Hakim Abul-Qasim Firdawsi was a great Persian poet. He is the author of the Shahnameh, the national epic of Iran and the Persian-speaking world. Ferdowsi was born into a family of Iranian landowners (Dehqans) in 940 C.E. in the village of Paj, near the city of Tus in the province of Khorasan, now in northeastern Iran.

A warm welcome, historical secrets and an artistic paradise awaits you!

Authentic Iranian culture and tradition is kept alive in the many scenic local villages and the city bazaars. And hikers are spoilt for choice with Iran`s stunning mountains, valleys and and the Middle East`s highest peak, Mount Damavand. History lovers can soak in the legends of ancient temples and imposing fortresses, dating from early civilisations such as the Safavids and the Sassasians. Art enthusiasts can admire the innovative mosque designs and ancient mountain relief paintings. A warm welcome, historical secrets and an artistic paradise awaits you.

Take a fascinating journey through Iran`s history and enigmatic architecture

 

Take a fascinating journey through Iran`s history and enigmatic architecture as you enter a world of dramatic fortresses, ornate palaces with stunning gardens, and archaeological and cultural gems. Travel the lost land of Ancient Persia and learn about the rich cultural history at the heart of modern Iran. Surrender to the chaotic energy of the Tehran Bazaar, and marvel at the circle-shaped fortress city of Firuz Abad. Discover the remains of the Zoroastrian community in Yazd, and witness the dramatic Towers of Silence and the eternal flame burning at the Fire Temple. Uncover legend at Persepolis, home of the Archaemenid Kings, and explore the stunning gardens at Kashan. Walk in the footsteps of Isfahan`s ancestors by crossing Shiraz`s spectacular river bridges, and enter a poetic maze of stunning palace gardens and boulevards. Uncover tradition in the 1000 year old mud-brick towns at Meybod and the Kharanagagh Village, and succumb to folktales at the cliff-town of Chak Chak. Admire architectural triumphs like the Islamic complex at the small town of Natanz and the mausoleum of Imam Khomeini in the traditional village of Niasar.

Iran a new destination for 2014

Thirty-five years after it dropped off the tourist map, Iran may be set to return to the top of “must-visit” lists for 2014. Its attractions have never been in doubt – from ski resorts to beaches, stunning Islamic architecture, ancient archaeological sites and superb food – but the revolution of 1979 and the Iran-Iraq war saw the country go from a staple of the “hippie-trail” to the preserve of a few adventurous travellers, usually in organised groups. Now, tour operators are hoping the thawing of political relations with the west following the election of Hassan Rouhani as president will give travellers the reassurance they need to return. Wild Frontiers, the London and Philadelphia-based adventure travel specialist, has already seen a 30 per cent rise in bookings. “We’ve been operating tours to Iran for 10 years now without any issues,” says Jonny Bealby, the company’s founder. “In fact, again and again one of the things our clients tell us they enjoy most is the friendliness and welcome provided by the locals.”