Welcome to Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan! After checking in at your hotel, begin your nature-filled adventure by visiting the Gobustan National Park in the morning. Marvel at the ancient rock carvings and explore the unique landscapes. In the afternoon, head to the Yanardag (Burning Mountain) where natural gas has been burning for centuries. End the day with a visit to the Highland Park, offering panoramic views of the city.
Gobustan National Park: Prices and availability can be checked here. Estimated cost: Entrance fee - $10, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Yanardag (Burning Mountain): Prices and availability can be checked here. Estimated cost: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Highland Park: Prices and availability can be checked here. Estimated cost: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A great place for breakfast is The House Café, located in the heart of Baku. Enjoy their delicious eggs Benedict and freshly brewed coffee while enjoying the cozy atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about 20 AZN per person.
For lunch, try Firuzə Restoran, a popular local spot serving traditional Azerbaijani cuisine. Indulge in their mouthwatering kebabs and flavorful rice dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 25 AZN per person.
For dinner, head to Art Garden, a trendy rooftop restaurant offering stunning views of the city skyline. Savor their creative fusion dishes and indulge in their signature cocktails. Average cost for a meal is about 35 AZN per person.
Saturday, November 25: Absheron Peninsula
Explore the beautiful Absheron Peninsula starting with a visit to the flamingos at the Absheron National Park in the morning. Afterward, travel to the Bibi-Heybat Mosque, an iconic religious site. Continue your day with a visit to the stunning Gobustan State Reserve, famous for its ancient rock formations and mud volcanoes. In the evening, head to the Caspian Sea Boulevard for a relaxing stroll along the waterfront.
Absheron National Park: Prices and availability can be checked here. Estimated cost: Entrance fee - $10, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Bibi-Heybat Mosque: Prices and availability can be checked here. Estimated cost: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Gobustan State Reserve: Prices and availability can be checked here. Estimated cost: Entrance fee - $10, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Caspian Sea Boulevard: Prices and availability can be checked here. Estimated cost: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Sunday, November 26: Absheron Nature Reserve
Embark on a nature-filled day in the Absheron Nature Reserve. Begin your morning with a visit to the Masazir Lake, a haven for birdwatchers. Take a scenic drive to the Yanar Dag Nature Reserve, known for its perpetual flames fueled by natural gas. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque landscapes of the Gala State Historical Ethnographic Reserve. End the day with a peaceful walk along the shores of the Caspian Sea.
Masazir Lake: Prices and availability can be checked here. Estimated cost: Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Yanar Dag Nature Reserve: Prices and availability can be checked here. Estimated cost: Entrance fee - $5, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Gala State Historical Ethnographic Reserve: Prices and availability can be checked here. Estimated cost: Entrance fee - $10, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Caspian Sea: Prices and availability can be checked here. Estimated cost: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Monday, November 27: Baku Botanical Garden
Spend the morning immersing yourself in the beauty of nature at the Baku Botanical Garden. Explore the diverse collection of plants and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the peaceful gardens. In the afternoon, visit the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum to learn about the country's rich carpet weaving tradition. End the day with a visit to the vibrant Nizami Street, filled with shops, cafes, and cultural landmarks.
Baku Botanical Garden: Prices and availability can be checked here. Estimated cost: Entrance fee - $5, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Azerbaijan Carpet Museum: Prices and availability can be checked here. Estimated cost: Entrance fee - $8, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Nizami Street: Prices and availability can be checked here. Estimated cost: Varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Tuesday, November 28: Gobustan and Mud Volcanoes
Embark on a full-day adventure to Gobustan and the Mud Volcanoes. Begin your day by exploring Gobustan's UNESCO-listed rock art, showcasing prehistoric life. Then, venture to the nearby mud volcanoes, a unique geological phenomenon. Enjoy the natural mud baths and witness the bubbling mud eruptions. In the evening, return to Baku and relax at a local spa, indulging in therapeutic treatments.
Gobustan Rock Art and Mud Volcanoes: Prices and availability can be checked here. Estimated cost: Entrance fee - $10, Time spent - 4-5 hours
Local Spa: Prices and availability can be checked here. Estimated cost: Varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Wednesday, November 29: Ateshgah Fire Temple and Yanardag
Discover the spiritual side of Baku with a visit to the Ateshgah Fire Temple in the Surakhani neighborhood. Learn about the Zoroastrian heritage and witness the mystical natural gas fires. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Yanardag (Burning Mountain) once again to experience its fiery beauty during the daylight. End the day with a culinary journey, savoring local Azerbaijani dishes at traditional restaurants.
Ateshgah Fire Temple: Prices and availability can be checked here. Estimated cost: Entrance fee - $5, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Yanardag (Burning Mountain): Prices and availability can be checked here. Estimated cost: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Azerbaijani Restaurants: Prices and availability can be checked here. Estimated cost: Varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Thursday, November 30: Absheron and Gobustan
On your final day, explore more of Absheron and Gobustan. Start with a visit to the beautiful Mardakan Tower, an ancient defensive structure. Then, head to the Azeri Automobile Museum to see a collection of vintage cars. In the afternoon, return to Gobustan to explore any remaining sites or revisit the rock art. End your trip with a farewell dinner at a traditional Azerbaijani restaurant.
Mardakan Tower: Prices and availability can be checked here. Estimated cost: Entrance fee - $5, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Azeri Automobile Museum: Prices and availability can be checked here. Estimated cost: Entrance fee - $7, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Gobustan Rock Art: Prices and availability can be checked here. Estimated cost: Entrance fee - $