Shiraz, Iran

Highlights of Iran

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

12 Days

Prices Start from

£4,545pp(ex. flights)

This holiday to Iran offers a wonderful introduction to the country journeying from Tehran to Isfahan and Shiraz showcasing the archaeological and architectural highlights.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Mosque Minarettes, Isfahan, Iran 1

Isfahan

Discover the city of Isfahan home to beautiful Islamic architecture.

Persepolis, Shiraz, Iran 2

Excavations of Persepolis

Lose yourself amidst this UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tehran.

Fin Garden, Kashan, Iran 3

Fin Garden

Wander the unexpectedly verdant gardens amidst the oasis city of Kashan.

Old Street, Yazd, Iran 4

Yazd

Explore labyrinthine bazaars and mud brick streets in Yazd.

Why we like it

A holiday to Iran requires more advanced planning and preparation than most countries – but those willing to make the effort will be rewarded many times over and find a warm and hospitable land that is blissfully free from visitors. Travel overland across the country in the company of our local guides, experts on all aspects of Iran’s history and culture.

Explore our suggested itinerary

  • Day 1

    Tehran

  • Day 2

    Tehran

  • Day 3

    Tehran - Isfahan

  • Day 4 - 6

    Isfahan

  • Day 7

    Isfahan - Shiraz

  • Day 8

    Shiraz

  • Day 9

    Shiraz - Yazd

  • Day 10

    Yazd

  • Day 11

    Yazd - Tehran

  • Day 12

    Tehran

Day 1

Tehran

Azadi Monument Tehran, Iran

Wander around the National Museum of Tehran and be taken back in time.

Day 2

Tehran

Day 3

Tehran - Isfahan

Fin Garden, Kashan, Iran

Wander the unexpectedly verdant gardens amidst the oasis city of Kashan.

Day 4 - 6

Isfahan

Mosque Minarettes, Isfahan, Iran

Discover the city of Isfahan home to beautiful Islamic architecture.

Day 7

Isfahan - Shiraz

Day 8

Shiraz

Persepolis, Shiraz, Iran

Lose yourself amidst UNESCO World Heritage Site of Persepolis.

Day 9

Shiraz - Yazd

Day 10

Yazd

Old Street, Yazd, Iran

Explore labyrinthine bazaars and mud brick streets in Yazd.

Day 11

Yazd - Tehran

Day 12

Tehran

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Isfahan Palace gardens, Isfahan, Iran
Isfahan Palace gardens

Isfahan

Spend two days in the city of Isfahan with its wealth of stunning sites including three of the finest religious buildings anywhere in the Islamic world. Isfahan is also a wonderful place to meet and interact with the locals who are incredibly proud of this city. Home to the grand Imam Square, the world’s second largest public space and another of the countries UNESCO World Heritage Sites Isfahan is a city of incredible beauty with some of the most magnificent Islamic architecture on earth. Visit the square at night, drink tea below the floodlit, mosaic clad walls as locals mingle.

Apadana Palace, Persepolis, Shiraz, Iran
Persepolis
Nasir al Mulk Mosque, Shiraz, Iran
Nasir al Mulk Mosque, Shiraz

Poets, Gardens and UNESCO Sites

The fertile valley location of Shiraz resulted in an influx of scholars and artists during the 13th and 14th centuries, putting the city at the pinnacle of the Islamic world. Today, bustling bazaars sit alongside 18th century gardens and exquisite mosques. A short drive from Shiraz are the ancient ruins of Persepolis, a World Heritage Site and perhaps Iran’s most important archaeological site. The ceremonial capital of the Persian Empire these ruins date back to the 6th century.

Tower of Silence, Yazd, Iran, CD
Towers of Silence

Ancient Burial Rituals

The oasis town of Yazd dates back over 3000 years and is noted for its plethora of blue domes, soaring minarets and hundreds of wind towers. It is also still an important centre for Iran’s Zoroastrian community. The Towers of Silence can be found outside of the town and are a sacred place for Zoroastrians who do not believe in traditional burials. Instead these towers were a place to dispose of the dead. Traditionally, bodies would be left for the vultures however the government has now put an end to this practice. The location remains deeply spiritual and its haunting past gives it a somewhat eerie feel.

View through rocks towards red houses of mountain village backed by mountain.
Abyaneh village
Side of mud house with woman in traditional dress walking up steps to wooden door.
Local woman in Abyaneh village

Traditional Village Life

Experience traditional Iranian village life amidst the red mud brick houses of Abyaneh. The picturesque location at the foot of Mt Karkas offers a completely different experience to the cities of Iran. Explore steep, winding lanes, lined with traditional houses, terraced so that the roofs of some houses are just yards apart. Many village men dress in traditional wide bottomed trousers and black waistcoats while the women wear hijabs featuring traditional red flowers. Elderly residents still speak the ancient language of Middle Persian.

This is a chance to step into old world Iran. It is possible to overnight in the village in simple accommodation should you wish.

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A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
Price
From £4,545 Per person

When to travel

Iran in January

December, January and February are very cold and some mountains roads become impassable in a land of extremes. However, it is generally quiet, and there are good opportunities for skiing.

Iran in February

December, January and February are very cold and some mountains roads become impassable in a land of extremes. However, it is generally quiet, and there are good opportunities for skiing.

Iran in March

March to May is high season across the country, with ideal temperatures for sightseeing and plenty going on. Persian New Year takes place for 2 weeks at the end of March, making it an interesting but exceptionally busy time to travel. Ramadan varies each year, but generally starts in May and lasts for one month. It is forbidden to eat or drink in public in daylight hours during Ramadan, but restaurants may discreetly serve tourists. If travelling at this time, be prepared to book well in advance to secure the best accommodation.

Iran in April

March to May is high season across the country, with ideal temperatures for sightseeing and plenty going on. Persian New Year takes place for 2 weeks at the end of March, making it an interesting but exceptionally busy time to travel. Ramadan varies each year, but generally starts in May and lasts for one month. It is forbidden to eat or drink in public in daylight hours during Ramadan, but restaurants may discreetly serve tourists. If travelling at this time, be prepared to book well in advance to secure the best accommodation.

Iran in May

March to May is high season across the country, with ideal temperatures for sightseeing and plenty going on. Persian New Year takes place for 2 weeks at the end of March, making it an interesting but exceptionally busy time to travel. Ramadan varies each year, but generally starts in May and lasts for one month. It is forbidden to eat or drink in public in daylight hours during Ramadan, but restaurants may discreetly serve tourists. If travelling at this time, be prepared to book well in advance to secure the best accommodation.

Iran in June

June to August is the peak of summer in Iran, bringing searing hot temperatures to much of the country. Be aware that you are not allowed to wears shorts or t-shirts either, making it hard to cool off too. However, it is a good time to escape to the mountains where it is cooler and very dry.

Iran in July

June to August is the peak of summer in Iran, bringing searing hot temperatures to much of the country. Be aware that you are not allowed to wears shorts or t-shirts either, making it hard to cool off too. However, it is a good time to escape to the mountains where it is cooler and very dry.

Iran in August

June to August is the peak of summer in Iran, bringing searing hot temperatures to much of the country. Be aware that you are not allowed to wears shorts or t-shirts either, making it hard to cool off too. However, it is a good time to escape to the mountains where it is cooler and very dry.

Iran in September

September to November sees pleasant temperatures return, but accommodation is generally easier to come by than in spring. Trekking in the mountains is still a good option although you may need to wrap up warm before the first snow falls in November.

Iran in October

September to November sees pleasant temperatures return, but accommodation is generally easier to come by than in spring. Trekking in the mountains is still a good option although you may need to wrap up warm, before the first snow falls in November.

Iran in November

September to November sees pleasant temperatures return, but accommodation is generally easier to come by than in spring. Trekking in the mountains is still a good option although you may need to wrap up warm, before the first snow falls in November.

Iran in December

December, January and February are very cold and some mountains roads become impassable in a land of extremes. However, it is generally quiet, and there are good opportunities for skiing.

Holiday Inspiration

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