48 hours in Shiraz.

Let me tell you how awesome Shiraz really is. Shiraz is a historical, clean, fun, welcoming and friendly city. The food is great and the prices are fine. Make sure to reserve your accommodation in downtown, because most of the monuments are located there so you can save money and time. In spring, Shiraz changes into a fragrant and colorful heaven with a mild pleasant weather. So May to April and first days of June are the best times for exploring this city.

Day 1

Most of the visitors prefer heading to Persepolis, Pasargadae and Necropolis on the first day. Anyway, these three heritage sites are the main reason of coming to Iran for many travelers! Because of being located 100 kilometers away from Shiraz, a visit to these three sites might take long until the afternoon so we suggest you to start your excursion early in the morning.

Persepolis

Stroll in the ancient remains of this Achaemenid city dating back to 515 B.C., you will not like to leave this UNESCO heritage site before exploring every inch of the wonderful reliefs, high columns, mythical statues and the glorious palaces.

Persepolis

A foggy heaven named Arasbaran.

Many travelers might think that traveling to Iran is all about visiting historical monuments and sunny desert landscapes, but some areas like Arasbaran forest with its rich and diverse flora and fauna and stunning landscapes of high mountains and foggy dense forests will surprise you in this country.

Being located in the northwest of Iran in Azerbaijan province, the vast Arasbaran area, which is about 70,000 hectares, has been registered as one of the biosphere reserves of Iran by the UNESCO. It includes high mountains, springs, rivers, pastures and forests. The heavenly land of Arasbaran is also home to 23,500 nomads who are busy with animal husbandry, gardening and agriculture.

ArasBaran forest

What makes the Stars Valley of Qeshm so special?

Being located in the vast Qeshm Island in the southern Iran, the nested maze of the Stars valley leaves every visitor in wonder. This makes you in wonder "What geological phenomenon has created such artistic forms on the rocks of the Stars Valley?"

The Stars Valley in Qeshm.

6 amazing castles you must visit in Iran.

There are more than hundreds of ancient castles in Iran, especially in desert lands and central cities. They are built during different centuries and dynasties usually for military purposes. Here is a guide to some of the most amazing castles of Iran in different cities:

1 Alamut castle:

This mountain castle is located in the heart of Alborz Mountains around Qazvin and is known to be seized by Hasan Sabbah the leader of Assassins group. This glorious castle made of stones and mortars is constructed on the top of a rock which is 2163 meters high above the sea level and there are deep abysses around the Alamut castle. But the beauty of this strong and ancient castle and the breathtaking landscapes makes it worthy to climb the mountain up to Alamut.

Alamut Castle

Meet Bakhtiari nomads with Uppersia, this spring.

There are still about 1,300,000 Bakhtiari nomads in Iran who choose to keep their own lifestyle and put their black tents and utensils on horses and migrate through the plains and mountains twice a year. This primitive and natural lifestyle with all its hardships is something that many of the travelers and adventurers wish to experience while they are in Iran.

The forever travelers of Bakhtiari, divided into different tribes and clans, inhabit a vast area in the southwest of Iran, between Kohgiluyeh o Boyer-Ahmad, Khuzestan, Isfahan and Lorestan provinces. These areas with plenty of water resources, green plains and very fertile soil have been home to this race for thousands of years. Bakhtiari nomads can be introduced as the first people who have lived in Iran. Every symbol and tradition in their society roots back to thousands of years ago when their ancestors lived and wandered in the same land.

A bakhtiai man grazing his herd.

5 fantastic experiences you need to have in Iran.

Visiting Iran for the first time is something of an eye opener. You will see wonderful things in Iran that are so different from what you might have heard so far. This country is filled with varied landscapes, sounds, smells and cultures.

1 Discover Persian history in glorious cities

Cities of Iran are home to wonderful monuments remained from ancient emperors. The Achaemenid remains of Persepolis in Shiraz, dazzling mosques of Isfahan, ancient heritages of Khuzestan, unique adobe houses of Yazd and many more architectural heritages reveal you stories from ancient Persia.

Jaame mosque of Isfahan

Happy International Tourist Guide Day!

February 21st is International Tourist Guide Day. A tourist guide is an important member of the tourism industry who plays a key role in how a tour is operated.

As an initiative of WFTGA (World Federation of Tourist Association), International Tourist Guide Day is held every year since 1990 when only 15 countries participated. Today an ever growing number of countries are celebrating this day every year, whether locally or internationally. Besides the educational events and celebrations held for the tourist guides on this day, some solutions are also presented regarding operating tours for disabled persons, disadvantaged persons, children and etc., so that anyone in the world can enjoy traveling.

Uppersia team congratulates all the tourist guides from all over the world on this day and wishes every person on earth to have a life full of travel and adventure.

Tours of Iran.

Meet Shah Abbas in Maranjab Desert!

Located near Kashan city of Isfahan province, in the heart of central Iran, the amazing Maranjab Desert is the storyteller of ancient journeys when the Silk Road slowly passed through Iran and connected east to west. The restless sand dunes of Maranjab have hosted merchants, camels, caravans and passengers for centuries.

Maranjab Castle

This desert hides glorious heritages of Shah Abbas in itself. Shah Abbas, the powerful Safavid king is known for constructing numerous castles in Iran. 350 years ago when Uzbeks and Afghans invaded Iran, he constructed a big military castle in the Maranjab Desert and employed soldiers to scout the vast desert and provide safety for the merchants during their journey through this endless desert. This castle, a masterpiece of Safavid architecture, is located beside an ancient Qanat and is 3500 square meters in area.

Maranjab Castle.

What to wear as a female traveler in Iran?

As you might have heard before, women in Iran, including foreigners, are required to cover their hair, arms, shoulders and thighs in public places and this is the issue that might be a little confusing for the female travelers before traveling to this country. But NO! Sure you don’t have to wear Burqa (veil) and you don’t have to cover all your body with long black chadors!

Travelers in Iran. (Isfahan)

6 wonderful things waiting for you in Khuzestan.

If you ask a local to choose the best place for traveling in Iran during winter, the wonderful land of Khuzestan would be one of the choices for sure. Khuzestan is one of the most historical areas in Iran, where ancient civilizations chose as their territory. Many amazing things are awaiting you in Khuzestan:

1 Choqazanbil

Dating back to Elimate era, Choqazanbil temple was built for praising Inshushinak, the Elimate god about 1250 B.C. This fabulous monument was a 5 story 105 *105 meters square made with bricks. Cuneiform scripts are recognizable on some of the bricks. Today 2 stories of this very first UNESCO world heritage site of Iran are still remaining.

Choqazanbil in Khuzestan.

Are you curious about the Salt Men of Iran?

Being hidden and mummified in the heart of a salt mine for 1700 years, the Salt men of Iran are counted as the weirdest things you can see in Iran.

In 1993, the miners of Chehrabad salt mine around Zanjan in the northwest of Iran discovered an ancient body mummified in salt with long hair and beard, a single gold earring, iron knives, a piece of rope and a leather boot. Ten years later in 2004, another miner found the second Salt man in Chehrabad mine. This time, some ropes and tools were discovered around the salt man. The mining project was canceled and a long-term scientific and excavation project was started in the salt mine. Six Saltmen are uncovered in this mine, so far. The fourth Saltman is the least rusted one and is related to a 16-year-old boy.

Discovering these six Saltmen and the objects around them has led to valuable information about the clothes, tools and even physical conditions of the ancient men in Iran. According to the results of C14 dating, the Saltmen lived during Achaemenid, Sassanid and Parthian dynasties and were accidentally killed by the collapse of the mine. The first Saltman discovered is now kept in National Museum of Iran located in Tehran and the rest of them are kept in Zolfaghari mansion known as the “Salt men Museum” in historical city of Zanjan.

Salt man of Iran.

London Black Taxi in Iran.

It has been announced that fourteen TX4 taxis are going to be imported to Iran to be used as tourist taxis. Today, TX4 taxi which is known as London Black Taxi is one of the most popular and luxurious taxis in the world, especially among the travelers.

The Black taxis in Iran are going to be used for airport and railway transfers and also transports between historical monuments and tourist attractions in the cities. This would be an interesting combination to sit in an original English vehicle and explore the cities and Persian monuments in Iran.

Tourist taxi in Iran.

The wild and bold Caracals of Iran.

Caracal is one of the rare species of wild cats of Iran, including Panther, Caracal, Cheetah, Sand cat, Pallas’s cat and Jungle cat. This charming and clever cat is known by its hairy black ears, wild eyes and long arms and legs. According to Shah Name (the great poem book of legendary Persian stories), caracals were trained to hunt for ancient Iranian kings.

A young Caracal in desert.

The glorious Kalat e Naderi.

According to the history of Iran, Nader Shah the Afsharid King is known to be one of the most powerful men who ruled Iran. He chose Khorasan as his capital while Iran was passing a period of chaos. He reunited Iran and removed the invaders. Then he constructed a splendid palace in Kalat town located in a mountainous and impassable area near Mashhad. It is said that Kalat e Naderi had been the only fortress that Timur couldn’t conquer.

The nature around Kalat e Naderi. 

The ultimate Isfahan bucket list.

Welcome to Isfahan, the city of turquoise tiles and ancient secrets. Being home to mesmerizing historic monuments built in Safavid dynasty, the beautiful city of Isfahan is introduced as the most touristic city of Iran. This charm is not something new. Since 400 years ago when Shah Abbas the Safavid king who was interested in art, chose Isfahan as the capital of Iran and changed it into a piece of heaven by building glorious palaces, mosques and gardens, this city hosted many travelers, art lovers and historians. Here is the list of my own favorite attractions and things to do in the lovely city of Isfahan:

Jaame mosque of Isfahan

According to Iranian architects and historians, Jaame mosque of Isfahan is the alive university of Persian-Islamic architecture. This UNESCO world heritage site is the result of continual constructions since 771 to the end of 20th century. Exploring Jaame mosque of Isfahan is like traveling to different times of old Persia.

Jaame mosque of Isfahan.

5 amazing villages you must visit in Iran.

When it comes to villages of Iran, diversity is on another level. According to the different climates in Iran, many villages with their very own landscapes and architectures styles are laid in every corner of this vast country. 5 of these uncovered villages are going to be introduced in the following:

1 Masuleh

In the heights of Alborz Mountain rangein the north of Iran, nestles a lovely Village called Masuleh. Hidden in the middle of foggy forests, Masuleh is a charming place with its adorable local architecture. The courtyard of one house is the roof of the house below. The nice thing about Masuleh is that no motor vehicle is allowed to enter the village and ruin the peaceful mood. Take a walk in the local Bazar of Masuleh, meet the locals selling handicrafts and fresh vegetables and sip a cup of fragrant tea in a warm cozy tea-house.

Masuleh village in the north of Iran.

The colors and aromas in the bazaar of Kerman.

Kerman is the land of wonders! In terms of geography, by only one hour driving from high peaks covered in snow,  you will reach the hottest spot on earth located in the beautiful Lut deserts and regarding cultural aspects, this city is home to many Zoroastrians, historical monuments and also many literates and cultural characters.

Bazaar of Kerman.

What do you know about the Blue Mosque of Tabriz?

Blue Mosque, called Masjid- e Kabud in Persian, is one of the oldest mosques of Iran located in Tabriz, in the northwest of the country. This mosque was constructed in 1465 when the Kara Kuyunlus ruled this region. This mosque has been a part of Muzafariyeh complex including a school, library, mosque and monastery.

Tabriz Blue Mosque.

7 things that you must do on your first trip to Yazd.

The historical city of Yazd is one of the most popular destinations in Iran and is known as the bride of the desert cities. With unique architecture, cultural background and historical gems, this city is visited in almost every trip made to Iran! Although more than four or five days are needed for exploring every attraction, make sure to experience these seven highlights of Yazd:

1 Walking in the old district.

Old adobe houses, walls, arcs and stunning wind towers in the narrow cobblestoned alleys of the old district in Yazd, are known as the most beautiful things that travelers visit in Iran. Spend an hour walking through the peaceful alleys of Yazd and meeting the hospitable locals of the city.

Old district of Yazd.

Persian caravanserai of Anarak

Dating back to Qajar dynasty, Anarak caravanserai is restored and changed into a beautiful and unique accommodation in recent years. Anarak is a historical city located in Nain county of Isfahan province, at the edge of the dazzling Dasht- e Kavir. The antiquity of Anarak goes back to Sassanid era and remains of a brick wall, old mosques, towers and arcs are still available in the old district of the city.

Anarak caravanserai.

The heaven on Qashqai Rugs.

As a person who is interested in carpets and handicrafts, while gazing at the coherent composition and the mad colors of a Qashqai rug, I ask myself what is this masterpiece if  not a piece of abstract art?

A colorful Qashqai rug.

https://www.uppersia.com/Special-interest-tours/iran-nomads-tours.html

Palm trees of Iran.

Date, this sweet and nutritious fruit of Palm tree grown in tropical and warm climates, has been cultivated in Iran and many Asian countries since ancient times. Date, which is called Khorma in Persian language, contains Sucrose, Glucose, minerals and vitamins.

dates on a palm tree in Iran.

Do not leave Iran without tasting these two sweets!

Besides different cuisines and dishes, each city in Iran has its own desserts and sweets which are in complete harmony with the climate and the herbs of that area. You might not have enough time for tasting all Iranian sweets but I believe that you shouldn’t leave Iran before having Gaz and Sohan, which are the two tasty sweets of Isfahan:

The dazzling Narcissus lands of Kazerun.

The beautiful and fragrant Narcissus flower, which is called Narges in Persian, is known as the symbol of the beloved's beautiful eye in classic Persian poems, such as the meaningful and romance poems of Hafiz. The fertile plains of Fars province are very suitable lands for planting Narcissus and Kazerun town in the west of Fars is known as the home of this stunning flower which is grown during winter.