In two weeks it’s possible to see the jewels of Iran’s rich history, but you’ll need to keep moving.
Start in Tehran and spend two days seeing the sights, including the Golestan Palace, the Treasury of National Jewels and Grand Bazaar.
Drive to Kashan, where you can explore the bazaar, check out the Qajar-era traditional houses and chill out in the Fin Garden.
Make a pit stop at the mosque and tomb in Natanz en route to architecturally magnificent Isfahan and spend three days exploring the blue-tiled mosques of Naqsh-e Jahan (Imam) Square, the bustling Bazar-e Bozorg, the sublime bridges across the Zayandeh River and the Armenian community at Jolfa.
Head to the desert trading city of Yazd for three days wandering the maze of lanes, gaping at the Masjed-e Jameh (Jameh Mosque) and climbing to the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence.
For a change of pace, stop in the desert village of Fahraj before spending a day visiting ancient Pasargadae and Persepolis on the way to Shiraz.
Spend two days in Shiraz, where you can see the Zand-era gardens and bazaar, and wander the old city.
Fly back to Tehran.