Yalda Night; An Iranian Celebration of the First Night of Winter

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Yalda Night; An Iranian Celebration of the First Night of Winter

Yalda Night or Chelle Night or in the original Persian, Shab-e Yalda, is one of the old celebrations of Iranian people such as Chaharshanbe Suri or Nowrouz. Yalda Night can be considered as a remainder of Iranians’ ancient culture.

 

What and when is Yalda Night?

As already mentioned, Yalda Night is an ancient celebration and Iranians have been celebrating this night, which is the last night of autumn and the first night of winter, by gathering together and having fun. The last night of autumn which coincides with the first night of winter, aka Yalda Night, is the longest night of the year since it is one minute longer than the other ones. Iranians’ ancestors have been celebrating Yalda Night for centuries and they have left some traditions for people which we will talk about. Yalda Night and all these traditions occur on 21st of December and on the leap years, on December 20th. If you really are interested in getting to know Iranians’ traditions on Yalda Night, you can ask us to arrange your Tailor-made tours or customizable Classical Cultural tours in a way that will coincide with this magical night.

 

How old is Yalda Night?

Yalda, which also is a name for girls in Iran, means ‘Birth’. The history of this ancient celebration dates back to thousands of years ago which is not completely identified. Some archeologists believe that the tradition of celebrating Yalda Night is 7000 years old according to the discoveries from the inscriptions. All this being said, Yalda Night entered the Iranian calendar on the year 500 BC. during Dariush the First’s period.

 

Why do Iranians celebrate Yalda Night?

There are diverse reasons and tales explaining why Iranians take Yalda Night into account and why they love it so much.

The first tale relates to the victory of light over darkness. In the old days, through time, people had understood the impact of seasons and the length of day and night on their agriculture. They were convinced that day, light and sun were the symbols of goodness and kindness as opposed to night, darkness and coldness that were symbols of evil. Therefore, they believed that longer days meant light was winning the battle and shorter days were a sign that darkness was defeating the good. So, they celebrated the longest night of the year, aka Yalda Night, since after this night, days become longer, which means light has taken the power.

The second tale that can be considered as the origin of this festival is the fact that ancient Christians, who lived in Iran before Zoroastrians, celebrated Yalda Night since they believed it was the birthday of Mithra, who was the goddess of light in Iranian and Indian culture. They believed that on this magical night, the goddess of light known as Mithra or Mehr appeared and brought the sun and light with herself.

What do Iranians do on Yalda Night? What are their customs?

Iranian people have always loved this night and celebrating it has always been one of the most irresistible activities of the year for them. They gather together, usually in homes of their grandparents or elderly people of the family. They eat delicious, special food and fruits of the occasion, they dance and play games, they read poems, especially Hafez poems (Divan-e Hafez) and Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh and they laugh and have fun.

Eating watermelon, pomegranate and nuts is kind of a necessity on Yalda Night. Iranians tend to have colorful, delicious and beautiful tables ready for their guests to enjoy alongside them.

The color red, wearing red clothes and having red-based tables is also a tradition they love to be faithful to. Maybe the reason why Iranians eat the two fruits that are red comes from this custom, as well.

Reading the Divan of Hafez and placing this beloved book in the middle of the table is a tradition Iranians never stop doing. This custom goes like this; a person makes a wish and does not tell anyone about it. Then another one opens the book of poems and randomly chooses one poem and reads it out loud. The interpretation and analysis of the selected poem is called “Fal” in Persian and is an old activity Iranians tend to do on Yalda Night. The interpretation can, in some cases, relate to the wish they had in their mind.

Moreover, it is worth mentioning that since Iran has so many tribes, it is likely that each tribe living in different parts of the country has its own traditions aside from the national ones we just discussed. Therefore, in case you attended our Iran nomad tour or any other tour exploring different parts of Iran and you saw other traditions, do not be shocked.

Furthermore, another custom on Yalda Night relates to men and women who are engaged to each other. According to this tradition, the groom-to-be and his family have to buy some gifts and pastries and go to the bride’s family’s house and give it to them as a present showing their love and respect.

All in all, nowadays, Yalda Night has become an important festival Iranians love and respect and is also an excuse to spend time with the loved ones while having fun and making core memories, especially for children.

There are a lot of reasons to travel to Iran, and over the past few years observing Yalda Night’s celebration has become another reason for some people to travel to Iran. Do not forget that Yalda Night is usually on 21st of December so, in case you decide to visit Persia on Yalda Night, this is the time for you.

Which countries celebrate Yalda Night?

 

A Fun fact about Yalda Night is that people in Iran are not the only ones celebrating it. Apart from the Iranian people who live outside Iran all across the planet, other Asian people in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and some parts of Armenia, India and Russia celebrate Yalda Night with a little bit of difference in culture and customs, as well.

Iran’s Tourist Places

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Iran’s Tourist Places

Iran, with all its mesmerizing beauty and glory, stretches for miles and miles embracing many different geological structures, cultures, and ethnicities uniting them as one nation and one marvelous country full of wonders and a long history of civilizations, having such unforgettable sites to visit that has made tourists to never stop thinking about Iran’s tourist places.

Iran’s Tourist Places are many, if not infinite. Therefore, picking out Iran’s Tourist Places and putting them on a list is not an easy job. Many breathtaking beauties inevitably have to be left out in order for you to wrap it all up in an article.

Every tourist starts packing up for Iran with a goal in mind but quite often, most end up receiving more than what they initially bargained for. Why is that? Because no matter where your field of interest lies, history, architecture, art, music, nature, poetry, culture; Iran has it all. Traces of all are found easily in numerous cities of Iran and are entirely accessible for travelers in search of Iran’s Tourist Places. Our Tailor-made tours and Classical Cultural tours of Iran often interest travelers with diverse tastes who are looking for something different or more personalized tours adjusted to their demands.

Now, let’s take a look at a brief list of the most popular sites in the list of Iran’s Tourist Places.

Persepolis:

Persepolis, also known as Takht-e Jamshid, was built around 500 BC as the famous Achaemenid Empire’s ceremonial capital. After the attack by Alexander the great, the complex and the five palaces within were mostly burnt down by the fire but the ruins were rediscovered again in 1620 by Garcia de Silva Figueroa and then later on turned into one of Iran’s Tourist Places. With pillars still standing high and many other remains on display, Persepolis is now located in Marvdasht, within the 60 km distance of Shiraz city, and it frequently visited as it is one of the most popular sites between Iran’s Tourist Places.

The complex was built by king Darius the first and was particularly used for celebrating the spring equinox which is an important event in Iran and some of the neighboring countries, and is still widely celebrated by them in this day and age. The event is called Nowrouz and is considered to be the Persian new year and the starting point of the Persian calendar. Rest assured that visiting Persepolis will be an exceptional experience while visiting Iran’s tourist places.

Thinking of Iran’s Tourist Places, Persepolis is always one of the first few to pop up in mind.

Choghazanbil ziggurat:

Choghazanbil is a historical complex built by an Elamite king at 1250 BC with the intention of replacing the city of Susa as a religious center. The construction is the most ancient between Iran’s Tourist Places and now can be found in Khuzestan province which contains one of the very few ziggurats in the world (beside Mesopotamia).

The ziggurat is consistent of five levels with a temple on top as a mean to reach out to God. There are walls separating the space into three and ziggurat is placed in the center with temples of higher gods while the middle holds the temples of the lesser gods and the outer area consists of royal palaces and royal tombs.

Back in 1979, Choghazanbil was the first of Iran’s tourist places to be inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage list.

Knowing the ziggurat was considered as the best example of stepped pyramidal monument, those infatuated by history always put it on the list of Iran’s Tourist Places to visit.

Fin Garden:

Fin garden, located in the city of Kashan, is a classic Persian garden completed in 1590 and contains the famous Kashan Fin bath in which Amir Kabir, a great historical figure of Iran and chancellor to Nasereddin shah was murdered. Now the spot of his assassination is one of the most frequently visited between Iran’s Tourist Places.

The garden may originally be traced back to the Safavid period, but went through several developments, expansions and a period of neglect up until 1935 when it was listed as a national property of Iran. It was later also declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 2012. An obvious must-see star among the Iran’s Tourist Places.

Nasir ol-Mulk mosque:

Also referred to as the pink mosque, the Nasir ol-Mulk mosque was built during the Qajar era in Shiraz. Being one of the most eye-catching sites among Iran’s Tourist Places, the traditional mosque showcases multi-color glasses which the mosque is mostly characterized with as well as its Panj Kase design.

Even though the mosque is under protection, it is still used and visitors are also accepted. Some of the most gorgeous pictures taken by tourists in Iran’s Tourist Places belong to the interior and façade of this mosque.

Shushtar historical hydraulic system:

Situated in island city of Shushtar, Khuzestan province, the Shushtar hydraulic system consists of many bridges, dams, canals and some other structures that make up a still functioning hydraulic system.

The majority of the system is ancient and is one of the oldest amid Iran’s Tourist Places and was built during the Sassanid era while some parts are speculated to even date back to the Achaemenid dynasty and Darius the great.

The Shushtar hydraulic system has been called ‘a masterpiece of creative geniuses’ by the UNESCO and is one of the greatest complexes built before the industrial revolution era.

Certainly, a site to catch the eyes of those more interested in architecture among the other Iran’s Tourist Places.

Hormuz Island:

Hormoz or Hurmuz Island, situated mere kilometers off the Iranian coast of the Persian Gulf, is barely inhabited but is one of the popular locations among Iran’s Tourist Places.

Also called the rainbow island, Hormuz has been characterized and heavily associated by the colorful sand, particularly the rose-colored beaches creating an illusion of the sea-soaked blood for the viewers. The unusual red color of the sea is caused by a high concentration of Iron oxides in the sand.

With such rare and unique landscapes, it’s safe to put it in the list of most anticipated Iran’s Tourist Places.

Fortunately, booking our Island tours could be easily done for those already intrigued to visit one of the most beautiful of Iran’s tourist places.

The Lut desert:

What is an Iran’s Tourist Places checklist without an honorable mention of its unmatched vast deserts?

The Lut desert, with a temperature going as high as 70.7 C or 150 F has been listed as the first natural monuments of Iran by UNESCO since 2016. Lut is one of the largest deserts in Iran along with the Kavir desert and is spread in three provinces making it one of the very accessible options between Iran’s Tourist Places as it’s reachable from many cities of Iran.

One of the things making the Lut desert a remarkable choice among Iran’s Tourist Places is the discovery of archeological monuments dating back to 7000 years ago. And of course, there are exciting desert activities waiting for curious tourists as you would expect, along with the clear sky and lack of light pollution for star-gazers and astronomers and golden dunes for those looking for unique sceneries on their visit to Iran’s Tourist Places. An Iran desert tour would help making an unforgettable time as a traveler.

Martian Mountains:

Mountains make up a great proportion of Iran’s natural echo-system and many mountains of Iran are world-famous for the beauty, hiking route or ski resorts and therefor always find their way in a list on Iran’s Tourist Places.

Martian mountains of Chabahar with millions of years of age are named so because of their peculiar and unique shapes and unusual gray and white color creating beautiful sights that mark them as one of the natural sites amid Iran’s Tourist Places. Of course, if you’re looking to connect with the nature of Iran, our Eco tours and Cultural intense-specialty tours are options you might want to consider.

Museums of Iran:

There are more museums inside Iran than you might expect. The abundance of historical, cultural and artistic objects and remains results in 689 museums across the whole country (as of 2019) and although only naming a few would be an injustice to the rest, we’ll try to introduce some of the more prominent ones mostly mentioned as Iran’s Tourist Places.

The National Museum of Iran located in Tehran is divided in two complexes named: ‘the Museum of Ancient Iran’ and ‘the Museum of Islamic Archeology and Art of Iran’. The first showcases ancient artefacts from the lower Paleolithic period to Sassanid era. The second complex mostly exhibits Islamic artefacts two of the floors available in the building. When one thinks of Iran’s Tourist Places to visit, the National Museum of Iran is an obvious option.

Sa’dabad complex, built by Pahlavi and Qajar dynasties, is a construction in Tehran consistent of many museums inside such as: the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Glassware and Handicrafts, et cetera. It would be a shame to miss out the Sa’dabad complex while visiting Iran’s Tourist Places.

The carpet museum of Iran is also a great pick as carpets are very important elements of Iranian and Persian culture and Persian carpets are one of the most favored in the whole world. For those who take interest in looking at the colorful shapes masterfully and artistically put together in those Iranian carpets, this is one of the most unique choices between Iran’s Tourist Places.

Vakil Bazaar:

Located right in the middle of the historical heart of Shiraz, Vakil bazaar was named after Karim Khan Zand in the 18th century.

There are great courtyards, bath houses and old shops inside the bazaar which is surrounded by mosques like other bazaars of the middle east, making it a different place for tourists while visiting Iran’s tourist places.

If you’re looking to take home some souvenirs as a reminder of your visit to Iran’s Tourist Places, Persian rugs, handicrafts and spices are laying ready to be sold which make Vakil bazaar the place to go.

Chehel Sotun:

Placed in Isfahan, and built by shah Abbas for entertainment purposes, Chehel Sotun is a pavilion with a long pool in the front and one of the most popular sites among Iran’s Tourist Places. In Persian, Chehel Sotun translates to forty columns. The interesting bit about Chehel Sotun is that unlike the name there aren’t forty columns but only twenty surrounding the pavilion. With each column making a reflection in the pool water, the number of the columns doubles, hence why the name of Chehel Sotun was earned in the first place.

Chehel sotun is one of those Iran’s Tourist Places you definitely have to pay a visit to.

Si-o-se-pol (The bridge of thirty-three/ Allahverdi Khan Bridge):

Si-o-se-pol, one of the most heard of Iran’s Tourist Places, was originally built in the 17th century to function as a bridge and also a dam which is a great example of the Iranian architecture during the Safavid era. The historical bridge is the largest one spanning over Zayanderud, the largest river in the Iranian plateau placed in Isfahan. This bridge is also a great place to take beautiful photos of you and one of Iran’s tourist places.

 

Ali-Sadr Cave:

Ali sadr is the largest water cave in the world placed in the west of Iran, province of Hamedan. Naturally the 11-kilometer-long cave is one of the top Iran’s Tourist Places highly recommended to every traveler; Iranian or not. The visitors are provided with boats and guides in order to explore through the cave containing several lakes, enjoying one of the most spectacular locations of Iran’s tourist places.

There has been an archeological discovery of artworks belonging to 12,000 years ago as well as jugs and pitchers in Ali-sadr which makes an even more interesting trip to the cave and a reason for its prominence among the other Iran’s Tourist Places.

At the end of the day, sadly, time limitations and many other obstacles prevent tourists from visiting every single of Iran’s Tourist Places. Organizing a plan and making a personalized list can really help you prioritize your preferred Iran’s Tourist Places and spend a stress-free vacation while you visit Iran. So, make sure to do your research on Iran’s Tourist Places and find your favorites beforehand to avoid confusion and waste of time. We’ve only barely scratched the surface by introducing a few possible options, but with a few clicks you can learn about a thousand more of Iran’s Tourist Places to visit.

Iran Nomad Tour 2023

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Iran Nomad Tour 2023

With the urban settlements all around, it might seem like the modern world has completely forgotten about the ways of life lived by our ancestors in the past. Although migration is still hugely popular in this day and time, thanks to the faster and cheaper transportation as well as globalization, very few choose the enchanting nomadic lifestyle and the obvious hardships coming with it. Fortunately, tourists can comprehend nomadic lifestyle by attending an Iran nomad tour offered by Iranian travel agencies.

The nomad lifestyle is still practiced by around one million people in Iran which often comes off as a surprise to a lot of foreign tourists. Even more so when they realize they can visit these tribes from up close and have a little taste of the nomadic life themselves by going on an Iran nomad tour, when they travel to Iran.

Iran nomad tours offer accessible ways to visit, gain first-hand experiences and even make culturally educational interactions through meeting the nomadic tribes of Iran. Attending an Iran nomad tour will absolutely be an exceptional experience for globetrotters. It is worth mentioning that you can ask us to arrange an Iran nomad tour for you and include it in your Tailor-made tour or arrange it as CIP/VIP services.

Who are the nomadic tribes of Iran?

In order to be invested in an Iran nomad tour, you have to understand that survival is the main essence and the reason for the endeavors of vagabond lifestyle among the Iranian nomads. Knowing this will help tourists to fully understand nomads’ culture while on an Iran nomad tour. These tribes have managed to preserve their ancient culture and the life path of their ancestors throughout many centuries, constantly migrating from north to the south and the other way around as the season changes. Unlike the majority of the human population these days, they rely mostly on herding and taking care of their flocks and as a result, mostly use the livestock products directly which means you get to see them taking care of their livestock while you’re attending an Iran nomad tour.

 Iran Nomad Tour

Nomadic tribes of Iran have maintained this lifestyle for a very long time, constantly on the move, the shepherds traveling from one green meadow to another in hopes of favorable and peaceful weather as they put their famous black tents up. They pass deserts, forests, mountains and rivers, living both nowhere and everywhere at the same time. Observing them live this unstable-seeming lifestyle is exactly what happens on an Iran nomad tour.

What is the meaning of Kooch, Yeylagh and Gheshlagh?

The nomadic migration of Iranian tribes within the land is called Kooch in Persian, which comprises of two major parts: Yeylagh and Gheshlagh which you should learn more about if you’re interested in an Iran nomad tour.

Yeylagh starts in the spring as the nomads begin migrating to colder regions of the country for the warmer seasons and live there up until the end of the summer.

Gheshlagh happens when nomads of Iran start moving towards lands with more moderate weather mostly during autumn and winter.

These people have managed to shape their lives and culture around kooch as a way to find green fields for the flocks as different seasons pass by. Fortunately, Iran being a four-season country enables them to find their path to prosperous lands year after year and encourages them to continue this way of life and that’s what makes an Iran nomad tour as enticing as it is.

What are some of the nomadic tribes in Iran and who will I meet on an Iran nomad tour?

There are quite a few tribes you are most likely to hear of, particularly if you’re looking for an Iran nomad tour.

The Bakhtiari tribe, largest tribe you will meet on an Iran nomad tour:

The members of the Bakhtiari tribe belong to the Iranian Lur ethnic group. They’re considered to be the largest nomadic tribe on earth, which makes attending an Iran nomad tour more exciting. They migrate to different parts of Chaharmahal-o Bakhtiari Province with the changing of the season and their lives are highly dependent on their livestock. This tribe is the best option to choose if you’re searching for an Iran nomad tour in the west of Iran hoping to meet some of these nomadic tribes.

The Qashqai tribe, the second populated tribe you will meet on an Iran nomad tour:

One of the most populated tribes of Iran you will meet on an Iran nomad tour that is made up of six different branches is the Qashqai people who speak in the Turkish language. In the winter, they reside around the south of Fars province and also all the way to Behbahan and Gachsaran and in the summer they go a long way (about 310 miles/ 500kms) to reach the colder lands around the Dena mountains. Meeting individuals of this tribe in person is an exhilarating thought for those thinking of booking an Iran nomad tour.

Two more prominent tribes you may visit on an Iran nomad tour would be the Khamesh and Mamasani tribes. Khamesh is mostly made of Arab cattle who speak Arabic, Persian and Turkish. The Mamasani region is ancient and supposedly belongs to the Elamite era which indicates it to be a few millennia old. Mamasani people speak Luri and some live as nomads in the southern parts of the region and definitely catch the eyes of those looking for an Iran nomad tour with the purpose of learning about and appreciating cultural differences.

There are of course many more nomadic tribes living and constantly migrating around the country beside the two major Qashqai and Bakhtiari tribes, all from different ethnic groups in Iran namely the Zalki, Bahmaei Boyerahmadi and Tayebi tribes. But the four tribes briefly introduced before are open to tourists and often accept to partake in Iran nomad tours and visited by tourists very often.

Nomad crafts, noteworthy souvenirs to buy on an Iran nomad tour:

Nomads are known to be some of the major creators of magnificent and colorful Iranian handcrafts such as Carpets, Klims, Give, et cetera which make for widely popular souvenirs for those on their Iran nomad tours. Nomad women are in particular dexterous and brilliant craftmasters who make almost everything out of natural elements. The clothes, the tools and even the black tents are handmade a result of hours of work which is worthy to remember to check out while on an Iran nomad tour.

It’s very fascinating, watching them go their day to day lives, working their magic and creating art amongst other things. As plenty as the hardships may be, no one can deny that the nomadic lifestyle is a lifetime of adventure and finding unique ways to be in sync with different elements of the nature is demanded of people who walk this path.

For the tourists who are just visiting for a few days on Iran nomad tours, it’s surely a different matter. But still, getting to actually experience a small portion of this culture for a limited amount of time leads up to a better understanding of the humankind and lessons we cannot simply learn by clicking on websites and watching YouTube videos. Most of our ancestors had great urges to migrate and explore the universe and the never-ending restlessness helped us explore the deep seas as well as the high sky, land on the moon and stand where we are right now, among the urban structures we have built by our technology. And this is why we believe an Iran nomad tour should definitely be on your checklist for your next holiday plan!

In the first instance, during an Iran nomad tour the differences between the two lifestyles might strike us as huge contrast, while at the core we can be sure the human desire for survival runs deep in the blood of every single living and breathing person on the planet earth.

The Iran nomad tours are a chance for visitors to see the world in a different light and create opportunities for life-changing experiences. If you are the kind of person looking to immerse yourself into something entirely different than what you’re already used to, attending an Iran nomad tour is a great option for you. In case you’re looking forward to meet new hospitable people with ancient cultures and various backgrounds and ethnicities, do not hesitate to book an Iran nomad tour. And last but not least, if you’re a huge fan of the nature, and Iran nomad tour, as well as attending our Eco tours or Island tours might be the answer you are looking for.

As a tour and travel agency, we would be delighted to help you through having a great time in case you choose to visit Persia. Doesn’t matter you travel to Iran from India or Australia or anywhere else because there are a lot of reasons to travel to Iran. In order to get more information regarding our Iran nomad tours contact us via emailing Info@zhivar.Net .

Visit Persia 2023

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Visit Persia 2023

As you probably know, Persia is the former name of a country in the middle east, now known as Iran. A country with full four seasons, a land with countless tourist attractions, eye-catching nature, beaches and deserts, towns and cities that date back to thousands of years ago, islands and remains of ancient sites, holy places and nomad tribes; a land where you are welcome as a tourist, where people are friendly and the food is delicious. As a matter of fact, you will have the time of your life if you visit Persia.

There are so many reasons to travel to Iran, however, we are certain that there will be individual reasons to enjoy this ancient land for each person, when they visit Persia. In the following text we will be talking about the ways you can visit Persia as a tourist, what you must not miss when you intend to visit Persia, accommodation and food on a travel to Iran, tours we offer to you as a travel agency and etc. So, keep reading!

Visit persia

  • How can I visit Persia?

The first question that pops into the mind of any tourist planning a trip is regarding safety matters. Is it safe to travel to Iran? Indeed, it is. Rest assured that you can visit Persia solo or in groups, regardless of you gender. The rate of street crime is considerably low in Iran and people are really hospitable and friendly which is something that will make you not regret your choice if you visit Persia.

Moreover, there are so many great Iranian travel agencies that offer so many tours for you to book helping you to visit Persia through attending an Iran tour. This way not only you can cut back on some expenses but also, you can make use of professional tour guides.

Can Americans travel to Iran? They surely can. Note that you can travel to Iran and visit Persia from almost any country around the globe. Iran’s borders are open to tourists who wish to visit Persia and travel by a plane or a bike or even on foot. As you can see, there is nothing stopping you from exploring Iran’s super impressive tourist attractions and nature.

In case you intend to visit Persia and you would like to travel to Iran through booking an Iran tour, you might want to check out the diverse tours offered by our agency such as the customizable Classical Cultural tours of Iran, Tailor-made tours of your own choice choosing which can help you enjoy your trip more than expected. In case you want to visit Persia, our CIP/VIP services are available as well.

  • What you must not miss when you intend to visit Persia

As it is well-known, Iran is a prehistoric land which has resulted in having such breathtaking tourist attractions, amazing nature and a rich culture. The country’s current capital city, Tehran, has been home to different dynasties and governments so far which makes it pretty logical to have great places to visit, therefore, if you ever decided to visit Persia, do not hesitate to visit tourist attractions in Tehran.

Furthermore, Iran has other impressive old cities paying a visit to which has been a great experience for tourists, namely Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz, Kashan, Kermanshah, Mashhad, Hamadan, Yazd, Kerman and so forth. These cities have a rich background, beautiful nature, super old historical places and a lot of stories to tell that has made over a million tourists to visit Persia annually. Iran’s tourist places consist of remains of sites that date back to more than 2000 years ago such as Persepolis and so many more which you better not miss while you visit Persia, actual palaces remaining from earlier dynasties ruling over the country from almost 200 years ago or more, modern skyscrapers and sites all over the country and many more.

It is worth mentioning that booking Island tours, Eco tours, Iran desert tour or Cultural intense-specialty tours can be considered as great choices for nature-lovers who desire to visit Persia. Also, in case you are interested in getting to know the famous nomad tribes of the country, booking an Iran nomad tour is sort of THE option for you.

And by the way, if you’re a historophile intrigued to visit Persia, always wanting to read about history, you can gather more information regarding Iran’s history by clicking here. In the mentioned article, we have scanned the history of Iran by going through Iran’s flag’s changes which can be interesting for you as a tourist who intends to visit Persia.

  • Accommodation and food, important issues for anyone who intends to visit Persia

Although Iran is considered a third world nation, it has not caused Iranians to fall behind from the rest of the world. Internet access is great in Iran, there are so many shopping malls as modern as the ones in other countries, transportation system has also developed a lot and accommodation services has been improved. In case you intend to visit Persia and need more information regarding accommodation, visit Iran hotels.

Iran hotels

Iran also has such delicious diverse food which will certainly be a super interesting feature for tourists who visit Persia since Iranian food is so different than European or western food. Food diversity in Iran has always been a topic that tourists who visit Persia desire to know more about.

One other issue that probably is important for anyone who has plans to visit Persia is knowing the best time to visit. It is worthy of attention that the best time to visit Iran is between March and May and September to November.

All in all, Iran is a place that any adventurer must travel to. We can assure you that making up plans to visit Persia not only is a decision you will not be regretting but also, it will be so memorable that you will find yourself missing it.

Do not forget that our specialists are ready to answer your questions regarding our tours or any other issue that might come into you way while you’re planning to visit Persia. You just need to contact us via emailing Info@zhivar.Net .

Iran Hotels

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Everything about Iran Hotels

Accommodation surely plays a great role in today’s tourism industry; even more so than it used to. Although tastes and expectations might differ drastically from one individual to another when it comes to picking a temporary residency for holidays, almost everyone can agree on a number of essentials. Safety, high quality service and the welcoming ambient to name a few, can affect the guests’ experience positively. We hope to be helpful by introducing a handful of hotels in Iran possessing those qualities.

Boutique and traditional: most favored among the Iran hotels

Out of all Iran hotels, boutique hotels are popular amongst tourists mostly because of the traditional architecture and the old texture. (If you’re an admirer of such historical sites you could check out our Classical Cultural tours, as well.) The majority of them are centuries-old constructions and monuments masterfully renovated to function as hospitality centers. A great opportunity to be taken by history enthusiasts looking to spend a few nights within walls with character and old tales to tell. In the following text we will go through some of Iran hotels.

  1. Saraye Ameriha Hotel (Kashan)

Saraye ameriha was built for the governor of Kashan during the Zand dynasty to serve as a family residence. The ample historic house has been refurbished and is now utilized as a tourist-favorite museum and hotel, ready to take in guests who travel long ways to visit and appreciate the ornamentation arts used to decorate the several interiors and exteriors of the complex. Several types of traditional Iranian arts are evident on every single wall and floor such as woodcarvings, mogharnas and mirror works among other things. The house, which is now amongst the highly demanded Iran hotels, consists of multiple yards, pools and currently, 27 rooms and also hosts international and national cultural programs.

Saraye Ameriha Hotel (Kashan)Saraye Ameriha Hotel (Kashan)

  1. Moshir Ol-Mamalek Garden Hotel (Yazd)

The Moshir Ol-Mamalek hotel is primarily known for its astonishing garden with flowing streams, pounds and fountains surrounded by tall aged trees. The garden hotel is situated in the historical area of the city, not too far from touristic sites namely the fire temple (aka, Atashkade), Jame Mosque of Yazd and Alexander’s prison. The hotel is well-equipped and contains a traditional restaurant, a coffee shop and a gift shop and was one of the first gardens to join the Iran hotels.

Moshir Ol-Mamalek Garden Hotel (Yazd) Moshir Ol-Mamalek Garden Hotel (Yazd)

  1. Nezamiyeh Hotel (Tehran)

The Nezamiyeh Mansion –a hotel as well as a national tourist attraction- is located in downtown Tehran, in the Baharestan square. The garden was first built by a chancellor of Naser Al-Din shah (of the Qajar lineage) and the mansion was later constructed in the Pahlavi era to host the parliament building. Years later in 2017, the century-old house was transformed into one of the hotels in Iran so that the visitors could enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and cherish the architectural style remaining from the Qajar and Pahlavi era.

Nezamiyeh Hotel (Tehran)

  1. Darbe Shazdeh (Shiraz)

The hotel of Darbe Shazde is located in the historical heart of Shiraz. The traditional-style mansion is colored with remarkable sash windows, and is a legacy from the Qajar period. The hotel is regularly sought out by tourists looking into Iran hotels due to the warm and charming atmosphere and close proximity to Vakil bazaar which can be easily reached by foot from Darbe Shiraz.

Darbe Shazdeh (Shiraz)

  1. Ghasr Monshi (Isfahan)

Like most Iran hotels with historic background, Ghasr Monshi is a piece of Qajar architecture based in Isfahan. Aside from the outstanding yard and artistic constructions, Ghasr Monshi is a great choice for those looking for accommodation within walking distance of tourist attractions in Isfahan such as Naghshe Jahan square, Lotfollah mosque and Shah Mosque.

Ghasr Monshi (Isfahan)Ghasr Monshi (Isfahan)

Iran hotels: Five-star hotels of Iran

If not a boutique hotel, then your best option might be a five-star hotel if you value comfort above all and if you are willing to pay a little extra for it. Numerous Iran hotels have trained employees and western-class service to offer.

  1. Espinas Palace (Tehran)

Espinas Palace, a five-star luxury hotel standing in a northwest district of Tehran, offers an enticing number of amenities including multiple restaurants and cafés preparing national and international food and beverage applicable to any taste. The modern building stretching as tall as it does, grants the guests a nice view of the city and the proud mountains of the north, causing it to stand out in comparison to the rest of Iran hotels.

In case you’re looking for a tour with detailed planning for your business events, we offer our MICE tours.

Iran hotelsEspinas Palace Hotel

  1. Toranj Marine Hotel (Kish Island)

The first and only of Iran hotels built on the sea is settled in the marvelous Kish Island. The floors in every suite are fully made of glass, enabling the guests to watch the ocean and the sea life flowing within it. You can also spend time on the balcony and observe the sea surrounding you change color as the sun rises and sets. Although not very close to the city center, the hotel offers daily city tours to make up for it.

Those who marvel at the idea of visiting islands of Iran should definitely take a look at our Island tours.

Iran Hotels

  1. Abbasi Hotel (Isfahan)

The Abbasi complex of Isfahan was constructed four centuries ago during the Safavid era as a caravanserai to accommodate travelers. Later on, the caravanserai was carefully restored to serve its initial purpose once again in the modern world. The originality and exterior façade was preserved while the rooms were remodeled to be more fitting as hotel rooms. Not many might remember now after decades but the 1974 movie ‘And Then There Were None’ was shot there forever capturing the intricately designed interior through the camera lenses.

Rest assured that you will regret it if you visit Iran and somehow miss the most ancient of Iran hotels still standing with a treasury of Persian art inside.

Abbasi Hotel (Isfahan)

  1. Darvishi Hotel (Mashhad)

Royal Darvishi hotel is positioned very closely to the holy shrine of Imam Reza and provides an impressive variety of amenities for the guests and pilgrims to further maximize the enjoyment of their residents during their stay. Some of the services include a children’s playing room, pools, traditional baths, professional masseuses and city tours, placing it among the best of Iran hotels.

Darvishi Hotel (Mashhad) Darvishi Hotel (Mashhad)

  1. Zandiyeh Hotel (Shiraz)

Shiraz, being the historical center of Iran, has many of Iran hotels and different types of lodging built within it. Zandiyeh hotel sitting right in the heart of the city, providing service of high quality and prone to satisfy even for the pickiest guests, is one of them. The majority of monuments, museums and Vakil bazaar are easily accessible from the hotel. A traditional Iranian bath with unique design is also put up as a highlight accompanied by conference halls, a sport complex and a gallery.

Zandiyeh Hotel (Shiraz)

Unique hotels of Iran

Iran is made up by vast lands and a collection of natural resources such as deserts, mountains and seas leading to an increasing demand for more touristic facilities in those vicinities. Let’s proceed to learn more about nature-oriented Iran hotels.

  1. Barin Hotel (Shemshak)

Barin Hotel is nestled somewhere on the Alborz mountains, about an hour drive away from Tehran and within close range of Shemshak ski resort. The design was inspired by the snow and the mountains surrounding it. Contemporary and flexible, easily catching the eye as well as representing the nature and blending into it. If you by any chance, found your way around Shemshak for skiing, particularly during a colder season, consider making a stop at the Barin complex in order to check out the most peculiar design among Iran hotels and the thrilling landscape.

Barin Hotel (Shemshak)

  1. Bali Desert hotel (Khur, Isfahan)

The Hotel of Bali is the perfect place to stop by for the desert-loving folk in search of Iran hotels. The architecture design is traditionally heat-proof, adjusting itself to the scorching sun of Khur desert. There are a number of desert-based tourist attractions and activities (such as camel riding) located closely to the hotel.

Bali Desert hotel (Khur, Isfahan)

We have some incredible Desert tours for those interested in the golden beauty of deserts.

  1. Laleh Rocky Hotel (Kandovan, East Azerbaijan)

The laleh Kandovan hotel placed near Kandovan tourist village, has been listed as the third rocky hotel in the world. The rocky texture and architecture are unique features drawing in many tourists from all over the world, curious about one of the most unusual Iran hotels. Despite the natural interior and exterior made mostly out of rocks, the hotel is fully equipped with facilities and amenities, aiming to cover everything needed for a delightful stay.

Laleh Rocky Hotel (Kandovan, East Azerbaijan)

Eco-lodges of Iran (ecotourism resident sites)

Have you ever desired to experience life like a local and see the world through different lenses for a few days? Travelers have been seeking to expand their knowledge of different cultures throughout eons with the passion to discover, study and participate in life-styles and societies other than one’s own. Nowadays with rapid growing of the tourism industry and globalization, you might feel like authentic and traditional traveling destinations are hard to find, but the culturally diverse country of Iran has never faced a lack of eco-lodges.

  1. Nartitee (Taft, Yazd)

The beautiful Nartitee cottage is a Zoroastrian eco-lodge located amidst lovely pomegranate gardens. The house proudly displays countless marks left by age and history, making your stay even more of a unique experience.

Nartitee (Taft, Yazd)

  1. Noghli House (Kashan)

The peaceful atmosphere and friendly staff create a relaxing space for guests, only offering local food and sometimes if you are lucky, live playing of Iranian traditional music. You can decide to partake in making of the food, and sleep on the roof under the starry sky if the weather is kind.

Noghli House (Kashan)

Furthermore, if you are overall a fan of nature, we offer Eco tours checking which out will not be something that you would regret.

Tourist Attractions in Tehran

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Tourist Attractions in Tehran

Although Tehran is the largest city of Iran in terms of population, it is not known to be the sole touristic center of the country. There are of course, many astonishing touristic sites spread all across the whole country including historical constructions, unparalleled tile work and beautiful landscapes. But do not let that be an excuse for you to over-look all the wonders hiding in every corner of the packed city of Tehran.Before going through tourist attractions in Tehran, let’s answer to an important question; how to travel to Tehran? The best way would be through booking a tour.

As a tour and travel agency, we would like to announce that we offer Classical Cultural tours of Iran attending which you can explore Tehran on the first day of your trip. Also, travelers can book our Tailor-made tours and decide where and what they desire to visit when they travel to Iran. Eco tours, Island tours, Medical tours, MICE tours for those who are on business trips and so forth are our other services.

 

Tourist Attractions in Tehran: Golestan Palace

The Golestan Palace, almost 4 centuries old and designated as a world heritage site, is a former Qajar complex consisting of gardens, royal buildings decorated with tile work, mirrored interior and is a homage to thrones and various gifts and crafts.

tehran

Tourist Attractions in Tehran: Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar of Tehran, located in the ever-beating heart of the hustling city. Noticeably aged and born out of a maze of corridors, it contains anything and everything one might be looking for. The sellers are warm and hospitable- as Iranian people often are- and would gladly chat you up or offer help, if needed.

Tehran Grand Bazaar

Tourist Attractions in Tehran: Museums

There is certainly never a shortage of museums in Tehran for the enthusiasts!

  • Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art (TMoCA)

Those interested in more modern aspects of Iranian arts will eventually find their way to TMoCA. The most extensive collection of Iranian modern and contemporary art gems as well as valuable contemporary art pieces from European and north American artists belonging to 19th and 20th century are all gathered in one place for visitors to study and admire.

Also, if you are interested in meeting the youthful and artistic crowd of Tehran, TMoCA is the place to go.

  • National Museum of Iran

The institution comprises two different complexes:

Museum of Ancient Iran

The exhibition showcases artifacts from the lower Paleolithic period to the Sasanian era, offering a clear view of the trajectory of history throughout thousands of years.

Museum of Islamic Archeology and Art of Iran

The artifacts and relics displayed in the neighboring complex, cover the early Islamic period up until the Qajar times.

  • Treasury of National Jewels

Priceless collections going back to the Safavid, Afsharid, Zand, Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties are stored and exhibited in the Treasury of Iranian National Jewels. The collections contain many royal belongings such as crowns and diamonds, filling visitors with awe.

Tourist Attractions in Tehran: Tabiat Bridge

Also known as the Nature Bridge since the word ‘Tabiat’ mean ‘nature’ in Persian, it connects two of the popular parks of Tehran spanning for 270 meters between the two. The design has won several awards despite being the work of a young designer.

The Tabiat Bridge is a great place to stop by and have a nice meal, considering the number of cafes and restaurants available there, and of course, the enjoyable view.

Tabiat Bridge

Tourist Attractions in Tehran: Tochal mountain /Tochal International Ski Resort

Anyone who has ever visited Tehran will agree that it’s hard to miss the graceful sight of the mountains rising up from the north side of the city. The Tochal mountain is a proper recreational site for those who are willing to spend some time away from all the noise in the city and reconnect with the nature instead.

A gondola lift goes up from Tehran to the Tochal ski resort, the fifth highest resort in the world, where there also is a hotel.

Tochal mountain

Tourist Attractions in Tehran: Sa’dabad Historical Complex

Sa’dabad complex built by Qajar and Pahlavi royals, includes 180 hectares of natural forest, mansions, museums, galleries and streets.

The most famous palace located in the complex would be the Green Palace, built in the Qajar era and following a combination of two different architectural styles. The prominent feature which has earned the palace its name is the green façade. Moreover, visiting the greenhouse is highly recommended due to its famous hall of mirror.

sadabad complex

Tourist Attractions in Tehran: 30 Tir Street Food

Right outside the gates of National Museum of Iran, you will be met with dozens of different booths lining up along both sides of 30 Tir street. The booths are colored with a variety of food and beverage and there are enough benches and seats on the side of the street for you to take a break and have a taste of your snack of choice; be it traditional Persian food, fast food, or even spicy Indian dishes or Turkish food. To get to know more about Iranian food, visit food diversity in Iran.

30 Tir Street Food

Tourist Attractions in Tehran: Tehran Friday Market (AKA Jom’e Bazaar)

If you ever happen to spend a Friday in Tehran, and feel like exploring through one vendor’s goods and move to another for hours without feeling bored, then the Tehran Friday Market might be the place for you.

The sellers have their own way of presenting handcrafts, fabrics, local art and jewelry amongst other things, creating a kaleidoscope of bright colors, surrounding and tempting you to bring back home a cheap souvenir or two.

Just make sure to get the address right, considering that the market has recently been relocated after many years!

Tehran Friday Market (AKA Jom’e Bazaar)

Tourist Attractions in Tehran: Shopping Centers of Tehran

Although the majority of tourists do not find shopping malls desirable to visit, many of those centers have much more than stores to offer. Iran Mall for instance –currently and by far the biggest mall in the world in terms of area- is serving as a multi-purpose complex and contains many attractions such as a traditional bazaar, a mirror hall, a car show room, 12 movie theatres and a large ice rink.

It is best that you have your smart phone map with you when you visit, considering you can easily get lost in the large area.

Shopping Centers of Tehran

Tourist Attractions in Tehran: Azadi Tower

Azadi Tower –translating to freedom tower- is a hard-to-miss landmark of Tehran built out of marble on the Azadi square and had been designed using elements of traditional Iranian architecture. The Azadi museum with an outstanding interior is located underground, right beneath the tower and ready for visit. Around fifty art pieces of many kinds have been chosen to be displayed and every one of them is a symbol of a specific area in the Iranian history.

Azadi Tower

Tourist Attractions in Tehran: Niavaran Palace

Niavaran is a historical palace first used by Qajars as a summer residence during the 18th and 19th centuries (at the time merely a garden) and later became a home to Shah and Empress of Pahlavi with more constructions built on the land.

Nowadays it is open to public with a number of galleries, museums and a private library worth paying a visit for tourists interested in more recent history of Iran.

 

Tourist Attractions in Tehran: Milad Tower

No matter where you are standing in Tehran, you just have to look up and take a turn around on a sunny day in order to spot the 435-meter-long giant staring you down. The Milad tower, listed as the sixth-tallest tower in the world, is a multi-purpose complex always towering magnificently over the city of Tehran. There is an abundance of trade units (perfect for souvenirs!) and of course food courts.

Let’s not forget about the famous revolving restaurant at the top of the tower waiting to take in the VIP guests and. Furthermore, if you long for a high up view of Tehran, you can simply visit the observation deck.

Tourist Attractions in Tehran

The Milad Tower also has a Sky Park offering exciting activities at the height of 280 meters, excellent for those who enjoy height. Bungee jumping, Edge walking, Sky fly and a Glass box as well as a Sky swing are the breathtaking activities of the Sky Park.

Fortunately, a great system of public transportation has been developed in Tehran over the years. Even with the possibility of the great crowd attracting traffic in some areas, the subway enables any sightseer and tourist to easily move around the city with a low price. Buses and taxis are also to be found almost everywhere in the city.