Azerbaijan 5 Day Itinerary

Title: 5-Day Adventure in Azerbaijan

Day 1: Baku City Exploration

  • Start your day with a visit to the Baku Old Town (Icherisheher), where you can explore the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, Maiden Tower, and local markets.
  • Head to Fountains Square (Fontan Plaza) and take a stroll along the Baku Boulevard with its unique modern art sculptures.
  • Don’t miss the Flame Towers, an iconic symbol of Baku, especially at night when they light up spectacularly.
  • Things to know: English is not widely spoken, so it may be helpful to have a translated guide or use translation apps. The currency used in Azerbaijan is the Manat (AZN).
  • Visa Requirements: Visitors from many countries can obtain an e-visa online. Check the latest requirements on this official website.
  • Transportation: Baku has a reliable metro system, taxis, and ride-hailing services like Yandex.Taxi or Taxify.

Day 2: Ateshgah Fire Temple & Gobustan National Park

  • Visit the Ateshgah Fire Temple, an 18th-century temple that was once a pilgrimage site for Zoroastrians.
  • Explore Gobustan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with rock carvings dating back 40,000 years and the mud volcanoes.
  • For an unforgettable experience, book a Mud Volcano Tour in the afternoon.

Day 3: Absheron Peninsula & Qobustan Museum

  • Visit the Bibi-Heybat Mosque and explore the Yanar Dag, or “Burning Mountain”.
  • Discover the Qobustan Museum, which offers insights into the history of the region.
  • Spend the evening in Novruzlu Village, where you can enjoy traditional Azerbaijani cuisine and hospitality.

Day 4: Gobustan - Shaki - Sheki

  • Travel to Shaki, known for its beautiful Khan’s Palace, traditional Shaki-Khurdala kelagai (silk shirt) workshops, and delicious Shaki Pilaf.
  • Continue to the medieval town of Sheki. Explore the Albanian Church and the stunning Sheki Khans’ Palace.
  • Overnight in Sheki.

Day 5: Sheki - Qax - Gabala

  • Head to Qax, home to the beautiful Dash Salah Mosque and the Qax Museum.
  • Continue to Gabala, where you can visit the Tufandag Winter-Summer Tourist Complex for outdoor activities like hiking, zip-lining, or mountain biking.
  • Don’t forget to try the local specialty, Gabalandijan pilaf, before departing.

Additional Tips:

  • The best time to visit Azerbaijan is from May to October when the weather is pleasant.
  • Stay connected with a local SIM card, which can be purchased at the airport or mobile shops in cities.
  • Always respect local customs and traditions, as modesty is important in Azerbaijani culture.
  • Enjoy your trip!

Day 1: Baku (Arrival & City Exploration)

  • Arrival at Heydar Aliyev International Airport (VISA: Check the latest visa requirements as they may vary depending on your nationality. Some countries can get an e-visa online in advance.)

  • Transportation: Taxis are available outside the airport, or you can book a private transfer beforehand.

  • Check-in at Hotel (Recommendations: Four Seasons Baku, JW Marriott Absheron Baku, Fairmont Baku Flame Towers)

  • Lunch: Try traditional Azerbaijani cuisine at Çınarxana or Xalvacar.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Baku Old City (İçəri Şəhər) and explore the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, Maiden Tower, and marketplace.

  • Evening: Take a walk along Baku’s beautiful Bulvar with its modern architecture, including the Flame Towers. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant with a view such as Nusr-et Steakhouse or Port Baku Mall.

Day 2: Baku (Gobustan & Mud Volcanoes)

  • Morning: Visit Gobustan State Reserve, famous for its petroglyphs, mud volcanes, and unique landscapes.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant in Gobustan or on the way back to Baku.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Mud Volcanoes area and learn about this unique geographical phenomenon.

  • Evening: Return to Baku and enjoy a leisurely evening exploring the city or resting at your hotel.

Day 3: Absheron Peninsula & Ateshgah Fire Temple

  • Morning: Visit the Ateshgah Fire Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to fire worshippers from India.

  • Afternoon: Travel along the Absheron Peninsula, visiting Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain), and the fascinating mud flats of the Sharan National Park.

  • Evening: Return to Baku for a well-deserved rest or further city exploration.

Day 4: Gabala (Highland Resort)

  • Morning: Travel to Gabala (approximately 2-3 hours by car)

  • Afternoon: Explore the Gabala City Center, try some local cuisine, and visit the Gabala Museum.

  • Evening: Relax at a spa resort in Gabala or enjoy activities like horseback riding or zip-lining.

Day 5: Sheki & Kish

  • Morning: Travel to Sheki (approximately 1 hour from Gabala) and visit the Sheki Khans’ Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Afternoon: Continue on to Kish (around 1.5 hours from Sheki), where you can explore the stunning Kish Fortress and the traditional local market.

  • Evening: Return to Gabala or Baku, depending on your travel plans. If you have more time in Gabala, enjoy a peaceful evening at your resort or venture out for some local entertainment.

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning/Afternoon: Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore Baku further before heading to Heydar Aliyev International Airport for your departure.