Baku Pearl of the Caspian Tour

Arrival and City Tour

We meet at the Turkish Airlines counter in the International Departures Terminal at Istanbul Airport 3 hours before departure. After completing baggage, ticket and passport procedures, we depart for Baku at 08.35 on Turkish Airlines flight TK332. We arrive in Baku at 12.30 local time and begin our city tour in the vehicle waiting for us at the airport.

Baku, the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, lies on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Historic structures and modern buildings stand side by side in the city. Our first stop is Upland Park (Upper Park), which offers views of Baku Bay, Primorsky Boulevard, the old city, Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Here, we visit the monument to the Turkish soldiers who lost their lives in the battles to liberate Baku from occupying forces. There is also an opportunity to take photographs with the Flame Towers in the background.

Our next stop is Baku Boulevard, one of the city's landmarks and a popular place for walks among locals and visitors. We then see Azerbaijan Government House and the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall. We visit the Governor's Garden and Nizami Street, one of Baku's busiest pedestrian streets, lined with boutiques, cafés and historic buildings.

After the city tour, we transfer to our hotel for a short break. Guests who wish may join the optional Old City (Icheri Sheher) Tour at an extra charge (30 USD). On this tour, we explore Icheri Sheher, Baku's historic centre, located on a hill overlooking the Caspian Sea. We see the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, Maiden Tower (from the outside), caravanserais, mosques, traditional bathhouses and other architectural structures in the area.

At the end of the tour, we transfer to our hotel, followed by free time. Guests who wish may join the optional Azerbaijan Night Tour at an extra charge (75 USD). On this tour, we spend the evening listening to traditional music from Azerbaijan. Overnight at the hotel.

Modern Baku, Optional Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have free time. Guests who wish may join the optional Modern Baku Tour at an extra cost (40 USD). The tour will begin with a visit to White City and a panoramic drive through modern Baku. During this part of the tour, we will see Baku’s new buildings and modern architecture. Next, we will visit the Military Trophy Park, dedicated to the country’s history and sense of patriotism, where military trophies are displayed outdoors. After the boulevard, you will have free time for shopping at one of Baku’s shopping centres, with stores featuring international brands and local designers. Afterwards, we will stop for photos at the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre, designed by architect Zaha Hadid. Noted for its modern architecture, the building was constructed to honour Heydar Aliyev’s life, political career and role in Azerbaijan’s history. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Optional Trip to Gobustan

After breakfast at the hotel, there will be free time. Guests who wish may join the optional Gobustan Tour at an extra charge (60 USD). Located 64 kilometres southeast of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, Gobustan is a historic area on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This archaeological site contains more than 6000 petroglyphs (rock carvings), numerous ancient human settlements, dwellings, burial grounds, caves and artefacts from different historical periods. These remains give the site cultural significance. On the return journey, there will be a visit to Bibi-Heybat Mosque, built in 1267. Guests will also see the world's first mechanically drilled oil well, established in 1846 in the Bibi-Heybat settlement. After the tour, guests will be transferred to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Return to Istanbul

After breakfast at the hotel, there will be free time. Guests who wish may join the optional Yanardağ and Ateşgah Fire Temple Tour at an extra charge. (55 USD) During the tour, we will visit Yanar Dağ, where natural gas burns continuously on the hillside, and Ateşgah Temple. During these visits, we will observe this natural phenomenon and learn about Azerbaijan's ancient traditions of fire worship. Considered sacred for centuries by followers of various faiths, including Zoroastrianism, Hinduism and Sikhism, Ateşgah is one of the world's 3 Zoroastrian temples. The construction of the complex dates back to 1713. The temple itself, which dates from an earlier period, has survived to the present day with its original structure intact. At the centre of Ateşgah, a continuously burning flame above a natural gas source represents the eternal fire. Today, this flame is maintained artificially. After the tour, we will transfer to the airport at a time specified by the guide. Once baggage and check-in procedures are complete, we will depart for Istanbul at 17.45 on Turkish Airlines flight TK341. Our tour will end upon arrival in Istanbul at 20:00 local time.