Desert and semi arid lands stretching towards Pakistan and Iran are home to many ancient cities, old silk road bazaars, medieval wonders, and ancient faiths.
The Arg e Bam, commonly called The Citadel Of Bam. Origins of the citadel date back over 2200 years. The city was a trading post and thrived between the 7th and 14th centuries.
An earthqukae which killed tens of thousands also badly damaged the ancient Citadel, which is the world's oldest adobe building.
In Persian and Arabic, the words for "garden" and "paradise" are the same.
Tiles, Kerman.
High arched ceilings are a feature of the converted caravansarai in Kerman's historical bazaar area.
Minarets, Mahan.
Domes dominate the blue sky in the small town of Mahan, near Kerman.
The roof of a mosque Mahan.
Yazd is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Tiled dome interior, Yazd
The minarets of Yazd's 14th century Jame mosque, in the background, are the highest in Iran.
Carpet traders in the old bazaar, Yazd.
Girls sketching in Yazd's ancient city.
"Badgir" (lit: wind catcher) towers are a part of traditional Persian architecture, best seen in Yazd's ancient city.
Tower Of Silence, Zoroastrian burial grounds, outside Yazd.
Travel in Iran usually means long hours through hot, dry deserts.
Wind towers depcited in Yazd street art.
Teenagers enjoying the view from the bazaar roof in Yazd.
Looking down the main street of Masshad, towards the masoleum complex which dominates the city.
The Shrine Of Emam Reza is the holiest site open to non-Muslims. It is amongst the most marvelous buildings I have visited.
The holy Shrine of Emam Reza. The building is stunning, inside and out.
Trying to capture the stunning complex by night threw up some problems.
Photography inside the complex is not permitted, and non-Muslims must be guided through. The white marble floor and walls are spotless and glow like daylight.
As we marvelled at the serene beauty of the shrine, our female guide asked incrdulously, "Don't you have a camera?"
The bazaar in Mashhad.
Rest time.
A huge stash of safron.
An old Mercedes bus took us to Tehran from Mashhad, Iran.