5-Day Architectural and Cultural Exploration of Azerbaijan Starting September 27

Day 1: Baku Architectural Introduction

Baku, Azerbaijan on September 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café City

Start your day with a traditional Azerbaijani breakfast featuring fresh bread, local cheeses, and black tea at this cozy downtown café.
$6, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Baku city center

Walk along Nizami Street and Fountain Square, soaking in a mix of modern architecture and Soviet-era buildings.
Free, 2h0m

11:45am

Visit Heydar Aliyev Center

Marvel at the futuristic design by Zaha Hadid and explore cultural exhibits inside this architectural landmark.
$9, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Chinar Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Azerbaijani cuisine with views of the Caspian Sea from the terrace.
$25, 1h0m

2:45pm

Carpet Museum visit

Discover Azerbaijan’s rich carpet-weaving heritage in a museum shaped like a rolled carpet.
$6, 1h15m

4:15pm

Stroll along Baku Boulevard

Relax with a seaside walk featuring parks, the Baku Eye, and city views along the Caspian promenade.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nakhchivan Restaurant

Taste Azerbaijani grilled specialties and pilaf in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
$30, 1h30m

Day 2: Icherisheher & Modern Baku

Baku, Azerbaijan on September 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Mangal in Old City

Enjoy traditional breakfast items amid the historic atmosphere of Icherisheher.
$6, 1h0m

9:30am

Tour Old City (Icherisheher)

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites - Maiden Tower, Palace of the Shirvanshahs, and ancient mosques.
$9, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Old City Traditions restaurant

Savor classic Azerbaijani cuisine in a charming courtyard setting within the Old City.
$22, 1h0m

2:00pm

Yarat Contemporary Art Center

Experience contemporary Azerbaijani art and cultural exhibits in a modern space.
$6, 1h30m

3:45pm

Visit Flame Towers and viewpoints

Admire the iconic Flame Towers and panoramic city views from nearby vantage points.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sumakh

Dine in style with a modern take on Azerbaijani cuisine in an elegant setting.
$35, 1h30m

Day 3: Gobustan & Fire Landmarks

Gobustan and Absheron Peninsula, Azerbaijan on September 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a filling breakfast before the day’s excursion to Gobustan and Absheron.
Included, 1h0m

8:45am

Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape

Explore prehistoric petroglyphs, mud volcanoes, and ancient life traces, open 9am-7pm.
$12, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch in Gobustan village

Enjoy a local meal featuring traditional Azerbaijani fare near the park.
$15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Ateshgah Fire Temple visit

Visit the historic Zoroastrian fire temple on Absheron Peninsula, open 9am-6pm.
$6, 1h30m

3:30pm

Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain)

Witness natural eternal flames fueled by natural gas on a hillside, a remarkable natural phenomenon.
$6, 1h0m

6:00pm

Return to Baku - Dinner at Mugam Club

Enjoy a dinner with live traditional Azerbaijani music for a culturally rich evening.
$30, 1h30m

Day 4: Historic Sheki

Sheki, Azerbaijan on September 30, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Eat a hearty breakfast before the scenic drive to Sheki, about 4-5 hours away.
Included, 1h0m

7:30am

Drive to Sheki

Travel across Azerbaijan’s diverse landscapes heading to historic Sheki town.
Varies based on transport choice, 5h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sheki Khan’s Palace Café

Taste regional dishes like piti stew and saffron rice near this stunning palace.
$18, 1h0m

1:30pm

Tour Sheki Khan’s Palace

Explore the ornately decorated palace known for colorful stained glass and frescoes, open 9am-6pm.
$9, 1h30m

3:15pm

Visit Sheki Caravanserai

Explore the historic Silk Road caravanserai, and shop local crafts and sweets.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Tea and sweets at Local Teahouse

Relax with Azerbaijani tea and halva immersed in local ambiance.
$6, 1h0m

6:30pm

Overnight stay in Sheki or start return

Choose to stay overnight in a guesthouse to experience local culture or begin your return to Baku.
Varies by accommodation or transport, Optional

Day 5: Lahij Village and Return

Lahij and Baku, Azerbaijan on October 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sheki guesthouse

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast featuring local produce before heading to Lahij.
Included if staying overnight, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Lahij Village

Visit the ancient mountain village Lahij known for historic cobblestone streets and traditional crafts.
Transport cost varies, 2h0m

11:00am

Lahij walking tour

Explore artisan workshops producing copper items, traditional carpets, and enjoy mountain views.
Free to explore, crafts for purchase, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at local guesthouse in Lahij

Sample mountain-style Azerbaijani cuisine in a family-run guesthouse.
$15, 1h0m

2:30pm

Drive back to Baku

Return to Baku in the afternoon to conclude your cultural journey.
Transport cost varies, 4h0m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Baku’s Firuze Restaurant

Celebrate your trip with a final dinner enjoying traditional Azerbaijani dishes in a popular city restaurant.
$30, 1h30m