UNESCO Azerbaijan Experience – 6 Days

Day 1 – Arrival in Baku

Arrival at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. Meet and greet with your representative and transfer to your hotel.

After check-in, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 2 – Baku City Tour & Old City Experience

Discover Baku, where modern architecture blends seamlessly with centuries of history.

Start with panoramic views from Highland Park, overlooking the Caspian Sea and the iconic Flame Towers. Continue to the Heydar Aliyev Center, a masterpiece of modern architecture designed by Zaha Hadid.

Enjoy a carefully selected gastronomic lunch before entering the Old City, where guests will be introduced to traditional Azerbaijani cuisine, including dolma, a dish recognized as part of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Explore the UNESCO-listed Old City (Icherisheher), including the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Walk through its historic streets filled with mosques, caravanserais, and artisan shops.

During your time in the Old City, enjoy a traditional samovar tea table featuring local sweets such as pakhlava and homemade jams. The tea is prepared in a traditional style, often infused with local herbs and spices such as thyme and cloves, creating a rich and aromatic flavor.

Continue along Baku Boulevard and visit the Carpet Museum, where guests will be introduced to the Azerbaijani carpet weaving tradition, recognized as part of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. During the visit, observe the intricate craftsmanship and, when available, a live demonstration of traditional weaving techniques.

In the evening, enjoy a special dinner at the Shirvanshah Museum Restaurant, where traditional Azerbaijani cuisine is presented in a refined setting.

The evening is accompanied by a live performance of traditional Azerbaijani mugham music, inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Guests will experience authentic sounds performed with traditional instruments such as tar and kamancha, also recognized within Azerbaijan’s musical heritage, along with traditional percussion instruments.

Day 3 – Gobustan & Absheron Heritage Experience

Begin the day with a visit to the unique mud volcanoes, one of Azerbaijan’s most remarkable natural phenomena, where guests can experience this unusual landscape up close.

Continue to Gobustan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient rock carvings dating back thousands of years. Explore the petroglyphs that reflect early human life and beliefs.

On the way back, visit the historic Bibi-Heybat Mosque, followed by a stop at the First Oil Well, marking the beginning of the world’s industrial oil production.

Enjoy a lunch featuring fresh fish dishes from the Caspian region, offering a unique taste of Azerbaijan’s coastal culinary traditions.

In the afternoon, explore the Absheron Peninsula, including the Ateshgah Fire Temple, historically associated with fire worship and ancient trade routes.

Continue to Yanardag, the natural eternal flame that has been burning for centuries.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, where guests will observe a live demonstration of traditional Azerbaijani cooking, including the preparation of kebabs and qutab.

Day 4 – Shamakhi, Lahij & Sheki Journey

Depart from Baku in the morning (around 08:00) and travel towards the western regions of Azerbaijan.

Your first stop is Juma Mosque Shamakhi, one of the oldest mosques in the Caucasus, reflecting the country’s deep historical and spiritual heritage.

Continue to Lahij, a historic mountain village renowned for its traditional copper craftsmanship. Walk through its stone-paved streets and observe local artisans at work, preserving centuries-old techniques passed down through generations. This visit offers a rare insight into one of Azerbaijan’s most authentic mountain communities, where traditional crafts and lifestyle have been preserved for centuries.

Please note: The visit to Lahij is subject to weather conditions and road accessibility.

Proceed to the Gabala region and visit Nohur Lake, a scenic spot surrounded by mountains.

Enjoy a late lunch combined with a wine tasting experience at Savalan ASPI Winery, where guests will discover local wines and regional flavors.

In the afternoon, visit Nij Village, home to the Udi people, considered descendants of ancient Caucasian Albania, offering a unique cultural insight.

Continue to Sheki in the evening.

Dinner in Sheki featuring traditional local cuisine, including the famous piti dish.

Overnight in Sheki.

Day 5 – Sheki Heritage & Return to Baku

Sheki is considered one of the most culturally rich regions of Azerbaijan, known for its unique architecture, craftsmanship, and historical significance along the Silk Road.

Begin the day with a visit to Kish Church, an ancient Albanian church reflecting the early Christian heritage of the region.

Continue to a local guesthouse for an authentic cultural experience. Guests will enjoy a traditional samovar tea table accompanied by local sweets, including the famous Sheki halva.

During the visit, observe the preparation of traditional bread in a tandoor oven, reflecting ancient culinary techniques associated with the UNESCO-recognized lavash bread tradition shared across the region.

Proceed with a Sheki city tour, including the historic center and key landmarks of one of Azerbaijan’s most charming regions.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional cuisine.

In the afternoon, depart for Baku.

Day 6 – Departure

Breakfast at the hotel.

Check-out and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Inclusions

• Accommodation in selected hotels (4* / 5*)
• All meals included with curated gastronomic experiences
• Wine tasting experience
• Cultural experiences and demonstrations (tea ceremony, bread-making, cooking demonstration)
• Professional English-speaking guide
• All transfers and transportation
• Entrance fees to all mentioned sites
• All experiences and activities as described in the program

Exclusions

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Early check-in / late check-out
• Visa (if required)