[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Isfahan one of the best and most beautiful and tidiest cities of Iran used to be the capital of Persia in glory days of 17^th century. It is called “half-of-the-world” by many people due to its uniqueness and grandeur. It is a live museum of artisans and the handicrafts with its historic bazaar, attractive bridges, and adorned mosques. The city of blue domes is the home land of Muslims, Jews and Christians who live peacefully together. As Jean Chardin, a 17^th-century French traveler, writes: “The greatest and the most beautiful town in the whole of Orient” and “was expressly made for the delights of love”.

Here are the most valuable attractions in tourists’ eyes:[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

1. Naqsh-e Jahan Square: Known also as Imam Square, is the masterpiece of Safavid era and one of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. The royal square was the place where Shah and his people met. It is surrounded by four highlights including Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotfolah Mosque, Alighapoo edifice and Bazaar.

[/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”3″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1534842239753-e582bce3-4955-10″ include=”5482,5583,6846,6844,8888,8890,8891,8892″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Imam/Shah Mosque: Designed with blue-tiled mosaic presents perfectly proportioned architecture of Safavid era and creates a marvelous view to your eyes. The majesty of the architecture of this mosque cannot be described in words; thus, you must go there to pay a visit in person.

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Ali Qapu Palace: A huge portal that is opposite to Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque. Shah Abbas used to celebrate Nowrooz (Iranian New Year) in this fabulous edifice. 18 columns of this monumental palace are decorated with mirrors and the ceiling is covered with great paintings. A splendid music hall is in the sixth floor with deep circular niches in the walls for music echoing. Shah used to sit in the edifice terrace and enjoy watching polo matches.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque: A valuable monument dominating the boundary of the Naqshe Jahan Square which was the first one among the four constructed edifices around the Square. Although, in comparison with Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque is very simple in design, but it has an exceedingly complex decoration both inside and outside. The exterior of its single dome is richly ornamented with exquisitely made and beautiful tiles.

[/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”2″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1534842239825-26897407-8be2-3″ include=”8894,8895,6838,6839,8896″][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

2. Isfahan Bazaar: A historical market in Isfahan and one of the oldest and largest bazaars in the Middle East. The bazaar is a two-kilometer street connecting Isfahan’s old city to the new part. Every line of the bazaar is allocated to certain types of goods, such as colorful Iranian carpets, hand woven rugs, shoes, spices, gold, silver and handicrafts such as Moarraq, a sort of manual wood working, Khatam, the wooden articles with fine pieces of wood, bone and metal precisely cut in geometrical shapes. There are also several workshops where you can see the handicrafts making process.

[/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”2″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1534842239868-b93ed1ed-b87d-3″ include=”8899,8900,8901,8902″][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

3. Jolfa square: The Armenian square of Jolfa in Isfahan is a place where Christians live peacefully and do their religious rites. Their ancienter migrated from Jolfa town in the north of Iran during Safavid era. There are Armenian churches, an old cemetery and music museum in this fashionable area. In the afternoons and evenings many visitors are strolling the quarter and enjoying Armenian coffee in a liberal atmosphere.

 Vank Cathedral: Another marvelous piece of art with splendid architecture is Vank Cathedral in the Armenian square. Its architecture is a combination of 17th century Safavid style with lofty arches and a dome with Islamic design. The biblical story is depicted by the paintings drawn on the brick dome. Its museum is the house of valuable collections gathered from all the Armenian world such as Safavid costumes, tapestries, European paintings, embroideries and a small seven-gram bible believed to be the smallest written text in seven languages.

Music Museum: There are more than 300 Persian instruments including Kamancheh, Tar, Ney, majestic harp and nomadic camel bells. It is not just a museum full of musical instruments; visitors have access to the less precious pieces and they can even try to play. They also enjoy masters’ performance of traditional Persian love songs.

[/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”2″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1534842239891-6a1d9a31-942d-0″ include=”5665,7917,8927,8928,8929,8930″][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

4. Menar-e Jonban (Shaking Minarets): It is a historical monument that was constructed during the Ilkhanid era. The edifice was decorated with dark blue tiles and bricks. There is a marvelous peculiarity about this building. At the summit of one of the minarets, if someone hold the minaret and shake it by hands, the other minaret on the opposite side will surprisingly shake, too. This instance of unprecedented coupled vacillation is observable from the ground.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

5. The City of Bridges: One of the remarkable attractions in Isfahan is its bridges. Five old bridges have constructed cross the seasonal river of Zayandehrood. They date from Safavid era and even earlier.

Si-o-Seh Pol: This ancient bridge is probably Isfahan’s most famous bridge. It is made up of 33 arches in a row on the river. During the Safavid era the ceremonial feasts of Abrizan (throwing water) of the Armenians were held beside this bridge. It is regarded as one of the masterpieces of Iran’s and the whole world’s architecture and bridge construction.

Pole Khaju (Khaju Bridge):  Due to the pleasing construction idea of the bridge, it becomes one of the famous bridges of Iran. It is built in Safavid era. The primary function of this bridge was abode for public meeting or as a tea-house.

Pole Marnan (Marnan Bridge): The exact date of the bridge construction is unknown but there are signs in the bridge foundation that date back to Sassanid Dynasty. The Bridge used to be the important western bridge in Isfahan during the Safavid era.

Pole Shahrestan (Shahrestan Bridge): The pillars are made of cement and ballast. The foundation of the bridge is Sassanid and Achaemenid and the buildings on the bridge have influenced by Islamic architecture.

Pole Choobi (Choobi Bridge): Another famous bridge of Isfahan, constructed by Shah Abbas II during Safavid era. it was built in order to irrigate Safavid royal gardens close by.

[/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”3″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1534842239934-be851ce4-3b17-0″ include=”8934,8935,5588,8936″][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

6. Isfahani art of cuisine: The popular Iranian cuisine is ancient, rich and indeed delicious. It is so various due to the extent of the country and the climate diversity. The traditional restaurants in Isfahan are dedicated to specific traditional foods of the area, do not miss them.

Beryani, the real taste of baked meat: This is the most famous traditional food goes back to about 400 years ago, served in unique restaurants of Isfahan. It is the burger shape mixture of lamb, saffron and some herbs served in a traditional bread.

Gaz: Gaz is the traditional name of Persian nougat which is a kind of candy originated from the city of Isfahan and Boldaji. It is decorated with small pieces of pistachio or almond to give it the special taste of nuts. You can also shop this tasty and sweet candy and take it as souvenir to your country and eat it along with a cup of saffron tea.

[/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”2″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1534842239955-65438f89-b962-10″ include=”8939,8940,8941,8942,8943″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_column_text]

7. Unique Gardens: This azure city which shines like a piece of diamond in the center of Iran’s plateau is intertwined with lovely gardens to give a new sense of the beauty of urban spaces. There is a famous historical avenue constructed during Safavid dynasty named Chahar Bagh (Four Gardens), this 6-km lovely street connects the north of Isfahan to the southern parts.

Chehel Sotoun: A pavilion with the Achaemenid-inspired style with an elegant terrace in the middle of a garden at the end of a long pool, a masterpiece of Safavid era and declared as a UNESCO heritage garden. The important meetings and feasts were held in this palace during Safavid dynasty. “Chehel Sotoun” means forty pillars that is the number of twenty wooden pillars plus their reflections in the long pool in front of the palace. Moreover, it contains many eye-catchin paintings on ceramic.

Hasht-Behesht: It is a magnificent palace in a paradise like garden belonging to the Safavid era. The name of the pavilion has been derived from the “Hashti” meaning entrance or gate and Hasht Behesht means the gate to the Heaven. The decorations of the edifice and the beautiful and majestic garden around the palace is so artistic that has been admired by many of its visitors.

Birds Garden: For sure it is one of the world’s most beautiful birds’ gardens. This 17,000 square meter garden is filled with nearly 5,000 animals of 130 species. Each section of this recreational, scientific and research center welcomes the interested lovers of nature and specifically birds.

Flowers Garden: The garden is comprised of different kinds of gardens including the Rose garden, edible and medical herbs garden, the Chrysanthemum Garden, the Iris Flower Garden, a greenhouse and an area full of wonderful fountains. The whole garden’s surface is covered with grass and seasonal flowers and ornamental small trees.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”2″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1534842239989-4a7a8a07-af71-7″ include=”8978,8979,8982,8983,8984″][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

8. Aquarium: It is a large aquarium with a duck pond and a variety of aquatic life in sweet and salty water including Japanese carp and sharks. Its tunnel is the largest of its kind in the Middle East and is built in an underground area with about six-meter height.

[/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”2″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1534842240018-5959f859-3e0c-5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

9. Nain: It is a town in 140km east of Esfahan. The most important monuments of Nain are Jame Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Iran, the splendid Narenj Fortress, the traditional house of Pirnia, the traditional Bazaar, Qanat and a Zurkhaneh. The town is also famous for its high-quality carpets.

[/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”2″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1534842240026-9050a03b-3661-4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

10. Varzaneh desert: It is located 105km southeast of Isfahan. Varzaneh is popular for its spectacular desert and safety. Due to the short distance from Isfahan, it is rated as one of the most accessible deserts in Iran. Varzaneh, is unique in the local women’s costumes. They wear white chadors, while the black one is common in Iran.

[/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”2″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1534842240036-1077d2e7-1bb1-1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Yazd, the city of wind-catchers (Shahr-e-Baadgirha) and the ancient location on the Silk Road, emerging like a phoenix from the desert in the center of Iran. Due to its neighborhood with the deserts, Yezd has taken a unique adorable architecture. Dating back to the Sassanian period, Yazd is very well known for its Zoroastrian attractions, Qanats, Yakhchals (ice houses), ab-anbars, and many other features such as Persian handicrafts, and its well-known delicious Yazdi confectionery. The province of Yazd is well connected to the rest of the main Iranian cities by planes, buses, and also trains. 

Lengthen your stay in Yazd and experience the following attractions and activities inside the city and surroundings.

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

1. The Old Town of Yazd according to UNESCO is the perfect place to see the region’s rich history. This place is where the modern life meets the ancient history when you watch cars and bikes passing the covered narrow alleys of this charming ancient district or standing on the fantastic Rooftops and gazing at the ancient domes and minarets. Most of the old town highlights are within easy walking distance from each other located in the labyrinth of small streets surrounded by the silence of the mud-brick walls with incredible oriental architecture, a combination of Persian and Islamic architecture style. It’s better to visit the old part in groups of at least two people for not getting lost, although you may want to get lost in for a while…

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”3″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1535785456740-b531a3de-c8b9-0″ include=”8829,8830,8831,8837″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_column_text]

2. Zoroastrianism Treasures: After Arabs invasion, many Zoroastrians migrated to Yazd. Yazd means God and Zoroastrian religion presents itself in different parts of the city within fabulous attractions such as Towers of silence or Zoroastrians’ Crypt which have been the burial place of Zoroastrians according to their religious burial ceremonies in the past. Nowadays they bury their dead people in the graves like Muslims. There is an Ossuary in the middle of the crypt where some bones have been discovered belonging to the corpses. Towers of silence or as local say “Gur Dakhma” breathes history and It’s got an amazing view over the adobe city.

Another holy Zoroastrian Building surrounded by pine and cypress trees is Atashkade or Fire temple. Beautiful ancient architecture turned this place into one of the main attractions of Yazd.  People believe that the fire inside this temple has been burning for more than 1,500 years. Zoroastrians hold special ceremonies near this fire and had to wear white or light-colored clothing to enter the building. Chak Chak or Pir-e Sabz Fire Temple is another pilgrimage site located 70 kilometers from Yazd in the middle of a mountain. There is a legend about this village says that “one piece of rock of this cliff open its mouth up and Nikbanu took shelter from the invasion of Arabs”. “Chak Chak” has an eternal spring, according to the legend, is still crying to commemorate the Princess Nikbanu. Markar Historical Complex helps you to know more about this unique culture, before visiting the above attractions.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”2″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1535785456830-9255d15e-bd3e-1″ include=”8833,8834,8835,8836,8841″][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”2″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1535785456846-9bb09c81-f910-2″ include=”8876,8877,8878,8880,8881″][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

3. Yazd Jameh Mosque, the most beautiful tiled mosque of 12^th century with a splendid architecture and the highest minarets in the country. The other attractive point about this mosque is its eye-catching colored tiles of the façade; blue, gray and white tiles have elegantly decorated inside the long-arcaded courtyard. You can take marvelously beautiful pictures there when the sun sets. The Jame mosque is located near Yazd traditional bazar where you can go shopping in the beautifully lit, vibrant market and taste Yazdi cakes and sweets.

[/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”2″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1535785456884-c22299a2-c927-3″ include=”8847,8846,8848,8850,8849″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_column_text]

4. Amir Chakhmagh Square is probably the image that travelers have in mind about Yazd, it attracts every passengers’ especially at night when it is lit up and decorated. This three-storey façade is a highlight of Iranian architecture dates back to 19^th century. There is also a spiral staircase that provides the most beautiful view of the city. Amirchakhmaq is a complex consist of a mosque, a caravanserai, a bathhouse, a cold-water well and a tekyeh. Beneath the complex, there is a bazaar where you can also eat a unique Persian food named Jigar Kebab (grilled liver). There is also a huge wooden palm tree used for Ashura commemorations.

[/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”3″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1535785456910-8b693735-1901-10″ include=”8852,8853,8854″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_column_text]

5. Dowlat-Abad Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest gardens of the region owns a colossal wind-catcher, the tallest wind tower in the country which is visible from meters away. This traditional air-conditioning system invented for desert areas is the essential elements at the residential structures. The garden area covers as big as 70000 square meters and the founder of the pavilion had built a Qanat of 65 kilometers to bring water from Mehriz city.

[/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”2″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1535785456930-5d6db028-782f-3″ include=”8858,8859,8860″][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

6. Yazd Specific Handicrafts and Sweets, the best souvenirs you can bring back home. Termeh is a specialty cloth woven by hand with silk, wool and fiber. It may take the forms of fabric, sheets, panels and other shapes and used to make clothes for weddings, table cloths and floor spread sheets. Around Yazd Grand Bazaar, you will see lots of shops selling Termeh.

Sweets such as Sohan, Pashmak, Baklava and Qottab are famous sweets of the city that many visitors, Iranians or foreigners, are really interested. Haj Kalifeh Rahbar and Yazd traditional sweet (shirini sonati) are two most famous confectioneries in the city with different branches.

[/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”3″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1535785456959-91b552b0-715b-2″ include=”8869,8870,8871,8872″][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

7. Surrounding Deserts and villages are great choices if you are a desert lover. Within 15km drive from Yazd, desert landscape is a great escape from the city noise and watching the sun set across the sand dunes would be a great ending. Here are some of the specific features and attractions close to Yazd and easily accessible.

Kharanaq village located About an hour from Yazd has a great view of an ancient village and its Jame mosque dates back to the first century AH. Fahraj is another highlight near Yazd with a lovely desert inn. Bafgh Desert is located within 2 hours drive from Yazd and is a big sand desert. Hotel Alamdar is a great option if you would like to stay the night in Bafgh.

[/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”2″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1535785456990-608b9a58-1622-1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

8. Zurkhaneh, the sacred place for Persian heroic sport, is going to be a unique experience for foreigners to see athletes using wooden clubs and doing specific exercises. before entering, practitioners kneel and bless the ground. The Zoorkhaneh exercises are accompanied by rhythmic drumming and spiritual songs. Saheb Al Zaman Zurkhaneh or Panj Badgiri is a great option for visitors to experience this Persian traditional sport in a short visit, it is located in Amir Chakhmagh Square and was built on a 500-year-old water reservoir.

[/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”2″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1535785456997-34a2944b-a824-5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

9. Shirkooh, located in the south part of Yazd, is one of the most famous summits of Iran central mountain chains. One-day ascent to the peak of Mount. Shirkooh (4000 meters) is possible in all seasons, although it’s going to be hard for inexperienced ones. For experts 6 to 7 hours is enough to reach the top and early spring is the best time to plan your Shirkuh mountaineering. Deh-bala is the village you need to start your hiking from, there is a hotel inside the village, Mahtab Hotel, a great option for travelers who are eager to stay the night there.

[/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”2″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1535785457006-291e68c9-8b35-5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

10. Henna Grinding is one of the ancient professions of Yazd related to the Iranians who did business with merchants from different neighboring countries such as Persian Gulf countries and India. Henna or Hina, a dye prepared from the plant Lawsonia inermis, is used to color hair, skin, fingernails, and etc. A few henna mills are located near the Yazd Mirror Museum where you can pay a visit.

[/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”2″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1535785457011-f0f6f786-e030-2″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

The Iranian embassy in Moscow confirmed on Tuesday that an agreement between Iran and Russia, endorsed by presidents of the two countries, is going to simplify visa requirements for certain nationals from the two nations.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement:The purpose of this agreement to facilitate visa requirements for citizens of both countries. Visa facilities for Iranian businessmen and Russian participants in science, culture, art and also the students and tourists.

Apart from financial interests in the field of tourism we hope this is the beginning of economic growth and cultural proximity between two neighboring countries. Iran is good marketing as a new and unique tourism destination with high potential in the fields of investment and Russian is ‌Beautiful and Historical  destination for  the millions of Iranian travelers in the year. 

 but you can read about iran visa here[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Iran is a safe destination for Russian tourists.

Iran and Russia, two neighboring countries that have much in common historically,These days are going to make positive diplomacy decisions in tourism. An Iranian delegation headed by Morteza Rahmani(Deputy of Tourism) Traveled to Moscow last week on 23 December.Iran is ready to unilaterally cancel Visas for Russian tourists to Iran and  increased the validity of the visa from 15 to 30 days that tourists receive in Iran’s airports also.

Oleg Safonov head of  the Russian tourism said: Iran is a safe destination for  Russian tourists.Russian Foreign Ministry has suggested will Abolish  visas for Iranian travelers who travel to the Russia as Group tour.

one of Russian expert expressed “Iran is a new country for us and for our country’s political establishment, we should have mutual understanding. As for tourism, this is a very interesting destination. As for cultural tourism, there are a number of fantastic monuments. It is good that they intend to introduce a visa free regime,” 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]