This tour covering the beautiful regions of Shamakhi, Gabala, Sheki, and Qakh in Azerbaijan offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and culture. Each of these regions offers a unique blend of history, culture, nature, and adventure. A tour through these areas gives tourists a chance to experience the diversity that Azerbaijan has to offer.
Shamakhi is one of the oldest cities in Azerbaijan, with a history that dates back over 2,000 years.
Gabala is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Azerbaijan, known for its natural beauty and modern infrastructure.
Sheki is a city known for its stunning architecture and historical landmarks. The Sheki Khan’s Palace with its intricate stained-glass windows and the Kish Albanian Church are must-see attractions.
Qakh is an excellent destination for nature lovers, known for its serene mountain landscapes and lush forests. The region is home to various cultural and historical sites, including ancient temples, fortresses, and mosques.
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 VLA Tourism.
Meeting point can be arranged in front of the Double gate in Old City.
In the 1st day, after greeting at the airport or meeting at the meeting point, guests will be transferred to Shamaki through Maraza region. Driving Distance from the meeting point to this place is 90 minutes. Today we will visit Diribaba Mausoleum - a 15th-century mausoleum dramatically carved into a cliffside, blending architecture with natural rock, dedicated to the Sufi saint Diribaba. Guests will spend here about 40 minutes with the explanation of professional guide.
Next we will head to Juma Mosque - one of the oldest mosques in the Caucasus (8th century), notable for surviving multiple earthquakes and showcasing classic Islamic architecture. Driving Distance from the meeting point to this place is 30 minutes. Guests will spend here about 20 minutes with the explanation of professional guide.
Our last visited place during the day is Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum - a necropolis of the Shirvan royal family with seven domed tombs, set on a hill with sweeping views of the valley with the explanation by the experienced guide with 20 minutes. We complete the tour here and heading to Gabala. Driving Distance from here to Gabala is 120 minutes. Guests are dropped of the hotel and overnight at the hotel.
The 2nd day tour concerns the most iconic and cultural attractions in and around Sheki, Azerbaijan. Today’s itinerary blends historical landmarks, local crafts, natural beauty, and culinary delights for a comprehensive experience. First visited place is Nidj Udin Village (Chotari Albanian Church in Gabala) - on the way to Sheki. It is renowned for being home to the largest population of the Udi people, an ancient Christian community believed to be descendants of the Caucasian Albanians, an ancient state that existed in the region from about 3 BC to 8 AD. Driving Distance from the Gabala hotel to this place is 20 minutes. Guests will spend here about 20 minutes with the explanation of professional guide.
After completing the tour there we drive to Sheki region. Guests will explore Sheki Khan Palace - UNESCO-listed site and one of the most important architectural landmarks in Azerbaijan, built in the 18th century by the Sheki Khanate. Driving Distance from the last point to this place is 90 minutes. Guests will spend here about 30 minutes with the explanation of professional guide.
We will also visit ABAD Ceramic Arts Centre - a modern cultural hub promoting Azerbaijani pottery and handicrafts, where visitors can watch artisans at work and try their hand at ceramics; Art Gallery a small but rich space featuring traditional and contemporary Azerbaijani art, often including Sheki’s distinct miniature and folk styles and Craftsmen’s House – Shebeke Workshop - a live workshop where artisans create intricate “Shebeke” stained-glass windows using wood and colored glass - no glue or nails involved. Guests will spend in these 3 places situated inside the Sheki Khan Palace area about 60 minutes with the explanation of professional guide.
Next destination is Caravanserai in Sheki - a beautifully restored Silk Road-era inn that once hosted merchants and travelers; now a museum, restaurant, and artisan marketplace. It is only 5 minutes walking distance from Sheki Khan Palace to the Caravanserai. Guests will spend here about 20 minutes with the explanation of professional guide.
Guests will also practice wine degustation in "Sheki Sherab" Winery- a guided tasting of locally produced wines made from regional grape varieties, often including a visit to a boutique vineyard or cellar with the explanation by the experienced guide. We complete the tour here and returning back to the hotel in Sheki
The 3rd day tour to regions is considered the most ideal choice for nature, tradition and history lovers. Today we will first start to visit Kish Albanian Church in Sheki- believed to be one of the oldest churches in the Caucasus. Guests will spend here about 30 minutes with the explanation of professional guide.
After completing the tour in Kish Church driving to Kurmuk Temple - small but significant place of worship, known for its location and history. Driving Distance from the Kish Albanian Church to this place is 30 minutes. Guests will visit the Temple about 10 minutes with the explanation of professional guide.
Tour continues to Gakh (Qax region) region to visit the key spots. Stop in Qum Basilica - a site of religious and historical importance with early Christian architectural features. Driving Distance from the last point to this place is 15 minutes. Guests will spend here about 15 minutes with the explanation of professional guide.
Next destination in Gakh region is Sumug-gala Castle - medieval fortress with admiring views from its strategic hilltop position. Guests will spend here about 20 minutes with the explanation of professional guide.
We stop at Ulu Mosque - one of the oldest mosques in the area, notable for its architecture and cultural values. Guests will spend here about 15 minutes with the explanation of professional guide.
On the way back to Sheki we will stop at Ulu Bridge - historic stone bridge, an example of old engineering in the region. Guests will spend here about 10 minutes with the explanation of professional guide.
We end our tour with a visit to Abdulkhaliq Hammam (Sheki) -traditional bathhouse, reflecting the region’s social and architectural heritage. Driving Distance from the Bridge to the hamam is 20 minutes. Guests will spend here about 15 minutes with the explanation of professional guide. Tour is completed here and guests are dropped of the hotel and overnight at the hotel.
The last is transfer to Baku or Georgian border (Lagodeki). But before transfer, we check out from the hotel and driving to Sheki Bazaar - is the city's vibrant central market. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, it offers a bustling atmosphere where locals and visitors alike can experience the authentic flavors and culture of the region. The market is renowned for its wide variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables, especially abundant during the summer months. After completing the tour in Bazaar during 1 or 2 hours, we drive to Baku or Lagodeki border and guests are dropped to the planned point. Driving distance from Sheki to Baku is 5 hours and from Sheki to Lagodeki border is 2 hours.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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