Azerbaijan Cultural & Nature Journey

Once you arrive at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Baku, offering your first introduction to the city’s setting and skyline.

In the evening, you will be picked up from your hotel for a panoramic introduction to Baku. You will visit Highland Park, the city’s highest viewpoint, where you can take in wide views across Baku, the Caspian Sea and the Flame Towers. You will also visit Martyrs’ Lane and the Eternal Flame Monument, reflecting the country’s history and national significance. After your visit, you return to your hotel.

Today, you will explore Baku’s historical and modern highlights, discovering how the city has evolved over time.

You begin in the Old City, also known as Icherisheher, a UNESCO-listed area where you visit key landmarks including the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. You also see Juma Mosque and Muhammad Mosque, along with the Miniature Book Museum and local artisan workshops that reflect traditional crafts.

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, known for its connection to traditional Azerbaijani craftsmanship, and spend time at Little Venice. The day concludes with time in Nizami Street and Fountain Square, known for shops, cafes and the city’s modern atmosphere, before returning to your hotel.

Baku - Gobustan - Absheron Peninsula - Baku. After breakfast, you will travel beyond Baku to explore Azerbaijan’s geological and historical sites.

You begin with a visit to Gobustan, a UNESCO-listed archaeological reserve known for its rock engravings, with over 6,000 carvings dating back more than 40,000 years, offering insight into early human life and activity. You then continue to the mud volcanoes, a rare natural phenomenon, where mineral-rich mud bubbles from the earth’s surface.

Your journey then takes you to Bibiheybat Mosque, a reconstructed 13th-century religious site, located near one of the world’s earliest industrial oil wells. You then visit Ateshgah Fire Temple, a historic site associated with fire worship and pilgrimage by different religious groups, before continuing to Yanar Dag, known as the Burning Mountain, where natural gas flames have burned continuously for centuries. After your visits, you return to your hotel.

Baku - Shamakhi. This morning, you will travel inland to the Shamakhi region, known for its historical significance and natural landscapes.

You begin with a visit to the Diribaba Mausoleum, a medieval structure built into a cliffside, reflecting the region’s architectural heritage. You then continue to Juma Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the Caucasus, known for its long-standing religious importance. Your visit continues to the Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum, a hillside complex of domed tombs associated with former rulers.

You then visit a local alpaca farm, offering a chance to see these animals up close, followed by a stop at Abgora Wine House, where you are introduced to the region’s wine-making traditions. Your final stop is Silent Lake, a peaceful natural setting surrounded by forest, before returning to your hotel.

Shamakhi - Lahic - Gabala. You will travel through the mountain regions of Azerbaijan, combining scientific heritage with traditional village life and natural landscapes.

You begin with a visit to the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory, set in an elevated location and known for its role in astronomical research. You then continue to the Zarnava Suspension Bridge, also known as the Hanging Bridge, where you can walk across and take in views of the surrounding gorge.

Your journey then continues towards the Ismayilli region to visit Lahic, a mountain village known for its cobbled streets and copper craftsmanship, where artisans continue traditional techniques. After your visit, you continue to Gabala, where you are dropped off at your hotel.

Gabala - Nij - Sheki. Today, you will embark on a journey to the Tufandag Mountain Resort, where you will take a cable car to the peak, surrounded by rugged alpine terrain. Here, you can enjoy seasonal alpine activities or take in the views across the surrounding mountains.

Next, you will make your descent before continuing to Nohur Lake, where you will be surrounded by alpine forests and a calm natural setting. You then visit Yeddi Gozel Waterfall, a multi-level cascade set within a wooded area.

Your journey continues to Nij Village, where you visit the Chotari Albanian Church, reflecting the region’s early Christian heritage. You then travel onwards to Sheki, stopping at a local bio garden that highlights regional produce and traditional practices.

Upon arrival in Sheki, you visit the historic Caravanserai, a former Silk Road inn, before stopping at local halva shops known for traditional sweets. After your visits, you are dropped off at your hotel.

After breakfast, you will explore Sheki’s cultural and artistic heritage, focusing on its historic landmarks and 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 Arts Centre, where you can observe traditional pottery-making techniques carried out by local artisans. Your visit continues to the Sheki Museum of History and Local Lore, offering insight into the city’s development over time.

You then visit the Craftsmen’s House, where you see artisans creating Shebeke designs using traditional methods, followed by a visit to the Fazil Necropolis, a historic burial site reflecting the region’s past. You also visit local art galleries showcasing contemporary works before returning to your hotel.

Sheki - Kish - Sheki. 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. You then continue to the Shekikhanovs’ House, a historic residence reflecting the lifestyle and architecture of local nobility.

Your visit continues to the Sheki Silk Factory, where you learn about traditional silk production and hand-weaving techniques linked to the Silk Road. 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 are introduced to local wine traditions, 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. Today, you will travel to the Qakh and Ilisu region, known for its mix of historical sites, rural life and natural landscapes.

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

You then visit Ulu Bridge, a historic structure linked to regional trade routes, followed by a stop at Ulu Mosque, reflecting local religious traditions. In Qakh, you explore the Icheri Bazaar, a traditional market area where you can experience local crafts and daily life.

Your journey continues to Lekit Village, where you visit a local Honey House to learn about traditional beekeeping and sample local products. Your final stop is the History and Ethnography Museum, offering insight into the region’s cultural heritage, before returning to your hotel.

Sheki - Baku. After your final breakfast, you will check out and begin your journey back to Baku, travelling from the mountain regions towards the capital.

As you make your way through the Greater Caucasus, you will pass changing landscapes including forested hills, rural settlements and open plains. There may be short stops along the way for photos or refreshments, depending on time.

Upon arrival in Baku, you will be dropped off at your hotel or transferred to Heydar Aliyev International Airport, depending on your onward travel arrangements.