Should I skip Tehran and go straight to Isfahan and Shiraz? I only have one week in Iran. I think Isfahan is absolutely beautiful. but I would also like to see history and culture in Tehran, particularly the politics of the city. We are flying roundtrip into Dubai, and from there will take a flight to Iran so please advise accordingly. Thanks.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8337 posts
Save that for another decade.
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7054 posts
I would ask the question on a non Europe-centric travel forum like Lonely Planet, etc where the travelers aren't primarily from the US. Keep in mind how politics has shaped an average American's view of Iran for decades. I doubt you'll find many folks here who have traveled there and could give you solid advice.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
I have been to Iran, to all three of the cities you want to visit. I do think, with only one week for the trip, you had best leave Teheran for another time. Isfahan and Shiraz are more beautiful and with only a day or two in Teheran I can’t see how much you would learn about the “history, culture and politics”.
Posted by
8322 posts
I have friends from Iran that can't go back to that country or they would likely be executed or imprisioned.
Sure, some Americans have gone to Iran, and some make it back, while a few are thrown in jail.
I love ancient history and would love to visit Iran, but would never go there now.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4657 posts
I agree that asking on other more global forums would be advantageous. Lonely Planet and TripAdvisor. TripAdvisor tends to offer input by locals as well as recent and well versed travelers. Lonely Planet often has a more intrepid traveler base.
There are also tours to consider, but I expect few offer just a week.
Not all here carry only an American passport. Know the risks and advantages for you specific circumstances.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
There were a couple of Americans in our group, but when asked they just said casually that they were Canadian. Not at Immigration, of course and as this was about 15 years ago, their American Passport did not, apparently, present a problem. If ever you are ”allowed” to go to Iran, do not miss Persepolis. That alone is worth the journey.
Posted by
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
1937 posts
You may be aware that Rick Steves visited Iran a few years ago and made a TV special about it.
You can view it here: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/video/travel-talks/iran
I don't know if it will help answer your question, but if you haven't seen it, it's worth watching.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Tours that I've considered spent only minimal time in Tehran, any way, even though they were longer tours. If you have your visas in order and find flight options from Dubai that skip Tehran, then I would go ahead and get to your preferred destinations as quickly as possible.