Discover Iran's ancient Persian heritage, stunning Islamic architecture, and warm hospitality. From the grand bazaars of Tehran to the architectural marvels of Isfahan and the poetic gardens of Shiraz, Iran offers travelers a journey through 2,500 years of history and culture.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Kashan
Highlights: Fin Garden - UNESCO-listed Persian garden with Safavid-era fountains · Tabatabaei House - 19th-century merchant mansion with intricate stucco work · Agha Bozorg Mosque courtyard · Old bazaar full of rosewater distilleries
Qom
Highlights: Fatima Masumeh Shrine - Iran's second holiest pilgrimage site with glittering golden dome · Qom Salt Lake · Traditional seminaries (hawzas) · Local qottab and sohan sweets
Rey (Shahr-e Rey)
Highlights: Tughrul Tower - 12th-century Seljuk brick tower · Bibi Shahrbanu Shrine perched on a rocky hillside · Cheshmeh Ali gardens · Rey Bazaar for local snacks
Damavand Basecamp (Polour)
Highlights: Views of Mount Damavand - Middle East's highest peak at 5,610 m · Alpine meadows with wildflowers (May-June) · Traditional mountain villages · Clear mountain streams
Abyaneh Village
Highlights: Ancient red-ochre mudbrick village inhabited for 1,500+ years · Villagers still wearing traditional Zoroastrian-era costume · Unique Middle Persian dialect still spoken · Stunning Karkas mountain backdrop
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organized guided day tours from Tehran to Kashan from $40-80 per person including transport, guide, and some entrance fees. Available through guesthouses and tour operators.
- Private
- Private car hire with driver from $60-100/day for a Tehran day trip - ideal for reaching Abyaneh and Kashan together, or the Damavand basecamp route not served by public transport.
- Public
- VIP buses serve Kashan ($8-10), Qom ($3-5), and Isfahan ($8-10) from Tehran's South Terminal. Tehran Metro Line 1 reaches Rey for $0.50. Shared taxis operate to Damavand from Haraz Road.
- Rental
- Car rental from $30-50/day - useful for flexible exploration of Alborz Mountain routes and the Kashan-Abyaneh combination. Note: Tehran traffic is very challenging and IDP required.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Book VIP buses from Tehran's South Terminal at least one day in advance on weekends and during school holidays when buses fill quickly
Start early - leave Tehran by 7 AM to arrive at Kashan or Qom before the main heat and tourist crowds. Last bus back from Kashan departs around 6 PM.
Combine Qom and Rey in one day using Tehran Metro - take the metro to Rey in the morning, then bus from southern Tehran to Qom for the afternoon, returning by evening bus