Iran is perhaps one of the countries with the worse reputation in the media during the last years. You hear that is a very dangerous country where it’s not recommended to travel. But how big was my surprise since the very first second I was in the country!

This trip in Iran was a total delight for all my senses. From beautiful and impressive landscapes to years of history including 22 cultural UNESCO sites, delicious food and the kindest and friendly people I’ve met during all my years of traveling.
There was nothing but good experiences during the 13 days I was traveling in Iran and I’m sharing in this article all the most beautiful places we have been in Iran.

I was not traveling Iran solo as I was invited by IgoPersia which gave us a full tour around the country in a private van. They have organized everything for us, from visas to hotels, restaurants, and sightseeing. I recommend them if you want to travel to Iran with a respected company.

DAY 1

Arriving in Tehran with Persian Luxury

My arrival at Tehran airport was more than luxurious!

I was flying from Kathmandu to Doha and then to Tehran with Qatar Airways, and on my last flight, I was upgraded to Business Class!! I couldn’t believe! I landed in Iran after having a delicious dinner and drinking French rosé champagne.

At arrival at the airplane, it was someone waiting with my name, and until then I was not aware that was meaning I had a CIP (Commercially Important Person) treatment to arrive in Iran.

There was a limo kind of car waiting and driving me directly from the plane to the CIP immigration area, where I did immigration sitting and drinking my first Iranian tea.

 

No queues, no stress, just the best welcoming you could imagine!

You can check HERE the IGTV Instagram video I have made about this

And BTW they don’t stamp or put a sticker on your passport, so you don’t have issues when traveling to some countries.

Favorite place in Tehran

There are many places to see in Tehran, is the capital and one of the most important cities in Iran, very cosmopolitan and full of historical places, restaurants and shopping areas, my favorite was the Golestan Palace, listed as a UNESCO site and former seat of government of the Qajar family, which made Teheran Iran’s capital after they came into power in 1779.

Is one of the best examples of merging cultures in Iran. With art and architecture inspired in the Persian traditions and from Europe.

 

 

Day 2

Most beautiful places in Zanjan Province

From Tehran, we started the road trip to arrive in Qazvin.

Our journey inside the Caravanserai of Sa’d al-Saltaneh (سعد السلطنه) one of the best-preserved in the country and they are one of the oldest hotels in the world, was a mix of architecture, history and delicious bites of traditional food.

Caravanserais were usually located within a day’s journey of each other (about 40 kilometers) so the travelers transporting goods between cities could here take a rest and recover from the extensive days of commuting, most of them following the long way of the Silk Road.

They were not only having rooms to rest but were considered tiny cities including a mosque and market located inside the usual square-shaped construction.

Today it’s a place to do some shopping, enjoy a tea or just hang around this place full of stories in its walls. You can get giant pots to feed all your big family!

Dome of Soltaniyeh is located 30km East of Zanjan and is the second largest dome in the world after Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.

The octagonal building contains the biggest brick dome worldwide and houses the mausoleum of the Ilkhanid khan Öljeitü and today is part of the Unesco’s World Heritage List.

Day 3

Most beautiful places in Meshgin Shahr

The area of Meshgin Shahr was one of my favorites, not only by its impressive nature but also for the great food and the warn encounters we had with the people.

In this area of Ardabil, they mostly speak Azeri Turkish and they have a few cultural differences with the rest of the country manifested in the food and other traditions like music and dances.

The Sabalan Mountains are the home of many Nomad families who spend the year between the high and the lowlands upon changes in weather.

We were lucky enough to be accepted to visit one family and were invited to drink tea and bread with the women of the family inside their tents! Can you believe my happiness??

Being inside the home of authentic nomads following an old lineage and being the kindest people, I met during this trip.

 

Day 4-5

Most beautiful places in Tabriz

Have you thought you must go all the way down to Peru and hike since 4 am in altitude to see amazing colorful mountains?

No, my friend! In the northern area of Iran, you will find the Aladaglar range. They are located just about 25km from Tabriz with Rainbow Mountains to admire and photograph right on the side of the road.

Kabud Mosque, the Blue Mosque is one of the oldest and most iconic mosques in Tabriz. The name of the Blue mosque is due to the beautiful and detailed tails covering the inner and outer walls with different shades of blue.

The mosque dating from 1465 was severely destroyed by an earthquake in the 18^th century and what we can see today is only the vestiges of this incredible building.

Urmia Lake was once the largest salt lake in the Middle East and the sixth-largest saltwater lake on Earth, but this lake once the home of several species of bacteria, fungus and more than 200 birds is in danger of disappearing as it started to shrink since 1995.

The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve area is now under a recovery program who will hopefully save this incredible place.

Day 6

Most beautiful places in Kandovan

When I first saw the village of Kandovan it was inevitable to think about the cave houses in Cappadocia in Turkey. The cliff dwellings were built in the 13^th century and are inhabited until today by 670 people who try to keep and preserve this unique place.

They have a similar construction system and the small village is a very lovely place to enjoy the local culture without the masses of tourists you find in Turkey. This place can be the perfect getaway for one or two nights to just relax, walk around and enjoy delicious food including fresh fish.

 

Day 7-8:

Most beautiful places in Shiraz

Shiraz can be defined as the Pink city as this color is part of the most beautiful places you can find in Iran. There’s so much to see in the area that I could have to spend easily several days enjoying nature and historical, religious and cultural places.

Maharloo Lake was just Wow! As we were flying getting closer to Shiraz airport a massive ‘Oooooh!’ was in all of us. A massive pink lake was showing up outside the windows!

We couldn’t wait a minute there was our first stop in the city.

The lake is seasonal, and we were lucky that it was showing its amazing color due to the salt that is rich in potassium and other salts.

Nasir al-Mulk mosque from outside looks like any other mosque in Iran. It’s only until you are inside the main hall that you will feel been in a kaleidoscope room.

It’s known also like the Pink Mosque due to the main presence of this color in the tiles covering the walls, and the reflections through the colored windows. The construction began in 1876 and finished after 12 years to be one of the most beautiful mosques in the country.

Vakil Mosque is very simple yet with a unique and detailed design that makes it one of the most important in Shiraz. This mosque is not having a dome, but the most beautiful area is the southern hut with its spiral 48 pillars and beautiful tiles in the ceiling and part of its walls.

Vakil bazaar corridors are connected to the courtyard of the mosque and display a whole variety of products.

Between the smell of the spices, you will find carpets and handicrafts where locals go shopping, so it will be a delight for any market lover like me!

Another thing you shouldn’t miss while traveling in Iran is to visit some of the traditional older houses.

My favorites in Shiraz were the Ghavam garden and the Shapoori mansion, the last one is not only a museum but also one of the most beautiful restaurants you will find in the city.

 

One place I was really excited to visit was Persepolis, the former capital of the Achaemenid Empire founded in  518 B.C.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is located 60km northeast of Shiraz and is among the most important archeological sites in the world with great reliques of architecture, urban planning, and art from one of the most ancient civilizations.

Day 9-10:

Most beautiful places in Isfahan

Isfahan was once the most important city of the area had an important role in the trades and commerce, especially within the Silk Road. This 2500 years old city served as Persia’s capital from 1598 to 1722 and it’s a beautiful city with several places to explore and enjoy.

The only thing I was not super happy with Isfahan was that somehow men were not very respectful with women, we were constantly harassed by guys trying to be tour guides, or trying to bring us to shops or just saying things while walking.

 Naqsh-e Jahan Square is one of the most active places in the city, during the evenings and weekends, families gather around the fountain and make picnics or stroll around in the bazaar.

The open square built in 1612, is one of the largest in the world with 500m long by 160m wide and a total area of 89,600m², is part of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. 

The Ali Qapu palace dates from the 17th century during the Iranian empire and it’s one of the most beautiful palaces in the area.

The 52 rooms palace was the residence for Shah Abbas the great and is about 38 meters high, being the tallest building in the 17th century.

With detailed carvings, tiles, and painting in the walls and columns will not disappoint you plus is having the best view of the square.

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is located in the eastern side right in front of the Aliqapu Royal Palace and is connected to the Bazaar in the northern side of the Naqsh-e Jahan Square.

It took nearly 20 years to complete and it was designed to be used privately by the Shah Abbas family, having an underground connection with the Ali Qapu Palace.

The design of the Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque is simple when compared with the Shah mosque, is having no minarets or courtyard and a single-shell dome. despite that, is having a rich and fine ornament work with the tiles covering the dome and walls making it one of the most beautiful mosques to visit in Isfahan. 

Imam Mosque is also known as Shah Mosque or New Abbasi Mosque is one of the most impressive constructions to visit in Isfahan.

With its 28 meters high port, and walls covered in seven colors, with a predominance of blue and yellow, is definitely a must-see in the city. Two magnificent minarets with 33 meters and the largest dome in the city with 53 meters high surrounding a 70 m² courtyard, makes it one of the best examples of the Persian architecture of the Islamic era.

One particular difference of the Shah mosque with others at that time is, its door is not facing Mecca, but the second portal is the one that faces Mecca in the exact direction.

Sadly, it was especially outside this mosque we had the worse experience when a guy tried insistently to talk with us trying to convince us to go to his shop, we denied politely first but it got until the point we had to be very loud so he would leave us alone.

Allahverdi Khan Bridge, commonly called Si-o-Se-Pol is one of the icons of Isfahan.

The biggest bridge over the  Zayanderud built between 1599 and 1602 is a point where people gather in the evenings to share with the family, friends, and it’s especially a place where Iranian in love meet to contemplate the beautiful views.

 

Day 11-12

Most beautiful places in Kashan

Life in the area of Kashan dates back to the Paleolithic times and it used to be n important center for pottery and tiles commerce during the 12th and 14th century. Toady, Kashan is a city not visited by the majority but have a lot to offer for tourism with beautiful architecture, culture, and nature.

The Old Bazaar is one of the biggest covered Bazaars in the world and is a delight to visit. Is a really authentic and charming place, busting in people buying all kind of goods, from fabrics, carpets, gold or simply enjoying a tea while talking to new friends.

The Kashan Bazaar not only fun to visit but one of the most beautiful markets I’ve ever seen! The walls and ceilings are pure art, covered by colorful tiles with magnificent designs.

I was gladly impressed by how chill and easy-going this market is, I could have stayed there the whole day just walking around and talking with the very kind people either working there or shopping with the family.

Abyaneh village is one of the oldest villages in Iran located 80km from Kashan and has more than 1500 years of history, being one of the first human settlements in Iran.

In this red colored village live today 300 people in 106 families who are owning great intangible cultural heritage,  keeping the old traditions and still dress in their traditional clothes: wide long pants for men and flowered shawl for women. Don’t miss to try their dried fruits and Lavoshak!

Our last morning we went before sunrise to the Maranjab desert, located about 60km northeast of Kashan. The desert is surrounded by the Ran va Bidgol Salt Lake (that at that moment was nothing impressive to see) and has beautiful sand dunes.

Not only sand but important historical places are located in Maranjab desert, an important part of the Silk Road, you still find the Caravanserai and a whole underground city.

Day 13:

Last day in Iran and Tehran farewell

The end of my trip was to enjoy Tehran. I went to have a traditional breakfast with a friend, and we could enjoy a bit of the nature and great views of the city.

We finished in Golestan Palace before heading to the airport. Such a perfect last day in a country that gave me so many good memories!

Conclusion

Iran was a country with so much to offer and this trip was the perfect first experience to see a bit of its amazing nature, tasting delicious preparations, visiting and learning about its history and the most, sharing with its amazingly kind people.

Am I missing your favorite place to visit in Iran here? Maybe you can share it with us to visit on the next time

 

Have you ever thought about traveling in Iran?