Mashhad, Iran-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Mashhad International Airport. Transfer to your hotel ( approx. 10-15 minutes).
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Imam Reza Shrine, a magnificent shrine dedicated to Imam Reza, one of the twelve Imams of Shia Islam. This is the largest shrine in Iran and attracts millions of pilgrims each year.
  • 1:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Tahvie, a local restaurant serving traditional Iranian cuisine.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Museum of Mashhad to learn about the city’s history and culture.
  • Evening: Explore the Vakil Bazaar, a historic bazaar with shops selling handicrafts, souvenirs, and clothing.

Accommodation: Stay at Homa Hotel (or similar) for comfort and convenience.

Tips:

  • Wear modest clothing when visiting religious sites.
  • Remove your shoes before entering mosques or shrines.
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
  • Haggling is expected in markets; be prepared to negotiate prices.

Day 2: Cultural Experiences

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Museum of Natural History to learn about Iran’s unique flora and fauna.
  • 11:30 AM: Attend a traditional Persian tea ceremony at a local teahouse ( approx. 10-15 minutes).
  • 1:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at Neshat, a cozy restaurant serving Iranian dishes with a twist.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Mashhad University of Medical Sciences to learn about Iran’s medical history and achievements.
  • Evening: Watch a traditional Iranian dance performance (optional).

Accommodation: Same as Day 1.

Day 3: Shopping and Relaxation

  • 9:00 AM: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting the local Carpet Bazaar.
  • 12:30 PM: Take a break for lunch at Borj-e Aali, a restaurant with a beautiful view of the city.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Golestan Park for some relaxation and fresh air ( approx. 10-15 minutes).
  • 4:00 PM: Enjoy some traditional Iranian sweets at a local shop.

Accommodation: Same as Day 1.

Day 4: Historical Landmarks

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Safavid Palace, a historic palace built during the Safavid dynasty ( approx. 10-15 minutes).
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the Mashhad Museum of History and Culture to learn about the city’s past.
  • 1:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at Shabestan Restaurant, serving traditional Iranian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Imam Reza Shrine’s southern facade, an impressive architectural feature ( approx. 10-15 minutes).
  • Evening: Take a stroll along the city’s streets to soak up the atmosphere.

Accommodation: Same as Day 1.

Day 5: Adventure and Nature

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Khorasan National Park, home to diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes ( approx. 30-40 minutes).
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the park’s hiking trails or go on a guided tour.
  • 1:00 PM: Enjoy a picnic lunch within the park.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Mashhad Aquapark, an amusement park with various water slides and attractions ( approx. 20-25 minutes).
  • Evening: Relax at your hotel or explore the city’s nightlife.

Accommodation: Same as Day 1.

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs.
  • 11:00 AM: Transfer to Mashhad International Airport ( approx. 10-15 minutes) and depart.

Tips:

  • Double-check your flight itinerary before heading to the airport.
  • Leave sufficient time for security checks at the airport.
  • Don’t forget to exchange any leftover Iranian currency back into your original currency before departing.

Getting Around:

  • Taxi: available throughout the city; make sure to agree on the fare before starting your journey.
  • Metro: a convenient and affordable option within the city ( approx. 10-15 minutes).
  • Walking: explore the city’s streets and neighborhoods on foot for a more authentic experience.
  • Car rental: available at the airport or in the city center, but be aware of local traffic rules and parking restrictions.

Other tips and reminders:

  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Be prepared to haggle in markets and bazaars.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water instead.
  • Try traditional Iranian cuisine for a flavorful experience.
  • Learn some basic Persian phrases to interact with locals more effectively.

This is just one possible itinerary, and you may want to customize it based on your personal preferences and interests. Enjoy your trip to Mashhad!