Introduction
Visit Iran the cradle of civilization. Diverse tradition, different people, and a turbulent and ancient history have left their indelible marks on Iran's cultural and historical artifacts. Iran offers magnificent ruins of ancient cities, glorious mosques and mausoleums, and museums to the discerning tourists. The more adventurous can enjoy trekking, budget-priced skiing, or swooping off cliffs strapped to a hang-glider. Trekking is possible in the Alborz Mountains, north of Tehran; from Karaj, it is possible to trek to the Caspian Sea. You can do Mountaineering and rock climbing here too. Skiing is becoming popular among locals and the tourists as it is being developed as one of the least expensive skiing destinations in the world. Shemshak, a couple of hours from Tehran, is a good base for downhill skiing; cross-country skiing is possible around Kalardasht in Mazandaran province.The best place to go fishing is the Caspian Sea, where salmon, bream, mullet and sturgeon are found in large quantities. Water-skiing is theoretically possible in many of the rivers and lakes, but is most common in the Karaj Dam. You can go hang-gliding off the cliffs near the village of Larijan, about halfway between Tehran and Amol.

Main tourist attractions of Iran
Tehran
The metropolitan city of Tehran on the slopes of the mountains of ShemIran and at the foot of the magnificent Mount Damavand is the world-famous capital of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the province of Tehran. Tehran is Iran's political and administrative center, a major focal point of the Middle East and a city of international reputation. The major attraction for visitors to Tehran is the city's excellent museums, featuring everything from ancient stone carvings to Islamic paintings to jewels that have started wars.

Damavand
The beautiful city of Damavand is located 75 kilometers northeast of Tehran on the slopes of magnificent Mount Damavand with natural scenery of several orchards and a pleasant climate making it a desirable summer resort. Many springs of cold and hot mineral water around Damavand have therapeutic qualities. Damavand's grand Jamee Mosque dating back to the 15th century and other shrines in the city are all evidences of its historical background. Firouzkouh, one of the districts of Damavand city is a cold mountainous area with vast pastures.

Esfahan
Esfahan is located about 400km south of Tehran. The cool blue tiles of Esfahan's architecturally superb Islamic buildings and the city's majestic bridges offer a sight you will not forget. The city offers pleasant climate and relaxed atmosphere here. Explore the city's grandeur. Walk around the city, get lost in the bazaar and doze in beautiful gardens. See Emam Mosque, a magnificent building completely covered in pale blue tiles; Emam Khomeini Square, one of the largest town squares in the world; the Chehel Sotun Museum & Park, a marvelous 17th-century pavilion and a great place for a picnic; and the Vank Cathedral, the historic focal point of the Armenian church in Iran. Take tea in one of the teahouses under the bridges, a part of the Esfahan experience.

Persepolis
Persepolis located 57km from Shiraz, just off the Esfahan road offers the ruins of the Throne of Jamshid, a massive and magnificent palace complex built from about 512 BC and completed over the next 150 years. One of the first things you will see is Xerxes' Gateway, covered with inscriptions and carvings in Elamite and other ancient languages. The gateway leads to the immense Apadana Palace complex, where the kings received visitors and celebrations were held. The largest hall in Persepolis was the Palace of 100 Columns; probably one of the biggest buildings constructed during the Achaemenian period, once used as a reception hall for Darius I.

Shiraz
Shiraz is nearly 900km south of Tehran. It was one of the most important cities in the medieval Islamic world and was the Iranian capital during the Zand dynasty (1747-79), when many of its most beautiful buildings were built or restored. Today Shiraz is a relaxed, cultivated city, with wide tree-lined avenues and monuments, gardens and mosques to attract tourists. It has Iran's one of the finest university. Your itinerary should include the restful tomb and garden of Hafez, a celebrated poet; the Shah-Cheragh mausoleum, an important Shi'ite place of pilgrimage, the Pars Museum, which contains Zand dynasty relics; and the delightful Eram garden, where the 19th century Ghajar palace lies alongside a pretty pool. For foodies the city offers from inexpensive kebabs and burgers to swankier sit-down affairs. It is a great place to start or finish your trip to Iran.

Ali Sadr Caves
Explore these remarkable caves, about 100km north of Hamadan in western Iran. The caves discovered only 40 years ago are up to 40m (130ft) high, and contain several huge, deep lakes.

Chogha Zambil
The best surviving example of Elamite architecture, the remarkably well-preserved ziggurat of Chogha Zambil is located alongside the Dez River. Originally, it had five concentric storeys but only three remain, reaching a total height of some 25m (82ft). It is located in southern Iran, near the Iraqi border, 45km east of Shush,

Gombad-é Kavus
Visit Gombad-é Kavus a spectacular tomb tower, stunning memorial to Ghabus a prince, poet, scholar, general and patron of the arts. The 55m tower was completed in 1006. Gombad is 93km northeast from Gorgan, a sizeable town in northern Iran near the Caspian Sea.

Masulé
Of all the traditional and unspoiled mountain villages in the Caspian Province of Gilan, Masulé is breathtakingly beautiful. It is a cool 1050m above sea level and, formed by several irregular levels of terraced cream houses, appears to have grown out of its surroundings. It is 56km from Rasht, which is six hours northwest by bus from Tehran.