Asia
Tiled mosques, Persian gardens and desert caravan towns.
Iran is heir to one of the world's great civilisations, and its monuments show it. Isfahan's Naqsh-e Jahan Square is framed by tiled mosques and a covered bazaar, Shiraz has gardens and poets' tombs, and nearby Persepolis preserves the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid kings. Yazd's mud-brick lanes and windcatchers sit on the edge of the desert, while the Alborz and Zagros mountains bring snow and forests.
Hospitality is renowned, with long meals of kebab, fesenjan and saffron rice, and tea offered at every turn. Buses, trains and domestic flights cover the long distances. Many governments currently advise against travel to Iran, so check your government's current travel advice before planning. Climatically, spring and autumn are best; summer is scorching in the desert cities and winter is cold in the north.
April, May, October.