Upon your arrival at Baku International Airport, a tour guide will greet you and arrange your transfer to the hotel, ensuring a smooth transition into the heart of Azerbaijan. As you travel through the city, the striking contrast between Baku's historic and modern architecture becomes immediately evident—from the ancient walls of the Old City to the contemporary skyline shaped by cutting-edge design. After reaching your hotel, complete the check-in process and take a moment to unwind. Use this time to relax or explore the surroundings at your own pace, preparing for the exciting journey ahead.

Travel Details: Arrival in Baku International Airport; Expected travel distance ~25; Overnight in Baku (-/-/-)

Our city tour today begins with a breathtaking panoramic view of Baku and the Caspian Sea from Highland Park, the highest point in the city. As you stroll through Martyrs’ Alley, a site of remembrance and resilience, the magnificent Flame Towers rise before you, symbolizing Azerbaijan’s eternal spirit. Step back in time as you continue to Icherisheher (Old City), a UNESCO World Heritage site where history whispers through every cobbled street. Pass through the ancient entrance gates and explore the legendary Maiden Tower and the grand Shirvanshahs’ Palace, a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Discover the charm of caravanserais, old mosques, and traditional bathhouses, each revealing a piece of Baku’s rich heritage. A visit to the Miniature Book Museum, home to a rare collection of tiny books, adds a unique touch to your journey through history. The afternoon is devoted to one of Azerbaijan’s most cherished traditions—carpet weaving. At the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, which is housed in a stunning building shaped like a rolled carpet, explore three floors of intricate craftsmanship, ranging from centuries-old masterpieces to contemporary interpretations of this timeless art. As the day comes to a close, take in the striking contrast between ancient and contemporary Baku, a city where the past and future coexist in perfect harmony.

Highlights of the Day:

• Baku City Tour: Discover Baku’s past and present with a panoramic view from Highland Park, a visit to Martyrs’ Alley, and an exploration of Icherisheher (Old City), a UNESCO site featuring the Maiden Tower, Shirvanshahs’ Palace, and historic caravanserais. 
• Visit the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, uniquely shaped like a rolled carpet, showcasing antique, 20th-century, and contemporary carpets that highlight the country’s rich weaving heritage.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: 20 km round trip; Overnight in Baku (B/-/-)

Today’s journey uncovers Azerbaijan’s ancient wonders and mystical natural phenomena. Begin the day in Gobustan, where bubbling mud volcanoes create an almost extraterrestrial landscape, revealing the raw power of the Earth. At Gobustan National Park, step back in time as you explore prehistoric rock carvings—over 6,000 petroglyphs telling the stories of early civilizations along the Caspian shore.

In the afternoon, experience the fusion of modernity and tradition at the Heydar Aliyev Center, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture that symbolizes Azerbaijan’s vibrant spirit. Continue to Ateshgah Fire Temple, where an eternal flame, once worshipped by Zoroastrian pilgrims, has burned for centuries. The day concludes at Yanardag (Fire Mountain), where a natural gas fire blazes continuously from the hillside, creating a mesmerizing sight that has inspired legends and earned Azerbaijan the title of the "Land of Fire."

Highlights of the Day:

• Gobustan National Park: Discover ancient rock carvings, a UNESCO-listed open-air museum with over 6,000 petroglyphs.
• Ateshgah Fire Temple: Explore a sacred Zoroastrian fire temple built around an eternal natural flame.
• Yanardag (Fire Mountain): Experience the captivating sight of an everlasting fire burning naturally from the hillside.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~160 km round trip; Overnight in Baku (B/-/-)

Today, leave the hustle and bustle of Baku behind and embark on a journey into the breathtaking Caucasus Mountains, where time seems to stand still. Guba, once part of the ancient Caucasian Albania Empire, is a land of misty peaks, deep valleys, and centuries-old traditions. As you drive higher into the mountains, you will arrive at Khinalig, a village perched above the clouds, where the descendants of Noah’s people have lived for millennia, speaking a language that is unique in the world. Step into a storybook landscape as you hike to Galakhudat, a hidden gem nestled among fortress-like peaks and once the first residence of the Guba Khanate. Here, enjoy a warm, home-cooked meal with a local family, savoring the rich flavors of mountain life. In the afternoon, return to Guba to explore its cultural treasures, from the ornate Juma Mosque to the intricate craftsmanship of the Carpet Weaving Center. Conclude your day in the Red Village, home to the world’s largest Mountain Jewish community outside of Israel, where history and resilience echo through its narrow streets.

Highlights of the Day: 

• Khinalig Village: Explore the highest settlement in Europe, where ancient traditions endure.
• Hike to Galakhudat: Enjoy a scenic trek through the Grand Caucasus, once the seat of Guba’s rulers.

Red Village: Visit the largest Mountain Jewish settlement beyond Israel, rich in history and heritage.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~ 440 km round trip; Hiking distance: 8 km; Estimated hiking time: 3 hours; Hike Start Point: 2350 m; End point: 2300 m; Terrain: hilly; Difficulty: easy; Overnight in Baku (B/L/-)

Leave the shimmering skyline of Baku behind and set off on a captivating journey into the heart of Azerbaijan, where history and nature intertwine in breathtaking harmony. Your first stop is the Diri Baba Mausoleum, a mystical Sufi tomb carved into the cliffs, a place where legends whisper through the stone walls. Next, continue to Shamakhi, one of Azerbaijan’s most ancient cities, to visit the Juma Mosque, the first mosque in the Caucasus, standing resilient through centuries of history. The road then leads you through the Grand Caucasus Mountains, winding through deep canyons and rugged landscapes before arriving in Lahij, a living museum of ancient craftsmanship. Stroll along its cobbled streets, listen to the rhythmic hammering in blacksmith workshops, observe artisans weaving carpets, and step back in time to the era of Silk Road traders. For the adventurous, a visit to the suspension bridge leading to Zarnava village offers a thrilling walk across the river, revealing hidden mountain communities nestled beyond the steep cliffs. By late afternoon, the road leads to Gabala, once the grand capital of the Caucasus Albanians, now a haven of lush forests, tranquil lakes, and towering peaks. Before checking in at the hotel, take a moment to enjoy the serenity of Nohur Lake, where the water mirrors the beauty of the surrounding mountains. It is a perfect place to unwind and embrace the peaceful side of Azerbaijan.

Highlights of the Day:

• Diri Baba Mausoleum – A Sacred Cliffside Tomb: Carved into the rocky mountains, this mystical Sufi mausoleum carries a deep spiritual history, shrouded in ancient legends.
• Lahij Village – A Timeless Craft Center on the Silk Road: Walk through history in this medieval mountain village, home to master blacksmiths, copper artisans, and carpet weavers
• Gabala – Azerbaijan’s "Little Switzerland": Surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped mountains, this former capital is a blend of rich history and natural beauty

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~250 km; Overnight in Gabala (B/-/-)

Wake up to the crisp mountain air of Gabala and start the day with a visit to Tufandag Mountain, a stunning retreat nestled in the Caucasus Mountains. Experience the thrill of soaring above the landscape on an optional cable car ride, where panoramic views extend as far as the eye can see. Take a moment to breathe in the pure mountain air before we continue our journey. By midday, we arrive in Sheki, one of Azerbaijan’s most enchanting towns, rich in Silk Road history and charm. Wander through the UNESCO-listed Old City, where cobblestone streets lead to the magnificent Palace of the Sheki Khans. Admire its stunning stained-glass windows and intricate frescoes—each detail whispering tales of a regal past. Stroll along the ancient fortress walls, step inside the Historical Museum, and catch a glimpse Sheki’s diverse heritage at the Round Temple. As the day winds down, take a step back in time at the Sheki Caravanserai, a 17th-century stop for Silk Road traders. Feel the echoes of merchants and travelers who once gathered here, and enjoy some leisure time to explore artisan shops, sample the famous Sheki halva, or simply lose yourself in the town’s magical atmosphere.

Highlights of the Day:

• Tufandag Mountain – Azerbaijan’s Winter Wonderland: Ride the cable car (optional) for breathtaking views or enjoy the peaceful mountain resort atmosphere.
• Sheki – A Hidden Gem on the Silk Road: A 2,500-year-old city known for its rich history, silk production, and stunning mountain landscapes.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~100 km; Overnight in Sheki (B/-/-)

Our journey begins with a visit to the village of Kish, which is home to the oldest church in the Caucasus, founded in the 1st century by the Apostle St. Eliseus. This stone sanctuary, built on the sacred grounds of a former pagan Moon Temple, carries the whispers of ancient civilizations and a profound spiritual heritage. Next, we indulge in the exquisite flavors of Azerbaijan at the renowned Savalan Winery. Nestled among sun-drenched vineyards at 400 meters above sea level, Savalan produces some of the finest wines in the region. Enjoy a tasting session featuring their signature selections, including the elegant Savalan Syrah, the aromatic Viognier, and the exclusive Limited Release collection. With a blend of Italian and Azerbaijani winemaking expertise, each sip tells a story of tradition and craftsmanship. After savoring the finest wines, we take a scenic drive back to Baku, where the lights of the capital greet us once more.

Highlights of the Day:

• Kish Church – A spiritual landmark, recognized as the oldest church in the Caucasus, with origins tracing back to the 1st century.
• Savalan Winery – A journey into the art of Azerbaijani winemaking, where tradition and innovation meet in every exclusive tasting

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~340 km; Overnight in Baku (B/-/-)

As our journey through Azerbaijan comes to a close, we take one final morning to reflect on the unforgettable experiences, rich history, and warm hospitality that have defined our time here. After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we prepare for departure, carrying with us not only souvenirs but also memories of ancient wonders, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural treasures that will remain with us for years to come. A comfortable transfer will take us to Heydar Aliyev International Airport, where we bid farewell to this remarkable country. Although our visit is coming to an end, the spirit of Azerbaijan—the land of fire, tradition, and timeless beauty—will remain with us, inspiring future travels and new discoveries.

Travel Details: Transfer to Baku International Airport for departure (B/-/-)