MEALS INCLUDED:

Arrival in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The guide will welcome the tourists with the “---------” logo. Transfer to the hotel.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

After a short rest, a city tour of Baku will be organized. Visit the Martyrs’ Cemetery, located on the highest slopes of the western end of the city, offering the best views of Baku and the Bay.

Proceed to the historic center of Baku, the old town “Icheri Sheher”, where you will see its main highlights, including the Shirvanshah Palace (the most remarkable example of medieval palace structures in Azerbaijan, dating from the mid-15th century), the Maiden Tower (an eight-story ancient fortress originally built as a fire beacon), Juma Mosque, and antique and carpet shops.

Next, visit the main sites of the Absheron Peninsula: Ateshgah, the Fire Temple located in the village of Surakhany, built on land where natural gas burned eternally. Zoroastrian believers from Multan in India came here to worship. It is believed that these ancient fires gave Azerbaijan its name, which some researchers interpret as “Land of Fire.”

Then, visit Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain). In Azeri, “Yanar” means “burning” and “Dagh” means “mountain.” This is literally a burning mountain, not metaphorically.

The day concludes with a visit to the ancient Yashil Bazaar, famous for its colorful fruits, vegetables, and especially dried fruits. Return to the hotel.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

After breakfast, visit the Gobustan Reserve, an open-air museum filled with Neolithic rock carvings. Located just 65 km south of Baku, Gobustan contains about 6,000 inscriptions dating back up to 12,000 years (including a 2,000-year-old Latin graffiti). The well-preserved carvings depict ancient communities traveling in reed boats, men hunting antelopes and wild bulls, and women dancing.

Next, visit a unique site where 300 of the world’s 700 mud volcanoes are located in Gobustan, Azerbaijan, and the Caspian Sea region. In 2001, a mud volcano 15 km from Baku made headlines when it suddenly erupted with 15-meter flames.

Continue with a visit to Bibi-Heybat Mosque, followed by a city sightseeing tour, and then the Carpet Museum. Visit the Heydar Aliyev Center, a cultural center that includes an auditorium, museum, exhibition halls, and administrative offices, designed by the renowned British architect Zaha Hadid.

Return to the hotel.

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

After breakfast, transfer to the airport. End of our services.