Iran Ancient wonders, architectural gems and adventure
You’ll find a warm welcome awaits you in Iran, whether you’re taking tea in Tehran, visiting lovely squares and mosques in Isfahan, or palaces in Persepolis. In a land that has shaped civilisations for generations, some amazing architectural gems also await. As the sun rises through the stained-glass windows of the spectacular Pink Mosque in Shiraz, its sheer beauty may inspire you to poetry. This is no coincidence as the tomb of Hafez, one of Iran’s greatest poets lies nearby.
Where it is
Middle East
When to go
March to May
September to October
Why go there
Architectural wonders
Ancient civilisations
Mountains and deserts
What to see
Isfahan
Persepolis
Shiraz
Isfahan’s vast square
Naqsh-e Jhan is both stunningly beautiful and incredibly large, at almost nine hectares in area. With magnificent mosques and gorgeous gardens, it’s a must-see.
The sublime mosque of Shiraz
The Pink Mosque (or Nasir-al-Mulk) is an architectural jewel in Shiraz. Visit at sunrise or sunset to see it in all its multi-coloured glory.
Take tea in Tehran
The Iranian capital bustles with a busy café culture. Our tip: try some of the delicate Persian pastries along with a cup of tea.
Royal ruins of Persepolis
The Palace of Persepolis was built in a remote location to keep it a secret. Today it’s open for everyone to admire its grand ruins.
Travel in Iran
Once you arrive in Iran, you’ll encounter friendly people ready to chat, and a country with a rich heritage and history. A reminder that in Iran, women are required to wear a headscarf, whilst men should not wear shorts. Talk to us about the best time of year to visit the main destinations to avoid the searing heat or the winter cold! It’s possible to take a luxury train trip on your Iranian journey, ask us for details.
Iran facts
Iran is home to one of the world’s oldest major civilisations. Dating back over 7,000 years, it has shaped history across a broad region from Greece to Central Asia to Egypt. Today, the Islamic Republic of Iran has a population of over 85 million and the official language is Persian (Farsi). The Iranian weekend is on Thursday and Friday, and the country follows the Jalali calendar. New Year starts on or around the 21 March.
Time zone
UTC +3.5
Flight time
8 hours from Switzerland
Local currency
Rial
Dialling code
+98
