I'm currently considering spending between 9-13 days in Iran this August (time is flexible). I would arrive from Dubai and leave from Tehran. I've already been in Tehran and Isfahan, so I would not visit these two places, although I haven't seen much in Tehran (but I'm told that there is not too much to see there anyway).

I've been to Isfahan in August last year, and I can cope with the heat. I'm interested in culture, history, sceneries, photo opportunities etc.

Once in Dubai I was thinking to go to some place in the south of Iran (by plane), then proceed somehow north towards Tehran.

My questions:

1. To which place should I arrive from Dubai as a first arrival point?
2. I assume that you don't have to enter Iran from Tehran - right?
3. I would prefer travelling overland, since the flights are not too safe, due to the unavailabilty of spare parts. What should I take - buses, trains - and how comfortable and fast are buses and trains? Is advance booking needed?
4. Which itinerary would you recommend - I assume Yazd, Shiras, Persepolis, what else?