The Ultimate 5-Day Journey Across Azerbaijan: Baku to Absheron, Gabala, Shamakhi, and Balakhani

Day 1: Discovering Baku

Baku, Azerbaijan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mado Cafe

Kick off your adventure at Mado Cafe with a traditional Azerbaijani breakfast of freshly baked bread and local cheeses.
Walk from your hotel in the city center, about 10 minutes.
20 AZN, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Icherisheher (Old City)

Wander through the narrow streets of Icherisheher, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with ancient buildings and rich history.
Walk around the old city for exploration; it's just a 5-minute walk from Mado Cafe.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Maiden Tower

Climb to the top of Maiden Tower for stunning panoramic views of Baku's skyline.
Located within Icherisheher; it's a short stroll from your last stop.
10 AZN, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Nergiz Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious lunch of Azerbaijani pilaf and kebabs at Nergiz, a well-known local eatery.
A quick walk of about 10 minutes from Maiden Tower.
30 AZN, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Flame Towers

Marvel at the iconic Flame Towers, which illuminate the Baku skyline with their unique architecture.
Take a taxi or ride-hailing service to the Flame Towers, approximately 10 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Stroll Along Boulevard

Enjoy a leisurely walk along Baku Boulevard, where you can take in beautiful views of the Caspian Sea.
Walk from Flame Towers to the boulevard, about 15 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Sirvansah Museum Restaurant

Wrap up your day with dinner at the Sirvansah Museum Restaurant, where traditional Azerbaijani cuisine is served in a unique setting.
Take a taxi from the boulevard, around 10 minutes.
40 AZN, 2 hours
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Day 2: Adventure in Absheron

Absheron, Azerbaijan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Vatan Restaurant

Start your day with a traditional breakfast at Vatan Restaurant, featuring a hearty spread of local dishes.
Drive to Absheron, approximately 40 minutes from Baku.
25 AZN, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Ateshgah Fire Temple

Explore the fascinating Ateshgah Fire Temple, a Zoroastrian site that showcases Azerbaijan's ancient devotion to fire.
Drive to Ateshgah from the restaurant, about 20 minutes.
5 AZN, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Tour Yanardag (Burning Mountain)

Witness the natural gas fire that blazes continuously at Yanardag, making for a remarkable sight.
A short drive from Ateshgah, approximately 15 minutes.
5 AZN, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Quba Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful lunch of local specialties at Quba Restaurant, with scenic outdoor seating.
Drive to the restaurant, about 30 minutes from Yanardag.
30 AZN, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Relax at Shikhov Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing at Shikhov Beach, soaking up the sun along the Caspian Sea.
Drive to Shikhov Beach, approximately 20 minutes.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Baku and Dinner at Chayki Restaurant

Head back to Baku for a lovely dinner at Chayki, a trendy restaurant known for its unique twist on traditional dishes.
Drive back to Baku, about 40 minutes.
35 AZN, 2 hours
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Day 3: Exploring Gabala

Gabala, Azerbaijan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Restaurant

Start your day with a filling breakfast at your hotel before heading to Gabala.
Walk to the hotel restaurant where you're staying.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Gabala

Take a scenic drive to Gabala, surrounded by lush mountains and valleys.
Drive to Gabala, approximately 2.5 hours from Baku.
Varies, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Qafqaz Restaurant

Upon arrival, enjoy local Azerbaijani dishes at Qafqaz Restaurant.
Dine at the restaurant upon arrival in Gabala.
25 AZN, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Gabala State Historical and Ethnographic Reserve

Explore Gabala's rich history at the reserve, showcasing local culture and traditional crafts.
A short drive from the restaurant, approximately 10 minutes.
10 AZN, 2 hours

3:30PM

Take a Cable Car Ride at Tufandag Mountain Resort

Enjoy breathtaking views with a cable car ride at Tufandag Mountain Resort.
Drive to Tufandag from the reserve, roughly 30 minutes.
15 AZN, 1 hour

5:00PM

Hike Around Tufandag

Spend some time hiking the trails around Tufandag, enjoying the beautiful mountain air.
Explore the trails around the cable car area.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Seasons Restaurant

Wrap up your day with dinner at Seasons Restaurant, renowned for its delightful ambiance and varied menu.
Drive back to Gabala city center, about 30 minutes.
35 AZN, 2 hours
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Day 4: Culture and Nature in Shamakhi

Shamakhi, Azerbaijan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading towards Shamakhi.
Walk to the hotel restaurant where you are staying.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Shamakhi

Drive towards Shamakhi, known for its scenic landscapes and historical sites.
Drive from Gabala to Shamakhi, approximately 1.5 hours.
Varies, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Juma Mosque

Explore the stunning Juma Mosque, a historic architectural gem in the region.
A short drive from Shamakhi's city center, about 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Shamakhi Restaurant

Savor local dishes at Shamakhi Restaurant, known for its cozy atmosphere and traditional flavors.
Drive to the restaurant from the mosque, around 10 minutes.
25 AZN, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory

Engage your curiosity at the observatory, where you can learn about astronomy and enjoy presentations.
Drive from the restaurant to the observatory, about 20 minutes.
5 AZN, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Gabala River Valley

Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful Gabala River Valley, perfect for photography and relaxation.
Drive to the valley from the observatory, about 30 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Return to Gabala and Dinner at Rezyum Cafe

Head back to Gabala for dinner at Rezyum Cafe, known for its cozy setting and delicious local dishes.
Drive back to Gabala, around 30 minutes.
35 AZN, 2 hours
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Day 5: Relaxation in Balakhani

Balakhani, Azerbaijan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel before heading to Balakhani.
Walk to the hotel restaurant.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Balakhani

Drive to Balakhani, a quieter region known for its tranquil atmosphere and lush landscapes.
Drive from Gabala to Balakhani, approximately 2 hours.
Varies, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Balakhani Beach

Spend the morning relaxing at Balakhani Beach, enjoying the beauty of the Caspian Sea.
Walk to the beach from your parking area.
Free, 2.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Balakhani Restaurant

Indulge in delicious seafood at a beachfront restaurant, known for its fresh catch of the day.
Dine at the restaurant located by the beach.
30 AZN, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore the Surrounding Area

Take a leisurely walk to explore the surrounding area, enjoying the natural beauty of Balakhani.
Wander on foot around the beach and nearby areas.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return to Baku and Farewell Dinner at Zaytun Restaurant

Head back to Baku for a farewell dinner at Zaytun Restaurant, offering a diverse menu with delicious flavors.
Drive back to Baku, around 30 minutes.
35 AZN, 2 hours
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