Travel Itinerary to Iran | Expert Iran Trip Planner 2024

Author : Parsa | Date : Saturday 06 April 2024 16:09

Taking a trip to Iran is an immersive journey owing to its unique attractions. There is a vast range of decisions to make regarding how to travel among cities in Iran when it comes to setting up plans. Of course, you can adjust your trip duration based on your expectations but we recommend a 10-day to 14-day period for the following itineraries. However there are innumerable routes to choose from according to your point of interest, this article will illustrate the 2 most popular road trip routes in Iran. Firstly, the famous Classic Route includes visiting Tehran, Kashan, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Yazd. The second route starts from Tehran to Tabriz, Kermanshah, Dezful, Shiraz, and Yazd, and ends in Isfahan.

Iran Classic Route

The number of days you stay in Iran depends on many factors based on your habits. A 10-day Itinerary of Iran Classic Route offers a condensed yet fulfilling exploration of some of the most historic monuments of Iran. Further, we will describe this route in detail.

Day 1: Tehran

To get a well-rounded experience of visiting the capital city’s major highlights, you need to get along with the bustling streets of Tehran. Golestan Palace, the Grand Bazaar, the National Museum, and Darbdand are must-try attractions in Tehran.

Day 2: Tehran to Kashan (250 KM)

When you are heading from Tehran to Kashan, you can have a little break in Qom, the second religious city in Iran. You can benefit from the Islamic Architecture of The holy shrine and the Bazaar of Qom, then continue to Kashan.

Day 3: Kashan

Wandering through the Bazaar of Kashan and discovering the intricate architecture of this ancient city takes at least a whole day. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to visit Fin Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tabatabaei and Boroujerdi Traditional Houses, and Sialk Hills to conclude your stay in Kashan.

Day 4: Kashan to Isfahan (220 KM)

Depart Kashan in the morning and head to Isfahan. On the way to Isfahan, you can visit Abyaneh Traditional Village which is one hour away from Kashan in Natanz County. Thousands of tourists visit this historic sight annually to have photography opportunities and marvel at the local lifestyle of Abyaneh.

Day 5: Isfahan

Spend a day in Isfahan to explore its architectural wonders such as Imam Mosque, Aali Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar of Isfahan all located within Naqsh-e Jahan Square. Also, Si-o-Se Pol and Khaju Bridge, Vank Cathedral, and Chehel Sotoon Palace are the most recommended sights in Isfahan.

Day 6: Isfahan to Yazd (310 KM)

Leave Isfahan and hit the road to the ancient city of Yazd. This antique jewel boasts various distinctive attractions such as the several important Zoroastrian heritages alongside other historical sites.

Day 7: Yazd

The architecture of Yazd which is characterized by mud-brick buildings is a testament to its adaptation to the desert environment. In addition, Yazd offers a fascinating blend of history and natural attractions to its visitors.

Day 8: Yazd to Shiraz (440 KM)

Start your challenging trip to Shiraz after sunrise. Visit Persepolis and Pasargad UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Marvdasht, just one hour before you arrive in Shiraz. Once you enter Shiraz, your trip to the city of love and poems begins.

Day 9: Shiraz

However Shiraz has a wide range of eye-catching attractions, you can summarize visiting them within 2 days of your stay there. Several Persian Gardens, noteworthy Eram Garden, Hafez and Saadi (Iranian poets) Tombs, and Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, also known as ‘Pink Mosque’ which is famous for its stunning stained glass windows, can be tiny parts of your exploration of Shiraz.

Day 10: Shiraz to Tehran (900 KM)

There are a couple of suggestions for how to get back to Tehran from Shiraz. As Shiraz features an International Airport, you can either take a direct flight ticket back to your hometown or a domestic flight to Tehran. The price of a plane ticket to Tehran from Shiraz fluctuates but it usually starts from 30$ to 50$. In addition, you can hit the road and experience a long road trip back to Tehran if you are interested in car journeys.

Persian Gulf and its Islands are worth visiting while you are traveling through the south of Iran. You can take an internal flight from Shiraz to Qeshm or Kish Islands to enjoy their attractions. You also have the opportunity to get to BandarAbbas on the road and then continue to the islands by an Abra Boat which is called Lenj in Farsi. The popular islands in the south of Iran are Qeshm, Kish, Hormoz, and Hengam.

Iran 14-day Itinerary

Unlike the Iran Classic Route, this itinerary covers more attractions if you agree to spend more time in majestic Iran. The route starts from the capital city, heads to northwest Iran, continues to western cities, and ends in the central zone. You will be more familiar with these destinations in further notes.

Day 1: Tehran

Tehran is always a welcoming city for travelers from all over the globe. Despite the historical sites of Tehran, you can visit the capital city's modern iconic monuments, namely Azadi Tower and Milad Tower. Also, you can visit the Sa’adabad complex, the former residence of the Pahlavi dynasty which is a heritage museum nowadays.

Day 2: Tehran to Tabriz (630 KM)

Depart Tehran in the early morning toward Tabriz. Take a break in Qazvin and continue to Zanjan. You can delve into the ancient bazaar of Zanjan and eat Jaqour Baqour, the delicious traditional dish of Zanjan. Continue your trip to Tabriz from Zanjan after lunch and you will be there in 3 hours.

Day 3: Tabriz

Tabriz is home to history, culture, and natural beauty in northwest Iran. Tabriz is one of the most popular cities for producing Persian carpets and has a renowned carpet museum. Besides historic and cultural sites in Tabriz, you will have the opportunity to visit Kandovan village which is world-known for its rock-cut architecture of cone-shaped houses.

Day 4: Tabriz to Kermanshah (580 KM)

After admiring the beauty of Tabriz, it’s time to leave your itinerary keep going and head to Kermanshah. The best seasons to take this route are spring and summer as you will be impressed by one of the most spectacular roads in Iran. Sanandaj, which is around 135 KM away from Kermanshah is worth spending a couple of hours while you want to take a break on the way.

Day 5: Kermanshah

Needless to say, visiting the sights of Kermanshah takes at least one whole week, but you can enjoy the most significant ones during your 2-day trip to Kermanshah. Bistoun inscription, Taq-e Bostan, Falak-ol-Aflak Castle, and Anahita temple are must-see attractions of Kermanshah.

Day 6: Kermanshah to Dezful (375 KM)

After exploring Kermanshah, it’s time to keep moving to Dezful, the ancient city in Khuzestan province which retells stories from the Sasanid era. There are numerous tourist attractions to go see both in Dezful city center and urban cities which are registered in Iran’s national heritage list and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Day 7: Dezful

From eco-tourism to paying a visit to the historical and cultural attractions of Dezful you will be fascinated by nature and the rich history of this city. Dez River, The Old Bridge of Dezful, The Historical Houses of Dezful, and the Karun River are the most significant sights of Dezful.

Day 8: Dezful to Shiraz (650 KM)

Depart Dezful to Shiraz in the early morning and visit The UNESCO World Heritage Site of The Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System. After appreciating this ancient sight whose history dates back to the Achaemenid Empire, continue your wonderful trip to Shiraz.

Day 9: Shiraz

Shiraz offers a wide range of attractions for visitors to explore. If you are curious about the history of ancient Persia, Persepolis and Pasargad UNESCO World Heritage Sites are must-visit marvels for you. Additionally, the warm hospitality of locals makes Shiraz a cherished destination for visitors.

Day 10: Shiraz to Yazd (440 KM)

On the way to Yazd from Shiraz, you will have the opportunity to visit one of the world’s oldest trees named Abarqu Cypress or Sarv-e Abarkouh which is estimated to be 4000 to 5000 years old. Abarqu Cypress is considered a national treasure of Iran, that’s why you should not skip it.

Day 11: Yazd

Once you arrive in Yazd, you will be astonished by its unique architecture and ambiance. Yazd is known for its distinctive architecture characterized by windcatchers, mud-brick buildings, and fire temples as a testament to the center of Zoroastrianism in Iran. 

Day 12: Yazd to Isfahan (310 KM)

Leave Yazd to continue your trip to Isfahan. Stay on your way on the desert road to the first tourist attraction of Iran according to travelers’ recommendations from all over the globe. Once you arrive there, get some rest because you will have a lot to do in Isfahan.

Day 13: Isfahan

Isfahan is renowned as “Half of the World” in Persian culture due to its historical richness and unparalleled beauty. The architectural marvels of Isfahan include Jameh Mosque, Chehel Sotoun, the historic bridges over the Zayandeh River namely Si-o-Se Pol and Khaju Bridge, and other historical monuments.

Day 14: Isfahan to Tehran (440 KM)

After concluding your 2-week itinerary in Iran, you can either take road transportation or a flight back to Tehran. If you choose a road trip, you can visit the ancient city of Kashan and the religious city of Qom on the way back to Tehran. Also, you can take a domestic flight back to Tehran or take a ticket back to your country straight from Isfahan as this city features an International airport.

How to Get Around Iran?

There are several options to organize your trip to Iran. From reserving a group or an individual pre-planned tour to traveling independently by renting a car, you will have a wide range of budget-friendly transport opportunities throughout Iran.

Domestic Flights

In contrast with other public transportation types, domestic flights are considered a mid-budget idea to get around Iran. There are around 90 active airports throughout Iran which simplify your access to any part of this land. Moreover, besides Imam Khomeini International Airport of Tehran, you can take a flight back to your homeland from the list of airports below

• Shiraz International Airport
• Isfahan International Airport
• Tabriz International Airport
• BandarAbbas International Airport
• Mashhad International Airport
• Kish Island International Airport
• Ahvaz International Airport
• Sari International Airport

Bus

Traveling by bus is always the most economical solution for any trip. VIP buses featuring 25 seats, air conditioning, and sometimes even WIFI are the most convenient buses in Iran. You can buy bus tickets either through various online ticketing platforms or directly at the bus terminals. You can enjoy the scenic views as you travel across Iran by these vehicles. Also, you have the opportunity to stretch your legs and use restrooms while the bus makes stops on the way.

Train

Using trains is also one of the most common transportation types with different classes and amenities to travel over Iran. First of all, you should make sure which cities have train stations then you can buy tickets. Railway routes in Iran are not as extensive as the bus network. You can find pieces of information about schedules, routes, and fares on the official website of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways (RAI), and other reliable travel websites. Keep in mind that you have to reserve your train ticket in advance due to its common unavailability.

Rental Cars

Traveling through Iran by renting a car is significantly recommended by independent travelers. One of the best advantages of car rental in Iran is your freedom and flexibility during your trip. This type of service will be very time-saving for you because it considerably reduces the time you spend waiting for public transportation and navigating the complex transit system. In addition, renting a car allows you to interact with locals and discover hidden gems that you may not encounter through other means of transportation. Further, you have the opportunity to pick up the car in one city and drop it off in another, which is an ideal decision if you want to take a flight back to your destination. 

6 amazing days in the golden route of Iran

Embark on a captivating journey to Tehran, where beyond the urban hustle, lies a treasure trove of attractions on Kish Island. Among these, the historic Ayani House, a gem from the Ilkhanid era nestled in the ancient city of Harire, stands out. This magnificent site, with its unique star-shaped tiles indicating wealth and significance, tells stories of Iran's rich past through its architecture and remnants.
Located on Kish Island's northern coast, Ayani House and Harire City are a testament to Iran's historical opulence. Despite the passage of time, the archaeological finds, including baths, mosques, and qanats, narrate the life of a once-bustling city. Interestingly, Ayani House, with its intricate network of canals and wells, suggests a complex history intertwined with fishing activities and strategic defense mechanisms.
Visitors to Kish Island seeking a deep dive into Iran's cultural and architectural heritage will find the Ayani House a must-visit. Although slightly removed from the city center, its historical allure is easily accessible and offers a unique glimpse into the island's storied past, making it a highlight for those exploring Iran's diverse attractions.

Last Words

In conclusion, our expert trip planner allows you to tailor your trip based on your preferences and explore your destinations at your own pace. Immerse yourself in Iran’s rich history, culture, and nature while enjoying traditional Persian cuisine. We recommend you learn a few basic Persian words and respect the local dress codes, especially in religious sites. If you are planning your itinerary yourself, save time by taking internal flights for long distances. Additionally, renting a car in Iran enhances your independence during your trip and lets you explore remote areas with limited transportation options.

FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit Iran?

Most nationalities need a visa to enter Iran. Depending on your nationality, you may have the opportunity to get a visa on arrival in Iran. We recommend you check the latest visa procedures with the nearest Iranian embassy before planning your trip.

How can I get around in Iran?

You can travel across Iran using public transportation like the bus, trains, domestic flights, and rental cars due to your point of interest.

Can I use my credit or debit card in Iran?

As a consequence of sanctions in Iran, you are not able to use your credit or debit cards. So keep in mind to have enough cash with you for your whole trip.

Can I drive in Iran with my foreign driver’s license?

You can drive in Iran with an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your valid national driving license.

Author:  Parsa Moazen