1st Day Istanbul - Baku
Time 20:30 We recommend being at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport...
Time 23:25 We depart for the city of fire, Baku, with Pegasus Airlines flight PC 854.
Note: Your hotel reservation has been made from today onwards to ensure that you can check in to your rooms upon arrival due to your flight time.
2nd Day Baku - Ateshgah - Absheron - Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center
Time 03:05 Arrival in Baku and transfer to the hotel. Check into rooms. After breakfast, we will start our tour a bit later to help you recover from your fatigue. Following breakfast, there will be free time. We begin the day with a visit to Ateshgah (Fire Temple), one of the three remaining Zoroastrian temples in the world and the most important one, built initially in the 3rd century AD. This religious structure, resembling a fortress, gained worldwide fame due to its burning fire since ancient times, especially during the active period of the Silk Road, and was rebuilt by Zoroastrian pilgrims who came to the region in the 17th century. After our visit here, we will go to Absheron to watch the flickering dance of the flames at Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain). Afterward, we will continue our tour with a visit to the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, designed by the Iraqi-born British futurist architect Zaha Hadid, which has received global attention for its 101,000 square meter area. The complex, representing the rise of the Caspian Sea in Azeri mythology, includes theaters, conference halls, a museum, and art galleries. (IMPORTANT NOTE: On some days, the cultural center does not accept visitors. Our company cannot be held responsible for this situation as the opening times are not announced in advance. If it is closed, it will be viewed from outside; if open, entry will be allowed.) After free time, we will transfer back to the 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. The traditional and historic features of Baku have recently been complemented by numerous investments that modernize its architectural and cultural landscape. During this comprehensive tour, you will see and explore the most important areas of both New and Old Baku. First, we visit Yayla Park via the Martyrs' Lane. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city of Baku and the Baku Bay and take plenty of photos. Next, we will go to the Old City, also known as İçeri Şehər, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. You will see and learn about the historical and traditional characteristics of Baku during this section of the tour. Among the sites we will visit in and around this area are: Maiden Tower, built in the 12th century; the Friday Mosque, dating back to the 15th century; the historically significant Siniggala Minaret; and the Mohammed Mosque. We will also visit the world's only Miniature Book Museum, the Shirvan Shah Palace, considered a jewel of Azerbaijani historical architecture, and the Ismail Palace, which currently serves as the Science Academy, the beating heart of the city, Istiklal Avenue, the Çeşme Square named after the historical fountain located here, the Philharmonic Fountain, and the renowned National Carpet and Kilim Museum. After visiting the modern face of the city, which includes numerous futuristic architectural works such as the iconic Flame Towers, we will go to Baku Boulevard. This area consists of a pedestrian path parallel to the coastal zone known as "Little Venice", where oil barons built their mansions a century ago. After the tour, we will go to a local venue for an Evening Meal with Folklore Show featuring Azeri Night. We will enjoy traditional Mugham music and local delicacies in one of the historical places of the city, before transferring back to our hotel. Accommodation at our hotel.
4th Day Baku - Shamakhi - Gabala - Sheki
After breakfast and checking out of the rooms, we set off towards Shamakhi (approximately 125 km). This city, known for being an important phase in the Ottoman-Safavid War, is also one of the most important places in the Caucasus famous for winemaking and carpet weaving. Here we will see the old city center, visit the Yeddi Gumbez Mausoleum, which houses the Shirvan Khan Tombs at the foot of the Gulistan Fortress, and the Friday Mosque. Then, we head towards Gabala, renowned for its natural beauty (approximately 95 km). Amidst the breathtaking views of Nature National Park, we will spend free time by Nohur Lake, in the paradise-like scenes of mountains, forests, and waterfalls that Gabala presents. After our pleasant break, we will continue our journey to Sheki, our final destination for the day (approximately 90 km). Upon our arrival, we will explore Sheki, one of Azerbaijan's oldest, most authentic, and beautiful cities. Known as a classical mountain city, Sheki has a gentle and unique culture and cuisine. We will visit the Upper and Lower Sheki Caravanserais, part of which currently serves as a hotel; the historic stone and wooden buildings scattered along the narrow, cobbled streets; the remarkable Han Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site from the Persian period; Sheki Fortress, composed of the Sheki Khan Palace, built specifically for the Khan’s relatives and impressively beautiful; and the religious structures of Han and Friday Mosques, among others. During our free time in the market, you can taste the famous Azeri Tea along with Sheki Halva and purchase several handcrafted art pieces, including the world-renowned silk products. At the end of the tour, we will transfer to our hotel and check into our rooms. Accommodation at our hotel.
5th Day Sheki - Imamzadeh Complex - Ganja - Istanbul
After breakfast and checking out of the rooms, we will head towards Ganja, known for its historical and natural beauty, often mentioned in the Dede Korkut stories (approximately 145 km). Before arriving in Ganja, we will visit the Imamzadeh Complex. Surrounded by red bricks, this amazing complex with its intricately crafted architecture contains the tomb of Hz. Muhammad's grandson Imam Muhammad al-Bakr as well as a mosque and a caravanserai. Next, we will start our tour in Ganja with a brief journey. Some parts of this beautiful city will be explored on foot. During our tour, we will see Haydar Aliyev Park, which spans approximately 450 hectares and serves as the city’s oxygen depot; the Bottle House, built from 5,000 bottles in memory of the architect’s brother who couldn’t return home during World War II; Atatürk Street, the heart of the city; the Philharmonic Hall, which has hosted numerous important concerts; the interestingly constructed Friday Mosque from the 17th century; and the Alexander Nevsky Church, built in Byzantine style with donations from both the Christian and Muslim populations. During our free time, you can enjoy lunch at one of the venues serving delicious Azeri dishes. At the time determined by our guide, we will proceed to the airport for our flight. After necessary procedures,
Time 19:10 We depart for Istanbul with Pegasus Airlines flight PC 327.
Time 20:50 Arrival. Looking forward to seeing you on our next tour...