Hospitable Azerbaijan Information

 08:00 - 09:00. Breakfast in the hotel

09:30 - 11:00. Departure from the hotel and the beginning of a sightseeing tour in Baku.

Highland Park - Panoramic view of Baku Bay from the highest point of the city.

The Alley of Heroes - Martyr’sLane(ShehidlerKhiyabani) is located on the territory of the Highland Park of Baku, a mass grave in which martyrs, heroes who fought for the independence of the country are buried.

Flame Towers - “Fire Towers” ​​is a new symbol of modern Baku.

State Flag Square - One of the highest flags in the world flies on the State Flag Square in Baku. The area covers ​​60 hectares, and its upper part is 31 thousand square meters. The construction of the area cost about 32 million dollars.

The Heydar Aliyev Center - The Heydar Aliyev Center is designed by the legendary architecture diva Zaha Hadid. The Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center is considered to be one of the symbols of modern Baku.

Seaside Park (Baku Boulevard) - Baku Seaside Boulevard is one of the attractions of Baku, a favorite vacation spot for Baku people and visitors. In 2009, celebrated its 100th anniversary.

In addition, you can see the Philharmonic, “Little Venice”, the International Center of Mugam, and the Museum of Azerbaijani Carpet.

11:00 - 13:30. Walking tour of the “Old Town”.

This is an old residential quarter in the center of Baku, surrounded by the walls with the famous Maiden’s Tower. Dozens of historical monuments are located on the territory of the old city - the Market Square, mosques, caravanserais, baths, houses, and the Shirvanshahs palace complex - the pearl of Azerbaijani architecture. "The Diamond Arm", "Amphibian Man" films were shot outside the walls of this Old City.

Shirvanshahs Palace

The Shirvanshahs Palace is the former residence of the Shirvanshahs (rulers of Shirvan) located in the city of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan,  The construction of the palace was due to the transfer of the state capital of the Shirvanshahs from Shemakha to Baku. The palace complex was built in the period from XIII to XVI century.

Maiden's Tower

The most majestic and most mysterious monument of Baku is Giz Galasi–The Maiden’s Tower, towering in the southeastern part of the fortress of Ichari Shahar. In 1964, the Maiden Tower became a museum, and since 2000 it has been included in the UNESCO list of monuments.

Juma Mosque

The Juma Mosque is the Friday Mosque for the prayer of the Muslim community at noon on Friday. The mosque was built in the old city (IcheriSheher) at the expense of the benefactor of Baku-Haji Shikhali Dadashev.

Double Gates, Market Square, Caravanserai, etc.

13:30 - 14:30. Lunch (for an extra charge)

14:30 - 18:00. Tour to Absheron (Ateshgah, Gala Complex, Yanardag).

Ateshgah Temple

Temple of the Eternal Flame “Ateshgah” is the real Azerbaijani exotic. It is known almost all over the world. It is located 30 km away from the center of Baku, on the outskirts of Surakhani village. This area is known for such a unique natural phenomenon which is the burning of natural gas (gas escapes outward comes into contact with oxygen and lights up). The temple in its modern shape was built in the XVII-XVIII centuries. It was built by the Hindu community living in Baku, belonging to the Sikh caste. However, the history of the Ateshgah temple is much more ancient. Since ancient times, the sanctuary of Zoroastrians - fire worshipers (approximately at the beginning of our era) was located on this territory. They attached mysterious significance to unquenchable fire and came here to worship the shrine. After the conversion to Islam, the temple of Zoroastrians was destroyed. Many Zoroastrians left for India and continued in their faith there.

Qala Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum Complex

On the territory of the reserve covering 156 hectares, there are mounds, crypts, houses, 4 structures for storing water, the ruins of an ancient castle, 5 mosques, 3 baths, etc. belonging to the period from the III millennium BC. to the twentieth century. To preserve these monuments, as well as to enrich further the reserve through archaeological finds discovered in Absheron, in 2008, with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the first open-air archaeological and ethnographic complex was created here. The museum complex occupies 2 hectares of territory.

Yanardag

Yanardag is one of the most amazing natural attractions of the Absheron Peninsula. It is a mountain slope engulfed in flames, which cannot be extinguished either by rain or pouring sand and is still burning for several millennia. The fiery and at the same time bewitching landscape is actually explained very simply: natural gas is released from the upper layers of the soil, turning into flame when it comes into contact with oxygen.

Breakfast in the hotel. Departure from the hotel in the direction of the city of Shemakha. On the way, you will witness how the terrain will change around, smoothly transitioning from lowland and semi-desert to mountain landscapes of the Greater Caucasus.

On the way, we stop by the village of Maraza, where will be an opportunity to see and get acquainted with the history of one of the ancient mausoleums of the Shirvanshah era - “Diri Baba”, XIV century. After 2 hours of a comfortable trip, we get to the city of Shemakha. The city of Shamakhi was the capital of the Shirvan state and has existed for more than three thousand years. The Greek historian Ptolemy mentioned it at the time and called these places Kemakhiya, while the Arabs compared Shamakhi in the degree of luxury and pomp of architecture with the capital of the Umayyad caliphate - Damascus, calling this land “al Shamakhiya”, which means “city of candles”, “city of lights” or simply" bright city ". Alexander Duma, who visited Shamakha in 1858, wrote about this city: “Here, far from Paris, in the Caucasian city of Chamakhi, I saw portraits painted by Montero and Fonteble, I even met people here who spoke French. I will not hide - it made a huge impression on me. ”And it should be noted that the most exquisite wines are made in this region of the republic.

Next, we go to the legendary village of Lahic. The high-altitude village of Lagich in the Ismayilli region of Azerbaijan is an original monument of urban and architectural art of antiquity. This medieval town with cobbled streets and squares is one of the most famous craft centers in the Caucasus and beyond trade and handicraft centers. Copper, leather, coinage is manufactured by skillful potters and woodcarvers. Lahic was especially famous for making edged weapons and copper utensils decorated with engraved ornaments. And up to now, there are dozens of workshops here, where hereditary blacksmiths, in front of amazed tourists, make various household items. The very first quarter of Lahic was laid in the III-IV centuries. It is curious that the city has a water supply and sewage system, which is nearly more than one and a half thousand years old! None of the residents know where the sewage system begins and where it ends, and by what principle it works, which does not prevent the collector from functioning for many centuries. Nowadays, Lahic is a historical and architectural monument, protected by the state and the appearance of the settlement is preserved in its original form. 

After visiting the village of Lahic, transfer to the city of Gabala. Walk around Nohur Lake. One of the most beautiful lakes in Azerbaijan is Lake Nokhur, which is located in the foothill region. People of Baku and residents of other cities like to come here on the weekend. Beautiful quiet nature, a clear expanse of water surrounded by high mountains - all this brings peace and a sense of distant exotic countries. Free time. Overnight stay at the hotel of Gabala.

Breakfast in the hotel.

Sightseeing tour of Gabala city.

The city is located on the banks of the Demiraparanchay River, and in general, the Gabala region is a unique and beautiful region of the country, from where a view of the highest peak of Azerbaijan - Bazardyuzu Mount (with the height of 4466 m)is seen. The Gabala region with its rivers, chestnut and nut groves, mineral springs is an ideal area for relaxation.

However, its main attraction is the ancient city of Kabalaka (Chukhur Gabala), the ruins of which are preserved 15 km away from the modern city. Kabalaka was mentioned in written sources of the 1st c. and for 600 years was the capital of the state of Caucasian Albania. Additionally, hundreds of ancient monuments have been preserved here, including the Albanian temple (IV-VII centuries), the ancient defensive tower (IX-XI centuries), the Ustadzhan tower (IX-XIV centuries), many mausoleums, and other historical sights. 

Not far from Gabala on Mount Yaloylustone, iron, bronze, and gold objects were discovered. In a word, if you are fond of antiquity, there is actually a lot to see. Modern hotels and recreation centers have been built in the city and its picturesque surroundings in recent years. Here, in the summer, international festivals are held annually and attended by famous musicians, artists, and art groups from all over the world. 

Near the city of Gabala is the ancient town of Nij. Excursion to the Summer and Winter Tourist Complex Tufandag (for an extra charge) upon request, you can enjoy the unique landscapes of the Greater Caucasus from the cableway.

The visit to the Seven Beauties waterfall (for an extra charge) (depending on weather conditions) Lunch in Gabala (for an extra charge). A visit to the village of Nij, which is the home of a special ethnic group among the ethnic groups of Azerbaijan-Udin, who are considered to be the descendants of Caucasian Albanians.

 Currently, the population is not more than 10,000, but they have managed to preserve their traditions, language, and spiritual culture. At present, the Albanian Temple is also operating in the village of Nij, which is open to parishioners and tourists.  This is one of the most ancient monuments of Christianity in Azerbaijan. 

The temple was rebuilt in the 17th-18th centuries on the site of the ancient Albanian church of the 4th century founded by Saint Elisha (Christian Ecclesiastes in Caucasian Albania). After visiting Gabala, transfer to the city of Sheki. Overnight stay in Sheki.

Breakfast in the hotel. 

Sightseeing tour of Sheki city.

The city of Sheki is located 320 km the north-west of Baku, near the Georgian border. Sheki is located in a picturesque mountainous region and dissected by narrow ranges and green valleys, with streams, pure rivers, waterfalls, and mineral springs, framed with dense forests and alpine meadows. Near Sheki, in one of the most beautiful and picturesque places in the country, is the health resort of Marxal. Archaeological evidence suggests that the city can be considered to be one of the oldest settlements in the Caucasus, many finds on its territory are more than 2500 years old.

The historical and most ancient part of Sheki is called Yukhary bash (old town). In 1968, this territory was declared an architectural reserve. Today this reserve includes the Sheki fortress with the Palace of Sheki khans located in it, the main shopping street along which there are caravanserais and artisan shops, residential quarters, the Shekihanov’s House, mosques with minarets and baths. The Gurjanachay river flowing from the east divides the city into two parts - the northern elevated and the southern, which is located in the valley. Yukari bash lies on the elevated part, and the valley was used for agriculture.

Sheki Caravanserai. Sheki has long been famous as a city of craftsmen, artisans, and merchants. Merchants and traders from the countries of the Great Silk Road gathered here. Therefore, special attention was paid to the construction of caravanserais. So in the XVIII-XIX centuries in Sheki there were 5 large caravanserais. Two of them have survived to our time: Upper and Lower, built in the 18th century. Even back then, the masters sought to provide a decent service to guests. And the caravanserais were built taking into account all the amenities for merchants and the safety of their goods. In the Sheki caravanserais, merchants piled their goods in the basement, traded on the first floor, and lived on the second. Juma mosque.

The Juma mosque was built in the 19th century near the market square of Sheki city. There is a functioning madrassah in the courtyard. The mosque was built in the 18-19 centuries, the main hall is decorated with arches, stone, and wooden columns dividing the hall. The minaret of 28.5 meters is the main part of the mosque, decorated with brickwork. The canopy of the minaret is a part of the decor.

Sheki Khans Palace. The most outstanding and valuable monument of Azerbaijan is the Palace of Sheki khans of the 18th century. It was built in 1761-62, as the summer residence for Huseyn Khan Mushtad (grandson of Haji Celebi). The two-story palace building, unique in its beauty, amazes with the splendor of its decoration. The facade of the palace is richly painted with plot drawings depicting hunting and war scenes, as well as intricate geometric and floral patterns. A huge stained-glass window from multi-colored glass mosaic flaunts in the center. (It is noteworthy that 1 square meter accounts for up to 5000 pieces of glass). Other small windows of the palace are also designed from the pieces of multi-colored stained glass and covered with openwork stone lattices.

Lunch in Sheki (for an extra charge) Taste of Sheki Halva. A special sweet is sold in Sheki - the Sheki baklava from groundnuts and thin dough from rice flour. The  Sheki residents themselves call it not baklava, but halva. Sheki baklava is cooked in a huge pan, in which it is served. The top is painted with saffron water. Technically, the bottom and top of baklava is a  thin spaghetti- net of rice flour, the middle - ground nuts seasoned with sweet syrup from sugar, honey, cardamom. 

Church in the village of Kish. There is a unique architectural monument - a temple from the time of Caucasian Albania in one of the oldest villages on the territory of modern Azerbaijan - Kish. Currently, the existing Church of St. Elisha was erected in the X-XII centuries. At the same time, according to some historians, the temple in Kish stands on the same spot where Elisha, the Equal-to-the-Apostles, founded the first church. 

That is why the temple in Kish was often called the Mother of Churches in the Caucasus. This version is supported by the results of radiocarbon analysis of artifacts discovered at the site of an ancient cult under the church’s altar. It is curious that one of the initiators of archaeological research was the famous Norwegian traveler and ethnographer Thor Heyerdahl. 

Return to Baku. Overnight stay in Baku.

Breakfast in the hotel.

09:30 - 13:30. Excursion to Gobustan.

The tour of the museum (closed exhibition) and the reserve (open area). 

The Museum of Petroglyphs (Open Air Museum). The Museum of Petroglyphs - the so-called Gobustan - is a mountainous place in the southeast of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range, located 65 km away from Baku. It was here that the ancient sites of primitive people were found, leaving behind a lot of rock paintings - petroglyphs. These primitive monuments of art reflect the culture, economy, worldview, customs, and traditions of ancient people. Once the sea splashed right at the foot of these mountains, but then retreated, leaving characteristic relief traces on the polished  rocks. Unusual drawings on the rocks were discovered accidentally in the 30s of the XX century,  there are already more than 6 thousand of them “discovered” (on 1000 rocks) nowadays. Also, ancient primitive dwellings - caves and sites, more than 100 thousand items of material culture were found. Gobustan petroglyphs belong to different eras. They are made in the period from X-XVIII thousand BC. until the middle ages of our era.

• Breakfast in the hotel. Check-out till 12:00
• Airport transfer
• Departure