7-day Best of Azerbaijan Tour7 Days | Baku, Absheron Peninsula, Gobustan, Quba, Khinalug, Lahij, Sheki, Kish, Shamakha

7-day Best of Azerbaijan Tour incorporates the most bewitching sites of the land of fire. Explore the magnificent Baku and its diversity, visit the sacred mosques, enjoy the rural life at the ancient village Lahij and learn about the lifestyle of Azerbaijan by visiting its colorful markets, authentic cafes, and gift shops. A 7-day tour in Azerbaijan will surpass your traveling expectations.

Tour itinerary:

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Day 1: Baku – arrival – city tour

Arrival in Baku. You will be met by our driver and transferred to the hotel. Check-in at noon.
Start sightseeing tour in Baku. Visit Martyrs Lane, known as ‘Shehidler Khiyabany’ among locals. When you walk through the Alley of the Martyrs, you will find a beautiful view overlooking Baku’s coastline. Move to Icheri Sheher, the old part of the city. Visit Shirvan Shahs’ Palace, Caravanserai, Maiden Tower, and the main market square, which has numerous art studios and souvenir stalls. Continue touring new Baku by exploring Nizami Street and Fountain Square. An excellent round-up to the city tour will be visit to the iconic Heydar Aliyev center.
In the evening enjoy welcome dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Driving distance: 50 km

Day 2: Baku – Absheron Peninsula – Gobustan – Baku

Today you will visit the area of the Greater Baku and Absheron peninsula. The first stop is at Yanardag Mountain, where natural gas has been burning for hundreds of years. Continue to Ateshgah, a temple for fire worshippers located in the village of Surakhany. Zoroastrians from India travel thousands of kilometers to Ateshgah to worship the fire coming out of the earth. After lunch, drive to Gobustan National Park. Pay a visit to the Petroglyphs Museum and explore petroglyphs dating back to 10,000 BC. Weather permitting, drive to mud volcanoes in Gobustan Reserve (possible change of vehicle). Gobustan is home to almost half of the world’s mud volcanoes. Return to Baku. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 8-9 hours
Driving distance: 220 km

Day 3:Baku – Quba

In the morning, depart Baku and drive towards Quba - one of the largest cities in Azerbaijan, located on picturesque hillsides 170 km (105 miles) to the north of Baku. In the mid-18th century, Quba was the capital of the Quba Khanate, but today, it is famous for its carpets, scenery, and delicious sweets. The city itself is home to a number of architectural and historic monuments, like Juma Mosque and a number of other mosques and mausoleums. During the tour you will have the opportunity to visit local hamam. Overnight in Quba.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7-8 hours
Driving distance: 170 km

Day 4: Quba – Khinalug – Baku

After breakfast, depart Quba and drive towards Khinalug. The road to Khinalug lies through the range of Great Caucasus mountains. On our way we will get as high as 2,000 m above the sea level. We will have numerous opportunities for taking photos on the way enjoying breathtaking views of the landscape. Khinalug is one of the most ancient settlements in the country where people have been continuously living for more than 5,000 years. Depart Khinalug and head toward Baku. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 11-12 hours
Driving distance: 271 km

Day 5: Baku – Shamakha – Lahij – Sheki

In the morning, depart Baku and drive to Sheki. On the way, stop at Diri Baba Mausoleum in the village of Maraza. Continue to Shamakha to visit the historical Juma Mosque, which was restored in 2013. Visit Yeddi Gumbez Mausoleum, the Shirvan Shah's family graveyard. Weather permitting, drive through Girdimanchay River Canyon to visit Lahich (Lahij), the 5th century, quaint corner high in Caucasus mountains with its rich history and beautiful architecture. Lahij is an ancient village with charming cobbled sidewalks famous for numerous traditional handicraft workshops (jewelry, copperware, wool carpets, pottery, daggers, and iron tools). Continue driving to Sheki, the pleasant and easily walkable medieval town set in a lush mountainous area. Sheki is especially known for local style sweet baklava. Arrival in Sheki, overnight at the hotel.
Driving distance: 340 km
Duration of sightseeing tour: 10-11 hours

Day 6: Sheki – Gabala – Baku

Check out from the hotel and start new day visiting the colorful Sheki Bazaar. You can find virtually everything you may want to eat: local fruits and berries, spices, freshly baked bread, honey, cheeses, and Sheki sweets. Continue to Sheki Khans Palace surrounded by medieval fortress walls. Visit handicrafts workshop and Caravanserai. Continue driving towards Gabala - ancient city of Azerbaijan. Visit ruins of Kabalaka and stunning Nohur lake. Drive towards Baku. Overnight at the hotel.
Driving distance: 340 km
Duration of sightseeing tour: 10-11 hours

Day 7: Baku – departure

Check-out from hotel till noon. Transfer to Baku International Airport. End of 7-day Best of Azerbaijan Tour.

Inclusions
Exclusions

All transfers (1-2 pax by sedan, 3-4 pax by Mercedes Vito or similar, 5-10 pax by Mercedes Sprinter passenger van; 11-15 pax by 30-seater bus);
Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
Sightseeing tour program with local English-speaking guide;
Entrance tickets to sights as per itinerary;
Welcome dinner in Baku;
Azerbaijan tourist e-visa;
Mineral water.