Iran 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Itinerary for Exploring Iran

Day 1: Tehran (Capital City)

Places to Go:

  1. Tehran Grand Bazaar: A lively, historic market with a wide range of goods from traditional Persian carpets, spices, and souvenirs.
  2. National Museum of Iran: Showcases the rich history and culture of Iran, including artifacts dating back to prehistoric times.
  3. Milad Tower: Offers panoramic views of Tehran. You can also visit the revolving restaurant at the top.
  4. Sa’d Abad Palace Museum Complex: Consists of seven palaces, representing different Qajar and Pahlavi kings’ architectural styles.

Activities:

  • Visit Niavaran Palace to witness a taste of royal Iranian lifestyle.
  • Explore the modern art collection at the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art.

Things to Know:

  • Dress modestly, and women should wear a headscarf.
  • Business hours are from 9 AM to 4 PM, with Saturday as the weekly rest day (officially closed).
  • English is not widely spoken, so having a local guide or learning some basic Farsi phrases can be helpful.

Visa Requirements: Iran tourist visas require an application through an Iranian embassy or consulate and are typically valid for 30 days. Some nationalities may be eligible for an on-arrival visa. Always check the latest requirements before travel.

Transportation: Tehran has a metro system, taxis, and ride-hailing services like Snapp.

Day 2: Isfahan (City of Poets and Minarets)

Places to Go:

  1. Naghshe Jahan Square: Known as Imam Square, it’s one of the largest city squares in the world with impressive architecture such as the Ali Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and the Shah Mosque.
  2. Chehel Sotun Palace: A beautiful palace built by Shah Abbas II in the 17th century featuring 40 wooden columns supporting the façade and stunning mirror work inside.
  3. Jameh Mosque of Isfahan: One of the oldest mosques in Iran with a rich history dating back to the 8th century.

Activities:

  • Take a boat ride on the Zayandeh River.
  • Visit Vank Cathedral, an Armenian church showcasing beautiful frescoes and intricate tilework.

Day 3: Shiraz (City of Roses and Nightingales)

Places to Go:

  1. Persepolis: The ancient capital of the Achaemenid Empire, featuring impressive structures such as the Apadana, the Palace of Xerxes, and the Throne Hall of Artaxerxes I.
  2. Naqsh-e Rostam: A UNESCO World Heritage site with four monumental tombs cut into the cliff face for Achaemenid kings.
  3. Pasargadae: The first dynastic capital of the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BC.
  4. Erafiyeh Rose Garden (in season, May-June): Witness the breathtaking sight of millions of roses blooming across this picturesque garden.

Activities:

  • Visit Hafez and Saadi tombs, two famous Persian poets, to gain insight into Persian culture and history.

Day 4: Yazd (City of Windcatchers)

Places to Go:

  1. Amir Chakhmaq Complex: A beautiful square with an intricate design consisting of a mosque, caravanserai, bathhouse, and mausoleum.
  2. Zoroastrian Fire Temple: Learn about the Zoroastrian faith and see the eternal flame that has been burning for over 1,500 years.
  3. Dowlat Abad Garden: A stunning Persian garden with a large windcatcher (badgir), making it one of the coolest places in Yazd during summer months.
  4. Towers of Silence: Ancient Zoroastrian burial grounds where bodies were left to be picked clean by birds.

Activities:

  • Explore the Jameh Mosque of Yazd, a beautiful example of Islamic architecture featuring unique windcatchers.
  • Experience traditional Iranian cuisine at local restaurants.