Start your adventure in Tehran, the capital of Iran. Visit Golestan Palace to witness the remarkable architecture and historical significance. Next, head to the Grand Bazaar Tehran, one of the oldest bazaars in the world that offers a unique shopping experience. End your day with a visit to the Mount Tochal, where you can take a cable car to enjoy the stunning view of Tehran.
On your second day, head to the beautiful city of Kashan. Visit the Fin Garden, a Persian garden that is listed as a UNESCO world heritage and see the Borujerdi House, a historic house with a unique architecture design. Take a break at the Abyaneh Village, a village with red mud-brick houses to explore and interact with locals.
Arrive in Isfahan and visit the Nagsh-e Jahan Square, a historical square that showcases some of the most famous Islamic architecture in the world. Take a walk to the Si-o-se-pol Bridge, a beautiful bridge over the Zayandeh River, and end your day with a visit to the Atashgah Fire Temple, where you can witness traditional Zoroastrianism ceremonies.
Head to the ancient city of Yazd, which is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Visit the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence, a sacred burial site for Zoroastrians, and the Amir Chakhmaq Complex, a stunning mosque and bazaar. End your day at the Dowlat Abad Garden, a Persian garden with a beautiful windtower.
Take a day trip to Kharanaq, one of the oldest and most famous historical cities in Iran. Explore the abandoned buildings, bathhouses, mosques, and bazaars in this ancient city, and learn about its fascinating history.
Head to Tabriz, the capital of East Azerbaijan. Visit the Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex, the largest covered bazaar in the world that sells traditional Iranian handicrafts. Discover Arg-e Tabriz, one of the oldest historical structures in Tabriz, and the Kandovan Village, a unique village known for its cave homes carved into cone-shaped rocks.
Visit Masouleh, a scenic cliffside village nestled in the heart of the Alborz Mountains. Explore its narrow streets and admire the unique architectural style of its houses, which are built into the mountain slope. Go on a hike to the surrounding mountains for breathtaking views of the village and the lush landscape.
Head to Ramsar, a coastal city in Mazandaran Province. Visit the Javaher Deh historical site, an ancient site that houses the ruins of a Sassanid-era palace complex, and the Caspian Sea, where you can relax and enjoy the picturesque view of the sea. Witness the beauty of Ramsar Palace, famous for its Persian architecture.
Visit the legendary Alamut Castle, an extraordinary mountain castle, believed to be an impregnable fortress. Alongside your guide, explore the history of the Assassins, who controlled this castle in the 11th and 12th centuries. Take pictures with the scenic view of the mountains surrounding the castle.
Head back to Tehran, on your last day in Iran, visit the National Museum of Iran, which displays ancient and historical Iranian artifacts. End your day with a visit to Mount Damavand, the highest peak in Iran, and take in the beautiful scenery before your journey home.
For the best experience, it is recommended to rent a car to visit all the destinations on this itinerary. A rented car could cost approximately $30 a day, and it should take into account travel time between destinations.
If you have additional time, consider visiting these other places: Persepolis, Shiraz; Naqsh-e Rustam, Fars Province; Shahr-e Sukhteh, Sistan and Baluchestan Province. For a shorter itinerary, consider skipping Yazd and Kashan, and spending more time in Tabriz and Tehran.
Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) is the primary airport in Iran and is located 30 km southwest of Tehran.