Planning a trip to Azerbaijan? Prepare to embark on a journey that promises to enchant and captivate at every turn. From the ancient alleys of Baku's Old City to the rugged peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, Azerbaijan offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty waiting to be explored. Our meticulously curated seven-day itinerary offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of this diverse nation, from the bustling streets of Baku to the tranquil valleys of Quba.
Visa
A roughly planned itinerary and advance hotel bookings are helpful when applying for an Azerbaijan visa. Most countries require to apply for an e-visa before visiting Azerbaijan which is processed in 3 days. If you are planning to stay in Azerbaijan for over 15 days, you need to register with the State Migration Service with a place of residence. Typically, this is handled while booking the tour package or hotels, but if you are staying at an Airbnb, you will be required to do it yourself. Failure to register may result in huge fines during your departure.
A 7-day Itinerary for Azerbaijan
Day 1:
Start your journey from the capital city of Azerbaijan, Baku. On the day of your arrival, visit the historical core of the city, Icherisheher, also known as the Old City or Inner City. It can be easily reached via taxi or a metro as the metro station “Icherisheher” is located within walking distance of the old city.
While taking strolls through its cobblestone streets, you will come across multiple palaces, mosques, hammams, and caravansarais that will take you back in time. Explore the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, which dates back to the 15th century. The complex also holds a museum, burial vaults, mausoleums, gates, bathhouses, and reservoirs.
Your next stop can be the Maiden Tower, a historic 7-storeyed round tower shrouded in mystery and legend. Make sure to climb the spiral staircases to the top, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Caspian Sea.
You can visit the Caravanserais to enjoy a traditional Azerbaijani meal for your lunch after which you can explore the other gems of the Old City such as the Museum of Miniature Book and Mohammad Mosque.
Spend your evening at Baku Boulevard while enjoying the sunset views by the Caspian Sea. Depending on the weather conditions, you can also take a 30-minute boat tour of the Caspian Sea. The ticket office for these rides is located on the waterfront near Park Bulvar Mall and opens at 4 PM.
Day 2:
Begin your day trip by departing from Baku, the vibrant capital of Azerbaijan, towards your first destination: Ateshgah Fire Temple. Ensure you have arranged transportation, either through a guided tour or private car, for a comfortable journey.
Upon arrival at Ateshgah, delve into the rich history and cultural significance of this ancient fire temple. Marvel at the intricate stone carvings and learn about their connections to Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, and Sikhism.
Next, head to Yanardag, the "Burning Mountain," where you'll witness the mesmerizing spectacle of natural gas flames dancing atop the hillside which is the result of natural gas seeping through the earth's layers and igniting due to a combination of factors, creating an eternal flame that burns non-stop.
Conclude your day trip with a visit to the iconic Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The expansive, column-free interior space holds various events and exhibitions that you can attend during your visit.
Day 3:
Arrange transportation, either by hiring a private car or joining a guided tour, and embark on an excursion to Gobustan National Park.
Explore the ancient rock carvings, or petroglyphs, scattered throughout the park, dating back thousands of years. Continue your exploration with a visit to the Gobustan Museum, located within the national park. Learn about the history, archaeology, and geology of the region through informative exhibits and displays showcasing artifacts and findings from Gobustan's ancient past.
Afterward, venture to the nearby mud volcanoes, a surreal landscape where bubbling mud pits create otherworldly scenery.
Depart from Gobustan National Park and make your way to Bibi-Heybat Mosque, located on the outskirts of Baku. This historic mosque, rebuilt in the 1990s, is revered as a pilgrimage site and architectural gem and is known for its intricate tilework, towering minarets, and cultural and religious significance.
Day 4:
Begin your day bright and early with a departure from Baku towards the picturesque town of Gabala. As you travel towards Gabala, relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the countryside unfolding before you.
Pay a visit to the historic Juma Mosque, a centuries-old architectural marvel that stands as a testament to Azerbaijan's Islamic heritage. Next, visit Nohur Lake, a serene oasis surrounded by mountains, where you can enjoy a stroll or a boat ride on the tranquil waters.
Spend the second half of your day at Gabaland Amusement Park and the Tufandag Mountain Resort, where you can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, zip-lining, and skiing (during the snow season).
Day 5:
On day 5, you can continue to travel towards Sheki and admire rolling hills, verdant valleys, and quaint villages along the way. Begin your exploration with a visit to the nearby village of Kish. Explore the rustic charm of Kish and visit its ancient church, which dates back to the 1st century AD and is believed to be the oldest Caucasian Albanian Temple in the region. The village of Kish has a higher altitude than Sheki so make sure to check the weather beforehand.
Next, journey to Sheki Khan's Palace, a magnificent architectural masterpiece that showcases traditional art and Shebeke windows. Alternatively, you may visit Sheki Khan’s Winter Palace. Due to being a lesser-known spot, it has fewer crowds. These palaces are open to visitors from 10 AM to 6 PM with a break from 1 PM to 2 PM, so choose your visiting time accordingly.
Continue your exploration with a visit to Sheki Fortress, an ancient defensive structure that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. You can later, explore the Caravensarais and cobblestone streets of the Old Town Sheki as well as explore the markets of Sheki where you can buy the traditional silk and try Sheki sweets.
Day 6:
On your 6th day, return to Baku. Here you can take a funicular ride to Highland Park, located atop a hill overlooking the city. Enjoy panoramic views of Baku's skyline and the Caspian Sea as you ascend to the park.
Later, head to Little Venice, a charming recreation of the famous Italian city, complete with canals, gondolas, and colorful buildings. Take a leisurely gondola ride through the miniature waterways.
Next, visit the Baku Eye Ferris wheel, located near Little Venice. Enjoy a thrilling ride high above the city, taking in panoramic views of Baku's skyline, historic landmarks, and the sparkling waters of the Caspian Sea.
End your day with a visit to the Carpet Museum, a cultural treasure trove dedicated to the art of Azerbaijani carpet weaving. Marvel at the museum's striking architecture, designed to resemble a rolled-up carpet, and explore its extensive collection of carpets, rugs, and textiles dating back centuries.
Day 7:
Start your day early with a 3 to 5-hour-long drive from Baku towards the scenic region of Quba.
Visit the famous Candy Cane Mountains, located just outside of Quba. They are striking natural rock formations, characterized by their vibrant hues of red, white, and pink, resembling giant candy canes rising from the earth.
Next, head to the Red Town which is the last surviving Jewish settlement that is home to up to 4,000 mountain jews.
End your trip to Quba by visiting Qechresh Forest to take a leisurely stroll along the forest trails, surrounded by towering trees, lush foliage, and natural springs. You can also catch sight of animals such as gazelles, wolves, bears, foxes, and many local birds.
Or,
Start your day early with a departure from Baku towards the city of Lankaran. Lankaran is located in the southern part of Azerbaijan, offering beautiful coastal scenery, lush greenery, and a rich cultural heritage. This journey will take you approximately 3 hours.
Upon arrival in Lankaran, begin your exploration by visiting the House Mir Ahmad Khan, a palace built in 1913. Currently, it holds the Lankaran History-Ethnography Museum.
Later, visit the Lankaran Fortress. Although it is not open to visitors, the old circular building of this ancient prison, shrouded in mystery, is worth witnessing.
From Lankaran, make your way to Hirkan National Park, a UNESCO-listed reserve renowned for its biodiversity and ancient forests. Explore the park's pristine landscapes, home to rare plant species, endemic wildlife, and ancient trees dating back thousands of years.
Continue your journey towards Lerik, a charming mountain town nestled in the Talysh Mountains. It is the land of centenarians who are known for their longevity. Visit the Museum of Longevity, dedicated to centenarians.