Itinerary Overview

This itinerary is structured as follows: Day 1 Tehran → Day 2 Kashan → Days 3–4 Isfahan → Day 5 Yazd → Day 6 Persepolis & Shiraz → Day 7 Shiraz for departure. Domestic flights and long-distance buses connect the cities, while car hire is also available between Isfahan and Yazd, and Yazd and Shiraz, for easier stops en route. Cash is the main form of payment throughout; be sure to exchange enough Iranian Rials before you go.

Day 1 Tehran: First Impressions of the Capital

Start your morning at the National Museum of Iran, where artifacts from the Achaemenid period through the Islamic era are displayed in clear chronological order — a great way to get a historical framework before visiting other historic sites. In the afternoon, visit Golestan Palace to admire its Mirror Hall and colorful tilework, showcasing the grandeur of the Qajar dynasty court. In the evening, explore Tehran’s Grand Bazaar to experience local commercial life, and enjoy a traditional dinner with kebabs and saffron rice. Traffic in Tehran can be heavy, so allow extra time for getting around.

Day 2 Kashan: Gardens and Mansions

A roughly 3-hour bus ride south from Tehran brings you to Kashan. In the morning, visit Fin Garden, a UNESCO-listed Persian garden famous for its water channels and cypress trees, dating back to the time of Shah Abbas. In the afternoon, tour the Tabatabaei House and Borujerdi House to admire the windcatchers, domes, and stained glass of traditional Persian homes. In the evening, you can head to the ancient village of Abyaneh or continue on to Isfahan.

Days 3–4 Isfahan: Half the World

• Day 3: Spend the whole day at Imam Square, one of the largest city squares in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the morning, visit the Imam Mosque and Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, then head up to Ali Qapu Palace in the afternoon for views over the square. In the evening, relax at one of the teahouses or browse craft shops around the square.
• Day 4: In the morning, wander through Isfahan Bazaar to shop for miniatures and printed fabrics. In the afternoon, take a stroll along the Zayanderud River, focusing on the Si-o-se-pol and Khaju Bridges — their arches reflected in the water at dusk create one of Isfahan’s most iconic scenes. In the evening, visit the Armenian Quarter where the Vank Cathedral is located.

Day 5 Yazd: Windcatchers and the Old Town

Around a 4-hour drive from Isfahan takes you to Yazd, on the edge of the desert. In the morning, climb up the Amir Chakhmaq Complex, then in the afternoon explore the labyrinthine alleys of the old town, identifying windcatchers and domed water reservoirs. Visit the Zoroastrian Fire Temple in the evening to see the eternal flame that has burned for a thousand years. Yazd’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best spots to watch the sunset skyline.

Day 6 Persepolis & Shiraz

Head south from Yazd in the morning, stopping en route to visit the ruins of Persepolis, where you’ll see Achaemenid bas-reliefs and the Gate of All Nations, getting a sense of the grandeur of the eras of Cyrus and Darius. Then visit the nearby Naqsh-e Rustam royal tombs before continuing to Shiraz. In the evening, visit the Tomb of Hafez, where locals recite poetry in a serene atmosphere.

Day 7 Shiraz: Pink Mosque & Old Town

Be sure to arrive at the Pink Mosque (also known as Nasir al-Mulk Mosque) right when it opens in the early morning — the sunlight streaming through the stained glass creates a stunning, kaleidoscopic effect, making it one of Iran’s most photographed scenes. Later, visit Vakil Mosque, Vakil Bazaar, and Shiraz Citadel. In the afternoon, you can go to the Eram Garden. Depart from Shiraz International Airport in the evening.

Tips

• The distances between Isfahan and Yazd, and Yazd and Shiraz, are long. Hiring a car allows for stops at points like Persepolis, making the trip more efficient than taking buses the whole way.
• The colorful light effect in the Pink Mosque only happens in the early morning — arrive early and check the opening hours in advance.
• Cash is used throughout the trip. Plan your daily expenses between cities, and spread your cash across different bags or pockets to avoid last-minute money exchange issues.