Azerbaijan: Land of Fire

Begin your day within the UNESCO-listed Icherisheher, Baku’s atmospheric Old City. Accompanied by your guide, wander through its winding stone lanes to discover the historic Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the imposing Maiden Tower, two of the country’s iconic landmarks. Later this afternoon, ascend by funicular to Martyrs’ Lane, where sweeping views stretch across Baku, the Caspian Sea, and the city’s striking contemporary skyline. This evening, enjoy dinner at the rooftop restaurant at the Hilton Baku, which offers outstanding views of the beautifully lit Flame Towers after sunset.

Experience two very different sides of Azerbaijan today. Start the day among the colourful stalls of Yashil Bazar, where locals shop for fragrant spices, seasonal fruit and regional delicacies. Continue to the splendid Heydar Aliyev Centre, Zaha Hadid’s internationally acclaimed architectural masterpiece, before travelling across the Absheron Peninsula. Here, you will visit the 17th-century Ateshgah Fire Temple built by Zoroastrian merchants and witness the naturally burning hillside of Yanar Dag, whose eternal flames have fascinated travellers for centuries and inspired Azerbaijan’s enduring reputation as the Land of Fire.

Leaving the Caspian coast behind, travel west through an ever-changing landscape towards the forested foothills of the Lesser Caucasus. Arrive in the historic city of Ganja, your gateway to the crystal-clear waters of nearby Lake Goygol, one of Azerbaijan’s most beautiful natural settings. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the water’s edge and admire the surrounding mountain scenery before returning to Ganja for your overnight stay.

Spend the morning exploring Ganja, Azerbaijan’s second city. Visit the unique Bottle House, a one-of-a-kind private residence decorated with roughly 48,000 glass bottles, before discovering the elegant Shah Abbas Mosque, one of the finest surviving monuments of the Safavid era. In the afternoon, drive through picturesque countryside to the charming Silk Road town of Sheki, celebrated for its rich history, traditional craftsmanship and distinctive architecture.

Start your day with a drive to the small village of Kish, home to one of the Caucasus’ oldest Christian monuments, the revered Albanian Church. Following your visit, enjoy an interactive culinary masterclass and learn to prepare Azerbaijan’s aromatic pilau, cooked with fragrant saffron, dried fruits, chestnuts and your choice of meat or seasonal vegetables. Then, enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch before returning to Sheki. In the afternoon, visit the exquisite 18th-century Palace of the Sheki Khans, famed for its intricate shebeke stained-glass windows assembled entirely without nails or glue. Stop by the historic Caravanserai and, before returning to your hotel, sample Sheki’s renowned handmade halva, a local speciality perfected over generations.

Journey back to Baku today. En route, visit the 8th-century holy Juma Masjid at Shamakhi, one of the oldest mosques in the Caucasus. Then, continue to Gobustan National Park, where prehistoric petroglyphs provide a remarkable glimpse into life thousands of years ago, while the surrounding landscape is dotted with Azerbaijan’s extraordinary bubbling mud volcanoes, among the highest concentrations found anywhere on Earth. Upon arrival in Baku, check into your hotel.

Today, you’ll be collected from your hotel and transferred to Heydar Aliyev International Airport for your onward flight.