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 — two weeks is better than nothing!
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 — it also happens to home to many of the country’s highlights.
Here’s where our Persian adventure took us…
TEHRAN – 1 Day
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.
Now, I’m not saying there’s nothing interesting to do in Tehran, but we figured there were more intriguing places to visit. Besides, we arrived during Ashura — Iran’s most important religious holiday — meaning the entire city was practically deserted.
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.
SHIRAZ – 2 Days
A short flight later, we arrived in Shiraz — often called the heart of Persian culture.
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.
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.
Sure, we missed some highlights, but we gained something even more valuable: a glimpse into the soul of Ashura — an experience deserving its own post.
PERSEPOLIS – NAQSH E ROSTAM & NAQSH E RAJAB – 1 Day
From Shiraz, we chartered a taxi for a day trip to mystical Persepolis.
I regret not hiring a live guide — reading about the ruins online simply can’t replace someone passionately pointing out the history and symbolism on-site.
Still, guide or no guide, walking among those ancient ruins ignites your imagination.
After visiting Persepolis, we drove to Naqsh-e Rostam and Naqsh-e Rajab, where majestic rock tombs are carved into sheer cliffs.
Most drivers will suggest adding Pasargadae to your trip, but we skipped it — and judging by other travelers’ 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.
YAZD – 2 Days
From Shiraz, we caught a night bus to Yazd — an enchanting mud-brick desert city.
Honestly?
My favorite city in Iran.
Yazd looks like nowhere else: serene, timeless, and entirely made of mud buildings.
According to UNESCO, Yazd’s 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.
Getting lost in Yazd was pure magic.
KHARANAQ- MEYBOD – CHAK CHAK – 1 Day
In Yazd, we met a friendly driver and arranged a day trip to surrounding sites.
While Chak Chak, a pilgrimage site, was culturally significant, it didn’t really wow us.
The 1,800-year-old Narin Castle in Meybod, however, absolutely did — how a mud structure has survived wars, invasions, and modern changes is beyond me!
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. This was the highlight of the day; a crumbling, deserted village, where we felt like true Indiana Jones explorers.
GARMEH – 2 Days
Getting from Yazd to Garmeh took some effort, but oh, was it worth it.
I’ve already raved about our stay in the desert oasis of Garmeh — it remains one of my one of my absolute travel experiences so far.
A tiny desert oasis, Garmeh’s magic simply can’t be overstated.
Getting from Yazd to Garmeh was somewhat challenging but we made it! I’ve already raved about , it’s still easily
MESR – 2 Days
Since we loved Garmeh so much, we extended our desert stay and headed to an even more remote settlement: Mesr.
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’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I love the desert.
ESFAHAN – 2 Days
The grandeur of Esfahan left us in awe.
Here, you’ll find Iran’s most majestic architecture, lively parks filled with families, sharply dressed youths out on the town, and couples quietly dating.
Modern, vibrant Esfahan stood in sharp contrast to the more conservative Yazd, offering a fresh perspective on Iranian life.
ABYANEH – 1 Day
From Esfahan, we hitchhiked to the ancient village of Abyaneh (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 — though it’s not an essential stop for everyone, we loved the glimpse into a different side of Iran.
KASHAN – 2 Days
Kashan swept me off my feet.
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 — in the best way possible.
From Kashan, it was a short ride back to Tehran and the airport, marking the end of our journey.
Because of Ashura, many attractions were closed, giving us a slower travel rhythm — which in hindsight was perfect. We never felt rushed, and still, there was so much more we would have loved to see.
One thing’s for sure: there will be a next time.
Because in Iran, it’s not just the landscapes or the ancient sites that stay with you —
it’s the people.
And even two weeks is enough to get a taste of that extraordinary Persian hospitality.
Have you been to Iran? Would you consider going?Â
The post “Where to travel in Iran- our two week itinerary” first appeared on Travel Cake.Â
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