Western Iran Tour

After breakfast, start your sightseeing in Tabriz. Begin with the elegant Blue Mosque, known for its stunning turquoise tiles and rich history. Continue with the Azerbaijan Museum, where you can see collections of archaeological treasures and cultural heritage from the region. Next, visit the Arg-e Alishah, an impressive 14th-century brick citadel that once served as a grand mosque.

End the day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar of Tabriz (UNESCO WHS), one of the oldest covered bazaars in the world, where lively shops and colorful stalls show the city’s trading spirit.

O/N in Tabriz.

After an early breakfast, drive along a scenic route towards Julfa, near the border with Armenia (round trip ≈ 465 km/ 8 hrs). The highlight of the day is the St. Stepanos Monastery (UNESCO WHS), a 9th-century Armenian church rebuilt in the Safavid period. Its stone walls, towers, and fine carvings tell the story of centuries of Christian heritage in the region. On the way, enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Aras River valley, an area that has long connected Iran and the Caucasus through trade and culture.

In the evening, if time allows, visit El-Goli Park, a favorite leisure spot for locals, famous for its large pool and pavilion where families gather to stroll, picnic, and enjoy the fresh air.

O/N in Tabriz.

After breakfast, head towards Maragheh (≈ 190 km/ 4 hrs). On the way, stop at Kandovan village, famous for its unique rock-cut homes carved into volcanic formations, where people still live today just as their ancestors did for centuries.

Continue to Maragheh, once the capital of the Ilkhanid dynasty in the 13th century. Visit the Gonbad-e Kabud (Blue Dome), an elegant Seljuk-era tomb tower from the 12th century, and the Gonbad-e Sorkh (Red Dome), a masterpiece of brickwork and one of the oldest monuments of the city.

O/N in Maragheh

After breakfast, visit the Maragheh Observatory, built in the 13th century by the renowned scholar Nasir al-Din al-Tusi. This remarkable site was one of the most advanced astronomical centers of its time. Afterward, drive towards Sanandaj (≈ 450 km/ 8 hrs), the vibrant capital of Iran’s Kurdish province.

On the way, stop at the Takht-e Soleyman Archaeological Site (UNESCO WHS), a site of profound historical and religious significance. This site was a sacred Zoroastrian center during the Sassanid era, featuring a large fire temple at its core. The site’s ruins include the foundations of palaces, fortified walls, and towers, all built with precise stonework. At its heart lies a deep, natural pond, considered holy in Zoroastrian tradition, and surrounded by ceremonial spaces that reflect centuries of ritual and governance. The combination of natural beauty, architectural mastery, and spiritual importance makes Takht-e Soleyman a unique window into Iran’s layered history.

Continue the journey and arrive in Sanandaj in the evening.

O/N in Sanandaj.

In the morning, visit the Khosro Abad Mansion, a beautiful Qajar-era building famous for its intricate brickwork and historic significance.

Afterwards, drive towards Kermanshah, another important city in Iran’s Kurdish region (≈ 230 km/ 4.5 hrs).

On the way, take a detour to the stepped village of Palangan, a picturesque settlement built into the mountainside. The village is a living example of Kurdish heritage, where terraced stone houses, narrow alleys, and traditional gardens reflect centuries of local life. Visitors can experience the warmth of the Kurdish community, see traditional crafts, and witness cultural practices that have been preserved through generations, offering a deep insight into the social and cultural richness of this vibrant ethnic group.

Continue to Kermanshah and arrive in the evening.

O/N in Kermanshah.

In the morning, explore Tekyeh Moaven al-Molk, a historic building famous for its unique architecture and traditional religious murals. Then stroll through the Kermanshah Bazaar, a lively place where local handicrafts, spices, and Kurdish products give a real taste of regional life.

Afterwards, drive towards Hamedan (≈ 185 km/ 3 hrs). On the way, stop at Taq-e Bostan, a series of magnificent rock reliefs from the Sassanid period, depicting royal ceremonies and hunting scenes carved into the cliffs. Continue to Bisotun (UNESCO WHS),  famous for its monumental inscriptions and bas-reliefs commissioned by King Darius I, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient Persia. Then pay a short visit to the Anahita Temple in Kangavar, an impressive archaeological site allegedly dedicated to Anahita, the ancient Persian goddess of water, fertility, and wisdom.

Arrive in Hamedan in the afternoon and visit Ganjnameh Resort, a scenic complex built around natural springs. The site combines leisure and history, allowing visitors to relax in the tranquil surroundings while admiring the ancient Achaemenid inscriptions carved into the rocks, alongside smaller Sassanid inscriptions—a unique blend of cultural heritage and resort comfort.

O/N in Hamedan.

Begin your day with a visit to the Hegmataneh Museum, located within the archaeological site of Ecbatana (UNESCO WHS). This museum showcases artifacts from the Median to Islamic periods, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history. Next, explore the Tomb of Baba Taher, an 11th-century Persian poet and mystic. The mausoleum, with its striking turquoise dome, is an iconic symbol of Hamedan. Nearby, visit the Tomb of Avicenna (Ibn Sina), a renowned Iranian philosopher and physician. The site includes a library, a small museum, and a spindle-shaped tower inspired by the Ziyarid-era Kavus Tower.

Proceed to the Tomb of Esther and Mordechai, a sacred Jewish site dating back to the 9th century. The monument, constructed from stone and brick, holds significant value in Judaism and has been a pivotal reason for Jewish gatherings in the city across various periods. Visit the Alavian Dome, a Seljuk-era structure known for its unique architecture and historical significance.

After your city tour, embark on a scenic drive to Khorramabad (≈ 240 km/ 4 hrs). The journey offers picturesque landscapes and an opportunity to experience the diverse beauty of western Iran. Arrival in Khorramabad in the evening.

O/N in Khorramabad.

In the morning, explore Falak-ol-Aflak Citadel, the imposing fortress at the heart of Khorramabad. Built during the Sassanid era and later expanded in Islamic periods, it offers stunning views of the city and a fascinating look into Iran’s military architecture.

After the visit, drive towards Shushtar (≈ 240 km/ 4 hrs), located in Khuzestan Province. Shushtar is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, serving as a key center of commerce and engineering in ancient Persia. Upon arrival, explore the Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System (UNESCO WHS) that showcases ingenious ancient water management through bridges, canals, and water mills, reflecting both the city’s technical mastery and its importance in sustaining life and agriculture.

Take a stroll through the Bazaar of Shushtar, a lively market where local handicrafts, spices, and traditional goods offer a glimpse into daily life. Then visit the Mostofi Historic House, also functioning as a traditional restaurant, where you can admire classic Khuzestani architecture while enjoying local flavors.

O/N in Shushtar.

After breakfast, depart for Ahwaz, the capital of Khuzestan Province, via the Shush route (≈ 175 km/ 4 hrs). On the way, stop at Chogha Zanbil (UNESCO WHS), one of the few surviving ziggurats outside Mesopotamia, built by the Elamite civilization around 1250 BCE. Its massive mud-brick terraces and ancient temple structures offer a fascinating glimpse into early urban and religious life.

Continue to Shush, another historically significant city of Khuzestan. Here, visit the Tomb of Daniel, a revered site with religious and cultural importance for multiple faiths. Explore Shush Castle, a fortress constructed by the French, in the late 19th century using bricks unearthed during archaeological excavations at the ancient city of Susa. Designed by French archaeologist Jean-Marie Jacques de Morgan, the castle’s architecture reflects a blend of local materials and European influences.

Then visit the archaeological site of Susa (UNESCO WHS), one of the oldest cities in the world, followed by the Susa Museum, which houses artifacts spanning several millennia, from the Elamite civilization to the Islamic period.

Arrive in Ahwaz in the evening and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Karun River, one of Iran’s most important rivers. Flowing through the city, it has been central to trade, transport, and agriculture for centuries and is dotted with historic bridges and scenic riverside promenades, reflecting its deep cultural and historic significance to the people of the region.

O/N in Ahwaz.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive along the Persian Gulf towards Bushehr (≈ 430 km/ 6 hrs), a historic port city with a vibrant maritime heritage. Along the way, pass through the charming coastal towns of Genaveh and Deylam, where you can glimpse traditional fishing and port life. Upon arrival in Bushehr, settle into your hotel and relax after the journey.

O/N in Bushehr.

Spend the day exploring Bushehr, a coastal gem along the Persian Gulf, known for its rich maritime history, warm-hearted people, and vibrant cultural life. Begin with a stroll through the bazaars, where local products, spices, and handicrafts reflect the city’s centuries-old trade connections and Persian Gulf heritage. Continue to explore the city’s musical alleys, narrow streets filled with the rhythms and melodies of local Bandari culture, offering a sensory glimpse into the daily life and traditions of the sea people.

If you are lucky, you get to witness up close local craftsmen building Iranian Lenj boats in their seaside workshops. These boats are part of a very old maritime heritage, inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Iran. Watching the artisans work offers a rare insight into a centuries-old craft that has shaped the livelihoods and culture of Bushehr’s coastal communities.

O/N in Bushehr.

After breakfast, depart for Shiraz via the Kazerun route (≈ 290 km/ 5 hrs). En route, explore a part of the Sassanid Archaeological Landscape of Fars Region (UNESCO WHS):

Begin with Bishapur, an ancient city founded by Shapur I, known for its impressive stone reliefs and urban layout that blend Persian and Roman influences. Continue to Tang-e Chogan, a historic gorge featuring six majestic rock reliefs, including depictions of Shapur I’s coronation and his victory over the Roman Empire, showcasing the grandeur and political power of the Sassanid era.

*Note: As part of the Sassanid Archaeological Landscape, you may also visit Shapur Cave, a natural grotto renowned for its colossal 7-meter statue of Shapur I, carved from a single stalagmite. Including this visit in the day’s program requires an early morning departure from Bushehr and considerable physical stamina, as reaching the cave involves ascending around 230 carved stone steps and can take up to four hours. The effort is well rewarded, however, by the awe-inspiring sight of the ancient statue—an enduring testament to the artistic mastery and engineering brilliance of the Sassanid era.

After immersing yourself in these remarkable archaeological sites, continue your drive to Shiraz, the cultural and poetic heart of Iran. Arrive in the evening and settle into your hotel.

O/N in Shiraz.