Azerbaijan Silk Road Journey

Once you have arrived in Baku at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in, with some time to settle in before your first experience of the city.

In the evening, you will be picked up from your hotel and begin a panoramic tour of Baku. You start at Highland Park, where you can take in wide views across the Caspian Sea and the city skyline, including the Flame Towers. You also visit Martyrs’ Lane and the Eternal Flame Monument, reflecting the country’s history.

Your tour continues past Baku Crystal Hall and National Flag Square, with a short stop at the Baku Ferris Wheel, offering views of the waterfront and surrounding area. After your visit, you return to your hotel.

This morning, you will explore Baku’s cultural and architectural highlights, from its historic centre to its modern landmarks.

You begin in the Old City, also known as Icherisheher, a UNESCO-listed area where you visit key sites including the House of Baku Khans, Multani Caravanserai, the Maiden Tower, St. Bartholomew Church, Juma Mosque and the Aga Mikayil Bath House. You also visit the Miniature Book Museum and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, reflecting the city’s royal past.

You then continue to the Heydar Aliyev Center, known for its distinctive contemporary design. Your visit continues along Baku Boulevard, where you see the Carpet Museum and spend time at Little Venice. The day concludes in Nizami Street and Fountain Square, known for shops, cafes and the city’s lively atmosphere, before returning to your hotel.

Baku - Gobustan - Baku. After breakfast, you will travel outside Baku to explore the Gobustan region, known for its archaeological and natural significance.

You begin at the Gobustan Museum, where you are introduced to the area’s prehistoric heritage. You then continue to the Gobustan Petroglyph Reserve, where you can see ancient rock engravings depicting scenes of early human life, including hunting and rituals.

You then travel to the mud volcanoes, a unique natural feature where mud bubbles from the earth’s surface, creating an unusual landscape. After your visit, you return to Baku, where you will have free time to explore the city centre or relax at your hotel.

Baku - Absheron Peninsula - Baku. Today, you will explore the Absheron Peninsula, focusing on Azerbaijan’s historical connection to natural fire phenomena and early religious practices.

You begin with a visit to Ateshgah Fire Temple in Surakhani, a historic site where natural gas flames once attracted Zoroastrian pilgrims, reflecting the region’s pre-Islamic heritage. You then continue to Yanar Dag, known as the Burning Mountain, where natural gas flames have burned continuously from the hillside for centuries.

After your visits, you return to Baku, where you will have free time to explore the city further, shop for souvenirs.

Baku - Shamakhi. You will travel west towards Shamakhi, one of Azerbaijan’s most historic regions, known for its cultural landmarks and natural scenery.

Your first stop is the Diribaba Mausoleum, a 15th-century structure built into a cliffside and associated with spiritual retreat. You then continue to Juma Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the Caucasus, known for its historical and architectural significance. Your visit continues to the Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleums, a group of domed tombs linked to former rulers, set on a hillside with open views.

You then visit a local alpaca farm, offering a chance to see the animals up close, followed by a stop at Abgora Wine House, where you can take part in a wine tasting experience. Your final stop is Silent Lake, a peaceful natural setting surrounded by forest, before heading to your accommodation in Shamakhi.

Shamakhi - Lahic - Gabala. After breakfast, you will depart Shamakhi and travel through the mountain regions towards Gabala, passing through areas known for their natural scenery and traditional villages.

You begin with a visit to the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory, known for its role in astronomical research. You then continue to the Zarnava Suspension Bridge, where you can walk across and take in views of the surrounding landscape.

Your journey then continues to Lahic, a mountain village known for its cobbled streets, traditional architecture and metalwork craftsmanship, where you can observe local artisans at work. After your visit, you continue to Gabala, where you are dropped off at your hotel.

Gabala - Nij - Sheki. This morning, you will explore the natural landscapes of Gabala before continuing your journey to Sheki.

You begin with a visit to Tufandag Mountain Resort, where you can take a cable car ride for views across the Caucasus Mountains. You then continue to Nohur Lake, a peaceful setting surrounded by forest, where you can take a short walk and enjoy the scenery.

Your journey continues to Yeddi Gozel Waterfall, a multi-level cascade set within a wooded area, followed by a visit to Nij Village, where you see the Chotari Albanian Church, reflecting the region’s early Christian heritage.

You then travel towards Sheki, stopping at a local bio garden. Upon arrival in Sheki, you visit the historic Caravanserai, before stopping at local halva shops known for traditional sweets. After your visits, you are dropped off at your hotel.

You will explore Sheki’s cultural and artistic heritage, focusing on its historic landmarks and traditional craftsmanship.

You begin with a visit to Sheki Khan’s Palace, known for its intricate Shebeke stained-glass windows and detailed interior decoration, reflecting the region’s royal and artistic traditions. You then continue to the ABAD Ceramic and Applied Arts Centre, where you can observe traditional craftsmanship and local artisan work. Your visit continues to the Museum of History and Local Lore, offering insight into Sheki’s development over time.

You then visit a local art gallery showcasing both traditional and contemporary works, followed by the Craftsmen’s House, where you can see artisans creating Shebeke and other handmade items using traditional techniques. Your final stop is the Fazil Necropolis, a historic burial site reflecting the region’s past. After your visits, you return to your hotel, with free time in the evening to relax or explore at your own pace.

Sheki - Kish - Sheki. Today, you will continue exploring Sheki, focusing on its religious sites, traditional industries and local traditions.

You begin with a visit to Kish Village, where you see the Albanian Church, one of the oldest Christian sites in the Caucasus, reflecting the region’s early religious history. You then continue to the Shekikhanovs’ House, a historic residence offering insight into the lifestyle and architecture of local nobility.

Your visit continues to the Sheki Silk Factory, where you learn about traditional silk production, including weaving techniques that reflect the region’s Silk Road heritage. You then visit Khan Mosque, followed by the Abdulkhaliq Hammam, a historic bathhouse reflecting traditional practices.

You also visit the Az Abrau Wine Museum, where you can sample local wines and learn about regional production, before heading to Sheki Bazaar, a lively market where you can explore local produce, spices, textiles and handmade goods. After your visits, you return to your hotel.

Sheki - Qakh - Ilisu - Sheki. After breakfast, you will travel to the Qakh region, known for its natural landscapes and cultural heritage.

You begin with a visit to Kurmuk Temple, a hillside site associated with early Christian history. You then continue to the Qum Basilica, an early religious structure reflecting the region’s architectural development. Your journey continues to Sumug-gala Castle, a hilltop fortress offering views across the surrounding area.

You then visit Ulu Bridge, a historic stone structure, followed by a stop at Ulu Mosque. In Qakh, you explore the Icheri Bazaar, a traditional market area reflecting local trade and daily life.

Your journey continues to Lekit Village, where you visit a local Honey House, before your final stop at the History and Ethnography Museum. After your visits, you return to Sheki.

Sheki - Ganja - Baku. You will depart Sheki and travel to Ganja, Azerbaijan’s second-largest city, known for its cultural and historical significance.

You begin with a visit to the Mausoleum of Nizami Ganjavi, dedicated to the 12th-century poet. You then continue to the Imamzadeh Mausoleum Complex, followed by Shah Abbas Mosque, reflecting the city’s historical and architectural traditions.

You then visit the Mausoleum of Javad Khan, followed by the Shah Abbas Caravanserai, a former Silk Road trading hub. Your journey continues to Chokek Hammam, a historic bathhouse reflecting daily life in earlier periods.

You also visit the Bottle House, before spending time at Khan Baghi Park and Heydar Aliyev Park. After your visits, you return to Baku.

Baku - Guba - Baku. Today, you will travel to the northern region of Quba, known for its cultural diversity and natural landscapes.

You begin with a visit to the Red Village, home to the Mountain Jewish community. Here, you visit the Grand Synagogue and the Museum of Mountain Jews, offering insight into the history and traditions of this community.

You then continue to the Gedim Guba Carpet Weaving Centre, where you can observe traditional carpet-making techniques.

Your journey continues to Qechresh Forest, a natural area known for its tree-lined surroundings and mountain scenery, where you can take a short walk. After your visit, you return to Baku, where you are dropped off at your hotel.

After your final breakfast, you will check out from your hotel and be transferred to Heydar Aliyev International Airport in time for your onward flight. Safe travels!