Iran is not a traditional choice for a holiday, but this is a country that is full of history, culture and adventure.

Situated in western Asia, on the borders of the Persian Gulf, it is the world's 18th largest country, equal in size to the UK, Spain, France and Germany combined. With a climate that ranges from sub-tropical to arid, the country offers mountain ranges such as the Zagros Mountains, rainforests and plains.

Ancient history is one of the big attractions of Iran and there is a wealth of it to explore. Tehran itself is home to the Archaeological Museum and the Golestan Palace, both of which provide an insight into the culture. The National Bank provides a secure home to the Iranian crown jewels, also known as the Imperial Crown Jewels of Persia. The collection includes thrones, tiaras, crowns and dozens of jewel-encrusted swords and shields and is the largest state-owned collection on display in the world.

Visitors to this country are most likely to arrive in Tehran, the capital, which is served by two international airports: Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) and Mehrabad International Airport (THR). For the traveller who is keen to go off on their own and explore, Iran car hire is essential and the airports will offer a choice of hire companies. Pre-booked vehicles can be collected at your destination airport or from a convenient downtown location.

To find cheap car hire in Iran use TravelSupermarket’s search tool and compare quotes. 

For those willing to travel off the beaten track, a holiday in Iran will provide memories unlike any other. The feeling of being somewhere truly ancient cannot be described.

Persepolis is another site that should be on every visitor's list. Around 45 miles north-east of Shiraz, it is a World Heritage Site which consists of the remains of the capital of the Achaemenid Empire. The remains date from around 515 BC and lie at the base of the Mountain of Mercy (Kuh-i-Rahmat).

Imam Square, in the city of Isafahan, is another World Heritage Site; as the sun sets behind the Shah mosque here, the view is incredible. Yet another World Heritage Site here is the Jameh Mosque. Other ancient cities in Iran include Yazd, Meymand, Kashan and Tabriz.

Many visitors to Iran like to experience a camel ride into the desert, stopping at the Garmeh oasis that shows evidence of human habitation going back 7,000 years.

The Iranian people are very hospitable and the cuisine is splendid. Flavourings such as cinnamon, saffron and parsley provide the delicate taste in many dishes, but each area of Iran offers its own regional specialities.