Inar Travel

Day 1. “Meeting Baku”

The tour will start from the panorama of Baku from the height of the mountainous part of the city that gives a clear picture regarding the scale and contrasts of Baku. The city has a shape of an amphitheater descending down to the Caspian Sea. The bus tour covers the central part (downtown) of the city demonstrating the most interesting historical and architectural sites.

Today’s tour ends with a visit to a cultural complex named after Heydar Aliyev. Many of those who saw the design of Heydar Aliyev Center for the first time could not believe that such a project could ever come true. In fact and even in theory the construction of a complex with an utter extraordinary design looks far from being realistic. The complex hosts several exhibitions that you can effortlessly visit.

Day 2. Baku and Absheron peninsula

We will continue our acquaintance with Baku. Firstly we will visit the “Old City”. The locals call it “Icherisheher”. The territory of  Icherisheher is merely 22 hectares, which is just a small fraction of the total area of Baku (44,000 ha). However, the saturation with architectural and historical monuments dictates the need of having a special hike to this part of the city and makes this part of Baku, perhaps the most interesting one to explore. Maiden Tower (XII century), the Palace of the Shirvanshahs (XV century), Synykh Gala castle, Caravanserai and Juma Mosque are among the must-see places and this is not a complete list of showplaces of the old Baku. Afterwards we will have a walk along Baku boulevard – the second largest boulevard of Europe (according to dimensions).

We will take an excursion to Absheron peninsula right after the walk. The part of Azerbaijan located on the Absheron peninsula is generally called Absheron. Absheron distinguishes itself with hot summers and mild winters and is surrounded on 3 sides by sea – in other words, it is best suited for the lovers of seaside resorts. Developed infrastructure in the region  (extensive network of roads, numerous hotels and recreation areas of different categories, sandy beaches, international airports) makes it the best from the point of recreation, recuperation and receiving foreign guests.

A large number of unique historical monuments, including the numerous temples, castles, fortresses and watchtowers of the Middle Ages cause large  interest among both tourists and local Azeris. Among these monuments, we can point the fire-worshipers temple in the village of Surakhani. Temple o Fire (Ateshgah) is an ancient religious building, erected on the site of natural gas output. The Temple was rebuilt in the XVIII century. This temple is an integral part of the Zoroastrian temple chronicles which symbolizes the cult of the Eternal Flame. Former cells, where pilgrims from all over the world were residing centuries ago, now host a museum containing lots of unique and original exhibits.

Day 3. Baku – Gobustan

Breakfast at the hotel. Excursion to Gobustan. Gobustan is a historical and architectural reserve in the open air with unique cave paintings of Neolithic times. There are more than 6 thousand of petroglyphs dating back to 12,000 years.  The patterns reflect the life of the Stone Age people – mostly  hunting, recreation and dances that were accompanied by the melodious sounds of “Gaval dashi” (a stone with deep resonating sound). There were formed numerous carves thanks to huge rocks. These carves served as shelters and hideaways that simultaneously helped people to wait out the bad weather conditions. Before starting the Gobustan tour we will visit the eponymous museum which was recently rebuilt and is distinguished by its high-tech structure.

We will have an interesting master class with renowned Azerbaijani artist Sabir Chopuroglu just after the lunch.

The artist uses a unique technology of painting – he paints without paintbrushes using ands and oil as a paint.

Day 4. Baku – Shamakhi – Sheki

Breakfast at the hotel. We will travel towards the Caucasus Mountains –  the northwestern part of Azerbaijan.  On the way to Sheki we will visit the city of Shamakhi where the largest mosque of the Caucasus  – “Juma” Mosque and the tomb of the rulers of the Shirvanshahs – “Yeddi Gyumbyaz” are situated. Then we will continue our way to Sheki. Arrival in Sheki, hotel accommodation, overnight in Sheki

Day 5. Acquaintance with Sheki

An excursion to Sheki awaits us right after the breakfast. Sheki is one of the most famous and ancient places of Azerbaijan. It is located 700 meters (2,297 ft) above the sea level and is surrounded by mountains and oak forests like an amphitheater. This ancient city has been known as a center of silk production and an important passage post on the Silk Road for quite a long period of time. It is also suggested that the name of the city dates back to the ethnonym of the Saks who reached the territory of Azerbaijan in the VII century BC. We start our tour with a visit to Sheki Khan Palace (XVIII century) with magnificent frescoes and exquisite handmade window ornaments. Then we will visit the shop where artisans prepare famous Sheki windows called “Shebeke.” We will also visit the local sweets shop where renowned “Sheki pakhlava” is made.

Our acquaintance with Shaki will continue with a visit to the Albanian church located in the village of Kish. According to the legend the church was built in 78 AD, but historians attribute it to a few centuries beyond.

We will also visit a random home of local residents. You will be given a special opportunity to participate in the preparation of the most popular local dish called “plov” (pilaf). Overnight in Sheki

Day 6. Sheki – Kish – Lahij – Baku

We will visit Sheki Bazaar right after the breakfast. You will be able to buy some fresh fruits and exclusive souvenirs for your close friends and beloved ones and to see the local trade. Afterwards we will head to Baku. On the way to Baku we will have an excursion to one of the most famous and popular tourist destinations of Azerbaijan – Lahij village. Lahij is a unique monument of the Persian urban architecture and art of antiquity. It was founded approximately in the V century BC. The city is part of the international tourist route on the Great Silk Road and is famous for its artisans’ workshops. A trip to the city of Gabala, hotel accommodation and overnight come next. Then we will continue our way to Baku. Hotel accommodation, overnight in Baku

Day 7

Breakfast at the hotel. Preparations for the departure. Transfer to the airport. End of the tour

The price includes:

Accommodation at the hotel with 3* rate (includes breakfasts)

Transportation services during the whole tour

Russian-speaking guide

Entrance tickets to the museums and other historical places

0.5 liter of water per person for a day

The price does not include:

Tips and pourboire

Accommodation on the day of arrival

Airfare

Medical insurance

Visa (for countries with visa regime)

All types of additional expenses

Lunch and dinner

Alcoholic beverages

Note: the tour price considers the accommodation in comfortable hotels with 3* rate. Depending upon customer’s wish, the hotel rate can be enhanced to a higher rate (with extra charge).

The map and routes

Baku – Shamakhi – Sheki – Lahij – Baku

Visa

Only the citizens of Turkey and Israel are able to obtain the visa on arrival at the international airports of Azerbaijan. Visa to Azerbaijan is not required for the citizens of CIS member states (except Turkmenistan). The citizens of other countries must obtain a visa prior to arrival in Azerbaijan via the Azerbaijani consulate in their home country or to get electronic visas through our travel agency. To obtain a visa, please contact our managers at least 6 weeks prior to arrival in Azerbaijan.

Hotel

The tour price is designed for 3 or 4 star hotels. This category can be upgraded to 5* in accordance with the request of tourists. Breakfast is included in the price of all the hotels. Laundry services are available at extra charge. Internet in the regions is limited and in some hotels is regrettably not available. In Baku hotels internet is fully available and is free of charge in the most of them.  Check-in time is 02:00 pm check-out time is 12:00 noon. Early check-in and late check-out is available on request and at an additional cost.

Practical Information

Foreign Exchange Market: Information regarding exchange rates can be obtained by clicking the following link: http://www.cbar.az/

Local currency: Azerbaijani manat (AZN)

Recommended exchange currency: USD/EUR

Where to exchange your currency: upon arrival at the airport your guide will give precise information on where and how you can exchange your cash money to local currency

Availability of ATMs: in big cities only

Credit Cards acceptance: in big cities only

Climate

Protection and Vaccinations

Are not necessary 

Power Supply and Plugs

Detailed information on the voltage and type of sockets used in Azerbaijan is given in the following ref.

http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our customers. You should make sure that your insurance policy covers all medical expenses.

Baggage 

Remember that you have to carry your own baggage without entrusting it to the strangers and other unfamiliar people. Weight allowance is 20 kg.

Clothing

Weather in Azerbaijan is highly changeable and unpredictable. In the north of a country and in the highlands the weather may be cool (especially at night); so it is advisable to bring warm clothes with you. During the summer the weather conditions in the south of the country are hot and ardent.  It is also necessary to carry a neckerchief with you in order to visit various churches and mosques. 

Shoes

It is recommended to bring the most comfortable shoes. With you Be sure that you have appropriate shoes (snickers or gumshoes) if you visit a rocky terrain. 

Comments and Remarks

Please note that the tourism infrastructure in the country is currently continues to develop and a program is not subject to change even if it is necessary. You will need some extra money to cover meals, souvenirs and items of a personal nature such as laundry etc. which are not included in the tour price with approximate additional costs being equal to USD 30.00 (per day and per person). Local food is not expensive. You can choose the national restaurants and small cafes and luncheonettes to eat. Approximate price for menu (per person) starts from USD 10.00.