Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In the Footsteps of Empire
Before you come to Iran, you might be thinking the main reasons to visit the Islamic Re-
public are because it's a bit adventurous and there's a lot to see from the years when Per-
sia was a great world power. At some levels you'd be right. Walking around the sublime,
turquoise-tiled domes and minarets of Esfahan's Naqsh-e Jahan (Imam) Square, the awe-
some power and beauty of the Achaemenid's ancient capital at Persepolis, the mud-brick
alleys and rooftops in Yazd, and the wonderfully immense Elamite ziggurat at Choqa Zan-
bil will put you in the footsteps of some of history's most outstanding figures. And cer-
tainly you won't find yourself crowded out of any sights. Which is fun.
These highlights, together with the atmospheric teahouses, bustling bazaars, deserts
punctuated by historic oases and rugged mountain ranges, gives Iran more than its fair
share of fantastic places to see. But to think of Iran only in terms of 'sights' is to miss the
real story.
Redefining Hospitality
If you like people, you'll like Iran. The Iranians, a nation made up of numerous ethnic
groups and influenced over thousands of years by Greek, Arab, Turkic and Mongol occu-
piers, are endlessly welcoming. For those who have grown up on an endless diet of im-
ages depicting Iran as a dark, dangerous place full of fundamentalist fanatics, discovering
the real Iran is the most wonderful surprise. Before long you're asking yourself: how can
somewhere supposedly so bad be so good?
Beyond the stereotypes is a country desperate to been seen for what it is, rather than
what it is depicted to be. Sure, not every Iranian you meet is going to invite you around to
dinner. But if you're open to the idea, you probably will be, and through it experience the
ancient and sophisticated Iranian culture first-hand. It's these experiences that will live
longest in the memory.
Politics & Safety - Should You Go?
If you make your travel decisions based on what your friends and family say, you'll prob-
ably never make it to Iran. This is a country whose politics are impossible to escape. For
most travellers that will mean little more than some pre-departure questions about their
sanity, but it can make getting a visa a challenge. Except for Americans, who must be ac-
companied, once in Iran independent travel is easy and, through the people you meet, re-
warding and sometimes sobering. However you chose to plan your travel, a journey in
Iran will change the way you see this part of the world.
