Shiraz
In April 2022, I traveled from Tehran to Shiraz with Iran Air. Shiraz, often called the “City of Poets, Wine, and Flowers,” immerses visitors in Persian culture, history, and poetry. This city showcases a rich heritage through its stunning gardens, historic monuments, and lively bazaars. Highlights include the mesmerizing Nasir al-Mulk Mosque with its kaleidoscopic stained-glass windows and the serene Eram Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shiraz is also the final resting place of renowned Persian poets Hafez and Saadi, whose tombs attract poetry aficionados. A short drive away lies Persepolis, the ancient ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire, offering a glimpse into the splendor of ancient Persia. Whether wandering through vibrant bazaars or savoring the peace of its gardens, Shiraz beautifully intertwines history, art, and nature.