Yazd : full day city tour:

Back ground:

  YAZD - Visit the Fire Temple , Towers of Silence and the Wind Towers. In the afternoon there is time to explore the old city at your leisure. (BD)

YAZD
The ancient desert city of Yazd is unique for its intriguing architecture , which has been perfectly adapted to the harsh weather conditions of the desert. The famous WIND TOWERS of Yazd , a feature of most buildings in the old city , are designed to trap even the smallest of draughts and direct it into the dwellings below for cooling.

Yazd is also Iran 's centre of Zoroastrianism - one of the world's oldest religions , and the state religion in Persia until the advent of Islam. Often mistakenly referred to as "fire worshippers" , Zoroastrians use fire as a symbol for their omnipotent God.

A 15 km drive to the outskirts of Yazd brings us to the TOWERS OF SILENCE. This fascinating site was once a Zoroastrian burial ground where the dead bodies of the believers were left to be devoured by vultures before burying the remaining bones.

ALI QAPU PALACE :
Literally called "the sublime gate" in Farsi , this seven storey palace , situated on the western sided of Imam Square , was principally the centre of government during the Safavid Period.

The interior is wonderfully decorated with fine carvings , murals and mosaics and the main balcony gave the Shah and his family a commanding view of the polo matches held in the square and daily life in the city.

FORTY COLUMN PALACE :
There are only twenty elegant columns at the front of Shah Abbas' royal reception hall actually , but their reflection in the pool gives the inspiration for the name.

Inside the visitor is treated to a superb display of frescoes and paintings , which cover the walls and depict scenes from the 16 & 17th centuries.

Hasht Behest Garden :

Afternoon Free at leisure walking tour in * Behesht garden .

ARMENIAN QUARTER:
While Iran is , for all intents and purposes , and Islamic nation , there are various other religious minorities free to practice their faith.

VANK CATHEDRAL:

 in Isfahan 's Armenian Quarter is a testament to the fact that Muslims and Christians have lived together peacefully here for centuries.

While the exterior of the cathedral observes traditional Christian designs , the interior decorations are a curious combination of time honored Christian images and ancient Persian art.

IMAM SQUARE:
Built in 1612 as a royal polo ground , and situated in the heart of the Safavid Capital , Imam Square is one of the largest and finest public spaces in the world.

Historically a hive of activity - filled with entertainers , story tellers , preachers and silk route caravans , it has entranced travelers throughout the generations.

THE BAZAAR:
The atmospheric bazaar captures the ambiance of ancient Persia . It's easy to spend many hours strolling here. The pungent scent of exotic spices , clang of coppersmiths at work , cries of merchants selling gold , carpets and handicrafts , all fill the series of long alleys radiating from Imam Square - fantastic!

IMAM MOSQUE & SHEIKLOTFOLLAH MOSQUE:
Built between 1612 and 1638 these majestic structures lavishly adorned with exquisite tile work in hues of blue , turquoise and green , represent the culmination of over 1 ,000 years of Islamic art and architecture.

The former was built as Isfahan 's central place of worship and Islamic learning. The latter , named in honor of the great Lebanese Sheik Lotfollah , was the private place of prayer and meditation for Shah Abbas.