Category: Authentic Travel in Iran
-
Iran Caspian Trip: Journey into the clouds
The journey to Filband, Mazandran’s highest point“You haven’t even hit the jungle yet!” our host cried on the phone. Just the foggy climb to the 10,700-foot Filband village in northern Iran is an adventure during our Iran Caspian tour.
-
Iran road travel: Tehran to Caspian Sea trip
On the infamous & alluring Haraz RoadThe infamous Haraz Road north from Tehran offers lots of danger and bad roadside restaurants. It is, however, the shortest most beautiful and interesting path from Iran’s capital Tehran to the the Caspian Sea coast. The breathtaking views of the Alborz mountains are unbeatable.
-
Iran Road Tour: Mt. Damāvand’s first sighting
Escaping from Tehran keeps paying offThe first sight of the snow-covered Mt. Damāvand was so unexpected and thrilling, that I just slammed on the brakes. Saeideh jumped out and ran.
-
How to plan a road tour of Iran
First night of an unorganized tripOn our latest escape from Tehran, we intentionally plan minimally, seek traditional lodging and foods and not worry too much how long things take. Goal is to be open to new experiences.
-
Touring Iran’s countryside: Our first night
Iranian village stay on Day 2 of our trip to KhorasanWe had the complete symphony this morning waking up in the village of Lāsem (LAW-sem), a couple of hours northeast of Tehran. Then fell asleep again on the floor of the village “suite” we found by chance.
-
Religious Holidays in Iran: Lots of Free Food!
Tasty free food is bonus of religious holidays in IranHere’s a story on I ate fantastic Persian food (after insulting the host) thanks to the legendary Iranian tradition of feeding the masses with free food to honor the dead saints of Shia Islam.
-
Our Iran road trip is really an Escape
And another lesson on Tehran’s illsThis the first story about our Iran road trip from Tehran to Mashhad, by way of the north Caspian Coast region. Don’t forget to leave your comments.
-
Iran’s Towers: “Lighthouses of the desert”
Iranians kept fires burning on these minarets to direct desert trafficAncient Persians, aware of the strategic value of the Silk Road to East-West commerce, built towers with fires on the top to direct travelers. Many of the towers survived the centuries despite earthquakes and the punishing weather.
-
Music Tourism in Iran: classic Persian Music
This is why I live in Iran!Don’t pass up the chance to attend a performance of classic Persian music during a trip to Iran. For me, it was an emotional experience tonight.
-
Iran’s Religious Holidays: When men cook
I helped cook more than a ton of an 800-year-old recipeI stay in Iran partly because ALWAYS there’s something going on. Today it is helping make more than a ton of “nazri” food – food that is considered holy for both the people who make and those who eat it. For me, I just can’t pass up free food – which is plentiful during Iran’s…
-
A tank is just right for Road Trip In Iran
Hunting for rocks and history on our last country stay in northeast IranIran is where you can stumble upon a ancient Zoroastrian lookout by accident – and find out it’s not even on the map, let alone protected. Do it in a tank-like 4WD, perfect vehicle for Iran’s dangerous roads.
-
Tour of Iran’s countryside: full of surprises
The famous Persian hospitality on our weekend trip in northeast IranPersian hospitality and quick friendships are hard to avoid anywhere in Iran – especially when you’re in the country. On our weekend autumn getaway near Mashhad, we ate a lot of traditional food, we also visited the shrine of a local Shia saint who almost instantly answered my prayer!
-
A perfect Iran Vacation: sleeping on the floor
In northeast Iran, a simpler traditional living is a short drive awayMy stay in a simple country home in Iran’s countryside was unforgettable – even if wife and I had to sleep on the floor. For me, experiencing the rural lifestyle in Iran even beats visiting famous historical sites.
-
Mausoleums of Iran: Sheikh Kharaghani
Abol-Hasan Kharaghani still draws fans from all over the worldKings consulted with him, lions bowed to him and his fans claim he folded time and space. But what Sheikh Abol-Hasan Kharaghani is most famous for is his respect all people, regardless of race or religion.
-
Iran visitor: “Totally unexpected generosity”
“It should be the other way around!”It is a strange thing in Iran: they have less but they are more generous. It should be the other way around, says a Swiss friend who just finished her second tour of Iran.
