Tour Type
Cultural
Historical
Persepolis Tour
Tour Duration: Half or full day
Customizable: Yes
Main Cities
Based on Persepolis complex, Necropolis and Pasargadae
Quick Access
Persepolis Tour Package
Everything You Need to Know (From a Local Guide)
Persepolis or Takht-e Jamshid is the first popular tourist destination in Iran and your travel to Iran without visiting Persepolis is not complete.
Persepolis tour
Where is Persepolis?
Persepolis is located in Fars Province and Marvdasht County, about 63 kilometers (40 miles) from the city of Shiraz, on the way to Yazd and Isfahan.
According to recent archaeological and historical studies, Persepolis served as the ceremonial center and the royal residence of the Achaemenid kings during Nowruz, the Persian New Year.
At that time, representatives of all the nations under the empire traveled to Persepolis to pay their respects, offer valuable gifts, and show their loyalty to the Achaemenid kings.
It is the birthplace of Persian civilization, the largest empire in human history, which influences many nations and civilizations.
Persepolis Tour is a private tour run by Letsvisitpersia every day and it gives you the opportunity to visit Persepolis with professional guidance.
We can assure you that all your questions will be properly answered at the end of your tour and you will learn the history of this ancient site even from a thousand years before it begins.
Book Persepolis tour and visit Persepolis & Necropolis together
Naqsh-e Rostam (called Necropolis in Greek) sits less than 13 km (8 miles) from Persepolis, and it holds the tombs of some of the most powerful kings in history, including Darius the Great and his son Xerxes.
The site also features several ancient rock reliefs carved by the Sassanian and even Elamite rulers, which give this place a unique historical depth and character.
Optional Services
- Accommodation
- Refreshment
- Entrance Ticket
Customer reviews
35 centigrades, open-air, hardly any shade, and for 3 hours? Ask me any day of the week and I would pass. I was with a group and from the second Vamid picked us up, he had me. He spoke excellent English and was very dedicated to his job, always making sure we fully understood everything he said. Furthermore, he was extremely knowledgeable and had answers to the most intricate questions. Money well spent!
we take Persepolis tour with Letsvisitpersia and it was exactly what we expected and even more. Our guide made an excellent tour with a very detailed explanation of all the points we stopped at. We had literally a million questions about everything and he was able to answer all of them. He had excellent knowledge of history but he was also a very nice and communicative person. definitely recommend!
What are the services and what you'll experience on the Persepolis tour?
Your tour guide will meet you at your accommodation anywhere in Shiraz, and together you’ll head to Persepolis in a private vehicle suited to your group size.
You’ll get detailed explanations, and we’ll take our time so every question of yours gets answered. Discover untold stories and the truths carved into the stones with an experienced tour guide, you can truly feel the history.
Next, we’ll head to Naqsh-e Rostam to explore the royal tombs and the rock reliefs of other great kings.
Ask anything you want from daily life in Iran to ancient Persian history. This tour is all about conversation, not just sightseeing.
You’ll have plenty of time to take pictures and enjoy a coffee while taking in a one-of-a-kind view.
The Persepolis tour can also include a visit to Pasargadae, the tomb of Cyrus the Great and founder of the Achaemenid dynasty of course, with prior arrangement and an extra fee.
At the end of the tour, your guide will take you back to Shiraz and leave you with a backpack full of memories from one of the cradles of civilization.
Persepolis Tour Pictures
How to get to Persepolis from Shiraz and other cities?
Getting to Persepolis is easy, no matter where you start. The table below will help you compare and plan the typical travel distance and time to Persepolis from the cities most travelers visit in Iran, and figure out which route best fits your itinerary.
| Route | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shiraz → Persepolis | ~60 km | 1h by Car/Bus |
| Tehran → Shiraz | ~930 km | 1h 20m by Flight |
| ~900 km | ~15–16h by Train | |
| ~850 km | ~13–14h by Bus | |
| Tehran → Persepolis | ~845 km | ~10h by Car |
| Isfahan → Shiraz | ~450 km | ~5–5:30h by Train |
| ~480 km | ~6–7h by Bus | |
| Isfahan → Persepolis | ~410 km | ~5h:30 by Car |
| Yazd → Shiraz | ~450 km | ~6–7h by Train |
| ~440 km | ~6–6:30h by Bus | |
| Yazd → Persepolis | ~390 km | ~5h by Car |
Persepolis Tour Map (from Shiraz)
If you are currently in Shiraz, a half-day tour to Persepolis or a full-day tour to Persepolis and Pasargadae are great options.
Visiting Naqsh-e Rustam is also included in both tours.
However, if you are traveling from another city, especially Tehran, Isfahan, or Yazd, it is best to stay in Shiraz at least one night before your visit to both see Shiraz and visit Persepolis easily.
Helpful Local Advice on Persepolis Tour
Shiraz is the most convenient center for visiting Persepolis, but there is no public bus that drops you directly at the archaeological site; in this regard, travelers usually choose one of these options:
Guided tour
The most ideal choice: from friendly chats along the way to hearing untold historical stories and getting answers to all your questions.
Private taxi
Simple and convenient: The route is very accessible and beautiful.
Cons: Most drivers don’t speak English.
Taxi apps (Snap and Tapsi, the Iranian equivalents of Uber)
Fast, reliable, and usually cheaper than street taxis.
Cons: Requires registration, and most drivers don’t speak English
Local Tip: If you travel to Persepolis by taxi during the high season (spring and fall), ask the driver to wait for you. Finding a taxi later is frustrating, and the heat is very annoying during the summer.
A friendly note:
Since the distance between Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam (the tomb of the Achaemenid kings) and Naqsh-e Rajab (the reliefs of the Sassanid kings) is very close, you can visit all three sites at the same time.
What is the best time to visit Persepolis?
The best time to visit Persepolis is during spring and autumn, except Nowruz (Persian New Year), which starts from March 20 and lasts 2 weeks.
Spring (late March – late June) is the best time.
✅ Pleasant Spring weather (temperatures between 17 and 24 degrees Celsius)
✅ Green roads and landscapes full of blossoms
✅ Long days that increase the time of visit
❌ Nowruz is the most crowded time of the year to visit any attractions in Iran, especially Persepolis.
Summer (late June – late September) very hot
✅ Daytime temperatures are bearable in the first two weeks of summer.
❌ Very intense heat along with dryness (temperature is between 31 and 44 degrees Celsius)
❌ Persepolis is an open area of 125,000 square meters, and finding shade in the summer will be difficult.
✅ Very few visitors bring freedom in viewing details
Autumn (late September – late December) Pleasant and secluded
✅ Contrary to popular belief, the temperature in Shiraz and Persepolis is pleasant in the Autumn.
✅ It is not as crowded as spring, but just as pleasant. (temperatures between 13 and 22 degrees Celsius)
❌ Less visiting time due to shorter days
Winter (late December – late March)
❌ Difficulty in walking and visiting due to scattered rainfall (temperatures between 3 and 12 Celsius)
✅ Very few visitors and freedom to visit
❌ The shortest days of the year and the shortest visiting time
The best times to visit Persepolis are in the morning, between 8 and 11 am, and in the afternoon, between 3 and 6 pm.
Mornings are the best time to escape the crowds, and evenings are the best time for photography with the beautiful sunset.
What is the weather like in Persepolis, and what should I wear?
Since Persepolis is an open-air archaeological site, you should dress comfortably and be prepared for the weather.
Here’s what you need to know:
Clothing Recommendations in Persepolis
For Spring & Summer (March – August):
Light, breathable clothing (cotton or linen shirts, loose pants)
A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (the sun can be intense)
Comfortable walking shoes (the ground is uneven and rocky)
For Autumn & Winter (September – February):
Light layers (jacket or sweater for cooler mornings/evenings)
A windproof jacket if visiting in winter
Scarf and gloves (especially in December & January)
For Women (Dress Code in Iran):
A loose tunic or long-sleeved top that covers the hips
Long pants or a long skirt
A headscarf (mandatory for female travelers in Iran)
What to bring for a half-day Persepolis tour ?
✔️ The most important thing to have with you is a guide – An experienced guide will show you the depth of culture and history, making the trip more enjoyable.
✔️ Water Bottle – There are plenty of shops inside and outside, including Café shops, but you can refill your water bottle using the water coolers for free.
✔️ Sunscreen & Hat – Protect yourself from the sun
✔️ Sunglasses – Essential for bright days
✔️ Camera/Phone – Amazing photo opportunities!
✔️ Small Backpack – To carry essentials easily (Remember that your bag or backpack must be small; regular bags are not allowed inside the complex.)
The most frequently asked questions about the Persepolis tour
How long does the tour last? Are half-day or full-day tours available?
Typically, a guided tour of Persepolis takes 4 hours (including a 2-hour round trip), but if you need more time for photography or want to get more information and details from your guide, the visit may be longer.
How much does a Persepolis tour cost?
The price of the Persepolis tour varies depending on the number of people and services selected. Contact us to receive a price.
Does the tour cover nearby attractions such as Naqsh-e Rostam and Pasargadae?
Visiting Naqsh-e Rostam is optional and at no extra cost, but an additional fee must be paid to visit Pasargadae.
How much is the entrance ticket to the Persepolis, Naqsh-e Rostam and Pasargadae?
The entrance fee to Persepolis for international visitors is 3,500,000 Rials, which covers a visit to the museum inside the complex. The entrance fee to Naqsh-e Rostam and Pasargadae for foreign tourists is 2,500,000 Rials.
How can I book the Persepolis tour? Is online booking available?
You can book the tour online. You can make the payment either online or in person.
Is a deposit required for booking?
Advance payment is not mandatory, but due to the limited number of guides, especially in the high season, priority will be given to those who have paid a deposit.
Contact us for information on the deposit amount and payment method.
Are there any restrictions for visiting Persepolis?
The entrance to the complex has low steps that do not inconvenience the older people, but the pebbles on the floor make it impossible for strollers and wheelchairs to enter.
What are the photography rules at Persepolis?
You can use your camera or mobile phone in the Persepolis complex and its museum without flash. However, bringing tripods and drones into the complex is prohibited.
Can I buy souvenirs at the site?
Of course. You can buy books, postcards, magnets, clothes, bracelets, statues, etc.
Is it possible to visit Persepolis, Naqsh-e Rustam, and Pasargadae in one day?
Yes, if you have an experienced tour guide and the proper timing, you can see all these attractions in one day and even enjoy watching the unique sunset in Persepolis.
* The price of the entrance ticket to Persepolis for foreign visitors is 350,000 Toman, which includes a visit to the museum inside the complex.
* The duration of Persepolis Tour Packages is flexible (Maximum 8 hours).
* This tour begins and ends at your preferred location in Shiraz.
* You are able to create a customized tour based on your interests.
Persepolis - Necropolis and Pasargadae
A window into the ancient world of Iran (Persia)
- Persepolis Complex (Takht-e Jamshid) – (UNESCO Heritage Site)
- Naqsh-e Rostam (Necropolis)
- Pasargad (Tomb of Cyrus the great) – (UNESCO Heritage Site)
Book Persepolis Tour
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