- Viewing the marble ruins of ancient Persepolis, dating back to the 6th century BC
- Gazing in awe at the intricate tilework in the mosques and monuments of Isfahan and Shiraz
- Being invited to share a cup of tea or a meal with an Iranian family
- Shopping in the bazaars for jewelry, scarves, carpets, and souvenirs
- Touring lavish palaces in Teheran and Isfahan
- Learning about the rich history and artistic legacy of the Persian culture
- Gaining people-to-people understanding of a country often misrepresented in the popular media