Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary For Azerbaijan

Waquar Habib

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a captivating country with diverse landscapes, historic treasures, and warm hospitality. Explore the UNESCO-listed Old City in Baku, marvel at ancient petroglyphs in Gobustan, and savour Azerbaijani cuisine. From the Caspian Sea to the Caucasus Mountains, Azerbaijan promises unforgettable travel experiences.

A view of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan | Shutterstock

Day 1: Baku - Old City Exploration

Morning

Start your day with a visit to Baku Boulevard, enjoying a morning stroll along the Caspian Sea. It was established in 1909 when oil barons built mansions along the Caspian shore. Later, explore the iconic Flame Towers.

People walking along Baku Boulevard | Shutterstock

Afternoon

Head to the Old City (Icherisheher), also known as the Inner City. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the oldest inhabited part of Baku declared a historical and cultural reserve in 1977. Make sure to visit the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower while you are there.

Palace of the Shirvanshahs | Shutterstock

Evening

Wander through the narrow streets of the Old City. Enjoy dinner at a traditional Azerbaijani restaurant where you can find Plov or Dolma.

Streets of the Old Town, Baku | Shutterstock

Day 2: Gobustan National Park and Mud Volcanoes

Morning

Drive to Gobustan National Park to explore the ancient petroglyphs. Visit the Gaval Dash, a mysterious rock with a tambourine sound.  It stands at the entrance to the Gobustan State Historical and Cultural Reserve. The reserve is home to over 6,000 ancient rock carvings.

Ancient rock carvings petroglyphs in Gobustan National Park | Shutterstock

Afternoon

Have lunch in the Gobustan region. Explore the Mud Volcanoes, a unique natural phenomenon. The volcanoes are spread across the country but are concentrated around Gobustan National Park on the Caspian Sea coast.

Mud volcano at Gobustan | Shutterstock

Evening

Return to Baku. Relax and have dinner at a seaside restaurant. Later, go for a long stroll and prepare for the journey that lay ahead.

Street in Icheri Sheher, Baku Azerbaijan | Shutterstock

Day 3: Gabala - Mountains and Cable Car Ride

Morning

Fly or drive to Gabala, a city in northern Azerbaijan known for its mountain landscapes, historical monuments, and tourist attractions. Visit the Tufandag Mountain Resort.

Qabala Park in front of Tufandag Mountain Resort | Shutterstock

Afternoon

Take a cable car ride for stunning views of the region. A single car ride will cost you 19 AZN (INR 997). Enjoy lunch in the mountains.

Cable car station at Tufandag Mountain Resort | Shutterstock

Evening

Return to the city. Explore the local markets and have dinner in Gabala. Gabala honey is famous in Azerbaijan. You can buy liquid honey in jars, honeycombs, and handmade soap with honey.

A srteet in Gabala | Shutterstock

Day 4: Sheki - Historical Charm

Morning

Drive to Sheki and visit the Sheki Castle and the Sheki Khans' Palace. The palace was built in 1797 by Muhammad Husayn Khan Mushtaq and used to be the summer residence for the Shaki Khans.

Details in the facade of Sheki Khans' Palace | Shutterstock

Afternoon

In the city steeped in the history of the Silk Road, have lunch in Sheki's old town. Later, explore the Sheki bazaar known for its unending spice stalls and more.

Baker at the market in Sheki, Azerbaijan | Shutterstock

Evening

Enjoy a relaxing evening in Sheki. Try local Sheki sweets. There are more than 30 varieties of Azeri sweets, with most incorporating nuts, spices and pastry.

Traditional Azerbaijani sweets | Shutterstock

Day 5: Lahij - Copper Craftsmanship

Morning

Drive to Lahij, a historical and architectural village that has preserved its trade and craft centre. Explore its many workshops and local architecture along its cobbled streets.

Main central street of Lahij | Shutterstock

Afternoon

While in Lahij, enjoy lunch and visit the Lahij Museum of Local History, which opened in 1985 within the Lahic Historical-Cultural Reserve.

Inside the Lahij Museum | Shutterstock

Evening

Return to Baku to relax and dine before heading to Highland Park. Climb the stairs or take a funicular ride to the elevated terrace to enjoy stunning views of the city and sea at sunset.

Highland Park, Baku | Shutterstock

Day 6: Ganja - Cultural Exploration

Morning

Head to Ganja, Azerbaijan's second-largest city. Visit the Nizami Ganjavi Mausoleum, which honours the revered 12th-century local poet.

Nizami Ganjavi Mausoleum | Shutterstock

Afternoon

Explore Javad Khan Street, one of the most central and longest in Ganja, named after Ganja's last khan. Have lunch and visit Nizami Ganjavi Square and Bottle House.

Javad Khan tomb | Shutterstock

Evening

Return to Baku. Enjoy a farewell dinner in the capital. Walk around the city and reflect on your journey so far.

A view of Baku | Shutterstock

Day 7: Guba - Nature and Relaxation

Morning

Drive to Guba and visit the Gachrash Forest, which derives its name from the phrase "come and sit down". The forest is known for being mysterious and dense, with the road to Gachrash village passing through it.

Rainbow over valley and flower meadow in Guba, Azerbaijan | Shutterstock

Afternoon

Have lunch in Guba. Explore Guba's nature and waterfalls, like Waterfall-Qazan or the Afurdzhi Falls.

Waterfall in Guba | Shutterstock

Evening

Return to Baku. Spend your last evening exploring the city or relaxing at a spa. Do not forget to buy some souvenirs.

Black tea at Baku | Shutterstock

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