Tehran is the capital city of Iran and has a rich cultural history. Start at the Grand Bazaar to experience the hustle and bustle of local life. Visit the National Museum of Iran to learn about the country's ancient history. End the day at the Milad Tower for a panoramic view of the city.
Isfahan is known for its stunning Islamic architecture. Start at the Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the second-largest square in the world, to see the Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and Ali Qapu Palace. Visit the Vank Cathedral, a beautiful Armenian church, and explore the Chehel Sotoun Palace with its impressive hall of mirrors.
Yazd is a desert city with a unique culture and architecture. Visit the Jame Mosque, one of the oldest in Iran, and the Tower of Silence, a Zoroastrian desert structure. Explore the historic qanat, underground water systems, at the Dolat Abad Garden and end the day in the Amir Chakhmaq Complex, a beautiful public square.
Shiraz is known for its Persian poetry, gardens, and wine. Visit the tomb of Hafez, a well-known poet, and the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, a stunning mosque with colorful stained-glass windows. Explore the beautiful Eram Garden and the historic Vakil Bazaar.
Persepolis is an archaeological site of ancient Iran, famous for its impressive palaces and carvings. Explore the ruins of the Apadana Palace, the Throne Hall, and the Tachara Palace. Also, visit the nearby Naghsh-e Rostam to see the royal rock tombs of the Persian Empire kings.
The Caspian Sea region is known for its scenic beauty and delicious seafood. Visit the Ramsar Palace and Gardens, a UNESCO world site, and explore the Masuleh, a village located in the mountains. You can also enjoy water activities like swimming, fishing or boating at the Caspian Sea.
The Alborz Mountains offer breathtaking views, wildlife, and skiing slopes. Take the cable car to Tochal Peak, the highest peak in the mountains. End the day at the Mount Damavand, the highest peak in the Middle East where you can hike and camp.
Iran has an extensive bus network that connects all the major cities for an affordable cost of $5-$20 per journey. Taxis are also widely available, but it's best to negotiate the fare before getting in. Domestic flights are also available, but they can be more expensive and not as convenient as taking the bus or taxi.
If you have more time, you can add a visit to the Tabriz, a city in northwest Iran, to see the Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex, another UNESCO site. The Golestan Palace in Tehran and the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad are also worth a visit.
If you have less time, you can skip the Caspian Sea or the Alborz Mountains and spend more time in the other destinations.
The main airport in Iran is Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) located 30 km southwest of Tehran. It's the largest airport and serves many international and domestic flights. Mashhad International Airport (MHD) is another major airport in Iran located in northeast Iran, around 9 km from the city center.