DAY 1: Welcome to Tehran

Welcome to Iran! When you arrive in Tehran, a friendly member of the IranTourGuide team will be waiting to greet you and take you to your hotel.

Once you’ve settled in, we’ll head out to explore two of Tehran’s most iconic sights: Azadi Tower and the stunning Tabiat Bridge. Known as the “Bridge of Nature,” Tabiat connects two beautiful parks and offers fantastic views across the city. Even better, it was designed by a 25-year-old Iranian woman and has come to symbolize Iran’s future.

We’ll wrap up the day with a relaxed dinner at one of our favourite local restaurants, a perfect chance to get to know your fellow travellers.

Accommodation: Saina Hotel Tehran (or similar), Tehran

Included: Dinner

DAY 2: Discovering Tehran

Today is a big day of exploring! We’ll start with a visit to the former US Embassy, also known as the “Nest of Spies,” now a museum that tells the story of the 1979–81 hostage crisis.

From there, we’ll dive into the heart of the city, wandering through the vast Grand Bazaar, stopping for tea along the way, and visiting the beautiful Golestan Palace.

In the afternoon, we’ll follow in the footsteps of Anthony Bourdain and hop on the metro to Darband, tucked into the foothills of the Alborz Mountains. Here, you’ll enjoy a classic Iranian shashlik (kebab) in a lively local setting.

Accommodation: Saina Hotel Tehran (or similar), Tehran

Included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

DAY 3: Tehran to Kashan

This morning we leave Tehran and head to Qom, the heart of religious learning in Iran and the birthplace of the Iranian Revolution. We’ll enjoy a guided visit before continuing on to Kashan, one of our favourite smaller cities.

In Kashan, you’ll discover elegant bathhouses, a beautiful Persian garden, and the wonderful Kashan Bazaar, once a key trading stop on the Silk Road. Tonight, you’ll stay in a lovingly restored traditional Persian house.

Accommodation: Negin Traditional Hotel (or similar), Kashan

Included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

DAY 4: Abyaneh & Esfahan

After breakfast, we’ll explore a little more of Kashan before hitting the road again. Our next stop is Abyaneh, one of Iran’s oldest and most visually striking villages, famous for its red mud-brick houses and narrow alleyways. We’ll enjoy lunch here and take time to explore.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Esfahan — often considered Iran’s most beautiful city, and a firm favourite of ours. From here on, you’ll start seeing places even many locals never get to visit.

Accommodation: Hasht Behesht Hotel (or similar), Esfahan

Included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

DAY 5: Esfahan

This morning is dedicated to one of the masterpieces of the Islamic world: the breathtaking Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque. We’ll take our time to truly appreciate its beauty and details.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Wander through the historic Esfahan Bazaar, chat with friendly local merchants, or simply soak up the atmosphere. In the evening, we’ll meet again at the Khaju Bridge, where locals gather to sing beneath its ancient arches — a truly magical experience.

Accommodation: Hasht Behesht Hotel (or similar), Esfahan

Included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

DAY 6: Esfahan

Discover Esfahan’s rich cultural contrasts on a full-day adventure through two iconic landmarks. Explore the UNESCO-listed Jameh Mosque, where over a thousand years of Islamic architecture come together in domes, courtyards, and intricate brickwork. Then head to Vank Cathedral in the Armenian quarter of New Julfa, a striking blend of Persian and European design filled with colourful frescoes and history. This tour offers a deeper, more adventurous look at Esfahan’s diverse heritage.

Accommodation: Hasht Behesht Hotel (or similar), Esfahan

Included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

DAY 7: Into the Desert – Meybod & Yazd

Today we head into the desert and discover the clever ways Iranians learned to survive here. In Meybod, we’ll visit a Yakchal, an ancient ice house that kept ice frozen all summer long — without electricity — in the middle of the desert.

We then continue on to Yazd, a city of wind towers and winding alleyways. After settling in, you’ll have time to explore with your travel mates and enjoy some of the best food in the country.

Accommodation: Dad Hotel (or similar), Yazd

Included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

DAY 8: Yazd

Yazd is also a centre of Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest religions. Today we’ll visit the Towers of Silence, where the dead were once returned to nature, and see the famous Wind Towers, an early form of air conditioning.

After learning the secrets of this desert city, enjoy some free time to wander and relax in this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site.

Accommodation: Dad Hotel (or similar), Yazd

Included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

DAY 9: A Night in a Caravanserai

For centuries, traders and travellers rested in caravanserais along the Silk Road. Tonight, it’s your turn.

We’ll stay in a historic caravanserai that’s still well off the tourist trail. Watch the sunset, gaze at the stars from the courtyard, and soak up the atmosphere — just as travellers did hundreds of years ago. The accommodation is simple, but the experience is truly special.

Accommodation: Caravanserai or Nartiti Ecolodoge

Included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Driving time: 1 hour

DAY 10: Persepolis

Today we explore Persepolis, one of the greatest sites of ancient Persia. Though its history was cut short by Alexander the Great, its ruins still tell the story of a glorious empire.

Take your time wandering through the site — your hotel is located just outside the entrance, making it easy to explore at a relaxed pace.

Accommodation: Persepolis Tourist Hotel (or similar), Persepolis

Included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

DAY 11: Persepolis to Shiraz

Before leaving Persepolis, we’ll visit Naqsh-e Rostam, where the tombs of four Persian kings are carved high into the cliffs.

Then we continue on to Shiraz, often called the friendliest city in Iran. We’ll explore the lively Vakil Bazaar, enjoy its food stalls and shops, and visit the nearby Vakil Mosque. The evening is free for you to relax or keep exploring.

Accommodation: Karim khan Hotel (or similar), Shiraz

Included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

DAY 12: Shiraz

We’ll start early today to see Nasir ol Molk, the famous Pink Mosque, at its most magical — when the morning light streams through its stained glass windows.

Later, enjoy some free time to explore Shiraz on your own before joining a hands-on Iranian cooking class, where you’ll learn how to prepare some of your favourite local dishes.

Accommodation: Karim Khan Hotel (or similar), Shiraz

Included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

DAY 13: Farewell Iran

Is it really over already? It’s time to say goodbye over a final traditional Persian breakfast. Take a moment to soak in your last memories of Iran.

If you have time, squeeze in one last wander — perhaps a final bazaar visit. Looking for souvenirs? We recommend saffron or maybe even a Persian carpet.

Included: Breakfast