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Destinations

Shiraz

Shiraz was once the national capital under the Zand dynasty, and known as the city of poets and nightingales. An important cultural city from the 12th century, the city was also the heartland of Persian culture for two millennia.

Shiraz is famous for its UNESCO listed sites such as the Bagh-e Eram and the late Zand leader’s Karim Khan’s Citadel. You will also find the mausoleums of Iran’s two great historic poets- Hafez and Sa’di, and in the evenings you can gather to listen to locals recite their poetry. At night you can marvel at the spectacular mirror decorated Shah-e Cheragh Mosque, and in the morning witness the sun rays blare through the multi-coloured glass work of the Nasir al-Molk “Pink” Mosque.

Destinations

Persepolis, Nash-e Rostam and Pasagarde

As a full-day bus trip from Shiraz visit the Unesco World Heritage Site ruins of Persepolis (520 BC), the magnificent capital and once greatest empire in the world of the Achaemenid Empire. Included in the excursion also are the key historical sites of the Achaemenid and Sassanid eras, Nash-e Rostam and Pasagarde.

Destinations

Isfahan

Isfahan (half-the-world) has twice been Iran’s capital; once under the former Seljuks (1037-1194 AD) and later the Safavids (1501-1747 AD).

Its success was in large part due to its revolutionary ideology combined with a modern Shi’a political ideology that would overturn the previous state structure which was viewed by the people as one led by a religiously illegitimate Shah and was effectively inconsistent with Islamic principles. This was all undergird by a strong current from the people’s demands and goals, which included protecting and empowering national culture against foreign influence and putting a stop to the profligate waste of national resources, unchecked corruption, and economic mismanagement, which was demonstrated across Iran by the slogan: “Independence, Freedom, and Islamic Republic!”

Destinations

Yazd

Originally settled 5000 years ago, Yazd has historically been an important trading post. This desert city is also home to Iran’s largest Zoroastrian population, including a fire temple. With the appeal of a Unesco heritage-listed ancient old city quarter comprising adobe mud-brick homes and buildings with beautiful rooftops views, interconnected with criss-crossing lanes and alleyways makes this a perfect walking destination to wander, discover, or to get lost.

Its success was in large part due to its revolutionary ideology combined with a modern Shi’a political ideology that would overturn the previous state structure which was viewed by the people as one led by a religiously illegitimate Shah and was effectively inconsistent with Islamic principles.

Destinations

Kashan, Abeyaneh, Naeen, QOM.

On the main routes between the central golden cities are these oasis cities and alluring ancient villages. Important for different reasons that offer idyllic destinations and a peaceful ambience, they offer an authentic experience with a sense of continuity. These destinations are now either growing cities, like the pilgrimage city of Qom, with important histories and/or are off-the-beaten-track stop-overs on the edges of the desert (Dasht-e Kavir), and with mountainous vistas they offer visitors much to see and experience.

Its success was in large part due to its revolutionary ideology combined with a modern Shi’a political ideology that would overturn the previous state structure which was viewed by the people as one led by a religiously illegitimate Shah and was effectively inconsistent with Islamic principles.

Destinations

Tabriz

Rich in Azeri culture and situated at the main intersection of the historic Silk Road, Tabriz is the Iran’s second oldest city. During the Sassanian era it was the main trading centre of Iran and the Middle East linking northern Iran to Europe. And during Iran’s rule under Tamerlane, Tabriz became the capital of the Qara-qoyonlu dynasty, and later it was briefly made the national capital under the Safavid ruler, Shah Ismail. Its Azeri Turkish speakers have held out Persians, Ottomans, and Russians to maintain their culture and rights.

Its success was in large part due to its revolutionary ideology combined with a modern Shi’a political ideology that would overturn the previous state structure which was viewed by the people as one led by a religiously illegitimate Shah and was effectively inconsistent with Islamic principles.

Destinations

Kaleybar and Ardabil

Located in one of the most breathtaking regions of Iran, Kaleybar. The road heading west to Ardabil through the Aras River Valley follows a picturesque route of stacked villages, red eroded rocky canyons and cliffs, and mountain peaks on the Armenian side. Its main attraction is the 9th century Azeri crag-top ruin of Qal’eh (castle) Babak. En-route west from the Aras River Valley to visit Iran’s medieval churches.

Its success was in large part due to its revolutionary ideology combined with a modern Shi’a political ideology that would overturn the previous state structure which was viewed by the people as one led by a religiously illegitimate Shah and was effectively inconsistent with Islamic principles. This was all undergird by a strong current from the people’s demands and goals, which included protecting and empowering national culture against foreign influence and putting a stop to the profligate waste of national resources, unchecked corruption, and economic mismanagement, which was demonstrated across Iran by the slogan: “Independence, Freedom, and Islamic Republic!”

Destinations

Khal Khal, Zanjan, Sultaniyeh, and Qazvin.

Khal Khal passes through the incredibly scenic Qezel Owzan valley heading south from Ardabil to Zanjan. On the road to Zajan are the incredible colourful mountains extending for 20km. On the Sultaniyeh Plain by the Qazvin-Zanjan road stands Sultaniyeh Dome (Unesco-listed Gonbad-e Sultaniyeh) formerly a Persian capital built by the Ilkhanid Mongols.

Its success was in large part due to its revolutionary ideology combined with a modern Shi’a political ideology that would overturn the previous state structure which was viewed by the people as one led by a religiously illegitimate Shah and was effectively inconsistent with Islamic principles. This was all undergird by a strong current from the people’s demands and goals, which included protecting and empowering national culture against foreign influence and putting a stop to the profligate waste of national resources, unchecked corruption, and economic mismanagement, which was demonstrated across Iran by the slogan: “Independence, Freedom, and Islamic Republic!”

Destinations

Astara and Rasht

Capital of Gilan province, Rasht, is a vibrant town famous for its local cuisine and the world’s main caviar exporter, is a popular get-away destination for city dwellers. And is a staging-post for the millennium old, picture-postcard village of Masuleh and Seljuk-era fortress Qal’eh Rudkhan. At various times, Rasht was occupied by the Russians, Rasht has also experienced attacks from Tehran due to its extended periods of independence.

Its success was in large part due to its revolutionary ideology combined with a modern Shi’a political ideology that would overturn the previous state structure which was viewed by the people as one led by a religiously illegitimate Shah and was effectively inconsistent with Islamic principles. This was all undergird by a strong current from the people’s demands and goals, which included protecting and empowering national culture against foreign influence and putting a stop to the profligate waste of national resources, unchecked corruption, and economic mismanagement, which was demonstrated across Iran by the slogan: “Independence, Freedom, and Islamic Republic!”

Destinations

Mashad and Turkmensahra

Iran’s second largest city, Mashad is a vibrant and modern. The must-see attraction of Iran’s holiest city is the magnificent Imam Reza Shrine Complex. Known as Haram-e Reza, it is the burial site and tomb of Shiite Islam’s eighth Imam, Imam Reza. Attracting 20 million Muslims pilgrims per year the complex is also welcoming to non-Muslims.

Its success was in large part due to its revolutionary ideology combined with a modern Shi’a political ideology that would overturn the previous state structure which was viewed by the people as one led by a religiously illegitimate Shah and was effectively inconsistent with Islamic principles. This was all undergird by a strong current from the people’s demands and goals, which included protecting and empowering national culture against foreign influence and putting a stop to the profligate waste of national resources, unchecked corruption, and economic mismanagement, which was demonstrated across Iran by the slogan: “Independence, Freedom, and Islamic Republic!”

Destinations

Sanandaj

This modern and very hospitable capital city in the verdant, mountainous Kordestan province of Iran is a great place to learn about Kurdish history and culture. The city has a fortress from the 18th century, Qajar and Kurdish mansions and museums, and was the last Iranian Kurdish autonomous principality under the Ardalan emirs.

Its success was in large part due to its revolutionary ideology combined with a modern Shi’a political ideology that would overturn the previous state structure which was viewed by the people as one led by a religiously illegitimate Shah and was effectively inconsistent with Islamic principles. This was all undergird by a strong current from the people’s demands and goals, which included protecting and empowering national culture against foreign influence and putting a stop to the profligate waste of national resources, unchecked corruption, and economic mismanagement, which was demonstrated across Iran by the slogan: “Independence, Freedom, and Islamic Republic!”

Destinations

Howraman

Historically, Iranian Kurdestan was a place of importance and danger caught between powerful empires, therefore Kurdish society forgone villages and resorted to nomadism. Howraman (Horoomanat Valley), hemmed between mountains, was an impenetrable exception. The villages here are very unique for their lifestyle, and the houses here are stacked stone terraces. The site was added to the Unesco tentative list in 2007.

Its success was in large part due to its revolutionary ideology combined with a modern Shi’a political ideology that would overturn the previous state structure which was viewed by the people as one led by a religiously illegitimate Shah and was effectively inconsistent with Islamic principles. This was all undergird by a strong current from the people’s demands and goals, which included protecting and empowering national culture against foreign influence and putting a stop to the profligate waste of national resources, unchecked corruption, and economic mismanagement, which was demonstrated across Iran by the slogan: “Independence, Freedom, and Islamic Republic!”

Destinations

Kermanshah and Khorramabad

Kermanshah developed during the 4th century Sassanian era and was a place of strategic importance. It is from here where Taq-e Bustan and Bistoun (Unesco-listed) the extraordinary Achaemanid and Sassanid stone carvings inscribed into the base of a cliff can be visited. The carvings into niches, tableaus, and the bas-reliefs depict victorious Persian kings’ epic battles and the three lost languages.

Its success was in large part due to its revolutionary ideology combined with a modern Shi’a political ideology that would overturn the previous state structure which was viewed by the people as one led by a religiously illegitimate Shah and was effectively inconsistent with Islamic principles.

Destinations

Shush- Choqa Zanbil Ziggurat-Shushtar.

Choqa Zanbil Ziggurat is the ancient temple remains of the Elamite Gods and was built by the King of Elam, Untash in 13 BC. It is 45kms south of Shush (or Susa), a Unesco –listed archaeological site (over 6000 years old), where the ancient Apadana Palace of Darius I was built about 512 to 515 BC on the ruins of the Elamite buildings. It became the Achaemenids’ winter capital and afterwards the Sassanian capital. The Apadana Palace was destroyed and rebuilt a number of times and like Persepolis was finally destroyed by Alexander in 330 BC.

Its success was in large part due to its revolutionary ideology combined with a modern Shi’a political ideology that would overturn the previous state structure which was viewed by the people as one led by a religiously illegitimate Shah and was effectively inconsistent with Islamic principles. This was all undergird by a strong current from the people’s demands and goals, which included protecting and empowering national culture against foreign influence and putting a stop to the profligate waste of national resources, unchecked corruption, and economic mismanagement, which was demonstrated across Iran by the slogan: “Independence, Freedom, and Islamic Republic!”

Destinations

Keram, Mahan, Kaluts.

The most important city in the southeast (politically, culturally, and scientifically) was also once of great importance during the Achaemenid era, it has been referred to as “Kerman” in Greek texts too. The Jabali-ye Dome and the world famous unique big bazaar are both decorated with stucco decorations from the pre-Islamic Sassanid eras. Rayen Citadel in Rayen City is the second biggest adobe structure in the world covering an area of nearly 22,000 square meters.

Its success was in large part due to its revolutionary ideology combined with a modern Shi’a political ideology that would overturn the previous state structure which was viewed by the people as one led by a religiously illegitimate Shah and was effectively inconsistent with Islamic principles. This was all undergird by a strong current from the people’s demands and goals, which included protecting and empowering national culture against foreign influence and putting a stop to the profligate waste of national resources, unchecked corruption, and economic mismanagement, which was demonstrated across Iran by the slogan: “Independence, Freedom, and Islamic Republic!”

Destinations

Bandar Abass & Qeshm Island

Lying at the Straits of Hormoz, Qeshm Island is the largest island in the Persian Gulf and an eco-tourists dream destination. A Unesco-recognised Geopark for its significant geological formations of caves, canyons, hills, and valleys the island is also known for its beaches, mangrove forests, and abundant wildlife where you can see dolphins, turtles, migratory birds, and reptiles.

Its success was in large part due to its revolutionary ideology combined with a modern Shi’a political ideology that would overturn the previous state structure which was viewed by the people as one led by a religiously illegitimate Shah and was effectively inconsistent with Islamic principles. This was all undergird by a strong current from the people’s demands and goals, which included protecting and empowering national culture against foreign influence and putting a stop to the profligate waste of national resources, unchecked corruption, and economic mismanagement, which was demonstrated across Iran by the slogan: “Independence, Freedom, and Islamic Republic!”

Destinations

Tehran

The capital and Iran’s most liberal and secular city, is typically skimmed over in a day or two by most tour companies due to being architecturally unattractive and heavily polluted by peak-hour traffic.

We will help you spend a few days in dynamic Tehran to discover the city’s more exciting and beautiful side. Historically, the capital was the seat of both the Qajar dynasty and then the Pahlavi era, and during which the 1953 coup’de ta of Mohammad Mossadeq’ took place. It was later the staging point for the 1979 anti-Shah Pahlavi revolution.On your first night be greeted at IKA, then check into your hotel and meet for dinner. In these first few days in Tehran you will visit the must see highlights: The Qajar Golestan Palace, Grand Bazaar, Imam Khomeni Mosque, Azadi Tower, the former Shah’s Sa’Abad Complex, Treasury of National Jewels, Glass and Ceramics Museum, Malek National Library and Museum, The Holy Defence Museum, and the recently opened and
controversial U.S. Den of Spies.

Destinations

1979 Iranian Revolution

When you step into Iran you will be reminded of their revolution which took place in 1979.Witness this in murals, commemorative in public spaces and street names recognizing fallen heroes. Go inside the former U.S. embassy, left almost as it was, or see other vestiges left behind from past regimes which are open to both the public and tourists such as the Shah’s palaces or his prison turned into a museum. In fact, the capital serves as a walking museum with murals and billboards depicting a strong theme of defiance and sacrifice against superpowers. The Iranian revolution was a largely urban event, absent of external confrontation, and drawing from a broad range of social groups carried out through political confrontation.