Take an exciting five day tour to discover Azerbaijan, a modern country that keeps ancient traditions. You will start with the Azerbaijani capital of Baku, known for its eclectic architecture. There you will enjoy narrow streets of the old town and new modern sights. The tour continues with a visit to the Absheron Peninsula, where the walls of the Zoroastrian temple Ateshgah soaked old legends of fire worshipers. The next interesting point is the ancient settlement of Khinalig, lost among the peaks of the Caucasus Mountains.
Tour itinerary:
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, called ‘Shehidler Khiyabany’ among locals. When you walk through Martyrs’ Lane, you will find a beautiful view overlooking Baku’s coastline. Continue touring new Baku and exploring architecture of 19-20 centuries: Nizami Street, Fountain Square, Nizami Ganjavi monument, Rasul-Zade Street. Pay a visit to Azerbaijan History National Museum and move to the old part of the city – Icheri Sheher. Visit Maiden Tower, Shirvanshahs’ Palace, Caravanserai, and market square with numerous art studios and souvenirs stalls. An excellent round-up to the city tour will be visit to the richest bank of Azeri carpets – National Carpets Museum. Overnight at the hotel.
Start sightseeing tour in Baku. Visit Martyrs’ Lane, called ‘Shehidler Khiyabany’ among locals. When you walk through Martyrs’ Lane, you will find a beautiful view overlooking Baku’s coastline. Continue touring new Baku and exploring architecture of 19-20 centuries: Nizami Street, Fountain Square, Nizami Ganjavi monument, Rasul-Zade Street. Pay a visit to Azerbaijan History National Museum and move to the old part of the city – Icheri Sheher. Visit Maiden Tower, Shirvanshahs’ Palace, Caravanserai, and market square with numerous art studios and souvenirs stalls. An excellent round-up to the city tour will be visit to the richest bank of Azeri carpets – National Carpets Museum. Overnight at the hotel.
Today you will visit the area of the Greater Baku and Absheron Peninsula. Start with Gobustan National Park. Pay a visit to the Petroglyphs Museum and explore petroglyphs dating back to 10,000 BC. Continue to the mud volcanoes in Gobustan Reserve. Gobustan is home to almost half of the world’s mud volcanoes. Later drive to Ateshgah – a temple of fire worshippers located in Surakhany village. Zoroastrians travelled thousands of kilometers from India to Ateshgah to worship fire coming out of the earth. Continue to Yanardag Mountain, where natural gas has been burning for several thousands of years. Return to Baku. Overnight at the hotel.
Morning departure to the northern part of Azerbaijan – Quba region. Visit one of most ancient settlements in the country – Khinalug (210 km, 3-4 hours). The road to Khinalug is a picturesque mountain pass at an altitude of 2,000 m. Enjoy breathtaking views of the landscape. People have been continuously living in Khinalug for more than 5,000 years. Return to Baku. On the way back, stop in Quba and visit Sakina Khanum Mosque, medieval bath hammam, and carpet workshop. Overnight at the hotel.
In the morning, departure from your hotel to Lahic. On the way, visit Diri Baba Mausoleum in Maraza. Continue to Shamakha and see the historical Juma Mosque, Yeddi Gumbez Mausoleum, and the Shirvan Shah's family grave yard. Drive through through the Girdimanchay River Canyon to visit Lahic, a 5th century place rich in its historic and architectural values. Lahic is an ancient village with charming eye-catching sidewalks inlaid with stones. It is famous for its medieval water supply and sewage systems, as well as traditional jewelry, copperware, carpets, pottery, daggers, and iron tools workshops. In the afternoon, drive back to Baku. Overnight at the hotel.
- All transfers;
- Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
- Sightseeing tour program with local guide;
- Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary;
- Mineral water;
- E-visa to Azerbaijan.
- Full board (lunch and dinner);
- Hotel charges for additional services;
- Personal travel insurance;
- Tips are not included, but would be appreciated.
Accommodation:
| Baku - 4 nights | |
| Azcot, Amber, Central Park, or similar | Holiday Inn, Sheraton Baku Intourist, Park Inn or similar |
