
Travel programme
Azerbaijan With All Its Colours
A Journey Through Timeless Landscapes and Rich Heritage
8 days•7 nights
Programme routeOpen the route map
VATRAVEL · Full journey
Your journey, on the map
Select a day to explore the main stops of your programme.
Route overview: arrows show the order of visits, not driving or hiking directions. See the full programme for all stops.
Travel programme
Upon your arrival in the vibrant capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, a warm welcome awaits you as your local guide greets you at the airport. A scenic drive of 25 km takes you to your hotel, where you'll rest and refresh, ready to embark on a remarkable journey through this captivating land. Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay, anticipating the adventures ahead.
After a delicious breakfast, your day begins with a visit to the Alley of Martyrs, a panoramic site offering sweeping views of Baku’s stunning bay, often compared to that of Naples. From this high vantage point, the city unfolds like a masterpiece. Stroll through the old city, where the legacy of Azerbaijani oil magnates echoes in the elegant early 20th-century buildings. Step back in time as you visit historical treasures like the Shirvanshahs Palace, ancient caravanserais, the enigmatic Maiden Tower, and charming mosques. Take a pause with a second breakfast within the walls of this centuries-old city. The journey continues as you head to Gobustan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where over 7,000 prehistoric rock engravings reveal the daily lives of ancient civilizations. Explore the Gobustan Museum, where cutting-edge technology brings these ancient stories to life through captivating videos, photos, and artifacts. Experience the awe-inspiring mud volcanoes, natural wonders that create an otherworldly landscape. Conclude your day with a visit to the Bibi-Heybat Mosque, an architectural gem. Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, and retreat for an overnight stay at your hotel.
UNESCO: Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah’s Palace and Maiden Tower; Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading towards Sheki. En route, pause to visit the Diri Baba Mausoleum, an architectural marvel perched between rocks, dating back to 1402. Next, discover Shamakhi, once the grand capital of the Shirvanshahs State, where the historic Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum and the oldest mosque in Azerbaijan await your admiration. Continue your journey to Sheki, arriving in the evening for an overnight stay.
UNESCO: Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah’s Palace and Maiden Tower.
Wake up to a refreshing breakfast and embark on an exploration of Kish Village, home to the ancient Paleo-Christian Church, built between the 1st and 5th centuries, a testament to Azerbaijan’s rich spiritual past. After a visit to the local bazaar, dive into the world of Sheki’s royalty with a tour of the Khan Palace, where opulent decorations tell the story of Sheki's illustrious rulers. Marvel at the artistry in the Sheki House of Artisans and the historic Caravanserai. Afterward, visit the serene Sheki Juma Mosque before enjoying an overnight stay.
UNESCO: Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace.
Enjoy your breakfast and begin the day’s journey to Goygol, known for its serene beauty and rich history. Visit the quaint German Quarter, where 19th-century German houses and the Lutheran Church create a unique atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Goygol National Park, a stunning natural reserve with the breathtaking Goygol Lake, formed after an ancient earthquake. Continue your travels to Ganja, Azerbaijan’s second-largest city, where a blend of ancient and modern history awaits. Explore the Shah Abbas Mosque, Javad Khan Mausoleum, Alexander Nevski Church, and the iconic Bottle House. A delightful dinner and overnight stay follow at your hotel.
After breakfast, begin your journey back to Baku, with fascinating stops along the way. Visit the Nizami Mausoleum, dedicated to the great poet of the East, and the Imamzadeh Mausoleum, a sacred site dedicated to the descendants of Prophet Muhammad. Arrive in Baku and enjoy a leisurely afternoon, perhaps strolling along the scenic Seaside Boulevard, before returning to your hotel for the evening.
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at your hotel, fueling you for an exciting journey ahead. Today’s adventure takes you to the Absheron Peninsula, where you’ll experience the mystical Atashgah Fire Temple, an ancient sacred site for Zoroastrians, where the eternal flame once symbolized the worship of fire. Continue to Mardakan Fortress, a historic structure that stands as a testament to Azerbaijan's strategic importance. Then, visit the Mirmovsum Aga Mausoleum in Shuvelan Village, renowned for its exquisite gold and silver mirror decorations, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of the region. Your journey continues to Yanardag, the 'burning mountain,' a natural wonder where flames continuously burn from the natural gas seeping through the earth, creating an unforgettable sight. After exploring these fascinating landmarks, return to Baku for a tour of the spectacular Cultural Center (exterior visit only), designed by the legendary Zaha Hadid, whose futuristic architecture will captivate your imagination. Next, marvel at the fascinating National Carpet Museum, housed in a building that resembles a rolled carpet, symbolizing Azerbaijan's rich history in textile craftsmanship. After a day filled with culture and natural beauty, enjoy a delightful dinner, followed by an evening excursion to Baku’s stunning viewpoints, where the city's lights sparkle beneath the night sky. Finally, retreat to your hotel for a well-deserved overnight stay, reflecting on the day’s unforgettable experiences.
On your final day, after breakfast, you'll be transferred back to Baku’s airport, bidding farewell to Azerbaijan with memories of its landscapes, history, and culture that will last a lifetime.