10-Day Luxury Itinerary for Mashhad

  • Day 1: Imam Reza Shrine
    10 minutes (3.7 km) from Mashhad International Airport

    The Imam Reza Shrine is a holy site for Shia Muslims and a major pilgrimage destination. It is the largest mosque in the world by dimension and second-largest by capacity. Visitors can enjoy spectacular architectural features and a beautiful tile work.

  • Day 2: Tus Ancient Hill and Ferdowsi Tomb
    30 minutes (20 km) from Imam Reza Shrine

    Tus Ancient Hill and Ferdowsi Tomb is a historical site and final resting place of the famous Persian poet Ferdowsi. Here, visitors can explore ancient ruins of the Tus City, learn about ancient history, and admire poetry and literature from a master.

  • Day 3: Shandiz and Torghabe Waterfall
    1 hour (30 km) from Ferdowsi Tomb

    The beautiful Shandiz has become a popular recreation spot for Mashhad residents and tourists. Torghabe Waterfall is another natural attraction that visitors should not miss. Hike alongside the waterfall and enjoy the surrounding tranquil scenery.

  • Day 4: Koohsangi Park, Park-e Mellat and Mashhad National Museum
    20 minutes (7 km) from Torghabe Waterfall

    Koohsangi Park and Park-e Mellat are two beautiful parks where visitors can relax and enjoy the green space. Mashhad National Museum is an interesting place to learn about the region's cultural heritage, including prehistoric and Islamic periods.

  • Day 5: Vakil Abad Zoo, Mashhad Bazaar and Aqua Park
    30 minutes (12 km) from Mashhad National Museum

    Vakil Abad Zoo is the largest zoo in Iran, home to over 3000 animals from 300 species. Mashhad Bazaar is a colorful and bustling marketplace filled with intricate handicrafts, spices, and local snacks. Aqua Park is a perfect place to cool down and indulge in water activities.

  • Day 6: Mashhad Water Museum and Vakil Abad Botanical Garden
    15 minutes (3.5 km) from Aqua Park

    Mashhad Water Museum is an educational and interactive museum dedicated to the importance of water in the city's history and civilization. Vakil Abad Botanical Garden is a beautiful garden filled with exotic trees, flowers, and herbs from all over the world.

  • Day 7: Binalud Mountains and Nader Shah Museum
    2 hours (110 km) from Vakil Abad Botanical Garden

    Binalud Mountains are a great place to enjoy hiking and trekking while being surrounded by scenic views of mountains and lush green valleys. Nader Shah Museum is a fascinating place to learn about the reign of Nader Shah and the adventures that took place.

  • Day 8: Khorasan Grand Mosque and Sheikh Bahaei Mausoleum
    1 hour (35 km) from Nader Shah Museum

    Khorasan Grand Mosque is a beautiful mosque built in the 14th century, boasting magnificent architecture and interior design. Sheikh Bahaei Mausoleum is a historical shrine that showcases impressive stucco, tilework, and calligraphy.

  • Day 9: Tous Museum and Torghabeh
    30 minutes (20 km) from Sheikh Bahaei Mausoleum

    Tous Museum is a small but informative museum dedicated to the history and life of Ferdowsi. Torghabeh is a small town with a stunning view of mountains and unique architecture.

  • Day 10: Shandiz Shandiz and Shirbad Ski Resort
    45 minutes (35 km) from Tous Museum

    Shirbad Ski Resort is a perfect place to enjoy winter sports while being surrounded by beautiful mountains and serene atmosphere. The beautiful Shandiz is a perfect place to unwind and relax before departing from the city.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Imam Reza Shrine (2 hours, Free)
  • Tus Ancient Hill and Ferdowsi Tomb (3 hours, 10 USD)
  • Shandiz and Torghabe Waterfall (6 hours, 20 USD)
  • Koohsangi Park, Park-e Mellat, and Mashhad National Museum (5 hours, 15 USD)
  • Vakil Abad Zoo, Mashhad Bazaar and Aqua Park (9 hours, 30 USD)
  • Mashhad Water Museum and Vakil Abad Botanical Garden (5 hours, 10 USD)
  • Binalud Mountains and Nader Shah Museum (8 hours, 25 USD)
  • Khorasan Grand Mosque and Sheikh Bahaei Mausoleum (4 hours, Free)
  • Tous Museum and Torghabeh (6 hours, 15 USD)
  • Shandiz and Shirbad Ski Resort (8 hours, 50 USD)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 175 USD

Transportation

Most visitors use taxis or hire a private car to move around Mashhad. Taxis charge approximately 0.3 USD per kilometer. For the tour outside the city, renting a car or joining a tour group is recommended, with prices starting at 25 USD per person.

Useful Tips

For those who have more time, consider visiting nearby attraction such as the Kalat Naderi and Gonabad Pigeon Towers, or venture to nearby cities such as Neishabur and Sabzevar. For those who have less time, consider combining visits to several attractions in a day or skipping some of the less essential destinations.

Airports

Mashhad International Airport (MHD), also known as Shahid Hasheminejad International Airport, is the primary airport serving Mashhad. The airport is located about 10 kilometers from the city center and is the second-busiest airport in Iran, serving mostly domestic flights and a few international destinations.

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