If Greece has Acropolis, Iran has Persepolis.

© Wikipedia

The Persepolis, located in Shiraz, was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire (ca. 550-330 BCE), and was known as Pārsa, which means "The City of Persians" to the ancient Persians. The citadel of Persepolis has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

If you have interest in archaeology and ancient culture, go and see the monumental staircases, exquisite reliefs and imposing columns and gateways that lie proof to the grand, albeit short-lived Achaemenid empire.

Getting there: From Shiraz, take a minibus (IR4000, 42km) or savari (IR8000, or IR40,000 for the whole car to Persepolis) from Carandish Terminal to Marvdasht (stop at Basij Square), and then take the shuttle taxi (IR3000, 12km) or private taxi (IR15, 000) to Persepolis. Package tours also abound; inquire at your hotel.

If you plan to travel for long periods, it may also be wise to have adt security systems installed back home.