1st Day Istanbul- Ganja- Imamzade Complex- Sheki
**03:15** It is recommended to be at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport...
**06:20** Departing for **Ganja**, a city that enchants visitors with its historical and natural beauties, on flight VF 313 of Ajet Airlines.
**09:45** Arrival. After the necessary procedures, we start our **Ganja Tour** with our private vehicle. During our tour, we will explore some parts of this beautiful city on foot. Some of the highlights include **Haydar Aliyev Park**, a green lung of the city spread over approximately 450 hectares, the **Bottle House** built with 5,000 bottles in memory of the architect’s brother and other soldiers who could not return home during World War II, **Atatürk Avenue**, the **Philharmonic Hall** which has hosted numerous significant performances, the **Friday Mosque** built in the 17th century known for its interesting architecture, and the **Alexander Nevsky Church** built in accordance with Byzantine architecture through donations from both Christian and Muslim populations. During the free time we provide, you can have your lunch at one of the places offering delicious Azerbaijani dishes. Afterward, we set off for the **Imamzade Complex**. (approximately 7 km) Surrounded by red bricks, this magnificent complex features intricate architecture and includes the tomb of **Imam Muhammad al-Bakr**, grandson of Prophet Muhammad, along with a mosque and caravanserai. We then embark on a beautiful journey through forests, lakes, and mountains toward **Sheki** (approximately 145 km). Upon arrival, we explore **Sheki**, one of Azerbaijan’s oldest, most authentic, and beautiful cities. A classic mountain town, Sheki is known for its gentle people and unique culture and cuisine. Notable sites include the **Upper and Lower Sheki Caravanserais**, historical stone and wooden buildings scattered through narrow, cobbled streets, the magnificently beautiful **Khan Palace**, which is an important member of the UNESCO World Heritage List, the **Sheki Fortress** consisting of buildings and walls like the **Sheki Handcraft Workshop**, **Ethnography Museum, Art Gallery, Art House**, and the specially constructed **Sheki Khan Palace** for the Khan's relatives, as well as the **Khan and Friday Mosques**, which are among the significant religious structures you will see during the tour. In the market during our free time, you can taste **Sheki Halva** accompanied by famous **Azeri Tea** and purchase many handcrafted art pieces, especially the world-famous silk products. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel and check into our rooms. Accommodation at our hotel.
**2nd Day Sheki- Gabala- Shamakhi- Baku**
After breakfast and checking out of the rooms, we set off for **Gabala**, famous for its natural beauties (approximately 120 km). Accompanied by the stunning views of **Gabala National Park**, we will take a break by **Nohur Lake**, where the mountains, forests, and waterfalls create a heavenly scenery that will rejuvenate you. Afterward, we head towards **Shamakhi** (approximately 95 km). Known from the **Shamakhi Siege**, an important phase in the historical Ottoman-Safavid War, the city is also famous for its wine-making and carpet weaving. Here, we will see the **old town center**, the **Yeddi Gumbez Tomb** located at the foothills of **Gülistan Fortress**, and the **Friday Mosque**. After that, we continue our journey to Baku, our last destination for the day (approximately 125 km). Upon arrival, we check into our hotel. Accommodation at our hotel.
**3rd Day Baku (Dinner with Azeri Night)**
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel for a **Full-Day Baku City Tour**. In recent years, traditional historical features of Baku have been complemented by significant investments resulting in a modern architectural and cultural appearance. In this comprehensive tour, you will be able to see and explore the key areas of both **New and Old Baku**, starting with a visit to **Martyr's Lane** leading to **Highland Park**. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Baku city and Baku Bay and take plenty of photos. Next, we visit the **Old City**, known as **Icherisheher**, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this part of the tour, you will learn about the historical and traditional features of Baku. Significant places include the **Maiden Tower** built in the 12th century, the **Friday Mosque** dating back to the 15th century, the historically important **Siniggala Minaret**, and the **Mohammed Mosque**, the world’s only **Miniature Book Museum**, the acclaimed **Shirvanshah Palace** as a gem of Azerbaijani historical architecture, the **Ismail Palace**, now serving as the **Academy of Sciences**, the heart of the city **Independence Avenue**, the fountain known as **Fountain Square**, the **Philharmonic Fountain**, and the **National Carpet Museum** famous for its valuable handicrafts. Afterward, we will stroll through modern areas of the city featuring numerous futuristic architectural works, including the world-renowned **Flame Towers**, before heading to **Baku Boulevard**. This area features a pedestrian path parallel to the seaside that has become known as **"Little Venice"**, where oil barons historically built their mansions. At the end of our tour, we go to a local venue for an **Evening Dinner with Folk Show**, where we will enjoy traditional Mugham music alongside local delicacies at one of the historical sites in the city before returning to our hotel. Accommodation at our hotel.
**4th Day Baku- Ateshgah- Absheron- Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center- Istanbul**
After breakfast, you will have free time. After checking out of the rooms, we start our tour with a short drive to visit the **Ateshgah (Fire Temple)**. This is one of the three surviving Zoroastrian temples worldwide and the most important one. It has been constructed since the 3rd century AD and became famous for the flames that have burned since ancient times, especially in the period when the Silk Road was active. It was rebuilt by Zoroastrian pilgrims who came to the region in the 17th century. After our visit here, we go to **Abşeron Yanar Dağı** to watch the mesmerizing dance of the flames. Then, we continue our tour with a visit to the **Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center**, designed by Iraqi-born British futurist architect Zaha Hadid, covering a vast area of 101 thousand square meters and whose construction has drawn attention worldwide. The complex represents the rise of the Caspian Sea in Azerbaijani mythology and consists of a theater, conference halls, a museum, and art galleries. (IMPORTANT NOTE: Some days the cultural center may not accept visitors. Therefore, our company cannot be held responsible for this situation, as the days and hours are not announced in advance. In such a case, the center will be viewed from the outside. If open, entry will be permitted.) After the free time is over, we will transfer to the airport at the time determined by our guide. After the necessary procedures,
**18:25** Departing for Istanbul on flight VF 178 of Ajet Airlines.
**20:30** Arrival. We hope to see you again on another trip...