Kashan, Iran

With its famous Persian garden and splendid mansions, Kashan makes a pleasant stopover on the long drive between Isfahan and Tehran. There’s another reason to break the journey here, though: Morshedi House is an absolute gem of a heritage boutique property. Occupying a 250-year-old house in a quiet residential neighbourhood, its focal point is central courtyard with small circular pond surrounded by pomegranate trees, where you can laze with a book in the sunshine – a true haven of peace and quiet. The traditional décor of the rooms is lovely: light filters through colourful stained-glass windows, set under arches, on to silk-appliqué quilts. The staff are especially charming here, and serve copious Iranian breakfasts in the morning, and complimentary tea and dates throughout the day. We often recommend this as a final stop before Tehran airport.