Best of Azerbaijan - 8 days (AZ-02)

Upon arriving at Baku’s international airport, you will be greeted by our representative, who will assist with your transfer to the hotel. After check-in, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Overnight in Baku. (Dinner)

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a journey to uncover the wonders of Baku. Begin with a sightseeing tour that highlights the city’s monumental, historical, and architectural landmarks. Take in a stunning panoramic view of the Azeri capital and its bay from Upland Park, the city’s highest vantage point. From there, descend to the historic heart of Baku, Icheri Sheher, or the Old City. Once the entire extent of Baku until the mid-19th century, this 22-hectare area is rich in heritage. It boasts iconic attractions such as the Shirvanshah’s Palace, the Maiden Tower, and the Karavansaray, a former resting place for merchants. Home to 1,300 families, this ancient enclave is seamlessly nestled within modern Baku. As the day transitions into evening, consider a leisurely walk through its labyrinthine streets to Fountains Square, a lively and atmospheric spot. Overnight in Baku. (Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast, your guide will take you on an excursion to Gobustan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its archaeological and geological treasures. Located in East Azerbaijan, the park features a striking mix of landscapes bordered by the Major Caucasus ridge, the Harami and Mishov Mountains, and the Caspian Sea. Gobustan is famous for its collection of over 6,000 ancient petroglyphs, some dating as far back as the 18th century BC. These carvings illustrate scenes of hunting, rituals, and maritime activities, offering a glimpse into early human life in the region. The park also includes caves and archaeological sites that reflect the rich cultural history of the area.

The journey continues to the fascinating mud volcanoes, known for their bubbling mud and otherworldly formations. These natural phenomena are a captivating display of the earth’s geological activity.

On the way back to Baku, you’ll stop at Yanar Dag, also called the Burning Rock. This natural gas fire burns continuously along a sandstone hillside, with flames that often reach up to three meters. It’s a striking sight and a testament to why Azerbaijan is known as the Land of Fire. Overnight in Baku. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 152 km / 95 miles.

Today's adventure begins with a visit to Gala, an open-air museum situated on the Apsheron Peninsula. The museum offers an authentic look into the everyday life of ancient Azerbaijan, with reconstructions of homes, tools, and pottery that date back to the 3rd century BC. You’ll have the opportunity to explore these exhibits and gain a deeper understanding of the region's historical inhabitants and their customs.

Next, we head to Ateshgah, the Temple of Fire Worshippers, located near the village of Surakhani, about 30 kilometers from Baku. This sacred site, which holds significance for Zoroastrians, Hindus, and Sikhs, features a pentagonal structure built in the 17th century. The temple is built over a natural gas vent, making it an important pilgrimage destination. It has been restored as a State Historical-Architectural Reserve, allowing visitors to experience its historical grandeur.

The final stop of the day is Ramana Castle, a medieval fortress from the Shirvanshah era. The 15-meter stone tower was likely built for the defense of a royal palace and provides stunning views of the surrounding area. The castle offers insight into Azerbaijan's rich military architecture. After the tour, you’ll return to Baku. Overnight in Baku. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 80 km / 50 miles.

After returning to Baku, we will dive into the vibrant energy of the city’s modern landmarks. The day begins with a visit to Baku Boulevard, a scenic promenade stretching along the Caspian Sea. This picturesque area is ideal for a relaxing stroll, offering beautiful views of Baku's skyline, including the Flame Towers. These towering skyscrapers, designed to resemble flames, are a symbol of Azerbaijan’s identity as the "Land of Fire." At night, their stunning LED displays light up the city in mesmerizing patterns. Next, we’ll head to the Carpet Museum, housed in a striking building shaped like a rolled-up carpet. Inside, the museum features an impressive collection of Azerbaijani carpets, showcasing a rich history of weaving techniques and intricate designs that tell cultural stories from across the centuries. We then visit the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre, a masterpiece by renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Its fluid, wave-like architecture has made it an iconic structure in Baku. The center is a hub for cultural events, including exhibitions and concerts, reflecting Azerbaijan’s progressive vision. For a taste of modern Baku leisure, we’ll explore Shopping Mall 28th May, a popular retail destination in the city center, followed by a visit to Park Boulevard, a stylish mall located along the waterfront. This area offers a mix of shopping, dining, and relaxation, embodying the cosmopolitan vibe of Baku. Overnight in Baku. (Breakfast, Dinner)

A visit to Azerbaijan unveils a deep historical heritage, and Shamakhi is a remarkable testament to that. Once the capital of the Shirvan Empire and home to the Shirvan Dynasty, this ancient city is now renowned for its wine production. While in Shamakhi, one must visit the Yeddi Gumbez mausoleum, a striking site with seven magnificent domes rising from a serene valley, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Nearby, the Diri Baba tomb is a fascinating structure built into the rock, resembling an eagle’s nest. Its unique location, where only one side of the monument is visible and the rest is hidden within the cliffs, gives it a suspended appearance. The two-storey tomb likely served dual purposes, with the lower level possibly used by servants and the upper floor serving as a salon. Whether the site was sacred or simply a burial site remains open to interpretation.

Continuing the journey, a visit to Kish is essential. This village is home to a centuries-old Albanian church, which was incorporated into the Armenian Apostolic Church in 1836. Nearby, an ancient cemetery holds intriguing remains, visible through a glass dome. The remarkably tall bodies, seemingly over 2.5 meters, are said to belong to ancient Albanians, a race of giants with fair skin and golden hair, unlike the modern-day Caucasian populations. After exploring these historical gems, we continue the journey and stay overnight in Sheki. Overnight in Sheki. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 312 km / 195 ml.

An excursion to Sheki promises to be a highlight of your trip, offering a journey into the ancient heart of Azerbaijan. As the oldest city in the country, Sheki has a rich history, once thriving as a key stop on the Great Silk Road, where merchants traded silk and other valuable goods. Among the city's top attractions is the Sheki History Museum, which provides an insightful glimpse into its past. However, the true jewel of Sheki is Khan's Summer Palace. Built from brick, river stones, and oak, the palace is a stunning example of Azerbaijani architectural elegance. Its facades are adorned with beautiful floral motifs, while the interior impresses even more with intricate frescoes. These paintings, which cover themes from flowers to battle scenes, were created by skilled craftsmen. The palace also features two mirrored balconies, ornate decorations made from rare Venetian glass, and vibrant depictions of birds and animals. The first floor reflects the Khan’s wealth and power, with hunting motifs thought to symbolize nobility. Though the palace was once surrounded by lush gardens, today only two large trees remain. After your time in Sheki, you'll be driven back to Baku, where you'll check into your hotel for an overnight stay. Overnight in Baku. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 298 km / 186 ml.

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)