5-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Shiraz, Iran

Day 1: Arrival & City Orientation

Places to Go

• Eram Garden: A beautiful Persian garden with a history dating back to the Zand dynasty.
• Nasir al-Mulk Mosque: Known as the Pink Mosque for its stunning pink color and intricate stained glass art.

Where to Eat

• Hafez Cafe: A charming cafe near the tomb of Hafez, where you can enjoy traditional Iranian dishes while reading poetry from local poets.

Where to Stay

• Homa Hotel Shiraz: Centrally located with comfortable rooms and friendly staff.

Things to Know

• Shiraz has a hot semi-arid climate, so pack lightweight, breathable clothing for the daytime and warmer garments for evenings.
• English is not widely spoken in Iran, so it’s helpful to have some Persian phrases or use translation apps.

Day 2: Historical Sites & Bazaars

Places to Go

• Persepolis: The ancient capital of the Achaemenid Empire, located about an hour from Shiraz.
• Pasargadae: The first dynastic capital of the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great.

Where to Eat

• Narenjestan Qavam Garden Restaurant: Offers traditional Persian dishes in a serene garden setting.

Day 3: Cultural Experiences & Vakil Bazaar

Places to Go

• Vakil Mosque: One of the most important mosques in Shiraz, with stunning architecture and tiles.
• Vakil Bazaar: A bustling traditional market where you can shop for carpets, spices, jewelry, and more.
• Karim Khan Citadel: The historical citadel built during the Zand dynasty.

Where to Eat

• Shamshiry Restaurant: Famous for its Shirazi cuisine, particularly their kababs and ghorme sabzi (a traditional herb stew).

Day 4: Tomb of Hafez & Saadi

Places to Go

• Tomb of Hafez: The tomb of the famous Persian poet, Hafez, a peaceful and spiritually significant site.
• Tomb of Saadi: The tomb of another renowned Persian poet, Saadi Shirazi.

Where to Eat

• Pizzeria Sang-e-Morgh: For those seeking a change from traditional Iranian cuisine, this pizzeria offers delicious wood-fired pizzas.

Day 5: Departure

Before you leave, don’t forget to visit:

Places to Go

• Shah Cheragh Shrine: A significant religious site for the Zoroastrian, Islamic, and Baha’i faiths.

Things to Know

• Be respectful when visiting religious sites. Cover your head, wear modest clothing, remove your shoes, and keep quiet.
• Always ask permission before taking photos.

Transportation

• Shiraz has a reliable public bus system, but it can be confusing for tourists. Taxis are abundant and relatively affordable. For longer trips, consider arranging a private car or joining organized tours.