9 lost cities of the world

From crumbling Persian empires to colossal Roman cities, here are some of our favourite ruined civilisations from around the world.

Mosques, mausoleums and madrasas: our favourite Silk Road sights

Discover our favourite sights along one of the most important trading routes in history.

Brighten up your day with the world’s most colourful places

Sit back and enjoy this kaleidoscope of colours.

The world’s most impressive geological features

Marble caves, salt lakes and rainbow mountains.

Lockdown in Iran: Meanwhile in Shiraz

Not unlike many others, I have always been fascinated by the Orient.

Lockdown in Iran: Meanwhile in Esfahan

In 2016 I came to Iran for first time, travelling all around the country only by hitchhiking and walking.

Lockdown in Iran: Meanwhile in Yazd

Seeing a foreigner speaking Farsi can be extremely exciting for locals.

Lockdown in Iran: Meanwhile in Tehran

In the time of corona, Iran is one of the most heavily affected countries in the world.

Lockdown in Iran: Meanwhile in Kerman

The first thing that made me think of travelling to Iran was hearing traditional Persian music on the Swiss radio.

Yazd

Yazd is one of the most tourist-friendly cities in Iran and offers excellent souvenir-shopping opportunities. The town has long been associated with Zoroastrianism, and…

Kashan

Marvel at the splendid design and architecture of old Kashani merchant houses Kashan will always be associated in Islamic art for its high-quality ceramics…

Shiraz

Let all of your senses be tempted by spring blossom in Shiraz’s fine gardens. Shiraz, with its long and rich history, friendliness and the…

Tehran

Once an insignificant village, Tehran has burgeoned into a vast city with a vibrant culture and pleasant parks scattered around. Looking at the sprawl…

Fortresses of the Ismaili Assassins

Explore the impregnable fortresses of the notorious Ismaili Assassins in the dramatic and visually stunning Alamut region. As the Fatimid regime of Egypt and…

Hamadan

Exploring the area around Hamadan reveals a land rich with spectacular scenery and historic sites. The Tomb of Avicenna This 10th-century Muslim scientist, who…