Offbeat Iran Itinerary
We all know Iran is a limitless source of places to visit. If you have already taken the classic tour and want to go off the beaten path, we have prepared a fascinating one-week itinerary to discover the lesser-known parts of modern Persia.
ChasingTheUnexpected.com Day 1 - Hamedan
You can get to Hamedan by hiring a private car or by bus from Tehran. Hamedan is a lively city with a gorgeous colourful handicraft and several historical places to visit such as:
● The mausoleum of physician, astronomer and writer Avicenna
● The Tomb of Esther and Mordechai
● The ancient inscriptions of Ganjnameh near the Alvand Mountain ordered by Darius The Great and Xerxes The Great.
ChasingTheUnexpected.com Day 2 - Kermanshah
Kermanshah Province will surprise you. Its mountainous landscape is rocky and barren, the roads flanked with boundless, seemingly desert fields. Depending on the season, you will find a different nature, and it’s widespread opinion that the best time to visit is Spring, when the blossoms make the view green and flowery. Some places to visit in this Kurdish-majority province:
● Anahita Temple in Kangavar town
● Bisotun, UNESCO-listed ancient site
● Moaven al-Molk, Qajar-era mourning site in Kermanshah City
● Local bazaar
● Taq-e Bostan, Sassanid-era ancient site
ChasingTheUnexpected.com Day 3 - Khorramabad
Khorramabad is the capital of Lorestan, beautiful western Iranian province. Here you can visit:
● Falakul Aflak Castle
● Etnographic Museum to know more about the Lor ethnic group
● Local bazaar
ChasingTheUnexpected.com Day 4 - Khuzestan
One of the most hit provinces during the Iran-Iraq war, Khuzestan is packed with interesting places and sites to visit. Here are some:
● Susa, UNESCO-listed ancient city
● Chogha Zanbil, another UNESCO world heritage site
● A mozif, traditional dwelling of the local Arab community
● The town of Dezful and its historical bazaar
● Ahvaz city and its Falafel Bazaar
ChasingTheUnexpected.com Day 5 - Shiraz
I know, Shiraz is not exactly an offbeat destination but more part of the classic itinerary I wrote about here. However, on the way from Khuzestan to Shiraz, you can visit the beautiful Bishapur ancient site. Some places to visit once in Shiraz:
● Hafez and Saadi Mausoleums
● Nasir ul-Molk mosque
ChasingTheUnexpected.com Day 6 – Izadkhast & Isfahan
On the way from Shiraz to Isfahan, we recommend you stop at the fascinating Izadkhast Caravanserai. Since it’s on the way, you might want to stop in Isfahan and visit:
● Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
● Imam Mosque
● Naqsh-e Jahan Square
● Ali Qapu Palace
● Vank Cathedral and the Armenian New Jolfa Quarter
ChasingTheUnexpected.com Day 7 - Natanz
On your way back from Isfahan to Tehran, we strongly suggest you stop in Natanz, lovely desert town. Some places to visit:
● Grand Mosque of Natanz
● Natanz ceramic workshop close to the mosque
ChasingTheUnexpected.com If you hire a private car, you can definitely take this trip in one week. However, if you have more time, you can consider staying longer in Kermanshah and Lorestan provinces, maybe exploring their countryside and smaller towns.
Check out more about Iran and more cool destinations on Chasing The Unexpected!
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