Author Archives: Giv Travel

Islands in Iran

19th January, 2018 | Article By Giv Travel

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A wonderful trip to experience a unique and very special, indigenous region of Iran; the mysterious and tropical nature of Iran’s islands makes them the perfect destination for an adventurous cold-season trip. Two of these islands are a must-see, not to mention that there are no requirements for an Iranian visa.

Qeshm Island, the largest island in the Persian Gulf!

Qeshm Island is larger than 23 countries in the world. The vast land area along with a diverse nature has put this island on the list of the world’s geotourism sites. The untouched nature of Qeshm Island and its distance from urban landscapes has adorned the life of the local people more than ever. Floriated and colorful clothes of the locals is perhaps a hidden wish for rain and prosperity in this dry and barren land. The Qanats (underground irrigation canals) of this island are perhaps the evidence of this people’s endeavor to survive in such a dry and rough environment. Although dry and very hot, this island houses unique natural landscapes. Qeshm Island is located along the salt and sedimentary layers of Zagros mountain range. The shape of mountains and valleys on this island are quite eccentric and spectacular. Stars Valley abounds with such natural artwork. Another example is Chahkouh Valley whose rocks have been bizarrely carved by natural erosion.  Man-made caves can be found on the side of a mountain locally called Khorbas Caves, which apparently, were the site of religious rituals over 2000 years ago. Qeshm also has a large area of marine forests (Hara mangrove forests) leading you from dry land to vegetation.

Other tourist attractions of Qeshm include: Namakdan salt cave, Qeshm castle, Guran historic dam, and Statues valley. The vast land area of Qeshm makes it impossible to name all the attractions.

Hormuz Island, a rainbow mountain on water!

Hormuz Island (also Hormoz) is located 20 nautical minutes off the east coast of Qeshm Island. Upon setting foot on Hormuz Island, ancient ruins of a red castle attracts the eye. This is the 400-year-old Portuguese Castle, which is now a spectacular ruin. Here, you can find ancient canons and a large water reservoir.

However, this castle is not the main attraction of Hormuz. Moving beyond the Portuguese Castle into this salt island, you will find yourself in one of the most marvellous places on earth, also known as the ‘heaven of geologists’. The whole island is covered with wonderfully varied and vibrant, coloured soil. In every corner of the island, you will see a different colour and texture. Hormuz is so colourful that in previous years, celebrating the day of tourism, the Hormuz Municipality, with the help of the locals and artists, used to create a multicoloured carpet on the beach entirely made of the local soil.

While in Hormuz, you may also like to visit the great salt mountain here, and also the incredible rock formations in Statues Valley. Similar to Qeshm, Hormuz Island houses Hara forests and offers a different and paradoxical landscape.

Traditional food and staying in local homestays are additional delights to be enjoyed on these two islands and not what you may expect.

Let us help you plan an unforgettable adventure! Please visit our website for more information www.GivTravel.com

5 cities you should visit in Iran

5th September, 2016 | Article By Giv Travel

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These cities are so attractive that all tour and travel agencies suggest you visit. Attractions in these cities are really variable and any tourist with any taste will be more than satisfied with the trip. If Iran is your destination, please read this article.

Tehran,

The capital city, attractive, exciting but not very historical or old.” Everything under the sun” is a good proverb to describe this city and its wonderful Grand Bazaar. Tajrish Bazaar is another one that you can see and buy what you are really looking for.

There are 3 big palaces in Tehran: Golestan, Sa’d Abad and Nyavaran, which keep many great museums. It is worth noting that one of the most expensive museums in the world is located in Tehran, the Jewellry Museum and National Museum of Iran.

There is a beautiful bridge in Tehran called Nature Bridge, along which you can take a walk and enjoy being with people. You can also go mountain climbing or hiking to Darake or Damavand or even farther, go skiing in Dizin and Toochal resorts.

Tehran is crowded as well as mysterious, full of people from all around Iran.

Kashan,

Driving to Esfahan from Tehran, you can visit a desert city called Kashan. It is a small city in the heart of the Central Desert of Iran. It has great traditional restaurants with eye-catching architecture. Sialk Teppe dating back to 7000 years ago, Fin Garden, one of the oldest Iranian gardens; and finally its old, beautifully constructed houses are the things that make this city distinguishable.

Ancient people in Kashan have applied their old knowledge of construction in building houses. Tabatabaeeha and Boroojerdiha are just 2 examples of all 60 old houses in Kashan.

For a memorable, full of stars night, you can visit Mesr Desert which is near Kashan.
Just drive 80 kilometers west to visit one of the most gorgeous villages in Iran, Abyane.

Esfahan,

It is only a 2-hour drive from Kashan to Esfahan, one of the greatest tourist cities in Iran.

Zayande Rood is a river that flows through the city over which some bridges have been constructed. The river and the bridges make the city dreamy and different. Siose Pol and Khajoo Pol are two of the most famous bridges considering the Iranian architecture.

There are many must-see attractions in Esfahan that remind tourists of eastern mysterious myths like Hasht Behesht Palace, Chehelsetoun, Chahar Bagh and Jame Mosque.

Emam Square, also known as Naghshe Jahan Square, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the biggest squares in the world. Emam Mosque and Sheikh Lotfolah Mosque, Alighapoo Palace and Bazaar are located around this square.

Esfahan is especially famous for traditional food and restaurants. Iranians call this city Nesfe Jahan which in Persian means “half of the world”. The reason is people believe that Esfahan has half of the world’s beauty.

Yazd,

Yazd is another desert city, holding the most number of Zoroastrian people in Iran. That’s why there are many Zoroastrian monuments. To see these monuments I can introduce you to some, the Tower of Silence, where they bury their dead, Zoroastrian Fire and Chak Chak.

Shiraz,

The last but not the least is Shiraz. According to the archeological research in 2016 Shiraz has a history of 7500 years.

Persepolise is a palace built 2500 years ago during one of the greatest empires, the ancient Persian era.

In Necropolise you can visit tombs of the Persian kings and royal family. A little farther, in Pasargad, is located the tomb of Cyrus the great, founder of the Achamenid dynasty.

Shiraz is famous as the city of culture and literature too. The tombs of two of the best poets of Iran, Hafez and Sa’di, are located at the centre of beautiful gardens, Hafezie and Sa’die. Eram and Jahan Nama gardens are visited by many tourists every year.

Zandie Complex, also known as Vakil Complex, is one highly recommended attraction I really suggest you visit. It includes: Bathhouse, Bazaar and Mosque. Ghavam House and Zinatolmolook House and Pink Mosque are really beautiful.

Shiraz is a colorful, four-season city with many attractions and friendly people. The mild climate helps you enjoy the time in Shiraz especially in Spring.

Besides these cities and attractions you can visit the south islands of Iran like Queshm, Hormoz;  holy cities like Mashhad and Hamedan and Alisadr Cave.

You just need to pack your bags and get ready to Travel to Iran, GivTravel is always with you.

Abyaneh – experience old Persia

30th September, 2015 | Article By Giv Travel

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The old village of Abyaneh is one of the most outstanding and beautiful villages in Iran, in addition to Kandovan and Masooleh. Situated north of Isfahan on the road to Kashan city, downhill of the Karkas Mountains and on the border of the central desert of Iran, the whole village is surrounded by fruit gardens.

A distinguishing characteristic of the village is the way the houses have been constructed, one on top of another giving the appearance of a large, teetering staircase, with the yard of one house being the roof of the house below. These houses, according to tradition, are built in red clay with wooden windows and remind us of thatched houses in central parts of Iran. Most of the windows of Abyaneh houses have balconies which protrude into the alleyways. Along the narrow alleys, in front of their homes, people do their daily chores, this gives the village a spirit that makes it unique in comparison to other villages of Iran.

Abyaneh’s Historical Places:

With a temperate, mountainous climate, the benefit of the Barz-e-rood River and in close proximity to the central desert in Iran, Abyaneh has been a comfortable home for villagers to live for many ages. Abyaneh’s history dates back 1500 years ago and its past has been intertwined with Zoroastrians history. The remnants of the old temple show the story of ancient rituals of Persians and there are many other ancient monuments for tourists to see.

Nowadays there exists eleven mosques in Abyaneh. The oldest mosque is called “Masjed Ja’ameh Abyaneh” built one thousand years ago, its wooden tribune is of particular note. There are two other mosques called Barzeleh and Hajatgah that are 500 and 800 years old respectively. In addition to these historic places of worship there are the mosques of Shahzade Yahya and Shahzadeh Eysa, people recourse to them for their wishes.

The old forts around Abyaneh used to protect the village from attacks of outsiders. There are several old forts for protecting Abyaneh, application of these forts in different districts of Abyaneh village is protecting and preventing the village from outlaws.

Extracting Rose Water in Abyaneh:

During April and May, huge numbers of travellers and tourists start their adventure trip from  Abyaneh so that they can participate in the ceremony called “Golab Guiri”, when the locals extract rose water. The recommended seasons to visit this village are spring and summer, when there are proper services in place for receiving the tourists.

The People’s Clothing:

The brightly decorated clothing of the Abyaneh people is one of the main attractions of the village. Men wear loose black trousers, but the women wear cotton dresses with pretty flower patterns and colourful bands.

Accommodation in Abyaneh:

There are two hotels in Abyaneh, Abyaneh Hotel and Viona Hotel. There are also several apartments which can host travellers, some of these apartments are old buildings in the village.

On your way to Isfahan, it is recommended that you visit Abyaneh.

For this and other amazing Tours of Iran visit givtravel.com