Iran, a mountainous, arid, and ethnically diverse country of southwestern Asia. Much of Iran consists of a central desert plateau, which is ringed on all sides by lofty mountain ranges that afford access to the interior through high passes. Most of the population lives on the edges of this forbidding, waterless waste. The capital is Tehrān, a sprawling, jumbled metropolis at the southern foot of the Alburz Mountains. As with Tehrān, cities such as Eṣfahān and Shīrāz combine modern buildings with important landmarks from the past and serve as major centers of education, culture, and commerce.

The country’s roots as a distinctive culture and society date to the Achaemenian period, which began in 550 BCE. From that time the region that is now Iran—traditionally known as Persia—has been influenced by waves of indigenous and foreign conquerors and immigrants, including the Hellenistic Seleucids and native Parthians and Sāsānids. Persia’s conquest by the Muslim Arabs in the 7th century CE was to leave the most lasting influence, however, as Iranian culture was all but completely subsumed under that of its conquerors.

Shiju offers unique excursions to a vast range of tours of beloved Iranian cities such as Isfahan, well known for its beautiful historic architecture and magnificent Persian gardens; Pasargadae and Persepolis, cities of the Achaemenid Empire that rank among the world’s greatest sites of antiquity; Yazd which is also very well known for its Zoroastrian fire temples, Persian handicrafts and its high quality confectionery.

You have an opportunity to explore one of the world’s oldest civilizations, with a rich culture, history and magnificent natural landscapes.