Iran Holiday

The Middle Eastern nation of Iran has a history stretching back millennia, with plenty to see, friendly people and stunning architecture.

For those seeking a unique and adventurous kind of holiday, Iran with its crumbling ancient cities, mosques, sweeping deserts and mountains will provide a wealth of experiences.

The country borders the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, and the Caspian Sea, between Iraq and Pakistan, and covers an area of land slightly larger than Alaska.

Known as Persia until 1935, Iran started to flourish in the sixth century BC and fell to Alexander the Great in the fourth century BC. Persia then came under the control of the Macedonian Seleucids, the Arabs, who ruled until 1050 and converted the population to Islam, and a Turkish dynasty in 1051.

Genghis Khan and the Mongols invaded in the 13th and 14th centuries, followed by the Timurid Dynasty and the powerful Safavid Dynasty. A succession of poor rulers during the 18th and 19th centuries led to a partial occupation by Britain during World War I.

Iran was aligned with the west from the Second World War until the ruling monarchy and Shah of Iran were overthrown in 1979 and the country became an Islamic republic led by conservative clerics. Iran fought a long and bloody war against neighbouring Iraq in the 1980s and tensions with the west, in particular the United States, have grown in recent years.

Despite the many misconceptions about the country, the imposition of US sanctions and George W Bush famously adding it to his 'axis of evil', Iran is a vibrant and welcoming place run by a strictly conservative government, with the influence of Islam apparent everywhere, from dress to cuisine.

The capital Tehran is bustling, crowded, polluted and home to more than 14 million people, but also lies at the heart of Iranian society. Places to visit include a number of interesting museums, the 18th century Imam Khomeini Mosque, the Golestan Palace complex and the bazaars.

The central Imam Square in Isfahan was begun in 1602 and is vast and imposing, the second largest in the world. Surrounded by a host of important buildings, including the incredible Imam Mosque, with its turquoise minarets, the Ali Qapu Palace, the square is a must see for travellers.

The ancient capital Shiraz is more relaxed and cultured than both Tehran and Isfahan, with a large university, wide streets, gardens and attractive mosques. Iran has a rich history of music, art, poetry, philosophy and architecture.

Travellers can take their pick from an array of sports and active pursuits, including skiing, desert trekking, rock climbing and mountain walking. For those planning to head off the beaten track, the mountain villages in the northern province of Gilan are particularly charming.

Main tourist sites elsewhere in Iran include the Ali Sadr Caves, with a river running through them, the ancient Choqa Zanbil brick ziggurat, stretching back into the country's Elamite past, the vast Mil-e Gonbad Tower and the 2,500 year old ruins of Persepolis, with ancient staircases, friezes, gateways and columns.

Iranian cuisine is considered one of the best in the Middle East, with a dizzying array of dishes available, and meals tend to be reasonably priced and delicious in most eateries. With a small tourist industry, accommodation tends to be basic and independently run, with larger business hotels in the cities.

Iran has cold, windy winters and hot summers with heavy rains. Flights to the country are available from Asia, the Middle East and Europe, with most landing in Tehran.