blog

Romance in the Ancient Persian Empire: Why This Makes for a Perfect Valentine's Gift

Persian poets have created some of the world’s oldest literature and in two-and-a-half millennia the area that spans Iran, Iraq, the Caucasus and Turkey has served as the décor for love verses by poets such as Hafez, Rumi and Ferdowsi.

This is why the countries of the former Persian Empire create the perfect setting for one of our most romantic trips. It goes from mystical Iran to the wonders of Mtskheta via other hidden gems in Georgia and Armenia travelling historical sites, scenic splendours and vibrant cultures…

 

Darband: Charming Cafes

A cafe in Darband in Tehran, Iran

© mi)

From Darband, meaning ‘gateway’ in Persian, it’s possible to take in the vastness of the Iranian capital’s sprawl.  This mountain area north of Tehran is famous fo the culinary delights that await you at the many cafes on the top of the hill. The area is very popular with local Iranians and Darband gets quite busy in the evenings when they gather for a sweet tea and shisha.

 

Jewellry Museum: Special Presents?

Did you know that in Tehran you can see the largest uncut diamond in the world? The National Jewellry Museum holds the best collection of its kind anywhere in the world. You might even get some inspiration for another very special Valentines Day present…

 

Alborz Mountains: Cherry Growing Village

The Alborz Mountains in Iran

© ninara

The Alborz Mountains are home to the fabled Assassins Castles, one of which is located in the picturesque cherry growing village of Gazor Khan. The ancient mountain fortress above this charming village played a significant role in Persia's history.

 

Roodkhan Castle: Astounding Views

Roodkhan Castle in the ancient Persian Empire

© ninara

Another romantic spot, also with a less pretty history, can be reached via a dense and spectacular jungle and pebble-studded stairs. With the beautifully preserved ancient brick and stone Roodkhan Castle and its unmissable views from the top it’s easy to imagine where the Persian poets got their inspiration.

 

Sareyn: Hot Springs with A View

After skirting the Caspian Sea there is the small hot springs resort of Sareyn. It is a fantastic place for an overnight as from here you can have mesmerising views of Mt Sabalan (4811 m) that sits on the plains above this Iranian village.

 

Areni: World's Oldest Wine

The oldest wine in the world is from Armenia

© Zorah Wines

Drive the serpentine road through Armenia’s deepest canyon to reach a family-owned winery in Areni, the country’s wine capital. This is also the site where world’s oldest wine-making facility is found. Although in the time of the ancient Persians, wine was probably rather used in burial ceremonies than to raise a glass on Valentines Day.

 

Lake Sevan: Pearl of Armenia

Lake Sevan in Armenia

© Varmin1

Lake Sevan is also called ‘Pearl of Armenia’ and at 1900 meters it is one of the largest high altitude lakes in the world. If lucky, you may even witness the waters of the lake changing colours!

 

Imagine taking in all these sights and being on this epic journey in the ancient Persian Empire from Iran to Tbilisi via Armenia with your loved one. Our next guaranteed departure is in April and you can get in touch with one of our teams for bookings or more information.

Adventure, Armenia, Georgia, Iran, Romance, Turkey

Comment (0)

Your comment will be visible after the administrator's approval.







b i u quote


Save Comment
Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips