Iran · Archaeology

11-Day Iran Highlights Tour from Qeshm with Hormuz and Persepolis

11 Days Round trip from Iran Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Meet dolphins and explore the beaches of beautiful Hengam Island
02 See the windcatchers, wells, and water reservoirs of Laft village
03 Discover traditional Iranian Lenj boat-building workshops in the Persian Gulf
04 Explore colourful Hormuz Island, famous for its red soil
05 Admire the architectural remains of Rayen Citadel and Sarvestan Palace
06 Visit the Ganjali Khan Complex, Fire Temple, and Jabaliyeh Dome
07 Watch a mesmerizing sunset in the stunning Kalouts of the Lut Desert
08 Tour Persepolis, Naqsh-e Rostam, and Pasargadae

Embark on an 11-day journey through Iran from Qeshm, combining island landscapes, cultural heritage, and remarkable historical sites. Explore Qeshm, Hengam, and colourful Hormuz Island, where you can spot dolphins, see traditional Lenj boat-building workshops, and discover the island's famous red soil. Continue through Kerman and the Lut Desert to visit landmarks such as the Ganjali Khan Complex, Fire Temple, Jabaliyeh Dome, and Shahzadeh Garden. The tour ends in Shiraz with visits to Eram Garden, Vakil Mosque, Persepolis, Naqsh-e Rostam, and Pasargadae.

After that, watch the sunset in the stunning Kalouts of the Lut Desert, the only natural World Heritage site of Iran.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 11 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Shiraz, Kerman, Jiroft, Tehran, Hormuz Island, Persepolis, Pasargadae, Qeshm Island, Dasht e Lut, Mahan

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Qeshm and Island Introduction

Arrive at Qeshm airport and transfer to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a tour of the island.

Overnight in Qeshm.

Day 02

Naz Islands, Hengam Excursion, and Dolphin Watching

Visit Naz Islands via Khourbas Cave, Berkeh Khalaf village, Star Valley, and the Portuguese Castle.
Drive to Shib Deraz village and get ready to travel by boat to beautiful Hengam Island, where you can see dolphins in the Gulf while sailing.
Enjoy an excursion to Hengam Island.
Then return to Shib Deraz village to see a sandy beach.

Overnight in Qeshm.

Day 03

Laft Village, Lenj Workshops, and Hara Forest

Drive to the west of Qeshm Island to visit Laft village and see its special windcatchers, water reservoirs, and wells.
Near the village, visit the wooden Lenj construction workshops, one of the largest handicrafts you may ever see. The traditional skills of building and sailing Iranian Lenj boats in the Persian Gulf are part of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage of Iran.
After that, visit the Hara mangrove forest and enjoy a boat ride through this forest.

Overnight in Qeshm.

Day 04

Hormuz Island Exploration

Sail by boat to Hormuz Island to explore this colourful island, known as a "Paradise for Artists" and famous for its red soil. You can see the rug made from the various coloured clays of Hormuz Island, the Portuguese Castle, the Nad-Alian Museum, and possibly gazelles.
Enjoy free time to experience the island's unique nature.

Overnight stay in a local house in Hormuz or return to Qeshm for a hotel stay.

Day 05

Journey to Kerman Province

Drive to Kerman province and the city of Ghale Ganj to stay in the traditional Kapari Hotel, or continue to the city of Jiroft and stay in a hotel there.

Day 06

Rayen Citadel Visit

Drive to Rayen to visit the mud-brick citadel of Rayen (Arg-e Rayen).

Overnight in Kerman.

Day 07

Kerman Historical and Cultural Sightseeing

Visit Kerman Historic Bazaars, the Ganjali Khan Complex, the Fire Temple, and Jabaliyeh Dome.
In the afternoon, explore Gohar Riz Qanat or Fath Abad Garden.

Overnight in Kerman.

Day 08

Mahan and Sunset in the Kalouts of Lut Desert

Leave Kerman for an excursion to visit Shah Nematollah Vali Shrine and the lovely Shahzadeh Garden in Mahan.
After that, watch the sunset in the stunning Kalouts of the Lut Desert, the only natural World Heritage site of Iran.

Overnight in Kerman.

Day 09

Transfer to Shiraz via Sarvestan Palace

After breakfast, leave for Shiraz.
On the way, stop to visit Sarvestan Palace.

Overnight in Shiraz.

Day 10

Shiraz City Tour

Enjoy a day tour in Shiraz, including Karim Khan Citadel, Shiraz Vakil Bazaar and Vakil Mosque, Narenjestan Qavam historical house, Shah Cheragh Shrine, Nasir al-Molk Mosque, and Eram Garden.

Overnight in Shiraz.

Day 11

Persepolis Excursion and Departure to Tehran

Leave Shiraz for an excursion to visit Persepolis, Naqsh-e Rostam, and Pasargadae.
Before taking your evening flight to Tehran, you may also have the chance to see the mausoleum of Hafez in the afternoon.
Fly to Tehran.

The route