A Glimpse of Azerbaijan

Visiting the Highland Park and Old City. The history of the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, goes back to the antiquity, although the precise date of its origin is still unknown. The territory of the Absheron Peninsula, where the city is located on, has a favorable geographical position: a calm bay, a warm dry climate, fertile soil and natural resources. Therefore, the emergence of the ancient settlements here was quite natural. The Highland Park is located on a hill in the Western part of the city. This is the best spot to overview the city itself, along with the Baku Bay and the Seaside Boulevard, which celebrated its 110th anniversary in 2019. Further, the guests will get acquainted with the Old City, which is called «Icheri Sheher». Many historical and architectural monuments are concentrated on its territory, including the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the symbol of the city of Baku – Maiden Tower, Caravanserais, mosques, etc. Our tour goes on with a visit to the Heydar Aliyev Center. The Heydar Aliyev Center was built by world-famous architect Zaha Hadid. An internationally recognized architectural work, the building of the Heydar Aliyev Center has become a signature landmark of modern Baku due to its innovative and cutting-edge design. The Center achieved a famous «Design of the Year Award» back in 2014. Extending on eight floor levels, the center accommodates a 1000-seat auditorium, temporary exhibition spaces, a conference center, workshops, and a museum

Departure for an excursion to the historical and archaeological reserve of Gobustan. The archaeological reserve of Gobustan, an open-air museum located in the south-east of the Great Caucasus. Gobustan petroglyphs dating back to 5,000-20,000 years, perfectly preserved rock carvings, are a kind of artistic archive of human evolution on planet Earth. They reflect the history of this region for almost 15 thousand years – from the end of the Upper Paleolithic era to the Middle Ages. They reflect the history of this region for almost 15 thousand years – from the end of the Upper Paleolithic age to the Middle Ages. Today, Azerbaijani scientists have identified, described and studied more than 4,000 petroglyphs (rock paintings in stone carving techniques) and this important work still continues. Before starting a Gobustan tour, guests will visit the interactive museum, where they can get information about the history and nature of Gobustan using special multimedia programs and touch screens. Next point of the tour is the area of Mud volcanoes, a rare natural phenomenon appeared in Azerbaijan 25 million years ago (visiting mud volcanoes depends on the season and condition of roads). Azerbaijan has nearly 400 mud volcanoes on its territory. They occur where tectonic movement allows subterranean gases to escape to the surface. A few of these gas leaks are constantly on fire, shooting small perpetual flames into the air, however, mud volcanoes never grow to the size of a normal volcano. 14:00 Excursion to the Temple of Fire Worshipers «Ateshgah» and burning hill «Yanardag» The tour goes on with the ancient legacy of Zoroastrianism. Located 30 km away from Baku, there is one of the most mysterious sights of Azerbaijan – Ateshgah, The Temple of Fire Worshippers. Part caravanserai, part fire temple, it stands on the site of a natural-gas burning from the earth crust. It is called «the eternal fire». In ancient time Ateshgah was a sacred place to Zoroastrians. Though the temple’s current incarnation was built by 18th century Indian Shiva devotees. Next on our tour is a magically attractive site, the burning hill of Yanardag. Yanardag is a hillside with a continuously burning natural fire described by Marco Polo back in the 13th century during his visit to the Persian city of Baku. 18:00 Return to the hotel and leisure time.

Departure for a trip to the regions of Azerbaijan. First point of our journey is the picteresque village of craftsmen called Lahij (visiting Lahij depends on the season and condition of roads). Lahij is a unique monument of Persian urban planning and an architectural object of the Middle Ages. It is a medieval city with cobbled streets and squares, a well-developed water supply and sewerage system. The village is inhabited by tanners, engravers, potters, blacksmiths, wood and metal carvers, who have been passing their knowledge from generation to generation. During the tour guests will also visit an ancient bridge connecting two villages, a 16th-century stone water supply and samples of dwellings from the 19th century with frescoes. Our tour continues to Nohur Lake. Surrounded by the forest, the lake is famous for its cleanliness, abundance of fish and amazing turquoise color of the water. Arrival in Sheki region, accommodation at the hotel and leisure time

Get acquaintaned with the city of Sheki. One of the most ancient cities of Azerbaijan, Sheki is located at the altitude of 700 m above the sea level, in the southern foothills of the Greater Caucasus. It is famous for the numerous architectural monuments. The city used to be the capital of the Sheki Khanate and was an important staging point on the Great Silk Road. Guests will visit the summer Palace of the Sheki khans, built in the 18th century, with its magnificent frescoes and exquisite handmade window decorations. One of the main spot of Sheki is the ancient complex called the Upper Karvan-Saray. Karvan-Saray is a historical momument dated 17th century which includes the hotel. As the most karvan sarays, it was built in form of castle with single gate, closing of which made it impregnable during dangerous incidents. Karvan-Saray is a rectangular-shaped with a large inner yard and pool area. Our acquaintance with Sheki goes on with a visit to the Albanian Church, which is located in the village of Kish. According to a legend, it is the first Christian church built not only on the territory of Caucasian Albania, but in the entire Transcaucasia. This place is also remarkable for the burials of people found on the territory of the temple. The structure of their bodies is far different from the current inhabitants of this region. In 2003, the church was renovated with the financial support of the Norwegian government and with the personal efforts of Thor Heyerdahl. Then after return to Baku.

After the check-out from the hotel, the group will have a convenient transfer to the Heydar Aliyev international airport. Depending on the time of departure, there is a chance to visit colorful Eastern Bazaar called «Yashil Bazar». The guests may buy some dried fruits, traditional Azerbaijani tea, nuts and sweets.