Traveling to Iran is like stepping into a living history book. It is home to some of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth and a culture that has influenced the world for millennia. But there is so much to choose from as far as destinations, the first challenge is to narrow down and plan your Iran itinerary.
Albeit for many, the greatest surprise isn’t the architecture, but the people. You will be invited for tea, dinner, and even to stay overnight by strangers more times than you can count.
We had a fantastic time travelling in Iran and have much to recommend about the architecture, the FOOD and most certainly, the hospitality.
Read on for our suggestions of the ultimate 7-, 14- and 21-day Iran itinerary.
- About Travel in Iran
Money
Dress Code & Safety
Transportation - Our Iran Itinerary
- Iran Itinerary Options
7-Days
14-Days
21-Days - Things To See & Do in Iran
- Food in Iran
- Accommodation in Iran
- More About Travel in Iran
The Essentials: Money, Culture, and Logistics
Are you thinking about Iran travel? Like other destinations before, I’d read a few blogs about travel in Iran, and I’d heard about Iranian hospitality before our first visit.
But I can promise you that nothing quite prepared us for how humbling and welcoming it would feel in real life, plus just how magnificent the history would be.
Iran is an incredible destination if you are fortunate enough to get the chance to travel there.
The Money Puzzle
Due to international sanctions, foreign credit cards and ATMs do not work in Iran. You must bring all the cash you need for your entire trip in clean US Dollars or Euros. You will exchange these for the Iranian Rial (IRR).
We bought sufficient USD in Dubai before we arrived in Iran. We actually bought enough USD to cover more than our time planned in Iran – just in case.
- Pro Tip: Locals almost always speak in Toman (1 Toman = 10 Rials). Always clarify which currency is being discussed before paying.
Taarof: The Art of Politeness
Taarof is a complex system of etiquette. A shopkeeper or taxi driver may initially refuse payment as a gesture of respect. You must insist on paying at least three times until they finally accept. It’s a delicate social dance—be patient and stay smiling.
Dress Code & Safety
Crime against tourists is not common in Iran. However, you must follow the legal dress code: women are required by law to cover their hair with a headscarf (hijab) and wear loose-fitting clothing that covers their arms and legs.
Men should also dress modestly, avoiding sleeveless shirts and shorts.
- Men – You can’t dress in shorts or short pants (even when it is hot!). But, other than that, men don’t have restrictions on clothing as a traveller.
- Women – For Iran travel, women need to wear a headscarf (Hijab) and can’t show either their shoulders or their curves.
This essentially means that as a female traveller in Iran, you must wear a loose long dress or Abaya-style coat over your clothes underneath.
I found it easiest to wear long trousers and a long, long-sleeved top that came down below my hips. Plus, I usually wore an Abaya-type outer layer. Even when it was seriously hot!
Transportation
- VIP Buses: These are incredible. They are cheap, have massive reclining seats, and include snacks. They are the best way to move between cities like Shiraz, Yazd, and Isfahan.
- Snapp: This is the Iranian version of Uber. It works perfectly in major cities and ensures you get a fair, pre-set price.
- Taxis: We used Snapp-style intercity taxis to move between Yazd and Kashan and even to Sanandaj and the border with Iraqi Kurdistan.
PART I: Our Iran Itinerary
Iran is full of incredible historic and cultural sites. A part of choosing an itinerary for Iran travel depends on where you arrive in the country to.
For us, we started in Shiraz and made our way overland between the cities of Shiraz, Yazd, Isfahan and Kashan.
The following is our Iran itinerary from Shiraz to the Iraqi Kurdistan border from Sanandaj:
- Shiraz > Taxi + Guide > Persepolis & Yazd
- Yazd > Taxi > Isfahan
- Isfahan > Taxi > Kashan
- Kashan > Taxi > Sanandaj
- Sanandaj > Taxi (Driver) > Iraqi Kurdistan Border
PART II: Iran Itinerary Options
We had a fantastic three (nearly four) week Iran itinerary and really took our time. There are lots of options in different directions of the country though a lot depends on where you arrive in Iran to start with.
Read on for what we recommend for 7-, 14- or 21-days of travel in Iran.
7-Day Iran Itinerary
- Day 1-2: Shiraz & Persepolis
- Day 3-4: Yazd
- Day 5-7: Isfahan & return to Tehran
14-Day Iran Itinerary
- Day 1-3: Shiraz & Persepolis
- Day 4-5: Yazd & Naeem
- Day 6-9: Isfahan
- Day 10-11: Kashan & Qom
- Day 12-14: Tehran
21-Day Iran Itinerary
- Day 1-4: Shiraz & Persepolis
- Day 5-7: Yazd & Naeem
- Day 8-11: Isfahan
- Day 12-14: Kashan & Qom
- Day 15-17: Sanandaj (Kurdish Highlands)
- Day 18-21: Tehran & Northern Mountains
Part III: Things To See & Do in Iran
See below for the highlights of each stop of our travel in Iran and recommendations for the best things to do in each place.
1. Shiraz
The cultural capital of Iran and the soul of its poetic heritage.
- Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (The Pink Mosque): Arrive early (8:00 AM) to see the morning sun pour through stained glass, creating a kaleidoscope of colours on the Persian rugs.
- Tomb of Hafez: Join the locals at twilight as they recite the verses of Iran’s most beloved poet. It is a deeply spiritual and social experience.
2. Persepolis
Located 60km from Shiraz, this was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire.
- The Apadana Palace: Marvel at the well-preserved bas-reliefs showing gift-bearers from across the ancient world.
- Naqsh-e Rustam: The ‘Necropolis’, featuring the four massive tombs of Persian kings carved directly into the rock face.
3. Yazd
One of the oldest mud-brick cities in the world, famous for its Badgirs (wind-catchers).
- The Towers of Silence: Visit the Zoroastrian sky-burial sites on the outskirts of the city.
- Jameh Mosque of Yazd: Witness the highest minarets in Iran, decorated in dazzling turquoise mosaic.
4. Naeem (Nain)
This is a quiet, ancient town perfect for breaking the journey between Yazd and Isfahan. It is quite literally at the crossroads but well worth stopping at.
- Jameh Mosque of Nain: One of the oldest mosques in Iran, dating back to the 9th century, featuring exquisite stucco work.
- The Old Quarter: Walk through the crumbling mud-brick alleys to see the traditional underground weaving workshops.
5. Isfahan
Isfahan is the crown jewel of Iranian architecture. It is seriously stunning.
- Naqsh-e Jahan Square: The second-largest square in the world. Spend hours wandering the bazaar and the Masjed-e Shah.
- The Si-o-se-pol Bridge: Head here at night to see the 33 arches illuminated and listen to locals singing under the bridges.
6. Kashan
A desert city famous for its rosewater and stunning 19th-century mansions. We ended up spending quite a few days here and felt very relaxed with a beautiful place to stay and nearby restaurants that were seriously delicious.
- Tabatabaei Historical House: Explore the intricate stone carvings and courtyards of a wealthy carpet merchant’s home.
- Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse: A 16th century hammam. Make sure to climb onto the roof for a “Star Wars” like landscape of domes.
7. Qom
This is the religious heart of Iran and a major pilgrimage site.
- Fatima Masumeh Shrine: While non-Muslims can’t enter the inner sanctuary, the scale and mirrorwork of the courtyards are breathtaking. (Women must wear a chador here, available at the entrance).
- The Seminary District: Walk through the streets to see the center of Islamic scholarship in Iran.
8. Sanandaj
Heading west into the mountains of Kurdistan offers a completely different side of Iran. We exited Sanandaj through the border of Iran to Iraqi Kurdistan.
- Asef Vaziri Mansion (Kurdish House): A beautiful museum showcasing the unique dress, music, and traditions of the Kurdish people.
- The Grand Bazaar: A vibrant, bustling market where you can see men in traditional baggy Kurdish trousers and women in colourful, un-veiled floral headscarves.
9. Tehran
The sprawling capital is a mix of high-end cafes and intense history.
- Golestan Palace: A masterpiece of the Qajar era, featuring incredible mirrorwork and gardens.
- The Former US Embassy (U.S. Den of Espionage): A fascinating look at the 1979 revolution through Iranian revolutionary murals.
PART IV: The Food and Flavours of Iran
Persian food is not about heat, but about subtle perfumes: saffron, rosewater, dried limes, and pomegranate.
Some Persian foods and dishes to try in Iran include:
- Zereshk Polo – rice with barberries (zereshk) and saffron
- Tahdig – the crispy, golden-brown rice crust
- Jujeh Kabab – chicken kebab
- Abgoosht (Dizi) – stew with meat
- Ash Doogh – yoghurt soup
- Dolma – stuffed vine leaves
- Ghormeh Sabzi – Iranian stew
- Khoresh Bademjan – eggplant and tomato stew
PART V: Accommodation – Iran Itinerary
There are lots of beautiful accommodation options in Iran. However, it is not like the normal travel destinations where you can book on Booking.com. For Iran, you need to book through the online portal of 1stQuest. It is the only way to book accommodation in Iran.
Once you have made the booking through 1stQuest it is a friendly and personable service to make any changes.
These are the guesthouses we stayed in and can recommend for your Iran itinerary:
- Isfahan – Saraye Ordibehesht Hotel
- Kashan – Noghli Hotel
- Sanadaj – Sanadaj Tourism Hotel
- Shiraz – Taha Traditional Hostel
- Tehran – Bibi Hostel
- Yazd – Yazd Friendly Hotel
We particularly loved our first arrival to Shiraz and the friendly Taha Traditional Hostel.
Final Thoughts
Iran is a country that requires an open mind and a humble heart. From the outside, it is not promoted as the easiest or safest place to travel, but it is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding.
You will arrive for the architecture – and the Persian food – but you will leave with a list of new friends. Thank you, Iran.
Read More About Travel in Asia and Middle East
- 15 Things To Do In Multan, Pakistan.
- 10 Things To Do In Islamabad, Pakistan.
- India Travel Guide.
- Saudi Arabia Travel Guide.
- Day Trip Islamabad To Murree, Pakistan.
- 8 Things To Do In Islamabad With Kids.
- Crossing The Moldova Transnistria Border.
- Crossing The Border From Pakistan To India.
- 10 Day Punjab India And Pakistan Itinerary.
Planning for Travel in Iran and Beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before booking your Iran itinerary and travel!