Create trips

for the culturally inquisitive, Iran offers a feast of ancient sights, a rich culture, interesting and varied landscapes, splendid cuisine and very hospitable people.

Despite the uncertain political winds that regularly batter this great country, in Iran you will find a fascinating place to visit, with old cities packed with exquisite mosques and spectacular madrasses, ruins from ancient Persia, nomadic tribes, hill walking, skiing and surreal Caspian Sea beach resorts.

Known as Persia until 1935, Iran became an Islamic republic in 1979 after the ruling shah was forced into exile and Ayatolla Khomeni took control. It is bordered on the north by Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkmenistan and the Caspian Sea, on the east by Pakistan and Afghanistan, on the south by the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, and on the west by Turkey and Iraq. Politically it does have very conservative leanings, but life on the street will surprise you.

A trip to Iran will not be for everyone. But for those with a desire to explore one of the great ancient civilizations and to understand the modern world in greater depth, a journey here is sure to be an enlightening experience.