by way of the magnificent bridges (Khaju or the bridge with 33 arches) to go and see the Armenian area with its magnificent Vank Cathedral.

Isfahan Vacations

Isfahan: How to get there?

Isfahan: When to go?

Isfahan: For how long?

Isfahan: What to see in the surroundings?