A gem of Islamic architecture, Isfahan is considered to be the most beautiful city in Iran. Its golden age was under the Safavid King Shah Abbas I who came to power in 1587 and set out to make Isfahan a great and magnificent capital.

The main square of Isfahan is Imam Square (formerly a large polo ground) which includes The Imam Mosque , covered inside and out with blue enamelled tiles of great beauty, The Lotfollah Mosque with its exquisite pink dome, The Ali Qapu palace (Shah Abbas's residence) and the Jameh (Friday) mosque.

The list of sights in Isfahan is endless and includes the early 17th century Chehel Sotoon Palace (Forty Columns Palace); Vank Armenian Cathedral, richly decorated inside with a mixture of Islamic and Christian styles; the old bridges of Isfahan, spanning the Zayande river; the Shaking Minarets which will sway back and forth if you lean hard against them. In spring and autumn, Isfahan is a delightful place for strolling and exploring and its bazaar is one of the finest in Iran.

Between Isfahan and Tehran lies the town of Kashan, famous for its carpets, pottery and rose water. Nearby is the settlement of Abyaneh , one of the most picturesque villages in Iran, made of mud bricks staggered up the mountainside.