Known as Persia until 1935, Iran became an Islamic republic in 1979 after the ruling monarchy was overthrown and Shah Mohammad Reza PAHLAVI was forced into exile. Conservative clerical forces established a theocratic system of government with ultimate political authority vested in a learned religious scholar referred to commonly as the Supreme Leader who, according to the constitution, is accountable only to the Assembly of Experts. US-Iranian relations have been strained since a group of Iranian students seized the US Embassy in Tehran on 4 November 1979 and held it until 20 January 1981. During 1980-88, Iran fought a bloody, indecisive war with Iraq that eventually expanded into the Persian Gulf and led to clashes between US Navy and Iranian military forces between 1987 and 1988. Iran has been designated a state sponsor of terrorism for its activities in Lebanon and elsewhere in the world and remains subject to US, UN, and EU economic sanctions and export controls because of its continued involvement in terrorism and its nuclear weapons ambitions. Following the election of reformer Hojjat ol-Eslam Mohammad KHATAMI as president in 1997 and similarly a reformer Majles (parliament) in 2000, a campaign to foster political reform in response to popular dissatisfaction was initiated. The movement floundered as conservative politicians, through the control of unelected institutions, prevented reform measures from being enacted and increased repressive measures. Starting with nationwide municipal elections in 2003 and continuing through Majles elections in 2004, conservatives reestablished control over Iran's elected government institutions, which culminated with the August 2005 inauguration of hardliner Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD as president. The UN Security Council has passed a number of resolutions (1696 in July 2006, 1737 in December 2006, 1747 in March 2007, 1803 in March 2008, and 1835 in September 2008) calling for Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment and reprocessing activities and comply with its IAEA obligations and responsibilities. Resolutions 1737, 1477, and 1803 subject a number of Iranian individuals and entities involved in Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs to sanctions. Additionally, several Iranian entities are subject to US sanctions under Executive Order 13382 designations for proliferation activities and EO 13224 designations for support of terrorism.

Tehran – the vibrant capital, a beautiful city that suffers horrendous traffic and air pollution

If you want to drool over gold and glitter, take a look at the Treasury of the National Jewels (Ferdosi St, near the corner of Jomhuriyeh Eslami Ave; Metro: Saadi; look for the heavy iron gate and rife wielding guards beside the Central Bank). For the IR 30,000 admission fee you'll get to see a collection of some of the most expensive jewels in the world. Highlights include the world's largest uncut ruby, the world's largest pink diamond (the Sea of Light) and a free standing golden globe made from 34 kilograms of gold and an astounding 51,366 precious stones. An informative IR 6,000 information book is available at the ticket counter.

National Museum of Iran

The National Museum of Iran has ceramics, stone figures and carvings dating all the way back to around the 5th millennium BC.

Mausoleum of Ayatollah Khomeini

The gigantic Mausoleum of Ayatollah Khomeini (Metro: Haram-e-Motahar) is on the southern edge of the city. The sheer size of the shrine/shopping center is enough to make the trip worth it. Entrance to the actual mausoleum is free.

Milad Tower

Milad Tower. Milad tower is the fourth tallest tower in the world and 12th tallest freestanding structure in the world, and it is visible from almost everywhere in Tehran.

Golestan Palace

The oldest of the historic monuments in Tehran. The Golestan (Rose Garden) citadel is one of mainly visited places in Tehran, which was the Qajars' royal residence, and its garden is an oasis of coolness and peace in the heart of the city. The major building, architecturally unpretentious, houses a museum with objects from the Qajar period in the self-important style of last century. In the Golestan garden, a one-story pavilion to the right and a short distance from the entrance, shelters one of the best organized museums in Tehran. It encloses about thirty showcases presenting almost everything related to Iran, which makes up the critical originality of Iranian life in the a variety of provinces of the country.

Niavaran Palace

Kolahstudio-an Art Basement

Sa'd Abad Gallery of Fine Arts

Glassware Museum of Tehran

Iran's National Rug Gallery

Reza Abbasi Museum

Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art

Tehran Theater of the Performing Arts (Te'atr e Shahr)

Talar Vahdat Theater

National Museum of Iran

Darabad Museum of Natural History

Saadabad Palace

Time Museum

Money Museum

National Arts Museum

Ebrat Museum

Hamedan – one of the oldest cities in Iran

Avicenna (Abu Ali Sina) Ibn Sina mausoleum

Baba Tahir Mausleum

Gonbad-e Alavian

Ganjnameh

Hamadan Stone Lion

Shrine of Esther and Mordechai

Estakhr e Abbas Abad (an over-the-hill lake with a magnificent view to the city.

Nazari House

Hamadan Museum of Natural History

Excavated Ancient Ekbatana City

Ester & Mordekhai tomb

Mohammadi House

Isfahan – former capital with stunning architecture, great bazaar, and tree-lined boulevards. There's a Persian saying, "Isfahan is half the world."

Naqsh-e Jahan Square

Naqsh-e Jahan Square also known as shah square or imam square-1602. With two mosques and the bazaar.

Meydan Kohne (Kohne Square)

Shahshahan square

Chaharbagh Boulevard

Chaharbagh-e-khajou Boulevard

Imam Mosque

(it was called Shah mosque before Iran's Revolution)

Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque

Jame Mosque

Ali Qapu (The Royal Palace)

Early 17th Century

Talar Ashraf

 (The Palace of Ashraf) - 1650.

Hasht Behesht

 (The Palace of Eight Paradises) - 1669: Reportedly built for residence purposes of the King's harem

Chehel Sotoun

Chehel Sotoun (The Palace of forty columns) - 1647: It is called Palace of forty columns, as there are many columns, and in Iranian, 40 means many. Incidentally, there are twenty columns, and these are reflected in the pool in front, which might also account for its name. The function of this palace was for holding religious-national ceremonies and royal festivals and for receiving royal ambassadors and guests.

Vank Cathedral

Kelisaye maryam

Flowers Garden

Birds Garden

Atashgah

A Zoroastrian fire temple. This temple is dramatically set atop a rock on the outskirts of Esfahan and provides a commanding view of the city (although much of it is covered in smog). You can take one of the blue buses (ask at the drivers), which will take you there.

Buqe'h-ye Ibn-Sina

 (Avicenna's Dome) - 12th Century.

The Tombs of Nizam al-Mulk & Malek Shah

12th & 18th Century.

Jolfa

 (The Armenian Quarter).

The Bathhouse

Pigeon Towers

The Bathhouse

Kerman – provincial capital and major center for carpets

Bazaar

Explore the arcades of the bazaar, indulge in the smells of oriental spices.

Gonbad-e-Jabaliyeh

An amazing dome in the east of Kerman.

Ganjalikhan bath

A historic bath

Mouyedi Ice-House

There are several small-gardens around this ice-house which were filled with the water in winter, then after that the water iced, the ices lead to the ice-house to use in summer.

San'ati museum

An interesting museum in contemporary arts of Kerman.

Vakil traditional tea house

An attractive traditional tea house in the covered bazar.

Ganjali Khan Square

It is similar to "Naghshe Jahan" and "Mirchakhmaq" squares. The bazaars are located in three side of square and in the fourth side, the Ganjali Khan School is established.

Ganjali Khan Mosque

It is located in the north-west of square and near Ganjalikhan School. It was constructed in 1007 A.H.

Zarabkhaneh museum

It is located in the north side of square. This eight-angle place includes an arch, four porticoes and four booths in four views. Now, it has changed to coin museum.

Jameh mosque

The Friday mosque.

Moshtri-ye-Moshtak Ali Shah

A holy shrine.

Malek mosque (Imam mosque)

A gem of a mosque!

National Library

Housed in a former a textile factory.

Museum of the Holy Defense

Interesting installation in the courtyard, depicting a battlefield in the Shatt-el-arab. Admission 3000 IRR.

Takht-e-Darya-Gholi-Beyg

A monument in the side of the hills in the east of Kerman.

Ghal'e Dokhtar

A historical castle in the hills in the east of Kerman; attributed to the Ashkanian era.

Ghal'e Ardeshir

A historical castle in the hills in the east of Kerman; attributed to the Ashkanian era.

Mashad – greatest city of Eastern Iran with an important mosque, the shrine of the martyr Imam Reza

Imam Reza Shrine Complex

Shrine to the eighth Imam of Shia Islam. Complex includes a library and Ghoharshad mosque.

Nader Shah Park & Mausoleum

Monument to the founder of Afshar dynasty (1736 - 1747)

Ferdowsi Park & Mausoleum

Gombade Sabz Mausoleum

Torghabe, Sightseeing, village restaurants

Shandiz,village restaurants

Qom – one of the holiest cities in the Middle East, considered the Jewel of Iran

Jamkaran Mosque

The mosque is reserved for Muslims only.

Mar'ashi Najafi Library

Library has over 500,000 handwritten texts

Shrine of Fatima-al-Massumeh.

The Holy Shrine is the burial place of "Fatema È Massumeh". Women must wear a chador to enter.

Howzeh lake

Rich in natural spring water which is said to purify the heart.

Feyze seminary

The place which devout Muslims gather up to meet and hear speeches from the religious leaders.

Religion University

Religion University (Qom, Pardisan), (Shahrak Pardisan).

Shiraz – a former capital, home of famous Persian poets such as Hafiz and Sa'di; known for gardens, especially roses

Hafez Tomb

Recommended. Mausoleum of Hafez- Hafez (1324-1391), the greatest master of Persian lyric poetry and the literary giant of the 14th century, was born in Shiraz, lived all his life here, sang its praises in unsurpassed verse and was buried in a garden known after him as the Hafezieh, in the northeast part of the city. The extraordinary popularity and the wide appeal of this great poet among all Persian-speaking people make his tomb a cherished placed, visited by all. This mausoleum too was rebuilt in the early 50’s. A flight of stone steps reaches to the tomb under a tiled cupola resembling a dervish’s hat. The tombstone is beautifully inscribed with two of Hafez’s poems or Ghazals. Visitors to the tomb can still, as they have done for centuriesm take the omens, or faals, by picking a page at random from a volume of Hafez, kept for this purpose.

Saadi Tomb

Recommended. Mausoleum of Saadi: Here lie the earthly remains of one of Iran’s greatest poets-Sa’di. Even from the very early days after the poet’s death, the mausoleum of Sa’di became a place of pilgrimage to lovers of poetry and literature. In 1808 AD Karim Khan Zand renovated the mausoleum. The tomb was rebuilt in the early 50’s. The porch with its tall columns of pinkish marble is a traditional feature of Iranian architecture.

Arg of Karim Khan

Formerly a prison, but now an architectural wonder on exhibit.

Afif abad Garden (Bagh-e-afifabad)

A garden and houses owned by the Ghavami family. Highly recommended.

Eram Garden

Narangestan Qavam

Delgosha Garden

Nasir al-Mulk Mosque

Jame’e Atigh Mosque

Vakil Mosque

New mosque

Vakil Bath

Vakil Bazaar

Hundreds of vendors housed in an ancient bazaar. Highly recommended.

Saray-e-Moshir

A caravansary at the south entrance of Bazaar Vakil, which now functions as exhibition space for Iranian handicrafts. highly recommended.

Mesgarha Bazaar

Moshir-e-Now Bazaar

Shah Cheragh

Highly recommended. Seyed Amir Ahmad, known as Shah-e Cheragh, the brother of Imam Reza, came to Shiraz in the latter half of the 8th century. He passed away in the city and his tomb is now a respected place of pilgrimage. The structure, tile work and the dome of the mausoleum have been rebuilt several times over the centuries. The tomb, the beautiful silver doors and the exquisite mirror work are the handicrafts of masters and contemporary artists of Shiraz.

Khwaju Kermani Tomb

Abesh Khatoon Tomb

Seyed Taj-e-din Gharib Tomb

Sheykh Roozbahan Tomb

Khan school

Ghal'eye Karim Khan

Christians Church

Qor'an Gate (Dar vazeh Quran)

The city's main entrance. The original gate was built as an ornamental decoration by the Buwwayhids (Buwayhid dynasty) about 1000 years ago, but this was replaced 60 years ago by new gate, which is considered one of the finest architectural designs in Iran and has won numerous awards. From the the gate walk up the stone stairways to enjoy picturesque and panoramic views of Shiraz. The tomb of Khajooyeh Kermanee, a famous poet is also located here. Hidden in the alleys on the hill-side are numerous restaurants that serve the finest chelo kabob. It is an excellent place for picnics and taking photographs.

Bazaar Vakeel

A huge ancient bazaar specializing in fine carpets, textiles, antiques and handicrafts, and spices . There is also a wonderful courtyard with a pool located in the bazaar perfect for photographs. It is called 'SARAYE MOOSHIR'. Visit Sharzeh and Hamam Vakeel for a great dining experience located just outside the bazaar.

Tabriz – provincial capital in Western Iran; it's been suggested by some that this is the site of the Biblical "Garden of Eden"

El Goli (formerly Shah Goli)

A superb park around a square artificial pond. In the center, a small hall is on an island and hosts a restaurant. Very nice for eating some tchelokebab or sip some tea while enjoying the freshness of the park in summer.

Blue Mosque

Originally built in 1465, this mosque which was once certainly superb, but was severely damaged in an earthquake in 1778, leaving only the entrance Iwan. It was reconstructed at early 1900 by the Iranian Ministry of Culture. The inside of the mosque is tiled with superb blue ceramic, unfortunately, many pieces went missing during the quake and were simply replaced by painting instead of tiles - some of the original tiles can be found around the entrance.

Ark-e-Alishah

Ark-e-Alishah also known as Arg e Tabriz, is a remnant of a fortress built in the Ilkhanate period. Currently it was located in the center of Tabriz. Historians believe that it was used as a military castle but clerics claim that the structure was initially used as a mosque in its early days. After the Revolution, large parts of the building were destroyed by the clerics to prepare a new place for Friday prayers in Tabriz. The structure today stands 28 meters high, and is still used as part of a space for holding Friday prayers.

Constitution house

A house retracing the story of the Iranian constitutional revolution in the early 20th century, Tabriz being a high place of the uprising. Quite well documented and well kept, although few English translations are available. The edifice is located next to the Tabriz grand bazaar, on Motahari Ave. During the years leading up to the Constitutional Revolution and afterwards, the house was used as the gathering place of the leaders, activists, and the sympathizers of the movement, among them Sattar Khan, Baqer Khan, Seqat ol-Eslam and Haji Mirza AqaFarshi. The two-story building was constructed in 1868 by Haj Vali Me'mar-e Tabrizi. It has numerous rooms and halls. The most beautiful parts of the house are a skylight and a corridor decorated with colorful glasses and mirrors.

Bazaar

One of the most beautiful and largest in Iran and world. Some parts have been renovated and are truly wonderful. You will find mosques, bid selling halls, and all kind of trades possible. Worth to get lost inside for a few hours.

Azerbaidjan Museum

Azerbaidjan Museum a good place encompassing the long Iranian history. But poorly kept: very few translations and erratic classification make the trip inside the numerous dynasties intricate for first timers.

Orumyeh Lake

A salted lake with salt beaches and improbable bathing spots (gender separate, of course). Numerous migratory birds stop there on their long trip for some rest and food.

Babak Castle

Babak Castle breathtaking castle, nested on a rocky peak at an altitude of 2,700 m. Babak was apparently one of the last Zoroastrian heroes fighting the Islamic invasion, 1400 years ago. A 2-hours walk to get up there, but definitely worth it. What a view!

Kandovan

Kandovan a troglodytic village 2 hours away from Tabriz. Great for discovering both the odd beauty of the place and the daily life of an Iranian village, among sheep, donkeys, hens and cats... Women in printed chadors can go outside and playing kids are all around. Mullahs obviously don't bother going there too often. Resistant walking shoes are mandatory if you want to climb up the village. A living example of human adaptation to exceptionally unusual natural surroundings, Kanddvan village is located 50 km to the south of Tabriz, Osku, on the northern slopes of a valley at the foothills of Mount Sahand. A river originating from the Sahand peaks passes through the valley. There are a number of natural springs to the north of the river, the water from which has traditionally been used for the treatment of kidney stones, according to the locals. The physical structure of the village looks like images from fairy tales. Natural cones, scattered over a vast area, serve as human dwellings on rock formations which themselves seem to have been the work certain sculptors. The road from Tabriz goes through this natural artwork. On getting nearer to the dwellings, the visitor finds out that large families are living inside two or three of these hollow interconnected cones with features such as openings on their surface playing the role of actual windows. The lowest cones are used as stables and those on top as the living quarters.

Mount Sahand

Mount Sahand big dome topping at around 3,700 m. Interesting to climb in summer, or for skying in winter (1 lift available, another in project)

Rob-e-Rashidi

This complex was built 700 years ago . This place was a place that they do all surgeries in there. The books were made of leather . They teach science in there.

Gholestan Garden

Gholestan Garden Is good place to relax under the shadows of trees.

Tabriz Art Museum

Tabriz Art Museum Is the first art museum in Asia and Iran and the fifth in the world.

Poets Tomb

Also known as Maghbarato-Shora Many poets are buried here, as well as Shahriyar.

Canonical palace

This beautiful palace was built approximately 60 years ago.

Yazd – a remote desert city – circumstance influenced special architectural themes where water streams run in underground rooms in houses and wind-towers to keep them cool.

Masjid-e Jame (Friday Mosque)

Dating back to the fourteenth century, is well worth a visit. Admire it at night when it is lit up.

Atashkadeh

Atashkadeh is the Zoroastrian fire temple. The fire on the inside has supposedly been burning since 470 AD. Entrance is free, though donations are appreciated.

Yazd Tower of silence (Zoroastrian's Dakhmeh)

The name tower is misleading as they consist of huge circular walls, within those the dead were left to be picked clean by the vultures. This is done in accordance with Zoroastrian belief. However, the towers are not in use anymore and open to the public. A quiet, serene place.

Yazd Market Square's Clock

The cistern of Fatemeh-ye-Golshan

Amir Chakhmakh complex

A breathtaking construction and a must-see. Visitors can climb to the top.

Amir Chakmakh mosque

Not to be confused with the complex of the same name, but nearby and easily visited when visiting the more famous complex.

Yazd Water museum

Yazd Water museum lots of interesting information about the Canat water distribution system, admission free, a must-see

Hazireh mosque

Water reservoir

water reservoir with its four badgirs (wind towers)

Khan-e-Lari

A historical house

Alexanders prison

Which was neither built by Alexander the great nor a prison, but quite an interesting sight with a cafe in the 'prison room'

Tomb of the 12 imams

Madrasse-e-Kamalieh

Bogeh-ye Seyed Rokamdin mosque

Dowlat Abad Gardens

Dowlat Abad Gardens with a building with a beautiful large badgir.