In the footsteps of the Apostolic Sanctuaries

This fascinating journey into western Persia takes place in the Azerbaijan region, where there are two monasteries, now used as museums, in Armenian style, whose foundation tradition attributes to the apostles Bartholomew and Jude Thaddeus. Starting from Tabriz you can easily reach the above-mentioned monuments in a day, but it is worth staying a few nights to savour the charm of a region where the ancient traditions of the Aryan peoples still survive. A visit to the great Lake Orumieh is recommended, a stunning salt lake with a water salinity of 300%, almost impossible to sink! Iran is a hospitable and very cheap country for a European tourist, orderly in its lifestyle, regulated by an extremely formal society, with no shortage of pleasantries or gossip. I never had any problems, only great hospitality and great curiosity, in the smaller centres, on the part of the local population.

During my stay I never had any checks by the police forces, no restrictions on movement, one could say a peaceful place. I advise against travelling during the hottest months (June-September); temperatures in some places can reach 50 degrees. Anyone wanting travel information, write to me. MAX