UNESCO World Heritage Tour Azerbaijan7 Days | Baku, Absheron Peninsula, Gobustan, Quba, Khinalug, Sheki, Kish, Shamakhi

UNESCO World Heritage Tour Azerbaijan is a balanced program that incorporates all the sites of Azerbaijan that are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, along with other memorable places, delicious food, panoramic views, unique cultural heritage, and warm hospitality of locals. Do not miss visiting the stunning Sheki Khans’ Palace, a mysterious temple of fire worshippers Ateshgah, petroglyphs of Gobustan, dating back to 10,000 BC, and other authentic sites.

Tour itinerary:

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Day 1: Baku

Arrival in Baku. You will be met by our driver and transferred to the hotel. Check-in at noon. Start a sightseeing tour in Baku. Walk along Martyrs’ Lane, known as ‘Shehidler Khiyabany’ among locals, and find a beautiful view overlooking Baku’s coastline. Visit the first UNESCO World Heritage site (inscribed in 2000) of the tour – Icheri Sheher, the old part of the city, which has preserved many of its 12th-century walls. Visit Shirvanshah's Palace, Caravanserai, Maiden Tower, and the main market square, which has numerous art studios and souvenir stalls. Finish the sightseeing tour by exploring Nizami Street, Fountain Square, and the iconic Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre, in the new part of Baku. The Cultural Centre’s quirky architectural design by prominent female architect Zaha Hadid makes it one of Baku’s most recognizable buildings. The Centre showcases examples of a wide spectrum of Azerbaijani culture: national costumes, musical instruments, and carpets provide a good insight into local craftsmanship.
At 19:00, go to a traditional local restaurant for a welcome dinner.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Baku – Gobustan – Absheron Peninsula – Baku

Today you will visit the area of the Greater Baku and Absheron Peninsula. Start with Gobustan National Park. It was added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 2007. Pay a visit to the Petroglyphs Museum and explore petroglyphs, dating back to 10,000 BC. Continue to the mud volcanoes in Gobustan Reserve. Gobustan is home to almost half of the world’s mud volcanoes.
Later drive to Ateshgah – a temple of fire worshippers located in Surakhany village. Zoroastrians traveled thousands of kilometers from India to Ateshgah to worship fire coming out of the earth. Drive to Yanardag Mountain, where natural gas has been burning for several thousands of years.
Overnight at Baku hotel.

Day 3: Baku – Quba

In the morning, depart Baku and drive towards Quba - one of the largest cities in Azerbaijan, located on picturesque hillsides 170 km (105 miles) to the north of Baku. In the mid-18th century, Quba was the capital of the Quba Khanate, but today, it is famous for its carpets, scenery, and delicious sweets. The city itself is home to a number of architectural and historic monuments, like Juma Mosque and a number of other mosques and mausoleums. During the tour you will have the opportunity to visit local hamam. Overnight in Quba.

Day 4: Quba – Khinalug – Baku

After breakfast, depart Quba and drive towards the village Khinalug, added to the UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 2023. The road to Khinalug lies through the range of Great Caucasus mountains. On our way we will get as high as 2,000 m above the sea level. We will have numerous opportunities for taking photos on the way enjoying breathtaking views of the landscape. Khinalug is one of the most ancient settlements in the country where people have been continuously living for more than 5,000 years. Depart Khinalug and head toward Baku. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Baku – Diri Baba – Shamakhi (Juma Mosque) – Yeddi Gumbez Mausoleum – Agsu – Sheki

In the morning, depart Baku and drive to Sheki. On the way, stop at Diri Baba Mausoleum in the village of Maraza. Continue to Shamakhi to visit the historical Juma Mosque, which was restored in 2013. Continue to Mausoleum of Yeddi Gumbez (“Seven Domes”), with numerous graves of Shamakhi governors. Visit the archeological site in Agsu - the ruins of Medieval Agsu Town. Continue driving to Sheki, the pleasant and easily walkable medieval town set in a lush mountainous area. Sheki is especially known for its local style sweet baklava. Arrival in Sheki, overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Sheki city tour – Kish – Chukhur Gabala – Baku

Check out from the hotel and start a new day by visiting the colorful Sheki Bazaar. You can find virtually everything you may want to eat: local fruits and berries, spices, freshly baked bread, honey, cheeses, and Sheki sweets. Continue to Sheki Khans Palace surrounded by medieval fortress walls. Visit the handicrafts workshop and Caravanserai. Depart for Kish village to see a 1st-century Albanian church, believed to be the first church in the Caucasus. Drive to Baku. En route, visit the Chukhur Gabala, an open-air museum: explore the archeological site dated to the III-II millennium BC. Overnight at the hotel in Baku.

Day 7: Baku – departure

Check out of the hotel by noon and transfer to Baku International Airport. End of the UNESCO World Heritage Tour in Azerbaijan.

Inclusions
Exclusions

All transfers (1-2 pax by sedan, 3-4 pax by Mercedes Vito or similar, 5-10 pax by Mercedes Sprinter passenger van);
Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
Sightseeing tour program with local English-speaking guide;
Entrance tickets to sights as per itinerary;
Welcome dinner;
Mineral water.