Archive for category: Travel Blog

You may have heard Shiraz’s name in case of talking about drinks. However, this wonderful city is a lot more than that. Shiraz is a city that is easy to travel to and very difficult to return from, visitors miss it even before the end of the trip. Shiraz is known as the city of love and poetry in which some great poets such as Hafez, Saadi, Biddle, and many others were born and grew.

Some Iranians believe that the mild and unique climate of Shiraz makes people fall in love. Everything is more pleasing and vivid in Shiraz, even mosques that are places of worship and are usually decorated with a few meaningful colors such as turquoise and azure in other Iranian cities, are decorated with the most vivid colors in Shiraz.

The first few seconds of the video demonstrating the lovemaking of light and colorful glass is filmed in Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz, which is made with a lot of genius and artistic taste. This pink mosque is where Instagrammers and photographers rave about. it seems that it’s not only us, the man of the contemporary generation who has discovered all the beauty and delight of living in Shiraz. But also Zandian, Safavian, and even Syrus the great! Yes, you’re right, this city has been a civilized one for thousands of years! The magnificent parts of the unique and rocky city of Persepolis including Stone solid pillars and the delicate stone-carved sphinx (protectors of the palace); well remained throughout the three millennia, surviving despite floods and earthquakes, brings up the question of whether this precise and engineered work could have been the work of terrestrial humans of thousands of years ago, or whether there was another secret behind it.

All short and simple this one-minute video gives a perspective of historic Shiraz city: from the astonishing pink mosque with all those colorful glassworks to the well-constructed Persian gardens. I’m afraid you’ll miss the scent of heaps of orangery blossom in Shiraz’s garden which is preventable by making the reservation for tours on the Irandoostan website.

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours.

Whenever you hear the name of Mashhad city, you may probably think of the most religious and boring city in Iran. But the truth is that there are a lot of fascinating and interesting places waiting for you. Mashhad, the capital of Razavi Khorasan province, is a vast and beautiful region located in the northeast part of Iran. This holy city is famous for the production of the best quality saffron in the world, it is also the most popular souvenir among its visitors that everybody loves. Mashhad is the only city in Iran that has millions of visitors each year and it’s the most crowded city on holidays. You can start your trip from The Holy Shrine of Imam Reza to expansive green valleys in Chalidareh to keep an amazing time for keeping in memory. We wish you a spiritual and memorable experience in this holy city of Iran. For more information on religious tours to Iran, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@idt.ir.

Imam Reza Holy Shrine

If you are looking for a spiritual overhauling experience, the holiest site in Iran, the place where you can find God reflected in your heart without any shadow, is The Holy Shrine of Imam Reza. Imam Reza is the only Imam being buried in Iran therefore his tomb is so respectful among Muslims. Many Iranians and tourists from nearby countries spend some days in Mashhad to visit the tomb of Imam Reza, especially on some holidays like his birth or death dates or even Ramadan, the shrine will be so crowded but it can be visited any time of the year. The shrine contains the mausoleum of the 8th Shia Imam, The Goharshad Mosque, the Library, a dining hall, vast prayer halls for pilgrims, and museums such as carpet and coin collections. You can find ancient coins from the Sasanid dynasty or medals dedicated to the shrine by famous athletes like Takhti; a great and popular wrestler. Non-Muslims can enter the shrine, but they won’t be allowed to approach Imam’s tomb. Women are supposed to wear a hijab and chador to enter the shrine. It’s better to visit here with a local guide to comply with the local customs and rules. There will also be a fast inspection for men and women separately. The efforts of volunteered workers while placing and handling the carpets with love and care to prepare high standards of respect for visitors are admirable. The shrine has got a unique and rich interior that has been built more than a hundred years ago. Mirror and tile works, form a dreamy image to fondle eyes. The golden dome and the blue background of the walls. This shrine is an architectural treasure. Every corner of it has its own spectacular design. For keeping an unforgettable memory of your trip to Mashhad, visit the holy shrine during evening prayers and spend some time by the fountain and watch the white heavenly pigeons flying above the shrine.

Things to do in Mashhad – Imam Reza is the only Imam being buried in Iran therefore his tomb is so respectful among Muslims.

Goharshad Mosque

Goharshad Mosque can be accessed from one of the courtyards of the Holy Shrine and now is a part of the shrine itself. This architectural masterpiece has a great history behind it; the mosque was built by the order of King Shahrokh’s wife, Goharshad, back in the Timurid dynasty. The colors used in Goharshad Mosque designs are the first thing to capture your eyes. You can take a moment to appreciate the beautiful artwork from the Timurid era; the Iranian tiles and plastering work, the shining mirrors on interior ceilings, and the merging minarets on both sides of the iwan, raised from the ground are all samples of Iranian and Islamic architecture.
You can use Mashhad BRT or Metro systems. If you’re using BRT buses, you can reach the shrine from anywhere in Mashhad. You can get off any station at Imam Reza boulevard, Tabarsi St., or Beit-al Moghadas St. in case of using the metro, take Shohada or 17 Shahrivar metro station to access Imam Reza Holy Shrine.
Opening hours: 24 hours

Things to do in Mashhad – The turquoise color used in Goharshad Mosque designs is the first thing to capture your eyes.

Tomb of Nader Shah

The tomb of Nader Shah is iconic for being the burial of a true Persian king. Nader Shah, the founder of the Afsharid dynasty, was a very important figure in Iran’s history that lead Iran into glory and expansion. The tomb is located in Naderi Garden near the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad. It was Nader Shah’s last wish to be buried near Imam Reza’s Shrine after his death. The king’s life had lots of dramas and exciting stories that you can learn about on this site. A monument has been built in remembrance of Nader Shah; a statue of Nader Shah on horseback, along with a number of soldiers mounted on a high volume of stone. The complex contains two museums in which you can find the old map of Iran which had its widest boards in the Afsharid dynasty and weapons such as arrows, guns, cannons, armor, etc. that had been used by the king. There are also bookstore and souvenir shops back of the main building that sells handicrafts and all sorts of gifts. Next to the Nader Shah’s tomb, there is the tomb of Coronel Mohammad Taghi Khan, who was a popular military leader in Iran and was also known to be the first Iranian who successfully could fly an aircraft. Try to take some time in the garden to enjoy the way that the beautiful architecture and designs of this place give it even a more loving and living sense than it already has and feels the magic of history. At last, try the little photography place and dress as kings or queens and keep the memory of your travel to Mashhad.
Get to the Shohada or 17 Shahrivar metro station, then take a taxi or walk for about 5 minutes on Shirazi Avenue and you will reach the Tomb of Nader Shah in Mashhad.
Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm

Things to do in Mashhad – A monument has been built in remembrance of Nader Shah, the powerful king in Iran’s history.

Chalidarreh Dam Complex

The scenery of this place makes every visitor smile and it provides happy moments for them to experience in Mashhad. Its nature opens its heart to anyone who seeks a break from the tension of city life. Along with the calmness of the place, some activities were provided for visitors to increase their adrenaline and to present a fun and entertaining place to spend a nice day with family and friends. The most attractive feature of Chalidarreh is the chairlift takes you over the lake and the hills around. You can use the chairlifts to go from one station to another. There is also a train that will take you up the hills to have a nice view of the lake and its surroundings. The lake has many functions like watering the farmlands which have a great profit for the Chalidarreh complex as well. Cross over the lake by paddle or speed boats that have been prepared for your boat riding. A small zoo and bungee jumping and zip lines have been provided for your interests. Daredevils can use the zip line to fly over the lake. There are different types of restaurants and cafés around, in which you can enjoy a nice view of the lake while enjoying your time with your family and friends.
Drive or take a taxi to Torghabeh, get to Imam Reza boulevard, and then at the end of the Khomeini ring road, you will reach your destination.
Opening hours: 9 am – 12 am

Things to do in Mashhad – The surrounding nature of Chalidare opens its heart to anyone who seeks a break from the tension of city life

Kang Village

If you’ve never seen an ancient village built up over a hillside, then you would definitely get excited to see Kang Village. The architecture of the village is fascinating. The houses are built in a way that the roof of one house is another house’s front yard. The people who still live here are so kind and simple. Watching the people still caring for each other and helping one another, just melts your heart. Visitors believe autumn is the best season to visit Kang Village because of the colorful leaves along the river that makes an outstanding scenery. The fresh air and a beautiful view with a calm atmosphere are all you need to tramp around and relax for a moment. Having both views of mountains and rivers is just a gift to appreciate life and enjoy the moment. That’s all traveling is about.

Things to do in Mashhad – visitors believe autumn is the best season to visit Kang Village because of the colorful leaves along the river that makes outstanding scenery.

You can buy some dried fruits or smocked tea to freshen up and keep up climbing the stepped village and seek out more history of this thousand of years old village. If you could reach the top of the hill, you will find an amazing photo opportunity of the village which will be unique in your own way. You won’t ever get enough of this village and its kind people. So make sure you pay a visit to this lovely person in Kang Village.
From Mashhad, take the imam Khomeini ring road of Torqabeh and then go along. As you enter the Noghondar road, the road ends up by the village of Kang and you will reach your destination.
Opening hours: 24/7

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours.

The coronavirus left no chance to travel and this makes life in quarantine even more boring? Well, not so sure. There is a very old expression in the Persian language, claiming that “Isfahan includes the half worlds beauty”. let’s drop into Isfahan virtual tour and discover half of the world.

Naghshe Jahan Square

This gorgeous square has actually been the center of entertainment and gatherings of Shah Abbas I. Various rituals, celebrations, and performances were held during the reign of Shah Abbas I and his successors at the site. The surrounding monuments like the magnificent Ali Qapo Palace, the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and the Abbasi Grand Mosque, each of which is a magnificent Safavid-era architecture. Let’s take a tour of Naghshe Jahan Square.

Naghsh_E Jahan Square, Isfahan – Iran

Vank Cathedral

During the Safavid period and during the Ottoman conflict, Shah Abbas attacked the Armenian-populated city of Jolfa and caused a lot of damage. To compensate for the loss, he asked the Armenians living in Jolfa to migrate to Isfahan and build a neighborhood named after their origin city, Jolfa, with their architecture and cultural requirements. Vank Cathedral is a place of worship for Armenian Christians living in the Jolfa neighborhood, which is also influenced by Islamic architecture. Not so far to visit all these beauties, This cathedral is ornamented by various forms of art from which the most significant ones are the delicate blue and gilded paintings on the ceiling and central dome depicting the Biblical story of the tion of the world. Click on the Vank Cathedral and start the virtual tour.

Vank Cathedral, in Isafan city, Jolfa district

Chehel Sotoun

Chehel Soton Palace and Garden is one of the examples of royal gardens leftover from the Safavid period in Isfahan, which is also known as Chehelston Palace or Chehel Soton Museum Garden. In fact, this garden is a small part of the vast Jahan Nama garden that Shah Abbas I created by building a pavilion in the core of the first Chehelsotun palace and was designed in such a way that it was possible to access it from other gardens. Click for a virtual tour to Chehel sotun.

Chehel Soton Palace and Garden

Siosepol Bridge

Siosepol or literally translated as “Thirty-three bridges” over the Zayandeh rud River in Isfahan, has named after its 33 spans. During the Safavid period, the Armenian sprinkler festival was held on July 4 of each year on this bridge, and people sprinkled water and rose extract on each other during the ceremony. In our days,  youth gather together to play instruments and sing there and couples set the dates on this bridge.

Siosepol bridge, over Zayanderood river

Ali Qapu Palace

Just clicking on Ali Qapu palace takes you to the old entrance of the palace on the western side of the Naghsh_E Jahan square. Upon entering the complex, you will see symmetrical buildings on both sides. It is interesting to know that if you whisper in any of these spaces, your voice will be played in the symmetrical Part of the monument. Ali Qapu was built right after the transfer of the capital from Qazvin to Isfahan by Shah Abbas I, in the late tenth century AH, it was built as the reigning center of the Safavid sultans. Tracking the direction of the arrow each time takes you up the stairs and into some rooms. After passing through a few rooms (don’t forget to take a look at the beautiful designs of the stairs under your feet) you will reach the porch. which is a big one, on the third floor, overlooking the Square in a beautiful and also controlling way, suitable for a king, isn’t it?

The roof of Music Hall in Ali Qapu.

Sheykh Lotfollah mosque

Right in front of the magnificent AliQapu Palace, is the astounding Mosque of Sheykh Lotfollah. Not identical to other mosques, this royal mosque has no courtyard porch or minaret and instead is decorated with the most unique Islamic motifs.

The well-known dome of the Sheykh Lotfollah mosque

The corridor leading from the entrance to the nave is relatively high compared to the usual corridors. This is to keep the worshiper away from the hustle and bustle of the main square of the city and to guide him to the main path of the Qibla. Got out of the hallway, across the pulpit, and reaching the main hall, just turn the mouse up because the most beautiful dome decorations are waiting for you. We would welcome any inquiry you may have about traveling to Iran, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@idt.ir.

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours.

Quarantine is often an unpleasant experience for those who are crazy about traveling and discovering the world. Fortunately, there is no limitation in the internet world. Well, don’t worry! You can now take tours of Shiraz “virtually”, right here on the Irandoostan website. We would welcome any inquiry you may have about traveling to Iran, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@idt.ir.

Quran gate

By clicking on the Quran Gate, and passing under the entrance of Shiraz, you will be protected from calamities! Yes, that actually is an Iranian old belief that passing under the Quran keeps you away from disasters. That’s why Shirazian placed two exquisite Quran in the small room above the large entrance arch of their city to protect themselves and every newcomer. Follow the arrows to rich in this magical room.

Shiraz virtual tour – Quran gate of Shiraz

 Persepolis

Take your VR goggles, we are going to walk in the center of the great Persian Empire in the Achaemenid era: The Persepolis. The tour begins at the gate of all nations or Xerxes gate which is decorated with two sphinges having the head of the human and the body of a cow. The name of this palace is derived from the law of entry into Persepolis so that the representatives of all the tribes under the reign of Iran first entered there and then went to the palaces. The next arrow will lead to Apadana, the hall of celebration, or the levee, built by Darius and completed by his son Xerxes the great (Khashayar Shah). In the southwestern part of the Apadana Palace in Persepolis, there is a building known as the Tachara Palace or the private palace of Darius. The polished gray stones gave the palace a mirrored look. That’s why some called this building the Palace of Mirrors.

The two guard sphinx, with the head of the human on the cow body.

Nasir al-mulk mosque

Walking in the Nasirolmolk mosque would be like tiptoeing in the lovemaking of light and colorful glass. Just try it and enter the most astonishing mosque ever. Nasir al-mulk mosque is famous for its exquisite colored tiling and wonderful stained glass of the winter prayer hall. Such a pity that you can take any picture of you in thisrainb0w light, but go with all eyes.

Nasirolmolk or pink mosque in Shiraz.

Qavam orangery

Qavam orangery or Narenjestan_E Ghavam is a historic house with a great garden famous for its orange blossom odor in spring. The Qavam house was built in the 19th century during the Qajar period. The link will get you to the garden, passing by orange trees in a Persian garden, you will reach the big traditional house, decorated with ” Gol o Morgh” paintings and colorful windows. Enjoy it.

Ghavam orangery also known as Narenjestan_E Ghavam is a good example of the Persian garden.

Arg-EKarimkhan

The citadel of Karimkhan or Arg_e Karimkhan, as its name suggests, was built during the reign of Karim Khan Zand, a king who considered himself not only the king but also the people’s advocate, and made many improvements in the city of Shiraz, the capital of his reign. The advocate of people was no exception from being jaloused to Shah Abbas for his royal complex (Naghshe Jahan square) and has built the citadel to have such a great complex.  Arg was used to be the main residential palace of Karim Khan-e-Zand and his dynasty in Shiraz.

The citadel of Karimkhan dates back to the Zandieh era.

Vakil bath

Took a long trip? Need a refresh? well, how about drifting in Vakil bath. The first click takes you to the main hall or Sarbineh. where people used to meet and greet, drink tea and start taking off clothes and little by little get ready for the formalities of the long bath. This historic bath, as the namesake Bazar and complex, belong to the Safavid era.

Vakil bath was used as a public Hamam in the Zandieh period.

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours.