The national capital of Iran is Tehran, which lies at the foot of the Elburz
mountains about 100 km south of the Caspian Sea.
Founded in the 18th Century, the city was greatly altered in the first half
of the 20th Century, with wide avenues, open parks and modern buildings replacing
the old maze of streets. Fine mosques abound. There is a famous bazaar and
the Archaeological Museum contains many relics of the ancient Persian Empire
including items from the ruined city of Persepolis.
Shiraz is the provincial capital of Fars and has a distinguished ancient history
having been the acknowledged literary capital of Persia from the 12th Century.
The city is the birthplace of the famed poets Saadi (12/13th Century) and Hafiz
(14th Century), who are also both buried there. From 1750 till 1786 Shiraz
was the capital of Persia.
Although wine production is no longer encouraged Shiraz is home to the famed
Shiraz grape, now cultivated in every fine wine region of the world.
Silk rugs from Shiraz are also much treasured. The ruins of Persepolis, sacked
by Alexander the Great in 330BC are just to the north and this great archaeological
site must be visited.
The Holy City of Mashad, about 750 km east of Tehran, is a place of pilgrimage
for Shi'ite Muslims as the site of the tomb of Imam Ali Reza (817).
Infants are not provided with a seat. If your baby is more than 6 months old, you may book a seat for him/her listing him/her as a “child”. More information is available at carriage of infants.
