Start your adventure in Tehran, the bustling capital of Iran. Visit the Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was the seat of the Qajar dynasty. Explore the National Museum of Iran and learn about Persian history and culture. Wrap up your day by taking a stroll in the beautiful Laleh Park.
Spend the day in the picturesque city of Kashan. Explore the traditional Persian mansions, including the Tabatabaei House and the Borujerdi House, known for their beautiful architecture and stunning gardens. Don't miss the historic Fin Garden, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Discover the beautiful city of Isfahan, renowned for its stunning Islamic architecture. Start with the Naghshe Jahan Square, a UNESCO world heritage site that includes the beautiful Imam Mosque, the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and the Ali Qapu Palace. Visit the Si-o-se-pol Bridge and the Khaju Bridge for breathtaking views of the Zayandeh River.
Explore the desert city of Yazd, which is known for its traditional architecture and Zoroastrian heritage. Visit the Tower of Silence, a Zoroastrian structure used for exposure of the dead. Wander around the old city with its narrow streets and mud-brick buildings, including the Jame Mosque, one of the oldest in Iran. End your day with a stroll in the beautiful Dowlat Abad Garden, which has an impressive wind-tower and a water-stream system.
Head to the city of Shiraz, known for its beautiful gardens and rich cultural heritage. Visit the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, also called the Pink Mosque, for its stunning stained glass windows. Explore the Eram Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site that features beautiful fountains, flowers and fruits. Don't miss the Persepolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site that contains the ruins of ancient palaces and tombs.
Spend a second day in Shiraz and visit the Pasargadae, another UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains the tomb of Cyrus the Great. Check out the Zandieh Complex and the Vakil Bazaar for a taste of local life.
Travel to Ahvaz, located near the southwestern coast of Iran. Take a trip to the Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System, a UNESCO World Heritage site that contains the remains of a water management system from the Achaemenid Era. Explore the Ahwaz Anthropology Museum, which showcases the culture and legacy of the Khuzestan province.
Head to the port city of Bushehr, located on the Persian Gulf coast. Visit the Bushehr Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the Safavid era. Check out the Abdulazim Shrine, built during the Qajar dynasty which is visited by the locals for their religious beliefs
Travel south to the coastal city of Bandar Abbas, located on the Strait of Hormuz. Visit the Hormuz Island, known for its red soil and stunning landscapes. Explore the Old Bazaar and check out local handicrafts and spices.
Arrive at the city of Kerman, the cultural capital of Iran. Visit the Arg-e-Bam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains the remains of a citadel from the Safavid era. Explore the Ganj-Ali Khan Bathhouse, a traditional Persian bathhouse that dates back to the Safavid era. End your day with a visit to the Zarand Mountains, known for their scenic beauty.
Take a day trip to the stunning Kaluts Desert, located in the middle of the Lut Desert. Admire the unique natural beauty of the area with high hills connected together, walking on the sand hills and seeing the stars at night
Travel to the city of Mashhad, the holiest city in Iran. Visit the Imam Reza Shrine, which is the largest mosque in the world by dimension and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Muslim world. Head to the exquisite Khoei Mosque, one of the largest and most important Shiite mosques in Iran.
Enjoy a second day in Mashhad and visit the stunning Tus, where the Persian poet Ferdowsi and the polymath Avicenna were born. Take a stroll at the Mashhad Waterfall Park, which features beautiful waterfalls and landscapes.
Take a flight to Qeshm Island, the largest island in the Persian Gulf. Visit the Chahkouh Valley, known for its unique rocky formations and huts built inside the rocks. Wander around the Hara Forests, which is a UNESCO biosphere reserve that contains the largest mangrove forests in the Persian Gulf. Don't miss the Valley of the Statues, which contains natural rock formations shaped like animals.
Take a flight back to Tehran for your departure day. Your trip ends with wonderful memories of Iran, its culture, history, and natural beauty.
Total Estimated Costs: 2,200,000 Iranian Rials (~$52 USD)
Traveling by car is the most convenient way to get around Iran, although public transportation is available in the major cities. Taxis are easy to find and affordable, and ride-sharing apps like Snapp and Tap30 are also popular. Trains and buses are available between major cities, and domestic flights are available for longer distances. Estimated costs for car rental is around 2,500,000 Iranian Rials (~$60 USD) for 15 days, and the total mileage for this itinerary is around 2,170 miles.
If you have more time, consider visiting other cities in Iran such as Tabriz, Kermanshah, or Hamedan. If you have less time, consider skipping some of the cities or attractions on this itinerary, or reducing the length of your stay in some locations. It's recommended to learn a few basic Persian phrases and to dress modestly, especially in religious and cultural sites.
The main international airport in Iran is the Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), located 30 miles southwest of Tehran. Other major airports include Shiraz International Airport (SYZ), Mashhad International Airport (MHD), and Kish International Airport (KIH). Qeshm Island has its own airport (GSM), but flights are limited to other parts of Iran.