A Full Day Absheron Castles and Oil Heritage Private Tour

Show all photos
5 to 6 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

If you’re planning to visit some of the most historically significant and culturally rich sites around Baku, you will explore the Mardakan Castle, Gala State Historical Ethnographic Reserve complex, Balakhani Village, Bibiheybat Mosque and World’s first Oil Well those highlight the region’s unique heritage, from medieval castles to ancient oil history. Also, this tour offers a fascinating journey through the city's transformation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when it became a global oil capital. Embarking on this Tour in Baku provides a unique glimpse into the city's rich industrial past and architectural splendor, offering insights into how the oil industry shaped its development and captivating journey through Azerbaijan's rich history, unique natural phenomena, and cultural heritage.

What's Included

Comfortable transportation
Pick-up from your hotel, and drop-off back to your hotel
Entrance fee to the Gala State Historical and Ethnographic Museum Complex
English speaking tour guide
Entrance fee to the Mardakan Castle
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We can pick up the guests from the hotel or appoint 2 main meeting points and take the guests from Qosha Qala Qapisi (Double Gates) which is the main entrance for the Old City and Nizami Metro station which is at the center of Baku and near all hotels around. Your guide will be waiting at these points with the sign of Visit Land Azerbaijan.

OR
Meeting point
Old City Baku

We can also pick up the guests from the guests from Qosha Qala Qapisi (Double Gates) which is the main entrance for the Old City

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 5 to 6 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Mardakan Castle

    Pick up from any address or arranged meeting point within Baku. After meeting at the arranged meeting point we drive to Absheron peninsula. Our first visited place is Mardakan Castle. This is a medieval fortress located in the Mardakan village, this castle provides a glimpse into the defensive architecture of the region and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. It is 60 minutes driving distance from the meeting point to there. Guests will spend here approximately 30 minutes with the explanation by their private guide.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Qala Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum Complex

    Proceeding to Gala State Historical Ethnographic Reserve Complex. It is 15 minutes driving distance from the Castle to Gala Complex. It is an open-air museum complex in Qala, this site features ancient rock paintings, archaeological artifacts, and reconstructed dwellings that offer insights into the region's history and culture. Guests will Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography, Castle Museum, Museum of Antiques and Waste to Art Museums and spend here approximately 90 minutes with the explanation by their private guide.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 3

    The third visited place is Balakhani Village. It is 30 minutes driving distance from the Gala Complex to to this point. Balakhani is one of the key villages in the Absheron Peninsula and is famous for its historical role in Azerbaijan's oil industry. It was here that Azerbaijan’s oil boom began in the 19th century. Today, visitors can learn about the area’s oil history and see remnants of the early oil fields. Guests will spend here approximately 30 minutes with the explanation by their private guide.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Bibi-Heybat Mosque

    Tour continues to Bibiheybat Mosque. It is 60 minutes driving distance from the village to the Mosque. The Bibiheybat Mosque is an iconic structure in Baku, known for its beautiful architecture and historical significance. It was originally built in the 13th century but was destroyed during the Soviet era. It was reconstructed in the 1990s to preserve its cultural and spiritual significance. The mosque is a prominent example of Islamic architecture and holds a place of importance for both locals and visitors. Guests will spend here approximately 20 minutes with the explanation by their private guide.

    20 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    World's First Oil Well

    The last stop of the tour day is World’s first Oil Well. It is only 5 minutes driving distance from the Mosque to here. Bibiheybat is also home to the world’s first drilled oil well, marking a turning point in the global oil industry. The well was drilled in 1846, and it was a pioneering achievement that led to the industrialization of oil production in Azerbaijan. The area has historical markers commemorating the development of the oil industry and its impact on Baku's growth into an industrial city. The site is part of the Baku Oil History Museum, where you can learn more about the oil boom and its global impact.Travelers will spend here about 20 minutes with explanation by their private guide. We complete the tour here and return back to the meeting Point. Driving Distance from the last point to the Baku City Centre is 10 minutes.

    20 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by VLA_tourism

Tags

Day Trips
Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Car Tours
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Show more

from per person
Was {{currencySymbol}}{{ summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount }}
Check availability