Azerbaijan Cultural Discovery
Azerbaijan
Journey through Azerbaijan's ancient cities, mountain villages and fire-worshipping heritage on this immersive 8-day adventure.
Discover the fascinating contrasts of Azerbaijan on this comprehensive 8-day journey through the country's capital, mountain regions and ancient historical sites. Beginning in Baku, travellers are welcomed and settled into their hotel before an evening of local dining marks the start of the adventure. The following days bring an in-depth exploration of Baku's Old City, including the legendary Maiden Tower, the Multani Caravanserai, the Haji Banu Hamam, the Juma Mosque and the striking Shirvanshahs' Palace, alongside visits to Fountain Square and Baku Boulevard. From the capital, the tour heads into the Caucasus foothills, stopping at the historic Friday Mosque in Shamakhi en route to Gabala. Here guests enjoy the Yeddi Gozel waterfall, a scenic cable car ride up Mount Tufandag, and the region's archaeological sites, before continuing to the medieval town of Sheki. In Sheki, the magnificent 15th-century Sheki Khans' Palace, the historic Kervansaray Hotel and the Kish Albanian Church offer a deep dive into Azerbaijan's layered history. The journey returns to Baku for further exploration, including a day trip to Gobustan's museum, rock carvings and bubbling mud volcanoes, plus visits to the eternal flames of Yanardagh and the Ateshgah fire temple, sacred to Zoroastrians and Hindus alike. An excursion to the Shahdag Ski Resort adds a thrilling mountain interlude, with free time to enjoy the slopes before returning to Baku for a final evening. The trip concludes with breakfast and a transfer to the airport, leaving travellers with a rich understanding of Azerbaijan's culture, landscapes and history.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
On arrival in Baku, a representative meets you for your transfer to your hotel. After checking in, spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. In the evening, meet in the lobby to depart for dinner at a local restaurant.
Embark on a city tour starting at Hillside Park for panoramic views of Baku Bay. Explore the Old City, visiting the Maiden Tower, Multani Caravanserai, Haji Banu Hamam, Juma Mosque, and the Shirvanshahs' Palace. Following lunch at a local restaurant, visit Fountain Square and Baku Boulevard before returning to the hotel for dinner.
Travel towards the Caucasus Mountains, stopping to visit the Friday Mosque in Shamakhi. Upon reaching Gabala, enjoy lunch before visiting the Yeddi Gozel waterfall and taking a cable car ride in the Tufandag Mountains. Conclude your day with a visit to the Gabala Archaeological site, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Depart for the town of Sheki to visit the 15th-century Sheki Khans Palace and the historic Kervansaray. Following lunch, explore the Kish Albanian Church before heading to your hotel. After time to refresh, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Depart for Baku, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant along the way. Upon arrival and check-in, spend your afternoon at leisure with time for shopping or refreshment before meeting for dinner at a local restaurant.
Travel to the Gobustan Museum and Archaeological site, followed by an off-road trip to the mud volcanoes. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the burning mountain of Yanardagh and the Ateshgah Fire Temple. Conclude the day with dinner at a local restaurant.
Depart early for the Shahdag Ski Resort for a day of skiing and mountain activities. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy more time on the slopes before returning to Baku in the evening for dinner at a restaurant en route.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your private transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Hotels shown are indicative — you will stay at these properties or similar of the same standard.
What's Included & Excluded
Included
- Private return airport transfers
- 5 nights at Baku Hotel
- 1 night at Gabala Hotel
- 1 night at Sheki Hotel
- Mixed: Bed & breakfast basis in Baku; full board basis – breakfast, lunch & dinner daily in remaining locations
- Private sightseeing tours with English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees to Shirvanshahs' Palace, Maiden Tower, Sheki Khans' Palace, Kish Church, Ateshgah, Gobustan & Yanardagh
- Cable car ride in Gabala
- 0.5l bottle of water per person per day
- Based on 2 adults sharing
Excluded
- Return international flights
- Visas & taxes
- Travel & medical insurance
- Photo charges at national museums
- Ski resort expenses
- Tips
- Any costs not specifically listed under What's Included
Gallery
Images on this page are for illustrative purposes only and may not show the exact hotel, room, view or location included in your holiday. Your written quote and booking confirmation set out exactly what is included. Read our imagery notice
Dates & Pricing
This holiday is tailored to your dates and preferences. Enquire and our specialists will prepare a personalised quote for you.
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