14 Day Iran + Hormuzgan Expedition

Home to over 15 million people, Tehran is a melting pot of the cultures and traditions that comprise Iran. Today we will take the time to explore the city’s Grand Bazaar, the Qajar-era Golestan Palace, and the National Museum of Iran.

Accommodation: Traditional hotel

On our second day of this classic Iran itinerary, we will get an early morning start in order to make our way south toward the famed city of Esfahan, making a stop in Kashan on the way.

After about 3 hours on the road, we will reach the small city of Kashan where we will have a bit of time to explore its famous historic houses that all date to the 18th and 19th centuries. We will also take a brief time to see the grand Agha Bozorg Mosque and the beautiful Sultan Amir Ahmad Bath House.

In the afternoon we will continue our drive to Esfahan where we will watch sunset over Naqsh e Jahan Square.

Drive time: ~5 hours
Accommodation: Traditional hotel

Today we will explore the grand architecture within Naqsh e Jahan that helped to gain Esfahan the saying ‘Esfahan is half of the world. This includes the mesmerizing dome of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Shah Mosque’s lovely courtyard, the grandiose tiling of Shah Mosque, and Ali Qapu Palace’s view out over the square.

After lunch, we will get lost amongst the stalls of Bazaar e Bozorg, and make the quick walk over to Chehel Situn Palace. In the late afternoon, we’ll have some time to check out the historic bridges of Esfahan.

Accommodation: Traditional hotel

On the 4th day of this classic Iran itinerary, we will get another early start to depart Esfahan for the desert highlights of Maybod, Chak Chak, and Kharanaq on the way to Yazd.

In Maybod we’ll get to explore the Narin Fortress and Shah Abbasi Caravanserai, Chak Chak famous for its Pir e Sabz Fire Temple, as well as a quick pop into the ancient mudbrick village of Kharanaq.

About 1 more hour of driving from the Maybod area will finally bring us to Yazd where we will have time to roam around the desert city and try some of its famous shirini (sweets).

Drive time: ~4 hours
Accommodation: Traditional hotel

Today we will visit the highlights that make Yazd a much-loved city in Iran. We’ll visit the 13th century Jameh Mosque, which was built over a Sassanid-era fire temple. After, we will wander the narrow, mud-brick streets to visit the Amir Chaqmaq Complex, which contains a caravanserai, and a bathhouse.

In the afternoon will also take time to learn how underground water channels kept the city hydrated in its early days with a visit to the Yazd Water Museum before heading off to see the famous Ateshkadeh Zoroastrian Fire Temple to see the holy fire that has been burning there since 470 AD.

We will finish our 5th day of this Iran itinerary by seeing the ancient Zoroastrian Towers of Silence where of sky burials once took place.

Accommodation: Traditional hotel

Early in the morning, we will begin our long nearly 5 hour drive to our final destinations on this Iran tour of Persepolis and Shiraz.

We will arrive in Persepolis in the early afternoon where we will have time to explore the once-great capital of the Persian Empire and then take time to visit the nearby Naqsh e Rostam Necropolis that is carved right into a mountainside.

After we’ve spent the afternoon immersed in Iran’s ancient history, continue to Shiraz where we will move into our final traditional hotel on our tour of Iran.

Drive time: ~5 hours 30 minutes
Accommodation: Traditional hotel

In the morning we will get an early start in order to reach the famous Nasir al Molk pink mosque when it opens to see the famous stained glass reflections illuminated by the rising sun in the morning. After taking a moment to bask in the early morning beauty we will continue exploring the remainder of the mosque. We’ll also take some time out today to visit the Citadel of Karim Khan, and the Vakil Mosque and bathhouse.

Drive time: ~1 hour
Accommodation: Traditional hotel

Today we’ll get an early start and begin our journey southward to Iran’s coast, stopping for scenic views along the way. We aim to reach Bushehr by the mid-afternoon giving some time for us to settle in and even visit the beach nearby.

Drive time: ~6 hours
Accommodation: Eco lodge or standard hotel

For the next two days, we’ll explore the highlights of the Bushehr Coastline, taking time to see the ethereal Bonood Beach and its caves, peaceful beaches, the ancient Siraf Port, and even have the chance to hear traditional Bandari music and homemade Banadari food.

Accommodation: Eco lodge or standard hotel

We’ll get an early start, leaving Siraf in the morning just after breakfast as we have a long drive day and an exciting stop along the way. En route to Bandar Abbas, we’ll take some time to explore the psychedelic Mokassar Beach area with crazy rock formations to meander through. There are heaps of scenic stops along the way to make as well, so be prepared to be glued to the window the entire drive.

We’ll arrive in Bandar Abbas later in the day where we’ll hop on a ferry to reach Qeshm Island.

Drive time: ~6 hours
Accommodation: Eco lodge

We’ll hop on the early morning ferry today from Qeshm to Hormuz to visit the tiny island that you’ll need to see to believe. As we make our way around Hormuz we’ll have the chance to see the trippy Rainbow Cave, the famous Red Beach Hormuz is most well known for, the Salt Mountain, the colorful Rainbow Valley, and the Portuguese Castle.

Later in the day, we’ll catch the ferry back to Qeshm for the night.

Accommodation: Eco lodge

On the final full day of our coastal Iran tour, we’ll check out the famed sites around Qeshm Island including the mangrove forests, the beautiful Salt Cave, visit the Ship Factory, and hopefully see some wild dolphins.

Accommodation: Eco lodge

In the morning, we’ll catch a flight north to Tehran to end our trip. Departures will be throughout the day today from the Iranian capital.