As the capital of Iran, Tehran is a bustling metropolis that you won't want to miss. Visit the Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts a variety of Persian architecture. For breathtaking views of the city, head to Milad Tower, an observation deck that towers over Tehran at 435 meters high.
Tabriz is the perfect next stop for history buffs who want to see the traditional bazaar complex of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex to experience Persian culture to the fullest. Don't miss the Kandovan village, situated in the rocky mountain of Sahand, featuring a labyrinth of troglodyte residences dug into the mountains.
Dive into the rich history and scenery of Ardabil - the city houses the tomb of Sheikh Safi al-Din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic mountain citadel of Kaleybar, located in the north-east of Ardabil Province on the top of a mountain, is also worth a visit.
Explore the quaint Persian village of Masouleh, located in the Alborz Mountains. With its steep streets, unique architecture and surrounding forests, Masouleh offers an immersive cultural experience. Take in the incredible panoramic views of the village from the top of the hill, and visit the Maymoon Castle, located above the village in the jungle.
Visit the cultural capital of Iran and experience Persian poetry, literature, and architecture in full color. Visit the UNESCO-listed Persepolis, the ancient city built by Darius the Great, in all its splendor. A visit to the pink mosque, Nasir al-Mulk Mosque will leave with its kaleidoscope of colors that are revealed through the sunlight coming through the stain-glassed windows.
Discover the beauty of Yazd, a city home to Zoroastrian culture and influenced by Persian and Islamic architecture. The historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes the Dolat Abad Garden, a Persian water garden that houses one of Iran's tallest windcatchers. Head to the Tower of Silence, where Zoroastrians left dead bodies to be consumed by birds of prey, to learn more about the city's unique history.
With its ornate architecture, stunning mosques, and pristine palaces, Isfahan is the epitome of Persian sophistication. The UNESCO-listed Naghsh-e Jahan Square is a must-see, and it is one of the largest city squares in the world, surrounded by several historical mosques and palaces. For an unforgettable sunset, head to the Si-o-se-pol Bridge, a stunning bridge with 33 arches which was built during the reign of Shah Abbas.
Conclude your adventure in Iran with a visit to the island of Kish. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life, this tropical paradise is a perfect place to unwind. Visit the Kish Dolphin Park to watch the trained dolphins perform magic tricks or stroll around the Greek Ship, a shipwreck that sits on the beach since the 1960s.
Traveling within cities is reasonably easy with taxis and buses available. For traveling between major cities, flights cover most of the distances, and express buses are also available from most cities. In addition to these, Iran has a comfortable train network, although in comparison to roads, train tracks can be limited to some areas. The best recommendation is to travel by planes, especially when traveling to Kish Island.
If you have only ten days, we recommend skipping Kish Island. If you have extra days, consider a day trip from Tehran to Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests or visit the ancient city of Shushtar, in the southwest of the country. Wearing a hijab is mandatory for women in public, but it is not required for non-Muslim women while traveling. Make sure to learn some Persian words or expressions.
Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) is the primary airport in Tehran and is located around 30 km from the city center. Mehrabad International Airport (THR) is a smaller airport in Tehran situated northeast of the city center. Located in the south of the country, about 18 km from Bandar Abbas, Kish International Airport (KIH) is an airport on Kish Island with several daily direct flights to Tehran and other major cities.