6 Days 5 Nights: Baku, Gobustan, Shamakhi, Gabala & Sheki Heritage Tour

This 5 nights 6 days Azerbaijan tour package takes you on a well-rounded journey through the country’s history, architecture, and breathtaking landscapes. Begin in Baku, where futuristic buildings meet the ancient Old City. Explore Gobustan’s petroglyphs and mud volcanoes, and witness fire-worship rituals at Ateshgah and Yanar Dag. Travel through Shamakhi and Gabala to discover the Juma Mosque, Lake Nohur, and the Tufandag Mountain Resort. End your adventure in Sheki, home to the Khans’ Palace, the Church of Kish, and historic caravanserais. This extended Azerbaijan tour is ideal for cultural travelers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Day 1: Airport Transfer to Hotel

Upon your arrival at Baku airport, a representative from our company will warmly greet you and escort you to your chosen hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. From this moment, your multi-day tour becomes our priority!

Day 2: Baku City and Old Town Tour

Begin your second day with an exploration of Baku, a city where ancient history meets modern innovation. Your journey starts at the Alley of Honor, a revered cemetery honoring Azerbaijan's prominent figures, including the legendary singer Muslim Magomayev. Next, ascend to Highland Park, offering panoramic views of Baku Bay and the iconic Flame Towers—three skyscrapers symbolizing the city's dynamic growth. 

Stroll through the Boulevard, a beautifully landscaped promenade along the Caspian Sea, and experience the charm of Baku's mini Venice, complete with gondola rides through narrow waterways. Marvel at the Government House, an architectural masterpiece from the Soviet era, and visit the park adjacent to the Heydar Aliyev Center, renowned for its futuristic design by architect Zaha Hadid. 

Lunch awaits at the Old Garden restaurant within the historic Old Town (Icherisheher). Savor "Saj," a traditional Azerbaijani dish cooked over coals, accompanied by Old Garden salad, soft drinks, and tea with sweets.

Post-lunch, delve into the rich history of Icherisheher, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With your professional English-speaking guide, explore landmarks such as the Maiden Tower, a 12th-century monument shrouded in mystery, and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a 15th-century royal residence exemplifying medieval Azerbaijani architecture. Wander through ancient caravanserais, historic bathhouses, and mosques, each narrating tales of Baku's storied past. 

Day 3: Gobustan and Absheron Tour

Embark on a journey to Gobustan, home to a UNESCO-listed cultural landscape featuring over 6,000 rock engravings that span 40,000 years of history. These petroglyphs depict scenes of hunting, ritual dances, and daily life, offering a window into prehistoric human existence. Discovered in the 1930s, Gobustan has since become a vital site for understanding early human art and culture. 

Weather permitting, venture to the nearby mud volcanoes, a natural phenomenon for which Azerbaijan boasts the highest number globally. These bubbling mud domes create a lunar-like landscape, providing a unique geological experience.

Enjoy a traditional Azerbaijani lunch featuring an assortment of kutabs, kebabs, pilaf, and salads before proceeding to the Absheron Peninsula. Visit the Ateshgah Fire Temple in Surakhani, a historic site that reflects the region's fire-worshipping heritage. Built over a natural gas vent, the temple's central flame was a place of pilgrimage for Zoroastrians, Hindus, and Sikhs.  

Conclude the day at Yanar Dag, meaning "Burning Mountain," where natural gas seeping through the sandstone has created a continuously burning hillside—a mesmerizing testament to Azerbaijan's moniker as the "Land of Fire."

Day 4: Shamakhi and Gabala Tour

Your adventure continues to Shamakhi, one of Azerbaijan's oldest cities and a former capital of the Shirvan Empire. Visit the Juma Mosque, established in 743 AD, making it the oldest mosque in the Caucasus. The mosque's architecture reflects the rich Islamic heritage of the region.

Proceed to Ismayilli for lunch in a serene forest setting, enjoying local dishes such as kebabs and pilaf, complemented by tea brewed in a traditional samovar.

Next, explore Lake Nohur, nestled among the mountains of the Greater Caucasus. The lake's tranquil turquoise waters mirror the surrounding peaks, creating a picturesque landscape. Nearby stalls offer local delicacies, including dried fruits, honey, and traditional Lankaran tea.

The day's highlight is the Tufandag Mountain Resort in Gabala. Ascend via cable car to over 2,000 meters, where you'll be greeted by panoramic views of the Caucasus Mountains, including Bazarduzu, Azerbaijan's highest peak. The resort offers activities year-round, from skiing in winter to hiking in summer.

In the evening, check into the five-star Shaki Palace Hotel, situated in the historical center of Sheki, known for its rich silk trade history and well-preserved architecture.

Day 5: Sheki Tour

Begin your Sheki exploration with a visit to the Church of Kish, believed to be one of the oldest Christian churches in the Caucasus, dating back to the 1st century AD. The site offers insights into the region's early Christian heritage and its architectural evolution.

Next, tour the Palace of the Sheki Khans, an 18th-century masterpiece renowned for its intricate frescoes and stained-glass windows, known as shebeke. Remarkably, the shebeke was constructed without nails or glue, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.

Experience the ambiance of the 17th-century caravanserai, which once accommodated Silk Road merchants. The structure's architecture reflects its historical role as a hub for traders and travelers.

Ascend to Sheki's WWII Memorial Park, offering panoramic views of the city and a solemn tribute to those who fought against fascism.

Stroll through local markets, where artisans sell Sheki silk, traditional pottery, jewelry, and the city's famed sweets, such as halva—a testament to Sheki's rich culinary heritage.

Lunch features "Piti," a traditional lamb stew slow-cooked in clay pots, offering a flavorful glimpse into Azerbaijani cuisine.

After this amazing tour in Sheki, our professional team will take you back to the capital and leave you at your accommodation.

Day 6: Transfer from hotel to the airport

On the last day of this amazing journey, company representatives will wish you a good return home and take you to the airport.