IRAN: Air India Cockpit Window Cracks As It Lands In Iran

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has now been grounded and a relief plane, a Boeing 747, has been sent from Mumbai to ferry the passengers to Delhi.

A crack in the main cockpit window forced an Air India plane from Frankfurt to Delhi to land mid-way in Tehran this morning.

AI 120 Frankfurt-Delhi plane landed at Tehran at 6.20 AM as a precautionary measure, according to the airline spokesperson Dhananjay Kumar.

There were 249 passengers onboard the aircraft.

The main window in front of the pilot developed cracks.This happened because of malfunctioning of the internal heating system, said an airline official on the condition of anonymity.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has now been grounded and a relief plane, a Boeing 747, has been sent from Mumbai to ferry the passengers to Delhi, Kumar said.

The plane will also carry a team of technical and engineering staff to make the repairs to the grounded aircraft.


Tourism Observer

IRAN: Isfahan The Desert, Carpet And White Pigeons City Of Iran

Isfahan is a city in central Iran, south of Tehran and is the capital of Esfahan Province. The Persians call it Nesf-e-Jahan, meaning Half The World.

Due to its beautiful hand-painted tiling and magnificent public square, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

An ancient town and capital of Persia from 1598 to 1722, it was long noted for its fine carpets and silver filigree.

Today, textile and steel mills take their place. Its architecture, tree-lined boulevards and relaxed pace make it one of the highlights of Iran.

Isfahan or Esfahan, historically also rendered in English as Ispahan, Sepahan, Esfahan or Hispahan, is the capital of Isfahan Province in Iran, located about 340 kilometres (211 miles) south of Tehran.

The Greater Isfahan Region had a population of 2,101,220 in the 2016 Census, the third most populous metropolitan area in Iran after Tehran and Mashhad.

Borkhar County, Najafabad County, Khomeyni Shahr County, Shahin Shahr and Meymeh County, Mobarakeh County, Falavarjan County, Tiran and Karvan County, Lenjan County and Isfahan County all constitute the metropolitan city of Isfahan.

Isfahan is located on the main north–south and east–west routes crossing Iran, and was once one of the largest cities in the world.

It flourished from 1050 to 1722, particularly in the 16th and 17th centuries under the Safavid dynasty, when it became the capital of Persia for the second time in its history.

Even today, the city retains much of its past glory. It is famous for its Persian–Islamic architecture, with many beautiful boulevards, covered bridges, palaces, mosques, and minarets.

The Naghsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan is one of the largest city squares in the world.

It has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The city also has a wide variety of historic monuments and is known for the paintings, history and architecture.

The city is 430km south of Tehran at the foothills of the Zagros mountain range. The city enjoys a temperate climate and regular seasons.

Isfahan is located on the main north-south and east-west routes crossing Iran. It is similar to Denver in the United States in terms of altitude and precipitation.

It is the twin city of Freiburg and Freiburg street in Isfahan is famous.

Isfahan experiences an arid climate, much like the rest of the Iranian plateau with little rainfall. It features cold winters with temperatures between -2°C (27°F) and 8°C (47°F) in January.

Cold waves can occasionally lower temperatures to -10°C (14°F) and the record low is -19.4°C (-2.9°F). Snow does fall at least once every winter.

In contrast summers can get hot with highs topping 36°C (97°F) in July but with pleasant nights just above 21°C (70°F). Heat waves do occur and the record high is 43°C (109°F).

Isfahan International Airport or Isfahan Shahid Beheshti was a military air base before the revolution.

There are daily flights to Tehran and Mashhad in Iran. There are also flights to Damascus, Dubai, Sharjah, Kuwait and Istanbul.

From the Airport you can take cab for around 350,000 IRR to the city center. Note that since most people are going there anyway, you can always ask people to share a taxi.

Be sure to agree on the price beforehand or insist that the driver uses the taxi meter, be careful, as some drivers will turn on the meter and turn it off mid-ride.

Drivers will generally not give change to foreign travelers, so carry small bills.

There is a night-train to Tehran and a daily train to Mashhad. There are no trains to Shiraz.

The night train from Tehran to Isfahan costs IRR350,000 for sleeping in a small 6-bed compartment.

The train station in Isfahan is located far from the old town. Take bus #37 from the train station to Sofeh bus terminal where you can change for bus #91 to old town.

The best place to get off is Chaharbaq street, where there are many hostels, hotels, cafes and sight seeings.

Isfahan is well-served by highways. There are automobile routes to capital Tehran,Qom, Na'in, Kashan, Varzaneh, Shiraz, Yazd and Ahvaz.

Isfahan is well connected to most parts of Iran by bus. There are multiple bus terminals in Isfahan and you should note which one is more suitable for you.

Kaveh, Sofeh, Zayanderud and Jey are namely the major bus terminals of Isfahan city.

There are buses to/from Tehran every 15 minutes in Kaveh terminal. Also there are a few luxury buses with a so-called European standard, very comfortable seats, open mini-bar, etc.

Royal Safar Iranian is one a few luxury bus operators. Seats are quite comfortable with lots of leg room. Water/juice is provided and movies are shown. The ticket to Tehran costs IRR330,000 with luxury ones.

Jey Terminal bus is dedicated to major destinations at east of Isfahan, including Varzaneh - famous for its desert and traditional lifestyle, Na'in and Yazd.

It is easy to get around Isfahan by bus. A single journey costs IRR10000; you can pay the driver directly, or buy multi-journey contactless cards at certain bus stop booths. Note that there are separate men at the front and women at the rear sections on each bus.

From Kaveh Bus Terminal, take Bus 91 which runs down Chahar Bagh-e Pa'in St towards the city centre, past Takhti Junction and Imam Hossein Sq.

Naqsh-e Jahan Square also known as shah square or imam square-1602. The square contains two mosques, a palace, and the bazaar.

The square is the largest historical public square in the world after Tiananmen Square in Beijing and it is one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. The square is surrounded by buildings from the Safavid era.

This a very popular place for locals to picnic on Friday and holiday evenings.

- Meydan Kohne or Kohne Square.

- Shahshahan Square

- Chaharbagh Boulevard - 1596, dating from the Saffavid era, the avenue is the most historically famous in all of Persia.

- Chaharbagh-e-khajou Boulevard

The stunning mosques of Isfahan are among the most beautiful and interesting in the world.

Imam Mosque, In Naghsh-i Jahan Square. Built during the Safavid period, it is an excellent example of Islamic architecture of Iran, and regarded as one of the masterpieces of Persian Architecture.

It is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its splendor is mainly due to the beauty of its seven-colour mosaic tiles and calligraphic inscriptions.

- Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque, one of the architectural masterpieces of Safavid Iranian architecture, this mosque is considered to be the most beautiful in Iran.

Built in 1602 by Shah Abbas I. and designed by his chief architect, Sheikh Bahai. The mosque was designed to be a private mosque for the royal family and therefore it does not have any minarets.

There is a tunnel from the mosque to the Royal Palace, across the square.

- Hakim Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Isfahan. Built by Shah Abbas II between 1656 and 1662. Located on the site of a 10th century mosque. The portal was covered in mud until it was discovered in 1956.

- Masjed-e Jame of Isfahan. Started in AD842, this is the first Islamic building to adapt the four-courtyard layout of Sassanid palaces

Ālī Qapu or Royal Palace. Early 17th Century. It is forty-eight metres high and there are seven floors, each accessible by a difficult spiral staircase.

In the sixth floor music room, deep circular niches are found in the walls, having not only aesthetic value, but also acoustic.

It is rich in naturalistic wall paintings by Reza Abbassi, the court painter of Shah Abbas I, and his pupils. There are floral, animal and bird motifs.

Talar Ashraf or the Palace of Ashraf.

Hasht Behesht or Palace of Eight Paradises. Reportedly built for residence purposes of the King's harem.

Chehel Sotoun or Palace of forty columns. It is called Palace of forty columns, as there are many columns, and in Iranian, 40 means many.

Incidentally, there are twenty columns, and these are reflected in the pool in front, which might also account for its name.

The function of this palace was for holding religious national ceremonies and royal festivals and for receiving royal ambassadors and guests.

Madreseye Shah or Imam Jafar Sadegh after revolution. The compound was built during Soltan Hossein, a Safavid king, to serve as a theological and clerical school to train those who were interested in such sciences.

The dome and the greater part of the walls are covered in bright yellow bricks which give a feeling of lightness.

The entrance gate decorated with gold facade and silver, and the tile-works inside the building are masterpieces of fine art and industry.

The central court, with its pool and garden, are surrounded by arcades on two levels, each giving access to a student's room.

Walk along the Zayanderud River beside the ancient bridges. You see many locals doing this everyday. However, as a result of a drought and badly planned dam, there is usually no water in the river.

Pol-e Shahrestan or Shahrestan Bridge. It is one of the oldest surviving bridges in Iran, built in the 14th Century (C.E.).

Pol-e Khaju or Khaju Bridge. It is the finest bridge in the province of Esfahan. It was built by the Persian Safavid king, Shah Abbas II around 1650 C.E. This structure originally was ornated with artistic tile works and paintings serving as a teahouse

Si-o-Seh Pol or Bridge of 33 Arches. It is highly ranked as being one of the most famous examples of Safavid bridge design.

Pol-e-Joui or choobi or Joui bridge. It is one of Isfahan's oldest bridges and was built in 1665, during the Safavid era.

Pol-e-Maarnaan or Maarnaan Bridge.

Vank Cathedral or Church of the Saintly Sisters. The interior is covered with fine paintings and gilded carvings and includes a wainscot of rich tile work.

The delicately blue and gold painted central dome depicts the Biblical story of creation of the world and man's expulsion from Eden.

Right above the entrance there is an interesting fresco of heaven and hell with black and brown devils slaughtering white naked people who obviously sinned.

To heaven go well dressed pious people with candles. Entrance to the compound on which there is also a museum: IRR200,000. Good value compared to what you pay at other sites.

Kelisaye maryam or maryam church.

Flowers Garden Though, the best time for Flowers Garden is spring, in other seasons, you can find many beautiful small waterfalls, covered sub-garden of cactus.

Birds Garden

Modern Isfahan

Isfahan City Center which is recently completed and now serving the visitors with its variety of products and services, such as a museum, a Food court with traditional and international meals, an Art Gallery.

This is the largest shopping mall in Iran with local and international brands, The largest indoor amusement park in Iran. You can spend a whole week exploring its facilities.

Modern Restaurants such as Shab Neshin, Kentucky House, Hermes.

Modern Amusement Parks such as Isfahan City Center amusement Park, Simorgh Amusement Park and Dreamland Amusement Park east of Isfahan.

Kids Club Sofia Kids Club is the best kids club in Esfahan.They can keep and educate your children in English language.

The price is about 3 US Dollars per hour.it is consists of Coffee shop,rock climbing,children`s sand game etc.

Address: No.177 ,Ghorbanian Deadend,Bazarcheh st.,Second Moshtagh (Near Shahrestan Bridge).

Atashgah. A Zoroastrian fire temple. This small reconstructed temple and ruins are dramatically set atop a rock on the outskirts of Isfahan and provide a commanding view of the smog-covered city.

You can take one of the blue buses there, ask the drivers. Alternatively you can cycle the 15 km from the city along the river bank. Entry: IRR 150,000 for foreigners. Free for Iranians.

Buqe'h-ye Ibn-Sina or Avicenna's Dome.

The Tombs of Nizam al-Mulk & Malek Shah..

Jolfa, the Armenian Quarter, it includes one of the most beautiful churches in Iran.

Sheikh Bahai Bathhouse which is falling apart due to neglect.

Pigeon Towers. Built in the 17th century to attract pigeons, whose droppings were then used as fertilizer.

Hamam-e or Bathhouse, Ali Gholi Agha located in a pleasantly quiet neighborhood with many silver and bronze smiths.

Climb Sofeh Mountain (2257m) 8km south of the city center or catch a telecabin up for IRR200,000.

Just walk around the park which has plastic pre-historic animals, is another option or go bowling at one of the bowling allies underneath the telecabin station.

From the park entrance it is 3km to the top. The elevation difference is about 400m. Only the very last part of the trail requires some scrambling over rocks.

To get to the park take a bus from Sofeh terminal, take a taxi or walk.

Cycle or walk along the beautiful Zayandeh river and enjoy well maintained parks and historic bridges on the way.

You can get a bicycle free of charge at the old city bus station. You have to leave an ID card or passport.

Go to Isfahan City Center at Dastgerdi Hwy Across Sepahan Shahr second Entrance to shop Iranian Clothes and souvenir, see the museum, play in amusement park and dine in the food court.

Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride in the historic Naqshe-Jahan square.

Go to Sooreh Cinema in Amadegah Street for a glimpse of Iranian movies

Have a picnic in Nazhvan garden and enjoy the scenery.

Take a walk in Chahar-Bagh street while enjoying Persian saffron ice-cream.

Take a day trip to Kashan and Qamsar, especially during the months that local Rosewater production is underway in Qamsar.

Take cooking classes where you will learn how to cook delicious and typical Iranian food. Ingredients and recipes are provided by the teacher.

After the classes all the food prepared is eaten and shared together between students and teacher. Place: Anar Guesthouse Isfahan

Universities of Esfahan are:

- University of Esfahan

- Esfahan University of Technology

- Malek Ashtar University

- Sheikh Baha'i University

- Mohajer Technical College

- Farhangiyan University

- Khorasgaan or Esfahan Azad University

- Art University Of Esfahan

- Isfahan City Center University

- Najaf Aabad university which is the largest university in Iran.

Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani University, Foreign Student Coordinator Ghaem Blv., Sepahan Shahr, Esfahan, Iran. Foreign students may learn Persian here as part of tailor-made courses to suit their needs.

Average Salary in Isfahan is a bit lower than Tehran the Iranian Capital, but the same is true for cost of living. Isfahan has a lot of steel and construction related industries as well as Power Generation plants.

There are a lot of technology towns like Sheikh bahaee, Jay, Amir Kabir , Oshtorjaan and many others which all are active in the industry. Qualified people can work in these towns or directly in the industries .

Shops in the main square must pay an additional 8% tax on sales, which is passed on to the customer. Unless the item that you are purchasing is unique or inexpensive, you may be better off shopping outside of the main square.

For a real treasure trove, visit the famous bazaar.

Esfahan carpets are world-famous, being the very finest of the Persian carpets. They are also often extremely expensive. Carpets from the nearby town of Na'in are similar in style, also well-known, and are expensive too.

For those who are interested, it is possible to buy the highly decorative and brightly coloured traditional dress of Esfahan, but such clothing can be expensive, so it's better to haggle for a reasonable price.

Miniatures These exquisite miniature paintings are painted on camel bone. Most of them are sold framed, and prices start from about IRR15,000.

It can be more costly if the artwork is done by a miniature master. Shop and look at various shops before making your decision.

Khatam kari Made out of thousands of tiny tips of colored wood sticks, these patterned handcrafts are popular among locals for framing pictures, gift boxes, backgammon and chess boards.

Mostajeran Carpet, Kuala Lumpar Ave, Isfahan Opposite Keshavarzi Bank, off Chaharbagh St. The largest collection of rugs in Isfahan and make sure you see the back room, through the security door.

Friendly and not pushy owners. International credit card and shipping available. Silk rugs ~USD$3500, wool rugs USD$200.

In some parks, you can simply obtain a carpet and tea from the park warden, and have a picnic on the grass.

You will find families gather in these parks, and bring barbecues and cook freshly made kebabs, which smell (and taste delicious.

Chelo kebab or kebab with rice is a must; there are regional variations in Isfahan.

Beryan is a popular and tasty lunch dish in Isfahan. Many visitors wrongly call it Beryani which refers to the place that sells Beryan. This local dish is made of sheep meat and lung.

Although it is generally known as a fatty dish but if you would like to try it you may order a dietary one.

Fereni & Shireh A concoction of cereal, rice flour, water and milk at Fereni Hafez, which is along Hafez Street near Imam Square.

Usually they mix it with date essence.It costs IRR15000 for a small bowl or IRR25000 for a bigger one.

Khoresht mast is a popular dessert dish, only made in Isfahan. It is a sweet yellow pudding, which literally means Yogurt Stew. Saffron, meat, and yogurt are among the main ingredients.

Doogh-o-Gooshfil a strange combination of Doogh or yogurt drink - usually salty/sour and gooshfil a kind of sweet.

Visit one of the tea-houses in the bazaar or under one of the bridges.

There are many coffee shops in Isfahan. Most of the are located around Vank church.

Feel Cafe, Mir Fendereski St. One of the most popular Cafes in Isfahan.

Persia Hotel, Persia Hotel in Isfahan, Chahar Rah Takhti, Isfahan. checkin: 2:00PM; checkout: 12:00. Persia Hotel is an example of cheap hotels in Isfahan, Iran.

It is a small, one-star hotel located in the center of the city not far from the major tourist attractions of Isfahan.

The level of facilities and service far surpasses any hostel or guesthouse in Isfahan. Persia Hotel has 27 seven rooms.

Breakfast is included in the cost of the rooms, and there is a good restaurant right next to the hotel from which you can order tasty meals.

Single Rooms: €17, Double Rooms: €25, 3-bed Rooms: €30.

Howzak House, No.31, Arabha Alley, Baba Sangagki st., Shams st., 37th st., Ebne Sina street, Isfahan. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00. Howzak House as the first budget traditional B&B in the city of Isfahan provides 4 rooms and a small kitchen serves Persian veggie dishes all set around a garden courtyard and tiny Howz.

The rooms are authentically refurbished with both bed type and traditional bedding set type. The cultural room in the basement and the courtyard create a relaxing atmosphere for guests to read books, play instruments and meet other travelers.

Free WiFi and varied breakfast each day, are included. Expect to feel like home! Triple, double and single room: 45, 40 and 30 euros. Dorm type: 15 euros.

Ghaeli Hotel, Edalat Alley, Sonbolestan St, Abdolrazagh St, Isfahan. checkin: 2:00PM; checkout: 12:00. Ghaeli Hotel in Isfahan is on the top of the list of economy accommodation in the city.

It is a beautiful house with traditional Iranian architecture and a delightful yard. The lovely wooden windows of Ghaeli Hotel open to the yard with its little Iranian garden and fountain pool.

There is also a spacious terrace on the second floor where the guests can hang out and have a cup of tea. Dorm: 15 USD.

Nik Guest House, Khajoo district. checkin: 13; checkout: 12. This guest house is out of services these days temporary for some reason. Bed in dorm plus breakfast is 10€, private room with 2 beds plus breakfast is 20€.

Amir Kabir Hotel or Amir Kabir Hostel, Next to Takhti Sports Center, Charbagh-e Paieen St, Isfahan. There is a bus stop right outside the entrance. Popular among backpackers. Dorm bed: IRR390,000 (10USD) includes Iranian style breakfast.

Shad Hotel, Charbagh st. A budget hotel with a great location close to Si-o-seh pol bridge, along Charbagh street. Rooms come with private bathroom and there is air-conditioning. Beds are hard. Single: IRR500,000.

Mihan Hostel, Charbagh st. A quiet hostel with unfriendly owner along Charbagh street, also close to Si-o-seh bridge.

The toilets are shared and rooms come with TV and small fridge. This hostel does not have common areas to socialise. Double: IRR800,000 Single: IRR500,000 No dorm.

Se7en Hostel, Seven Hostel in Isfahan, Chahar Rah Takhti, Seven Hostel/Orchid Hotel. Seven Hostel in Isfahan is in fact a joint project between SevenHostels and Orchid Hotel in Isfahan.

Through SevenHostels Group's contract with this hotel, budget travelers who travel to Isfahan are provided with dorm beds at 15 USD and also private rooms starting from 45 USD per night, depending on the number of the beds in the room.

The rooms rates include free breakfast and Wi-Fi internet. All the rooms have private bathrooms and the general state of this hostel in Isfahan can be described as neat and clean. Dorm: IRR 525,000 or 15USD if you pay in USD.

Khajeh local Guest House, Hashtbehesht Sharghi district. checkin: 13; checkout: 12. if you are interested to have other traditional meals with locals,it's possible with a bit more charge,and if you are interested to go to Iranian warm greeting parties and have free tee and fruits, it's included.

Local Independent Apartmant plus breakfast and also every 3 days one lunch and one dinner is 40€. On Saturday's morning it's closed for 3 hours, private room with 1 bed and 1 mattress in the house of locals plus breakfast and also every 3 days one lunch and one dinner is 30€.

Anar Guesthouse Esfahan, 492,29th Alley, N Sheikh Sadoogh Street. checkin: On request; checkout: On request. Guesthouse is located in a family home, but you have all the privacy you need in the upstairs area.

Located next to the Armenian district and Sie-o-se Pol bridge close to attractions and transport. Feel at home with this extremely welcoming family.

They will help you with planning your travels in Esfahan and getting to your next destination. Cooking class available. Unlimited free wifi and breakfast included. 15-30€.

Maryam Guesthouse, Laleh Street. checkin: On request; checkout: On request. Guesthouse is located in a quiet street in the old part of the city, near Masjed-e Jameh Mosque and the Bazar-e Bozorg.

Experience Isfahan in a typical Iranian family. Maryam will give you a lot of information about the city, and will help you to plan your trip everywhere in Iran.

Activities, bus, contact cool places to stay in other cities. She also organizes the best cooking classes in town. You will have a lot of fun and the food is amazing! Free wifi and breakfast included. 15-30€.

Hostel Inn Kakh, Charbagh st. checkin: On request; checkout: On request. Hostel Guesthouse is located close to the city center just a few minutes walking from main square, owners are friendly, there are single, double and tripple rooms, no breakfast included, internet yes but not to all the rooms.

In the main entrance no problem and you can stay there as long as you like it is so fast. Has kitchen 800.000 Rs Double.

Wanderers Homestay , Cheap , safe, Fun, Talar st. checkin: On request; checkout: On request. Hostel Guesthouse is located close to the city center just 30 minutes walking from main square.

Familiy is super friendly, there is Single room with double bed, with breakfast included, internet of course is available , also there is laundry machine you can use for free only. Has kitchen 15 euro.

Wanderers Homestay #2 , Cheap , safe, Fun # 2, Kave st just 5 mintues away from terminal KAVE.

On request; checkout: On request. Hostel ,Guesthouse is located close to the city center ,near Esfahan Metro and Kave Terminal, friendly atmosphere , there is Single room with double bed, with breakfast included, internet of course is available , also there is laundry machine you can use for free. Has kitchen 20 euro.

White house homestay , cosy and friendly house, mardavij neighborhood just 10 mintues away from terminal sofeh, . checkin: On request; checkout: On request. a great place for travelers of Esfahan.

Friendly and cool accommodation. entire flat, with breakfast included, internet of course is available , also there is laundry machine. Has kitchen 20 euro.

Annie Hostel, Sheykh Bahaei Street in between all central locations. A new place opened by a local backpacker girl for fellow travelers. New clean beds, lockers, Wi-Fi, spacious rooms and common area, sunny terrace for chilling.

Dorms only. Shared bathrooms and kitchen, laundry available. Also there are board games and cool guests around for networking and information. Contact by Telegram or WhatsApp on this phone number. 5 euro.

Isfahan Boutique Hotel, Next to Majlesi parking lot, 37th St, Ebne Sina St, Isfahan. This beautiful hotel is in fact a renovated historic house that dates back to more than 400 years ago.

The hotel’s architecture is the work of Iranian arch masters of the 17th century.

Isfahan Boutique Hotel has seven beautifully decorated and aptly furnished rooms. There is also a dorm room for the backpackers and other budget travelers who are looking for a simple bed and basic amenities.

All rooms have air-conditioners and heaters. Rooms between $17-$75 per night with breakfast and all taxes & services included.

Ibne Sina Hotel, 37th Alley, Ebne Sina St, Isfahan. The Traditional Ebne Sina Hotel in Isfahan is a very special one and for good reasons; It offers you great access to tourist attractions in Isfahan.

The Hotel offers very fair rates for its good service and neat rooms; and most important of all, there are works of art all around the hotel. Rooms between US$45-US$100 per night with breakfast and all taxes & services included.

Bekhradi Historial Residence, No. 56 Sonbolestan Alley, Ebn-e-Sina, Shohada Sq. Quiet, traditional khane-sonnati Iranian traditional house.

The Bekhradi’s Historical House is the first Safavid 17th century historical house that has been restored and used in Iran for a traditional Bed & Breakfast since 1999.

Five beautifully resorted Safavid-style rooms and suites, all with private bathrooms set around a garden courtyard.

There is also on-demand home made foods and internet in this quiet area north of Imam Square. Rooms between US$60-US$90 per night with breakfast and all taxes & services included.

Dibai House Heritage Guesthouse, 1 Masjed Ali Alley, Harounie, Isfahan. From Hatef Street turn into Yakhchal Street, follow and then turn second on your right into Moshir Street.

Follow, then again turn second on your right into a narrow cul-de-sac called Shahid Farhangi. Follow straight, and at its end there is a pedestrian alleyway.

A couple of meters into it, to your left, you will find Dibai House's front door. Perhaps Isfahan's most atmospheric accommodation, Dibai House comprises a scrupulously restored 17th-century Safavid historic mansion that nevertheless boasts modern facilities.

Ideally located in the Old Quarter. No smoking indoors. WiFi. Use of kitchen. Price includes breakfast, and owner Sufi is extremely helpful with travel information. € 40/60/80 per room/night for single/double/triple rooms.

Hasht Behesht Apartment Hotel, Ostandari st. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00. Amazing value apartments, clean, modern and central.Free Wi-Fi internet in the rooms and apartments.Tripadvisor.com's travelers choice 2013 mid.

Iran Hotel, Chaharbagh Abbasi Ave., Sepahan Lane (26). checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00. Iran Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Isfahan within walking distance of some of the most beautiful and cherished tourist attractions in Iran. 26/42/54 Dollar for Single/Double/Triple per night including Breakfast.

Safir Hotel, Amadegah Street Across the street from the Abassi Hotel. Glass elevator. Some rooms don't have windows. Includes a pool with massage services at $50/hour.

Kaveh Hotel, Kaveh bus Terminal, Inside Kaveh Bus Terminal. Highly recommended because of the strategic location inside of Kaveh Terminal 1,500,000 rial for double room.

Abbasi Hotel. Built during the reign of King Sultan Hossein of Safavids about 300 years ago. King Soltan Hossein attributed this magnificent complex of building to his mother.

That is why it is called the school and caravansaray of Madar-shah which means king's mother. The hotel also has a nice restaurant and tea house in the courtyard.

Kowsar International Hotel. Overlooks the river.

Hotel Ali Ghapou, Chahar Bagh Ave. 97 rooms and 4 suites.

Hotel Aseman. Overlooks the river.

There are various Internet cafes in Esfahan. The cheapest in the city is the Central Library of Esfahan but speed is not reasonable. It is accessible from Naghshe-Jahan Square by two minutes walk.

Na’in is the first Desert city toward east. it's a small and quiet town at the edge of desert. A perfect pattern of a desert town.

Everything you like to see in a desert town you can find there. to get there, buses depart Jay terminal US$2 every half an hour from 06:00 to 20:00. private taxi is also available. 140km 1/5 hrs.

Varzaneh has the most beautiful desert in Isfahan district. Almost everything you expect from a desert, you can find in desert of Varzaneh, which is 12 km southeast of town.

The town itself has many ancient structures, including Pigeon house, Jameh Mosque, Kohneh (old) bridge, caravansary, camel-mill and a lot more.

In the town, almost neither of locals goes to bakery, since women are still baking organic bread inside the houses. In addition, most of housewives are weaving carpets.

Salt lake, Gavkhooni wetland and 1000-yeaer-old Ghoortan citadel are also in Varzaneh district.

Varzaneh is famous as town of white pigeons, as women are wearing white chadors since many centuries ago, keeping the traditional of pre-islamic religion Zoroastrianism, though all the people are currently Muslim.

Varzaneh is reachable by regular buses once an hour from Jey Terminal in Isfahan. You would pay US$1 and it takes 1:30 min to reach there. Taxis are also available in front of Jey Terminal.

Toudeshk-Cho is 100km from Esfahan, on the way to Yazd. It is a very, quaint traditional desert village and it is easy to get to from the Jey Minibus terminal.

It is well known among backpackers as the location of the Tak-Taku Homestay.

Qom is a holy city a few hundred kilometres away.

Shiraz is located south from Esfahan.

Kashan is famous for its beautiful mansions from the 1800s and its gardens.

Dasht-e-Kavir central desert of Iran is easily reached by a 6 hours bus journey from Esfahan.

Then find oasis and salt lakes.


Tourism Observer

AUSTRIA: Austrian Airlines Flying Vienna-Shiraz Route

Austrian Airlines is in talks with Shiraz International Airport’s officials to start operating a direct flight to Shiraz in the near future, AviationIran website reported.

According to this report, the negotiations with Austrian Airlines regarding a new Vienna – Shiraz route has recently been started.

Austrian Airlines had earlier expressed its interest in Shiraz when the airline announced the new Isfahan service .

Shiraz becomes Austrian Airlines’ third destination in Iran, joining Tehran and Isfahan.

Austrian Airlines launched a three times weekly service from Vienna to the Iranian commercial centre of Isfahan.

Austrian Airlines will fly to Isfahan the entire year.

The duration of the journey from Vienna to Isfahan is about 4 hours 40 minutes.

Earlier, Air France and British Airways resumed flying to Iran after a several years’ break.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will also resumeD services to Tehran.


Tourism Observer

IRAN: Civil Aviation Organization Of Iran Grounds Aseman Airlines ATR Planes After Crash Of ATR72-200 EP-ATS

The Civil Aviation Organization of Iran has grounded Iran Aseman Airlines’s entire fleet of Avions de Transport Regional turboprops.

This is in the wake of the crash of ATR72-200 EP-ATS on Sunday, February 18, near Semirom, in southern Iran, which killed all 66 passengers and crew onboard.

The regulator said in a statement last week the measure was precautionary and would allow it to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the crash.

Iran Aseman Airlines operates two ATR72-200s averaging 24.8 years of age and two ATR72-500s averaging 17.3 years of age.

They are used to run domestic sectors across Iran focussing on connectivity to Tehran Mehrabad and Shiraz.

Iran Aseman Airlines also known as Aseman, is an airline headquartered in Tehran, Iran. It operates scheduled domestic passenger services and regional international services.

Aseman is Iran's third-largest airline by active fleet size.

The airline was established and started operations in 1980.The airline's historic links go back to 1958 to the airline Air Taxi Co., which was rebranded as Pars Air in the 1970s and later Iran Aseman Airlines.

In March 2007, it was owned by Iranian Civil Pension Fund Investment Company and had 298 employees. It has since been privatized.

In July 2016, the CEO of the airline was issued an arrest warrant because of an alleged sum of approximately $37 million in public debts to Iran Airports & Air Navigation Company.

In February 2017, it emerged that Aseman Airlines was in talks with an Irish firm to lease seven Airbus A320neos.

In April 2017, the airline signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Boeing for the purchase of 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with options for another 30 aircraft.

In June 2017, Iran Aseman Airlines signed a final deal to buy 30 Boeing 737 MAX jets.

On 4 October 1990, an Iran Aseman Fokker F27 Friendship, registration EP-ANA overran the runway upon landing at Ramsar Airport, and came to rest at a concrete wall 100 metres behind the runway.

There were no fatalities amongst the 46 passengers and four crew members on board, and the aircraft was fully repaired.

On 12 October 1994, Iran Aseman Airlines Flight 746, a Fokker F28 Fellowship, registration EP-PAV en route from Isfahan to Tehran suffered a sudden loss of power in both engines at 23:05 local time, 35 minutes after take-off from Isfahan International Airport.

The aircraft spiralled into an uncontrolled descent and crashed near Natanz, killing all 59 passengers and seven crew members on board.

On 18 July 2000, Iran Aseman Airlines Flight 775, a Fokker F28 Fellowship, registration EP-PAU en route from Tehran to Ahwaz, was damaged beyond repair when the pilot missed the runway upon a low-visibility landing attempt at Ahwaz Airport and instead touched down next to it.

A successful go-around was executed, and there were no injuries amongst the 84 passengers and four crew members on board.

On 26 August 2010, a Fokker 100 registration EP-ASL operating Iran Aseman Airlines Flight 773 from Tehran to Tabriz overran the runway upon landing at Tabriz International Airport and was substantially damaged when it plunged into a canal.

Two out of the 103 passengers on board were injured, while none of the seven crew members were hurt.

On 10 May 2014, a Fokker 100, registration EP-ASZ, was damaged in a landing accident at Zahedan Airport (ZAH), Iran.

The airplane operated Flight 853 from Mashhad Airport (MHD). The left hand main undercarriage failed to extend or lock prior to landing. A forced landing was carried out on runway 35.

The airplane swerved to the left and came to rest 1450 meters (4760 feet) past the runway 35 threshold and 23 meters (75 feet) to the left of the centreline.

On 18 February 2018, Iran Aseman Airlines Flight 3704, an ATR 72-200, registration EP-ATS flying from Tehran to Yasuj, crashed into the Zagros Mountains, south of Isfahan after it disappeared from radar, 50 minutes after taking off from Mehrabad Airport.

All 59 passengers and six crew were killed.



Tourism Observer

IRAN: Iranian Airline to Resume Direct Flights From Tehran To Brussels

The Iranian Qeshm Air will resume its flight from Tehran to Brussels and vice versa, airline’s Managing Director Mahmoud Shekarabi announced.

“The move will be considered as a step towards the expansion of tourism relations with Europe,” Shekarabi said in a meeting with Belgian Ambassador to Tehran François Delhaye.

He reiterated that the direct flights between Iran and Belgium will be launched in the near future.

“The aim of launching new air route is to expand Qeshm Air’s flights to Europe, Shekarabi said, adding, “Belgium is a country which is located at the center of Europe and therefore, enjoys a special strategic significance.”

The Belgian ambassador, for his part, said that Iran enjoys high capacities to attract foreign tourists.

“The Belgian people welcome establishment of the direct flights between Brussels and Tehran,” Delhaye said.

He underlined that Tehran-Brussels air route will have positive impact on the development of bilateral relations, specially in the areas of tourism, investment and economy.

In late October, Tehran and Brussels signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to broaden their bilateral ties in economic and trade fields.

The MoU was signed between Head of Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization Mojtaba Khosrotaj and visiting Belgian trade delegation in Tehran.

“The volume of trade exchanges between Iran and Belgium nearly hit $200 million which we hope it would grow due to Belgium’s high potentials,” Khosrotaj said.

He said that the MoU aims to broaden scientific, technological and infrastructural cooperation between Iranian and Belgian firms.

The MoU has made a framework on developing investment and trade cooperation between the two countries.

The visiting Belgian economic-trade delegation comprises 200 representatives of 140 firms; the first economic mission of Belgium in Iran in post-JCPOA era.

Following agreements between Tehran and Baku to expand cooperation in tourism sector, the number of flights made between Iran and Azerbaijan has significantly increased and airlines from both countries intend to significantly increase their number of flights, an Iranian tour operator told Trend.

The Chairman of Iran’s Aysan Parvaz travel agency, Mohsen Dastmalchi said that Iran earned about $1.5 billion in revenue from Azerbaijani visitors in 2015 as around 1.5 million tourists from the north-western neighboring country arrived in the Islamic Republic over the past year.

This is while the number of Iranian tourists arriving in Azerbaijan has also considerably increased, he added.

Iran currently launches nine flights to Azerbaijan on a weekly basis and it is capable of bringing about 1,350 tourists to the neighboring country per week.

In the meantime Azerbaijan’s flag carrier airline known as AZAL (Azerbaijan Airlines) continues its regular flights between the two countries.

Elaborating on the opportunities for cooperation in tourism sector between the two countries, he called on Azerbaijani tourists to visit various Iranian cities particularly the holy city of Mashhad.

Iran’s revenue from tourism over the last Iranian calendar year (ended March 20) amounted to $8 billion.

UAE: Air Arabia To Fly To Baku In March

Sharjah-headquartered Air Arabia, the largest low-cost carrier operator in the Middle East and North Africa, plans to launch a new service from Sharjah to Baku in Azarbajian next month, which is expected to be the airline’s first route launch of the year.

Beginning 23 March 2017, Air Arabic will operate four weekly flights from its main hub at Sharjah International Airport to Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku. The addition of the new route follows an agreement between Air Arabia, Azarbajian Airlines and Azarbajiani authorities aimed at promoting connections between Baku and Sharjah.

Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan’s largest city is also the largest city on the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus region. Famed for its medieval walled old city and cultural status, Baku is the scientific, industrial and financial centre of Azerbaijan. The city recently received global attention after hosting the European Grand Prix (now renamed the Azerbaijan Grand Prix).

Air Arabia added 9 new routes to its global network in 2016 from its five operating hubs in the UAE, Morocco, Egypt and Jordan. The airline added new services from its main Sharjah hub to Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina and to Batumi in Georgia.

Reportedly, Air Arabia also has plans to launch a new service to Ahvaz in the southwest of Iran, subject to approvals from Ahvaz International Airport. Air Arabia already operates direct flights from Sharjah to 6 destinations in Iran; Abadan, Isfahan, Lar, Mashhad, Shiraz and Tehran.

Air Arabia currently serves over 120 routes from its five operational hubs.

IRAN: Safest Place In Middle East For Christians

Tehran might not seem like the most obvious pitstop for Santa Claus, but Iranians love the chintzy side of Christmas and it is also one of the safest places in the Middle East for Christians.

The past month has seen shoppers flocking to the Armenian district of Somayeh — the biggest Christian area in the city — to pick up fake trees, and stock up on baubles, reindeer toys and plastic snowmen.

“It’s really interesting and attractive for us,” said Niloufar, a Muslim women in her thirties who was out shopping with her husband on Christmas Eve.

“I love the decorations, the tree. We see it as showing a kind of respect for other beliefs. And of course I like all the chocolates!”

Shoppers line up for selfies with one of several Santas stationed outside stores on the main drag.

One Father Christmas, full of the festive spirit, breaks into an impromptu dance to a popular Iranian pop song playing outside a food stall.

Hamed Davoodian owns a grocery store on the street, and says the community never faces any trouble from the authorities.

“Why should we? (Armenians) have been here for 400 years. They are great to us,” he said, adding proudly that Christians fought alongside their fellow Iranians during the brutal war with Iraq in the 1980s.

“There were 30 to 35 martyrs from our neighbourhood,” he said.
Thousands of Christians have emigrated to the United States and elsewhere, leaving only 120,000 Christians according to the last official count.

Most are Armenian — who are Orthodox Christian — along with a few thousand Assyrian Catholics.
Christians are officially recognised and protected along with Jews and Zoroastriansin Iran!

There are limitations. Converting Muslims is illegal, which leads authorities to crack down on Persian-language Bibles. Services must be carried out in the original language of the ethnic group.

But there are none of those concerns at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in downtown Tehran on Christmas Eve, where it is standing-room only for the midnight mass, delivered in the Assyrian language.

Archbishop Ramzi Garmou believes that Christianity in the region dates back to the second century when St Thomas passed through on his way to India.

Having once numbered in the tens of millions, the Christian community is now tiny, and Garmou says he normally sees only a few dozen for Sunday mass — not least because it’s a working day in Iran and traffic is horrendous.

“But I’ve always said that the strength of the church is not in the number of its followers but the faith they show in their daily lives,” he said.

And he is grateful that Iran is such an oasis of peace in a region beset by war, and in which Christians face mounting persecution.

“Thanks to God, we really live in peace and security, but our neighbours live in anguish and violence. We pray for them tonight,” he said.

IRAN: Austrian Airlines To Fly To Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz By July

Austrian Airlines is expanding beyond Tehran.

Unlike Europe’s other major airlines who fly solely to the Iranian capital, Austrian has been serving Isfahan since last year. And from July 2 next Austrian will be adding Shiraz.

It means that travellers bound for either regional city can avoid the time and expense of changing planes in Tehran as our features editor Jenny Southan encountered when visiting Isfahan.

In total, including its Tehran services, Austrian operates more flights to Iran than any other European airline.

“No other airline in Western Europe offers 18 weekly flights to Iran. Here we are number one,” claims Austrian’s CCO Andreas Otto.

In reality the Shiraz service is a continuation of Austrian’s existing Vienna-Isfahan link. Flights are operated by a narrow-body A320s.

Services will depart Vienna every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 2200 arriving into Shiraz (after a short stop in Isfahan) at 0310 the following morning.

Return services depart Shiraz every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 0520 and (after that short stop in Isfahan) reach Vienna the same morning at 0920.

Austrian is very much a transfer airline. Therefore flights are timed for connectivity at its Vienna hub.

Female Air France Cabin Crews Protest Head Scarves On Iran Flights

Some female Air France flight attendants have been protesting an airline rule that they must cover their hair when Air France resumes flights to the Iranian capital, Tehran.

"Every day we have calls from worried female cabin crew who tell us that they do not want to wear the head scarf," a union representative, Christophe Pillet,said.

French media reported that Air France has sent a memo informing female cabin crew they would be required to wear trousers and long jackets, in addition to covering their hair with a scarf when leaving the aircraft in Tehran.

The hijab became compulsory for women in Iran after the 1979 revolution and the creation of an Islamic republic.

Foreign women traveling to Iran are also required by law to wear the hijab.

Flore Arrighi, head of the UNAC flight crews' union, said: "It is not our role to pass judgment on the wearing of head scarves or veils in Iran."

She said the cabin crew members are denouncing the policy because it is compulsory.

She also said female cabin crew must be given the right to refuse working on flights to Tehran.

Air France has defended the decision, saying that the rule is respected by all other international airlines that have flights to Iran.

Air France announced in December that it would resume Paris-Tehran flights after an eight-year gap.

IRAN: Steigenberger Hotel Group To Build 10 hotels In Iran

German hospitality company, Steigenberger Hotel Group, is set to build 10 hotels in different parts of Iran over the next ten years. The CEO of Steigenberger Hotels, Puneet Chhatwal, signed an agreement with the deputy director of Iran's Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Organization (CHTHO), Saeid Shirkavand, during a meeting at Tehran's Espinas Palace Hotel on Sunday.

The German group visited Iran's hotel building holdings and private sector entities on Saturday and decided to build the hotels under the brand name Steigenberger Hotels or InterCity Hotels in the coming years.

CHTHO Director Masoud Soltanifar also attended the meeting. During the event, he pointed to measures Iran has taken to facilitate tourism industry during past two years.

"Facilitation of visa obtaining for some nationalities, expanding number and destination of flights as well as road and rail transport systems are some tourism infrastructures improved by Iran during past years," he explained.

Soltanifar also explained about the plan to increase the number of 4-star and 5-star hotels in the next ten years, saying that "Iran will build 25 four- and five-star hotels annually in the future".

"The hotels will be built by Iran's private sector and investors from other countries. Investors from Turkey and Azerbaijan signed agreements with CHTHO to build hotels in different parts of Iran recently," he explained.

Steigenberger Hotels CEO Chhatwal, for his part, talked about the improvement in Iran's tourism industry in recent years.

He said that experts from Steigenberger Hotels visited different cities of Iran including Shiraz, Isfahan and Tehran four times during past six months and explored tourism market in the country.

Steigenberger Hotels already has 120 hotels in 13 countries and will begin building hotels in Iran until ending of 2016, he added.

Chhatwal said that they are searching for an Iranian partner to build the hotels.

The Steigenberger Hotels has improved investment in the Middle East during recent years. The Steigenberger Hotel Dubai Business Bay has been receiving guests since November 2015.

The first InterCityHotel outside Europe is scheduled to open in July 2016 in Salalah, the second largest metropolitan area in Oman and the InterCityHotel Dubai Culture Village and the Steigenberger Hotel Doha Airport Road in Qatar are scheduled for completion in 2017 and 2018 respectively.

IRAN: Iran Needs 551 Airplanes In 9 years

Iran's air fleet needs 551 new airplanes by the Iranian calendar year 1404 (March 2025- March 2026), Transport Minister Abbas Akhoundi announced on Wednesday.

The Iranian air fleet includes 266 airplanes, 100 of which are grounded due to their old age, Akhoundi said.

"The average age of in-service airplanes in Iran is around 23 years and they should go out of service within a year according to international standards," he added.

Following Iran's nuclear deal with the world's major powers and lifting of sanctions against the country, the Islamic Republic made renovation of its ageing air fleet one of its top priorities.

The first deal after the nuclear accord was signed in January with Airbus. The Iranian flag carrier, Iran Air, agreed to buy 118 jets worth $27 billion from Airbus.

Akhoundi announced on Tuesday that the agreement on purchasing Airbus planes will be concluded within the next three or four weeks.

Also, Boeing Co. said Tuesday it signed an agreement with Iran Air "expressing the airline's intent" to buy its aircraft, marking the first major deal with an American company in the Islamic Republic following its landmark nuclear deal.

The Chicago-based manufacturer issued a statement saying that it signed the agreement "under authorizations from the U.S. government following a determination that Iran had met its obligations under the nuclear accord reached last summer."

IRAN: Iran And Armenia Open Borders For Cooperation

After the partial lifting of the international sanctions against Iran, Tehran has figured out the need to develop the tourism industry. Within the framework of the state program of tourism development, the Iranian authorities are studying the possibility of introducing a visa-free regime for citizens of 60 more countries. Iran has already lifted visa requirements for travelers from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Lebanon, Georgia, Bolivia, Egypt and Syria to stimulate the tourism industry in the country. Citizens of these countries can stay in Iran without visas from between 15 to 90 days.

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif recently signed a memorandum on liberalization of the visa regime between the two countries in Tehran. The director of the Caucasus Institute, Alexander Iskandaryan, explained to Vestnik Kavkaza that the decision of Tehran and Yerevan came from a longstanding background: "Iran and Armenia have good-neighborly relations, which are developing in the economic and communication spheres. Iran is one of the two countries with which Armenia has open borders. Political relations between them are also quite favorable – there are many Iranian tourists and businessmen in Armenia."

Iranian citizens have prevailed among people receiving visas to Armenia for years, they are ahead of citizens of the US, Turkey, Israel, Syria, Canada, Japan, Lebanon, India and Iraq. In 2013 Armenia unilaterally ratified the visa regime for citizens of 27 EU Member States, as well as 4 non-EU members, but to which regulations of the Schengen-area apply – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland: they can visit Armenia without visas and stay in the country for 90 days.

According to Iskandaryan, the abolition of visas is advantageous for Iran in economic terms: "Relations will develop, because the process of lifting the sanctions against Iran has started, while there were economic problems between Armenia and Iran in the absence of political problems – that is, some decisions were taken, but there was a problem with money. The fact is that Iran's hands were financially tied. Now, due to the gradual removal of sanctions, Iran will feel freer in a financial sense and can continue developing its partnership."

A senior research fellow of the Institute for Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladimir Sazhin, also praised the abolition of visas.

"When they lift the visa regime, they remove barriers to human communication. Given the fact that Armenia and Iran have thousands of years of common history [there are more than 150 thousand ethnic Armenians in Iran now], the abolition of visas is a positive thing. Recently, Armenians have visited Iran, and Iranians have visited Armenia, including on vacation. All this, of course, is also a positive thing," Sazhin told Vestnik Kavkaza.

However, according to him, there is the political aspect in this process: "Relations between Tehran and Yerevan are good both economically and politically. Despite the fact that Iran is a Muslim country, while Armenia is a Christian country, there are almost no fundamental contradictions between them. Nevertheless, the Karabakh problem exists. Iran seeks and offers itself as a mediator in resolving the very difficult relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia".

IRAN: Iran Seeks Tourism Dollars

Skiers sit on a ski lift over the Darbandsar ski resort, 60 kms northeast of Tehran. Long seen as a destination strewn with shortcomings, Iran is making a fresh pitch for tourists, with the recent lifting of economic sanctions providing an opportunity to cash in.

Long seen as a destination strewn with shortcomings, Iran is making a fresh pitch for tourists, with the recent lifting of economic sanctions providing an opportunity to cash in.

The tourism industry has been overlooked by successive governments in Tehran but the deal Iran struck with world powers over its nuclear programme last summer could change that.

Along with nine companions including Americans and Germans, China-based Frenchman Yannick Lequelenec said he aims to make "one unique journey" every year. For 2016, he chose Iran.

"My family told me I was crazy, but people have been welcoming and very friendly," he said in Tehran of his one-week trip taken over the Chinese New Year holidays.

Tourists, and the healthy revenues they could generate, are among the huge economic changes stemming from the nuclear deal.

Ski resorts, UNESCO-listed world heritage sites and deserts combine with cities steeped in Middle Eastern grandeur and tradition.

A tourism push was launched after President Hassan Rouhani came to power in 2013, ending the hardline era of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad during which Iran's international isolation deepened.

Entry procedures have been simplified, meaning visitors from only 11 countries are not eligible for a visa on arrival.

The United States, Britain, Canada and France top the exclusion list but some people will not be put off by the restrictions.

"The first thing we did was to go skiing in Tochal," said Rachel Punter, a 41-year-old British teacher based in Shanghai who was among Lequelenec's group.

The ski resort is one of several close to the capital. That outing was followed by trips to Isfahan, Shiraz and Yazd, cities considered much more beautiful and relaxed than Tehran.

Among the popular sites in Isfahan is Imam Square, second in size only to Tiananmen Square in Beijing, but with water fountains and impressive architecture the Iranian site is much more attractive.

For Rouhani, tourism offers a way to offset falling oil prices that have slashed government income. The goal is 20 million tourists annually by 2025 which would provide $30 billion a year, a fivefold increase in current revenues from foreign visitors.

It comes as tourists shun many parts of the Middle East because of war and a recent wave of jihadist attacks in countries including Egypt and Tunisia.

International credit and debit cards still do not work in Iran, but arriving with foreign currency and converting it into a large bundle of local rial notes does not seem a handicap.

There have been 4.16 million visitors in the first nine months of the Iranian year, which started in March 2015, up five percent from a year earlier, according to the tourism ministry.

Two thirds of them come from neighbouring countries, such as Iraq, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Afghanistan or Pakistan, predominantly religious pilgrims visiting the holy Shiite cities of Mashhad, northeast of Tehran, and Qom, south of the capital.

Western tourists currently number only five percent but the trend is upward, according to Ebrahim Pourfaraj, head of Pasargad Tour Agency and president of the Association of Iranian Tour Operators.

"For tourists, the sense of security and peace is very important. The nuclear deal and the trips of President Hassan Rouhani to Italy and France have reinforced this phenomenon," he said.

IRAN: Escape To Iran

Hotels, food and souvenirs are roughly on a par with American prices, but for an outsider working this out can be tricky - Iran uses the rial, but prices are often in toman, which equal 10 rials... Let's just say there are several zeros to contend with, and long-division skills are a necessity.

Hotels in Iran are like a time warp, circa 1979. That's when the Islamic Revolution forced the termination of all foreign hotel contracts. Nowadays, they're referred to by their former names, like "the old Sheraton". But despite the lack of modern amenities and contemporary decor, the hotels I experienced were very clean, and functional.

Breakfast is tea, dates, and watermelon, served with thick, sesame-topped flatbread and honey or quince jam, and sometimes whipped cream. Yes, whipped cream!

The only thing missing was coffee - good coffee. A government backlash against Western habits, such as socialising in coffee shops, has shuttered many of Tehran's cafes. A few good coffee shops near the university and north Tehran remain, but even the strongest cup doesn't taste like a proper Americano. On the other hand, coffee drinking - and cupcakes in typical American flavours such as red velvet - are gaining in popularity. A Persian Starbucks would have bright prospects.

The Espinas Hotel, built in 2009, comes closest to five-star luxury. An influx of foreign tourists has provided valuable lessons for local hoteliers like Amir Mousapour, who manages the Espinas. "European guests always ask for quiet rooms, away from the street, on high floors," he tells me. "We never had that request before."

According to the Tehran Times, the number of European tourists who visited the country in spring 2014 was more than double the number who visited in the same period a year earlier.

All women, including foreign tourists, must wear a headscarf and manteau, a loose robe covering neck to knee, including elbows. Only the most religious are cloaked in black. Most women embrace colours and patterns.

An entire cottage industry has emerged to supply this mandatory uniform. At one end of the scale you find bespoke interpretations from design studios in sophisticated styles such as a pale-blue linen duster coat, or fabric overlays in contrasting shades. Some are casual, others elegant.

But there is a manteau for everyone. I wore a shirt dress over trousers, which was totally acceptable, but visited Tehran's Friday Market to buy more manteaux for the rest of my trip. There were rooms and rooms of vendors selling antiquities, handicrafts, jewellery, household goods, rugs and clothing, all crowded with local people. Most tourists head to the Grand Bazaar, but it's the Friday Market where the bargains are - and haggling is a must.

I wandered through it with Sarah, another guide, who watched me admire an inexpensive, vintage pendant and instructed me not to buy it. "I have one just like it at home. I will give it to you," Sarah said. The legendary Persian hospitality was in full swing, with no expectation of anything in return. I was relieved she was by my side, when I received a warning from the religious police - my headscarf had slipped to the back of my neck and needed to be returned to the top of my head.

One long road, Vali Asr, divides the east and west of Tehran, charting the personalities of the city as it snakes from south to north. The south is home to the more religious and traditional, working and middle classes. The north is home to Tehran's elite, successful business owners and the Alborz Mountains. In the south you find affordable dress shops selling conservative styles - further north, these turn into boutiques, which wouldn't be out of place in a European capital.

The streets are quiet in Tehran in the early morning - until the rush-hour begins. Then they become choked with traffic, and it stays that way all day and into the night. Apart from that it's easy to get around Tehran, and the rest of the country too. Most tourists travel by car, often with a guide who is also a driver. The roads seemed perfectly safe to me.

I also took a short, domestic flight to the city of Yazd, famous for its 15 different cookies and a Fire Temple, containing a flame kept alight since 470 AD.

In the departures hall, before the flight back to Tehran, men and women were quite casual about mixing in public. A friendly man in his mid-thirties, carrying a box of cookies for his family back home, struck up a conversation with me. We joked about everyday topics and his geniality didn't stop once we boarded the plane. After we landed, he saw me waiting for Amin while family members and taxi drivers came to meet others. "Are you OK? Is someone coming for you?" he asked. I assured him my guide was probably delayed by traffic, but he insisted on waiting with me until Amin arrived.

I also met women who made a big impression. Fatemeh Fereidooni established her own travel agency two years ago. She's a strong, single woman and the first to offer culinary tours in Iran - as good a sign as any, that Western tourism is on the up. With eight different kinds of bread in Tehran alone and each region of the country producing its own unique watermelon, there is no shortage of stops. Dishes like lamb with pomegranates and walnuts, herb stew with beans and turmeric-seasoned beef or jewelled saffron rice with slivers of almonds and dried fruit read like an Ottolenghi menu - an imaginative reinvention of Middle Eastern cuisine - except they are Persian classics.

The steady increase in Western guests has already given Iranians a chance to study what it is that these visitors want - from their obsession with food, to their quest for a good night's sleep.