Waquar Habib
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.
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.
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.
Wander through the narrow streets of the Old City. Enjoy dinner at a traditional Azerbaijani restaurant where you can find Plov or Dolma.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
While in Lahij, enjoy lunch and visit the Lahij Museum of Local History, which opened in 1985 within the Lahic Historical-Cultural Reserve.
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.
Head to Ganja, Azerbaijan's second-largest city. Visit the Nizami Ganjavi Mausoleum, which honours the revered 12th-century local poet.
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.
Return to Baku. Enjoy a farewell dinner in the capital. Walk around the city and reflect on your journey so far.
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.
Have lunch in Guba. Explore Guba's nature and waterfalls, like Waterfall-Qazan or the Afurdzhi Falls.
Return to Baku. Spend your last evening exploring the city or relaxing at a spa. Do not forget to buy some souvenirs.