Baku Tour

Arrival and City Tour

We meet in front of the Turkish Airlines counter at the International Departures Terminal of Istanbul Airport 3 hours before departure. After completing baggage, ticket and passport procedures, we depart for Baku at 06.45 on Turkish Airlines flight TK332. We arrive in Baku at 10.30 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 Caspian Sea coast. Historic buildings stand alongside modern architecture. Our first stop is Upland Park (Upper Park), where we can see Baku Bay, Primorsky Boulevard, the old city, Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Here, we visit the memorial to the Turkish soldiers who lost their lives in the battles to liberate Baku from occupying forces. There will also be an opportunity to take photos with the Flame Towers in the background.

Next, we head to Baku Boulevard, one of the city's landmarks and a popular place for walks among locals and visitors. After seeing the Azerbaijan Government House and the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall, we visit the Governor's Garden. We then explore Nizami Street, one of Baku's busiest pedestrian streets, with its boutiques, cafés and historic buildings.

After the city tour, we head 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, which stands 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 landmarks in the area.

After the tour, we return to our hotel for 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, there will be 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. Along the way, we will see modern architecture and discover the new Baku. Next, we will visit the Military Trophy Park, which is dedicated to the country’s history and patriotism and displays military trophies outdoors. After the Boulevard, there will be free time for shopping at a shopping centre in Baku with stores run by international brands and local designers. Later, we will stop for photos at the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre, designed by architect Zaha Hadid. Known 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 the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Optional Trip to Gobustan

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have free time. Guests who wish may join the optional Gobustan Tour at an extra cost (60 USD). Gobustan is a historic region located 64 kilometres southeast of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, and is 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 region cultural significance. On the return journey after the tour, you will visit Bibi-Heybat Mosque, built in 1267. You will also see the world's first mechanically drilled oil well, established in 1846 in the Bibi-Heybat settlement. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to the hotel for an overnight stay.

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. We will observe this natural phenomenon and learn about Azerbaijan's ancient fire-worshipping traditions. 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 complex is believed to have been built in 1713. The temple itself dates from earlier times and has survived to the present day, retaining its original structure. At the centre of Ateşgah, the continuously burning flame above a natural gas source represents the eternal fire and is now maintained artificially. After the tour, we will transfer to the airport at the time specified by the guide. After baggage and ticket formalities are completed, we will depart for Istanbul at 16:50 on Turkish Airlines flight TK341. Our tour will end upon arrival in Istanbul at 19.05 local time.