Beautiful domes, madrasas, finest ancient architecture
Everywhere you look in Iran, there are reminders of the rich history and vibrant traditions of the Persian Empire, from the remains of King Darius’ palace at Persepolis to the Zoroastrian ‘Towers of Silence’ in Yazd.
Our Iran tours and holidays highlight some of the finest ancient architecture found anywhere in the world. Isfahan was described as “half the world” and with its stunning mosques, bridges and squares it’s not difficult to see why.
Other architectural highlights include the intricately carved domes and madrasas of Shiraz and the ingenious wind towers of Yazd. With 21, it is home to the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites for Culture in the Middle East.
Formerly known as Constantinople
Istanbul tour
Istanbul is a major city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Its Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here. In the Sultanahmet district, the open-air, Roman-era Hippodrome was for centuries the site of chariot races, and Egyptian obelisks also remain. The iconic Byzantine Hagia Sophia features a soaring 6th-century dome and rare Christian mosaics. There are various famous buildings in Istanbul which display a plethora of legends lived by its great ancient rulers.
Capital of the ancient Celtic state of Galatia
Ankara tour
Ankara, Turkey’s cosmopolitan capital, sits in the country’s central Anatolia region. It’s a center for the performing arts, home to the State Opera and Ballet, the Presidential Symphony Orchestra and several national theater companies. Overlooking the city is Anitkabir, the enormous hilltop mausoleum of Kemal Atatürk, modern Turkey’s first president, who declared Ankara the capital in 1923.
Turkey’s biggest international sea resort
Antalya tour
Antalya is a Turkish resort city with a yacht-filled Old Harbor and beaches flanked by large hotels. It’s a gateway to Turkey’s southern Mediterranean region, known as the Turquoise Coast for its blue waters. Remnants remain from Antalya’s time as a major Roman port. These include Hadrian’s Gate, built to honor the Roman emperor’s visit in 130 A.D and 2nd-century Hidirlik Tower, with harbor views.
