10 Days in Azerbaijan | Culture, Landscapes & Rural Life

Arrival in Baku and transfer to your hotel. The first day is kept light so everyone can rest after the journey and slowly feel the atmosphere of the city.

We start the day in Baku's Old Town (Icherisheher), walking through its narrow streets, ancient city walls, and traditional houses. It is the best place to understand how Baku grew from an important Silk Road town into the modern capital of Azerbaijan. We then visit the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum on the seaside boulevard to learn about the country's rich carpet-weaving traditions. After lunch at Fisincan Restaurant, we continue to the iconic Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by the world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The building itself reflects modern Azerbaijan and its architectural vision. Later, we drive to the Ateshgah Fire Temple, where we learn about ancient fire-worship traditions, before continuing to Yanardag, the naturally burning hillside that has fascinated travelers for centuries. Before dinner, we stop at Highland Park for panoramic views over the Caspian Sea and the Baku skyline. The day ends with dinner at La Quzu Restaurant.

South of Baku, we explore the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, where prehistoric carvings depict scenes of hunting and daily life from thousands of years ago. A short drive brings us to the Mud Volcanoes Complex, a unique and almost lunar-looking landscape. Tea and a light lunch are enjoyed outdoors. On the way back, we stop at Bibiheybat Mosque by the sea, then return to Baku for a relaxed walk along Baku Boulevard, about 3-4 km along the Caspian shore. Free time until evening. Dinner at Fisinjan restaurant.

We head north toward the Greater Caucasus Mountains. On the way, we stop at Beshbarmag Mountain Reserve for views and learn about it’s story as a sacred place. In Guba, we visit a local carpet workshop run by women. Here we see how carpets are woven by hand, learn about traditional patterns and natural dyes, and understand how this craft is passed down between generations. There is also time to visit their small shop. We also visit the Genocide Memorial Complex in Guba, an important historical site of Guba. After lunch, we continue to Laza village, surrounded by peaks rising above 3,700 meters. A short walk leads to the Twin Waterfalls. In the evening, dinner is hosted in a family guesthouse. We share traditional Lezgian ts’kan, a regional dish and spend time around the table talking about mountain life and daily traditions of the Lezgian community.

After a scenic coffee stop near Shahdag Tourism Center, we drive toward Khinalig village, one of the highest and oldest mountain settlements in Azerbaijan. Along the way, we stop at viewpoints over Gudialchay Canyon and the surrounding 4,000m peaks. In Khinalig, we walk through stone streets and visit the local ethnographic museum to better understand the Ketish people and their unique identity. Then we visit a local beekeeping family (seasonal) to learn how honey is produced under high-mountain conditions and how it supports village families. Later, we continue to Gimilgazma village. Dinner and overnight at Maajid Hotel

On the way back toward Baku, we stop at Qechresh Forest for a short walk in nature. We then visit the colorful Candy Cane Mountains in Khizi, known for their striking red and white layers. Here you will learn from the guide how these mountains formed and the history of ancient fossils. Lunch at a small cafe in the forest in Khizi district. Return to Baku and have free time before dinner. In the evening, a short live traditional music performance “mugham” (tar, kamancha and xanende) during dinner at Dolma Restaurant (an intimate introduction to Azerbaijani mugham).

We drive to Shamakhi, visiting Diri Baba Mausoleum and the Kalakhana Tombs. After lunch in a local cafe in Shamakhi, we visit the Basgal Kelaghayi Workshop, where traditional silk scarves are still produced. We will see and learn the whole process from the beginning. We then continue to Lahij, a historic mountain village known for copper craftsmanship, stone streets and more. In Lahij, we stay at Rustam’s Guesthouse, a small locally owned property built from scratch by Rustam himself. The guesthouse reflects traditional mountain architecture and offers a more personal and locally rooted stay. Dinner at the guesthouse cooked by the host.

We continue toward Gabala and stop at Nohurgol Lake for lake views and an easy walk. In Gabala, local women prepare fresh qutab in the forest, cooking it over saj in front of you. This replaces a standard restaurant lunch and gives a more authentic food moment. We then visit the old church in Nij village, known for its Caucasian Albanian heritage. In the afternoon, we visit Tufandag Mountain Resort for panoramic views of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Then we visit Savalan Winery for a guided tour and tasting. Drive to Sheki and check in at the historic Yukhari Karvansaray Hotel, a former Silk Road caravanserai. Dinner at a local restaurant. Tasting special Sheki meals

In Sheki, we visit the beautiful Sheki Khan Palace and have a tour inside the old palace. Then we take part in a private shebeke masterclass, where a local artisan explains how intricate wooden-and-glass panels are made without nails. We also visit a traditional Sheki halva workshop, where this famous dessert is prepared by hand, followed by a tasting. After lunch, we drive to Kish village to visit the ancient Kish Albanian Church and walk through the quiet village streets. After Kish, we return to Baku by bus (approx. 6 hours), stopping for dinner at a local cafe along the way

On the final morning, we visit Green Bazaar (Yashil Bazaar), where spices, dried fruits, nuts and more are sold by local vendors. It is a lively and colourful place to experience everyday trade and perhaps buy small souvenirs. Free time in Baku for participants. Depending on flight schedules, farewell dinner at a local fish house on the shore of the Caspian Sea before airport transfer.