15 July Democracy and National Unity Day Special Extra Tours Included Entirely Azerbaijan - Ajet Airlines

1. Day Istanbul - Gence - Imamzade Complex - Sheki Arrival at 09:45. After completing necessary procedures, we start our Gence Tour with a private vehicle. During the tour, we will explore some parts of this beautiful city on foot. Some of the sights include Haydar Aliyev Park, which spreads over approximately 450 hectares and is the oxygen bank of the city, the Bottle House built with 5,000 bottles in memory of brothers and soldiers who couldn’t return home during World War II, Atatürk Avenue, which is the heartbeat of the city, the Philharmonic Hall, which has hosted numerous important concerts since its construction, the 17th-century Cuma Mosque with its interesting architecture, and the Alexander Nevsky Church built according to Byzantine architecture with donations from Christian and Muslim residents. During free time, you can have lunch at a place offering delicious Azerbaijani cuisine. Then, we head to Imamzade Complex (about 7 km). The complex is surrounded by red bricks and features magnificent architecture. Inside, you'll find the tomb of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir's son, a mosque, and a caravanserai. Afterwards, we depart for Sheki through forests, lakes, and mountains (about 145 km). Upon arrival, we explore the city of Sheki, one of Azerbaijan's oldest, most authentic, and most beautiful cities. Sheki is a classic mountain town known for its gentle people, distinctive culture, and cuisine. Some sights include the Upper and Lower Sheki Caravanserais, historic stone and wooden buildings along narrow streets, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a stunning example of Persian-era architecture, the Sheki Handicrafts Workshop, Ethnography Museum, Art Gallery, Art House, and Sheki Fortress. We visit the Palace of Sheki Han, built for his relatives and also admired for its beauty, the Han and Friday mosques, and during free time in the bazaar, you can taste the famous Sheki Halva accompanied by Azerbaijani tea and purchase many handmade crafts, especially silk products. After the tour, we transfer to the hotel and check-in. Accommodation at our hotel. 2. Day Sheki - Gabala - Shamakhi - Baku After breakfast and checkout, we head towards Gabala, famous for its natural beauty (approximately 120 km). Enjoying the unique scenery of the National Park, we have free time by Nohur Lake, surrounded by mountains, forests, and waterfalls—an earthly paradise to renew your energy. Then, we proceed to Shamakhi (about 95 km). Known for its significance in the Ottoman-Safavid wars, Shamakhi is also famous for its wine-making and carpet weaving. We will see the old city center, Güllistan Fortress, and the Yeddi Gumbez Tomb, which houses the tombs of Shirvan Khan, and visit the Friday Mosque. Afterwards, we continue to Baku (approximately 125 km). Upon arrival, we check into our hotel. Accommodation at our hotel. 3. Day Baku (Azerbaijani Dinner and Folklore Show) After breakfast, we depart from the hotel for a full-day Baku city tour. The traditional and historical features of Baku have recently been complemented by modern architecture and culture thanks to many investments. First, we visit the Alley of Martyrs and Yarat Park. Here, you will enjoy panoramic views of Baku city and the Caspian Sea and take plenty of photos. Then, we go to the Old City or Inner City listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this part of the tour, you will see and learn about Baku’s historical and traditional features. Key sights include the 12th-century Maiden Tower, the 15th-century Juma Mosque, Siniggala Minaret and Mohammed Mosque, the Miniature Books Museum, the Shamakha Shakh Palace considered a jewel of Azerbaijani architecture, the new Istiqlal Street in the city center, Çeşme Square (Fountain Square), the Philharmonic Fountain, and the National Carpet and Kilim Museum. Afterwards, we visit the modern areas of the city featuring futuristic architecture, including the Flame Towers, often called the “Little Venice,” which is a waterfront area with a pedestrian promenade reminiscent of the style of the wealthy oil barons of a century ago. At the end of the tour, we go to a local venue for an Azerbaijani Dinner and Folklore Show, where traditional Mugham music and local flavors will enjoy a beautiful evening. Then, we transfer to the hotel. Accommodation at our hotel. 4. Day Baku - Ateshgah - Atesh Temple - Absheron - Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center - Istanbul After breakfast, free time. Check-out from the rooms, and then we begin our tour with a visit to the Ateshgah (Fire Temple). This is one of the three Zoroastrian temples known to have survived to the present day, and it resembles a castle. It was first built in the 3rd century AD. Since ancient times, its eternal fire has been renowned worldwide, especially during the active period of the Silk Road. In the 17th century, it was reconstructed by Zoroastrian pilgrims visiting the area. After visiting, we head to Yanardag Mountain to watch the flames dance. Then, our tour continues with a visit to the Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by British-Futurist architect Zaha Hadid, covering 101,000 square meters of impressive space. This complex, symbolizing the rise of the Caspian Sea in Azerbaijani mythology, includes theaters, conference halls, a museum, and art galleries. (IMPORTANT NOTE: Some days, the center may not accept visitors. As this is not announced in advance, our agency cannot be held responsible. In such cases, only an external view will be possible.) After the free time, we transfer to the airport at the designated time. After the necessary procedures, we depart for Istanbul with flight VF 178 operated by Azerbaijan Airlines at 18:25. Arrive at 20:30. We look forward to seeing you on our next journey.