Classic Azerbaijan
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
A fascinating week-long journey through the largest of the Caucasus states, this intriguing itinerary offers up a rich mix of the old and the new, contrasting the country’s ancient heritage with its modern counterparts and taking you on a trip from the shores of the Caspian Sea to the southern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains.
Beginning ...
A fascinating week-long journey through the largest of the Caucasus states, this intriguing itinerary offers up a rich mix of the old and the new, contrasting the country’s ancient heritage with its modern counterparts and taking you on a trip from the shores of the Caspian Sea to the southern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains.
Beginning in Baku you will take a tour of its medieval heart, exploring its alleys, mosques and palaces before moving on to the imposing mansions of the city’s 19th century oil barons. The Absheron Peninsula then provides an opportunity to visit the Zoroastrian fire temple of Ateshgarh, and take a dip in the Caspian Sea, before heading deep into the Caucasus Mountains.
You’ll explore the charming cobbled streets of Lahij and the magnificent frescoes and palaces of Sheki next, before exploring the village of Kish, home to the oldest church in the Caucasus. The journey back to Baku then takes you along the Caspian shore, to the volcanic deserts and ancient rock art that lies to the south of the capital
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE BAKU
Day 1 ARRIVE BAKU
On arrival into Baku you will be greeted by your Wild Frontiers representative and transferred directly to your hotel for check in. This afternoon, your guided walking tour of Baku includes the medieval walled city "Icheri Sheher" with its narrow alleyways, mosques and Palace of the Shirvan Shahs. Visit the 12th century Maiden's Tower, the imposing mansions of the oil barons, built in the oil boom of 1870-1914 and Martyr's Hill, with its superb views over the Bay of Baku. (no meals)
Day 2 ABSHERON WITH OPERA AND BALLET EVENING
Day 2 ABSHERON WITH OPERA AND BALLET EVENING
Today enjoy a half day excursion to the Absheron Peninsula, visiting the Ateshgah (or place of fire) a Zoroastrian Fire Temple. Also see the fortresses, which in medieval times formed part of the defence system of the Peninsula and the attractive mosque at Amirjan. There's time for a swim in the Caspian Sea, before returning to Baku. After freshening up, you will be treated to an evening at the gorgeous Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, possibly the finest building in all of Baku.
(B)
Day 3 BAKU - DIRI BABA - SHAMAKHI - LAHIJ
Day 3 BAKU - DIRI BABA - SHAMAKHI - LAHIJ
Head west and into the foothills of the Caucasus, en route visiting the Diri Baba (living grandfather) Mausoleum, and also stop at Shamakhi, once the capital of Shirvan and home to the 19th century Grand Mosque and the ‘seven tombs of the khans of Shamakhi’. Leave the main road and head into the mountains to visit the charming village of Lahij, the centre of Azerbaijani handicrafts, where you will stay for the night.
Day 4 LAHIJ - SHEKI
Day 4 LAHIJ - SHEKI
Spend the morning exploring this beautiful village before driving through some of the region's most spectacular scenery as you follow the southern foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. Here you will reach the town of Sheki, one of the oldest centres of culture in Azerbaijan, founded more than 2,700 years ago.
(B)
Day 5 SHEKI & KISH
Day 5 SHEKI & KISH
Sheki is known for its charm and is one of the most ancient towns in the Caucasus, dating back to the late Bronze Age. Visit the Royal Summer Palace of the Sheki Khans with its magnificent frescoes and stained glass as well as Sheki Museum and Fortress. In the afternoon explore the village of Kish with the oldest church in the Caucasus dating from the first century and enjoy a walk in the surrounding Caucasus foothills.
(B)
Day 6 SHEKI - GANJA
Day 6 SHEKI - GANJA
Today it's on to Azerbaijan's second city Ganja, birthplace of Nizami, the nation's most famous poet. Visit the 17th century Shah Abbas Mosque, the Orthodox church, Nizami's Mausoleum and the "Bottle House" decorated with 50,000 glass bottles.
(B)
Day 7 GANJA - GOBUSTAN - MUD VOLCANOES - BAKU
Day 7 GANJA - GOBUSTAN - MUD VOLCANOES - BAKU
You will head east back towards Baku today, en route driving through the volcanic desert to Gobustan. This mountain outcrop and cave complex is covered in thousands of rock paintings dating from the early Stone Age to the Bronze Age. You will also see the old oil fields of Bibi Heyat, learn about oil production in this area and see the bizarre mud volcanoes.
(B)
Day 8 DEPART BAKU
Day 8 DEPART BAKU
Today you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport in time for your onward flight.
(B)
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Sheki Saray Hotel, Sheki
Completed in 2006, the Sheki Saray Hotel enjoys an excellent location in the centre of the town and offers good standards of comfort. High ceiling rooms are tastefully decorated blending modern style with traditional local furnishings. They all offer uninterrupted views of the Caucasus Mountains and the red roofs of Sheki, and feature modern amenities including satellite TV, telephone, mini fridge and a well-equipped bathroom. The popular restaurant serves international cuisine and a selection of local specialities, and guests can also enjoy a cold or hot drink with Sheki halva in the garden grounds.
Boutique 19 Hotel, Baku
An elegant mix of old world charm and modern comforts, the Boutique 19 Hotel is a great luxury option when staying in the city of Baku. The guest rooms are classically designed with period pieces, beautifully paired with natural light and plush furniture. The guestrooms look out onto the Old City, attached to the fortress, or the European side of the city. A continental breakfast is served in the morning to start your day exploring the nearby Maiden Tower and Shirvanshakhs' Palace. Wi-Fi is available in the property, with the shared lounge a great place to mingle with other guests and share your stories of Baku.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
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Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Natalie
Natalie is our Causcaus expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Natalie by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258