BAKU

Baku, the capital and commercial hub of Azerbaijan, is a low-lying city with coastline along the Caspian Sea. It's famed for its medieval walled old city, which contains the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a vast royal complex, and the iconic stone Maiden Tower. Contemporary landmarks include the Zaha Hadid–designed Heydar Aliyev Center, and the Flame Towers, 3 pointed skyscrapers covered with LED screens.

Day Day 01: Arrival & Baku City Introduction — Arrive in Baku and check in to your hotel Take a gentle walk along Baku Boulevard (Caspian Sea Promenade) – a long seaside area with parks, cafés, and views of the Caspian Sea Visit Little Venice (short boat rides and photo spots) Evening visit to Nizami Street, the main shopping and walking street Dinner at a local restaurant to try Azerbaijani dishes like plov or dolma Overnight: Baku Day Day 02: Old City (Icherisheher) & Cultural Landmarks — Explore Icherisheher (Old City) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site Visit: Maiden Tower – Baku’s iconic ancient tower with city views Shirvanshah’s Palace – royal complex from the 15th century Walk through narrow streets with traditional shops and carpets Visit Miniature Books Museum (unique and quick stop) Afternoon visit to the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum (sea-facing building) Evening free time or café stop inside the Old City Overnight: Baku Day Day 03: Absheron Peninsula Tour — Visit Ateshgah Fire Temple – ancient Zoroastrian worship siteContinue to Yanardag (Burning Mountain) where natural gas fires burn continuouslyStop at local villages to see traditional lifeReturn to Baku in the afternoonEvening visit to Heydar Aliyev Center (famous modern architecture; great photos)Dinner nearbyOvernight: Baku Day Day 04: Gobustan & Mud Volcanoes — Morning trip to Gobustan National Park See ancient rock carvings (petroglyphs) dating back thousands of years Visit the interactive museum Visit nearby Mud Volcanoes (unique natural phenomenon) Return to Baku by afternoon Free time for: Shopping Spa/hamam experience Café hopping near Fountain Square Farewell dinner with Caspian Sea views Overnight: Baku Day Day 05: Departure — Breakfast at hotel Last-minute souvenir shopping Transfer to airport for departure