This country is a bit of an enigma. Those who’ve been to Iran describe the local people as some of the friendliest around; those who haven’t are apprehensive and a bit scared about travelling to a country who the media frequently slam and label as aggressive towards the West. So, what’s the story?
Iran, formerly Persia, boasts one of the world’s most ancient civilisations. In tourist terms, this means there’s an incredible amount to see – everywhere is bursting with history. There are mosques, Zoroastrian shrines, palaces, ancient markets – even the old US embassy in Tehran attracts a good crowd. And despite the media’s slander, the local people are wonderfully welcoming and gracious, and interestingly, incredibly grateful that western tourists are making the effort to visit their country. While governments can debate and disagree with each other, it’s the local people who make a place, and make Iran these locals do. 
In recent years travelling to Iran has been made easier for Europeans and Antipodeans, and while visa applications are never straightforward, for the past few trips Oasis Overland have been lucky enough to request and be granted visas for all our travellers, including those from the UK and USA, countries whose governments have notoriously had a difficult relationship with Iran.
Look up any guidebook to Iran and you’ll see very similar lists of the country’s highlights: Tehran, Esfahan, Shiraz, Persepolis, Mashad. These are all incredible sites which we also enjoy visiting during the trip. While we pack our schedule full of great adventures, we like to add some variety into the itinerary, so take a look at our alternative highlights; reasons why we think everyone should make time for this incredible country.
The US Embassy, Tehran
Currently there is no active embassy in Iran, and diplomatic relations are conducted on a virtual stage. While the building and its contents were closed for a long time, it has reopened and tourists can visit. Anyone who followed the hostage story in the late 1970s/early 1980s, or indeed anyone who’s seen the movie Argo, will understand the significance of this building. If you don’t, it’s definitely worth watching the movie or doing some reading before you visit – it’ll make it all the more thought provoking.
Garmeh Desert Oasis
There is a lot of desert in Iran, and travelling through it while covered up in long clothing, in the midday heat, can make for an uncomfortable (and yes, sweaty!) trip. Which makes your arrival to Garmeh all the more sweeter. This oasis in the middle of the desert is a charming place to kick back for a night and is very different to all the other hotels you’ll stay on your trip. The house is 300 years old and has been renovated to look like it originally did, complete with an animal yard out front to accommodate the camels and goats. You can walk through the date palms to a natural spring, where you’ll get a free fish spa if you’re brave enough to put your feet in the water, and relax at night at the local cafe with live local music and delicious home-brewed teas.
Ancient markets of Yazd and Shiraz
The markets are some of our favourite places in Iran, and these two cities boast two of the best, with Yazd often being a bit quieter. There are some great shops which are like treasure troves of goodies – no where near as set up for tourists like those in Esfahan, but exciting because you have to work for your souvenirs! Even if you’re not into shopping for trinkets or that famous persian carpet, the very act of wandering through the markets is like stepping back in time, where you really feel that not much has changed for hundreds of years. 
Nasir-al-Mulk Mosque (the Pink Mosque)
This stunning mosque is finding its way onto “must see” lists of Iran itineraries, and it really is worth getting up for opening time. The stained-glass windows are designed in such a way that when the sun’s rays light them up, a kaleidoscope of colours decorates the Persian carpets inside. The outside is charming too, and beautifully decorated. Definitely include this on your Shiraz “to do” list.
Tabriz Bazaar
This bazaar is one of the most ancient marketplaces in the Middle East, let alone in Iran. It’s a labyrinth of brick covered alleyways, bursting with everything you could need. Make sure you visit the fresh produce aisles, which are an amazing array of fresh fruit, vegetables and dried fruit and nuts – fantastic for cook group and personal snacks!
Ice Houses
There are a few of these in various small towns throughout the country, and while some would argue they are a minor point of interest, we think the idea of creating ice in the desert is ingenious! These buildings are usually very plain and were constructed purely for the purpose of storing ice. Water was fed into the shallow pools around the icehouse, and the amount distributed from underground aqueducts was determined by how cold the night temperature would be. Once the water in the pools froze, the ice was transported into the domed house, insulated with straw and the building’s design ensured it stayed cold despite the crazy heat outside. Ice continued to be made as long as it was possible and stored until Summer when it was used for cold drinks. Who needs a fridge?!
Meet the locals
Wanderin
g around local parks or by a town’s river is one of the best ways to meet the local people. Daytime temperatures are very hot, especially during the Summer, and so cities come alive when it starts to cool down. Families and friends congregate in parks or grassy areas where they can lay out a picnic; the adults exchanging news and gossiping while the children play together. It’s a wonderful atmosphere and brilliant example of Iranian hospitality – there is always food and tourists are often invited to join the party. Do yourself a favour and try the local candy, sohan. A sort of hard toffee brittle made from ginger, cardamom and honey amongst other things, with pistachios often crumbled on top, it is divine!
Iran really in incredible, and we invite you to find out for yourself! You can visit Iran on our trips through Central Asia:
Iran Caravan (24 days) Tbilisi to Ashgabat
Caucasus & Persia Explorer (44 days) Istanbul to Ashgabat
Turkey, Iran, The Stans & China (14 weeks) Istanbul to Beijing
Happy Travels!