Azerbaijan tour: explore Shamakhi, Qabala, Sheki, Lahic, Ganja and more

This is relatively short, but intensive Azerbaijan tour to the depth of this land. You will start the trip in the capital city Baku, then continue to the ancient city of Shamakhi where different historical monuments are located. Later you will pay a visit to Lahic, a town of artisans and to the end of the day, you will arrive in Qabala, a city over 2000 years old. The next day, you will have excursions to the ancient Christian church of Azerbaijan, the Sheki khans’ palace, medieval fortress, historical museum and many other places of Sheki. You will spend the last day in Ganja and visit numerous architectural monuments of various epochs and then return back to Baku. Thus, in such a short time, you will be able to learn both, the culture and history of Azerbaijan, and feel the heartbeat of this land of fire.

Tour itinerary:

Expand All Collapse All

Day 1: Baku – Shamakhi (Shamakha) – Lahij* – Qabala

Your 3-day Azerbaijan tour starts with the morning transfer from your Baku hotel to Qabala (260 km). On the way, stop in Shamakhi (Shamakha) and see the historical Juma Mosque, Yeddi Gumbez Mausoleum and the Shirvan Shah's family grave yard. Drive through the Girdimanchay River Canyon to visit Lahij (Lahich)*, a 5th century place rich in its historic and architectural values. Lahij 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, continue driving to our final destination for the evening the city of Qabala. Visit ruins of Kabalaka. Overnight at the hotel.
*Lahij will not be reachable during 2025 due to the road construction.

Day 2: Qabala – Kish – Sheki

In the morning, check-out from the hotel and drive to Sheki (100 km). We will visit a historical church in the village Kish.
In Sheki, we will explore the colorful Sheki Bazaar. Here, 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 the Sheki Khans’ Palace, which is surrounded by medieval fortress walls, and then visit the handicraft workshops and the famous caravanserai. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Sheki – Ganja – Baku

In the morning, depart Sheki and drive to Ganja, the second biggest city in Azerbaijan. Visit Ancient Fortress Wall, Shakh Abbas Mosque with two minarets. Continue to Ganja Caravanserai, the house made of bottles. You will explore the mausoleum of Javad Khan, the last khan of Ganja, Chokek Hamam (medieval bathes), Central Square, Sardar Baghi park, Alexander Nevski Christian Orthodox Church and Christian Temple Agvan Kilsasi. Drive to Baku. Drop-off at your hotel.