Why go?
Stroll the ancient streets of Baku, explore nine climate zones, feel the gentle breeze on the Caspian Sea, and taste local wines!
Landscape and eras
This relatively small country contains incredible diversity. From snow-capped mountain peaks to the (almost!) seashore and desert dunes, from skyscrapers to Soviet architecture and settlements lost in time… Azerbaijan blends eras and natural contrasts in a surprisingly harmonious way.
Land of Fire
In some places in Azerbaijan, natural gas is found very close to the earth's surface. When it erupts, it can spontaneously ignite: this miraculous natural phenomenon led to fire worship in ancient times. To this day, the symbolism of fire permeates the country—just look at the Flame Towers skyscrapers in Baku!
Individual program
It's nearly impossible to see all the country's sights in one trip, but with a personalized tour program, we can incorporate excursions and activities that will appeal specifically to you. Add to this our turnkey tour organization and 24/7 support, and you've got the recipe for the perfect trip to Azerbaijan!
Azerbaijan: a land of mountains and fire
Azerbaijan is a fascinating country, literally and figuratively located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. This unique combination forms the country's identity and permeates its inimitable atmosphere. Azerbaijan has a rich and fascinating history, and here you can admire stunning palaces and temples, explore national parks and nature reserves, and sample aromatic cuisine and intoxicating wines. Many traditional crafts, such as carpet weaving and pottery, continue to thrive here.
We invite you to visit the country's charming capital, Baku, see the incredible fiery hills of Yanardag, where flames dance eternally on their slopes, stroll along the shores of pristine lakes, and relax at the resorts of the Caspian Sea. Every traveler will find something to enjoy here at any time of year: conquer the mountain slopes on skis or snowboards in winter, attend vibrant festivals in spring and fall, and enjoy a beach holiday in summer. And, of course, the country's architectural monuments and rich culture are accessible in any season.
Season in Azerbaijan: all year round, except for the hot summer months (July-August).
Transport: Toyota and Mercedes V-class minibuses, Lexus SUVs, Eurocopter EC145 helicopters.
Baku
The city's medieval center, surrounded by 12th-century walls, is a masterpiece of Eastern architecture and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to beautiful historical monuments, the capital also boasts architecture from the recent Soviet past and ultra-modern skyscrapers—a melting pot of many eras.
Caspian Sea
Technically, it's not a sea—it's the largest salt lake in the world. Azerbaijan's coastline stretches over 500 km, and along its entire length, there are wonderful resorts, both large and small and cozy. With clean sand, a gentle slope into the water, and well-developed infrastructure, the Caspian Sea is ideal for a family vacation.
Sheki
A city in the foothills of the South Caucasus, it is one of the most ancient settlements in the entire Caucasus: the first inhabitants arrived here 2,500 years ago. Once an important city on the Silk Road, today it is a green city surrounded by mountains, where majestic mosques, castles, and a palace can be seen.
Lip
An ancient city nestled in a mountainous area on the banks of the Kudaylchay River. The city is beautiful at any time of year, but it's especially stunning in spring, when its numerous parks and gardens are awash with flowers. It boasts magnificent mosques, ancient buildings, and a fortress. The city is also famous for its carpets.
Gabala
"Azerbaijani Switzerland," where stunning natural landscapes harmoniously blend with historical, cultural, and archaeological sites. A fascinating stroll through the city, once the capital of the Caucasian Albanians, and a trip through the surrounding countryside—to valleys, canyons, and waterfalls—will be enjoyable.
Lake Goygol
A relatively small, but perhaps the most beautiful lake in Azerbaijan. Formed hundreds of years ago after an earthquake, it boasts crystal-clear blue waters (the name translates as "Blue"), mountain slopes cascading down to the shore, and a piercing silence. The lake is stocked with trout, and only sport fishing is permitted.
Mount Goyazan
Goyazan, or Göyazen, is an unusual rocky mountain that rises alone in an otherwise completely flat landscape. Its name poetically translates as "he who lifts the sky." It stands 857 meters high. Ruins of medieval structures have been discovered at its foot.
Icheri Sheher
Baku's historic center, or "Inner City," is a must-see on any trip to Azerbaijan. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by an ancient fortress wall, the area is also home to the monumental Shirvanshahs' Palace Complex and the legendary Maiden Tower.
Khinalig
An ancient settlement about an hour's drive from Guba, Khinalug is estimated to be over 5,000 years old, making it one of the oldest villages in Europe. Local residents believe they are direct descendants of the biblical Noah. Its isolated location has preserved unique customs, traditions, and culture.
Tufandag
A ski resort located on the mountain of the same name. The slopes offer stunning views of the country's highest peak, Bazar-Düzü (4,466 m). The resort is suitable not only for skiing but also for casual tourism during the off-season. You can take a cable car to the top of the mountain for a walk and breathtaking panorama.
Shahdag
A famous ski resort in the northeast of the country, Shahdag is easily one of the most picturesque corners of Azerbaijan: mountains covered in ancient glaciers, canyons and waterfalls, lakes and forests surround the resort, where you'll find first-class service, developed infrastructure, and five-star hotels.
You are just a few steps away from the trip of your dreams!
Tour program of your choice
Arrival in Baku
We'll begin exploring Azerbaijan's capital on the first day of your journey. The old city, Icheri Sheher ("Inner City"), is surrounded by crumbling 12th-century fortress walls. This is the historic center of Baku, a masterpiece of oriental architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Inner City is not only a multitude of historical and architectural monuments but also a vibrant district of Baku: here, ordinary people live in ancient houses, where you can sit in an authentic restaurant, visit an art gallery, or browse a souvenir shop.
Perhaps the Old City's most famous landmark is the monumental Maiden Tower, steeped in legends and mysteries. Nearby is the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, built in the 15th century. This vast historical and architectural complex features the palace and its ornately carved gates, as well as a mosque and mausoleum. A visit to the hammam and divankhana (meeting place) will allow you to imagine the lives of ancient rulers and their entourage. Icheri Sheher also offers many other fascinating attractions to suit every taste: the Museum of Miniature Books, a puppet theater, caravanserais, and even locations where scenes from the infamous "Diamond Arm" were filmed!
Meals: Dinner at a restaurant (Oriental cuisine).
Transportation: Business class car or Mercedes V-class.
Fortresses and palaces
Story
Narrow streets
The Ritz-Carlton Baku 5*
The hotel is within walking distance of Baku's central square, Freedom Square. The Ritz-Carlton offers stylish rooms, luxurious suites, and comfortable apartments. It boasts the largest presidential suite in Baku, ready to welcome the most distinguished guests. And, of course, you'll enjoy the renowned Ritz-Carlton service and a full range of amenities.
Gobustan
The Gobustan Historical and Artistic Reserve, located 50 km from Baku, is a unique open-air museum where you can experience the fascinating history of Azerbaijan. 6,000 ancient petroglyphs have been discovered here, revealing the lives and customs of the people who lived in this region between 5,000 and 20,000 years ago. The drawings are diverse and depict animals, trade caravans, religious rituals, hunting scenes, and mysterious symbols
In addition to petroglyphs, the reserve's grounds contain the remains of ancient settlements and burials dating from the late Paleolithic to the Middle Ages, a giant drum-shaped stone from which music can still be played today, and a stone inscription by an ancient Roman legionary, dating back to the 1st century AD. Natural wonders are also present: excursions often begin with unusual mud volcanoes set in truly Martian landscapes.
Meals: Lunch at a restaurant serving authentic cuisine.
Transportation: Business-class cars or Lexus and Land Cruiser SUVs.
Petroglyphs
Mud volcanoes
Nature
Four Seasons Hotel Baku 5*
This hotel, part of a renowned global chain, offers views of the Caspian Sea and the Medieval City, with its crown jewel, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. The spacious rooms, restaurant, bar, and lounge area are decorated in light tones, with a subtle touch of an oriental fairytale. Guests can enjoy an indoor pool and a wonderful spa.
Heydar Aliyev Center
The cultural center, opened in 2012, is an architectural masterpiece, a testament to Baku's rich historical heritage and a contemporary, modern, and stylish capital. Both the exterior and interior design impress with its sleek, light-filled forms and functionality. Renowned far beyond Azerbaijan, the center received the Design of the Year award from London's Design Museum.
Don't limit yourself to just exploring the building from the outside: it's a museum and exhibition complex that hosts contemporary exhibitions, displays miniature replicas of Azerbaijan's main landmarks, displays a vintage car collection, and attends exciting events. The center's concept is based on accessibility for all people, regardless of race, gender, background, or views. It's a space where everyone can share ideas and express their views.
Meals: Lunch at a restaurant serving authentic cuisine.
Transportation: Business class or V-class car.
Culture and Art
Modern architecture
Space of ideas
Carpet Museum
Founded in 1967, the museum aims to preserve the centuries-old traditions of carpet weaving in Azerbaijan. It houses and researches recognized world masterpieces of carpet art. The museum's modern building, shaped like a rolled-up carpet and located on Primorsky Boulevard, opened in 2014 and has become one of Baku's most famous symbols.
Even if you've never been interested in carpets, a visit to the museum will give you a new perspective on this traditional craft. The museum boasts over 6,000 examples, most dating from the 17th to 20th centuries. You'll learn about the diversity of carpet weaving styles and how they depend on the region where they're created, discover the secrets of craftsmanship, and learn to recognize hidden symbols in the colorful patterns: these are not just ornaments, but an open book for exploring the culture, history, and natural features of different regions of the country.
Meals: Lunch at a restaurant serving authentic cuisine.
Transportation: Business class or V-class car.
Exquisite ornaments
Traditional craft
Bright colors
Ancient sanctuary of fire worshipers
The Baku region is rich in oil and gas. These are not only valuable natural resources but also the source of incredible natural phenomena. Near-surface deposits erupt in tongues of fire—a wondrous spectacle that has attracted fire-worshipping pilgrims from around the world to Azerbaijan. The Ateshgah Temple, built in the 17th-18th centuries, is now a picturesque and fascinating open-air museum.
Speaking of the special relationship with fire in Azerbaijan, we can't help but mention the famous "burning mountain" of Yanardag, which we'll also definitely visit during our excursion. The mountainside, located near the village of Mammadli, has been ablaze day and night for centuries. Although today everyone understands this to be simply a natural phenomenon, the spectacle of the eternal flame is impressive and astonishing. You can also visit the museum complex, which displays fascinating exhibits of ancient ceramics, and take an ATV ride through the surrounding area.
Meals: Lunch at a restaurant serving Azerbaijani cuisine.
Transportation: ATVs or Lexus and Land Cruiser SUVs.
Eternal Flame
Paganism
Wonders of nature
Baku Marriott Hotel Boulevard 5*
A five-star hotel just a short walk from the shore, in the heart of the city, is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day. This family-run hotel boasts the highest standards of service and offers everything travelers need: from fully equipped, spacious rooms to a spa, fitness center, gourmet restaurants, and a 25-meter indoor pool.
Architecture of the oil boom period
Baku is a unique blend of styles and eras. One of the most fascinating periods in the city's history was the oil boom of the late 19th century, when rapid industrial development fueled the city's growth and the construction of unusual mansions for the newly minted oil magnates. Designed by European masters in dozens of different styles—from Gothic to Art Nouveau—these mansions stand in striking contrast to the fortress walls of the historic center while simultaneously appearing seamlessly integrated. Thanks to these fascinating buildings, Baku has acquired a unique European charm, further reminding us that Azerbaijan itself is located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe.
Unjustly forgotten during the Soviet era, the architecture of the oil boom period has now become a subject of interest for researchers. We'll embark on a fascinating tour during which we'll not only admire a kaleidoscope of architectural styles but also learn the history of the buildings and the people who lived in them.
Meals: Lunch at a European restaurant.
Transportation: business class or V-class car.
Symphony of Styles
Monumental mansions
Caucasian Paris
Gastronomic Azerbaijan. Sheki.
Azerbaijan is a foodie's paradise! We'll embark on a grand culinary journey to truly appreciate the country's national cuisine. For lunch in Sheki, you'll sample the local dish, "Piti." It's made in small clay pots (from which the dish gets its name) using lamb or beef, always topped with chickpeas. The amount of broth varies depending on the simmering time, so Piti can be served as a soup or as a main course.
After a hearty meal, we'll explore the local sights: the Yukhari Karavan Saray complex, the mountainous part of the city with its stunning panorama, the fortress walls and towers, the mosque, the khan's palace, a Christian church with an unusual round shape, and the local history museum. For dinner at the Chelebi Khan restaurant, you'll be served traditional Azerbaijani pilaf with meat and herbs. This recipe, known as Sabzi Plov, is one of the most popular variations of the famous dish.
Transport: business class or V-class car
Aromas of spices
Meat and greens
Ancient city
Naftalan and mountain lakes
We'll travel to Naftalan, a renowned spa resort and the only place in the world with a deposit of the special naphthalan oil. This oil has incredible healing properties: it can be used to treat over 70 ailments, primarily musculoskeletal problems, but also gynecological, urological, skin (including psoriasis), and many others. The program includes a visit to the resort's treatment facilities, where you can experience the renowned effects of naphthalan oil baths, after consulting with a doctor.
Afterwards, we'll travel to the town of Goygol, near the mountain lake of the same name (1,500 meters above sea level). We'll also visit Lake Maralgol (1,902 meters). These lakes, arguably the most beautiful in the country, are stunning with their crystal-clear waters, reflecting the forests and hills. Furthermore, there's a beautiful and touching legend about their origins, which your guide will share with you. After the walk, we'll return to Naftalan and spend the night at the hotel.
Meals: outdoor picnic with a view of the lake.
Transportation: business class or V-class car.
Healing oil
Freedom of movement
Crystal waters
Park Chalet, Shahdag, Autograph Collection 5*
An excellent choice for accommodation at this renowned ski resort. With its own spa, wellness center, and sauna, it's up to you to unwind after a day of activity. The hotel also boasts an indoor pool. Guests especially appreciate the local cuisine at the restaurant, and guests can also enjoy the on-site barbecue area.
Azerbaijani Wineland Gabala
Azerbaijan's climate, topography, and soils are ideal for winemaking. Archaeological and microbotanical studies indicate that wine was produced in the country as far back as 6,000 years ago. We'll visit several wineries to discover local varieties. Our first stop is Chateau Monolith in Ismayilli. Here, we'll taste Ismailli Wine from the Alyshan series and the dry rosé Chateau Monolith, both produced from grapes grown in a unique area dominated by gray-brown alluidal soils. The tasting will be accompanied by a delicious lunch.
We'll then head to the city of Gabala, visiting several landmarks along the way: ancient mausoleums, the Yeddi Gozel ("Seven Beauties") waterfall, and the mountain lake Nour with its stunning panoramic views. We'll then visit the Aspi Winery. It's located in an incredibly picturesque spot in the Savalan Plain, on the banks of the Turian River. The mountain, which shields the vineyards from the winds, has become the winery's symbol and adorns the labels of the local wines. Of course, we'll have a tasting, followed by a dinner of national dishes, the highlight of which will be oven-baked shashlik ("dash arasy").
Transport: Toyota and Mercedes V-class minibuses, comfortable business class cars.
Vineyards
Peaceful Valley
A Feast of Taste
Shahdag mountain resort
Shahdag is a famous year-round resort surrounded by dozens of natural beauties: centuries-old glaciers, sheer mountain gorges, mountain peaks, and healing air. There's plenty to do here in any season. In winter, Shahdag is a magnet for skiers and snowboarders. You can also take a snowmobile tour to experience the breathtaking views and get an adrenaline rush. In summer, you can:
- Ride a cable car to admire the mountain scenery and resort panorama from above.
- Ride a zipline, adding breathtaking speed to the stunning views.
- Go on an ATV ride to conquer dangerous mountain trails and compete with your friends.
- Explore the surrounding area on horseback. This activity is accessible even to those with no horseback riding experience, including children.
Shahdag is a family vacation, a unique opportunity to combine the tranquility of being at one with nature with extreme adventure.
Meals: Restaurants with mountain views.
Transportation: Business class or V-class cars.
The famous resort
Extreme
Glaciers and peaks
Choose the appropriate format
A ready-made program or a custom adventure?
WOWeekend in Baku Most Popular
from $995
per person / 3-4 days- Accommodation in 5* chain hotels with breakfast;
- Individual transfers in business class cars;
- Meeting and seeing off at the airport;
- Baku with a guide: Upland Park, Old City, Palace of the Shirvanshahs, Maiden Tower, Caravanserais, mosques, Heydar Aliyev Center
- A boat ride along Baku Bay
- Absheron Peninsula: Gobustan and the Ateshgah Fire Temple, Gala Nature Reserve
- Accompaniment of a Russian-speaking guide throughout the tour;
- Entrance tickets to all excursion sites;
- All taxes and tourist fees;
Gastronomic Azerbaijan Most Popular
from $1,760
per person / from 6 days- Route: Baku – Ismailly – Sheki – Gabala – Gobustan – Baku;
- Individual transfers in business class cars;
- Accommodation along the route in 5* hotels with breakfast;
- 4 days of gastronomic lunches and dinners;
- 2 tastings in the best wine houses of Azerbaijan;
- All of Baku in 1 day;
- Excursions to the cities of Shamakhi and Sheki
- Meeting artisans in Lahij and Sheki
- Gabala and Gobustan
- Accompaniment of a Russian-speaking guide;
- Many, many gastronomic pleasures.
Solo Adventure Most Popular
individually
any groupCONDITIONS FOR GROUPS OF 7 PEOPLE OR MORE
After a 30-60-minute interview with a regional expert, we'll create a personalized tour for you. Your itinerary is meticulously planned, including timing, daily itinerary, menu, and a list of invited specialists and their resumes.
A corporate adventure can be of any length.
Order the program Order the program
