A warm hello from us in the cold of winter in New Zealand. We are half way through the year and booking a trip away might seem quite ambitious at this stage. Nevertheless, virtual traveling can become a new trend in 2020. With so many informative blogs and articles by experienced travellers, there is no excuse not to learn more about new destinations you haven’t heard of, nor have had a chance to explore yet!
At NZ Travel & Tour, we have created a series of articles on major cities in Iran ( the ancient land of Persia), the Caucasus region and the Central Asia. These articles take you on a journey through these historical cities of the East, telling untold stories about these exotic spots.
Be sure to subscribe to our Newsletter, in order to stay updated, even when traveling seems so out of reach.

The arrival of spring in the Northern hemisphere and the mesmerising scent of orange blossoms describe the essence of the city of Shiraz. Every year in May, bitter orange blossoms cover the entire city and turn it into a vibrant, fragrant and lively destination for travellers. Shiraz is a major historical city in South Central of Iran.
130 km to the north of Shiraz, surrounded by rigid mountain ranges, is one of the world’s greatest archeological sites. Iran’s second registered UNESCO World Heritage site of Persepolis, the capital of the Achaemenid empire was founded by King Darius I in 518 B.C. This imperial site was merely built to showcase the glory of the Persian empire at the time. Grand ceremonial affairs, national celebrations and international exhibitions were held at this grandiose complex.
To read more about the historic city of Shiraz and its’ attractions, head to our blog or click here.

Pastry in Iran has a special place in Iranian lives and many cultural occasions have their own pastry. Even different towns and villages in Iran have their own local sweet which are traditionally baked for family gatherings, weddings and most importantly, the new year.
Iranians have the biggest sweet tooth and hence there are many varied combinations of popular pastry in Iran. From french inspired cream puffs, to Italian Napoleoni pastry, Iranians have sought to add Persian touches to these international favourites. Hints of Saffron, cardamom and rose water are found in most Persian pastries. To learn more about local pastry unique to different regions in Iran, read Matin’s article on Iran Travelogues Blog.