Iran

This new, sixth edition of Bradt s Iran continues to provide the most detailed background, history and cultural information available when visiting this `Jewel of Central Asia . Thoroughly reviewed to provide all the latest information, including security and language, this new edition includes expanded information on travel to western Iran, namely Khorasan Province, which remains largely unexplored, with an emphasis on the uniqueness of Iranian cultural heritage combined with stunning landscapes. Also new are maps of Sadosaltaheh Caravanserai, Tabriz, Kerman and Shiraz and Tehran city centres. Travel through Iranian Kurdistan is also included, as are hiking in the Alborz and Zagros Mountains and expanded practical information for independent travellers. Food and arts, rugs and handicrafts are all covered, plus details of recommended Iranian movies. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are details of swimming, skiing, and desert and eco-tours. Expert authors give first-hand descriptions of attractions ranging from the exquisite mosques of Esfahan and the museums and palaces of Tehran to caravanserai, Nishapur, Qaleh Rudkhan and Kurdish villages on the Silk Road Trail. Up-to-date information on all the basics - hotels, restaurants, businesses and shops - help you to uncover the mysteries of ancient Persepolis, to enjoy a soak and scrub in a local hamam, or to pick up a pair of giveh slippers or a Persian rug in Kirman's baazar. This edition has been updated once again by Middle East expert Maria Oleynik, who is fluent in ten languages, including Persian and Arabic, and who is currently undertaking a degree in Middle Eastern Language (Persian) and Society.

Introduction

PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION

Chapter 1 Background Information

Geography and climate, Natural history and conservation, History, Government and politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion, Education, Arts and culture

Chapter 2 Practical Information

When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tourist information, Tour operators, Time difference, Red tape, Embassies, consulates and missions, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, What to take, Export and import restrictions, Money, Budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays, Shopping, Culture and entertainment, Media and communications, Business, Opening times, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively

PART TWO THE GUIDE

Chapter 3 Tehran and the Road South

Tehran, Around Tehran, South of Tehran

Chapter 4 West of Tehran: from Qazvin Onwards to Kurdistan and Beyond

Qazvin, Around Qazvin, Hamadan, Around Hamadan, West of Hamadan – towards Kermanshah and Kurdistan, Kermanshah, North of Kermanshah towards Kurdistan province, West of Kermanshah, South of Kermanshah and towards Ilam province, Ilam province

Chapter 5 From Kashan to Esfahan

Kashan, On the road, Along the Kashan–Yazd road, Na’in, En route from Na’in to Esfahan, Esfahan, Further afield, East of Esfahan province

Chapter 6 The Caspian Region

Getting there and away, Towards Gilan, West and southwest of Bandar Anzali, East of Bandar Anzali, Amol and around, Sari, Gonbad-e Qabus, Bastam and around, Damghan, Semnan, Semnan to Tehran

Chapter 7 Iranian Azerbaijan

Getting there and around, Ardabil, Tabriz, South and southeast of Tabriz, North of Tabriz, Orumiyeh and beyond (to the south and southeast),

Zanjan

Chapter 8 Shiraz and Around

Shiraz, Around Shiraz

Chapter 9 Persepolis and the Surrounding Area

Persepolis, Naqsh-e Rostam, Istakhr, Pasargadae

Chapter 10 The South Coast

Ahvaz, Shushtar, Shush, Northwest of Shush/Susa, Southeast of Shush/Susa, East of Shush/Susa, South of Ahvaz, Eastwards, Further along the coast road

Chapter 11 En Route to Yazd and Kerman

Coming to Yazd from the southwest, Yazd, Kerman, Around Kerman, Mahan, Bam, Zahedan, Chabahar and beyond

Chapter 12 Mashhad and Khorasan

Razavi and North Khorasan provinces, Mashhad, Around Mashhad, Nishapur and around, South of Mashhad, Towards Gonbad and Tabas

Appendix 1 Language

Appendix 2 Glossary

Appendix 3 Further Information

Index