11-Day Comprehensive Baku and Azerbaijan Itinerary: Culture, History, and Nature

Day 1: Baku Old City

Baku, Azerbaijan on July 7, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Emirates Coffee House

Enjoy a traditional Azerbaijani breakfast with tea and pastries in a cosy cafe near Fountain Square to energise your day.
AZN10, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Icherisheher (Old City)

Walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Old City with highlights such as Maiden Tower, Shirvanshah's Palace, and ancient mosques, absorbing the rich history.
AZN15, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Mugam Club

Dine on traditional Azerbaijani cuisine with live mugham music to immerse yourself in local culture.
AZN30, 1h30m

3:45pm

Visit the Carpet Museum

Explore Azerbaijan’s famous carpet weaving traditions in this architecturally impressive museum on the seafront.
AZN12, 1h30m

5:30pm

Stroll along Baku Boulevard

Enjoy a relaxing walk along the Caspian Sea promenade with views of the city skyline and seaside attractions.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Chinar

Savour modern Azerbaijani and Caucasian fusion dishes in an elegant setting with views of the Flame Towers.
AZN50, 1h30m
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Day 2: Modern Baku & Flame Towers

Baku, Azerbaijan on July 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Paul Bakery

Start with French-style pastries and coffee at this popular bakery in Baku.
AZN15, 1h0m

9:45am

Visit the Palace of the Shirvanshahs

Explore this 15th-century palace complex within the Old City for historical architecture and exhibitions.
AZN15, 1h30m

11:30am

Tour Flame Towers & Observation Deck

Visit the iconic Flame Towers; the observation deck offers panoramic views across Baku.
AZN20, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nargiz Restaurant

Enjoy local dishes such as kebabs and plov in a traditional atmosphere near Fountain Square.
AZN25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Heydar Aliyev Center

Admire the futuristic architecture by Zaha Hadid and visit the cultural centre’s exhibitions.
AZN18, 1h30m

4:15pm

Visit Upland Park

Relax at this park offering fantastic views over the city and the Caspian Sea.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Scalini Italian Restaurant

Have an Italian dinner with excellent wines, a change of pace from local cuisine.
AZN45, 1h30m
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Day 3: Absheron Peninsula

Baku, Azerbaijan on July 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Local Cafe

Fuel up with hearty local food like eggs and bread before setting out on the peninsula tour.
AZN10, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Ateshgah Fire Temple

Explore the ancient Zoroastrian fire temple and learn about fire worship traditions.
AZN8, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain)

Witness a natural gas fire that blazes continuously on a hillside, a unique natural phenomenon.
AZN4, 0h45m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sahil Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and Azerbaijani dishes right on the coast.
AZN35, 1h15m

2:00pm

Visit Yanardag Museum

Discover the history and culture related to Azerbaijan’s natural gas resources.
AZN10, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Baku and Rest

Relax back at your hotel to prepare for an evening stroll.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Firuze Restaurant

Delight in traditional Azerbaijani food with lively music and local hospitality.
AZN40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Gobustan & Mud Volcanoes

Gobustan, Azerbaijan on July 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick breakfast before the day trip to Gobustan National Park.
Included in accommodation, 0h30m

8:30am

Travel to Gobustan National Park

Journey approximately 1 hour from Baku to visit the prehistoric rock art site and mud volcanoes.
Transport AZN50, 1h0m

9:45am

Explore Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape

See ancient petroglyphs dating back 40,000 years, and learn about prehistoric human life.
AZN15, 2h0m

12:00pm

Visit Mud Volcanoes

Experience the bubbling mud volcanoes, a rare natural phenomenon unique to this region.
Included with Gobustan tour, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Local Eatery in Gobustan

Enjoy local dishes like kebabs and fresh bread with a rustic atmosphere.
AZN20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Baku

Rest during the journey back to Baku for some free time in the evening.
Included in transport, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nakhchivan Restaurant

Dine on specialties from the Nakhchivan region in a friendly setting.
AZN35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Sheki Culture

Sheki, Azerbaijan on July 11, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast and Departure from Baku

Set off on a scenic 4-hour drive northwest to Sheki, known for its rich cultural heritage.
Transport AZN100, 4h0m

11:30am

Visit Sheki Khan's Palace

Explore exquisite 18th-century frescoes, stained glasswork, and traditional architecture.
AZN12, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Sheki Caravanserai

Eat authentic Azerbaijani cuisine in a historical merchant’s inn setting.
AZN25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Local Handicrafts Workshops

Visit workshops making silk and local crafts; perfect for buying souvenirs.
Free entry, purchases optional, 1h0m

4:00pm

Walk Around Sheki Town

Stroll the charming streets with cobbled alleys and historic houses.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Khan Sheki Hotel Restaurant

Relish local delicacies and mountain views in a peaceful setting.
AZN35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Lahij Village

Lahij, Azerbaijan on July 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before the day's trip to Lahij village.
Included in accommodation, 0h30m

9:30am

Travel to Lahij Village

Drive approximately 1.5 hours to this ancient cobbled mountain village famous for handicrafts.
Transport AZN30, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Lahij Village Workshops and Streets

Discover copper and carpet workshops and enjoy the authentic atmosphere of the village.
Free, workshop visits may have fees, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Lahij Guesthouse

Taste traditional mountain food made by local families.
AZN20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Short Mountain Hike Around Lahij

Take a scenic hike to appreciate the surrounding Caucasus mountains.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Return to Sheki

Relax on the drive back to Sheki for the evening.
Included in transport, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Yukhari Park Restaurant

Enjoy dinner with a view of the park and local delicacies.
AZN35, 1h30m
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Day 7: Gabala Outdoor

Gabala, Azerbaijan on July 13, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast and Travel to Gabala

Depart early for Gabala, a 2-hour scenic drive known for nature and outdoor activities.
Transport AZN60, 2h0m

9:30am

Visit Gabala Shooting Club & Mini Golf

Try fun outdoor activities including mini golf and shooting sports.
AZN20, 1h30m

11:15am

Cable Car to Tufandag Mountain Resort

Enjoy breath-taking views and fresh mountain air on the cable car ride.
AZN25, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Tufandag Mountain Restaurant

Have a relaxed meal with panoramic views of the Caucasus mountains.
AZN30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Nohur Lake

Relax by this beautiful lake near Gabala, ideal for a quiet afternoon.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Check into Hotel in Gabala

Rest and refresh for the evening activities.
Hotel AZN70 (approx.), 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gabala Food Tasting Place

Savour local dishes with an emphasis on fresh produce and mountain herbs.
AZN35, 1h30m
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Day 8: Ganja Historical

Ganja, Azerbaijan on July 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a country-style breakfast before departure.
Included in accommodation, 0h45m

9:00am

Travel to Ganja

Drive approximately 3 hours southwest to the second largest city in Azerbaijan.
Transport AZN80, 3h0m

12:00pm

Visit Nizami Ganjavi Mausoleum

Explore the memorial dedicated to Azerbaijan's famous poet and enjoy surrounding gardens.
Free, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Sovetskiy Restaurant

Sample traditional Ganja dishes in a local setting.
AZN30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Tour Javad Khan Street & Bottle House

Walk this charming street and visit the Bottle House, a unique architectural attraction.
AZN5, 1h0m

5:00pm

Check into Hotel in Ganja

Relax before dinner.
Hotel AZN60 (approx.), 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tənha Restaurant

Experience modern Azerbaijani cuisine with a touch of elegance.
AZN40, 1h30m
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Day 9: Shamakhi Wine & History

Shamakhi, Azerbaijan on July 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast included before the trip to Shamakhi, the historic wine region.
Included in accommodation, 0h30m

8:30am

Travel to Shamakhi

Drive roughly 2 hours from Ganja to historic Shamakhi known for its wineries and landmarks.
Transport AZN50, 2h0m

10:30am

Visit Djuma Mosque

Explore this beautiful 8th-century mosque, one of Azerbaijan's oldest religious sites.
Free, 1h0m

11:45am

Tour Shamakhi Wine Factory

Discover Azerbaijani wine production and enjoy tastings of regional wines.
AZN25 including tastings, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Local Winery Restaurant

Dine on fresh produce paired with local wines right at the vineyard.
AZN30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum

Explore the tombs of the Shirvan rulers set in scenic surroundings.
AZN5, 0h45m

4:00pm

Return to Ganja

Drive back in the late afternoon and rest.
Included in transport, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Selected Restaurant in Ganja

Enjoy another fine meal sampling local cuisine in Ganja.
AZN40, 1h30m
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Day 10: Return to Baku Leisure

Baku, Azerbaijan on July 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

A refreshing breakfast before the return drive to Baku.
Included in accommodation, 0h30m

9:00am

Travel to Baku

Drive approximately 4 hours back to Azerbaijan’s capital for your final exploration day.
Transport AZN100, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Sahil Bar & Grill

Enjoy a leisurely seaside lunch featuring a variety of grills and seafood.
AZN40, 1h15m

3:30pm

Shopping at Nizami Street

Browse boutiques, souvenir shops, and cafes in Baku’s main shopping street.
Free entry, shopping costs vary, 2h0m

6:00pm

Relax at Hotel or Visit a Local Hammam

Unwind with a traditional Azerbaijani bathhouse experience or relax at your hotel.
Hammam AZN30, 1h30m

8:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Sumakh Restaurant

Celebrate your last night with a sumptuous Azerbaijani meal in an atmospheric setting.
AZN55, 1h45m
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Day 11: Departure Day

Baku, Azerbaijan on July 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Final breakfast at the hotel to prepare for your departure.
Included in accommodation, 0h45m

9:00am

Transfer to Heydar Aliyev International Airport

Head to the airport for your onward flight, reflecting on a memorable Azerbaijan journey.
Taxi AZN30, 0h45m
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