{"id":47132,"date":"2017-10-04T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-10-04T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tmp-blog.travelstart.com.ng\/blog\/take-adventurous-break-in-visa-free-iran\/"},"modified":"2025-12-15T09:14:45","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T09:14:45","slug":"take-adventurous-break-in-visa-free-iran","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.com.ng\/blog\/take-adventurous-break-in-visa-free-iran\/","title":{"rendered":"Adventurous Break in Visa-Free Iran"},"content":{"rendered":"

Imagine you are travelling on smooth highways, and then get tempted by a dusty turn-off signed <\/span>Adventure.<\/b> Well, that turn-off is Iran. From the magnificent mountain vistas, majestic ancient ruins, beautiful mosques, lovely cafes and an indomitable, hospitable people. It is a destination that should be marked on every traveller’s bucket list! <\/span><\/p>\n

Little known to most of the world, Iran is one of the safest places in the Middle East and is not associated with the problems that persist in neighbouring Iraq and Afghanistan. Also known as \u201cthe jewel in Islam’s crown\u201d, it combines glorious architecture with a warm-hearted welcome. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"iran<\/p>\n

Nature lovers could lose themselves on long hikes past plunging waterfalls, proud hills and tiny villages; or by trying their luck on the ski trails in Shemshak. But the best thing about Iran is that almost nobody else bothers to take this turn-off \u2013 meaning you’ll likely have the country to yourself. Welcome to Iran!<\/span><\/p>\n

\"iran-landscape-travelstart\"<\/p>\n

About<\/span><\/h2>\n

It is located on the Asian continent, bordered by Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkmenistan and Turkey, with a total population of approximately 80.28 million people. Iran ought to be one of the world’s most treasured travel destinations, but the past tough domestic regime that happens a few years back creates an international tension. However, it is good to know that things have changed and the Iranians are ever ready to welcome its visitors.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"market-iran-travelstart\"<\/p>\n

\"beautiful<\/p>\n

Cultural dynamism<\/span><\/h2>\n

Iran is a bustling microcosm peacefully shared by cultures from all corners of the world. This diversity expresses itself in the culinary landscape, fashion, music and performance. Although rooted in Islamic tradition, this is an open society where it\u2019s easy for newcomers and visitors to connect with myriad experiences: be it eating like a local, imbibing a little shisha culture, shopping for local art or riding a camel in the desert. Iran is certainly a fertile environment conducive to breaking down cultural barriers and preconceptions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"beautiful<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Snow cave in Iran | photo credit:chicagocave<\/h5>\n

\"camel<\/p>\n

A sense of the past<\/span><\/h2>\n

Steeped in myth, coveted by every conqueror with an eye for a prize, Iran tumultuous and multilayered past has left ancient riches strewn across this country. Some of the history’s biggest names – Cyrus and Darius, Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan \u2013 all left their mark here and the cities they conquered or over which they ruled are among the finest in a region rich with such storied ruins. While strolling the cities you can spot the preserved architectural beauty of the Persepolis. Iran may welcome you to flop out on the beach, but dig into the past here and you’ll unearth the entire history of the Ancient Persia.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"iran-archeology-pepolis-travelstart\"Iran’s archaeology<\/h6>\n

\"travelstart-iran\"<\/p>\n

photo credit|travelguide to iran<\/h6>\n

\"lovely<\/p>\n

Outdoor adventures<\/span><\/h2>\n

Iran is first and foremost an outdoor destination. Local people favour active holidays, and you\u2019ll be invited \u2013 even expected \u2013 to join them. The list of activities on offer is quite endless, with the most popular pursuits skiing, diving and hiking in the mountains, and increasingly, cycling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"mountain<\/p>\n

Don’t forget to take a trip to Persepolis, where you will be offered an array of magnificent architectural beauty, and there are ample chances to try out more niche activities like horseback riding, ballooning, caving and canyoning. For the adrenaline junkies, hit the ski trails of 3,550 meters high at Shemshak or take cable ride to the top of the Sofe Mountain or you can opt to spend the night beneath the stars in Varzaneh desert. This is truly a once in a lifetime experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"skii-al<\/p>\n

More, more and more adventures…<\/span><\/h2>\n

Whether you go slow or fast, choose coast or country, Iran is one of Middle East best place of adventures. Hike through the lush, silent interior to the twilight of Tadvan Cave. Walk the Nature Bridge as the sun goes down or feel like royalty in the lavish Golestan Palace. Don’t forget to join the quest of crossing the Esfan Bridge or go undercover at the US Den of Espionage, where diplomats were once held hostage for over a year as depicted in the movie <\/span>Argo<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"waterfall<\/p>\n

History buffs can opt to visit the stunning traditional houses in Kashan or explore the alleyways in the old town while you stroll, snack and chat with the friendly locals on the go. If all this sounds a bit much, you can always decamp to the coast of Qeshm Island where you have an opportunity to get close to virgin coral and marine life. It is so divine, you might just forget to leave.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"beach<\/p>\n

Qesham\u00a0Island coast<\/h6>\n

\"persian<\/p>\n

The \u201ctwo\u201d unmissable destinations<\/span><\/h2>\n

Iran should be on everyone’s travel list \u2013 it may not have many big-ticket attractions, but the warmth of its welcome and the friendliness of the Iranian people is unique and virtually same in all the cities. Where else in the world can you find friendly locals that are always eager to invite you over to share a meal.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"sharing<\/p>\n

Tehran:<\/span><\/h3>\n

Tehran is Iran\u2019s most secular and capital city. Spend time here \u2013 as you should \u2013 and you’ll soon realise that the city is so much more than you think. Exploring this intriguing city will transport you on a journey through more than 250 years of Iranian history – from the adjacent Grand Bazaar and beautiful Azadi Tower to the contemporary cafes, beautiful mosques, traditional teahouses and on the hiking trails in the mountains, you can relax and enjoy all that’s good about Tehran.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"tehran-iran\"<\/p>\n

\"valley-iran-pinterest\"<\/p>\n

photo credit|pinterest<\/h6>\n

Yazd:<\/span><\/h3>\n

Before you book your tickets, a word of warning: once in Yazd, there is a very good chance you won’t ever want to leave. \u00a0It is by far Iran’s most picturesque city that warrants a lazy approach to the country. From rambling around the piles of historic lanes to popping into random teahouses, it is entirely a different world from the bustle of Tehran. For a mindblowing experience, rent a 4WD and explore the wilds or take a stroll through the lush forest. Wherever your interests lie, you\u2019ll find it hard not to leave utterly captivated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"persian<\/p>\n