Day 1 ISTANBUL – BAKU
After completing baggage and check-in procedures at Istanbul Airport's International Departures terminal, we depart for Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, at 12:05 on Turkish Airlines flight TK340. Arrival in Baku at 15:50 local time. Following our arrival, we start our first acquaintance with the city on a panoramic city tour of Baku with our private bus awaiting us at the airport. We will explore important points such as the stunning modern architecture of the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, the peaceful atmosphere of the Venice Park, the waterfront Baku Boulevard, the impressive Flame Towers, the meaningful Turkish Martyrs' Memorial, the Carpet Museum, and the National Assembly Square. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. After settling into our rooms, we have free time. Overnight at our hotel.
Day 2 BAKU
We start the day with breakfast at the hotel. We meet in the lobby at the time indicated by our guide. After the meeting, we set off for the “Absheron Peninsula & Ateshgah & Fire Mountain & Shopping Tour” with lunch included. Our first stop is the Ateshgah Temple, one of the sacred centers of Zoroastrianism. Known for the “Eternal Fire” legend, this special place still preserves the mystical atmosphere of the past. Next, we visit the Fire Mountain, an extraordinary natural phenomenon where natural gas ignites from underground and has not extinguished for centuries, one of the symbols of Azerbaijan, described by Marco Polo as the “Land of Fire.” After returning to Baku, we enjoy our lunch at the designated restaurant, and in the afternoon, we head to Port Baku/Crescent Mall, the address for shopping. World-famous brand stores, modern restaurants, and a pleasant atmosphere await you. We will have free time for shopping and relaxation here. Return to the hotel after the tour. Overnight at our hotel.
Day 3 BAKU
We start the day with breakfast at the hotel. We meet in the lobby at the time indicated by our guide. After the meeting, we will experience the “Gobustan & Mud Volcanoes and Heydar Aliyev Museum Tour.” Our first stop is Gobustan, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and bears traces of prehistoric times. This open-air museum by the Caspian Sea with rock carvings and painted stones sheds light on thousands of years ago. Next, we closely observe the Mud Volcanoes, which are found in certain regions worldwide and are abundant in Azerbaijan. The live geological movements will captivate you as you witness this unique natural event. In the afternoon, we return to Baku and visit the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, the architectural masterpiece of modern Azerbaijan. Designed by the world-famous architect Zaha Hadid, this iconic structure attracts attention with its exterior and the exhibitions inside. The cultural center includes personal belongings of Heydar Aliyev, as well as ethnographic and archaeological collections. Return to the hotel after the tour.
Extra: In the evening, for those interested, our guide will organize an optional “Azerbaijani Night with Dinner” (80 EUR, per person). This enjoyable night, where we will experience traditional music, local delicacies, and Azerbaijani culture, will remain an unforgettable memory from your trip. Return to the hotel after the tour. Overnight at our hotel.
Day 4 BAKU – ISTANBUL
After breakfast at the hotel, we check out of our rooms and complete the check-out procedures. We meet in the lobby at the time indicated by our guide and start our “Baku Old Town & Surakhani Tanker Museum Tour.” Initially, we visit the Surakhani tanker, which historically played an important role in Azerbaijan’s maritime oil transportation and was converted into a museum following extensive renovations in 2017. The Surakhani tanker museum, 123.5 meters long and weighing 4696 tons, incorporates various innovative solutions in its halls. Here, we learn about the history of the Caspian Sea, oil production in Absheron, the development of maritime activities, ships considered among the world's firsts, marine giants, navigation facilities essential for maritime operations, seafaring knots with a history of about 5000 years, and the equipment used for operating ships. After our museum visit, we embark on a journey through the historic İçeri Şehir (Old City) area, observing important structures such as the Maiden Tower, the Shirvanshahs' Palace, the Miniature Book Museum, and historical baths along the cobbled streets. Finally, we have free time on Nizami Street, known as the liveliest point in Baku and reminiscent of Istanbul's Istiklal Street, formerly Targovi.
After free time, we meet at the time indicated by our guide and head towards Baku Heydar Aliyev Airport. After arriving at the airport, we complete our passport and baggage procedures, and depart for Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK335 at 20:50. Arrival in Istanbul at 23:05 local time and the end of our tour.