One Week Iran Road Trip

Embark on an unforgettable one-week road trip through Iran’s most iconic cities! Starting in Shiraz, this road trip takes you on a journey through amazing landscapes, historical sites, and UNESCO-listed monuments. The route includes Pasargad, Isfahan, and concludes in Tehran, covering a total distance of 1217km in 7 days. The best time to drive this route is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and the days are long. Along the way, you will be able to explore the ruins of Pasargad, the ancient capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Further on, you will experience the grandeur of Isfahan, the city of turquoise domes, where you can explore the city’s mosques, palaces, and gardens. The road trip ends with a visit to the bustling city of Tehran, where you will find a vibrant mix of culture and modernity. This road trip is suitable for all drivers and can be managed on a moderate budget. Experience the beauty of Iran and create unforgettable memories on this one-week road trip!

Shiraz, located in the south of Iran, is the perfect starting point for the "One Week Iran Road Trip". The closest international airport is the Shiraz International Airport (SYZ) with car rental services available. From there, you can start your journey and visit some of the most interesting sights in town. Be sure to check out the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, a beautiful mosque with unique stained glass windows, and the Tomb of Hafez, a famous Persian poet. Other notable attractions include the Persepolis, a magnificent palace complex from the Achaemenid Empire, and the Vakil Bazaar, a traditional bazaar filled with shops, restaurants, and other unique experiences. For those looking to explore the outdoors, there are plenty of parks and gardens to choose from, such as the Eram Garden, Afifabad Garden, and Bagh-e-Fatemi. You can also visit the nearby villages and explore the historic sites of Pasargadae and Persepolis. No matter what you’re looking for, Shiraz is the perfect starting point to begin your "One Week Iran Road Trip". With its stunning architecture, vibrant bazaars, and lush gardens, Shiraz is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Join us on an unforgettable road trip from Shiraz to Pasargad! This 145 km journey, that will take you fewer than 2 hours to complete, will take you through some of the most beautiful and historically significant sites in Iran. Your first stop is Persepolis, the ancient capital of the Achaemenid Empire, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can explore the ruins of the palace complex and take in the breathtaking views of the city. Continue your journey to the ancient city of Pasargad, the burial place of Cyrus the Great. Here you can visit the mausoleum of the founder of the Achaemenid Empire and explore the surrounding gardens. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and let’s start the adventure!

Ready for an incredible road trip from Pasargad to Yazd? This 310km journey will take you less than 4 hours, and you’ll be able to visit some of the most interesting sights along the way. On your journey, you’ll be able to visit the famous Pasargadae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the ancient city of Abarqu, where you can explore the ruins of an ancient city. Further along, you’ll also get to see the impressive ruins of the ancient city of Estakhr. As you continue on your journey, take some time to marvel at the beauty of the surrounding countryside. You’ll also get to experience the unique culture of the region, as well as the traditional architecture of Yazd. All of this and more awaits you on your journey from Pasargad to Yazd. For more information about attractions, accommodation, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” section of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s hit the road!

Embark on an amazing journey from Yazd to Isfahan, and explore some of the most interesting places in Iran. This 317 km route will take you less than 4 hours to drive and you will get to experience a variety of historical sites, natural scenic beauty, and UNESCO heritage sites along the way. Make sure to keep your eyes open for the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence, the Dowlatabad Garden, and the Jameh Mosque of Yazd. As you travel, you will be able to spot the ancient city of Nain, the Zarch Qanat, and the historical bridge of Si-o-Se Pol. You will also be able to admire the beauty of the Chehel Sotoun Palace, the Vank Cathedral, and the Hasht Behesht Palace. During this trip, you will be able to savor the beauty of the Iranian countryside, and the historical wonders of the cities. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the Itinerary of this stage.

Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Isfahan to Qom? This route of 298 km will take you no more than 3 hours of driving. Along the way, you will have the chance to visit some incredible historical sites like Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan, and the holy shrine of Hazrat-e Ma'sumeh in Qom. Don't forget to take the time to admire the stunning views of the Persian landscape, as you drive through the rugged mountains and picturesque villages. As part of the larger journey, on this stage you will also be able to visit some UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Royal Square in Na'in and the Fin Garden in Kashan. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. So, get ready for the adventure and hit the road!

Embark on an amazing road trip from Qom to Tehran! Starting from the holy city of Qom, you can visit the Hazrat-e Masumeh Shrine. This shrine is one of the holiest religious sites for Shia Muslims and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you drive through the 147km route, you can also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Fin Garden. It's an amazing historical garden complex with a beautiful waterfall and a large pool. Don't forget to stop at the Abbas Abad Hill and enjoy the breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. The journey will take you less than two hours and you will end at the vibrant city of Tehran. Here you can visit the National Museum of Iran and the Golestan Palace. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can also explore the Azadi Tower, the Milad Tower, and the Grand Bazaar. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an adventure-packed road trip from Qom to Tehran!

At the end of your amazing "One Week Iran Road Trip", you'll find yourself in the bustling capital of Iran – Tehran. This vibrant city is a source of endless possibilities when it comes to sightseeing and culture exploration. The most popular attraction in Tehran is the grand Golestan Palace. This historical site is a World Heritage Site and was once the royal Qajar complex. Not only is it filled with stunning architecture, but it also houses a number of interesting artifacts from the Qajar era. To experience another side of Tehran, take a stroll through the Grand Bazaar. This sprawling complex is the largest bazaar in the Middle East and a great place to find souvenirs, spices, and handcrafted items. To learn more about Iranian culture, visit the National Museum of Iran. This museum has artifacts from the prehistoric era, as well as ancient pottery, coins, and manuscripts from various dynasties. Also make sure to visit the stunning Azadi Tower. This iconic structure is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Tehran and offers stunning views of the city. To get to Tehran, the closest international airport is Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), located about 30km south of the city. At the end of your road trip, you'll be sure to treasure the memories you made in Tehran. With so much to explore, it's easy to see why this vibrant city is a popular destination for travelers.

Before you set off

Embark on a captivating one-week Road Trip through Iran starting from the poetic city of Shiraz, weaving through the nation's diverse landscapes and illustrious historical narratives before reaching the bustling metropolis of Tehran. Covering approximately 1217 kilometers, this journey is punctuated with visits to major cities, each brimming with unique allure, and explorations of UNESCO-listed monuments that testify to Iran's rich cultural tapestry.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• Shiraz: Often referred to as the 'City of Poets,' Shiraz is celebrated for its storied past, exquisite Persian gardens, and as the birthplace of the revered poets Hafez and Saadi. Don't miss the enchanting Eram Garden and the kaleidoscopic Nasir al-Mulk Mosque.
• Pasargadae: Wander amid the solemn ruins of the ancient Achaemenid Empire's capital. The highlight is the tomb of Cyrus the Great, reflecting the empire's once-magnificent grandeur.
• Isfahan: Isfahan, the 'Half the World,' is a treasure trove of Islamic architecture with its majestic turquoise domes, grandiose mosques like the Shah and Sheikh Lotfollah mosques, sophisticated palaces such as Ali Qapu, and verdant gardens. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Naqsh-e Jahan Square is a must-see.
• Tehran: The nation's capital is a tapestry of tradition and modernity, offering vibrant markets, impressive museums, like the National Jewelry Museum, and the landmark Azadi Tower symbolizing Tehran's 2500-year history.

Best Time to Go:

Spring (March to May) is the ideal time for this Road Trip, as the weather is mild, landscapes are lush, and the Persian New Year (Nowruz) celebrations add to the cultural experience. Autumn (September to November) is also pleasant for travel, with moderate temperatures and fewer tourists.

Potential Risks:

Visitors should familiarize themselves with Iran's driving rules and cultural norms. Additionally, staying abreast of the socio-political climate is prudent. Ensure to travel with a reliable vehicle suitable for varied terrain and long distances.

Facts for Roadtrippers:

Iran's Road network is comprehensive, making self-drive adventures feasible. A Road Trip can be budget-friendly, with affordable fuel costs and a range of accommodation options. Iranians are known for their warm hospitality, often leaving travelers with cherished interactions and friendships.

A good choice for:

A Road Trip through Iran is more than a mere journey—it's an enlightening exploration into the heart of Persian civilization. It's an opportunity to experience firsthand the juxtaposition of ancient traditions and contemporary life, all while being enchanted by the country's enduring beauty and the genuine warmth of its people.