Selected
JOURNEYS
"Travelling - it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller",
by Ibn Battuta.
Our journeys are bold and ambitious, and perhaps the flagship of this homepage.
Although we are also trekking and island nerds, our journeys are sorts of trailblazing travel expeditions which are unique, challenging and adventurous, and thus they epitomize our spirit within adventure.
Often, the regions, countries and places we visit during our journeys take on an exotic quality. What matters is to get away from the established routes and seek something that little bit more special and authentic. Often, we might have to overcome a bit of hardship and logistical challenges since our journeys most often don’t run smoothly. This is all part of the fun.
In our view, a journey is something you would recommend to others. To us, what really matters, is to get away from the established routes and seek something that little bit more special and authentic. We are not talking about the ultimate expedition, but to move away from the familiar, out of the comfort zone, where everyday situations and events take on an exotic quality.
Selected
JOURNEYS
"Travelling - it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller",
by Ibn Battuta.
Our journeys are bold and ambitious, and perhaps the flagship of this homepage.
Although we are also trekking and island nerds, our journeys are sorts of trailblazing travel expeditions which are unique, challenging and adventurous, and thus they epitomize our spirit within adventure.
Often, the regions, countries and places we visit during our journeys take on an exotic quality. What matters is to get away from the established routes and seek something that little bit more special and authentic. Often, we might have to overcome a bit of hardship and logistical challenges since our journeys most often don’t run smoothly. This is all part of the fun.
In our view, a journey is something you would recommend to others. To us, what really matters, is to get away from the established routes and seek something that little bit more special and authentic. We are not talking about the ultimate expedition, but to move away from the familiar, out of the comfort zone, where everyday situations and events take on an exotic quality.
Selected
JOURNEYS
"Travelling - it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller",
by Ibn Battuta.
Our journeys are bold and ambitious, and perhaps the flagship of this homepage.
Although we are also trekking and island nerds, our journeys are sorts of trailblazing travel expeditions which are unique, challenging and adventurous, and thus they epitomize our spirit within adventure.
Often, the regions, countries and places we visit during our journeys take on an exotic quality. What matters is to get away from the established routes and seek something that little bit more special and authentic. Often, we might have to overcome a bit of hardship and logistical challenges since our journeys most often don’t run smoothly. This is all part of the fun.
In our view, a journey is something you would recommend to others. To us, what really matters, is to get away from the established routes and seek something that little bit more special and authentic. We are not talking about the ultimate expedition, but to move away from the familiar, out of the comfort zone, where everyday situations and events take on an exotic quality.
Selected
JOURNEYS
"Travelling - it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller",
by Ibn Battuta.
Our journeys are bold and ambitious, and perhaps the flagship of this homepage.
Although we are also trekking and island nerds, our journeys are sorts of trailblazing travel expeditions which are unique, challenging and adventurous, and thus they epitomize our spirit within adventure.
Often, the regions, countries and places we visit during our journeys take on an exotic quality. What matters is to get away from the established routes and seek something that little bit more special and authentic. Often, we might have to overcome a bit of hardship and logistical challenges since our journeys most often don’t run smoothly. This is all part of the fun.
In our view, a journey is something you would recommend to others. To us, what really matters, is to get away from the established routes and seek something that little bit more special and authentic. We are not talking about the ultimate expedition, but to move away from the familiar, out of the comfort zone, where everyday situations and events take on an exotic quality.
Selected
JOURNEYS
"Travelling - it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller",
by Ibn Battuta.
Our journeys are bold and ambitious, and perhaps the flagship of this homepage.
Although we are also trekking and island nerds, our journeys are sorts of trailblazing travel expeditions which are unique, challenging and adventurous, and thus they epitomize our spirit within adventure.
Often, the regions, countries and places we visit during our journeys take on an exotic quality. What matters is to get away from the established routes and seek something that little bit more special and authentic. Often, we might have to overcome a bit of hardship and logistical challenges since our journeys most often don’t run smoothly. This is all part of the fun.
In our view, a journey is something you would recommend to others. To us, what really matters, is to get away from the established routes and seek something that little bit more special and authentic. We are not talking about the ultimate expedition, but to move away from the familiar, out of the comfort zone, where everyday situations and events take on an exotic quality.
From Europe to the Himalayas along
THE HIPPY TRAIL
Part II
From Europe to the Himalayas along
THE HIPPY TRAIL
Part II
From Europe to the Himalayas along
THE HIPPY TRAIL
Part III
From Europe to the Himalayas along
THE HIPPY TRAIL
Part III
TravelTwins.dk
Exploring the less beaten paths of the world
- look, read, dream, travel!
Exploring the jewels of
CLASSICAL PERSIA
The Jewels of Islam's Crown and our view on Iran's top five cities: Esfahan, Shiraz, Yazd, Teheran and Tabriz
Could Iran be the friendliest country on Earth?
During our first visit, this old Persian empire didn’t fail to get under our skin. As wide-eyed first-timers, we instantly fell in love with the warm-hearted people, legendary hospitality, spectacular nature, and signature Islamic architecture and art. Any one of these would be reason enough to visit.
Now, as frequent visitors, we are still amazed. And when bumping into other world travelers during our many journeys, we can always identify people who share a passion for Iran by their shining eyes and broad smiles whenever the question is raised: Have you been to Iran?
Location: Iran, during 2 months
This page is dedicated to what we coin as Classical Persia with a focus on the five main cities: Esfahan, Shiraz & Persepolis, Yazd, Teheran, and Tabriz. As well as a focus on portraying the Iranian people. We uncover several of the old, magical silk road cities and bazars and some of the most beautiful architecture on the planet.
Few cities have shaped the image of Persia more than Esfahan. During the Safavid era, this magnificent city stood at the heart of one of the world's most powerful empires and became a showcase of Persian architecture, art and urban planning. Even today, its turquoise domes, grand boulevards and legendary bridges make it one of the most beautiful cities in the Islamic world. The city's centerpiece is the immense Naqsh-e Jahan Square, surrounded by mosques, palaces and bustling bazaars. Yet Esfahan is more than its monuments. Wander through the old quarters, sip tea in hidden courtyards and join local families gathering along the riverbanks as the sun begins to set. The city effortlessly blends imperial grandeur with everyday Persian life.
Shiraz has long been known as the cultural soul of Persia. Home to some of the Persian world's greatest poets, it is a city of gardens, literature and timeless elegance. The relaxed atmosphere, tree-lined avenues and rich cultural heritage make Shiraz one of the most enjoyable cities to explore in Iran. Just outside the city lies Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the mighty Achaemenid Empire. Built more than 2,500 years ago, it remains one of the world's most impressive archaeological site.
Surrounded by vast deserts, Yazd feels unlike anywhere else in Iran. Rising from the sands, the city's maze of mud-brick alleyways and windcatchers has remained remarkably unchanged for centuries. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and offers a glimpse into a way of life shaped by heat, trade and survival. For centuries, caravans travelling along the Silk Road stopped here to rest and replenish supplies before continuing their journeys across Persia. The city's ingenious wind towers provided natural cooling long before modern air conditioning existed, while its hidden courtyards offered shelter from the harsh desert climate.
At first glance, Tehran may seem very different from the ancient cities that define Classical Persia. Yet Iran's sprawling capital provides an essential chapter in the country's story. Nestled beneath the snow-capped Alborz Mountains, Tehran is a city of contrasts where royal palaces, modern skyscrapers, vibrant cafés and world-class museums coexist side by side. Beyond the traffic and busy streets lies a dynamic and youthful society that often surprises first-time visitors. Tehran offers a fascinating insight into contemporary Iran and provides a striking contrast to the timeless atmosphere found elsewhere along the classical Persian route.
Finally, cocated near the crossroads of Persia, Anatolia and the Caucasus, Tabriz has long served as one of the great trading cities of the region. Merchants, scholars and travellers have passed through its markets for centuries, helping shape a city that remains one of Iran's most culturally diverse destinations. Historically positioned along the Silk Road, Tabriz developed into an important centre of commerce, craftsmanship and learning. Its rich Azeri heritage adds a distinct flavour that sets it apart from the Persian heartland further south.
Actually, we've seen much more of Iran - a really is vast country. Comprising the size of the UK, France, Spain, Italy and Switzerland all combined, it is a land of great contrasts, physically, climatically and culturally.
More travels in Iran and in the region:
-
Our crossing from North to Pakistan: Hippy Trail I' and on 'Hippy Trail II'
-
Exploring the Kurdish part of Iran: 'Kurdistan'
-
Climbing 'Damavand', the highest mountain in the Middle East
-
Exploring the Gulf of Persia: 'Persian Gulf'
Selected pics from this encounter:
(to see all photos, click Show More at the end of the gallery)
Pretty girl in the Shahrestan area of Esfahan. Today, about 1.5 million live here. Back in the 1600s it had the same size of London with about 600.000 inhabitants.
Since ancient times, the sheer scale of Esfahan and the beauty of its buildings had amazed most foreign visitors who marvelled at the turquoise domes and the dramatic minarets. It is said to be three times the size of St Mark's Square, Venice. Now the square has lawns and fountains, but it was once a royal parade ground where tje sjajs watched military exercises, wrestling bouts and polo matches. The mosque is some of the most impressive mosaic tilework on earth.
In 1598, Esfahans fortunes changed for the good and the town planning began immediately with the construction of the Chahar Bagh gards and the the main square with its royal buildings and mosques. In 1660, Esfahan had 162 mosques, 1802 caravanserais, 48 colleges and 273 public baths to serve around 600.000 people.
Is this the best mosaic tilework in the world? Through the great silver doors of 1636, an inside country yard is set at a 45 degrees angle necessary for the correct direction toward Mecca. Walking slowly around the mosque allowed us to see the astonishing range i the tile colouring and patterns on the walls, vaults and side domes. The peacock motifs on the entrance also feature at the Ardabil and Mashhad shrines.
...is a known proverb globally, and it could be taken to imply that the city is home to a large number of historic monuments, which is exactly the case. It is impossible to do justice to them all.
Named after a famous preacher, this mosque functioned as the mosque for the ladies of the royal harem.
Esfahan fell to the Arab Muslims in 643 and quickly gained a reputation for its textiles. Even today its bazaars are loaded with carpets and other texitle products. Besides textile, the bazaar has many more shops, including a couple selling the famous Isfahani gaz nougat.
Esfahan is actually quite famous for its river and its many beautiful bridges. The picture shows Khaju Bridge. In august however the river was completely dry.
He tried to speak English as he had once been in England before the 1979 revolution in Iran where the shah left and the country went from open to closed under Khomeini.
This guy covered the front-page of the 4th edition of Lonely Planet on Iran , and he was very proud to let us know.
The main bazaar
Most overlanders come to Shriaz to visit nearby Persepolis, but Shiraz itself is quite nice with several gardens, citrus trees and pools.
The bazar is similar to what you will find in Esfahan or Tehran, but the caravanserai in the middle of town is superb.
