Ganja- Sheki(1)- Gabala- Shamakhi- Baku(2)
1st Day Istanbul- Ganja- Imamzade Complex- Sheki
We recommend that you be at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport by 03:15…
06:20 Departure to Ganja, a city often mentioned in the tales of Dede Korkut, with scheduled flight VF 313 of Ajet Airlines.
09:45 Arrival. After necessary processing, we start our Ganja Tour with our private vehicle. During our tour, we will explore the city on foot in some areas. Sites to be visited include the Haydar Aliyev Park sprawling over approximately 450 hectares, the Bottle House built with 5,000 bottles in memory of the architect’s brother and other soldiers unable to return during World War II, Ataturk Avenue which is the heart of the city, the Philharmonic Hall that has hosted many significant performances, the Friday Mosque built in the 17th century with interesting architecture, and the Alexander Nevsky Church, built with donations from both Christian and Muslim populations according to Byzantine architecture. During our free time, you can enjoy your lunch at one of the places offering delicious Azeri cuisine. Afterward, we set out for the Imamzade Complex. (approximately 7 km) Surrounded by red bricks, the interior of this magnificent complex, with its intricately crafted architecture, includes the tomb of Hz. Muhammad's grandson Imam Muhammad al-Bakr, a mosque, and a caravansary. Next, we take a beautiful route adorned with forests, lakes, and mountains to Sheki. (approximately 145 km) Upon arrival, we will tour Sheki, Azerbaijan's oldest, most authentic, and beautiful city. Known for its friendly people and unique culture and cuisine, Sheki showcases the Upper and Lower Sheki Caravanserais, historical stone and wooden buildings spread across narrow, stony streets, the magnificent Sheki Khan's Palace, which is a significant member of UNESCO World Heritage sites dating back to the Persian period, Sheki Fortress consisting of buildings and walls such as Sheki Arts and Crafts Workshop, Ethnography Museum, Art Gallery, Art House, the Han and Friday Mosques, as well as the celebrated beauty of the Sheki Khan's Palace specially built for the Khan's relatives, which you will see during our tour. In our free time at the market, you can taste the famous Azeri Tea accompanied by Sheki Halva, and purchase many handicraft art pieces including the world’s most beautiful silk products. After the tour, transfer to our hotel and check into your rooms. Accommodation at our hotel.
2nd Day Sheki- Gabala- Shamakhi- Baku
After breakfast and checking out, we head towards Gabala known for its natural beauty (approximately 120 km). With the unique views of Nohur Lake in Gabala, surrounded by mountains, forests, and waterfalls, you'll rejuvenate your energy. Next, we travel to Shamakhi (approximately 95 km). This city is known for its importance in history with the Shamakhi Siege during the Ottoman-Safavid War. It is also one of the key locations in the Caucasus for winemaking and carpet weaving. Here, we see the old town center, the Yeddi Gumbez Tomb located at the foot of Gülistan Fortress which houses the Shirvan Khan Tombs, and the Friday Mosque. After this, we continue our journey to our last destination of the day, Baku (approximately 125 km). Upon arrival, we check into our hotel. Accommodation at our hotel.
3rd Day Baku (Dinner with Azeri Night)
After breakfast, we depart from our hotel for a full-day Baku City Tour. Traditional and historic Baku has gained a modern look with numerous investments made recently. In this comprehensive tour, we will see the most significant areas of New and Old Baku. First, we visit Martyrs' Lane leading to Highland Park. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Baku and Baku Bay and take a lot of photos. Next, we visit the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also known as Ichari Shahar. In this segment of our tour, you'll see and learn about Baku's historical and traditional features. In this area and the nearby vicinity, we will see the Maiden Tower built in the 12th century, the Friday Mosque from the 15th century, the historically significant Siniggala Minaret and Mohammed Mosque, the world's only Miniature Book Museum, the Shirvan Shah Palace recognized as one of the jewels of Azerbaijani architectural history, the Ismail Palace which now serves as the Academy of Sciences, the city’s heart Independence Avenue, the Fountain Square named after the historical fountain there, the Municipality Park famous for the Philharmonic Fountain, and the National Carpet and Carpet Museum with its valuable handicrafts. Afterward, we proceed to Baku Boulevard where we will explore the modern face of the city, featuring a plethora of futuristic architectural works including the world-famous Flame Towers. At the end of our tour, we head to a local venue for the Azeri Night with Dinner and Folklore Show. Following a beautiful evening with traditional Mugham music and local flavors, transfer back to the hotel. Accommodation at our hotel.
4th Day Baku- Ateshgah- Absheron- Heydar Aliyev Center- Istanbul
After breakfast, enjoy your leisure time. After checking out, we begin our tour with a visit to Ateshgah (Fire Temple) with a short journey. This is one of the three Zoroastrian temples still existing today and the most important one. Built initially in the 3rd century A.D., this fort-like religious structure gained fame for its ever-burning fire, especially during the active period of the Silk Road, and was rebuilt by Zoroastrian pilgrims in the 17th century. After our visit here, we go to see the dancing flames of Yanar Dag. Next, we continue our tour with a visit to the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, designed by the Iraqi-born British futurist architect Zaha Hadid, covering a massive area of 101,000 square meters, and its construction has echoed globally. This complex represents the rise of the Caspian Sea in Azeri mythology and includes theaters, conference halls, museums, and art galleries. (IMPORTANT NOTE: The cultural center may not accept visitors on some days. Since today and times may not be pre-announced, our company cannot be held responsible for this situation. In such a case, the center will be viewed from outside. If it is open, entry will be allowed.) After free time, at the hour determined by our guide, transfer to the airport. After necessary procedures,
18:25 Departure to Istanbul with scheduled flight VF 178 of Ajet Airlines.
20:30 Arrival. We hope to see you in another trip…