By Libby Manuel
I was fortunate enough to host a small group of 12 travellers to Iran during the spring of 2015. It was a comprehensive tour, making a large loop over three weeks taking in cities and villages throughout stunning mountains and desert landscapes.
Having visited a few years earlier, I developed the itinerary that would appeal to a broad level of interests. There were many highlights… The archaeological sites of Ancient Persia: Persepolis, Pasargade and Bishapur, the stunning tiled architecture of Iran’s Savafid rulers’ mosques and palaces and the remarkable museums and palaces in Tehran, including the stunning Crown Jewels.
Takht-e-Soleyman, a 5th Century Sassanian shrine, located high up on an oval shaped plateau, experience the watch towers, palaces and fire temples of this ancient era. Our time in Tabriz included a visit to the Blue Mosque, badly damaged by an earthquake in the 1880’s. It is considered a masterpiece of 15th century Iranian decorative tile work and now being restored with care.
We will remember Shiraz for its wonderful gardens, where today Persian poets Saadi and Hafez are celebrated by locals and tourist alike. The desert city of Yazd will leave you in wonder at how people came to live here.
The 4000 year old irrigation channels, Qanat’s, and the wind towers, Badgir’s, dominate the landscape that nestles under the evocative Zoroastrian Towers of Silence.
I have left the best, Safavid/Abbasid Esfahan (Half the World), for last. Today Esfahan’s monuments are ranked among the most splendid of the Islamic world. A visit to the Royal Square (Naqsh-e Jahan) will stay with you forever. Persia being the birthplace of Polo, the stone post goal posts are still visible at either end of the square. Esfahan’s square, bazar and famous bridges are worthy of multiple visits.
Without doubt, the unsurpassed friendliness and hospitality of the Iranian people will be with me forever.
For all your Iran travel information contact Blue Dot Travel. You cannot help but have a wonderful time.
To Bbook your trip to Iran with Blue Dot Travel! Click here.
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| Location of Iran |
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| The ladies in our group |
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| Time for tea & biscuits |
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| Khaju Bridge |
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| In the ancient city of Bishapur |
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| Persepolis |
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| Tomb of Cyrus the Great in Pasargad |
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