The best of Iran in 10 days

The capital of Iran has a series of museums of greatest interest. Dedicate one morning to the visit of the archaeological museum, which houses one of the country's most beautiful and important collections, covering pre-Islamic history to the Sassanide dynasty. Visit the Palais Palace and the Glass and Ceramics Museum.

Visit the main bazaar and Imam Khomeiny's mosque. If you are fascinated by diamonds, take a look at the superb collection of jewellery and precious stones on display in the vaults of the Mellat Bank, which houses the Crown Jewels Museum. Another option is to visit the Reza Abbassi Museum, which houses beautiful Neolithic pottery and magnificent jewellery in medieval and Achaemenid gold. In the evening, flight to Chiraz, the city of poets.

The city of roses, nightingales and love promises as much as it gives. Start by visiting the mosques rich in very colourful and incredibly well preserved mosaics and continue in the Bazaar. You can spend the afternoon strolling in the gardens of Eram and Narandjestan (Orangery Park) and visit the tombs of Hafez and Sa'di.

Dedicate the morning to the visit of Persepolis (Takht-e Jamshid), one of the capitals of the Persian Achaemenid Empire and the largest archaeological site in the country. The beauty of bas-reliefs has nothing to do with the splendour and prestige of the Achaemenid courtyard. Next to the impressive royal necropolises of Naqsh-e-Rostam, a few kilometres away, with impressive sasanians bas-reliefs. In the afternoon, follow the road to Yazd in the evening.

Visit of the magnificent old town in adobe, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This former camel port, famous for its silk trade, was very prosperous until the 17th century. The visit is an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the amazing wind towers (badgir), natural air conditioning before the time. Visit the Amir Chaghmagh complex (15th century), a testimony of the Timurid period. Take the road to Esfahan in the late afternoon.

Dedicate this first day to the great monuments of Esfahan. Take the time to discover the city and its jewels gently. Immerse yourself in the heart of Persian history, in the immense and sumptuous Imam Square, to discover the great Imam mosque, the Sheikh Lotfollah mosque and the Ali Qâpu palace. Visit the Armenian quarter, its beautiful Vank cathedral (early 17th century) and end with a hook at the edge of Esfahan, on the side of the curious wobbly minarets and the Temple of Fire (Ateshkadeh-ye esfahan) of the Sassanid period.

Stroll through the alleys of the bazaar to discover the city's formidable craftsmen, with a small predilection for carpets, miniaturists, marquetry and copper work. Nearby, meet at the Djomeh mosque, now a thousand years old. At the end of the day, take part, like the inhabitants of the city, in the great ritual of the walk on the banks of the Zayandeh Rud, an excellent way to discover the mythical bridges of Esfahan.

Departure for Kashan. Stop on the way to the citadel of Gougah and the village of Abyaneh, one of the most picturesque in the country, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and built on a mountainside at the foot of Mount Kargas. Visit of the city of Kashan, with its superb traditional Qadjar houses (Tabatabaei, Khan-é Boroujerdi, Abassin) and the Agha Bozorg mosque. End your stay on site with a stroll in the heart of Bâgh-e Fin, one of the most beautiful Persian gardens in Iran

Passage to Qom, the country's second pilgrimage site after Machhad and Iran's first centre for Shia theological education. It is also home to some of the most beautiful rugs in the country, made entirely of silk by skilled craftsmen.

Planning based on your departure schedule. Last day in the capital with the discovery of the northern districts, features of Iranian modernity. Visit of the Palatial complex of Saad Abad, the former royal residence of the Pahlavis, now transformed into a museum. This large complex of 18 palaces and residences, built in the 1930 s, is located in the heart of a large park.