13 Days of Elite Journey Through Azerbaijan Option 2

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival & Evening Immersion - The Threshold of Flame and Glass
2 stops
1
Journey begins as ther guest (s) land at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, where the pulse of a city caught between ancient legend and futuristic vision awaits your discovery. Upon arrival, you are seamlessly escorted to your luxury hotel, setting the stage for your immersion into Baku’s vibrant tapestry. After a moment of respite to refresh and acclimate, the afternoon unfolds into a carefully curated exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks - a journey through flame and glass that symbolizes Baku’s fiery spirit and crystalline modernity.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
2
Highland Park
The first stop at Highland Park offers more than just panoramic views; it is a vantage point into the soul of Baku. Here, the trio of Flame Towers dominates the skyline - architectural marvels that dance with light at dusk, embodying the eternal flame that once warmed the hearths of ancient civilizations. Nearby, the solemn Martyrs’ Lane and Eternal Flame Monument pay homage to sacrifice and resilience, anchoring the city’s rapid growth in its profound historical roots. This first day’s journey, guided by a seasoned expert, weaves together approximately 4 hours of narrative and movement, threading together the physical distances between landmarks with the deeper stories that give them meaning. As evening descends, guests return to the comfort of the hotel, where the city’s nocturnal glow mirrors the flame and glass that define this threshold.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
In the Dust of Sages Tour- The Sacred Hills of Shamakhi
6 stops
3
Diri Baba Mausoleum
Begin the day with a tranquil breakfast at the hotel, a moment to prepare both mind and body for an immersive journey into the heart of Shamakhi’s sacred legacy. As guests are picked up by the professional guide, the atmosphere subtly shifts from the comfort of modern life to the whispers of ancient wisdom carried by the winds of these revered hills. The first destination is the Diribaba Mausoleum, an enigmatic monument draped in the mists of time. This structure is not merely a tomb but a silent chronicle of medieval mysticism and spiritual guardianship. Diribaba’s intricate stone carvings echo the region’s syncretic belief systems - an ethereal dialogue between pre-Islamic rites and Islamic mysticism, making it a sanctuary where history and legend entwine.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
4
Juma Mosque
From there, the tour moves to the venerable Juma Mosque, a sanctuary that stands as a living testament to Shamakhi’s role as a crossroads of culture and faith. Here, the play of light filtering through ancient stained glass reveals stories etched in calligraphy, while the mosque’s architectural rhythms resonate with centuries of devotion, inviting contemplation and reverence.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
5
Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum
Next, is the Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum, a monument shrouded in mystery and regal heritage. This site, with its seven domes rising like watchful sentinels, is a symbol of dynastic power and spiritual endurance. The mausoleum’s weathered stones bear silent witness to tales of rulers and sages, their legacy folded into the very fabric of the land.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
6
Shifting from the somber majesty of mausoleums to the vibrant pulse of nature, the journey continues to an unexpected jewel - the Alpaca Farm. Here, among soft fleece and gentle eyes, guests will discover a microcosm of pastoral tranquility. The alpacas, with their ancient Andean lineage, symbolize resilience and harmony with the environment, offering a living contrast to the region’s monumental past.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
7
Refreshed by nature’s calm, the next stop is the Abgora Wine House, where the art of viticulture intertwines with millennia-old traditions. This exclusive tasting experience reveals the landscape of Shamakhi - a subtle interplay of volcanic soil, mountain climate and ancestral craftsmanship. Each sip is a poetic echo of the land’s fertility and the patient labor of generations.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
8
As the day wanes, guests will find themselves at the ethereal Silent Lake, a natural mirror nestled quietly among the hills. This hidden gem, untouched by the cacophony of the modern world, invites a profound moment of introspection. The stillness of the water captures the sky and the soul alike, offering a serene closure to a day steeped in the sacred and the sublime. Tour concludes with a gentle return to the hotel, where the memories of the day linger like an ancient incense-rich, evocative, and deeply transformative. Overnight in Shamakhi, guests rest enveloped in the whispers of sages and the timeless spirit of the sacred hill. The total tour duration will span approximately 6 to 8 hours, encompassing expert commentary from your professional guide, dedicated time for photography, and travel between the diverse sightseeing stops.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
Day 3
Lahic to Gabala Tour- Bronze Skies and Copper Streets
4 stops
9
Shamakhy Astrophysical Observatory
Begin the morning with a refined breakfast at the hotel, setting the tone for a day steeped in celestial wonder and ancient craftsmanship. As the professional guide escorts the guests from the comfort of the hotel, prepare to traverse a journey where science meets tradition, and nature’s artistry is etched into every street and skyline. The first destination is the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observator, a gateway to the cosmos perched high amidst serene mountains. This observatory is more than a scientific facility; it is a temple of the stars where the mysteries of the universe unfold under expert stewardship. Here, cutting-edge telescopes pierce the veil of the night sky, inviting to glimpse galaxies and constellations that have inspired myths and guided travelers for millennia. The observatory’s location itself - a place of rare atmospheric clarity-reflects a deep connection between Earth and sky, blending modern inquiry with timeless wonder.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
10
Lahic
Leaving the cosmic heights behind, the road winds toward Lahic Village, an architectural jewel nestled in the mountains, known for its copper artisanship and preserved medieval atmosphere. Lahic is not just a village but a living museum where centuries-old traditions thrive amid cobbled streets and quaint workshops. The air is tinged with the metallic warmth of molten copper, as master craftsmen shape heritage into exquisite forms. Every alleyway whispers stories of generations who have kept this craft alive, making Lahic a sanctuary of human creativity and resilience. Walking here is an intimate encounter with culture, where the past is palpably present.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
11
From Lahic, the journey continues to the Zarnava Suspension Bridge, a marvel of engineering that elegantly spans a deep gorge. This hanging bridge is more than a crossing; it is a symbol of connection - linking not only two points of land but also bridging history and nature, tradition and innovation. Standing on the bridge, guests are invited to reflect on the harmony between human ingenuity and the raw power of the landscape, a vantage point that offers breathtaking views of verdant valleys and rushing waters far below.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
12
Finally, as the day’s explorations draw to a close, travelers are gently transported to the hotel in Gabala. This vibrant town, rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, offers a perfect haven for reflection and rest after a day of profound discoveries. Overnight in Gabala, where the echoes of bronze and copper, stars and earth, linger like a treasured melody. The total duration of this exclusive tour is approximately 7 to 9 hours, carefully designed to include detailed narration by the expert guide, ample time for inspired photo shooting and comfortable travel distances between each remarkable site. This ensures a leisurely yet deeply enriching experience, where every moment is curated for maximum insight and enjoyment.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Gabala to Sheki Tour - Echoes in Wood and Water
7 stops
13
Tufandag Mountain Resort
Start the day with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, a serene prelude to an extraordinary journey where nature’s artistry and ancient human craftsmanship harmonize in a symphony of wood and water. As the guide welcomes the guests for the day’s adventure, prepare to traverse a landscape where every element from soaring peaks to shimmering lakes - whispers stories of time and tradition. The first stop is the majestic Tufandag Mountain Resort, a sanctuary perched high above the earth, where crisp mountain air and panoramic vistas blend with refined hospitality. This alpine retreat is not merely a playground for adventure seekers but a gateway to an ecosystem thriving in pristine balance. Here, the fusion of rugged nature and carefully curated comfort invites guests to experience the grandeur of Gabala’s highlands through a VIP lens.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
14
Next, journey to the tranquil waters of Nohurlake, a mirror-like lake embraced by lush forests and rolling hills. This site embodies the essence of stillness - an almost spiritual pause where the reflections of sky and tree merge in perfect harmony. The lake’s serene ambiance offers an opportunity for quiet reflection, framed by the soft rustle of leaves and the gentle ripple of water.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
15
Yeddi Gozel Waterfall
Continuing along the route, arrive at Yeddi Gozel, the “Seven Beauties” waterfall complex, where cascading streams carve through moss-covered rocks. This natural spectacle is a vivid reminder of the region’s dynamic geology and the timeless rhythm of water shaping earth. The falls’ melodic echoes resonate as a natural symphony, inspiring awe and reverence.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
16
Nij
Venture deeper into cultural heritage with a visit to Nidj Udin Village, home to the remarkable Chotari Albanian Church in Gabala. This sacred site is a rare testament to the ancient Christian communities of the Caucasus, offering an intimate glimpse into faith’s endurance across centuries. The church’s stone walls and frescoes speak quietly of resilience and spiritual continuity, an essential chapter in the region’s complex religious tapestry.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
17
Bio Garden
In Sheki, indulge in nature’s bounty at the Bio Garden, a curated ecosystem showcasing sustainable agriculture and the region’s rich horticultural traditions. This verdant space highlights the harmony between human stewardship and natural abundance, where organic fruits, herbs and flowers flourish under expert care.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
18
Sheki Karvansaray
Next, immerse in the historic atmosphere of the Caravanserai in Sheki, a centuries-old inn that once welcomed traders along the Silk Road. This architectural gem, with its cool courtyards and intricate woodwork, offers a tangible link to the era when Sheki was a vital hub of commerce and culture, bridging East and West.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
19
As the day unfolds, delight the senses in the Sheki Halva Shops, where local artisans craft this beloved confection with time-honored recipes. This sweet tradition is not just a treat but a cultural emblem, encapsulating the hospitality and heritage of the region. Enjoy a moment of indulgence paired with shopping for unique souvenirs that carry the spirit of Sheki. Conclude the day with a restful overnight stay in Sheki, where the echoes of wood and water blend with the warmth of local hospitality, leaving the guests enveloped in a sense of timeless connection and discovery. This meticulously crafted journey spans approximately 7 to 9 hours, integrating expert insights from the professional guide, dedicated opportunities for photo shooting, and seamless transitions between each site. The pace ensures a richly rewarding experience - both contemplative and dynamic - tailored for discerning travelers seeking profound engagement with the land’s natural and cultural treasures.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Artisans of Azerbaijan - The Noble Arts of Sheki Tour
6 stops
20
Palace of Shaki Khans
Begin the morning with an elegant breakfast at the hotel, setting a refined tone for a day dedicated to the masterful expressions of Azerbaijani artistry and heritage. As the expert guide greets the guests, prepare to delve into a curated journey where history, culture, and craftsmanship converge to reveal Sheki’s timeless creative spirit. The first stop is the resplendent Sheki Khan Palace, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and decorative arts. The palace’s stained-glass windows, known locally as Shebeke, create kaleidoscopic light plays that dance across frescoed walls, telling stories of dynastic power and cultural flourishing. Each intricately painted ceiling and ornate woodwork is a testament to the artisans’ unparalleled skill, inviting to step into a realm where art and history are seamlessly woven.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
21
Abad Ceramics And Applied Art Center
From here, venture to the ABAD Ceramic Arts Centre, a vibrant hub where tradition and innovation in pottery are nurtured and celebrated. Witness firsthand the transformation of raw clay into exquisite works of art, guided by contemporary masters who preserve ancient techniques while infusing new life into this noble craft. This immersive encounter offers a rare chance to appreciate the tactile and creative process behind Azerbaijan’s ceramic heritage.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
22
Continue to the Sheki Museum of History and Local Lore, a treasure trove that encapsulates the region’s rich past through carefully curated artifacts, textiles and archaeological finds. The museum provides an insightful narrative that connects the dots between Sheki’s cultural evolution and its artisans’ enduring legacy.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
23
Sheki State Art Gallery
Next stop is Art Gallery, a contemporary space showcasing the works of local painters and sculptors who blend classical motifs with modern sensibilities. This gallery serves as a vibrant dialogue between past and present, highlighting how Sheki’s artistic lineage continues to inspire and evolve.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
24
A highlight awaits at the Craftsmen’s House, home to the revered Shebeke Workshop. Here, guests witness the painstaking process of crafting Shebeke - intricate wooden latticework assembled without nails or glue, an ancient art form unique to Azerbaijan. This experience offers an intimate understanding of patience, precision and the sacred transmission of skills passed down through generations.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
25
Fazil Labyrinth-museum
The journey’s contemplative pause comes at the Fazil Necropolis, a solemn yet profoundly beautiful burial site where history’s whispers resonate among weathered stones. The necropolis stands as a silent guardian of memory, linking the present with ancestral spirits and adding a spiritual dimension to the exploration of Sheki’s noble arts. The day concludes with a serene return to the hotel in Sheki, where the artistry witnessed throughout the day will linger in the guests’ mind like the final brushstroke on a masterful painting. The total tour duration is approximately 4 to 5 hours, thoughtfully balanced to include detailed narration by the professional guide, opportunities for evocative photo shooting and comfortable travel between each culturally rich site. This carefully designed itinerary ensures an intimate, immersive and deeply rewarding experience for discerning travelers.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
Day 6
Sheki’s Second Secret Tour - Silk, Stone and Spirit
7 stops
26
Church of Kish
Begin the morning with a thoughtfully prepared breakfast at the hotel, a moment of calm before embarking on an extraordinary exploration of Sheki’s hidden treasures - a journey weaving together the threads of history, spirituality and artisanal mastery. Guided by an expert, guests will move through spaces where ancient stones whisper sacred tales and where the tactile beauty of silk speaks to centuries of refined craftsmanship. The first stop is the Kish Albanian Church, an extraordinary relic nestled amidst lush landscapes, emblematic of the Caucasus’s rich and diverse spiritual heritage. This ancient church is a rare testament to the early Christian communities in the region, its weathered stones and enduring architecture a silent chronicle of faith’s resilience through time. Here, the intersection of archaeology and theology offers a contemplative pause, inviting reflection on the deep spiritual currents that have shaped the area.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
27
Sheki
From this profound silence, the journey continues to the Shekihanovs’ House, a beautifully preserved traditional residence that showcases the domestic artistry and lifestyle of Sheki’s elite families. The house’s finely carved wooden interiors and period furnishings reveal a nuanced narrative of social history, elegance and cultural identity, making it a living museum of Sheki’s noble past.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
28
Next, the tour immerses participants in the tactile and shimmering world of the Sheki Silk Factory, where centuries-old traditions in sericulture continue to thrive. Witness the painstaking transformation of silk threads into luxurious fabrics, guided by master artisans who blend ancestral techniques with meticulous craftsmanship. This visit unveils the lifeblood of Sheki’s economy and artistry, celebrating silk as both a material and a metaphor for cultural continuity.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
29
Sheki Khan's Mosque Complex
Pause at the Khan Mosque, an architectural gem distinguished by its harmonious blend of spiritual grandeur and regional design. The mosque’s serene interiors and intricate motifs reflect a deep religious devotion and an artistic dialogue between Islamic faith and local aesthetic sensibilities.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
30
Refresh and rejuvenate at the historic Abdulkhaliq Hammam, a traditional bathhouse where rituals of cleansing and relaxation have been upheld for centuries. This space embodies both physical renewal and cultural continuity, offering an authentic sensory experience steeped in heritage.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
31
Sheki Wines
Continue the journey to the Az Abrau Museum-Wine, where viticulture and tradition converge in an exclusive showcase of Sheki’s winemaking heritage. Within this refined space, rare varietals and vintage methods are explored, offering the chance to savor nuanced flavors shaped by the region’s distinctive landscape, a harmonious blend of nature’s bounty and human craftsmanship.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
32
The day concludes with a vibrant visit to the Sheki Bazaar, a bustling tapestry of sights, sounds and aromas. This energetic marketplace serves as the city’s cultural heartbeat, where local produce, handcrafted goods and traditional delicacies come together. The bazaar provides an authentic sensory immersion into Sheki’s contemporary cultural fabric, completing a journey that spans from ancient stone to living spirit. Return to the hotel in Sheki with mind and senses enriched by a day that unveils the city’s deeper essence - a tapestry woven from silk, stone and spirit. This meticulously curated tour spans approximately 5 to 6 hours, thoughtfully integrating expert narration by a professional guide, ample opportunities for photography and comfortable transportation between sites. The itinerary is designed to offer a measured yet immersive experience, ideal for those seeking both depth and elegance in cultural exploration.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Ancient Crossroads Tour - The Living Heritage of Qakh & Ilisu
8 stops
33
Kurmuk Temple
As dawn settles over the forested highlands of Sheki, the day begins with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, a refined moment of quietude before venturing into the sacred confluence of civilizations. Today’s journey reveals a side of Azerbaijan rarely seen: a world where pagan rituals, Christian echoes, and Islamic devotion converge in harmony, forming a living mosaic of cultural resilience and spiritual identity. An expert guide will escort travelers toward Kurmuk Temple, a revered site nestled in the mountainous folds above Qakh. This ancient sanctuary, once a place of pre-Christian worship, remains a spiritual outpost untouched by time. Surrounded by whispering pines and craggy silence, the temple radiates a mystic solitude. It is not simply a place of prayer, it is a portal, where nature and the divine meet in stillness.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
34
Descending into the fertile valley, the journey continues to the Qum Basilica, a ruin both haunting and poetic. Hidden in the quiet countryside, this structure is a testament to the layered religious identities of the Caucasus, a forgotten stone relic where early Christian rituals once echoed against the walls. The raw authenticity of this site draws visitors into a contemplative space, untouched by crowds, yet soaked in legacy.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
35
The next chapter unfolds at Sumug-gala Castle, a medieval fortress perched high on a bluff, surveying the valleys like a stoic sentinel. Though weathered by time, its silhouette remains sharp, a reminder of the military ingenuity of Caucasian Albania. The views from its ramparts are breathtaking, revealing the intricate dance between natural geography and defensive architecture in a region once defined by shifting borders and empires.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
36
Descending from the stone citadel, the path leads to the Ulu Bridge, an 18th-century marvel of stone engineering that spans the Kurmuk River. This bridge, modest in scale yet grand in endurance, once served caravans carrying silk and spices. It stands today not only as infrastructure but as metaphor, a quiet reminder that travel, trade and human connection have always been the lifeblood of this land.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
37
Ulu Mosque
Not far from the bridge rises the Ulu Mosque, a graceful relic of Islamic architecture with hand-hewn wooden beams and an intimate prayer hall. Unlike the grand mosques of capital cities, Ulu exudes humble sanctity. Its architectural simplicity allows for a sense of spiritual essence unclouded by ornamentation where devotion lives in form and feeling.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
38
Then, step into the soul of Qakh itself with a visit to the Icheri Bazaar (Old Quarter), where winding alleyways, stone houses and whispering courtyards transport travelers into a timeless rhythm of village life. Here, the spirit of the Silk Road lingers woven into the market stalls, the scent of dried herbs, the distant clang of copper and the silent knowing in an elder’s gaze.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
39
Venture next into the pastoral charm of Lekit Village, where the Honey House invites discovery of a local treasure both ancient and sweet. Taste raw mountain honey infused with herbs and wildflowers, lovingly harvested using time-honored methods.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
40
Qakh
The final destination is the History and Ethnography Museum of Qakh, a curated space that anchors everything seen into a coherent narrative. Here, traditional garments, religious artifacts, handwoven carpets and ancient manuscripts weave a visual story. As the sun begins to dip behind the Caucasus, return is made to the hotel in Sheki carrying the enduring pulse of Qakh and Ilisu, a landscape where faiths, empires and humble villages converge at the crossroads of memory and meaning. This exclusive experience unfolds across 6 to 8 hours, thoughtfully paced to include in-depth interpretation by a professional guide, dedicated time for immersive photography and comfortable driving distances between each culturally significant site.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 8
Ganja’s Heartbeat - Tales of Culture and Craft Tour
8 stops
41
Nizami Ganjavi Mausoleum
Awaken to the final morning in Sheki with a refined breakfast, preparing the senses for a day that unfolds like a living manuscript, a deep, resonant journey into Ganja, the western soul of Azerbaijan. After check-out, the journey commences under the guidance of a professional tour expert, tracing a route through imperial elegance, spiritual mysticism, poetic memory and artistic eccentricity. The first revelation is the Mausoleum of Nizami Ganjavi, the immortal poet-philosopher. Towering above quiet gardens, this mausoleum is more than a memorial, it is a sanctuary of imagination. Here, under the whispering cypresses, visitors stand in communion with the literary soul of the Caucasus, where Nizami’s allegories on love, ethics and cosmic order transcend time.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
42
Imamzadeh Mausoleum
From the realm of metaphor, the tour continues to the solemn grandeur of the Mausoleum of Imamzadeh. Crowned with turquoise domes and intricate tilework, this 8th-century mausoleum houses the tomb of a descendant of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir. Inside, the architectural magnificence is matched only by its spiritual gravity.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
43
Shah Abbas Mosque
The tour deepens with a visit to the Shah Abbas Mosque, a striking example of 17th-century Safavid architecture. With its red-brick exterior, seamless stonework and precisely geometric layout, the mosque reflects the mind of a ruler who believed in the fusion of empire and sacred space.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
44
Mausoleum of Javad Khan
Nearby stands the Mausoleum of Javad Khan. A visit here evokes reverence, not only for the man but for the enduring spirit of Ganja itself.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
45
Continue the walk through memory at the historic Shah Abbas Caravanserai, a relic of the Silk Road era where merchants once rested under star-lit courtyards after long journeys across deserts and mountains. The structure now stands as a whisper of that ancient pulse, a space where walls seem to carry the breath of distant lands, bartered languages and guarded dreams.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
46
Bottle House
Next, witness one of Ganja’s most delightful curiosities: the Bottle House. Built entirely from over 50,000 glass bottles by a private citizen in memory of his brother, this architectural eccentricity is both a mosaic and a memorial - a private expression of grief turned into a public landmark. It is where emotion meets craft and impermanence is captured in colored glass.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
47
Khan Bagy Park
Then, retreat into the lush embrace of Khan Baghi Park, Ganja’s oldest and most sacred garden. Once part of a royal complex, this walled orchard is not just a park, it is Ganja’s sanctum. Here, time loosens its grip. Among fig trees and marble fountains, the past blends softly with the present, offering a pause to reflect on the day’s many layers.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
48
For those seeking a light-hearted finale, an optional stop at GanjLand, a modern amusement park, offers contrast. From ancient spirituality to contemporary leisure, Ganja’s heartbeat proves itself multifaceted and alive, striking chords of both heritage and hedonism. As the day draws to a close, the return journey to Baku begins. The drive offers time for reflection - a gentle descent from poetic heights to the metropolitan pulse. Upon arrival in Baku, check-in at the hotel and settle into the refined stillness of the evening, now carrying the living memory of Ganja: a city that breathes through its stones, its poets and its paradoxes. This exceptional journey spans approximately 10 to 12 hours, harmoniously balanced with in-depth interpretation by a professional guide, exclusive opportunities for artistic and scenic photography and comfortable transport between heritage-rich sites.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 9
Hidden Chronicles - The Sacred Silence of Quba Tour
4 stops
49
The journey to Quba is not merely a geographical movement northward, it is a philosophical and emotional descent into the sacred silences that history leaves behind, waiting only for the discerning eye and a receptive soul to interpret. Departing Baku, the route ascends into the Caucasus foothills, where the air becomes sharper and the terrain begins to whisper its stories – tales of exile and belonging, resilience and reverence. The first encounter with this hidden world is in Krasnaya Sloboda, or the Red Village - the only all-Jewish settlement outside of Israel and the United States with an uninterrupted Jewish presence. Its central monument, the Grand Synagogue, stands not merely as a house of worship but as an architectural symbol of quiet survival. Modest from the outside yet echoing with dignity within, its arches and ornamented ceilings carry the prayers of centuries.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
50
Just steps away is the Museum of Mountain Jews, a profound cultural treasury chronicling the journey of a people whose story has long remained in the periphery of global consciousness.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
51
Qechresh
From spiritual heritage to natural reverence, the journey continues through winding roads to the emerald embrace of the Qechresh Forest that is a cathedral of beech and oak trees whose canopies filter sunlight like stained glass in a chapel. This untouched expanse is more than landscape; it is a meditation in green. Each breath of forest air carries the purity of the highlands, and every footstep becomes a retreat into a deeper rhythm.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
52
Next is an immersion into the soul of Azerbaijani material artistry at the Gedim Quba Carpet Weaving Centre, a living gallery where the region’s most gifted women transform wool and silk into geometry and poetry. This is not mere craft, it is coded memory, hand woven into every knot. Quba carpets, recognized globally for their sophistication and symbolism, embody stories passed down not in words but in patterns: motifs of protection, abundance and eternity. The process unfolds firsthand, where tradition is taught not in classrooms but at the loom. The full-day tour spans approximately 8 to 9 hours, including immersive commentary from a professional guide, curated photo moments and scenic travel through mountainous landscap.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 10
Khinalug Tour - The Roof of the Caucasus
5 stops
53
The day begins with breakfast at the hotel, but what awaits beyond is not merely a destination, it is a pilgrimage to the edge of time. This journey leads not only into the heights of the Greater Caucasus but into a living anthropology, where landscapes breathe history and people speak in the echoes of a language untouched by empires. The road first passes through the lush silence surrounding Chanlibel Lake, a pristine body of water cradled by forested slopes and reflective skies. More than a photo stop, this lake serves as a mirror of the self still, expansive and untouched. It is nature’s first offering of serenity before the mountain ascent.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
54
The route continues to the spiritual heart of Guba with a visit to the Juma Mosque, a majestic 19th-century brick structure that blends strength and elegance with Sufi calm.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
55
From the divine to the vibrant, the journey flows into the Guba Bazaar, a lively expression of local commerce and community.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
56
Just beyond the market lies a sensory interlude at the Honey House, where guests are invited to taste liquid gold harvested from the mountain flora, an ancient craft carried forward by generations of apiarists.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
57
Khinalug
Ascent begins, an emotional and physical climb toward Khinalug, often called the Roof of the Caucasus. At over 2,300 meters above sea level, this is one of the world’s oldest and most isolated mountain villages, where traditions defy time and the spoken language (Khinalug) stands as a linguistic orphan, unrelated to any in the region. The road winds through surreal topography – craggy ridgelines, hanging valleys and cloud-draped passes while a professional guide unveils centuries of oral tradition, ancestral survival and geopolitical seclusion. As the sun dips beneath the horizon, a rare experience awaits, overnight in a Khinalug village house, immersed in silence that has never known modern distraction. Wrapped in mountain blankets and warmed by wood-fired stoves, this is not a mere cultural observation, it is full immersion, lived from within. The entire journey spans 8 to 9 hours, combining professional narration, contemplative photography stops, and thoughtfully paced transitions.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 11
The Painted Earth Tour - Where Mountains Speak in Color
4 stops
58
Besh Barmag Mountain
Morning rises over Khinalug with the clarity of mountain air and the weight of ancestral silence. Breakfast is taken within the stillness of stone homes, where tradition is not performed but lived - bread warm from the hearth, tea infused with wild herbs, and views that stretch beyond the limits of recorded time. Here, even the clouds seem to wait for permission before drifting past. The descent from Khinalug begins as a quiet farewell. Hairpin roads trace the bones of ancient lands, each bend revealing a new emotion in the earth’s surface- dignified, unpredictable, breathtaking. With every kilometer, the spirit transitions from myth to motion, from altitude to awe. Besh Barmag (Five Fingers) emerges like a sacred gesture, a hand of stone raised skyward. In its shadow, migratory birds paint the air in living constellations. This is no simple act of birdwatching; it is the witnessing of instinct made visible - an opera of wings against the wind.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free
59
Candy Cane Mountain
Farther south, the terrain bursts into surreal expression. The Candy Cane Mountains unfurl across the horizon like the brushstrokes of a forgotten god. Their vivid hues - oxides and minerals fused across epochs - reveal not just geological phenomena, but the emotional spectrum of the Earth itself. Here, color speaks without language. Photos are inevitable, but the deeper capture happens in silence.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
60
Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum
In Baku, time begins to hum at a different frequency. Within the folds of the National Carpet Museum, heritage becomes tactile. Woven by hands now gone, each carpet is a map of dreams, beliefs, and mathematics. Patterns whisper across centuries -designs once believed to ward off misfortune, preserve love, or encode prayers. This is not an exhibition; it is an initiation into the visual grammar of the soul.
40 minutes • Admission ticket not included
61
Icherisheher Historical-Architectural reserve
The journey culminates within the limestone labyrinth of Icherisheher. The Old City is not a relic - it breathes. Ancient walls cradle the rhythm of Baku’s original heartbeat. Narrow alleys curve like memory, echoing with the footsteps of traders, poets and kings. This is where past and present lock eyes. As night nears, the day comes to rest with a gentle transfer to the comfort of a hotel in Baku. The road has offered more than distance, it has offered perspective. Total tour duration spans approximately 8 to 9 hours, a harmonious blend of expertly guided storytelling, curated photography moments and scenic driving intervals that weave each landmark into one seamless masterpiece of movement and meaning.
3 hours • Admission ticket not included
Day 12
Into the Green South – Lankaran and Astara
6 stops
62
Tower of Zindan
The day initiates with a refined breakfast in Baku, followed by hotel checkout and an executive pickup service, marking the beginning of a transition from metropolitan rhythm to the subtropical serenity of Azerbaijan’s southern corridor. Travel directionally southward, the landscape transforms - climatic zones shift, humidity increases, and the terrain becomes increasingly fertile. Each kilometer brings an ecological change, reflected not only in scenery but in cultural nuances unique to this region. The first engagement is with the Circular Castle and Old Prison Tower, a strategic architectural remnant that reflects 18th-century defense logic and penal philosophy. Unlike typical castles, its structure prioritizes surveillance efficiency, tactical response and psychological control - providing insight into how space was engineered for power projection.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
63
A brief transition brings visitors to the Lankaran Khan’s House, now operating as a history museum. This structure is not a preservation of wealth but a framework of governance memory. It showcases spatial hierarchy, regional aesthetics and the sociopolitical coding embedded in architectural layout. Each section of the house reflects a different function of authority, intimacy or diplomacy.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
64
A short drive leads to the Lankaran Railway Station Square, marked by the Lankaran Lighthouse - a utilitarian beacon turned cultural marker.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
65
Lankaran
En route through the semi-tropical belt, the group visits one of Azerbaijan’s key Tea Plantations. This is not merely agricultural exposure - it’s a study in microclimate suitability, irrigation patterns, and terroir-based taste differentiation. Tea here is not treated as commodity but as a cultivated signature of the region’s ecological identity.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
66
An optional but recommended stop includes the Ibadi Thermal Spring Bath House, offering access to naturally heated mineral waters. These thermal conditions are geologically rare, with high trace mineral concentrations beneficial for circulatory and dermatological functions. The experience is clinical in origin but executed in a hospitality format, balancing wellness with cultural immersion.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
67
The final scheduled visit includes Yanar Bulag, the fire spring of Astara. Unlike the more tourist-saturated Yanardag near Baku, this site offers a controlled flame arising from naturally exuding methane in springwater - demonstrating a rare convergence of hydrocarbon presence with aquifer output. It is not theatrical; it is geological. The day concludes with a check-in at a curated hotel in Lankaran. Accommodations are selected based on comfort, spatial quality, and regional authenticity - ensuring continuity of the southern experience without compromising executive standards. Total tour duration is approximately 7 to 9 hours, inclusive of expert-level guidance, curated photo documentation intervals, and optimized driving transitions.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 13
Southern Secrets Tour - Lerik’s Legacy of Life Beyond Time & Departure
4 stops
68
The day begins with a refined breakfast at the Lankaran hotel, signaling the final chapter of the southern expedition. Immediate pickup ensures seamless transition and time management within a strategically compressed itinerary that balances experiential richness with logistical efficiency. The first engagement is the Boyuk Bazar, Lankaran’s principal local market. This space functions not only as a commerce node but as a living index of regional consumption patterns, agricultural rhythms, and culinary anthropology. Seasonal produce, locally processed goods, and artisanal ingredients offer insight into the micro-economy and ecological specificity of the region.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
69
Khanbulanchay Reservoir
The route progresses inland toward the Khanbulanchay reservoir, positioned within Hirkan National Park - a UNESCO-recognized forest zone known for its relict flora and subtropical biodiversity. The lake offers a moment of controlled exposure to high-value natural capital. Here, observation is not limited to aesthetics; it is about understanding conservation logic, hydrological planning and biosphere integration.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
70
Continuing upward into the Talysh Mountains, the experience culminates in Lerik - a district internationally noted for demographic anomalies in human longevity. The Longevity Museum exhibits correlate high-altitude conditions, dietary inputs, water mineralization, and psychosocial stability with extreme age indexes. For high-level wellness and medical tourism strategists, this is a primary study site. The return to Baku is structured with optimized route planning, integrating selective rest and optional documentation breaks. The day is not rushed; it is staged.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
71
Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center
Upon arrival in the capital, there is a final engagement at the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre -not simply an architectural monument, but a controlled spatial representation of national identity, technological capability and cultural projection. The structure’s parametric design, fluidity and absence of conventional angles signify Azerbaijan’s architectural shift toward global futurism. For VIPs involved in design, statecraft or international planning, this is a necessary closure point - where the trip concludes not in nostalgia, but in vision. The final logistics allow for two options, depending on personal itinerary alignment: direct drop-off at the selected Baku hotel, or escorted transfer to the international airport. Both are executed with precision timing and guest service continuity. Total tour duration spans approximately 8 to 9 hours, inclusive of expert-led explanations, curated photography pauses, inter-regional driving intervals, and transfer coordination to Baku.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Travelers are advised to review the Inclusions section in detail, as three pricing tiers are available based on the scope of services provided. The first option includes a guide and driver, with entry tickets excluded. The second option comprises a guide, driver, and entry tickets included. The third option, labeled "All Inclusive," encompasses all services and additional amenities offered within the tour package.
• One day Khinalug Dinner and Breakfast will be given in the Village House in All Inclusive option.
• As specified in the Inclusions section, all entrance tickets are provided if either the "Included Entry Tickets" or "All Inclusive" package option is selected. Entry admissions cover access to the following cultural, historical, and natural sites: Dir Baba Mausoleum, Alpaca Farm, Abgora Wine House with wine degustation, Zarnava suspension or Hanging Bridge, Lahic Village Museum, Cable Car Ride 2x lines in Tufandag, Nohurlake boat riding, Bio Garden Sheki, Sheki Museum of History, Sheki Art Gallery, Fazil Necropoli, Sheki Khan Palace, Kish Albanian Church, Shekihanovs’ House, Az Abrau Museum, Sumug-gala Castle, First Museum of Mountain Jews, Bottle House, Chanlibel Lake, Shirvanshah Palace, Entrance fee to Maiden Tower, Carpet Museum and Heydar Aliyev Center.
• As also specified in the Inclusions section, Accommodation is provided if "All Inclusive" package option is selected. Accommodation includes: 3 nights in Baku, 1 night in Shamakhi, 1 night in Gabala, 4 nights in Sheki, 1 night in Ganja, 1 night in Lankaran at 4* Hotel on DBL room basis and 1 night in Khinalug Villlage house.

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