Iran : The Bradt Travel Guide

by Patricia L. Baker

• ISBN13: 9781841620251
• ISBN10: 1841620254
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Trade Paper
• Copyright: 2001-09-01
• Publisher: Bradt Travel Guides

Summary

Patricia Bakers Iran is aimed squarely at cultural travelers attracted to this countrys ancient sites which include the ruins of Persepolis innumerable beautiful mosques and Islamic architecture

Author Biography

Patricia L Baker first went to Iran in 1971. Since then, she as escorted and lectured to special interest groups and tours, and has contributedto or written numerous books specialising in Islamic art.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	vi
Introduction	xi
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION	1	(56)
Background Information	3	(22)
Geography and climate	3	(1)
Natural history and conservation	4	(1)
History	5	(9)
Politics and economy	14	(4)
People and language	18	(1)
Religion	19	(4)
Education	23	(2)
Practical Information	25	(32)
When to visit	25	(1)
Suggested itineraries	25	(1)
Tourist information	26	(1)
Tour operators	26	(1)
Time difference	27	(1)
Red tape	28	(1)
Getting there and away	29	(1)
Health	30	(3)
Safety	33	(1)
What to take	34	(1)
Weights and measures	34	(1)
Money and banking	34	(4)
Other export and import restrictions	38	(1)
Getting around	38	(3)
Accommodation	41	(1)
Eating and drinking	41	(2)
Public holidays	43	(3)
Shopping	46	(1)
Culture and entertainment	47	(4)
Office life	51	(1)
Cultural dos and don'ts	51	(2)
Interacting with people	53	(1)
Dress	54	(1)
Tipping	55	(1)
Giving something back	55	(2)
PART TWO The Guide	57	(192)
Tehran and the Road South	59	(16)
Getting there	59	(1)
Accommodation	60	(2)
Restaurants	62	(1)
Things to see and do	62	(7)
South of Tehran	69	(6)
West of Tehran: Qazvin and Hamadan	75	(18)
Qazvin	75	(5)
Hamadan	80	(13)
From Kashan to Isfahan	93	(30)
Kashan	93	(5)
On the road	98	(1)
Ardestan	99	(1)
Na'in	99	(2)
West from Na'in	101	(2)
Isfahan	103	(20)
The Caspian Region	123	(16)
Towards Gilan	124	(3)
Amol	127	(1)
Sari	128	(3)
Gonbad-i Qabus	131	(2)
Bastam	133	(1)
Damghan	134	(5)
Into Iranian Azerbaijan	139	(16)
Ardabil	140	(2)
Tabriz	142	(3)
North of Tabriz	145	(10)
Shiraz and Around	155	(18)
Outside Shiraz	165	(8)
Persepolis and the Surrounding Area	173	(12)
Naqshi-i Rustam	179	(6)
The South Coast	185	(20)
Ahvaz	185	(3)
Shushtar	188	(1)
Susa	188	(3)
To the northwest	191	(1)
To the southeast	192	(2)
East to Izeh	194	(2)
South of Ahvaz	196	(1)
Eastwards along the coast	197	(2)
Further along the coast road	199	(6)
En Route to Yazd and Kirman	205	(22)
Coming to Yazd from the southwest	205	(4)
Yazd	209	(6)
Kirman	215	(5)
Mahan	220	(2)
Bam	222	(1)
Zahedan	223	(4)
The Road to Mashhad	227	(22)
The north road to Mashhad	228	(1)
Mashhad	229	(8)
Outside Mashhad	237	(3)
South of Mashhad	240	(4)
To Kashmar	244	(1)
Nishapur	244	(5)
Appendix 1 Language	249	(4)
Appendix 2 Further Information	253	(4)
Index	257