Best of Azerbaijan - 8 days (AZ-02)

On arrival at Baku’s international airport you’ll be met by our representative for your transfer to the hotel. After check in there’ll be free time. Overnight in Baku. (Dinner)

After breakfast, we begin our discovery of the city of Baku. You’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour of Baku with a visit to the city’s monumental, historical and architectural attractions as well as taking in a panorama of the Azeri capital and its bay from Upland Park, the city’s highest point. From there we’ll make our way down to the old city, also known as Icheri sheher. This area contained all of Baku until the mid-19th century when, as a result of the oil boom, growth spilled beyond its defensive walls. This tiny area measures just 22 square hectares yet contains many of the city’s must-see sights, including the Shirvanshakhs Palace, the Maiden Tower and the Karavansaray, once the place of merchants’ rest. Today, 1300 families still call Icheri sheher home, this ancient city found within the modern city of Baku. It’s a delightful place to take an evening stroll through the warren of streets to Fountains Square. Overnight in Baku. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Today, after breakfast, our guide will be waiting to collect you for your included excursion to Gobustan National Park. Situated in East Azerbaijan, this archaeological reserve borders the southern slopes of the Major Caucasus ridge to the north, the Harami and Mishov Mountains to the south, the Pirsaat River to the west, and the Caspian Sea and Absheron peninsula to the east. Gobustan is a culturally significant landscape renowned for its myriad rock carvings and unique geological formations. Over 6,000 petroglyphs have been discovered here, along with many ancient caves and archaeological sites within the reserve. Incredibly, some have been dated to as early as the 18th century BC, offering a fascinating insight into the development of human activity in this area, with scenes depicting mountain goat hunts, ceremonial dances, and even maritime imagery, as this place once bordered the sea.

In addition to exploring the stunning petroglyphs, you will also visit the famous mud volcanoes of Gobustan. These natural wonders, characterised by their bubbling mud and unique formations, provide a spectacular display of the region's dynamic geological activity. Observing the mud volcanoes offers an extraordinary glimpse into the earth's subterranean processes and adds a thrilling dimension to your excursion.

On our way back to Baku, you’ll stop at Yanar Dag. This intriguing natural phenomenon is called the Burning Rock, so named because it is fueled by seepage of natural gas. Flames up to three metres high regularly shoot from the sandstone hillside. Many believe that Yanar Dag is the reason Azerbaijan acquired its nickname, the Land of Fire. Overnight in Baku. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 152 km / 95 ml.

Today's exploration begins with a visit to Gala, an open-air museum located on the Apsheron Peninsula. This site offers an immersive glimpse into ancient Azerbaijani life, showcasing traditional homes, tools, pottery, and artifacts dating back to the 3rd century BC. Wander through reconstructed dwellings, explore historical exhibits, and learn about the customs of early inhabitants of the region.

From Gala, we continue to Ateshgah, the Temple of Fire Worshippers, located near the village of Surakhani, approximately 30 kilometers from Baku. This historically significant site, revered by Zoroastrians, Hindus, and Sikhs, features a 17th-century pentagonal structure with an open courtyard and a central altar. Built over a natural gas vent, it was a major pilgrimage site and stands today as a State Historical-Architectural Reserve, restored to reflect its past splendor.

The day concludes with a visit to Ramana Castle, a medieval fortress believed to have been constructed during the Shirvanshah era. Its impressive 15-meter stone tower was likely built to protect a palace and offers commanding views of the surrounding landscape. The fortress provides a window into Azerbaijan's defensive architectural heritage. After the tour, return to Baku for an overnight stay. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 80 km / 50 ml.

After returning to Baku, we will immerse ourselves in the vibrant charm of modern Baku, exploring its most iconic contemporary landmarks. Our journey begins at Baku Boulevard, a picturesque waterfront promenade stretching along the Caspian Sea. This lively area is perfect for a leisurely stroll and offers stunning views of the city’s skyline, highlighted by the Flame Towers. These three iconic skyscrapers, shaped like flames, symbolize Azerbaijan’s “Land of Fire” identity. As night falls, their dynamic LED displays create mesmerizing visuals that light up the city. Next, we’ll visit the Carpet Museum, housed in a uniquely designed building that resembles a rolled-up carpet. Inside, you’ll find an extensive collection of traditional Azerbaijani carpets, showcasing intricate patterns, weaving techniques, and cultural stories spanning centuries. We then head to the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre, a masterpiece designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. This fluid, wave-like structure is not only an architectural marvel but also a hub of culture and innovation, hosting exhibitions, concerts, and artistic displays that reflect Azerbaijan’s progressive vision. For a taste of contemporary leisure, we’ll visit Shopping Mall 28th May, a bustling retail destination located in the heart of the city. Finally, we’ll explore Park Boulevard, a stylish mall situated along the promenade. Here, you can shop, relax at cosy cafes, and experience the cosmopolitan spirit of Baku. After a day of sightseeing and exploring, we’ll return to our hotel for the night. Overnight in Baku. (Breakfast, Dinner)

A visit to Azerbaijan reveals a long history. Shamakhi is one such place. Long ago it was the capital of the Shirvan Empire and home to the Shirvan Dynasty. Nowadays Shamakhi is known for its winemaking. Visiting this city you’ll have an opportunity to explore the Yeddi Gumbez mausoleum. Its magnificent domes rise mysteriously above an almost silent valley with stunning views back to Shamakhi. Nearby, the tombs of Diri Baba are equally atmospheric, built into the rock with the appearance of an eagle’s nest. Approaching, we see only one side; the others are hidden in the cliffs, giving the impression that the tomb is suspended off the ground. The monument has two storeys: the lower floor was probably for servants while the upper, reached by stairs, would have been the salon. Whether it is a sacred site or a place of burial is open to interpretation.

Continuing our journey, we stop at Kish, the site of a centuries-old Albanian church incorporated into the Armenian Apostolic Church in 1836. Near the church you’ll find an ancient cemetery where buried bodies are visible through a glass cupola. The remains impress with their height, appearing to be 2.5 metres or more. Ancient Albanian people were giants with white skin; their hair was golden. They looked unlike residents of the modern Caucasian nations. Overnight in Sheki. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 312 km / 195 ml.

An excursion to Sheki will delight; this is the oldest city in Azerbaijan. In ancient times people sold silk here. It was famous among merchants from the Great Silk Road. There’s much to see here including the history museum. The star of Sheki’s show is Khan's Summer Palace with its wonderful façades built from brick, river stones and oak, decorated with floral motives. Its interior design impresses even more. Within its six rooms, you can see different frescoes painted by talented craftsman; some of them feature flowers, while others give us pictures of hunting or battle scenes. There are two beautiful mirrored balconies, ornate decoration using rare coloured Venetian glass and exquisite paintings featuring colourful depictions of birds and animals. The first floor of this palace shows Khan’s richness and powerful reign. A great number of animals and hunting motifs on the walls are thought to be symbols of nobility. In ancient times the palace was surrounded by beautiful gardens, though nowadays only two big trees remain. Later, you’ll be driven to Baku where you’ll check into the hotel for an overnight stay. Overnight in Baku. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 298 km / 186 ml.

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)