Brush away your misconceptions – Iran is amazing!  The scenery varies between mountainous and arid to lush and green and the Iranians are some of the most welcoming people you would ever hope to meet and generous to a fault, inviting us to their homes for tea or food and a chat. 

 

 

 

   

After an easy border crossing into Iran, our first stop was Tabriz and time to explore the old bazaar and sample the local food before heading into the hills to Babek Fort whereby a hard uphill slog was rewarded by amazing views over the valley.

 

 

Onto the wonderfully lush mountain town of Masuleh, a holiday destination for the Iranians and a place for us to chill out and enjoy the countryside and the offerings of food and nick-knacks in the bazaar. 

 

This was followed by the next milestone birthday of the trip – Emily’s 21st!  Sadly no drinking as Iran is a dry country but we made the most of it and had a memorable evening - Happy Birthday Emily!

 

 

Moving onto the beautiful city of Esfahan with its wonderful blue tiled buildings and covered bazaar. We had plenty of time to explore the Grand Bazaar and purchase carpets amongst other items and discover some of the cities renowned tea-houses. 

Off to Yazd now...

Until the next time …