Seven Wonders of Azerbaijan
Tour Duration 7 nights / 8 days
Regions:
Baku-Absheron-Khizi-Gobustan-Astara-Lankaran
1 Day
Meeting at the airport.
Accommodation in a 4 *
hotel in the city
Free time
Overnight at a hotel in
Baku
2 Day
09:00 Breakfast at the
Hotel
Excursion. "Baku City Tour".
After breakfast, we are on our way to the Nagorny Park. It is here that
the "City of Winds", as Baku is often called, opens to you in all its
glory. The observation platform located on the highest part of the city, near
the sleeping "The Languages of Flame" shows the city with all its
beauties and greenery bordering Baku Bay.
Visit to the
old town of Icheri Sheher
Very often Icheri Sheher is called a fortress, as a well-preserved fortress
wall surrounds it. People in the territory of Icheri Sheher lived in the Bronze
Age, and by the 8th-11th centuries, it was completely populated. Behind the
walls, there are many unique monuments: the palace complex of the Shirvanshahs
with a burial vault, a sofa, a mosque; "Gyz Galasy" ("The
Maiden's Tower"); mosques and minarets, the remains of caravanserais,
baths. Buildings of the old fortress are of a special nature. Because of the
lack of the territory of the building, the wall to the wall was erected here
from ancient times. There are no gardens, the yards are extremely small and
separated by "threads" of narrow streets, lanes and dead ends. When
the Shirvanshahs moved their capital from Shemakha to Baku in the 15th century,
massive buildings began in Icheri Sheher. During this period the pearl of the
fortress was
Built - the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. It should be noted that Baku
XVII-XIX centuries did not go beyond the boundaries of Icheri Sheher. Here were
located the palaces of the rulers, and residential quarters. From 1747 to 1806,
there was the capital of the Baku Khanate. Only after the beginning of the oil
boom, the city began to expand and goes beyond the boundaries of Icheri Sheher.
The fortress wall itself is of interest. Once Baku had two of them, and they
were separated by moats, but at the beginning of the XIX century, the city grew
so fast that it was necessary to demolish and build the outer wall. Remained
only the inner wall. It has 25 towers and 5 gates. They say that back in the
30s. Twentieth century in the fortress there were more than 900 buildings, and
by the beginning of the XXI century only half remained.
Free time
Overnight at the hotel.
3 Day
09:00 Breakfast at the hotel.
«Visit Heydar Aliyev Center» Heydar Aliyev Center is
considered as is one of the main attractions for tourists and has also become a
symbol of modern Azerbaijan and modern Baku.
Zaha Hadid, the author of the building’s design, is a
worldwide recognized architect and the winner of the prestigious Pritzker
Architecture Prize and Design of the Year award for her design of Heydar Aliyev
Center. The overall shape of the building resembles a wave-like ascension from
the ground towards the sky followed by gradual descent down to the earth.
This exhibition hall demonstrates the cultural heritage and
history of Azerbaijan.
One of the most important features of the exhibition is that
it describes all the periods of the history of Azerbaijan and displays items
related to different areas of Azerbaijani culture. For instance, you can see
unique samples of ancient crafts, in particular the Azerbaijani carpet weaving
school.
Excursion. "Fire worships Temple Ateshgyah + Burning Mountain
Yanardagh".
The Temple of Eternal Fire
- Ateshgyah - is an authentic Azerbaijani exotic. It is well-known practically
all over the world. It is located 30 km from the center of Baku in the suburb
of Surakhany. This territory is known for such unique natural phenomenon as
burning natural gas outlets (underground gas coming onto surface contacts
oxygen and lights up). The temple in its present state was constructed in the
17th-18th centuries. It was built by the Baku-based Hindu community related to
Sikhs. However, the history of the
Temple is even longer. From times immemorial this was the holy place of Zoroastrians-
fire worshippers (approximately beginning of our era). They attributed mystical
significance to the inextinguishable fire and came there to worship the relic.
After the introduction of
Islam Zoroastrian temple was destroyed. Many Zoroastrians left to India and
there continued their worship. But in the 15th -17th centuries the Hindus-fire
worshippers who came to Absheron with trading caravans began to make
pilgrimages to Surakhany. The Indian merchants started erection of the temple.
The earliest temple part is dated 1713. The latest - the central temple-altar
was built with the support of merchant Kanchangar in 1810. During the 18th
century chapels, cells, a caravanserai were added to the central part of the
temple. On у can find carved inscriptions in Indian lettering there.
In the early 19th century
the Temple acquired its present-day appearance. Ateshgah is a pentagonal
structure with a castellation and entrance portal. In the center of a yard the
altar-sanctuary executed in the form of a stone bower on which angles some more
centers are located towers. In the center of an altar - a well from which beat
"eternally" burning gas.
Burning Mountain Yanardagh
One of the most famous and
popular tourist places of the "eternal flame” in Azerbaijan is the
mountain of Yanar Dag. Actually, it is rather a hill than a mountain, with
natural gas burning on its slope from ancient times. Meter-long tongues of fire
are licking the stratified earth approximately for 10 m in width, searing those
who approached too close. People occupy the benches to watch the blazing hill
in the evening, when the its sight is most effective.
Yanar Dag is located 25 km to the north from
Baku, in Mehemmedi village. There are buses running to it from the city, so you
can get there fairly cheap and easy. From the year 2007, Yanar Dag is declared
a state-protected conservation area.
Free Time
Overnight in hotel
4 Day
08:00 Breakfast at the hotel.
08:30 Excursion. "The secrets of the Kingdom of
Shabran."
The Red Mountains are a psychedelic, red-pink and white striped area of exposed rock in the Northwest of Azerbaijan. Iron in the ground gives the mountains their deep red color and powdery shale makes up the white parts. Through a geological process, they’ve mixed together underground, layer on top of layer, and when exposed to the elements, they eroded into a beautiful, completely bizarre sight. Despite being such a striking natural wonder, almost no one visits them. Though there are a few small trails to be found, the entire area is yours to play around in. If you are willing to hike away from the road, you are rewarded with crazy looking patterns that stretch for miles. Climb over whatever you want, take as many pictures as you can and explore all the small crevices in between. Though the main area exists just off the road, there are plenty of other candy-striped areas in the surrounding valleys. Occasionally in the rocks, one can see the fossilized remains of belemnites, a type of ancient squid. Unlike modern squids, this one contained a skeleton, most notably its bony rostrum, a hard protrusion on the opposite end from their tentacles. It is believed that a similar geological phenomenon happens only in one more place on the planet: the Death Valley in the United States. The formations themselves take their colour from ground water that has oxidized iron within the rock.
Beshbarmag on the route.
Here is one of the main natural attractions of the area – the legendary mountain Beshbarmag. Named so because because of its unusual shape resembling a stone hand menacingly raised over the ancient caravan route. At the top among the teeth of the rocks are the ruins of the sanctuary “Hyzirzinde” (eternally living Hizir). Any traveler knows this place because it can’t be avoided while driving on the road leading from the capital to the north. And tourists enjoy admiring the forbidding rock. You can exit the car, warm up after a long journey, drink tea, eat barbeque or boiled corn in season. Those interested can visit the mosque here. There are many historical monuments in the area. Beshbarmag tower built in the middle of VIII century is located at the distance of9kmfrom the center of the district.
Excursion to Chirag Gala Castle
Chirag Gala (“Lamp Castle”),
a castle from 4th-5th century is located 100 km to the north of Baku on top of
a mountain. Chirag Gala was built over a seam of oil and gas which allowed for
lighting up signal fires visible to the distance of several dozens of
kilometers. Similar castles and towers were located all over the area from
Derbent to Baku providing for a warning system against enemy invasions. Today,
under the castle, the “Galaalty” urology treatment center is located whose
thermal water has a curative effect on diseases of the kidneys, urinary tract
and digestive organs.
Return to Baku
Overnight in hotel
5 Day
09:00 Breakfast at the
hotel.
Check out from the hotel
transfer to Baku
Excursion. Reserve of rock carvings Gobustan.
The reserve is located 60 km from Baku and is located between the slope of the Great Caucasus Ridge and the Caspian Sea. Gobustan is an open-air reserve reflecting the life and everyday life of primitive people who lived here since the Mesolithic period until the Middle Ages. A special place is occupied by ancient rock carvings pictograms and petro glyph petro glyphs. These ancient monuments of art reflect the worldview, economy, customs and traditions of ancient Azerbaijanis. Gobustan is characterized by male and female images. Men in the drawings are depicted in a hunting appearance with bows and arrows. They are tall, with slender bodies, belted Belts and muscular muscles. On the pictures of the Reserve, you can see pictures of animals that lived here during the last 10 thousand years - gazelles, wild goats, deer, wild pigs, horses, lions, etc. On the rocks, there are also images of birds, fish, snakes, lizards and various insects. Ancient rock carvings along with a variety of topics abound in compositional scenes, reflecting in all the diversity of various spheres of human activity. They were reflected in the Azerbaijani dance of Yally, collective labor, hunting with various weapons, swimming on a Tigris-type boat, reaping of animals, attack of predators on herbivores, etc. Perhaps Yally was performed to the sound, published by the oldest musical instrument "Gavaldash" (a stone with a deep resonating sound). Before the start of the tour of Gobustan, we are waited by a visit to the museum of the same name that was recently built and is distinguished by its high technological level.
Excursion to Mud Volcanoes. After that you will also have a chance to visit quite a unique site where 300 of the planet's estimated 700 mud volcanoes sit Gobustan, Azerbaijan and the Caspian Sea. Many geologists as well as locals and international mud tourists trek to such places as the Firuz Crater Gobustan Salyan mud tourists trek to such places as the Firuz Crater, Gobustan, Salyan and end up happily covered in mud which is thought to have medicinal qualities. In 2001 one mud volcano 15 kilometers from Baku made world headlines when it suddenly started spewing flames 15 meters high.
Transfer to Lenkoran
Overnight in hotel
6 Day
09:00 Breakfast
at the hotel.
Excursion to Astara "Museum of Tea in
Astara"
At tea processing
factory LLC Astara Chai. It was created in 2010. The total sown area of the farm
is 640 hectares. A modern irrigation network has been created on tea
plantations; at present, the tea farm areas are about 400 hectares. Planted tea
seeds of “Colchis” were collected and brought from the training experimental
site of the Tea Research Institute of the Georgian city of Batumi. Seeds have
been tested and adapted to local conditions. A tea factory was also built here
according to the project of a company from the Republic of Korea. At the
factory, whose territory is 5 hectares, the most modern equipment imported from
abroad is installed.
The basis of tea growing
in Azerbaijan was laid in the early 30s of last year in a number of regions of
our republic, mainly in Astara and Lankaran. Tea bushes, living more than a
hundred years, are considered one of the unique plants both in terms of yield
and product value, and in terms of protecting and protecting the environment.
In the development of tea growing in our republic during the Soviet period, the
measures carried out under the leadership of the great leader Heydar Aliyev
also played an important role. Tea is not grown everywhere, but only on lands
with specific characteristics. In this regard, attracts the attention of
Astara. Green tea grown in Astara is distinguished by its taste and quality. Products
grown in this region in environmentally friendly conditions have repeatedly won
gold medals at international exhibitions in various cities around the world.
The company also created
a tea museum, a tasting room, built a tea house for tourists. Last year, rice
was also planted here on an area of 20 hectares for the
first time.
Along with this, on an
area of 91 hectares (76 hectares in Astara and 15 hectares in
Lankaran), feijoa seedlings were planted, on 6 hectares - oranges and 3
hectares - mandarins.
Khanbulan Lake
Khanbulan is called
differently: a river, a lake, a reservoir, and each of these names is actually
true. The most beautiful spring Khanbulag, originating high in the mountains of
the Girkansky Reserve, together with other small and larger rivers merges
together between the two villages of Alekseyevka and Dashtatyurk. The amount of
water in the flood is so impressive that even in Soviet times a powerful dam
was built here, which created a reservoir or, as it is called in another way,
Lake Hanbulan. Periodically, Hanbulan departs from the coast, exposing bizarre
stumps, trees, and rainbow-colored shores. They say that the heads of various
states rested here more than once. And when Leonid Ilyich Brezhnev himself came
here and decided to go fishing, a previously prepared diver himself strung live
fish on the leader’s hook ...
Burning Spring "Yanarbulag"
The Yanar Bulag complex,
which is translated from the Azerbaijani language as "burning
spring", is located in the southern part of the village of Arychivan.
Yanar Bulag differs from other sources in burning water. Although in the past
this event was considered a miracle, scientists have found that the process of
burning water is associated with the sulfur content in it. This spring, known
as the Asadullah’s Fountain, is the same as during the drought. According to
local residents, only a few knew about the existence of this fountain in the
past. However, the news spread throughout the area. This place is convenient
for those who use the Baku-Astara highway, as they can take water with them.
The fact that the water
burns in the source was also discovered by chance. Someone noticed that the
water in the spring ignited in the sun, so he tried to light it with matches.
After this, the spring became known as Yanar Bulag. It is noteworthy that you
can drink water even when it burns - there will be no harm. The water here
really heals, as confirmed by laboratory tests. Thus, minerals in their
composition contribute to the improvement of the digestive system.
Citrus Bazaar of Lankaran
On the way back from
Astara to Baku we will visit the Citrus Bazaar of Lankaran. The best citrus
products of Azerbaijan, which grows in Lenkoran and Astara, are sold at this
Bazaar. These are tangerines, oranges, limpards, kiwis, feijoa, lemons, lime,
tea and much more. Products are sold both wholesale and retail, and some are
sent directly from the Bazaar to countries of the near abroad such as Russia,
Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Latvia, and even to the Persian Gulf countries and Europe.
It is also worth noting that citrus fruits in Azerbaijan ripen a little earlier
than their counterparts in Georgia and Sochi. Tangerines and Oranges from the
Citrus Bazaar of Lankaran are a standard of quality for local residents, that
is, if a local resident goes to the bazaar, then he buys only local Lankaran
oranges and tangerines.
Free time
Departure to Baku.
7 Day
09:00 Breakfast
at the hotel.
Free Time
19:00. Excursion. "Lights of the
Evening Baku".
Tour "Lights of Evening Baku" begins with a visit to Mountain Park. It is here that the "City of Winds", as Baku is often called, opens to you in all its glory. The observation platform located on the highest part of the city, near the "Burning Flame Tower" shows the city with all its bright lights bordering Baku Bay reflecting the measured pace of life in the evening Baku. Further, we continue our excursion to one of the favourite places of the walk of the Baku guests of the city of all ages and social groups, a place where no one is in a hurry in the evening - "Baku Boulevard". The national park, sometimes called the "diamond necklace of Baku, stretches along Baku Bay for 16 km. At each time of the day the boulevard has its charm - in the morning you can walk in silence, feel unity with nature, go in for sports, during the day, especially on weekends, the boulevard is fully revived thanks to the small inhabitants of the capital, riding on attractions, rollerblades and bicycles, in the evening it turns in the magical world of dreams for all lovers. In addition, the original illumination and illumination of the park, fountains and other innovations give our boulevard a special charm. At the end of our excursion "Lights of Evening Baku», we will go to the most lively and central street of the city of Nizami "Torgovaya street" as it is also called from the old times. Trading is the longest of Baku's streets (its length reaches 3.5 km). It is also called the most beautiful street in Baku - it has a large number of architectural monuments, beautiful houses, cinemas, parks, many modern boutiques and shops.
Transfer to the hotel and free time
Overnight at the hotel.
8 Day
09:00 Breakfast at the
hotel.
Free time to visit the eastern market, shops with sweets and souvenir shops.
Transfer to the airport
Visa upon arrival at international airports of Azerbaijan can be obtained only
by citizens of Turkey, Israel, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait,
Japan, China, South Korea, Malaysia and Singapore. For citizens of Russia and
the CIS (except for Turkmenistan), a visa is not required to Azerbaijan.
Citizens of other countries must obtain a visa prior to arrival, through the
consulates of Azerbaijan in their country or to issue an electronic visa
through our travel agency. To apply for a visa, contact our managers at least 4
weeks before arriving in Azerbaijan.
Local currency: Manat
The recommended currency for the exchange is: USD or EURO.
Where to exchange currency: Upon arrival at the airport, the guide will provide
accurate information on where and how to exchange cash for local currency.
Availability of ATM: Only in large cities.
Accept credit cards: Only in large cities.
The cost of the tour from 659 USD per person for a stay in Double room
includes:
Accommodation in hotel 4 * double room on the program based on breakfast.
The firm reserves the right to change the order of
visiting excursion objects, keeping the program as a whole. The company
reserves the right to change the cost of the tour provided that it is notified
in time.
Transfers and transportation according to the program.
Excursions on the program.
Services of a Russian-speaking or English-speaking guide.
Entrance tickets to museums.
Additional paid:
Lunch - from 15 USD (soft drinks included)
Dinner - from 20 USD (soft drinks are included)
Supplement for single accommodation: $ 199 per tour
The cost of a visa is 40 USD (if not citizens of the CIS),
Charges for photo - and video shooting in museums
Dear guests, please send inquiries for individual tourists and tourist groups
to e-mail: narmintour@gmail.com , zaurnasibli@gmail.com and contact us at +99412
4926116, +99450 5968477 Whatsapp: +99450 5895997