What are the seriously new 2014 holiday trends? This is my take on what is hip and happening and the coolest places to holiday in 2014.

I am going to kick-off with one of the more extreme destinations, Iran, which many may regard as off their 2014 travel radar screen

For culturally inquisitive travellers Iran is hot and starting to happen. This is where you will find a feast of ancient sights, rich culture, interesting and varied landscapes, surprisingly splendid cuisine and the nicest and friendliest of people. The Persian Kingdom was one of the great powers of the ancient world and its magnificence can still be seen in palaces and rock carvings dated over two and a half millennia.

The city of Tehran

This magnificent country’s political past has been somewhat perilous. But with a new leader, Hassan Rouhani, who seems to be seeking some common ground with the West, I do believe that the likelihood of foreigners being fairly well received is ostensibly evident compared to a few years ago. In fact, according to those who have recently travelled to Iran the welcome they received was warm and friendly. There is no question that Iran is fascinating, with old cities packed with exquisite mosques and spectacular madrassas, examples of the most exquisite Islamic architecture in the world, ruins from ancient Persia, nomadic tribes, walking trails in the mountains, even skiing and the surreal Caspian Sea beach resorts. A smorgasbord of culture, history, cuisine, nature and friendly folk steeped in tradition but eager to meet strangers from other continents and countries.

Isfahan: Bridge of 33 Arches

Like many other of the great monuments of Isfahan, the Si-o-Seh Pol (meaning Bridge of 33 Arches) was built under the great Shah Abbas I. Under his rule, from 1587-1629, the Persian Empire became one of the most powerful in the world.

Persian or Farsi, is one of the world’s oldest languages still spoken today and possessing one of he most powerful literary traditions. Persian poetry with masterpieces of Saadi, Hafiz, Rumi and Omar Khayyam is celebrated around the world.

Statue of Omar Khayyam.

The art of cooking is seriously intertwined with Persian culture and the local cuisine is an exotic and rich blend of herbs and spices that send the taste buds into gourmet heaven.

Exotic spices in a food market.

Esfahan Tea House

Unquestionably, in this melting pot of civilization the visitor will be overwhelmed by the beauties of the landscape and the depth of this nations captivating, colourful and lively culture.

A great 14-day tour will take you through stunning palace gardens, experience exotic Persian cuisine, relax in classic teahouses and meet the friendliest locals and visit ancient Persepolis and Pasargadae. Starting in Tehran the tour visits Yazd the centre of the Zoroastrian Religion where you will see interesting architecture scattered around the old city. Then onto the Kerman region and the city of Shiraz, thereafter explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Persepolis and the ceremonial palace of Darius. By the end of your first week you will be heading to the beautiful city of Isfahan where you can do some serious shopping for authentic Persian rugs. Into the final week of the tour it is scenic drives through Natanz, where you will see mountain villages and take a camel ride in the Maranjab Desert before heading back to Tehran.

Visit the official website for the Iranian Embassy in South Africa for information about obtaining a visa to visit Iran.

http://www.embassysa.ir/index.php?lang=en

Travel to Iran – Lindsay Quail – Yours in travel.