Iran's 20 best locations for Instagram Photography Exploring Iran offers a captivating journey through a tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty, providing endless opportunities for photographers seeking to capture stunning images for Instagram. From ancient ruins and architectural wonders to breathtaking landscapes and vibrant bazaars, Iran boasts a diverse array of picturesque locations that are sure to inspire awe and admiration. Here are 20 of the best places for Instagram photography in Iran: 1- Persepolis: Delve into the ancient history of Iran at Persepolis, the UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its majestic ruins and intricately carved reliefs. Photograph the grandeur of its towering columns and palatial structures against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains. 2- Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque): Step into a world of ethereal beauty at the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz, where the play of light through stained glass windows creates a kaleidoscope of colors. Capture the mesmerizing patterns and reflections that adorn the mosque's prayer hall during the early morning hours. 3- Naqsh-e Jahan Square: Immerse yourself in the architectural splendor of Isfahan's Naqsh-e Jahan Square, a UNESCO-listed site that serves as the centerpiece of the city. Photograph the intricate tilework and soaring minarets of the Shah Mosque, the elegant dome of the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and the majestic Ali Qapu Palace. 4- Tomb of Hafez: Pay homage to one of Iran's most beloved poets at the Tomb of Hafez in Shiraz, surrounded by tranquil gardens and reflecting pools. Capture the serene atmosphere and timeless beauty of this poetic sanctuary. 5- Abyaneh Village: Journey back in time to the ancient village of Abyaneh, where red mud-brick houses cling to the hillside amid terraced gardens and winding alleyways. Photograph the traditional architecture and vibrant folk costumes of
Iran’s 20 best locations for Instagram Photography Exploring Iran offers a captivating journey through a tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty, providing endless opportunities for photographers seeking to capture stunning images for Instagram. From ancient ruins and architectural wonders to breathtaking landscapes and vibrant bazaars, Iran boasts a diverse array of picturesque locations
Best Iran Tours Choosing the right trip at the right time for your holiday in Iran 1. Introduction Best Iran Tours. We know how important it is to have an efficient travel itinerary to make good use of your limited holiday time to visit the top tourist highlights. We have received a lot of common questions related to this topic from many clients. Therefore, in this Iran’s tourist guide article, we would like to delve into and share our past two-decades of experience for enthusiastic travellers who are choosing Iran as their destination. 2. First time travel to Iran If this is your first trip to Iran, you would most probably like to visit the tourist highlights. For those who are interested in the cultural, historical and heritage attractions, it is recommended to follow the Iran Classic Route. This route passes through five tourist destinations, and is recommended by the Lonely Planet travel guide book on Iran. There are so many attractions on this route which you have to mark on your “must see” travel itinerary. Some of them are inscribed on the list of UNESCO sites and many of them are on the waiting approval list. The majority of travellers spend two weeks following this route. 3. Iran Best tourist cities The best tourist cities on this popular classical route are Tehran, Kashan, Isfahan, Yazd and Shiraz. Each one of those 5 main destinations has its own theme and is famous for a specific attraction. Depending on your interest, you could spend more days in the ones that appeal to you most. There are also some interesting small towns and villages on your way to these cities. Again, depending on the duration of your holiday, you might want to include a few on your list.
Best Iran Tours Choosing the right trip at the right time for your holiday in Iran 1. Introduction Best Iran Tours. We know how important it is to have an efficient travel itinerary to make good use of your limited holiday time to visit the top tourist highlights. We have received a lot
Golestan National Park Golestan National Park: A Sanctuary of Breathtaking Biodiversity Nestled in the northeastern corner of Iran, Golestan National Park stands as a testament to the country's commitment to preserving its natural heritage. This vast and diverse protected area encompasses a wide range of ecosystems, from dense forests to arid landscapes, creating a haven for an incredible variety of flora and fauna. Golestan Biosphere Reserve is situated in Golestan province of Iran at the border to Turkmenistan. It belongs to the Caucaso-Iranian highlands and is situated in-between the sub-humid and semi-arid Caspian regions. The biosphere reserve represents three biomes: temperate rain forest, cold (continental) winter and semi-deserts and mixed mountain and highland systems. A vast variety of habitats can be found, such as closed forests, open woodlands and shrubs, mountain meadows, steppes, halophytic, hygrophilous and aquatic communities. Golestan is also designated as a national park. Golestan offers a great ethnic diversity. The 26,000 inhabitants (2000) of the biosphere reserve are Turk, Persian and Kurdish. Their main activities consist in agriculture, animal husbandry, horticulture, industry, silk production and tourism. Adverse effects on the transition area come from traffic, overgrazing of rangelands and deforestation. 1. Introduction: Nature's Masterpiece A. Size and Location Golestan National Park, established in 1957, spans over 900,000 hectares, making it one of the largest national parks in Iran. Located in the Golestan Province, it encompasses a rich tapestry of landscapes. B. UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Recognizing its ecological significance, Golestan National Park was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1976, underscoring its role in the conservation of biodiversity. 2. Biodiversity Hotspot: Flora and Fauna A. Diverse Ecosystems The park boasts an astonishing diversity of ecosystems, including temperate broadleaf and mixed forests, alpine meadows, and vast steppes. Each zone harbors a unique array of
Golestan National Park Golestan National Park: A Sanctuary of Breathtaking Biodiversity Nestled in the northeastern corner of Iran, Golestan National Park stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage. This vast and diverse protected area encompasses a wide range of ecosystems, from dense forests to arid landscapes, creating a
The distances between Iran's tourist cities and travel time The distances between the tourist cities of Iran are very important to know when travellers are making plans to visit the country. As Iran is a vast land with a lot of tourist destinations, it’s vital to have a good idea about travel distances and the time it takes to go from one remarkable destination to another. These days, nearly everyone has a smartphone with many applications as well as a Google app. You can check travelling time for any destination. But with this useful article, you could save time and have an overall idea about the time you have to spend on the road during your travel in Iran. In this post we provide all the distances between Iran’s most famous tourist cities, which are located on the famous Classic Iran Route. These main tourist destinations are Tehran capital, Kashan, Isfahan, Yazd and Shiraz. In addition, you can also find the distances between the airports in those cities to the city centre. These distances could help you to have the Best Iran Tour in order to save time and have an efficient travel itinerary. Find the distances between all tourist cities of Iran on Google Maps below: Note and Advice: Please bear in mind that the travelling time and the distances we mentioned in this article are based on the downtown location of each city. Your travel time might be longer if you travel during the rush hour of the day or night. You have to consider the traffic depending on the place where you are staying. This is crucial for reaching the airport in time if you have a domestic or international flight. Additional time must be added so as not to miss your flight. Another important note is
The distances between Iran’s tourist cities and travel time The distances between the tourist cities of Iran are very important to know when travellers are making plans to visit the country. As Iran is a vast land with a lot of tourist destinations, it’s vital to have a good idea about travel distances and the
7 Most Famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Iran Iran has 27 UNESCO World Heritage Sites as of September 2023, 25 of which are cultural and 2 are natural. The first UNESCO site in Iran, Tchogha Zanbil, was registered in 1979. The latest registered sites is the Persian Caravanserai, registered in September 2023 and the Cultural Landscape of Hawraman/Uramanat, registered in June 2021. These 27 Iranian UNESCO sites are located throughout Iran, 7 of which are situated along the Iran Classic Tourism route. The Iran Classic route crosses through 5 main tourist destinations which are Tehran, Kashan, Esfahan, Yazd, and Shiraz. Most travelers start this route in Tehran as the majority of international flights land in the capital, although a minority of visitors commence their trip from Shiraz. There are also a few other international airports in Iran as well as the option of joining up from areas along Iran’s borders which may be suitable for some travelers. Most of Iran’s first-timers usually like to visit the main travel destinations located along Iran’s Classic route. Below is a list of main UNESCO sites on the Classic route in Iran: 1. Golestan Palace, (2013), Tehran 2. Jame Mosque, (2012), Esfahan (Masjed-e Jame) 3. Naqsh-e Jahan Square, (1979), Esfahan (Meidan Emam) 4. The Historic City of Yazd, (2017) 5. Pasargadae, (2004), Sa’adat Shahr in Fars province, (140 km north of Shiraz) 6. Persepolis, (1979), Marvdasht in Fars province, (60 km north of Shiraz) 7. The Persian Gardens (2011): Ancient Garden of Pasargadae (140 km north of Shiraz), Bagh-e Eram (Shiraz), Bagh-e Chehel Sotun (Esfahan), Bagh-e Fin (Kashan), Bagh-e Dolat Abad (Yazd) UNESCO registered 9 different Persian Gardens scattered throughout the country. Five of these gardens are on the Classic Route as mentioned in the last item on the above list. During
7 Most Famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Iran Iran has 27 UNESCO World Heritage Sites as of September 2023, 25 of which are cultural and 2 are natural. The first UNESCO site in Iran, Tchogha Zanbil, was registered in 1979. The latest registered sites is the Persian Caravanserai, registered in September 2023 and
Persian Caravanserais Inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List The Persian Caravanserais, designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, stand as enduring testaments to the rich history and cultural significance of Iran's ancient trade routes. These architectural marvels served as vital hubs along the Silk Road, facilitating trade and commerce between the East and West for centuries. Built during the Safavid and Qajar periods, Persian caravanserais were strategically located along major trade routes, providing shelter, sustenance, and security to merchants, travelers, and their livestock. These expansive complexes typically featured a central courtyard surrounded by covered passageways, stables, lodging quarters, and amenities such as baths, mosques, and markets. The design of Persian caravanserais reflected the ingenuity of their creators, with sturdy walls, domed ceilings, and intricate tilework that showcased the artistic prowess of Iran's craftsmen. Despite their utilitarian function, these structures exuded a sense of grandeur and hospitality, offering weary travelers a respite from the rigors of the road. Today, many Persian caravanserais have been restored and repurposed for modern use, serving as cultural centers, museums, and boutique hotels that provide visitors with a glimpse into Iran's rich past. By preserving these historic landmarks, UNESCO honors the legacy of the Silk Road and celebrates the enduring spirit of cross-cultural exchange and cooperation that defined this ancient trade network. https://www.adventureiran.com/the-silk-road-in-iran-and-the-persian-caravanserai/ https://www.adventureiran.com/top-persian-caravanserais-stay-iran/
Persian Caravanserais Inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List The Persian Caravanserais, designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, stand as enduring testaments to the rich history and cultural significance of Iran’s ancient trade routes. These architectural marvels served as vital hubs along the Silk Road, facilitating trade and commerce between the East and West
Sven Hedin, a Swedish explorer, travelled to Persia and Central Asia a few times between 1886- 1902. He crossed the Iranian Deserts (Dasht-e Kavir and Lut Desert) on his adventure trip.He also learnt several Persian dialects as well as other Central Asian languages. He was a photographer, travel writer, topographer and geographer. He wrote a few books about his expedition. He was also an illustrator of his own works. Sven Hedin published a book about these travels entitled “ Through Persia, Mesopotamia and the Caucasus”. If you are more interested in knowing about him, please check out Sven Hedin Foundation website. Below is a collection of his photographs from different expedition trips that he had to Iran (Persia). https://www.adventureiran.com/sven-hedin/
Sven Hedin, a Swedish explorer, travelled to Persia and Central Asia a few times between 1886- 1902. He crossed the Iranian Deserts (Dasht-e Kavir and Lut Desert) on his adventure trip.He also learnt several Persian dialects as well as other Central Asian languages. He was a photographer, travel writer, topographer and geographer. He wrote a
Dena Mountains and National Park Trek Dena is the name of a mountain chain located in the middle part of the Zagros mountain range in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province of Iran which is in the north of Shiraz province. The length is about 90 km with 40 mountains above 4000m and it's one of the best locations for Trekking in Iran. On the foothills of the chains, there is a national park with the same name (DENA) which is a protected area and home to a lot of wild animals with a rich environment as it has a lot of plants and a huge oak forest. It's under the conservation of the Iran Environment Organization. Dena region is a very important destination as it is between the two main touristic cities of Shiraz and Isfahan and it’s a marvelous location for those who are interested in hiking in Iran and would like to combine it with Iran Classic Routes. It's the perfect itinerary for Iran first-timers who want to do Cultural and historical tours along with Iran's main UNESCO Heritage sites. Adventure Iran is the first company to create different trekking routes in this region for different fitness levels from a 2-day moderate trek up to a one-week challenging trek on the ridgeline to ascend a few peaks above 4000 m. We have also made a few trips which are a combination of trekking and cultural explorations. Some tours start from Shiraz and some of them start from Tehran. The clip is a short slideshow from a few of our trips that we performed in different years for hikers from different countries and it just gives you an idea about the scenery and landscape of this amazing destination. For those who are interested in moderate treks, we recommend our trip
Dena Mountains and National Park Trek Dena is the name of a mountain chain located in the middle part of the Zagros mountain range in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province of Iran which is in the north of Shiraz province. The length is about 90 km with 40 mountains above 4000m and it’s one of the
A guide for Photography in Iran Photography in Iran is one of the subjects that is rarely talked about in a specialized way. Most of the articles and posts related to photography in Iran introduce Iran's best places for photography on Instagram or other social media. The audiences of these articles are mostly people who travel to Iran for sightseeing and take photographs with mobile cameras. While for photographers or travelers who are specialists in photography, this information is not practical. In this photography guide to Iran, we will review the different types of photography that are possible in the country, and we also introduce the best locations and times for each category. In addition, you will find more useful information regarding this purpose in the Photography Section of our blog. Our specialized Iran Photography Tours are designed for photographers who are looking for technical photography travel in different locations of the vast country of Iran. Portrait Photography If you are a portrait photographer and inserted in traveling to an unusual destination with varied people, Iran should be on your travel photography list. With a wide diversity of various ethnicities, Iran offers perfect pictures for your people photography portfolio. This diversity brings a lot of variety with itself such as many subcultures with their own lifestyle, clothes, racial backgrounds, and beliefs. One of the best subjects for this type are nomads who have kept their way of life intact in the modern days. Tribes like the Kurds (Iranian Kurdistan), Turkmens, the Balooch, Afghans, Bakhtiari nomads, Azaris, Arabs, Taleshis, and Qashqais are the most noticeable ones. They are living in different corners and provinces of Iran which are mostly located around Iran's borders with the neighboring countries. You could also see these ethnic groups with similar customs in the countries of
A guide for Photography in Iran Photography in Iran is one of the subjects that is rarely talked about in a specialized way. Most of the articles and posts related to photography in Iran introduce Iran’s best places for photography on Instagram or other social media. The audiences of these articles are mostly people who
The best Off the Beaten Track Villages of Iran Iran has 27 UNESCO registered world heritage sites (till 2023) and it is the 10th country in the world with the most UNESCO sites on the list, but it is still an unknown destination for the world compared to the other touristic countries. As you know, Iran is a 4 seasons country with a long list of untraveled and unknown routes in different region of the country. So for this list, we have chosen different villages from varied climates in the country. From Alborz and Zagros mountains to Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf to forest and desert regions there are many terrains to visit. Below are the 10 Off the Beaten Track villages you should visit on you trip to Iran. 1. Makhunik desert village, South Khorasan province (Best Travel Time : Autumn, Winter and early spring) 2. Darak coast-village, Sistan and Baluchistan province (Best Travel Time : Winter) 3. Kandelus forest-mountain village, Mazandaran province (Best Travel Time: Spring, summer and Autumn) 4. Shahdad desert oasis, Kerman province, Dasht-e Lut Desert (Best Travel Time: Autumn and Winter) 5. Laft Village (port), Qeshm Island (Best Travel Time: late autumn, Winter and early Spring) 6. Qaleh-ye Bala (Qalebala) mountain village, Semnan Province (Best Travel Time: Spring and Autumn) 7. Miankaleh peninsula & Ashooradeh Island, Mazandaran Province (Best Travel Time: Spring, Autumn and Winter) 8. Sar Agha Seyed nomad mountain village, Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari Province (Best Travel Time: Spring and summer) 9. Esfahak oasis village, South Khorasan Province (Best Travel Time: Spring and Autumn) 10.Lahijan tea plantation region, Gilan Province, Caspian Sea (Best Travel Time: Spring, Summer and Autumn) Have a look at Iran’s
The best Off the Beaten Track Villages of Iran Iran has 27 UNESCO registered world heritage sites (till 2023) and it is the 10th country in the world with the most UNESCO sites on the list, but it is still an unknown destination for the world compared to the other touristic countries. As you know,
