With the impending lifting of economic sanctions, which will help promote Iran as a safe destination, domestic tourism officials expect a massive influx of tourists, most of whom have probably never visited Iran before.
British travel blogger Becki Enright has written a brief travel guide for those visiting Iran for the first time, which was published on adventure travel company G Adventures’ website.
Excerpts from the article are presented below:
Iran is a vast space in both its landscape and epic history, making it impossible to cover in one short trip. Enclosed within the mountainous far west and the forested wilderness of the frontier east are the central plains that contain the country’s most treasured historical showcase of a Persian past and the eye-opening changes of its Iranian present.
This is where your journey within one of the Middle East’s most misunderstood countries will most likely begin.
Tehran
Tehran is typically the start and end point of any Iran trip–a love-it-or-hate-it city that many bypass in anticipation of more ancient wonders.
What was once a Persian garden village is now a typically frenetic Middle Eastern capital city, and like any dusty and developing capital, it just needs a little time. While it may lack color and distinct charm, it is charged with pulsating energy and a vast scattering of historical treasures, including palaces and residences of the generations of royal rule, the treasure trove of museums, opulent tombs and the stunning multicolored mosques with their famous tiled patterns.
Seeking out Old Persia remains all over the metro-connected city is all part of the fun. Yet what Tehran also does is thought-provokingly present the country’s more recent history, from the torture prison of the last monarchic rule to the former US Embassy, known as “Den of Spies”, which marked a historical turning point in the creation of modern-day Iran.
Yazd
The highlight here is traversing the small patch of desert that houses the Tower of Silence burial grounds, managed over the decades by the same local man whose weathered face tells a thousand stories. With the oldest fire aflame in the world and the highest mosque minarets in all of Iran to add to its list of accolades, Yazd is a key spot of the religious footpath of old Persia.
Shiraz & Persepolis
At times considered the cultural capital of Iran, there is a strong ancient Persian presence here in the remaining gardens, the tombs of famous poets such as Hafez where locals flock daily, the exquisite Mirror Mosque and the dominant city gate of the Old Citadel in the center.
The bazaar at night–especially if you catch the flea market surrounding it–is a real atmospheric treat.
Nothing beats a visit to the remains of the most successful ancient civilization of all time–the Persepolis (Greek for “City of the Persians”) whose sprawling ancient ruins mark the very center of the Achaemenid Empire. Don’t miss this day trip from Shiraz.
Isfahan
Isfahan is a key component to any Iran visit, boasting the UNESCO World Heritage site, Imam Square, and its stunning palaces and mosques.
However, this is also an important area to visit to understand the distinct makeup of the country and how regions vary in outlook; being here is to stand within one of the more conservative parts of the country.
So while you wander one of largest squares in the world, cross the famous bridges and get lost in the maze of markets, be sure to take in the atmosphere around you. There is a seriousness present—a conditioning born from a tough history.
Kerman
A former Persian capital, Kerman is culturally rich with fire temples, mosques and stone domes. Shazdeh Garden provides a window into days of old, while the restored 17th century bathhouse in the Grand Bazaar has been preserved as a museum and a trip to the underground teahouse has a somewhat magical ambiance.
It’s an ideal way to mingle with the locals, as you sip on cinnamon tea and take in the old-worldly ambiance.
Ancient Persia and modern Iran sit here side by side. A visit here is to uncover the history of one of the world’s greatest empires, hear the stories and legends, and enjoy the treasures of the past; all while trying to understand the modern complex society surrounding it.
