7-Day Adventure on a Shoestring Budget in Baku, Gabala, Shahdag

Day 1: Exploring Baku

Baku, Azerbaijan

8:00AM

Visit Old City (Icherisheher)

Start your day by wandering through the narrow streets of Baku's old town, exploring ancient mosques, palaces, and the iconic Maiden Tower.
The Old City is easily walkable, and you can explore it on foot.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Have Traditional Azerbaijani Breakfast at a Local Cafe

Indulge in delicious Azerbaijani breakfast specialties like qutab (stuffed pancakes) and tea.
I suggest trying a cafe in the Old City to get an authentic experience.
AZN 10, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Heydar Aliyev Center

Head to this architectural masterpiece designed by Zaha Hadid which houses exhibitions on Azerbaijani culture and history.
Take a bus or taxi to Heydar Aliyev Center.
AZN 5, 2 hours

4:00PM

Stroll along the Baku Boulevard

Relax by the Caspian Sea, enjoy beautiful views, and maybe grab a snack from one of the seaside cafes.
The Boulevard is easily accessible on foot from Heydar Aliyev Center.
AZN 5 for snacks, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

End the day with dinner at a local eatery, trying dishes like plov (rice pilaf) or kebabs.
Explore the restaurants in the city center for budget-friendly options.
AZN 15, 1 hour
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Day 2: More of Baku

Baku, Azerbaijan

9:00AM

Visit the Flame Towers

Marvel at the iconic Flame Towers, a trio of skyscrapers that dominate Baku's skyline.
Take a bus or taxi to Flame Towers.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Taza Pir Mosque

Visit this beautiful mosque and learn about Islamic architecture.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Taza Pir Mosque.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Market

Head to a local market to try traditional Azerbaijani street food like Dushbere (dumplings) or Shekerbura (pastry filled with nuts).
Find a market in the city center for a budget-friendly meal.
AZN 8, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Gobustan National Park

Take a bus to Gobustan and see ancient rock art, mud volcanoes, and unique landscapes.
You can join a group tour or take a public bus to Gobustan.
AZN 15 for entry, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy dinner at a local Azerbaijani restaurant, trying dishes like dolma (stuffed grape leaves) or lavash (flatbread).
Look for a cozy restaurant with traditional Azerbaijani cuisine.
AZN 20, 1 hour
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Day 3: Adventures in Gabala

Gabala, Azerbaijan

9:00AM

Visit Tufandag Mountain Resort

Experience outdoor activities like skiing, zip-lining, and hiking at this mountain resort.
Take a shared taxi to Tufandag Mountain Resort.
AZN 20 for activities, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Cafe

Grab a quick lunch at a local cafe in Gabala, trying kebabs or grilled vegetables.
There are many small cafes in Gabala offering affordable meals.
AZN 10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Nohur Lake

Relax by the tranquil Nohur Lake, take a boat ride, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
You can either walk or take a short taxi ride to Nohur Lake.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

End the day with dinner at a cozy local restaurant in Gabala, trying local specialties like piti (meat stew) or pakhlava (traditional Azerbaijani dessert).
Explore the dining options near your accommodation.
AZN 15, 1 hour
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Day 4: Nature and Culture in Gabala

Gabala, Azerbaijan

9:00AM

Visit Gabala Shooting Club

Try your hand at shooting and archery at this outdoor club surrounded by nature.
Take a short taxi ride to Gabala Shooting Club.
AZN 30 for activities, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, savoring dishes like manty (dumplings) or saj (meat dish cooked on a griddle).
Look for a restaurant with scenic views in Gabala.
AZN 12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Gabaland Theme Park

Have a fun-filled afternoon at the theme park with rides, games, and entertainment for all ages.
Take a short taxi or bus ride to Gabaland Theme Park.
AZN 10 for entry, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Gabala Archaeological Center

Learn about Gabala's history and culture through artifacts and exhibitions at the archaeological center.
Walk to the center from Gabaland or take a short taxi ride.
AZN 5 for entry, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy dinner at a cozy local restaurant, sampling dishes like gutab (pancakes) or shashlik (grilled meat skewers).
Explore the nearby dining options for an authentic Azerbaijani meal.
AZN 18, 1 hour
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Day 5: Relaxation in Gabala

Gabala, Azerbaijan

9:00AM

Visit Tufandag Mountain Resort Spa

Indulge in a relaxing spa day at the mountain resort, enjoying massages and wellness treatments.
Book a spa session at the resort's facilities.
AZN 50 for spa, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch by the Lake

Have a picnic lunch by Nohur Lake, enjoying the serene views and fresh air.
Pack your lunch or grab some food from a local market before heading to the lake.
AZN 8, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Gabala City Center

Take a leisurely stroll through Gabala's city center, visit local shops, and interact with the friendly residents.
Walk to the city center from Nohur Lake.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy a final dinner in Gabala, trying local delicacies like qovurma (stewed meat) or pakhlava (nut-filled pastry).
Choose a cozy restaurant in the city center for your last meal in Gabala.
AZN 20, 1 hour
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Day 6: Adventure at Shahdag

Shahdag, Azerbaijan

9:00AM

Skiing or Snowboarding

Hit the slopes at Shahdag Mountain Resort for a day of skiing or snowboarding.
Rent equipment at the resort or bring your own.
AZN 30 for ski pass, 5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at a Mountain Cafe

Enjoy a warm meal at a cozy mountain cafe, with views of the snow-covered peaks.
Head to a cafe at the resort for a hearty meal.
AZN 15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Snow Tubing and Sledding

Have fun snow tubing or sledding down the hills, experiencing the thrill of winter sports.
Rent tubes or sleds at the resort and enjoy the activities.
AZN 10 for rentals, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Mountain Restaurant

End the day with a cozy dinner at a mountain restaurant, trying warm soups and grilled meats.
Choose a restaurant with a view for a memorable dining experience.
AZN 25, 1 hour
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Day 7: Farewell to Shahdag

Shahdag, Azerbaijan

10:00AM

Hiking in the Mountains

Embark on a scenic hike in the Shahdag National Park, enjoying the fresh mountain air and breathtaking views.
Join a guided hiking tour or explore the trails on your own.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Mountain Cafe

Have a final meal in the mountains at a cozy cafe, savoring Azerbaijani specialties like dolma and baklava.
Choose a cafe with panoramic views for a relaxing lunch.
AZN 20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Shahdag Ski Resort

Explore the ski resort, take a walk around the snowy slopes, and capture the beauty of the winter wonderland.
Take a shuttle or walk to the ski resort's main area.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Departure

Bid farewell to Shahdag and begin your journey back to Baku, reminiscing about the wonderful adventures you had in Azerbaijan.
Take a shared taxi or public bus back to Baku.
Cost varies depending on transportation mode, 4 hours
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