Iran is an increasingly popular destination with plenty to offer the intrepid adventurer. This Middle Eastern gem is home to one of the world’s oldest civilisations, offering a wealth of cultural, historic and architectural attractions. The country is also renowned for its hospitality, mouth-watering Persian cuisine, and stunning landscapes.

And there’s never been a better time to visit than right now. Political relationships are improving, options for travel are opening up, and Iran is prioritising investment in tourism. Just make sure to experience it before the crowds arrive.

Getting there

Since last year’s historic nuclear deal, relations have thawed significantly between Iran and the West. The British Foreign Office removed its advice against visiting the country, whilst the US lifted long-standing travel sanctions. Recent embassy re-openings mean the expensive and complex visa application process is quickly becoming a thing of the past. British travellers can now obtain a visa from the Iranian embassy in London without having to get documents issued abroad.

In terms of getting there, British Airways recently announced that it is reinstating direct flights from London to Tehran from this July. It’s the first and only British airline to do so in four years, and is sure to encourage more to make the trip.

Experience incredible Iran before the crowds come

Marvel at historic cities and exquisite architecture

Iran’s long and turbulent past has given rise to a vast collection of treasures, from an endless supply of sumptuously decorated mosques, to a plethora of elegant palaces, mesmerising monuments and idyllic gardens.

Top of the list for any visitor should be the ancient city of Persepolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to spectacular remains dating back to 515 BC. We also recommend visiting the Golestan Palace in Tehran and Esfahan’s Immam square, Jameh mosque and Armenian quarter. Check out the Iran Revealed tour for a taste of all this and more.

Hike through vast deserts and verdant mountains

Iran’s attractions extend far beyond the built environment. Explore a lesser known part of the country on a trekking adventure through the Valley of the Assassins. Admire breath-taking vistas, camp out with nomads, wander through historic castles and picturesque towns, and experience traditional rural life unchanged for generations.

Alternatively, make a bee-line for the stark beauty of the desert. We recommend journeying through the unique environment of Iran’s Lut desert. Following in the footsteps of Marco Polo and Thesiger, you’ll traverse lunar landscapes, passing intriguing geological formations and scaling epic star dunes along the way.