Arrive at your hotel in Baku, check in and relax after travel. Standard hotel check-in is usually 2:00pm but you noted an evening arrival; confirm late check-in with the hotel.
Stroll the Seaside Boulevard to see the illuminated Flame Towers and city skyline; an easy first-evening introduction to Baku. The boulevard is open day and night; best at sunset and after dark.
Traditional Azerbaijani dishes in a central spot — good for first-night local cuisine and atmosphere. Popular and convenient; check latest opening hours (usually open late).
Start with a sizeable breakfast at your hotel or a central café (boulangerie-style) to fuel a full day of sightseeing. Many cafés open by 8:00am; verify the café’s weekday hours.
Explore Baku’s UNESCO-listed Old City with winding alleys, the 12th-century Maiden Tower and the Shirvanshah’s Palace for history and architecture. Major monuments typically open ~10:00–18:00 (seasonal); check exact hours and ticketing.
See centuries of Azerbaijani carpets and textile art in a striking riverside building — excellent context for local crafts. Typical opening hours ~10:00–18:00; allow at least an hour.
Enjoy a relaxed lunch of local specialties (dolma, kebabs, pilaf) in a well-regarded Old City restaurant; great spot to sample regional flavors. Restaurants are usually open midday; reservations recommended for weekends.
Visit this modern architectural landmark for exhibitions and striking interiors — a contrast to the Old City. Typical opening hours ~10:00–19:00; check exhibit times and possible closures.
Stroll Baku’s main pedestrian shopping street and the lively Fountain Square for shops, cafés and local life. Most shops open until evening; a leisurely late-afternoon walk.
Dinner with views of the Flame Towers and contemporary menu; ideal for a more upscale local meal. Typically open for dinner; reservations recommended, and check closing time.
Enjoy live traditional mugham music or a local jazz bar for a cultural nightcap. Venues usually start later in the evening; confirm schedules and booking.
Hot breakfast and finalize packing; confirm your driver/transfer for the northwest journey. Typical hotel check-out is around noon — if departing early, arrange express check-out or luggage hold.
Have a relaxed lunch either at a roadside restaurant en route or at a café in Gabala; sample regional trout if available. Opening times vary; most places serve lunch midday.
Arrive and check in to your Gabala accommodation; standard check-in around 2:00–3:00pm but you specified an afternoon check-in. Use the afternoon to settle and plan local activities.
Relax at scenic Nohur Lake for an easy walk, photos and views of surrounding hills. The lake area is open daylight hours and ideal in late afternoon for calm water and good light.
Gabala is known for mountain trout and grilled dishes; choose a central restaurant in town or hotel dining. Check restaurant hours; many are open through the evening.
Early breakfast and check out — you noted check-out on the morning of Oct 8. Confirm luggage handling if your Sheki hotel check-in is in the afternoon.
If the cable car / mountain resort is operating in autumn, take a morning ride for mountain views; typical operating hours vary seasonally (often ~10:00–17:00 in shoulder seasons). Verify operation status ahead of time.
Visit the ancient Kiş church and village for early Christian archaeology and quiet rural views; site typically open during daytime but verify local hours. A nice cultural stop before Sheki.
Lunch at a traditional Sheki restaurant; Sheki is famous for piti (lamb stew) and sweets. Restaurants are open midday; reserve if you have limited time.
Visit the beautifully painted palace with stained-glass windows and intricate woodwork — one of Sheki’s highlights. Typical visiting hours ~9:00–18:00; confirm seasonal times.
Wander the bazaar streets, watch artisans and sample Sheki halva — a local specialty to buy as a souvenir. Markets usually operate through late afternoon; hours vary.
Dine inside or near the restored caravanserai for atmosphere and regional dishes; ideal for an evening of traditional ambiance. Confirm closing times with the restaurant.
Check back into your Baku hotel and rest after the drive; standard check-in times are typically mid-afternoon. Use this time to refresh before evening activities.
Head to Upland Park for panoramic views of the Caspian and Flame Towers, and a contemplative stroll along Martyrs’ Lane. These outdoor sites are accessible in late afternoon; open public spaces.
Choose a refined dinner in central Baku — a nice final-night restaurant for contemporary Azerbaijani cuisine or international options. Dinner times typically 6:30–11:00pm; reservation advised.
Have a leisurely breakfast and finish packing. Confirm your airport transfer time with the hotel (airport is ~30–45 minutes from central Baku depending on traffic).
Use the morning for souvenirs at Taza Bazaar or a short museum visit (if you missed anything earlier). Check museum opening times (often ~10:00–18:00).
A final lunch in central Baku near Fountain Square to enjoy local flavors before departure. Allow time to settle the bill and retrieve luggage from the hotel.
Check out and depart for Heydar Aliyev International Airport. For afternoon international flights, leave hotel at least 3 hours before departure (adjust based on your flight time and traffic).