Trip to Azerbaijan - 8 days
School Trips to Azerbaijan
Tour programme
This educational tour to Baku offers students an enriching opportunity to explore the city's vibrant history, culture, and connections with the Soviet era. Over the course of the trip, students will visit significant historical landmarks, memorials, and monuments, gaining insights into Azerbaijan's past and its role in World War II. In addition to cultural immersion, the programme includes potential opportunities for language practice, with visits to local schools and interactions with Azerbaijani students. The itinerary is designed to provide a balanced mix of structured activities and free time, allowing students to engage with the local culture while also having time for personal exploration.Day 1. Arrival in Baku
Upon arrival at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, the group will be greeted by the local guide and transferred to their hotel in the city centre of Baku. After check-in, students will have some time to relax and acclimatise after their journey. The evening will be free for rest before starting the programme.
Overnight in Baku.
Day 2. Baku City Tour & Old Town Exploration
Highlights: Upland Park, Flame Towers, Baku Seaside Boulevard, Crystal Hall, Aquatic Sports Palace, Flag Square, Old Town (Icheri Sheher), Maiden Tower, Shirvanshahs’ Palace, Azerbaijan State Carpet Museum.
Following breakfast at the hotel, the group will embark on a city tour that highlights both the modern and historic aspects of Baku. The day will begin with a visit to Upland Park, where students will enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city and the Absheron Peninsula. From this vantage point, the city’s layout, along with landmarks like the Flame Towers, can be seen. These towers, which light up at night, symbolise Baku’s transformation into a modern metropolis.
The tour will continue along the Baku Seaside Boulevard, with stops at notable sites such as the Crystal Hall, which hosted the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest, and the Aquatic Sports Palace, where events for the 2015 European Olympic Games were held. Students will also visit Flag Square, home to the world's tallest flagpole.
In the afternoon, the group will head to Baku's Old Town, also known as the Icheri Sheher. Here, students will explore some of the oldest structures in the city, such as the Maiden Tower and Shirvanshahs’ Palace. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of narrow streets and ancient buildings, giving a fascinating insight into Baku’s past. The day will conclude with a visit to the Azerbaijan State Carpet Museum. The museum offers a deep dive into the art of Azerbaijani carpet weaving, showcasing different styles, techniques, and historical periods through beautifully crafted carpets.
Overnight in Baku. Breakfast, dinner.
Day 3. Gobustan Rock Art Museum & Mud Volcanoes
Highlights: Gobustan National Park, Gobustan mud volcanoes, Yashil Bazaar, Heydar Aliyev Centre.
After breakfast, the group will depart for Gobustan National Park, located about 70 km from Baku. Gobustan is renowned for its ancient petroglyphs, which date back over 40,000 years. These prehistoric rock paintings, depicting scenes of daily life, animals, and human figures, are a testament to Azerbaijan’s early human history. The site is one of the most important archaeological locations in the world, and students will have the chance to learn about the culture and lifestyle of ancient people through these unique artefacts. Gobustan was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007 due to its cultural significance.
The day will also feature a visit to the mud volcanoes of Gobustan, a natural phenomenon where the ground expels natural gases and mud. Azerbaijan has the highest concentration of mud volcanoes in the world, and the area offers fascinating geological formations.
Next, the group will visit Yashil Bazaar, a traditional market in Baku, where students can see the local produce, including fruits, vegetables, and herbs, and experience the bustling atmosphere of an oriental market.
The day will end with a visit to the Heydar Aliyev Centre (named after the national leader of Azerbaijan), an architectural masterpiece designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid. This futuristic building, which houses a museum and exhibition halls, is an iconic symbol of modern Baku. It was awarded the title of ‘Design of the Year’ in 2014 and has become a significant landmark of the city.
Overnight in Baku. Breakfast, dinner.
Day 4. Zoroastrian Legacy & Yanardag
Highlights: Yanardag (Fiery Mountain).
After breakfast, the group will explore the ancient legacy of Zoroastrianism in Azerbaijan. They will visit Yanardag, known as the Fiery Mountain, located 27 km from central Baku. Here, a natural gas leak causes a continuous flame to burn on the mountainside, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle. The flames are said to have been burning for over 5,000 years and were an important source of inspiration for fire worshippers in ancient times. Azerbaijan is often referred to as the "Land of Fires" due to its numerous natural gas vents and burning mountains.
The group will learn about the role of fire worship in Zoroastrianism, a religion that emerged in Azerbaijan and emphasised the duality of good versus evil. The Zoroastrian concept of eternal fire and the worship of Ahura Mazda, the god of good, will be discussed.
After visiting Yanardag, students will return to their hotel for free time to relax and explore the city.
Overnight in Baku. Breakfast, dinner.
Day 5. WWII Memorial Sites in Baku
Highlights: "1941-1945" Monument, Monument to Richard Sorge, Monument to Azi Aslanov, Monument to Mehdi Huseynzade.
Today the tour focuses on Azerbaijan's significant contributions during World War II, with visits to key monuments that honour its heroes and the nation's role in defeating fascism.
The day begins at the "1941-1945" Monument near the Russian Embassy, dedicated to the 681,000 Azerbaijanis who fought in the war, with 128 receiving the Hero of the Soviet Union title. This memorial underscores Azerbaijan’s critical role, especially in supplying oil to the Soviet war effort.
Next, you'll visit the Monument to Richard Sorge, a legendary Soviet intelligence officer from Baku. Sorge’s early warnings of the German invasion were vital, though unheeded. The monument, designed by Vladimir Tsigal, depicts his focused gaze, symbolising his dedication to Soviet intelligence.
The tour continues to the Monument to Azi Aslanov, a celebrated tank commander in WWII. Located at the Alley of the Shahids, this memorial honours Aslanov’s leadership in the Battle of Stalingrad and his heroism during the liberation of Belarus and the Baltic States. His legacy is commemorated annually on May 9, when veterans gather here.
The day ends with a visit to the monument of Mehdi Huseynzade, a Soviet intelligence officer who operated in Yugoslavia and Italy under the partisan name "Mikhailo." His monument, located on Bakikhanov Street, depicts his courageous actions and posthumous recognition as a Hero of the Soviet Union.
This day provides a deep dive into Azerbaijan’s wartime history, paying tribute to the country’s heroes and their lasting impact on the Soviet victory.
Overnight in Baku. Breakfast, dinner.
Day 6. Baku Iconic Locations in Soviet Movies
Highlights: Maiden Tower, Fountain Square, Nizami Street, Soviet film locations in Baku.
After breakfast, the group will embark on a fun and educational tour of Baku’s iconic locations featured in Soviet films. Several famous movies were shot in Baku, and many of the locations, particularly in the Old City, have been immortalised in films like *The Diamond Hand* (1969), *Amphibian Man* (1962), and *Tehran-43* (1981).
The group will visit the Maiden Tower, Fountain Square, Nizami Street, and other locations where scenes from these films were shot. Students will hear interesting anecdotes about how the filmmakers transformed the city for these productions, and they will have the chance to recognise famous film locations. This day will offer a blend of cinema history, architecture, and cultural exploration. The tour will also provide a chance to enjoy Baku’s vibrant cafes and restaurants.
Overnight in Baku. Breakfast, dinner.
Day 7. Free Day in Baku
After breakfast, the group will have a free day to explore Baku at their own leisure. Students can visit museums, shop for local souvenirs, sample the city's delicious cuisine, or relax in one of Baku's beautiful parks or along the seaside boulevard. Additionally, there is a potential opportunity for a visit to a local Russian school, where students can engage in cultural exchange and interact with their peers. This day offers an opportunity for students to reflect on the trip's highlights or follow their personal interests.
Overnight in Baku. Breakfast, dinner.
Day 8. Departure
After breakfast at the hotel, students will check out of their rooms and be transferred to Heydar Aliyev International Airport for their return flight home.
Breakfast.
Included
- Hotel accommodation 4*** - Central Park, Auroom or similar
- Meals according to the programme (breakfasts - 7, dinners - 6)
- English-speaking guide from the arrival of the group to the end of the trip
- Transport, view our fleet
- Entrance tickets to museums and tourist sites according to the programme
- One bottle of water per person per day
- Guided airport transfers
Price
Below is the estimated cost of the trip excluding flights. We can provide a detailed calculation based on the size of your group. The approximate cost of air tickets from the UK to Baku is from £450 per person. The cost of air travel depends on your departure city and trip dates. Our company will assist with booking flights.The cost per person in pounds sterling, taking into account free places and the number of participants in your group. *FOC - free of charge.
10 people 2 FOC* |
15 people 2 FOC* |
20 people 2 FOC* |
25 people 3 FOC* |
30 people 3 FOC* |
40 people 4 FOC* |
£845 | £745 | £695 | £675 | £645 | £625 |