Today, Iran and her people invite you to join them on an unforgettable journey through history, as this remarkable country once again welcomes travelers with its traditional grace and hospitality. Immerse yourself in Tehran's museums, brimming with priceless treasures. Isfahan's mosques and gardens epitomize Persia's refined grace. Let Shiraz inspire you as it has inspired poets for centuries. The awesome remains of Persepolis exude the grandeur of ancient empires. Caspian coastal villages are home to tribal peoples whose artistic and musical traditions enthrall all visitors. Iran's World Heritage sites and architectural wonders of Susa, Bam and Mahan testify to the nation's rich and varied history. From her breathtaking deserts, to elegant mosques and coastal villages, Iran is one of Asia's most stunning and fascinating destinations.

Persian traditions and customs can be traced back to Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BC, the first notable ruler of the land that is now referred to as Iran. Expanding west to the Mediterranean Sea and east into India, the Persian Empire spread its magnificence far and wide until the rise of Alexander the Great. Invasions first from Europe, the spread of Islam from the Middle East, and invasions from the Turks, Mongols, Russians and Afghani tribesmen subjugated the Persians to outside control and domination until modern times.

The culture of the Iranian people is reflected in their adaptation to a harsh desert climate where hospitality to strangers is a prerequisite to survival. Tehran, the capital and largest city in Iran, is home to a majority of Persia's ancient artifacts including 6th century BC reliefs from the Treasury at Persepolis. Highlights of Tehran include the superb Carpet Museum with quality pieces from all over Iran, the fine Archaeological Museum exhibiting recent finds, and the Sa'd Abad Cultural Complex, the former Shah's palace.

In central Iran, visit the important trading center of Isfahan, replete with some of the world's most inspiring architecture. A wondrous city of gardens and palaces, travelers explore the interesting sites clustered around the famed Iman Square (second in the world in size to Tiananmen Square), arts & crafts at the Central Bazaar, and the Masjed-e Iman, completely covered with pale blue tiles that glow at night.

A cultural and intellectual center, Shiraz was considered the cradle of high Persian civilization. This pleasant city with its agreeable climate offers the traveler a number of attractions including the Tomb of Cyrus the Great, the Ancient Congregational Mosque and the mausoleum/gardens of the poets Hafez and Sa'di. Not to be missed is an excursion to the mighty ruins at Persepolis.

Beutifully set near the Pakistan border, Kerman is largely dependent on the production of carpets. Visit the Friday Mosque in the old part of the city, the excellent Ganj-Ali Khan Museum and Bazaar-e Vakil, one of Iran's oldest surviving covered markets. Traveling overland to Pakistan, one comes upon the small town of Mahan surrounded by violet mountains. Arg-e-Bam is a walled citadel of mud-brick located in the fertile date growing region.

The U.S. government does not currently have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and therefore cannot provide protection or routine consular services to American citizens in Iran. The Swiss government, acting through its embassy in Tehran, serves as protecting power for U.S. interests in Iran. The Iranian government does not recognize dual citizenship and generally does not permit the Swiss to provide protective services for American citizens who are also Iranian nationals. In addition, U.S. citizens of Iranian origin who are considered by Iran to be Iranian citizens have been detained and harassed by Iranian authorities. Former Muslims who have converted to other religions, as well as persons who encourage Muslims to convert, are subject to arrest and possible execution. The Iranian government reportedly has the names of all individuals who filed claims against Iran, and who received awards, at the Iran-U.S. claims tribunal at The Hague pursuant to the 1981 Algerian Accords. There are restrictions on both the import and the export of goods between Iran and the United States. Neither U.S. passports nor visas to the United States are issued in Tehran.