Formula 1 Grand Prix

Breakfast at the hotel. Start your day with a visit to the Alley of Martyrs, the highest point of Baku, formerly known as Upland Park during Soviet times. From here, enjoy panoramic views of the stunning Baku Bay, which resembles the bay of Naples, with which it shares a unique connection. The landscape offers breathtaking vistas, an ideal spot for photography. Continue your exploration of Baku's Old City, also known as Icherisheher, a UNESCO World Heritage site that captures the essence of Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage. Icherisheher is Baku’s inhabited walled city, recognised by UNESCO together with the Shirvanshahs’ Palace and Maiden Tower. Its narrow lanes connect mosques, caravanserais and bathhouses that served the medieval trading town. The fifteenth-century palace complex was the royal residence of the Shirvan rulers; the cylindrical Maiden Tower, with its thick stone walls, is one of the city’s oldest landmarks. Their architecture shows Baku’s history before the oil boom reshaped the surrounding streets. Walk past the majestic early 20th-century buildings that were once the residences of Azerbaijani oil magnates. Visit significant landmarks including the Shirvanshahs Palace, ancient caravanserais, the ruins of St. Bartholomew’s Church, the old Hammam, and the famous Maiden Tower. Step inside some of the oldest mosques in the city, marveling at their intricate designs. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to the Absheron Peninsula. Upon arrival at Surakhani village, visit the Atashgah Fire Temple, a sacred place of worship for Zoroastrians that offers a fascinating insight into the ancient spiritual practices of the region. Ateshgah’s stone enclosure surrounds a central fire altar and the small cells once used by pilgrims. Its inscriptions and courtyard recall the Hindu and Sikh merchants who travelled to Absheron, alongside the region’s older fire-worship traditions. The surviving complex largely dates to the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, when Baku’s trade routes brought visitors from the Indian subcontinent. Next, head to Yanardag, the 'Burning Mountain', where natural gas continues to seep from the earth, creating an otherworldly landscape of flames. At Yanar Dag, natural gas escaping through the hillside feeds a line of flames at the base of the rock. The fire comes from the ground rather than a volcanic eruption, offering a visible explanation of Azerbaijan’s “Land of Fire” name. The low ridge and exposed rock make the phenomenon easy to distinguish from the fire altar at Ateshgah. Return to Baku for an overnight stay at the hotel.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Today, embark on an exciting excursion to Gobustan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 60 km from Baku. Gobustan’s UNESCO-listed rock-art landscape preserves thousands of engravings on the boulders of a semi-desert plateau. Hunters, wild animals, boats and groups of dancers record how successive communities lived, travelled and expressed their beliefs. The museum explains these images in the context of prehistoric settlements and changes in the environment, making the small figures on the stone easier to understand. This incredible destination is home to more than 7,000 ancient rock paintings, some dating back as far as 5,000 years. Explore the Gobustan Museum, where modern technology brings these prehistoric artworks to life through interactive displays, videos, and high-definition images. Learn about the daily lives of early humans, including hunting, feeding, and burial practices. Continue your journey to see some of the most striking rock engravings still visible on the hillsides. Afterward, discover the fascinating mud volcanoes of Gobustan. The mud volcanoes are driven by gases rising through water and sediment below the ground. Bubbles break the grey surface and small cones build up around the vents, forming a bare, sculpted landscape very different from a lava volcano. Azerbaijan has an exceptional concentration of these formations. They are a natural attraction separate from Gobustan’s UNESCO rock-art property. With over a hundred mud volcanoes in the region, these natural wonders create a surreal lunar-like landscape. The mud bubbles up in an ever-changing pattern, adding to the area’s mystery and beauty. Return to Baku for a visit to the stunning Cultural Center (exterior visit only), designed by the world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The building’s futuristic architecture is an architectural masterpiece. In the evening, take a relaxing night excursion to discover Baku’s breathtaking viewpoints, offering panoramic views of the illuminated city. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, after which the day is free for you to explore Baku at your own pace. Whether you're interested in soaking in the local culture, indulging in shopping at Baku’s chic boutiques, or enjoying the serene beauty of the Caspian Sea promenade, today is yours to enjoy. You may also opt for an excursion to dive deeper into Baku’s history or modernity upon request. If you're a fan of motorsport, a special excursion to the world-renowned Formula 1 Baku City Circuit awaits you. Hop on a minivan and head to the iconic race track, where you can watch the cars zoom by in high-speed action. Whether you choose a day of relaxation or adventure, return to the hotel for an overnight stay, reflecting on the day's experiences.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, followed by a free day to unwind or explore more of Baku. You can take the opportunity to explore the vibrant local markets, immerse yourself in Azerbaijani art at one of the city's museums, or enjoy a tranquil walk along the Caspian Sea. For those craving excitement, an optional excursion to the Formula 1 Baku City Circuit is available. Experience the thrill of motorsport in one of the most prestigious F1 events of the season. The minivan will take you directly to the circuit where you can watch the exhilarating race. Whether you choose to relax or dive into the adrenaline rush of the Formula 1, return to the hotel to unwind for the night.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy another free day to explore Baku as you like. You may choose to relax and take in the sights of this dynamic city, visit local art galleries, or experience the Azerbaijani café culture. For those with a taste for adventure, an excursion to the Formula 1 Baku City Circuit can be arranged upon request. Spend the day at the exciting race track and feel the rush of the engines as the world’s best drivers compete. Whether you prefer a laid-back day or the fast-paced excitement of Formula 1, return to your hotel for an overnight stay, reflecting on another amazing day in Baku.

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.