Travel programme
Azerbaijan-Baku - The flames swaying in the wind
A Journey to the Mystical Past and Natural Phenomena
5 days•4 nights
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VATRAVEL · Full journey
Your journey, on the map
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Route overview: arrows show the order of visits, not driving or hiking directions. See the full programme for all stops.
Travel programme
Upon arrival, a warm welcome awaits you at the airport where your local guide will greet you. From here, enjoy a scenic transfer to your hotel, located 25 km from Baku. Settle in and prepare for the adventure ahead. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Begin your day with a visit to the stunning Alley of Martyrs, located at the highest point of Baku, formerly known as Upland Park during Soviet times. Here, enjoy panoramic views of Baku Bay, which closely resembles the bay of Naples, a city with which Baku shares a special bond. Proceed to the Old City, or Icherisheher, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the charm of historical Azerbaijan is on full display. Stroll past elegant early 20th-century buildings once owned by the wealthy Azerbaijani oil magnates. Visit Shirvanshahs Palace, an architectural marvel, the Maiden Tower, the old Hammam, St. Bartholomew’s Church ruins, and ancient mosques that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the city. Discover the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, housed in a building designed to resemble a rolled carpet, showcasing the country’s world-renowned craftsmanship. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
UNESCO: Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah’s Palace and Maiden Tower.
After breakfast, embark on a journey to the Absheron Peninsula, home to a fascinating mix of spiritual and natural beauty. Begin with a visit to the Atashgah Fire Temple, located in the village of Surakhani, a historic place of worship for Zoroastrians, dedicated to the sacred element of fire. Continue to the Mardakan Fortress, a site steeped in history, followed by the Mirmovsum Aga Mausoleum in Shuvelan village, known for its exquisite gold and silver mirror decorations. Next, marvel at the unique Yanardag, the 'Burning Mountain' one of Azerbaijan's most extraordinary natural wonders, where natural gas seeps from the rocks, creating continuous flames. On your return to Baku, visit the iconic Cultural Center (exterior visit only), designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, whose futuristic design stands out against the cityscape. In the evening, enjoy a night excursion to explore Baku’s best viewpoints, offering breathtaking vistas of the illuminated city. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to Gobustan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located 60 km from Baku. The region is known for its ancient rock paintings, more than 7,000 in total, depicting scenes of daily life from prehistoric times. Visit the Gobustan Museum, where modern technology brings these ancient artworks to life through interactive displays, photos, and videos, offering insights into the lives of early humans. Experience scenes of hunting, feeding, and burial as you explore the rock engravings. Afterward, journey to the mud volcanoes, one of Azerbaijan’s most unique natural phenomena. More than a hundred volcanoes, with different heights, continuously erupt liquid and mud, creating a lunar-like landscape. End the day with a visit to the Bibi-Heybat Mosque, an important religious site with a rich history. Return to Baku for an overnight stay at the hotel.
UNESCO: Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape.
After breakfast, prepare for your transfer to the airport. As your time in Azerbaijan comes to a close, reflect on the incredible journey through the country’s rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and the warmth of its people. Farewell to the Land of Fire as you head to your next destination.
