[IRAN] Esfahan - Ali Qapu Palace

Ali Qapu Palace was first built in 1597 as a residence for Shah Abbas I. It is located on the western side of Imam Khomeini Square, just opposite to Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque. It was originally a four-storey building with a veranda. Shah Abbas II expanded the palace and a music hall was constructed on the top of palace.

[IRAN] Esfahan – Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque & Shah Mosque

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque on the eastern side of Imam Khomeini Square, was built during the Shah Abas time and dedicated to his father in-law, Sheikh Lotfollah. Sheikh Lotfollah was a preacher and teacher who came from Lebanon to Esfahan at the orders of Shah Abas. Another prominent building is the Shah Mosque on the south side of the Imam Khomeini Square. The Shah Mosque is even depicted on the reverse of Iranian 20,000 rials banknote.

[IRAN] Esfahan – Imam Khomeini Square

Esfahan is one of the oldest city in Iran. This 2,500 years old city served as Persia’s capital from 1598 to 1722. Imam Khomeini Square is a public square, one of the largest in the Middle East, located at the center of Esfahan city. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The square is surrounded by buildings from the Safavid era.

[IRAN] Naqsh-e Rustam

Naqsh-e Rustam ,“Carved Representations of Rostam”, is one of the most important archeological sites in Iran and contains monuments of the Achaemenid and Sasanian dynasties. Many of the rock carvings show triumphant Iranian horseman and were attributed to the Iranian National Hero Rostam. The Persian Achaemenids built a fortified wall in front of the cliff, and erected a stone tower and prepared elaborate rock-cut tombs for Darius the Great and his successors: Xerxes, Artaxerxes and Darius II. From A.D. 224, the Sasanians who claimed Achaemenid heritage, chose the site as a national shrine, and carved there rock relief, inscriptions and tombs.

[IRAN] Persepolis

Persepolis is the magnificent palace complex founded by Darius the Great in about 518 BC to serve as a symbol of power and also as the setting for celebrating the great national and religious festival of Nawrooz (“New Year Day”). He ordered a promontory at the foot of the mountain called Mount Mithra, which is now known as Kooh-e Rahmat (“Mount Mercy”) to be cut to a smooth surface on which various residential and official palaces were to be built. This ancient heart of the Persian empire is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

[IRAN] Shiraz - Vakil Mosque and Vakil Bazaar

Vakil Mosque located in Shiraz, situated to the west of the Vakil Bazaar next to its entrance, is a beautiful mosque built in the mid-18th century by Karim Khan Zand, the founder of the Zand Dynasty. Vakil means regent, which was the title used by Karim Khan. The mosque covers an area of 8,660m2 with only two halls instead of the usual four. This historic building was registered as national heritage about 76 years ago.

[IRAN] Shiraz - Arg of Karim Khan

Built in 1766 during the Zand Dynasty, the Arg of Karim Khan or the Karim Khan Castle was used by the king as his living quarters. At times, the citadel was used as a prison. Today, it is a museum operated by Iran’s Cultural Heritage.

[IRAN] Shiraz – Ali Ibn Hamze Holy Shrine

Ali Ibn Hamze Holy Shrine is the tomb of the nephew of Imam Reza (the eighth Shiite Imam and descendant of prophet Mohammad). The first mausoleum was built in the 10th century and was renovated many times since. The existing shrine was built in the 19th century after earthquakes destroyed previous incarnations. 

[IRAN] Shiraz - Mausoleum of Saadi & Hafez

Saadi was one of Iran’s greatest poet and is recognized for the quality of his writings and for the depth of his social and moral thoughts. After his death in 1292, he was buried here at his native town Shiraz and later a mausoleum was built to honour him.

[IRAN] Shiraz - Eram Botanical Garden

Established during the Saljughid Dynasty (1037-1193), Eram Garden is a historic Persian Garden inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

[IRAN] Shiraz - Nasir Al Molk Mosque

Built from 1876 to 1888, Nasir Al Molk Mosque was constructed during the Qajar period. The Nasir Al Molk Mosque is also known as the Pink Mosque for the pink coloured tiles that cover the interior.

[IRAN] Tehran - Travel Recommendation

Tehran is situated at the foot of the Alborz mountain range and has been the capital of Iran since 1776. I spent 3 nights in Tehran and let me summarize my visit to this vibrant city.

[IRAN] Tehran - Sa’dabad Palace

The Sa’dabad Palace was a royal summer home during the Palavi period. The palace complex was first inhabited by Qajar monarchs and royal family in the 19th century. The last emperor of Iran, Mohammad Reza Shah Palavi fled the country in 1979 during the Islamic Revolution. Soon thereafter, the Iranian monarchy was abolished and Sa’dabad Palace became a museum. However, the current presidential palace is located adjacent to the Sa’dabad compound.

[IRAN] Tehran - National Museum

Constructed in 1935, the National Museum of Iran contains some of the most precious and significant artefacts from ancient Persia, dating back to 5000 BC. It is the largest museum in Iran and is one of the few most prestigious museums of the world. 

[IRAN] Tehran - Glass & Ceramic Museum and National Garden

With a population of around 9 million in the capital city, there is much to see Tehran. After having a hearty buffet breakfast in the hotel, I continued exploring the city.

[IRAN] Tehran - Milad Tower and Mount Tochal

Completed in the year 2008, Milad Tower is currently the 6th tallest tower in the world.

[IRAN] Tehran - Azadi Tower

Azadi Tower is one of the symbols in Tehran. Built in 1971 to commemorate the 2500th anniversary of the first Persian empire, it is reopened in 2006 after being closed for many years. It is located in Azadi Square which marks the west entrance to the city. The 148 foot tall tower is built with 8,000 blocks of white marble stone from the Isfahan Province.

[IRAN] Tehran – Grand Bazaar

Tehran Grand Bazaar is a historical market in Tehran. Besides shops, Tehran Grand Bazaar also has banks, mosques and guest houses. It’s like a “city within a city”.

[IRAN] Tehran – Golestan Palace

I visited Iran during Eid Al Adha holidays around 2nd week of September last year. Also known as Persia, Iran is a country rich in history and culture. The first city I visited in Iran was Tehran, its capital city which is home to roughly 14 million people.

The Golestan Palace was the official residence of the royal Qajar family and is the oldest historic monument in Tehran. The Palace is inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

GREECE - 4 Days Classical Greece Tour

If you wish to see the major sights of mainland Ancient Greece including UNESCO listed ancient site of Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora monasteries, then I recommend you to join a 4 Day Classical Greece Tour. The tour typically departs and transfers back to Athens.

GREECE - Meteora Monasteries

Meteora literally means “middle of the sky” or “suspended in the air” in Greek. A visit to the Meteora monasteries is an awe-aspiring experience to say the very least. Meteora encompasses an entire rock community of a total of 24 monasteries. Only 6 monasteries remains today. Those days, there were no steps and the main access to the monasteries was by means of a net that was hitched over hook and hoisted up by rope or on retractable wooden ladders. Meteora is included on the UNESCO Heritage List.

GREECE - Kalampaka

Kalampaka (also called Kalambaka or Kalabaka) is a town of 12,000 population which is situated at right at the foot of the Meteora rocks. This is where most visitors stay to visit the Meteora rocks. But it is much more than a town with impressive Meteora pinnacles at the background. Kalampaka has rich and long history. A Greek inscription on the wall of one of the town’s oldest churches (St. John the Baptist) testifies the existence of an ancient Greek settlement under the name Aiginion.

GREECE - Thermopylae

Most people would have no idea where Thermopylae is. But if I mention this is the site where the Greeks held the narrow pass for 3 days with Spartan King Leonidas fighting with the Persians in the Hollywood movie “300”, then perhaps you’ll have a better idea where Thermopylae is. Although the Persians eventually took control of the pass, the heroic defeat of King Leonidas became a legend.

GREECE - Delphi

In ancient times, Delphi was considered the center of the known world by the Greeks. Kings, warriors and philosophers visited Delphi and the famous Pythia, the prophetess, anticipating an oracle about their future. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its ancient ruins set against the magnificent Mount Parnassus makes it one of the highlights of my Greece trip.

GREECE - Nafpaktos

Nafpaktos is a small and lovely town situated on a bay on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth. It has a relaxing atmosphere. Historically, it is famous for the Battle of Lepanto that took place here in 1571. The port and castle are the main attraction of the town.

GREECE - Olympia

Olympia is one of the most well known tourist destination in Greece. The Olympic Games were held in Olympia every four years beginning in 776 BC. It was also a center for worship of Zeus during the 10th century BC. The Olympic Games were held as a sacred truce concluded by three kings of Elis, Sparta and Pisa. It ensured the cessation of hostilities and a suspension of executions for the duration of the games.

The Archeological Site of Olympia is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

GREECE - Nafplio and Mycenae

Mycenae, built between two hills, Profitis Ilias and Sara, dominates the Plain of Argos. The citadel of Mycenae is the most impressive creation of Mycenaean architecture. It served as seat of the administration of the realm and of its various activities. The fortified area occupied a surface of 30,000 sq. m.

GREECE - Corinth Canal & The Asklepion of Epidaurus

Epidaurus is among the most important ancient sites of Greece. It is located only 2 hours drive from Athens. In ancient times, Epidaurus was famous for the Asklepion, a center for healing. The name of Asklepion is derived from the god of healing, Asklepius (also the son of Apollo).

GREECE - Shopping in Athens

There are two official sales per year in Greece: summer and winter. In summer, sales starts from mid July till end of August. In winter, sales starts from mid January to February. I was visiting Greece early August 2015. So it was the best time to shop for me. Just like any other big cities and tourist attraction, Athens has quite a few popular places for shopping among the tourists and Athenians. One of the best places to buy just about anything is Monastiraki Flea Market and Ermou Street.

GREECE - Athens (Ancient Agora & Athenian Trilogy)

The excavation of ancient Athenian agora has been excavated since 1931. It revealed a large number of temples, stores, altars and even a concert hall. Today, two large buildings are intact: the Hephaisteion and the Stoa. The Hephaisteion is the best preserved temple in Greece and the Stoa was a large shopping center which is now a museum.

GREECE - Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion is located at approximately 65 km south-east of Athens. It is famous as the site of ancient ruins of the Temple of Poseidon. Since it is not too far from Athens, I decided to have a half-day excursion to Temple of Poseidon in the noon.

GREECE - Athens (Acropolis)

Rising up about 156m from the basin of Athens is the Acropolis of Athens. Acropolis in Greek means highest city. This 5th Century BC ancient Greek monumental complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is definitely the most famous attraction in Greece.

GREECE - Athens Private Walking Tour

Athens, the capital and largest city of Greece is known to the world as the cradle of western civilization and the birthplace of democracy.

GREECE - Santorini Travel Recommendation

Santorini is a flooded caldera with a long, steep, multicoloured arc of cliffs. The unique view of white buildings sitting on top on of the cliff like a layer of snow makes it one of Greece’s most scenic island.

GREECE - Diving and Boat Trip at Santorini

A sea trip around Santorini’s caldera, taking in the cliff face sights from sea level is one of the recommended activity to do while visiting this beautiful island. You can also do a little scuba diving while you’re at the sea. 

GREECE - Santorini (Nea Kameni Volcano)

Nea Kameni which means ‘New Burnt’ is a volcano located inside the caldera of Santorini. So it's basically a smaller volcano inside a bigger volcano. This new volcano only started to emerge from the sea about 300 years ago. The eruption that occurred from 1701 – 1711 must be a spectacular view for the inhabitants of Santorini at that time.

GREECE - Santorini (Fira Town)

Fira is the main town of Santorini. Its central location makes it a main hub for transportation, complete with a bus and taxi station, cable car station that connects to the old port at the bottom of volcano cliff. It also has the island’s largest shopping center and the biggest choice of dining and entertainment.

GREECE – Santorini (Oia)

Oia is the most famous town on Santorini, known for its breathtaking sunset and its charming white wash buildings and blue domed churches. The town extends for almost 2 km along the northern edge of the caldera. Built on the steep cliff overlooking the Aegean sea, its romantic ambience, especially during the sunset time made it a honeymoon destination too.

GREECE - Santorini Round Island Tour

Santorini or Thira is a famous Greek island located in the southern Aegean Sea. It was the core of an ancient volcano that erupted in about 1640 – 1620 BC. A large part of it collapsed after an enormous volcanic eruption, creating the current caldera. Today I’m going for a round-island tour to visit various attractions in Santorini including Wine Museum, Prehistoric town of Akrotiri, Red Beach, lighthouse, Firostefani, Imerovigli and lastly stop at Oia where I’ll be spending the night.

GREECE - Santorini (Kamari)

Kamari is a coastal town on Santorini’s east coast. Kamari beach is famous for its black volcanic sand and pebbles, sandwiched between Aegean Sea and Vouno Mountain. Ancient Thira is also reachable from Kamari. Findings from its excavation are now on exhibit at the archeological museum in Fira.

CROATIA - Travel Recommendation

My trip in Croatia lasted 10 days and I had many fond memories in Croatia. Croatia is a country that has a lot to offer: from charming European cities and grand fortifications to wonderful nature and beaches. Its capital city is Zagreb. Croatia’s Adriatic Sea coast contains more than 1,000 islands. Hvar Island is one of the most popular islands in Croatia.

CROATIA - Dubrovnik (Old City Wall & Lovrijenac Fortress)

Dubrovnik city walls are considered to be one of the most grandiose fortification monuments in Europe. These walls are a complex system of ofrtifications. It measures 1,940m long and consists of the main city wall and various towers, fortresses, revelins, armory, trenches, 2 lift bridges and the seawall Kase. The current fortification dates back to 14th century.

CROATIA - Dubrovnik (Old City)

For centuries, Dubrovnik has been an autonomous and neutral state –  until 1808, when Napoleon’s general de Marmont abolished the republic. The former city-republic of Dubrovnik stands on the coast of South Dalmatia. Its ancient city walls in the fifteenth century, surround and protect a wonderfully preserved historic city centre that has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979.

CROATIA - Dubrovnik (Lapad)

Lapad is located to the west of the Old Town of Dubrovnik. It is a peninsular that makes up for a larger part of Dubrovnik. The beaches on Lapad are mostly concentrated in a bay called Lapad Bay, or “Uvala Lapad” in Croatian. It boasts a line of pebble beaches that stretches from the Hotel Splendid to the Hotel Kompas.

CROATIA - Arboretum Trsteno Garden

Arboretum Trsteno was established at the former land estate of the Dubronik Patrician Family Gucetic-Gozze in 1948 and has been protected by law as a monument of garden architecture. It is known for its historical gardens and a collection of Mediterranean and exotic species. It is also one of the filming locations of HBO popular fantasy series, Game of Thrones.

CROATIA - Ston

Ston is a small town with the longest stone wall in Europe. The Walls of Ston were nicknamed as “European wall of China”. The walls were built from Ston to Mali Ston (“Little Ston”). The Republic of Ragusa built these walls to protect the precious salt plants that contributed to Dubrovnik’s wealth, which are still being worked today.

CROATIA - Hvar & Pakleni Islands

Hvar, the lavendar island has been a beacon for exploreres, pilgrims and travelers for thousand of years. Hvar has evolved into a world class destination not just for the rich and famous and party goers but travelers who simply love its georgeos setting and relaxed way of life.

The Pakleni islands are a neclace of pearls just outside Hvar town harbour. With lots of bays for swimming and snorkeling with clear seas and pine trees. Also not to be missed is Jerolim at one of Pakleni islands which is a famous nudist paradise.