Baku Tour from Istanbul

Meeting in front of the Turkish Airlines counter at the international departures terminal of Istanbul Airport 3 hours before the flight. Following baggage, ticket and passport procedures, departure for Baku at 08.35 on Turkish Airlines flight TK332. Following our arrival in Baku at 12.30 local time, our city tour begins with the vehicle waiting for us at the airport. Baku is the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, located on the shores of the Caspian Sea, and draws attention with its rich history, impressive architecture and modern structures. Our city tour here will begin at Upland Park (Upper Park), which offers magnificent views of Baku Bay, Primorsky Boulevard, the Old City, the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Here, we will also visit the memorial to the Turkish soldiers who were martyred in the battles to liberate Baku from occupying forces and have the opportunity to take photographs with the famous Flame Towers in the background. Our next stop on the tour, Baku Boulevard, is regarded as a landmark and a favourite place for walking among both local residents and visitors to the city.

After breakfast at the hotel, free time. Guests who wish may join the optional Magnificent Modern Baku Tour at extra cost (40 USD). We will begin the day with a panoramic drive through modern Baku by visiting White City. We will see modern architecture and experience the atmosphere of new Baku. Our next stop will be Military Trophy Park, dedicated to the country's history and patriotic spirit, where military trophies are displayed outdoors. After the boulevard, during the free time provided at one of Baku's finest shopping centres, where you can find international brands as well as local designer stores, we will have the opportunity to shop. After the free time, we will have a photo stop at the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, which draws attention with its modern and impressive architecture designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid. The building was constructed to honour Heydar Aliyev's life, political career and role in Azerbaijan's history. After our tour, transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, free time. Guests who wish may join the optional Magnificent Gobustan Tour at extra cost (60 USD). Located 64 kilometres southeast of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, Gobustan is a historic region on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Home to more than 6000 petroglyphs (rock carvings), numerous ancient human settlements, dwellings, cemeteries, caves and artefacts from various historical periods, this archaeological site is of great cultural importance. After our tour, during our return journey, we will visit Bibi-Heybat Mosque, built in 1267, and also have the opportunity to see the world's first mechanically drilled oil well, established in 1846 in the Bibi-Heybat settlement. After our tour, transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, free time. Guests who wish may join the optional Magnificent Ateshgah Fire Temple Tour. (55 USD) Considered sacred for centuries by different faith groups such as Zoroastrianism, Hinduism and Sikhism, Ateshgah is one of the world's 3 Zoroastrian temples. Construction of the complex dates back to 1713. The temple itself existed in earlier periods and has survived to the present day while preserving its original structure. At Ateshgah, a flame burns continuously above a natural gas source representing eternal fire, although today this flame is maintained artificially. After our tour, transfer to the airport at a time determined by the guide. Following baggage and ticket procedures, departure for Istanbul at 17.35 on Türk Hava Yolları (Turkish Airlines) flight TK341. Arrival in Istanbul at 19.10 local time, marking the end of our tour.