Find out why Azerbaijan is labeled as ‘land of fire’ experiencing yourself the heat of the burning mountain, and feel the magical warmth of local hospitality. Our small group Azerbaijan tour is a real journey through time and history of Azerbaijan, filled with magnificent stories, ancient mosques and madrasas, noble palaces and fortresses. Allow yourself to be carried away by this country’s amazing culture, arts and traditions. Add the fact that all of these are in the wonderful settings of grand mountains, river canyons, sea shores and green valleys – and you will have an ideal option for travel to discover yet another part of the World.
Participants need to be in good health, be able to walk for 4-6 hours every day at moderate speed and climb stairs and hills.
Tour itinerary:
Arrive in Baku and transfer to your hotel for check-in (from 14:00). Overnight at the hotel.
Driving distance: 30 km
Driving distance: 30 km
Breakfast. At 09:00, start a guided sightseeing tour of Baku. Walk along Martyrs’ Lane, known as ‘Shehidler Khiyabany’ among locals, and find a beautiful view overlooking Baku’s coastline. Move to Icheri Sheher, the old part of the city. Visit the Shirvanshah's Palace, Caravanserai, Maiden Tower, and main market square, which has numerous art studios and souvenir stalls. Finish the sightseeing tour by exploring Nizami Street and Fountain Square. After lunch, drive to Gobustan to visit the Petroglyphs Museum and explore petroglyphs dating back to 10,000 BC. The Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Weather permitting, switch to a 4x4 vehicle and continue to the mud volcanoes (Gobustan is home to almost half of the world’s mud volcanoes). Return to Baku. Have a welcome dinner at traditional Azerbaijani restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 10-11 hours
Driving distance: 150 km
Duration of sightseeing tour: 10-11 hours
Driving distance: 150 km
After breakfast, drive to the Absheron Peninsula to visit Ateshgah, located in the village of Surakhany. Zoroastrians from India used to travel thousands of kilometres to Ateshgah to worship the fire coming out of the earth. Return to Baku to visit the iconic Heydar Alyev Cultural Centre, which is located in a quirky building designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. Free time in the afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Driving distance: 50 km
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Driving distance: 50 km
Breakfast. Depart Baku and drive towards Sheki. On the way, stop at the Diri Baba Mausoleum in Maraza village. Continue to Shamakhi to visit the historical Juma Mosque, which was restored in 2013. Weather permitting, this will be followed by a scenic drive through the Girdimanchay River Canyon to the 5th century village of Lahich. Lahich is rich in historic and cultural value, with charming cobbled streets. It is famous for its medieval water supply and sewage systems and its many traditional workshops where jewellery, copperware, carpets, pottery, daggers, and iron tools are made. Continue driving to Sheki, a pleasant and easily walkable medieval town set in a lush mountainous area, which is particularly famous for its sweet baklava. Arrive in Sheki at about 19:00 and spend the night at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 10-11 hours
Driving distance: 340 km
Duration of sightseeing tour: 10-11 hours
Driving distance: 340 km
At 08:30, we start our 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.
In the afternoon, transfer back to Baku (possibly without guide, 300 km, ~5 hours). Arrive in Baku, check-in to hotel for overnight.
In the afternoon, transfer back to Baku (possibly without guide, 300 km, ~5 hours). Arrive in Baku, check-in to hotel for overnight.
- All transfers;
- Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
- Sightseeing tour programme with local, English-speaking guides;
- Entrance tickets to sights as per itinerary;
- Dinner in Baku on day 2, lunch on day 4;
- Mineral water;
- E-visa to Azerbaijan.
- Full board (lunches and dinners);
- Hotel charges for additional services;
- Personal travel insurance.
Accommodation:
| Baku - 4 nights |
| Park Inn, Holiday Inn, Shah Palace |
| Sheki - 1 night |
| Marxal, Sheki Palace or similar |