Azerbaijan Tours
Explore Azerbaijan Tour
A short break through Azerbaijan, from the bustling capital of Baku to the mountain town of Sheki and the rocky landscapes of Gobustan.
Tour Overview
Azerbaijan is a land of ancient history, rich culture and stunning natural beauty. It ranges from the bustling capital city of Baku to the charming mountain town of Sheki. There are also the rocky landscapes of Gobustan. In short, Azerbaijan has something to offer everyone.
Baku is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a mix of old and new. The UNESCO-listed Inner City is a must-see, with its ancient mosques, caravanserais and narrow winding streets. Highlights include the Maiden Tower, a mysterious 12th-century fortress, and the Shirvanshahs' Palace, a former royal residence. Outside the Inner City, however, Baku is a modern metropolis with soaring skyscrapers, luxury hotels and world-class restaurants. The city is also home to a number of unique cultural attractions. For example, the Heydar Aliyev Centre is a stunning architectural masterpiece designed by Zaha Hadid. Similarly, the Carpet Museum houses a collection of over 10,000 Azerbaijani carpets.
Beyond Baku
From Baku, this tour will take you to the charming town of Sheki. It is located in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Sheki is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, its silk-weaving tradition and its picturesque surroundings. Visit the Sheki Khan's Palace, a 17th-century palace. It is one of the most impressive examples of Azerbaijani architecture. Here you can also admire the intricate mosaics and stained glass windows that adorn the palace walls.
After Sheki, we continue to Gobustan National Park. It is home to an incredible collection of prehistoric rock art, dating back to over 40,000 years ago. Wander along the park's trails and admire the ancient petroglyphs. These depict scenes of everyday life, animals and religious symbols. You'll also see the mud volcanoes, which are unique geological formations that spew mud and gas.
We conclude in the Absheron Peninsula, a region northeast of Baku. It is known for its oil and gas reserves, its fire temples and beautiful beaches. Here we visit Ateshgah, a 17th-century fire temple that was once a place of worship for Zoroastrians. We can also admire the temple's eternal flame, which burns naturally from the ground.
This short break in Azerbaijan fits a lot in to a few days. Therefore, it is a great introduction to the country.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive in Azerbaijan
On your arrival at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, first complete your customs and immigration formalities. Our representative will then meet you and transfer you to your city centre hotel. Afterwards, the rest of the day is free to relax or start to explore the city.
Overnight in Hotel City Park, Baku
DAY 2
Baku
In the morning, your guided walking tour of Baku will include the medieval walled city of Icheri Sheher. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through its narrow alleyways and explore its historic caravanserais, mosques and the Palace of the Shirvan Shahs. Then visit the Maiden Tower, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. You also see the imposing mansions of the oil barons, built during the oil boom of 1870-1914. Finally, enjoy the superb views over the Bay of Baku from Martyr's Alley. In the afternoon, visit the Heydar Aliyev Centre, a 57,500-square-metre building complex. Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid designed it. It is noted for its distinctive, flowing, curved architecture.
Overnight in Hotel City Park, Baku · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 3
Shemakha & Sheki
After leaving Baku, we will embark on a scenic drive to the town of Sheki. Upon arrival, we will visit the historic Juma Mosque. It dates to the 10th century and was reconstructed in the 19th century. We will also visit the mausoleums of Diri Baba and Yeddi Gumbez. Sheki is one of the oldest cities in Azerbaijan and is rightly called the country's architectural reserve. Here, we will visit the Palace of Sheki Khans, built in 1762. We also see the Caravanserai, a historical monument dating back to the 18th-19th centuries. Next, we will drive to Kish village, one of the oldest villages in present-day Azerbaijan. It is well-known for its unique temple from the period of Caucasian Albania.
Overnight in Sheki Palace Hotel, Sheki · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 4
Sheki, Gabala and return to Baku
In the morning, we will visit the local bazaar in Sheki, a good place to purchase quality souvenirs. We will then leave Sheki and drive to Gabala (1½ hours). Here we visit Nij village, inhabited by minority Udis (Christians). We visit the church and museum as well as Gadim Gabala (ruins of Gabala). Afterwards, we continue our drive back to Baku.
Overnight in Hotel City Park, Baku · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 5
Gobustan & Absheron
Our first stop today is Gobustan Historical Reserve, located 65 kilometres from Baku. It is known for its perfectly preserved rock paintings, or petroglyphs. Before our tour begins, we will visit the interactive museum. Here we learn about the reserve's nature and flora with special programs and multimedia touch screens. Gobustan was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. Weather permitting, we then continue to the Mud Volcanoes. In fact, Azerbaijan has the highest concentration of mud volcanoes anywhere. From there, we travel to Yanar Dag, also known as the Burning Mountain. This natural gas fire has been burning continuously for centuries. Our final stop is Ateshgah, a Zoroastrian fire temple built in the 17th century and used until the 19th. Finally, we return to Baku for your final evening in Azerbaijan.
Overnight in Hotel City Park, Baku · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 6
Departure from Baku
At a suitable time, our representatives will meet you at your hotel. They will then transfer you back to the International Airport for your departure flight. End of services.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
5 nights accommodation as described throughout the tour
Professional English speaking guide
Transportation (vehicle type will depend on the group size)
Entrance fees (museums are closed on Mondays and on public holidays)
Meals as described in the itinerary – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
1 bottle of water per person per day
What’s Not Included
International travel to the start and end point – contact us for information and flight options
Any airport taxes
Travel insurance
Any visa requirements
Drinks at meals not mentioned
Any photography and video fees
Items of a personal nature
Tips for drivers and guides
Tour Map
Book With Confidence
Price & Availability
This is a private tour, so we can arrange it for any departure date. However, we may adjust the itinerary due to weather conditions. We can also tailor-make it to your exact requirements.
From £2,195 per person
Based on two people travelling and sharing a room. £255 single supplement.
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination. For example, it covers safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice for Azerbaijan.
Your passport for Azerbaijan should be valid for a minimum of 3 months from the date your visa expires. British nationals also need to get a visa in advance. The ASAN Visa (e-Visa) service is open to all British nationals and normally takes 72 hours to process. However, an urgent service is available for a fee. E-Visas are normally valid for 30 days and are single entry.
Most of the population of Azerbaijan is Muslim, although it is a largely secular society. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times. Also be aware that photographing mosques, churches and sites of commemoration such as Martyr's Alley may require permission. In Baku, local and foreign women usually dress in western-style clothing. However, outside Baku, dress more conservatively. Possession or use of illegal drugs carries stiff penalties, including long prison terms.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice. The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) publishes this on the TravelHealthPro website. The UK does not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Azerbaijan. In addition, medical facilities outside Baku are very limited. Therefore, carry a comprehensive first aid kit for trips out of Baku. Also make sure your insurance covers evacuation to Turkey or Western Europe if needed.
What to Bring
Bring lightweight, casual, non-synthetic clothing, because cotton and natural fibres are best. It should appropriately cover the body when you are in the company of local communities. Therefore, please understand local customs and religious requirements relating to dress codes. Baku can be very windy, so warm outer clothing is advisable. Walking shoes or boots and sandals are the ideal footwear.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. You're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself. For example, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, suncream, a torch, insect repellent and a reusable water bottle. In addition, pack a power adapter for phones and laptops.
While You're There
The currency of Azerbaijan is the manat (AZN). You can easily exchange pounds sterling, US dollars and euros. In addition, major hotels, supermarkets and restaurants in Baku usually accept credit cards, with ATMs in most major towns. Let your card provider know your travel dates to avoid anti-fraud blocks. Finally, report anything suspicious as early as possible.
The best time to visit the Caucasus is generally spring or autumn. July and August are the hottest months in the cities. Therefore, spring (when valleys fill with wildflowers) or autumn (when weather is slightly more reliable) are ideal. Electrical supply is 220V/50Hz, with two round-pin plugs.
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