Sa'dabad Palace Complex, Tehran

A large estate of palaces and gardens in the cool northern foothills of Tehran, once the summer residence of the Qajar shahs and later the Pahlavi royal family. Highlight is the Green Palace, with its mirror-work halls, Persian carpets and opulent furnishings. Other palaces and buildings in the park now house museums of fine arts, ceramics, royal cars and more; each needs a separate ticket. Allow half a day.

Afterwards, try a traditional meal with black tea and a fruit-flavoured water pipe in one of the restaurants of nearby Darband, a mountain valley with teahouses along a stream.

Getting a visa for Iran can take time. Check your government's current travel advice before planning a trip to Iran.