Jewels of Azerbaijan
Baku - Absheron - Guba - Klinaliq - Alleppey - Gobustan - Lankaran - Shamaki - Lahij - Sheki - Ganja - Helenendorf - Shamkir - Gabala
11 Days, 10 Nights - $1,435pp
Overview
Azerbaijan known as the “Land of Fire”, combines intriguing history, lively culture, and tasty cuisine. Discover diverse landscapes from national parks, mud volcanoes to stunning Yeddi Gozel Falls. Experience local culture at Khinaliq village and village of Nij. Tansport back in time at the Gobustan Historical-Artistic Preserve. |
Highlights
|
Enjoy Breakfast at the hotel after which you will be picked up from your hotel for Absheron Peninsula tour that covers three historical places.
Let`s begin our interesting tour around “Land of Fire”! Our excursion will start with visiting the unique Gala village, offering the opportunity to see the original lifestyle of Azerbaijani people dated back to 10th-19th centuries. Our next stop is Ateshgah Fire Temple that for centuries has been attracting crowds of thrill seekers. And the final stop of our “fiery tour” is State Historical, Cultural and Natural Reserve “Yanardag” (literary “Burning Mountain”), a complex built around the hill located on the top of the natural gas pocket causing continuous flame eruption. Visit Heydar Aliyev Centre designed by world-famous architect Zaha Hadid. Make a stop next to the popular “I love Baku” sign to take some photos. Lunch time. After lunch you go on the Old City Tour: Icherisheher (Inner City), known as a “Fortress” or "Old City" is a unique historical and architectural conservation area in the center of Baku. Maiden Tower (12th century) and The Palace of Shirvanshahs (13th-16th centuries) are the best-known historical monuments located in the Old City. Stroll down the paved streets of this ancient city and drop to some of the numerous souvenir shops. In the end of your excursion, you will have a walk through the eye captivating Philharmonic Park. You can relax next to a French-style Baroque fountain while listening to classic music. Overnight in Baku | Meals: Breakfast |
After breakfast at the hotel start your tour to Guba city, Red Settlement and Khinaliq village.
Our first stop on the way to Guba will be Beshbarmag (Five-Finger) Mountain known for its mythical stories where locals coming to pray for strength and good fortune. Juma (Friday) Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Guba, built from the red bricks in 1802. Another mosque that is worth seeing is Sakina-Khanum mosque. Explore the must-visit Carpet Weaving Factory! Guba carpets feature intricate designs that take inspiration from nature and geometric patterns, plus a variety of vivid colors. You will also visit Gyrmyzy Gasaba or Krasnaya Sloboda (Red Settlement) that has got its name because of distinctive, red-tiled roofs. After lunch, continue to your next stop. Khinaliq village is located on a conical mountain peak at an altitude of 2300 meters above the sea level. Overnight in Baku | Meals: Breakfast |
After breakfast at the hotel you will be picked up for the tour to Lankaran region, visiting Gobustan Historical-Artistic Preserve on the way. Included in the UNESCO heritage list, being one of the cradles of human civilization.
Not far from Gobustan there is a second miracle that will amaze you no less than the prehistoric drawings on the rocks - these are Mud Volcanoes. Continue the trip to the Southern part of Azerbaijan, the most special one due to its subtropical climate. On the way to Lankaran the excursion to “Citrus Valley”: while showing around the owner of this 18-hectare farm will give a brief view of citrus gardening. After which you will enjoy a tea break with jams made from local fruits. After lunch, continue to the perfect example of oriental architecture, The Palace of Mirakhmad khan. From Lankaran city, you will move to Hirkan National Park, one of the pearls of Azerbaijani nature located in the south of the country, in the heart of the Talysh Mountains. It is home to a natural wilderness dating back 60 million years with its own truly unique flora and fauna. The Hirkan Forest is home to another natural gem – Lake Khanbulan. Overnight in Baku | Meals: Breakfast |
After breakfast check out and drive to Sheki city with the tour around Shamakhi region.
Your first stop on the way to Shamakhi will be at Diri Baba mausoleum, a two-story monument of the 15th century. Then, you keep moving to Shamakhi, an ancient city of Azerbaijan. Not far from Shahmakhi city you will see "Yeddi Gumbaz" mausoleum, the 18th century mausoleum of the khans of Shamakhi. In the city you will visit Juma Mosque. Head to Meysari Winery, one of Azerbaijan’s newest winemakers and the only EU certified organic wine producer in the country. After lunch, head to Ismayilli, one of the most beautiful regions of Azerbaijan. Visit the beautiful Lahij villag considered a cultural reserve. It is known for its production of copper items, decorated with carved ornaments. Overnight in Sheki | Meals: Breakfast |
. Today you will go on the Sheki City tour and visit a Bio Garden farm. Sheki is one of the most ancient and majestic cities of Transcaucasia. You will visit several workshops to see how they make “shebeke” (handmade frescos), “pakhlava” (special sweet famous in Azerbaijan) and “tekelduz” (a kind of weaving popular in this area).
The absolute must-see is Sheki Khan’s Summer Palace all covered in amazing miniature paintings from floor to ceiling. Next stop will be Karvansaray, a historical complex of two magnificent Caravanserais. You will also visit ancient Albanian church in Kish village, a quiet spiritual place included in UNESCO Heritage site. After lunch you will spend time in the captivating Bio Garden. Overnight in Sheki | Meals: Breakfast |
Today you will go on your tour to Ganja city, Goygol and Shamkir regions.
You will visit Mausoleum of Javad Khan, the last ruler of Ganja Khanate, located on the territory of Juma Mosque in the center of Ganja. You will also see the famous Ganja fortress, known as "The Shield of Asia". Another point of attraction is a two-storey Bottle House by local architect Ibrahim Jafarov from 48000 glass bottles. Then you will proceed to Goygol district, one of the most picturesque regions of the country. After lunch, you will move further to Shamkir region. Shamkir has a rich history long predating the German period. step inside the local History and Ethnography Museum and discover intriguing history. Overnight in Gabala | Meals: Breakfast |
After breakfast, start your city tour of the Gabala region, one of the most beautiful provinces of Azerbaijan.
Explore the history and culture of this warm community by visiting the beautifully restored Albanian church. Improve your aim and enjoy the beautiful surroundings at Gabala Shooting Club. Stop for lunch and then spend time in “Tufandag” Winter-Summer Tourism Complex. Overnight in Gabala | Meals: Breakfast |
Tour Includes
9 Nights accommodation
Daily Buffet Breakfast Excursions and transfers as described with local, English speaking guides Entrance fees Tour Excludes
Personal expenses & tips Extras in the hotels Optional activities |
|