Azerbaijan

Sure, I'd be happy to help you plan your 7-day itinerary in Azerbaijan! Here's a suggested itinerary that will give you a taste of the country's rich history, culture, and natural beauty:

Day 1: Arrival in Baku

• Arrive at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku
• Check into your hotel and rest for a while
• In the evening, take a stroll along the Baku Boulevard, which is a beautiful promenade overlooking the Caspian Sea. You can also visit the famous Flame Towers, which are illuminated at night.

Day 2: Exploring Baku

• Start your day with a visit to the Old City (Icherisheher), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can explore the narrow streets, ancient buildings, and historical landmarks such as the Maiden Tower and Shirvanshahs' Palace.
• After lunch, head to the modern part of the city and visit the Heydar Aliyev Center, which is an iconic building designed by Zaha Hadid. The center houses exhibitions on Azerbaijani culture and history.
• In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in Baku that serve traditional Azerbaijani cuisine.

Day 3: Gobustan National Park and Mud Volcanoes

• Take a day trip to Gobustan National Park, which is located about an hour's drive from Baku. Here, you can see ancient rock carvings and petroglyphs that date back to the Stone Age.
• After visiting the park, head to the nearby mud volcanoes, which are unique geological formations that spew mud instead of lava. You can even take a dip in the warm mud pools!

Day 4: Absheron Peninsula

• Spend the day exploring the Absheron Peninsula, which is home to several historical and cultural landmarks. Start with a visit to the Ateshgah Fire Temple, which is a Zoroastrian temple that was built in the 17th century.
• Next, head to the Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain), which is a natural gas fire that has been burning for thousands of years. It's a unique sight to see!
• End your day with a visit to the Gala Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum, which showcases the history and culture of Azerbaijan.

Day 5: Sheki

• Take a morning flight to Sheki, which is a picturesque town located in the northwest of Azerbaijan. Here, you can explore the Old Town, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Visit the Sheki Khan's Palace, which is a beautiful example of traditional Azerbaijani architecture. You can also visit the local bazaar and try some of the delicious local sweets.

Day 6: Lahij and Qabala

• Take a day trip to the village of Lahij, which is known for its traditional handicrafts such as copperware and carpets. You can watch the artisans at work and even buy some souvenirs.
• After visiting Lahij, head to the nearby town of Qabala, which is surrounded by beautiful mountains. Here, you can visit the Tufandag Winter-Summer Tourism Complex, which offers skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities.

Day 7: Departure

• Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time to explore Baku or do some last-minute shopping before heading to the airport for your departure flight.

I hope this itinerary gives you a good idea of what Azerbaijan has to offer! Of course, feel free to adjust it based on your interests and preferences.