Day 1 Istanbul- Ganja- Imamzada Complex- Sheki
Time 03:15 We recommend you to be at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport…
Time 06:20 Depart for Ganja, a city that enchants its visitors with its historical and natural beauties on Ajet Airlines flight number VF 313.
Time 09:45 Arrival. After completing the necessary procedures, we start our Ganja City Tour with our private vehicle. During our tour, we will discover this beautiful city on foot in some places. Some of the sights we will visit include the Haydar Aliyev Park, an oxygen depot spread over an area of approximately 450 hectares, House of Bottles, constructed using 5 thousand bottles in honor of the architect's brother, who could not return home during World War II, the Ataturk Avenue, the Philharmonic Hall that has hosted many important performances since it was built, the Friday Mosque constructed in the 17th century, and the Alexander Nevsky Church, built according to Byzantine architecture with donations from Christian and Muslim populations, are some of the places to see. In the free time, you can have your lunch at one of the places offering delicious Azerbaijani cuisine. Then, we head to Imamzada Complex located approximately 7 km away. Surrounded by red bricks, the complex, with its exquisitely crafted architecture, houses the tomb of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, grandson of Hz. Muhammad, a mosque, and a caravanserai. Following that, we embark on a beautiful journey through forests, lakes, and mountains towards Sheki. (approximately 145 km) Upon arrival, we visit Sheki, one of the oldest, most authentic, and beautiful cities in Azerbaijan. Known as a classic mountain town, Sheki is famous for its gentle people and unique culture and cuisine. The Upper and Lower Sheki Caravanserais, parts of which are now used as hotels, the historical stone and wooden buildings scattered along narrow and cobbled streets, the Palace of the Khan, a magnificent Persian Period artifact that is an important member of the UNESCO World Heritage List, Sheki Fortress consisting of buildings like Sheki Arts and Crafts Workshop, Ethnography Museum, Art Gallery, Art House, the Han Palace constructed specifically for the Khan’s relatives, the most significant religious buildings in the city, the Han and Friday Mosques, are just a few of the places you will see during our tour. In the free time at the bazaar, you can taste famous Azeri Tea accompanied by Sheki Halva and purchase many handcrafted artworks, especially beautiful silk products. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel and check into our rooms. Accommodation at our hotel.
Day 2 Sheki- Gabala- Shamakhi- Baku
After breakfast and checking out of the rooms, we set off towards Gabala, famous for its natural beauties (approximately 120 km). Accompanied by the unique landscapes of the Nohur Lake and Nature Park, Gabala with its mountains, forests, and waterfalls offers a heavenly view that will recharge your energy. Then we proceed to Shamakhi. (approximately 95 km) The city, known for the Shamakhi Siege, considered a significant phase in the Ottoman-Safavid War, is also one of the most famous places in the Caucasus for winemaking and carpet weaving. Here we will see the Old Town Center, the Yeddi Gumbez Tomb, which houses the Shirvan Khan Mausoleums at the foot of the Gulistan Fortress, and the Friday Mosque. Afterwards, we continue our journey to our final stop, Baku. (approximately 125 km) Upon arrival, we check into our hotel. Accommodation at our hotel.
Day 3 Baku (Dinner with Azeri Night)
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel for our Full-Day Baku City Tour. Traditional and historical features of Baku have been complemented by the numerous recent investments, giving it a modern appearance architecturally and culturally. During this comprehensive tour, we will see the main areas of New and Old Baku. We first visit Martyrs' Lane leading to Highland Park. Here, you will be able to take panoramic photographs of the city of Baku and the Baku Bay. Then, we proceed to the Old City or Ichari Shahar, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In this segment of our tour, you will see and learn about the historical and traditional characteristics of Baku. In this area and its surroundings, we will encounter the Maiden Tower built in the 12th century, the Friday Mosque from the 15th century, the historically significant Sinnigala Minaret and Mohammed Mosque, the world’s only Miniature Book Museum, the Shirvan Shah Palace, considered one of the pearls of Azerbaijani architectural history, the Ismail Palace, which now serves as the Academy of Sciences, the city’s heart Independence Street, the Fountain Square, named after the historic fountain located there, the Philharmonic Fountain, and National Carpet and Rug Museum, which has very valuable handicrafts among others. Then, we visit the region burdened with modernity, including many futuristic architectural works, one of which is the world-renowned Flame Towers, and head towards Baku Boulevard. This area, also known as 'Little Venice', is a pedestrian path parallel to the seaside area where oil barons built their mansions a century ago. At the end of our tour, we go to a local venue for a Dinner with Folkloric Azeri Night. Amidst traditional Mugham music and local delicacies, we enjoy a lovely evening before transferring to our hotel. Accommodation at our hotel.
Day 4 Baku- Ateshgah- Absheron- Heydar Aliyev Center- Istanbul
After breakfast, there will be free time. After checking out of the rooms, we will begin our tour with a short trip to visit the Ateşgah (Fire Temple). This is one of the three existing Zoroastrian temples and the most significant one among these castle-like religious structures, initially built in the 3rd century AD. Famous for its burning fire since ancient times, it became known worldwide during the peak activity of the Silk Road and was rebuilt by Zoroastrian pilgrims who came to the region in the 17th century. After our visit here, we proceed to Absheron's Burning Mountain to watch the twisting dance of the flames. Next, we continue our tour with a visit to the Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by the Iraqi-born English futuristic architect Zaha Hadid. This impressive complex, representing the rise of the Caspian Sea in Azerbaijani mythology, comprises theaters and conference halls, a museum, and art galleries of a total area of 101,000 square meters. (IMPORTANT NOTE: On some days, the cultural center does not accept visitors. Since the specific hours are not announced in advance, our company cannot be held responsible for this situation. In such cases, the center will be viewed from the outside. If it is open, we will enter.) After the given free time, at the determined time by our guide, we will transfer to the airport. After completing the necessary procedures,
Time 18:25 Depart for Istanbul on Ajet Airlines flight number VF 178.
Time 20:30 Arrival. We hope to see you again on another trip…