{"id":2745,"date":"2016-02-01T21:59:02","date_gmt":"2016-02-01T21:59:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/?p=2745"},"modified":"2025-04-28T20:32:44","modified_gmt":"2025-04-28T20:32:44","slug":"where-to-travel-in-iran-our-two-week-itinerary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/nl\/where-to-travel-in-iran-our-two-week-itinerary\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to Travel in Iran – our two week itinerary"},"content":{"rendered":"

Two Weeks in Iran: Our Southern Loop Adventure<\/strong><\/p>\n

The moment we entered Iran, we knew it instantly:
Two weeks was way<\/em> too little time<\/strong> for this vast, fascinating country.
Unfortunately, we can’t always take month-long holidays, so we figured \u00e2\u20ac\u201d two weeks is better than nothing!<\/p>\n

That said, it meant we had to make some tough decisions about where to go.
Since we were traveling in autumn, the southern loop seemed like the obvious choice \u00e2\u20ac\u201d it also happens to home to many of the country\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s highlights.<\/p>\n

Here\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s where our Persian adventure took us…<\/em><\/p>\n

TEHRAN – 1 Day<\/strong><\/p>\n

The first thing we did upon landing in Tehran was book a domestic flight south.
We wanted to get out of the capital as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

Now, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not saying there\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s nothing interesting to do in Tehran, but we figured there were more intriguing places to visit. Besides, we arrived during Ashura<\/strong> \u00e2\u20ac\u201d Iran\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s most important religious holiday \u00e2\u20ac\u201d meaning the entire city was practically deserted.<\/p>\n

We managed to grab a flight that evening, giving us a full day to fill in a very quiet Tehran.
Since everything was closed, we spent the day drinking tea and mindlessly strolling down the empty streets of an otherwise buzzing city.<\/p>\n

\"prayers<\/a>
prayers during Ashura<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SHIRAZ – 2 Days<\/strong><\/p>\n

A short flight later, we arrived in Shiraz<\/strong> \u00e2\u20ac\u201d often called the heart of Persian culture<\/em>.
Just the name “Shiraz” conjures images of refined art, sophisticated poetry, elegant gardens, nightingales, romance… and red wine. And that’s exactly what it was, well minus the wine, since alcohol is illegal nowadays.<\/p>\n

Same situation here, because of Ashura, many sites were closed. Still, we wandered town, visited iconic mosques, browsed colorful bazaars, and shared incredible meals with newfound local friends.<\/p>\n

Sure, we missed some highlights, but we gained something even more valuable: a glimpse into the soul of Ashura \u00e2\u20ac\u201d an experience deserving its own post.<\/p>\n

\"ornate<\/a>
ornate mosques in abundance<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"with<\/a>
with surprising interior design<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"discovering<\/a>
discovering the sweet stuff in the bazar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"almost<\/a>
almost ripe oranges in the mosque’s court garden<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"the<\/a>
the leaning tower of Shiraz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"tea<\/a>
at one of our many tea breaks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

PERSEPOLIS – NAQSH E ROSTAM & NAQSH E RAJAB – 1 Day<\/strong><\/p>\n

From Shiraz, we chartered a taxi for a day trip to mystical Persepolis<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

I regret not hiring a live guide \u00e2\u20ac\u201d reading about the ruins online simply can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t replace someone passionately pointing out the history and symbolism on-site.
Still, guide or no guide, walking among those ancient ruins ignites your imagination.<\/p>\n

\"the<\/a>
the entrance of Persepolis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"ruins<\/a>
ruins that help you imagine what once was a grand majestic city.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After visiting Persepolis, we drove to Naqsh-e Rostam<\/strong> and Naqsh-e Rajab<\/strong>, where majestic rock tombs are carved into sheer cliffs.
Most drivers will suggest adding Pasargadae<\/strong> to your trip, but we skipped it \u00e2\u20ac\u201d and judging by other travelers\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 photos, we made the right call for our interests. A full day of ruins can be a bit much, depending on the type of traveler you are.<\/p>\n

\"rock<\/a>
rock tombs Naqsh e Rajab<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

YAZD – 2 Days<\/strong><\/p>\n

From Shiraz, we caught a night bus to Yazd<\/strong> \u00e2\u20ac\u201d an enchanting mud-brick desert city.<\/p>\n

Honestly?
My favorite city in Iran.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yazd looks like nowhere else: serene, timeless, and entirely made of mud buildings.
According to UNESCO, Yazd\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s old town is the oldest continuously inhabited city on earth. Standing on the rooftops, overlooking the labyrinth of brown lanes, feels like stepping into a fairytale.<\/p>\n

Getting lost in Yazd was pure magic.<\/p>\n

\"exploring<\/a>
exploring the streets of Yazd<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"sunset<\/a>
sunset view from one of the many rooftops<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"teas<\/a>
tea time accompanied by Yazd’s signature sweets<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

KHARANAQ- MEYBOD – CHAK CHAK – 1 Day<\/strong><\/p>\n

In Yazd, we met a friendly driver and arranged a day trip to surrounding sites.<\/p>\n

While Chak Chak<\/strong>, a pilgrimage site, was culturally significant, it didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t really wow us.<\/p>\n

\"Chak<\/a>
Chak Chak, Zoroastrian pilgrimage site<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The 1,800-year-old Narin Castle<\/strong> in Meybod<\/strong>, however, absolutely did \u00e2\u20ac\u201d how a mud structure has survived wars, invasions, and modern changes is beyond me!<\/p>\n

Following a tasty lunch in a historic caravanserai -where strangely enough we were the only people- we headed to the mud-brick village of Kharanaq<\/strong>. This was the highlight of the day; a crumbling, deserted village, where we felt like true Indiana Jones explorers.<\/p>\n

\"lunch<\/a>
lunch in a caravanserai<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Karanaq\"<\/a>
Karanaq<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"rooftops<\/a>
rooftops that made us feel like we had landed on another planet<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"pommegrantes<\/a>
pomegranates surrounding Kharanaq<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

GARMEH – 2 Days<\/strong><\/p>\n

Getting from Yazd to Garmeh<\/strong> took some effort, but oh, was it worth it.<\/p>\n

I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve already raved about our stay in the desert oasis of Garmeh<\/a> \u00e2\u20ac\u201d it remains one of my one of my absolute travel experiences so far.<\/a>
A tiny desert oasis, Garmeh\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s magic simply can’t be overstated.<\/p>\n

Getting from Yazd to Garmeh was somewhat challenging but we made it! I’ve already raved about , it’s still easily<\/p>\n

\"palm<\/a>
palm trees in the desert<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Garmeh,<\/a>
Garmeh, desert oasis of my dreams<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

MESR – 2 Days<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since we loved Garmeh so much, we extended our desert stay and headed to an even more remote settlement: Mesr<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

We drove out with new friends we had made in Garmeh and had another remarkable stay in the desert. We dune-bashed at sunset, stargazed under crystal-clear skies, chased renegade camels, and hiked desert dunes.
I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve said it before and I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll say it again: I love the desert.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"our<\/a>
our guesthouse in the middle of nowhere<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

ESFAHAN – 2 Days<\/strong><\/p>\n

The grandeur of Esfahan<\/strong> left us in awe.<\/p>\n

Here, you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll find Iran\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s most majestic architecture, lively parks filled with families, sharply dressed youths out on the town, and couples quietly dating.<\/p>\n

Modern, vibrant Esfahan stood in sharp contrast to the more conservative Yazd, offering a fresh perspective on Iranian life.<\/p>\n

\"ES\"<\/a>
Esfahan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Sheikh<\/a>
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Isfahan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"family<\/a>
family day on the river banks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

ABYANEH – 1 Day<\/strong><\/p>\n

From Esfahan, we hitchhiked to the ancient village of Abyaneh<\/strong> (public transport was tricky). Most people seem to visit Abyaneh as a day trip from Kashan but we figured we might as well spend the night.
Visiting Abyaneh felt like stepping back in time \u00e2\u20ac\u201d though it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s not an essential stop for everyone, we loved the glimpse into a different side of Iran.<\/p>\n

\"I<\/a>
Irregular bus service to Abyaneh<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"streets<\/a>
streets of Abyaneh<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"We<\/a>
All the locals we encountered in Abyaneh were elderly people dressed in a particular style. They looked very different from the people we had seen throughout the rest of the country.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

KASHAN – 2 Days<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kashan<\/strong> swept me off my feet.<\/p>\n

Maybe it was the rooftop views.
Maybe the charming guesthouse.
Maybe the scent of rose water in the air, the grand traditional houses, the hidden gardens, or the bustling bazaars.
Whatever it was, Kashan got under my skin<\/strong> \u00e2\u20ac\u201d in the best way possible.<\/p>\n

\"just<\/a>
just can’t get enough of these rooftops!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/a>
farmland hidden inside an old fortress in Kashan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"traditional<\/a>
traditional house<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From Kashan, it was a short ride back to Tehran and the airport, marking the end of our journey.<\/p>\n

Because of Ashura, many attractions were closed, giving us a slower travel rhythm \u00e2\u20ac\u201d which in hindsight was perfect. We never felt rushed, and still, there was so much more we would have loved to see.<\/p>\n

One thing’s for sure: there will be a next time.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Because in Iran, it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s not just the landscapes or the ancient sites that stay with you \u00e2\u20ac\u201d
it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s the people.<\/strong><\/p>\n

And even two weeks is enough to get a taste of that extraordinary Persian hospitality.<\/p>\n

\n

Have you been to Iran? Would you consider going?\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The post “Where to travel in Iran- our two week itinerary<\/a>” first appeared on Travel Cake<\/a>.\u00c2\u00a0<\/em><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Two Weeks in Iran: Our Southern Loop Adventure The moment we entered Iran, we knew it instantly:Two weeks was way too little time for this vast, fascinating country.Unfortunately, we can’t always take month-long holidays, so we figured \u00e2\u20ac\u201d two weeks is better than nothing! That said, it meant we had to make some tough decisions […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3130,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"image","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_hide_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_featured_image_duplicate_dismissed":0,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"{title}\n\n{excerpt}\n\n{url}","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"_wpas_customize_per_network":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[96,28],"tags":[38,34,111,20,37],"country":[182],"class_list":["post-2745","post","type-post","status-publish","format-image","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-iran","category-middle-east","tag-backpacking","tag-destination-guide","tag-middle-east","tag-off-the-beaten-track","tag-tips","post_format-post-format-image","country-iran"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/phrKJj-Ih","jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.travelcake.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/FEAT1.jpg?fit=1140%2C760&quality=89&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2745","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2745"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2745\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4613,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2745\/revisions\/4613"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3130"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2745"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2745"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2745"},{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcake.net\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=2745"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}