8 day itinerary for Azerbayan

Itinerary

Azerbaijan is a beautiful country with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Here’s an exciting 8-day itinerary that will let you experience the best of what Azerbaijan has to offer. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Baku

Morning: Arrive in Baku, the capital city. Check into your hotel and freshen up. If you arrive early, grab a traditional breakfast at a local café—try some “qutab” (stuffed flatbread) or “dovga” (yogurt soup).

Afternoon: Start your exploration with a stroll along the Baku Boulevard, where you can enjoy the Caspian Sea views. Don’t miss the Flame Towers, which are especially stunning at sunset.

Evening: Head to the Old City (Icherisheher) and wander through its narrow streets. Visit the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. For dinner, indulge in some local cuisine at a restaurant in the Old City.

## Day 2: Baku - Gobustan and Fire Temple

Morning: After breakfast, take a trip to Gobustan National Park (about 64 km from Baku). Explore the ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see!

Afternoon: Visit the Ateshgah Fire Temple, a fascinating site that showcases the Zoroastrian fire-worshipping culture.

Evening: Return to Baku and enjoy dinner at a restaurant with a view of the Flame Towers. Try “plov” (Azerbaijani rice dish) for a true local experience.

## Day 3: Baku - Sheki

Morning: Depart for Sheki, a charming town about 4 hours from Baku. On the way, stop at the scenic town of Quba and visit the Quba Genocide Memorial Complex.

Afternoon: Arrive in Sheki and check into your hotel. Visit the Sheki Khan’s Palace, known for its stunning stained glass windows and intricate architecture.

Evening: Stroll through the town and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Don’t forget to try “piti,” a traditional Sheki dish.

## Day 4: Sheki - Lahij - Gabala

Morning: After breakfast, head to Lahij, a picturesque village famous for its handicrafts, especially copperware. Explore the cobbled streets and maybe pick up a souvenir or two!

Afternoon: Continue your journey to Gabala (about 1.5 hours from Lahij). Check into your hotel and then visit the Gabala Shooting Club or take a cable car ride up to Tufandag Mountain Resort for breathtaking views.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in Gabala, where you can try some local dishes and relax in the beautiful surroundings.

## Day 5: Gabala - Quba - Baku

Morning: Spend the morning exploring Gabala. You can visit the Gabala Waterfall or the Nohur Lake for some serene nature time.

Afternoon: Head back to Baku, stopping at Quba again if you wish to explore more or visit the Quba Mosque.

Evening: Arrive in Baku and enjoy a leisurely evening. Perhaps visit a local tea house and try some Azerbaijani tea with sweets.

## Day 6: Baku - Naftalan

Morning: Depart for Naftalan, a unique spa town known for its therapeutic oil. It’s about a 3-hour drive from Baku.

Afternoon: Check into a spa hotel and enjoy a relaxing afternoon with oil treatments. It’s a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else!

Evening: Have dinner at your hotel and unwind. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Naftalan.

## Day 7: Naftalan - Ganja

Morning: After breakfast, head to Ganja, Azerbaijan’s second-largest city (about 2 hours away).

Afternoon: Visit the Nizami Mausoleum and the Javad Khan Street, where you can enjoy the local vibe and maybe grab lunch at a café.

Evening: Explore the city’s parks and gardens, and have dinner at a local restaurant. Try “dushbara,” a type of dumpling soup that’s a local favorite.

## Day 8: Ganja - Baku

Morning: Before heading back to Baku, visit the Ganja Fortress and the beautiful Lake Goygol, known for its stunning blue waters.

Afternoon: Drive back to Baku (about 4 hours). Once you arrive, you can do some last-minute shopping or visit any sights you may have missed.

Evening: For your final dinner, treat yourself to a nice restaurant with a view of the Caspian Sea. Reflect on your amazing journey through Azerbaijan!

Departure

Depending on your flight schedule, you might have some time for a leisurely breakfast or a final stroll around Baku before heading to the airport.

And there you have it! An 8-day adventure filled with culture, history, and stunning landscapes. Azerbaijan is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. Enjoy your trip! 🌍✈️