10-Day Iran Budget Tour with Local Insights

Today you have the freedom to explore either the cultural downtown or the more modern northern parts of Tehran. In the heart of the city, you can visit the Golestan Palace, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece of Qajar-era architecture, followed by the National Museum of Iran, showcasing artifacts from prehistoric to Islamic periods. Nearby, the Abgineh Museum offers a fascinating collection of glass and ceramics inside a beautiful historical mansion. Don’t miss the bustling Tehran Grand Bazaar, a maze of shops and scents, and art lovers can head to the Museum of Contemporary Art to admire Iranian and international modern works. Alternatively, you can venture uptown to the green foothills, where the Sa’dabad Palace Complex and the Niavaran Palace Complex reveal the lavish lifestyles of former royals. End your northern exploration with a walk through Tajrish Bazaar and perhaps a casual hike or tea break in the scenic trails of Darband. Overnight in Tehran.

This morning, you’ll board a VIP intercity coach to Kashan. Upon arrival, the city welcomes you with its desert charm and splendid historic architecture. Stroll through the grand traditional houses like the Tabatabaei House and the Borujerdi House, both built by wealthy merchants and adorned with intricate mirrorwork and stained glass. Visit the beautifully restored Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse, and relax in the shade of the Fin Garden, one of Iran’s most iconic Persian gardens, famed for its flowing water and historical significance. In the evening, wander the quiet streets and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of your traditional guesthouse. Overnight in Kashan.

Continue your journey by coach to Isfahan. Once in Isfahan, begin your discovery of the city with a sunset walk along the Si-o-se Pol and Khaju Bridge, two iconic structures that span the Zayandeh River and come alive at night with music and conversation. If time allows, visit the serene Hasht Behesht Palace, a beautifully painted octagonal pavilion set in a peaceful park. Overnight in Isfahan.

Today, dive into the architectural wonders of Isfahan, beginning with the majestic Naqsh-e Jahan Square, a vast plaza surrounded by masterpieces like the Shah Mosque, the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, the Ali Qapu Palace, and the Qeysarieh Bazaar. These sites capture the grandeur of Safavid-era Iran. Later, head to the Armenian district of Jolfa, where the beautifully frescoed Vank Cathedral offers a glimpse into Iran’s Christian heritage. End your day at the historic Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, a living museum of Islamic architecture, featuring elements from a thousand years of design evolution. Overnight in Isfahan.

Travel across central Iran to the desert city of Yazd. Upon arrival, take a relaxing stroll through the mudbrick alleys of the Old Town, enjoying rooftop views and traditional courtyards. This evening is ideal for absorbing Yazd’s peaceful rhythm and atmospheric beauty. Overnight in Yazd.

Start your day by exploring the Fahadan District, Yazd’s historic heart filled with adobe homes and quiet lanes. Visit the striking Jameh Mosque of Yazd with its towering minarets, and enjoy panoramic views and coffee at the Yazd Art House. Continue to the imposing Amir Chakhmaq Complex, known for its symmetrical sunken alcoves, and breathe in the scent of cypress trees at the Dowlatabad Garden, home to Iran’s tallest traditional wind tower. Dive into the spiritual legacy of Zoroastrianism by visiting the Fire Temple, where an eternal flame has burned for over a thousand years, and the haunting Towers of Silence, ancient circular structures once used for sky burials. Overnight in Yazd.

Board the bus to Shiraz, the city of gardens, literature, and light. After check-in, take a walk through its lively streets or visit the tranquil Tomb of Hafez, where poetry and nature intertwine. Overnight in Shiraz.

Begin your exploration at the vibrant Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, also known as the Pink Mosque, where morning light creates a kaleidoscope of colors. Discover the historic Vakil Bazaar, Vakil Mosque, and Karim Khan Citadel, all remnants of the Zand dynasty’s influence. Stroll through the fragrant paths of Eram Garden, a UNESCO-listed botanical haven, and visit the graceful Narenjestan-e Qavam Garden. End your day with a spiritual stop at Shah Cheragh Shrine, a dazzling interior covered in mirrored mosaics.
In the afternoon, take an optional half-day excursion to the legendary ruins of Persepolis, once the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire, and nearby Naqsh-e Rostam, where tombs of Persian kings are carved into towering cliffs. If time allows, continue to Pasargadae, home to the modest yet powerful Tomb of Cyrus the Great. Overnight in Shiraz.

After breakfast, transfer to Shiraz International Airport for your departure flight. As you leave, take with you memories of ancient cities, warm welcomes, and the many stories discovered along the way.