AZERBAIJAN – The Land of Fire

OVERVIEW :

Azerbaijan is an intriguing Eurasian nation that is unique with its blazing hillsides and ancient temples. The grandeur of Baku, capital of this fascinating tiny country is both unusual and enigmatic, which is an oddly pleasing blend of Soviet design, historic architecture and contemporary construction. Modern Baku is so brilliant, glossy, and impressive.

Explore Absheron Peninsula, Yanardag, the fire mountain (yes, it burns all the time) and the Temple of the Fire Worshippers. The bizarre mud volcanoes of Gobustan, which are simply one more peculiarity of Azerbaijan. Following our exploration of Baku's historic center, we leave the city and head to Sheki, which features ancient caravanserais, the old Khan's Palace and a distinct vintage vibe.

The Albanians at Gabala, who include a small Udin population that still exists today, the Indian priests (devotees of Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha) at Ateshgah, the Fire Temple, and the Jewish quarter at Guba, where Jews and Muslims have coexisted happily for centuries!

Savor the exquisite cuisine that perfectly reflects the region's rich history and culture and prepare yourself for an unforgettable gastronomic experience. From the Caucasus Mountains to the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan provides travelers with amazing travel experiences. At the end of this trip, you’ll want to see more of Azerbaijan.

INCLUDE & EXCLUDE :

Typical Inclusions

Accommodation in boutique hotels on double sharing basis
Breakfast on all days at our hotel
Group airport transfer by AC vehicle. If your flight arrival is at a different time, extra charges will be applicable.
All internal transfers/sightseeing by an exclusive AC vehicle as per the itinerary
Entry tickets to the places of interest mentioned in the itinerary
Cable car ride in Tufandag
Services of a Local English-Speaking Guide and Tour Manager who has tons of local experience

Typical Exclusions

International flight tickets (return ticket costs approx. 25k from Delhi)
eVisa ($25 i.e., Rs.2070/- approx. (We extend assistance in applying for eVisa)
Travel Insurance (approx. Rs.1000/-)
Food/Snacks/Beverages other than mentioned above. A plenty of eating options available: Local & Indian (both Veg & Non-Veg). No scarcity of vegetarian options.
Activities like zip-lining, boating, paragliding, horse riding, ATV rides, etc. unless specified in the itinerary
Camera charges
5% GST on the trip cost + applicable TCS
Tipping tour guides and driver
Any taxes/charges the local Government may levy, in future
Additional costs arising due to mishaps, political unrest, natural calamities like – landslides, road blockage, etc. In such a case, extras will have to be paid on the spot by the participants directly.
Personal expenses such as laundry, bottled water, soft drinks, incidentals, porter charges, medicines, etc.
Any item not specified in the ‘Inclusions’

Note - Inclusions and Exclusions are subject to change depending on the discussions and package modifications any,

ITINERARY :

This itinerary is just to give you an idea of the tour structure but by no means final and is subject to change.

DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN BAKU (-/-/-)

Welcome to Azerbaijan, the Land of Fire. Upon arrival in Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Baku, you'll be received and transferred to our hotel in the city of Baku.

The architecture of Azerbaijan's sherbet-lemon-yellow capital is a masterpiece. Baku's breathtaking exotic beauty, tastefully lighted stone mansions, and tree-lined roads brimming with charming boutiques will wow you. Spend the day at leisure, and then start the trip with a visit to the Highland Park, from where we can witness the panoramic views of Baku and Caspian Sea. Ascending the hill on a funicular, we marvel at Baku’s skyline dominated by the gleaming Flame Towers. Strolling through Martyr’s Lane, we reach the Eternal Flame Monument, a powerful tribute to those sacrificed for Azerbaijan’s independence. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the city and the waterfront. In the evening, we go for a leisurely stroll along Baku Boulevard and Fountain Square before which we visit the Carpet Museum. Spend a fun night out on the vibrant Nizami Street, hopping from café to café.

DAY 02: GOBUSTAN MUD VOLCANO, FIRE TEMPLE, BURNING MOUNTAIN (B/-/-)

Today, we'll head southeast of the Caucasus mountains, towards the Gobustan desert. Once there, we get the chance to go to the Gobustan State Museum and view the exceptional displays that have come to us over the course of a millennium. We also learn about the intriguing realm of petroglyphs, which are the rock carvings and inscriptions left by Roman emperor Domitian's legionaries as well as ancient inhabitants. Did you know that they date back some 12,000 years? Additionally, there will be a chance for us to climb on a vintage Soviet van to get a closer look at the mud volcanoes, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Later, visit the Fire Temple of Ateshgah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, later. Once a Zoroastrian sanctuary thousands of years ago, the fortified temple you see today was constructed by Indian Shiva followers in the 18th century. After then, continue to witness Yanardag's spectacular burning mountain, Marco Polo wrote about. The base of the hillside is constantly ablaze with smoldering subterranean gases that flow through fissures in the earth's surface. Is there a nightlife in Baku? Indeed, it's the ideal city for a night out, where you can dance all night long and have lengthy talks while sipping beer or cocktails and listening to fantastic music.

DAY 03: GABALA, NOHUR LAKE, WINE TASTING, TUFANDAG, SHEKI (B/-/-)

Today, we head for Gabala (Qabala), the ancient capital of Albania in the Caucasus. It is a serene haven of majestic forests and refreshing mountain waterfalls, surrounded by the quiet and serenity of enchanted pine trees and tucked away next to the serene Nohur Lake. Visit the Juma Mosque, Zernava

Suspension Bridge, and also the Alpaca farm in Shamakhi and a winery for a wine tasting session (both optional) on route. Later, get ready for an exhilarating ride on the cable car at Tufandag, where you will soar high above the treetops and valleys below. You will have the scintillating views of the Caucasus Mountains from the summit.

DAY 04: SHEKI, KISH VILLAGE (B/-/-)

Today, we head to Sheki, the historical mountain town near the Georgian border. Archeological discoveries spanning over 2,500 years have been made in Sheki and its surroundings, indicating that it might be home to some of the Caucasus' first settlements. Numerous historical monuments remain in their original form. Upon reaching Sheki, we start our exploration with a visit to one of the city's greatest attractions, the opulent Sheki Khan's Palace, which was built in the eighteenth century without the use of nails and features exquisite wall paintings. Another popular place that we visit is the ancient Albanian temple situated in Kish village, not far from Sheki. There are also a number of medieval baths, fortress-like caravanserais and mosques to explore.

Sheki is a pleasure to explore, with its narrow alleys and quaint homes evoking a bygone era. Explore the Sheki bazaar that's well-known for its endless stores selling spices and more. The more than thirty types of Azeri sweets are a must-try, with the majority including nuts, dry fruits and spices. Sheki Halwa is the favorite! For lunch, we'll eat the unique clay pot-prepared and served local meal "Piti," which is exclusive to Sheki. Along with it, we also relish choban-salad (shepherd's salad), and soft drinks.

DAY 05: BAKU OLD CITY EXPLORATION (B/-/-)

Set out on a sightseeing tour of a city inside a city, Baku's Old City (Icheri Sheher) is its medieval core and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is so much to explore, such as the Maiden's Tower and Shirvanshahs' Palace, as well as art galleries, theaters, and cafés. We also visit the world’s only Miniature Book Museum in the old town.

Later, admire the Heydar Aliyev Center's cutting-edge design and modern architecture. With plenty of time in the evening, we will take a quick boat ride on the Caspian Sea to enjoy the cool breeze and lights of the city. You can unwind with refreshing drinks or traditional tea sets in addition to the stunning views of the city, and an on-boat photographer will help you capture your memories.

DAY 06: CANDY CANE MOUNTAINS, GUBA, KHINALIG (B/-/-)

Today, we continue our journey to Guba (Quba), the mountainous region of Azerbaijan. We'll drive through the Khizi region, admiring the landscapes of the famous Candy Cane Mountains along the way. Next up is Gachresh (Qechresh), a stunning area of Azerbaijan encircled by mountains and lush vegetation. Stroll through the Gachresh Forest. We will eventually be able to see the historic, real-world Gachresh village streets and homes.

We head to the 5,000 years old Khinalig (Xinaliq), one of the highest villages, in Europe, which is situated at 2,335 meters atop the Lesser Caucasus mountains. Along the way, you can often see eagles soaring overhead, wild horses galloping along the banks of rocky rivers, and clouds descending so low that sometimes you can even touch them.

DAY 07: SEE YOU SOON

The morning is free to spend as you like before transferring to the airport for your departure flight. Bid adieu and head out with happy memories.

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AZERBAIJAN – The Land of Fire