THE BEST TWO-WEEK IRAN ITINERARY

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Iran is a vast country with endless tourist attractions. You need at least weeks or a month to cover just the relevant parts. From the Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea, the desert area, mountain villages, and historical cities, Iran is one of the destinations that offer the most for tourists, and there are several reasons why you should choose it as your next travel destination. However, Iran is one of the most underrated countries at the same time, and there is still much less information about that. I have been to Iran as a tour guide and as a solo female traveler as well six times. Based on my experiences, I made this two-week Iran itinerary for you.

Some remarks about the itinerary

The below itinerary is an intense program for travelers who prefer seeing more and do not mind having less time left for relaxing. You can decide what you skip. If you are ever short of time, you can always speed up your program by taking a night bus between two big cities. It is safe to travel at night, even for solo female travelers!

As you will see, at each destination, I listed the extra programs you can select from according to your interest. Of course, it would extend the length of your trip, and you can easily spend three weeks in the Tehran-Qom-Kashan-Yazd-Kerman-Shiraz region.

The itinerary starts in Tehran and ends in Shiraz. Shiraz has an international airport with connections to several countries, so you can spare time and money to plan your trip with arrival in Tehran and departure from Shiraz.

Also, I recommend you read my detailed post about all you need to before going to Iran

When is the best time to go to Iran?

The best season to come to this part of Iran is between mid-April and the beginning of June; or between mid-September and the beginning of December. January, February, and March are rainy, or it is snowing, and the temperature can drop significantly. During summer, the heat can be unbearable in the desert cities of Kashan, Yazd and Kerman when the temperature can rise up to 50- 60 degrees.

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The best places to visit in Iran in 2 weeks 

Day 1 – Tehran (1 night in Tehran)

Most international flights arrive at night or early morning. So the same day you can start to discover the capital, Tehran. 

You can exchange Iranian Rial at the airport (the rate is quite good here) or in one of the exchange offices around Ferdowsi square.

Tehran is usually not the favorite of travelers. However, if you get some guidance, you will realize that Tehran is much more interesting than it seems to be at first. There are plenty of great museums, and it is an ideal place for shopping in the bazaar or a mall. You can easily spend two or three days in Tehran.

A complete guide to the museums, palaces and religious sites in Tehran

Visit the Golestan Palace, the former royal palace of the Qajar dynasty and later the Pahlavi dynasty with stunning reception and throne rooms. 

Stroll around the Tehran Grand Bazaar located near the Golestan Palace. Historic Bazaars are still the most popular shopping places for Iranians. There you can find any kind of articles like dresses, carpets, handicrafts, spices, and an endless choice of other products.

The National Museum gives a thorough overview of the ancient and Islamic period of Iranian history. The Persian Empire was the biggest in the known world some thousands of years ago, and you will witness its remains during your trip. The visit to the museum gives you a perfect base to understand Persian history. 

Grab some local fast food in the famous 30^th Tir street right next to the National Museum.

The National Jewelry Treasury is the highlight of a visit to Tehran. It has the largest diamonds and jewelry collections in the world. Since the opening hours are limited, you should plan your trip accordingly. (Open: Saturday-Tuesday 14.00-17.00). The Darya-ye Nur diamond, the largest uncut diamond on earth, is also part of the collection.

Take a photo at the Azadi tower, the landmark of Tehran in the evening.

Day 2 – Tehran

Visit the strangest museum in Tehran, the US DEN of Espionage (13th Aban museum). Opened only two years ago, the 13th of Aban Museum is the most peculiar museum in Tehran that conveys an anti-American message. The museum is the former U.S. Embassy and displays the original rooms and equipment from the Islamic Revolution. On 4th November (13th of Aban) in 1979, a group of outraged radical Islamic students occupied and attacked the embassy and took 65 diplomats hostage. Previously, an infamous graffiti, the skulled liberty statue, covered the wall of the Embassy. But they repainted the whole wall and added new ones with similar anti-Israel and anti-US messages.

Visit the Saad Abad Palace, the royal residence of the Pahlavi Shah

Walk over the Tabiat (Nature Bridge), which spans the highway facing the modern north part of Tehran. Designed by the 26-year-old Iranian Leila Araghian in 2014, the unique bridge has been a real success. Locals are happy to hang around on the bridge and take a seat on one of the uniquely designed banks in the adjacent Water and Fire Park.

Stroll around in the Tajrish Bazaar and visit the Imamzadeh Saleh in the north of Tehran

Finish your day in the relaxing area of Darband with cafés and hookah places, or you can have dinner in the revolving restaurant of the Milad Tower.

You should reserve a table 48 hours in advance to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner buffet in the revolving restaurant of Milad Tower. How great is that to have a nice Persian meal with Tehran under your feet.

– Breakfast: 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM
– Lunch: from 12:30 AM to 15:30 PM
– Dinner: from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

The best things to do in 2-3 days in Tehran (bazaars, hiking, what to do at night)

Recommended tours in Tehran

1. Go out and eat street food with locals

Hang out with locals in the popular street food place, the 30th Tir Street, then head to the nicely illuminated Tabiat Bridge. It has plenty of nice cafes and most young Teheranis get together in the evening.

2. Eat out at Bam-e Tehran (Tehran’s rooftop) and enjoy some adrenalin-filled ride

Bam-e Tehran is where young people let their steam out, do bungee jumping, zip lining and have some snack. Have fun with a locals!

3. Go shopping and learn how to prepare Persian meals in Tehran

4. Go skiing on one of the top slopes near Tehran

5. Go to the Golestan or Sa’dabad former royal places

6. Go shopping in one of Tehran’s posh shopping malls

Check the price and book your trip in Tehran

Where to sleep in Tehran

See you in Iran Hostel: It was rated the ‘Top Choice Hostel in Tehran’ by Lonely Planet. Founded by young Iranians, the hostel operates as a cultural center at the same time, aimed at sharing authentic, unbiased information with travelers about Iran. The hostel gets feedback from travelers and has a perfect location to discover the sights of Tehran.  

Tehran Heritage Hostel: A stylish hostel in the center of Tehran with a garden

Golestan (1 star): Address: No. 14, Hafez St., before Hassan Abad Square, Tehran

Atlas (2 stars): Address: Between Nejat Elahi St. and Qarani St., Taleghani St., Tehran

Mashhad (3 stars): Address: Corner of Moayer Alley, Taleghani Intersection, Mofteh St., Tehran

Ferdowsi International Grand Hotel (4 stars): Address: Kooshak Masri St., Ferdowsi St., Tehran

Espinas Persian Gulf (5 stars): Address: No. 126, between Naderi Street and Palestine Street, Keshavarz Boulevard, Tehran

Book your hotel in Tehran

Recommended Restaurants in Tehran (by locals)

Ferdowsi Hotel Restaurant (Address: Kooshak Masri St., Ferdowsi St., Tehran)

Iranian Artist forum vegetarian restaurant (Address: Artists Park, Iranshahr St., Tehran)

Kuhpayeh Restaurant (Address: Darband recreation area, north of Tehran)

Polo kabab Restaurant (Address: Park Ab-o Atash, Kaman Dead End, Shahidi Street, Haqqani Highway, Vanak Square, Tehran)

Things to do in 3 days in Tehran

Day 3 – From Tehran to Kashan/Qom (1 night in Kashan)

Take a bus and head to Kashan, the friendly, charming slow-paced city, quite the opposite of Tehran.

Tehran- Kashan distance: 260 km, 3 hours’ drive

Tehran-Qom distance: 150 km, 2 hours’ drive

An alternative place to visit could be the second most religious city of Iran, the city of Qom, just 120 kilometers south of Tehran. The number one attraction is the shrine of Fatima, the sister of Imam Reza. Millions of devotees flock every year to one of the most sacred places for Shia Muslims. The mirrored decoration inside the shrine is incredible. Qom, as a very conservative place, is a different world in Iran.  

How to get from Tehran to Kashan/Qom?

The southern and western terminals of Tehran have buses daily to Kashan.

On the way from Tehran to Qom/Kashan, if it matches your interest, you can stop to visit the grandiose shrine of Khomeini ayatollah, the leader of the Islamic Revolution.

Kashan, the oasis city close to the Dasht-e-Kavir desert, is located on the way to Isfahan. Its historical private mansions are worth a visit. The architecture of the old town adjusts to the desert climate of the city. Arches span over the winding streets, while high brick or clay walls provide shadow in the houses. Due to Islamic traditions, the same walls ensure the privacy of the residents. Behind the simple enormous walls, you find small paradises. Most attractions you can cover simply on foot.

Visit the Tabatabai House, a beautiful example of a wealthy merchant’s residence with inner courtyards and a labyrinth of rooms.

The Borujerdi House is another mansion that belonged to a respectful merchant. It took 18 years to be built and to become one of the most outstanding houses in Kashan. Seyyed Mehdi Borujerdi equipped it with an inner courtyard, pools, and nicely decorated rooms. All that just because he fell in love with a girl from the affluent Tabatabai house and sought to impress the family.

The Sultan Mir-Ahmad bathhouse is another historical building from the 16^th century. The bathhouse contains several pools and small rooms decorated with colorful, mainly turquoise tiles. You should go up to the roof made up of multiple domes with several glass inlays. It provided lighting in the bathhouse.

If you are fond of these typical wealthy mansions, you can also visit the Abbasi house. Despite being decorated with mirrors, stained glasses, and lattices, it is much simpler compared to other traditional homes of Kashan.

The Aqabozorg Mosque is a beautiful symmetrical complex serving religious and educational purposes (Madrasah) in Kashan. It is unique that the entire complex, including the dome, is made of brick. 

If you happen to be in Kashan during the Golabgiri rose festival (May to early June), you should plan an extra day for visiting the Qamsar, 40 kilometers from Kashan. Almost a million people come to observe the extraction of the world-famous rose water, which they also use to wash the Kaaba stone in Mecca. It is one of the specialties of Kashan.

Recommended tours in Kashan

1. Go on a desert trip – top experience!

Since Kashan lies next to the Maranjab (part of the larger Dasht-e-Kavir desert), it is a perfect place to go on a desert trip. Visit the almost 2000 years old underground city, Noushabad, the salt lakes, and watch the changing colors of the dunes by sunset. After that, you can enjoy your dinner in a traditional Caravanserai and return to Kashan.

2. Abyaneh, the red village on a day trip from Kashan

A curvy road in the Zagros mountain leads to Abyaneh, one of the most special villages in Iran. The houses were built of red mud-brick, hence the name “red village”. Locals still speak the Middle Persian language, preserve their traditions and wear traditional dresses.

Check the price and book your trips from Kashan

Where to sleep in Kashan

Sana Historical Hostel (1-star)

Safa Historical Guest House (2-stars)

Traditional residence of Noghli house (Address: No. 20, Ab Anbar Khan Pass, Pamanar Alley, Mullah Habibollah Sharifi St., Kamal Al-Molk Square, Kashan)

Manouchehri traditional residence (Address: No. 7, Sabet Alley, Mohtasham Kashani St.)

Negarestan hotel (3 stars) (Address: Amir Kabir St., Kashan)

The traditional residence of the Ameriha House (Address: 7^th dead end, Alavi St., Kashan)

Matin Abad Eco Camp: A unique place to spend a night in the desert60 kilometers from Kashan. The eco-resort hosts the guests in simple rooms designed in a Caravanserai-style building, tents, and Iranian village-style rooms. They offer plenty of activities, from camel riding to short jeep safaris, and you enjoy sleeping in the desert. 

Book your accommodation in Kashan

Day 4 – From Kashan to Isfahan (3 nights in Isfahan)

Kashan is home to one of the most beautiful Persian gardens. Take a taxi in the morning to get to the Fin garden, located some kilometers outside the city. Pools and waterfalls, cypress trees, and a nicely decorated pavilion for relaxation give a unique charm to the place.

Take a bus from the central bus station to Isfahan.

Distance from Kashan to Isfahan: 220 km, 2 ½ hours

Day 5 – Isfahan

Once the biggest city in the world, Isfahan is a Persian cultural gem in Iran. The architecture of Iran reflects the golden era of Persia during King Abbas I. He undertook one of the most extensive projects of Persia to construct the new capital. He envisioned the royal square in the center of his capital at the place of the polo-playing field. 

Your complete travel guide to Isfahan

It became the central part of Isfahan, the magnificent Naghsh-e Jahan Square. Horse chariots, fountains, locals having a picnic, and the bustling bazaar make it one of the highlights of your trip to Iran.

The Ali Qapu, the former residence of the Shah, the Royal Mosque (Imam Mosque), and the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque are its main attractions. The mosques follow the typical Iranian architecture with blue-tiled mosaics. The Sejk Lotfollah is famous for the morning beauty of its ceiling. 

Along the attractive 6-km Chahar Bagh Boulevard, there are many palaces and mosques to visit.

The Chehel Sotoun Palace is a royal palace located along the Chahar Bagh in the center of a beautiful Persian garden. The interior of the palace contains frescos about important events from Persian history. It was used as a reception hall for prominent guests.

Look around in the historic Abbasi hotel and have a coffee in its beautiful garden.

In the evening discover the Grand Bazaar (Qeysariyeh Bazaar), one of the oldest and biggest, and the longest covered bazaar in the Middle East. It has been the principal center for merchants since the 17^th century. You find everything in the bazaar from handicrafts, sweets to carpets and there are great places to have a coffee, a shisha or something to eat.

Recommended tours from Isfahan

1. Go to the Mesr desert (2 days)

If you missed the desert program in Kashan, you could opt for that from Isfahan as well. Visit the salt lake and the Farahzad village. 

2. The ultimate Isfahan day (6 hours)

Apart from visiting the main sites of Isfahan (Sejk Lotfollah, Naqsh-e Jahan Square, and the Jameh mosque), you experience Persian culture at its best. You learn how to draw with enamel in a professional workshop, a 5000-year-old tradition, and then you enjoy the ambiance of the bazaar. At the end of the day, you learn how to cook a traditional Persian meal in a Persian home by listening to local music. It sounds like a perfect day!

Check the price and book your tour in Isfahan

Where to sleep in Isfahan

Mahbibi Hostel and Sarv hostel: top-rated hostels for backpackers near the city center

Partikan (1 star): Saadi Alley, Nagh-e Jahan sq, Isfahan

Sheikh Baha’i (3 stars); Address: 4^th Alley, at the beginning of Sheikh Baha’i Street, Isfahan

Safir (3 stars); Address: Amadgah St., Isfahan

Setareh (3 stars); Address: Hafez St., Naghsh-e Jahan sq, Isfahan

Aseman (4 stars); Address: In front of the Felezi bridge, Motahhari St., Isfahan

Abbasi (5 stars); Address: Amadgah St., Isfahan

Your complete travel guide to Isfahan

Day 6 – Isfahan

Visit the oldest mosque of Isfahan, the Jame mosque that was the former center of Isfahan until the Naghsh-e Jahan Squarereplaced it. This mosque lacks the amazing turquoise tile decoration and appears quite puritan. Still, it is beautiful in its simplicity, and you can observe how the continuous extension has left a mark on the complex since the 11^th century.

The Zayanderud river crosses Isfahan with several pedestrian bridges spanning over. The bridges and the stairs leading to the river are popular meeting places for the Iranians. The two most attractive bridges are the Khaju and the Si-o-Seh Pol (named after its 33 spans) bridges. Walk around and enjoy the social life at the riverbank.

Cross the Si-o-Seh Pol bridge to get into the Armenian district, called Jolfa, on the other side of the river. It is still one of the oldest and biggest Armenian quarters in the world.

But how did Armenians arrive here?

King Abbas provided shelter for the Armenians escaping from the Osman Empire in exchange for their commercial networks as successful merchants. They still preserve their identity and culture and have several temples in the district. The most important is the Vank orthodox cathedral with colorful biblical paintings inside. The adjacent museum tells the story of the Armenian genocide (1915-1917).

Day 7 – Isfahan – Yazd (1- 2 nights in Yazd)

Distance from Isfahan to Yazd (311 km, 4 hours)

If you are flexible with a car, you can stop halfway between Isfahan and Yazd in Nain. Nain has a stunning brick mosque from the 8th century, one of the first in the whole of Iran. Its distinct architecture and a short walk to the old fort of Nain are worth a visit.

Yazd is the center of the pre-Islamic Zoroastrian religion, where most Zoroastrian people live in Iran.

An ultimate guide about the best things to do in Yazd

At the edge of Yazd, on top of a small hill, stands the Tower of Silence. It is a unique way of burial that they followed till 52 years ago. Zoroastrians believe in the god Ahura Mazda, who appears in the form of fire in their so-called “fire temples”. Take a taxi to get there.

Stroll around the old city, Fahadan, the largest old town in the world, built entirely from clay and mud. As a desert city, Yazd completely adapted to the dry climate with its architecture. Wind catchers and underground water canals (qanats) provided a natural cooling system.

The Jame mosque, having the tallest historical minarets in Iran decorated with blue tiles, is one of the city landmarks. (The tallest minarets in the country belong to the Mosalla Mosque in Tehran, with a height of 140 m).

Buy something in the Yazd bazaar right next to the Friday Mosque.

Water is a treasure in a desert country like Yazd. Iran has the oldest qanat system on earth, where a series of well-like structures are connected with a sloping tunnel. The tunnel system, combined with traditional wind catchers, cooled the air inside the houses and served as ancient air conditioning. The water museum near the Amir Chaqmaq complex introduces the incredible history of the qanat system. Here you will understand how the deserts are supplied with water until today.

Visit the other landmark of Yazd, the Amir Chakhmaq complex, the Shiite gathering place where religious festivals, especially the mourning festival of Ashura, take place.

Tip: go to one of the rooftop cafés and enjoy the view of the domes and minarets of Yazd. Plan at least an hour for a drink or a snack. Iranian service is famously slow. They take their time.

Tip: Watch the traditional Persian wrestling training, the Varzesh-e bastani (Pahlevani). It is a combination of a religious ceremony and sports accompanied by music and praying. The Saheb-a Zaman Zurkhaneh near the Amir Chakhmaqh complex lets tourists come to see their training. Open: Saturday-Thursday (shows at 5pm, 6.30pm and 8pm), entry: 200 000IRR.

Where to sleep in Yazd

Silk Road hotel (1 star): This traditional hostel is a popular choice for tourists next to the Jame Mosque with private rooms and dormitory (Address: No. 5, Tal-e Khakestari Alley, Masjed Jame Street, Yazd)

Kalout hostel: Almost opposite the Silk Road, a traditional hotel with a similar low-budget accommodation with private rooms and dormitories.

Al-Zahra (2 stars): Address: Farhangian Crossroads, Pakenjad St., Yazd

Fazeli (3 stars): Address: Vaght-o Saat sq, Masjed Jame Street, Yazd

Dad (4 stars): Amazing atmosphere, a nice hotel close to downtown built in a historical style (Address: No. 214, 10^th of Farvardin St., Beheshti sq, Yazd)

Moshir AL-Mamalek Garden hotel (4 stars): Amazing Persian-style hotel with a pleasant garden and charming rooms. (Address: Moshir Al-Malak Blvd., Enghelab St., Yazd)

Safaieh (5 stars): Address: Fallahi St., Abuzar sq, Yazd

Book your hotel in Yazd

Day 8 – Yazd 

You should spend one day visiting only the sights around Yazd. Since it is troublesome to cover all of them if you are traveling independently, the easiest and cheapest way is to go on a day tour where you can see all of these fascinating sites.

Chak Chak: The principal Zoroastrian religious place with a fire temple up in the mountains. Inside the grotto, there is a constant dripping from the roof, hence the name “drip, drip”. You will learn about the local legend behind it.

Meybod: the 2000 years old mudbrick Narin fort and the Kabutar Khaneh (pigeon house) are great stops in the desert city. The unique 200-year-old structure attracted thousands of birds for the collection of guano. In the lack of chemicals, it was a precious commodity.

Kharanaq:  a 4500-year-old mudbrick village

You can sign up for this tour the day before in the Kalout hostel.

Other great recommended tours from Yazd

1. Zoroastrian tour in Yazd and Taft

Yazd is one of the few places on earth where you can still meet the followers of the Zoroastrian religion that dates back to pre-Islamic times. This kind of tour you can only take in Yazd. So do not miss it if you are interested in talking to Zoroastrian people, visiting their holy shrines, cemetery and see their traditional form of burial, the tower of silence.

2. Cooking with the Zoroastrians

In the evening head for the 400-year-old Zein-o-din Caravanserai. It is 60 km (one-hour drive) away from Yazd along the Kerman-Yazd road. One of the two circular caravanserais in the desert is a fantastic experience. Enjoy the desert ambiance far from the cities!

Check the price and book your trips in Yazd

Your other option is to stay one more night in Yazd, and take a bus in the morning to Kerman.

Day 9 – From Yazd to Kerman

Continue your journey from the Caravanserai.

On the way you can stop in Mehriz town which is famous for its pistachio cultivation, mudbrick structures and rural forts.

Visit the Rayen Citadel (Arg-e Rayen)

It is one of the largest adobe complexes in the world. The square-shaped 1500-year-old fort was never conquered due to its massive defensive walls and the series of watchtowers. Opening hours: 09:00 am- 6:00 pm, entrance fee: 150,000 IRR. Location: 100 kilometers southeast of Kerman on the slopes of Mount Hezar.

Stroll around the Shahzadeh Persian garden, UNESCO World Heritage

The most incredible thing about Shahzadeh Garden (Prince’s garden) is that it lies in the middle of the desert area. The vital resource of the Shahzadeh garden is the streams originating from adjacent mountains. The water enters at the upper end and, while irrigating the trees and plants along its way, flows down through a series of falls. The natural slope of the garden has created clear divisions. Altogether, from top to bottom, there are eight levels/falls along the water path. The type and design of plants give a unique identity to the garden. The garden itself consists of a variety of pine, cedar, elm, buttonwood, and fruit trees, and its water system creates lush vegetation in sharp contrast to its dry surroundings, which makes it unique among the gardens.

Location: 6 km from Mahan city in Kerman province

Opening hours: 08:00 – 22:00

Entrance fee: 200,000 IRR

5-6 kilometers from the Shahzadeh garden is the Nematullah Vali Shrine. The tomb of a highly respected Islamic scholar and poet, who died in 1431, aged over 100. The King of Delhi at that time was one of his followers and decided to erect an impressive dome-shaped shrine covered with blue tiles from top to bottom to honor Nematullah Vali. Later on, out of respect to the Islamic scholar, other rulers also extended the complex with courtyards, a mosque and minarets. The Shrine is a pilgrimage site among the locals.

Recommended tours from Kerman

1. One-day tour to the cave village of Meymand (240 km from Kerman)

Meymand is one of the most famous villages in Iran, where all the houses and community places are carved into the rock forming a complex of caves.

2. Half-day, one-day, or 2-day trip to the Kalouts – top experience!

Check the price and book your trips in Kerman

Where to sleep in or around Kerman

Diar Kariman Hostel (dormitory and private room)

Tooki Hostel (dormitory and private room)

Maham ITTIC hotel

Shabhaz Traditional Hotel

Golden Days Guesthouse – one of the most popular accommodation in Kerman

Eyvan Hotel: A Persian paradise with 3-star amenities in a traditional building

Hezar Hotel (2 star)

Pars Hotel (5 star)

Book your hotel in Kerman

It is even better to stay in one of the villages of the Shahdad district to live in the desert ambiance.

Lut star eco camp – top choice! It is located in Malek Abad village of Shahdad district at the edge of the Lut desert. A very relaxing place in the center of a lush and beautiful palm grove, three kilometers from Shafi Abad Castle and 34 kilometers from the magnificent Kalouts of Shahdad. The eco-camp is 120 km from Kerman city and 30 km from the Kalouts. There is a growing number of lodges in Shafiabad village too.

Day 10– Kalouts and Lut Desert: a must-stop in a 2-week itinerary

Early in the morning, visit the Kalouts in the great Iranian salt desert, the Dasht-e Lut. Besides, it is officially the warmest place on earth, where the temperature can reach 70 degrees. But the highlight of the desert trip is to see the rocks that have incredible shapes due to the work of wind and sand. It is a natural wonder like no other and will be a highlight of your two-week trip to Iran.

Day 11 – From Kerman to Shiraz (2 nights)

You have a long journey ahead of you, as Kerman is almost 600 km from Shiraz. On the way you can stop at pistachio fields and local restaurants to have rest and eat something.

When you reach Shiraz, you are already 900 kilometers south of Tehran. Shiraz is the city of poets, wine, gardens, and the center of Persian culture. It is another highlight during your trip to Iran.

Recommended daily tours from Shiraz

1. You must spare time to visit Persepolis, Pasargadae and Nagsh-e Rostam (10hours)

2. Spend a day with the nomads and cook your food without electricity – top experience!

4. Join a walking tour in Shiraz (Pars museum, Vakil complex, Karim Khan citadel, street food, market and bazaar tour) (10hours)

4. Go for a cooking class in Shiraz

5. Learn about the Persian poets and culture in the city of literature, including a meal in a Persian home.

Check the price and book your tour in Shiraz

Recommended hotels in Shiraz

Raz traditional hotel Address: Lotfali Khan Zand St., Shiraz

Panj Dari traditional hotel Address: Haft Pich Alley, in front of Shahcheragh Public Parking, Shiraz

Parseh (3 stars) Address: 22 Bahman St., Shiraz

Karim Khan (4 stars) Address: Roudaki St., Shiraz

Zandieh (5 stars) Address: Hijrat Boulevard, Shiraz

Book your hotel in Shiraz

Day 12: Shiraz and Persepolis

Head to Persepolis, one of the capitals of the ancient Persian Empire. It is one of the most well-known attractions of Iran. The intricate reliefs are one of the unique features of the palace decorations.

Go some 12 kilometers further to Nagsh-e Rostam, where you find the cross-shaped tombs of the Persian rulers cut directly into the rock wall following Zoroastrian religious traditions.

Walk around the Vakil bazaar, one of the oldest bazaars in the world. Bargain for carpets, spices, brassware, and antiquities and enjoy the atmosphere. Despite being built out of brick and clay, the bazaar has incredible architecture.

When you are in the historic center close to the Vakil Bazaar, the massive towers and walls of the Karim Khan citadel strike you. It was built in the 18^th century when Shiraz was a capital during the half-century-long reign of the Zand dynasty. Its interior is quite simple, with small galleries displaying some pictures of that era. I think you can spare the entrance fee and take some photos from outside.

Go to the Quran Gate, the northern entrance to Shiraz, another famous symbol of the city. It got its name after the two Qurans stored above the beautiful Islamic arch in the small room. According to the belief, whoever went through the gate was blessed for his journeys. The best time to visit is in the evening when it is illuminated.

Day 13 – Shiraz

Discover the rest of Shiraz. When I was trying to find the monuments based on the map of the Lonely Planet book, I felt a bit lost. I could not find the places I looked for even when I knew that I was already close. Most attractions stand behind unattractive high walls, and you do not suspect that there is anything behind. So ask somebody when you feel you are near.

Start your sightseeing at the Nasir Al-Molq mosque or Pink Mosque in the morning when the lights make versatile patterns on the praying carpet through the colorful windows.

Almost just opposite, you find the Narenjestan Ghavam Garden, one of the most beautiful Persian gardens in Iran with flowers, fountains, and a mansion decorated with glasses.

Afterwards, you can walk to Shah Cheragh, the shrine of the 8^th Reza Imam’s brother. Shia Muslims venerate the relatives of their respected Imams as well. The room with the tomb is covered with hundreds of thousands of small glasses that shine like diamonds.

All you need to know before traveling to Iran

Read this guide about all you need to know for your visit to Shiraz

The oldest Islamic monument of Shiraz from the 9^th century is the ancient Atigh mosque. It is also a nice place to walk around. This mosque dates back to the pre-Islamic period, although it underwent several renovations. 

If possible, go to the tomb of Hafiz in the evening, when Iranians get together, and quote the famous poems of the most renowned Persian writer of all time. Buy a random quotation from the Hafiz book from the sellers, and try to understand your fortune as locals do.

Saadi, the other renowned Persian poet from the 13^th century, is buried nearby in the middle of a pleasant garden planted with cypresses.

The Ali Ibn Hamzeh shrine is a less touristic version of the Shah Cheragh. Tiny pieces of mirrors that shine like diamonds decorate its interior. It is the resting place of Emir Ali, the disciple of the 8^th Imam, Reza.

Day 14 – Departure

I hope you find the above itinerary for your first visit to Iran useful. It combines cultural programs with a stay in the desert and helps to make the most out of your visit. I hope you will enjoy your trip to Iran as much as I did! It is one of the best places for tourists.

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