Iran is a land of ancient civilizations. The country is known for its ancient sites, medieval mosques and mausoleums. Its varied natural landscape ranges from barren desert to high mountains. Tourist attractions in Iran include the well-preserved medieval cities of Tehran, Tabriz, Esfahan (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Shiraz, Kerman and The Golden Triangle of Hamadan, Kermanshah and Khorramabad, with over 6000-year-old settlements, grottoes and antiquities. Other must visit tourist attractions in Iran are, Shahid Motahari Mosque (Tehran), Blue Mosque (Tabriz), Masjid-e Jomeh (Esfahan), Persepolis (a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Ceremonial Seat of Darius), Changha Zanbil (UNESCO designated archaeological site), Ali Sadr Caves, Kuh-e- Khajeh Mountain, and Mil-e-Gonbad Tower.

Many airlines operate direct flights to Tehran from London, Istanbul, and other cities of Europe, Middle East and Asia. Passenger trains also operate from Tehran to Istanbul (Turkey) and Damascus (Syria); from Tabriz to Djolfa (CIS) and Van (Turkey); and from Zahedan to Quetta (Pakistan).