Iran was when a well-liked travel location for Westerners. A lot of folks might be surprised to discover that the travellers who nonetheless go to the country, return safely obtaining had a amazing time.


Yes, there have been demonstrations and, at government level hostile words, but the average Iranian that you will meet within your travels is warm, open and incredibly friendly. Iran would be the birthplace of a lot of our culture and these days nevertheless offers some remarkable cultural and private experiences.



Yes, you'll need a visa but for many nationalities these can be obtained in the airport upon arrival. For those travelling on a UK or USA passport, the requirement is that you must be booked on a group tour or at least have your visa application produced by means of among the list of regional tour providers. Independent travel by folks from non UK/USA countries is possible for the brave.



Iran is effectively served with a bus network and both train and internal air travel is feasible. Tiny English is spoken outdoors of Tehran and Isfahan, so hiring a guide makes lots of sense. They may be comparatively cheap. Having mentioned this, taking a group tour also features a lot to supply.



Iran is definitely an Islamic nation and has a strict dress code that guests are needed to stick to. That is particularly complicated for females who are expected to have headgear, arms and legs fully covered whilst in public. For males, long-sleeves and trousers, are needed. Westerners are welcome in most cities but care must be exercised in the quite conservative religious cities of Qom and Mashhad.



Tehran has tiny to present except the Grand Bazaar along with the awesome Jewellery Museum but this really is made up for in the cities of Isfahan (also spelled Esfahan), Shiraz, and Yazd.



Shiraz, and Yazd are both worth every day or more and also the ruins with the ancient city of Persepolis, 70 kilometres from Shiraz is one of world's most dramatic ruins. Shiraz has wonderful gardens and an interesting mosque tiled with mirrors. Yazd has its winding lanes, wind towers and mud-brick houses. This can be the top place to explore the Zoroastrian culture. Check out the impressive three storey high Amir Chakhmaq Complicated - with its rows of perfectly proportioned decorated alcoves. In case you have the time, the Yazd Water Museum has a most intriguing display with the underground water canals referred to as quanats.



Isfahan is really a relatively compact city with most of the main attractions inside walking distance. It's certainly impressive and some say that it can be by far the most gorgeous city in the world. The primary attractions: the Imam Mosque, Ali Qapu Palace, the Sheikh Lotf Alah Mosque and also the entrance to the Grand Bazaar, are clustered about the big Imam (Naghsh-j Jahan) Square. After a military parade ground, polo field and horse race track, the central area is now a water feature and dozens of shops surround the square.