Colorful destinations: what to do in every season in Iran?

TEHRAN - If you’re thinking about traveling to Iran whenever the coronavirus is finally behind us, you might wonder what time of year is best.

Millennia-old Iranian village nominated for UNWTO label

TEHRAN – Iran’s millennia-old village of Kharanaq has been nominated for the ‘Best Tourism Villages’ label, which will be granted to a selection of rural destinations by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Lavish gifts: 10 souvenir ideas your family & friends will love

TEHRAN - Tired of bringing home the same old magnets and postcards from your trips? On your next trip to Iran, bring home something they’ll (or you’ll) not only love but also be able to make good use of.

Tabriz: a perfect introduction to Iran

TEHRAN - Tabriz is a big but relaxed city, filled with hospitable people and a UNESCO-listed bazaar to explore. It is the perfect introduction to Iran for sightseers crossing over the border from Armenia, or through the Gurbulak Bazargan border from Turkey.

Kashan: a living piece of history on the edge of harsh desert

Kashan is home to many historical places, photogenic bazaars, mosques, madrasas, caravansaries, and centuries-old houses some of which transformed into cozy boutique hotels where you could experience the traditional life. 

Goharshad Mosque highly distinctive in terms of history, beauty, and architecture

TEHRAN - The great mosque of Goharshad is an astonishing Islamic structure due to its age, architectural characteristics, and rich tile decorations.

Heydariyyeh Mosque: secrets of one of ancient places of worship

TEHRAN – Masjid-e (the mosque of) Heydariyyeh is a magnificent monument from the Seljuk period, presumably from the late 12th or early 13th century. There is a wonderful air of calm that surrounds the place of worship, which is located in the Bolaghi district of Qazvin, north-central Iran.

Golestan Palace: one of the top things to do in Tehran

TEHRAN - One of the top things to do in the Iranian capital is visiting the most magnificent historical monument downtown; the UNESCO-registered Golestan Palace.

Susa: get to know Iran’s legendary ruined city

TEHRAN – Ancient Susa is one of Iran’s most treasured sights. The UNESCO-designated city, now flanked by the modern city of Shush, formerly belonged to the Elamite, Persian, and Parthian empires.

Friday Mosque of Sojas: different from what you have already seen!

TEHRAN - Full of mystic but modest in size and architecture, the Friday Mosque of Sojas was built sometime in the early 12th century during the Seljuk era.

Imam Mosque: elegant, iconic, and visually stunning

TEHRAN – Imam Mosque, with its iconic blue-tiled mosaics and its perfect proportions, forms an elegant, visually stunning monument at the southern end of a UNESCO-registered square of the same name in the touristic city of Isfahan, central Iran.

Iran attractions: marveling at ancient ruins of Persepolis

TEHRAN - One of the greatest ruins of the ancient world, Persepolis is of such importance that many believe no trip to Iran would be complete without marveling at the Achaemenid ceremonial capital.

10 amazing and overlooked travel sites in Iran

TEHRAN— For those wanting to get off the beaten track, Iran has a wealth of lesser-known destinations that rival the stunning beauty and historical significance of their more famous counterparts.

Amir Chakhmaq: a drop-dead gorgeous destination in central Iran

TEHRAN – Having a unique imposing façade and tranquil atmosphere, the 19th-century Amir Chakhmaq Complex is one of the drop-dead travel destinations in central Iran.

Step into the ‘House of Hercules’ in western Iran!

TEHRAN – Iran’s western Kordestan province is teemed with hundreds of historical sites, many of which well worth a visit. One of the most famous is the Caves of Karaftu, a series of chambers carved into a cliff facing a mountain. The caves are formed naturally but have been modified by inhabitants over the past centuries.

Iran to unveil national brand name for tourism

TEHRAN – Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Minister has said that the national brand for tourism will be unveiled on February 11, 2020.

Tehran’s tourist street to become more accessible for people with disabilities

TEHRAN – A follow-up plan is being formulated to ensure Tehran’s Si-e Tir historical street and its surrounding museums, travel destinations and historical monuments will be more accessible for the physically challenged people.

Media help alter mental image of travelers towards Sistan-Baluchestan

TEHRAN – Media have helped change the mental image of people towards Sistan-Baluchestan province, which was being shunned by many potential foreign and domestic travelers.

By Afshin Majlesi

Tribal tourism gives chance to discover another face of Iran

For both domestic and foreign travelers, tribal tourism is all about opening eyes to new places, traditions, cuisines, beliefs, and ways of life.

UNWTO ready to help Iran develop comprehensive tourism plan

TEHRAN - The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is ready to extend cooperation with Iran in order to help the country develop a comprehensive tourism plan, UNWTO advisor Marcello Notarianni said on Saturday.

Hacking your way to book a hotel room in Iran

TEHRAN – In spite of U.S. trade and economic sanctions, it still seems easy to get the best hotel deal for your stay in Iran.

Visit Portuguese Castle of Hormuz

Where you may soak up silence while traveling through time

TEHRAN – The crumbling Portuguese Castle of Hormuz Island, built in the early 16th century, is one of the last surviving monuments of the colonial rule in the Persian Gulf. It is now a tourism attraction where you can soak up the silence while traveling through time. For visitors it seems to be easy to imagine the hustle and bustle of Portuguese military forces five centuries ago!

By Afshin Majlesi

Badab-e Surt: The rolling hills and lush landscape

Sure, trips to Tehran, Isfahan or Shiraz are nice — but sometimes the best vacations come from traveling off the beaten path.

A day of pilgrimage to Shah-e Cheragh

TEHRAN – Shah-e Cheragh (“King of Light”) is a major mausoleum and pilgrimage site in the touristic city of Shiraz, southern Iran.