Culture & History of Azerbaijan | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Culture & History of Azerbaijan

PRIVATE TOUR - 11 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 4320

Private Tour Highlights

  • Witness one of the world's most famous buildings, the masterpiece of Zaha Hadid, which has been recognized an architectural landmark of the modern Baku.
  • Explore the Khinalig Village and experience the customs and lifestyle of the local people who have lived here over 2,000 years.
  • Visit the Gobustan Reserve, an open-air archaeological museum where visitors can observe the caves and petroglyphs of the Neolithic period.
  • Tour the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku to take in its uniquely modern architecture contrasting with the old town and visit the National History Museum.
  • Learn how Azerbaijan earned its name, The Land of Fire by exploring the Fire Worshippers Temple - Ateshgah.
  • Stop by artisans' stalls with fine crafts such as stained glass known as Shebeke, silk and embroidery shops, potters, confectioners, hatters and numerous souvenir shops.
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Experience the Culture & History of Azerbaijan through its unique and historical architecture, ancient religious sites, and the warm hospitality of its locals.

Beginning in the capital of Azerbaijan, visitors will land in Baku City before venturing to the Crafts capital of Azerbaijan, Sheki. Here, travelers will wander through vibrant artisans’ stalls with fine crafts such as stained glass, silk and embroidery shops before taking in the beauty of nearby ancient mosques and mausoleums.

Moving onto the village of Kish, the tour continues with in-depth classes to learn the secrets of making real halvah, a popular, sweet confection of the region. While in Kish, explorers will visit ornate churches and enjoy breathtaking views from the fortress Sumukh Gala on the way to the western part of Azerbaijan.

Once in the city of Ganja, step back in time to the Mausoleum of Nizami Ganjavi, the greatest romantic epic poet in Persian literature. Before returning to Baku, explore the village of Khinalig and experience the customs and lifestyle of the local people who have lived here for over 2,000 years.

Inclusions
Price includes domestic and regional flights within the itinerary; all hotel accommodations including daily continental or buffet breakfast and daily city tax; all transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling; guided tours in English including entrance fees.
Exclusions

International airfare (unless specifically included), airport departure taxes that must be paid on-site, gratuities, meals not mentioned, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages with meals, early / late check-out, room service, visa fees/services and other personal items or services not mentioned.

Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 4320

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

Flight to Azerbaijan

Overnight International Flight to the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku.

Overnight International Flight to the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku.

Day
2

Welcome to Baku

Upon arrival to Baku, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Visitors can choose to rest or explore the vibrant city and its unique architecture and enjoy the Caspian breeze while strolling along the Seaside Boulevard.

Upon arrival to Baku, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Visitors can choose to rest or explore the vibrant city and its unique architecture and enjoy the Caspian breeze while strolling along the Seaside Boulevard.

Day
3

Diri Baba Mausoleum & Sheki Sightseeing Tour

Today, you will depart to Sheki (320 km/200 miles, approx. 5 hours). On the way, you will visit the Diri Baba Mausoleum in Maraza Village. In Shamakhi, visit the Seven Domes - Shirvanshah Dynasty Mausoleum (XVIII c.) and the ancient Juma Mosque (VIII c.).

After taking your lunch, you will proceed on the Sheki sightseeing tour where you will visit the city fortress, the Sheki Khan Palace (XVIII c.) and the local Caravanserai. Next, stop by artisans' stalls with fine crafts such as stained glass known as Shebeke, silk and embroidery shops, potters, confectioners, hatters and numerous souvenir shops. Overnight in Sheki.
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Day
4

Kish Village Sightseeing Tour & Halva Workshop

Today, you will visit the village of Kish and observe the ancient template (V c.), called "the mother of churches". Then, you will experience Sheki Halva Workshop.
There are different types of Pakhlava. One of them is Sheki halva. The secrets of making real halvah are known only to those who makes halvah as a family business. In Sheki there are several well-known hereditary "halvachy" - as halvah masters are called here. Sheki halva is produced from rice flour. This dough is then poured through a copper funnel into copper baking sheets. 10-12 layers are made and placed on top of one another. Finally, a syrup is prepared from granulated sugar and evenly distributed.

Afterwards, continue your trip to Gakh, where you will see an old church Kurmuk, located on a cliff. Today, ethnical minorities known as ingiloy and tsakhur reside in Gakh who are majorly Christian. While in Gakh, you will visit the Orthodox church of St. George (XIX c.) in the city center. Then, continue to Ilisu village and enjoy the view from the fortress Sumukh gala, a three-storied square building. This is a perfect example of defensive towers of the XVII c., when Ilisu was an independent sultanate. Then go back to Sheki for overnight.
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Day
5

Transfer to Ganja with Sightseeing Tour

Today, you will leave Sheki and depart to the Western part of Azerbaijan, Ganja city (145 km/90 miles, approx. 2.5 hours). Upon arrival to Ganja, you will proceed to your hotel. After lunch, start the sightseeing tour where you will visit the Main Square of the city, the mosque of Shah Abbas (XVII c.), Chokek Hamam (bath house) and Javad Khan's Mausoleum. You will also visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (XIX c.), and the famous Bottle House. Overnight in Ganja.

Today, you will leave Sheki and depart to the Western part of Azerbaijan, Ganja city (145 km/90 miles, approx. 2.5 hours). Upon arrival to Ganja, you will proceed to your hotel. After lunch, start the sightseeing tour where you will visit the Main Square of the city, the mosque of Shah Abbas (XVII c.), Chokek Hamam (bath house) and Javad Khan's Mausoleum. You will also visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (XIX c.), and the famous Bottle House. Overnight in Ganja.

Day
6

Gobustan Reserve & Baku Museum Tour

This morning, you will depart to Baku (365 km/227 miles, approx. 5.5 hours). On the way, visit the Mausoleum of Nizami Ganjavi, the Great Azerbaijani poet of the 12th century. After lunch time, visit the Gobustan Reserve, an open-air archaeological museum where visitors can observe the caves and petroglyphs of the Neolithic period (Stone Age). Then, proceed to Baku for overnight.

This morning, you will depart to Baku (365 km/227 miles, approx. 5.5 hours). On the way, visit the Mausoleum of Nizami Ganjavi, the Great Azerbaijani poet of the 12th century. After lunch time, visit the Gobustan Reserve, an open-air archaeological museum where visitors can observe the caves and petroglyphs of the Neolithic period (Stone Age). Then, proceed to Baku for overnight.

Day
7

Baku City & National History Museum Tour

Today, you will visit the Memory Alley where you will enjoy the panoramic view of the Baku Bay from the mountainous park. You will also visit the National History Museum, the former house of the oil baron, Z. Tagiyey. Acquaintance with the city architecture of XIX-XX cc, Nizami Street and Fountain square. After lunch, enjoy a walking tour in the Old City (UNESCO heritage) and see The Maiden Tower (XII c.), Shirvanshahs Palace (XV c.), medieval Caravanserai, Hamams (bathhouse), and visit the market square, carpet shops, art studios and souvenir stalls. Enjoy an overnight in Baku. ...read less

Day
8

Transfer to Quba with Visit to Chukhur Hammam & Khinalig Village Sightseeing Tour

Today, depart to Khinalig village (54 km from Quba/34 miles, 3.5 hours), which is located at 2,200 m over sea level. Enjoy the view from the Passover of the Greater Caucasus. Explore the village and experience the customs and lifestyle of the local people who have lived here for over 2,000 years. After lunch, proceed to Baku for overnight.

Today, depart to Khinalig village (54 km from Quba/34 miles, 3.5 hours), which is located at 2,200 m over sea level. Enjoy the view from the Passover of the Greater Caucasus. Explore the village and experience the customs and lifestyle of the local people who have lived here for over 2,000 years. After lunch, proceed to Baku for overnight.

Day
9

Baku Cultural Center Tour

Today, you will visit the Cultural center named after H. Aliyey. Recognized as one of the world's most famous buildings, the masterpiece of Zaha Hadid has become an architectural landmark of the modern Baku. After lunch, you will visit the "National Carpet Museum" followed by a boat tour (subject to weather).

Today, you will visit the Cultural center named after H. Aliyey. Recognized as one of the world's most famous buildings, the masterpiece of Zaha Hadid has become an architectural landmark of the modern Baku. After lunch, you will visit the "National Carpet Museum" followed by a boat tour (subject to weather).

Day
10

Absheron Peninsula Tour

This morning, you will depart to Absheron Peninsula (40 km from Baku/25 miles, approx. 2.5 hours): Admire the flaming mountain - Yanardag, where natural gas comes to the surface of the ground and has been burning since ancient times. For the next stop, you will explore the Fire Worshippers Temple - Ateshgah. Until the late XIX century, it was the Zoroastrian pilgrimage place. After lunch, you will visit the Gala Ethnographic Museum & Mardakan Castle and take a walk at the Seaside Boulevard. Overnight in Baku.

This morning, you will depart to Absheron Peninsula (40 km from Baku/25 miles, approx. 2.5 hours): Admire the flaming mountain - Yanardag, where natural gas comes to the surface of the ground and has been burning since ancient times. For the next stop, you will explore the Fire Worshippers Temple - Ateshgah. Until the late XIX century, it was the Zoroastrian pilgrimage place. After lunch, you will visit the Gala Ethnographic Museum & Mardakan Castle and take a walk at the Seaside Boulevard. Overnight in Baku.

Day
11

International Flight Home

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight home.

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Baku, Azerbaijan

Sheki, Azerbaijan

Ganja, Azerbaijan

Quba, Azerbaijan

Places You'll See

  • Baku

    Located 28 meters below sea level, the Capital of Azerbaijan is the world’s lowest-lying national capital city. From the towering iconic Flame Towers to the seemingly warped Heydar Aliyev Center, the ever-changing contemporary architecture of Baku is what truly makes the city stand out from others in the region as it contrasts with the medieval UNESCO-listed Old City. Visitors can explore the vibrant city streets adorned with cafes, boutiques, and bazaars before enjoying the Caspian breeze while strolling along the Seaside Boulevard.

  • Sheki

    Referred to as the Crafts capital of Azerbaijan, Sheki was once an important stop on the legendary Silk Road where quaint craft shops, welcoming caravanserais, and vibrant sweet shops now line the cobblestone streets. Visitors will take in the spirit of the old Caucasian trading center while enjoying culinary masterclasses and admiring the local’s authentic craftsmanship.

  • Ganja

    An ancient city proudly bearing the traces of the kingdoms and empires that ruled over it through the ages, Ganja is brimming with history yet boasts a fun, youthful energy. Travelers can walk through history, visiting the numerous religious and historic sites throughout the city while getting a taste of the region through Ganja’s unique cuisine including Kvas, a popular beverage made from fermenting bread.

  • Quba

    A gateway into the majestic Caucasus Mountains, Quba is in north-eastern Azerbaijan and is a great destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers with its many hiking and ecotourism opportunities available. Visitors can discover traditional culinary secrets from the local families while observing the creation of famous handicrafts including weaving of the finest carpets in the Caucasus.

Hotel Options

4 Star Properties

Baku : Winter Park

Sheki : Markhal Hotel

Ganja : Ramada Plaza Ganja Hotel

Quba : Palace Hotel

Testimonials

Gary W.

Traveled June 2018

a great curation of activities

They chose amazing hotels, energetic enthusiastic tour guides, and a great curation of activities in Peru

Traveled To

Elena A.

Traveled September 2019

Look no further, go with YAMPU TOURS

Look no further, go with YAMPU TOURS. I’ve worked with Karolina at Yampu Tours several times on trips to South America and Africa and every time the experience has been excellent. Karolina is a delight to work with! She recently helped me with an amazing 17 day trip to Africa and ensured every detail I wanted to be part of the trip was accounted for. Karolina is detailed, prompt, she listens to her clients; her main focus is to ensure your travels are memorable. I recommend YAMPU 150% ! Give them a call.

Traveled To

B+T

Traveled July, 2014

Our trip was fantastic!

Our trip was fantastic! We were met us at the airport in Saigon when we arrived and shuttled to the Hotel, the guide got us settled in and arranged the schedule with us for the next day. Each day we knew in advance what was planned and had enough time to relax too. Both guides (in the South and Central Regions) were very good. We also had a private driver in our van which was constantly stocked with cold bottled water and moist wipes for cooling off after every activity. In general the Hotels were all excellent and a couple were even better (Hoi-An and Victoria Chau-Doc). Both guides were flexible to our needs and very personable and accommodating. We had ample food and it was all great. On a couple of occasions the Guide in the Central Region even made adjustments to our Menu to make certain that we got better items (which we appreciated). We got Heavy rain on one day only and that was the day that we were driving back to Saigon from the Mekong delta, so we were safely ensconced in the Van. We saw a lot in our time there but we really have no complaints at all. The guides in country were excellent in keeping us on schedule without making us feel hurried. In Saigon the last night we even arranged for an extension of the Hotel room (for half a day) and a show that started at 8PM that evening. The guide arranged to pick our luggage up for us at the hotel and then come pick us up after the show at the Opera House and get us to the Airport in time for our flight back to Tokyo. If we go back again we will certainly be happy to use you again.

Traveled To

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