Although little visited by westerners, Iran is a treasure trove of historical and architectural wonders just waiting to be explored. With a vastly varied geography that includes snowy mountain peaks and miles of coastline, the country offers an exciting range of possibilities when it comes to sports, activities and sightseeing. However, perhaps the most appealing thing about Iran is its deeply ingrained Persian heritage and the hospitality of its people.

For many, the cultural insights on a trip to Iran are thrilling. The strict Islamic republic can be a cultural shock to many, but this is soon eased by the friendliness and generosity shown by Iranians. Travelling around the country is easily achieved, with an excellent transport infrastructure of buses, inexpensive domestic flights and some limited train routes.

While temperatures can reach a scorching 40°C plus, there are parts of the country that experience much less daunting mercury readings, with plenty of high altitude retreats and top-notch ski resorts. And if the heat of the chaotic bazaars gets too much, head for one of the country’s modern, air conditioned malls, where western-style clothing and goods are readily available.

The entertainment scene from a non-Muslim’s perspective may be marred by the fact that alcohol is prohibited in Iran, but you will soon find yourself enjoying the Iranian cuisine in the abundant quaint restaurants without giving it a thought as you sip on a delicious yoghurt shake. As a country of early risers, you can take advantage of the low temperatures in the morning, the perfect time to go sightseeing.

Accommodation in Iran is varied, ranging from the sophisticated Tehran Hilton in the capital to home stays in rural villages. The pleasing thing about accommodation in most of Iran’s urban centres is the availability of lodgings in all price ranges. Many people prefer to travel on a group tour if it is there first time to Iran, with excellent discounts available for entry into museums and historical sites if you are travelling with an Iranian travel agency.

Regardless of how you travel, people will be ready to assist you wherever you go, and you will find a high standard of English spoken in most of the urban centres. Visitors should exercise some caution with regards to the threat of terrorist attacks in Iran, with certain organisations continuing to threaten western interests in the Middle East.

It is important to plan your itinerary before you leave home when you plan a trip to Iran; the main reason being that the country varies dramatically in its topography and altitude, making a pre-departure climate check the only way to ensure that you will pack the most suitable clothes for your vacation.

Throughout most of Iran, the weather is very comfortable in spring and autumn, with the exception of southern Iran and the regions near the Gulf which can experience rain showers. The winter months are also pleasantly warm, making this the ideal season to visit.

In the summer, lightweight clothing is recommended, along with hats and sunglasses to protect you from the sun’s rays. It can reach temperatures as high as 45°C combined with 80 per cent humidity.

It is not acceptable for either men or women to wear shorts throughout the seasons. Depending where you visit in the winter, temperatures can drop dramatically, making it necessary to pack some warm clothing.

From 3200 BC to 330 BC, Iran was ruled by the Median and Achaemenian empires. The Medes and Persians were united by Cyrus the Great, who strove to build a strong and civilised society. In 522 BC, one of the greatest Persian rulers succeeded to the throne, Darius I.

Darius was responsible for the construction of the vast city of Persepolis, the ruins of which are still visible today and a canal which followed a similar path of the modern-day Suez Canal. The development of roads and coinage under the king ranked Persia as one of the most developed places in the world at that time.

Alexander the Great famously conquered the city of Persepolis and eventually the Persian Empire, but his period of rule was brief, being closely followed by two more Iranian empires: Parthian (250 BC to 226 AD) and Sassanian (226 AD to 650 AD).

The state religion at the time of the Sassanian Empire was Zoroastrianism, which has had an enormous impact on the world religions of today. Eventually, the Sassanian Empire was defeated and incorporated into the Arab Empire, marking the start of Islamic Iran.

Islamic Iran continued to be a pivotal force in world though, remaining an epicentre of culture and learning, particularly in science and philosophy. However, Turkish invasion in the 11th century somewhat changed the face of the country at that time, and then in the early 13th century, Ghengis Khan wrought havoc as he quickly conquered the country before continuing onto to India.

Despite these invasions, successive rulers managed to keep the distinctive Persian character of the country. Despite some Portuguese presence along the coast and close ties with the British, Iran was never colonised.

In 1951, Dr Mohammed Mossadegh was elected Prime Minister and he nationalised the oil industry, much to the alarm of the west. Britain and the USA developed a plan to have him overthrown so that a more western-friendly leader could be installed.

The new leader, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi kept a tight autocratic hold over the country and maintained close US and British ties, crushing all forms of political opposition with his intelligence agency, SAVAK. Protests against the Shah increased, sparked by religious leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini amd this led to denouncement of the regime.

In 1979, the Iranian Revolution saw Mohammad Reza Pahlavi thrown out and Khomeini installed as the new leader. Strict Islamic laws were instated and there was a total breakdown in Iranian-US relations.

Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein took advantage of the chaos caused by the revolution and invaded Iran. The Iran-Iraq War continued for eight years before a UN-mediated truce took force. Iraq used chemical warfare against Iranians during the conflict, with Iran now ranking as the world's second-most afflicted country by weapons of mass destruction.

Currently, Iran has been accused by western countries of seeking to develop nuclear weapons and has failed to conform to Security Council resolutions with regards to its nuclear programmes, putting a strain on international relations.