Mashhad, Iran-7-day-itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Mashhad, Iran

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City

  • Morning: Arrive at Mashhad’s Ferdowsi Airport (MHD) or by bus/train from major Iranian cities.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Nader Shah Museum, a historic museum showcasing art, jewelry, and other artifacts of the Qajar era.
    • Explore the surrounding bazaar area for shopping and local cuisine.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Kakh Restaurant known for its traditional Persian dishes. You can walk there from your accommodation or take a short taxi ride.
  • Accommodation: Stay at Taj-Ali Hotel, a 4-star hotel located in the heart of the city, offering comfortable rooms and excellent service.

Day 2: Cultural and Historical Experiences

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Shah Goli Garden & Museum, featuring beautiful gardens with water features, fountains, and traditional Iranian architecture.
    • Explore the nearby Museum of Mashhad, which houses a collection of artifacts from the region’s history and culture.
  • Afternoon:
    • Go to the Imam Reza Shrine, one of the most important Shia pilgrimage sites. Take your time to explore its premises, learn about the shrine’s history, and see the beautiful gardens and buildings.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a traditional Iranian restaurant in the bazaar area like Shahnameh Restaurant.

Day 3: Nature and Recreation

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Mashhad Botanical Garden, a peaceful oasis with a variety of plants, trees, and flowers.
    • Take a leisurely walk or have a picnic here if the weather permits.
  • Afternoon: Relax at your hotel or visit one of the local parks for some fresh air and exercise. Alternatively, you could opt for an adventure day visiting nearby Kashmar, known for its natural attractions such as the Alighar Waterfall.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant near your hotel to save time.

Day 4: More Cultural Delights

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Marzdaran Museum and Garden, which houses historical artifacts, paintings, and sculptures within a beautifully landscaped garden.
    • Continue exploring Mashhad’s cultural side by visiting the local art galleries and museums if you have time.
  • Afternoon: Consider taking a cooking class where you can learn about traditional Iranian cuisine.
  • Evening: Experience dinner at Darband Restaurant, which serves modern Iranian dishes with a twist.

Day 5: Adventure and Shopping

  • Morning:
    • Take a day trip to the nearby city of Kashmar (approximately 1 hour by car) for its natural attractions or shopping in Mashhad’s markets.
    • Alternatively, spend more time at the Imam Reza Shrine or visit the Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts.
  • Afternoon: Visit one of Mashhad’s large department stores like Mashhad Mall to see how modern Iranian retail operates.
  • Evening: Dine out in a trendy spot like Pamir Restaurant, offering a blend of traditional and modern dishes.

Day 6: Educational and Spiritual Experiences

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Agricultural Science & Natural History Museum to learn about Iran’s natural history, agriculture, and wildlife.
    • Consider visiting the nearby Mausoleum of Ferdowsi, a significant historical site containing the tomb of a famous Iranian poet.
  • Afternoon: Reflect at the Imam Reza Shrine or visit the adjacent bazaar for last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
  • Evening: Have your final dinner in Mashhad and reflect on your experiences.

Day 7: Departure

  • Spend the morning packing and checking out of your hotel.
  • If you haven’t yet, make a quick stop at one of the local markets for some last-minute shopping or snacks to take with you.
  • Departure: Head back to Ferdowsi Airport (MHD) or prepare for your onward journey.

Additional Tips and Information:

  • Transportation:

    • Airport Transfer: Arrange in advance through your hotel or a taxi service. The journey takes about 30 minutes depending on traffic.
    • Public Transport: Mashhad has an efficient bus network. You can also use taxis, which are relatively cheap.

  • Food and Drink:

    • Traditional Cuisine: Don’t miss trying traditional Iranian dishes like fesenjan, ghormeh sabzi, and baghali polo.
    • Cafes and Restaurants: Mashhad has a wide variety of cafes for tea and pastries, as well as fine dining restaurants.

  • Safety and Etiquette:

    • Respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites. Dress modestly and avoid public displays of affection.
    • Follow local advice on areas to avoid, especially at night.

  • Health and Medical Care:

    • Consult your doctor before traveling about any health concerns. Make sure you have all necessary vaccinations.
    • Iran has well-equipped hospitals with English-speaking staff. However, it’s always better to be prepared.

Tips for Future Travelers:

  • Research ahead of time on events happening during your visit, especially if you plan to visit religious sites or attend cultural festivals.
  • Learn a few basic phrases in Persian (Farsi) like “hello” (Salam), “thank you” (Merci), and “excuse me” (Excuse me).
  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular tourist spots. Consider visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak hours.

Enjoy your trip to Mashhad, Iran!