Day 1 : Warm welcome to Azerbaijan
Greetings from Azerbaijan, land of fire, full of contradictions and contrasts!
Arrival at the hotel in Baku, have dinner and relax. Tomorrow we will start exploring together the riddles of Caucasus.
Day 1 : The Caspian jewel – Baku
Our acquaintance with Azerbaijan starts with its capital, where the centuries-old quarters merge with totally modern parts of the city. It is a place where rich history mingles with a vibrant present. For the western visitor, Baku will be a capturing city. The sights line up one after another, all streets are full of fashionable boutiques and cozy pubs. Moreover, large parks, exquisitely restored old town, illuminated fountains and helpful locals create a pleasant atmosphere around and an unforgettable image of Baku.
The contrasts here have always been impressive, but now the city is also a real exposition of contemporary architecture.
Firstly, we visit the legendary Zoroastrian Maiden Tower dated to the 5th c. Then we walk to the old bazaar. The entire old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and during our city tour we visit the oldest Multani Caravanserai, the Haj Banu-Hammam (also known as bathhouse of Haji Gaib) from the 15th c., the Juma Mosque (or Friday Mosque), which housed the carpet museum in the Soviet times, the Heydar Mosque, Abu Bakr Mosque with the tower from the 11th c., the Taza Pir Mosque, the Shirvan Palace and the Jewish district. You will be also impressed by the modern district with the three Flame Towers overlooking the city. They look as if they have been thrown from heavens
into the city by some fairy tail giants.
Dinner and overnight in Baku hotel.
Day 1 : Apsheron
On this day we take a trip to the peninsula of Apsheron, that is known as an oil extraction area. Apsheron is not only rich in salt lakes, mineral sources and mud volcanoes but also is famous for numerous historical sites. In town Surakhani, we visit the Zoroastrian fire temple. In Mardakan, we will get a chance to see the medieval fortress towers and the Tuba Shahi Mosque from the 14th c. Then a walk through the local arboretum with exotic plants from around the world will refresh us. Next comes a trip to Ramana with its majestic castle. In strongly Islam-influenced Nardaran,
we visit probably the most magnificent mosque in the country.
In the village of Qala we see the remains of caravanserais, mosques and bathhouses. Finally,
we set off to the Yanar Dag (Fire Mountain) in Digah. Looking at the flaming rock, you will witness
how the rich oil and gas deposits have led to careless use of the raw materials. In the evening
we come back to Baku and also have dinner.
Day 1 : Through the oil fields and mud volcanoes
This day we drive in the southern direction, to the regions with several oil fields, which ensure all the luxury in the capital. Driving along the coast of Caspian Sea is like a time travel through the industrial area. Notable industrial landscapes of an abandoned oil field, such as the Bibi Heybet oil field, alternate with new fields.
In the semi-desert near Qobustan we see thousand-year-old Stone-Age rock art. Despite their impressive numbers, they were discovered only in the 30s of the 20th century and turned in a National Park only in 2007, when these petroglyphs were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Near Alat we also see the mud volcanoes — another landscape peculiarity.
We gradually leave the steppe landscape and approach the former main city of the Shirvan Khanate. Earlier, the town of Shamakhi was one of the most significant crafts and trade centers on the edge of the Silk Road. The city has a long literary tradition as the most famous Azerbaijani poet Nasimi was born here. This made the city a symbol of Azerbaijani identity. We also visit here a Friday mosque and the impressive seven mausoleums in the cemetery.
In the evening we reach back to Baku, spend our last night on this tour and eat dinner.
Day 1 : Departure
On this day, our journey comes to an end. Time permitting, you may still have a few hours for a pleasant stroll down the city with its numerous shops and boutiques. You will take home unforgettable memories as well as the feeling of having experienced something special. We have spent time in Azerbaijan discovering its rich new culture, traditions, and nature very intensively and eventfully. There’s still so much more things to explore and it would be no wonder
if you would like to come here again. We are always glad to help you with planning your next trip!
Halal Restaurant in the Hotel
No adult TV channels in the room
Mosque visit included in the package
