Azerbaijan: The Land of Fire

Azerbaijan, a unique blend of Europe and Asia, offers a fascinating mix of blazing landscapes, ancient temples, and the modern splendor of Baku. Our 8-day journey begins in Baku, a city of striking contrasts—Soviet design, historic architecture, and futuristic skyscrapers.

Beyond Baku, explore the Absheron Peninsula, Yanardag (the eternal fire mountain), the Fire Temple of Ateshgah, and Gobustan's surreal mud volcanoes. Visit Sheki’s vintage caravanserais and the Khan's Palace, and discover Gabala's Albanian heritage, Guba's harmonious Jewish quarter, and the Indian priests’ legacy at Ateshgah.

Savor the exquisite cuisine and marvel at the diverse cultural influences of this Silk Road gem. From the Caucasus Mountains to the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan promises unforgettable adventures!

DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN BAKU (-/-/-)

• Welcome to Azerbaijan, the Land of Fire. Upon arrival in Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Baku, you'll be received by WANDERING SARATHY and transferred to our hotel in the city of Baku. 
• Spend the day at leisure, and then start the trip with a funicular ride to the Highland Park
• Stroll through Martyr’s Lane, and the Eternal Flame Monument 
• visit to the modern symbol of Baku, the Baku Ferris Wheel (Baku Eye). Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the city and the waterfront. 
• In the evening, we go for a leisurely stroll along Baku Boulevard and Fountain Square. 
• Visit the Carpet Museum
• Spend a fun night out on the vibrant Nizami Street, hopping from café to café. 

DAY 02: GOBUSTAN MUD VOLCANO, FIRE TEMPLE, BURNING MOUNTAIN (B/-/-)

• Today, we get the chance to go to the Gobustan State Museum and view the exceptional displays that have come to us over the course of a millennium. 
• We learn about the intriguing realm of petroglyphs, which are the rock carvings and inscriptions left by Roman emperor Domitian's legionaries as well as ancient inhabitants. Did you know that they date back some 12,000 years? 
• Additionally, there will be a chance for us to climb on a vintage Soviet van to get a closer look at the mud volcanoes, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
• Visit the Fire Temple of Ateshgah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, later. Once a Zoroastrian sanctuary thousands of years ago, the fortified temple you see today was constructed by Indian Shiva followers in the 18th century. 
• Visit Yanardag's spectacular burning mountain, Marco Polo wrote about. The base of the hillside is constantly ablaze with smoldering subterranean gasses that flow through fissures in the earth's surface. 
• Is there a nightlife in Baku? Indeed, it's the ideal city for a night out, where you can dance all night long and have lengthy talks while sipping beer or cocktails and listening to fantastic music. 

DAY 03:  GABALA, NOHUR LAKE, WINE TASTING, TUFANDAG, SHEKI (B/-/-)

• Today, we head for Gabala (Qabala), the ancient capital of Albania in the Caucasus. 
• Visit the Shamakhi Juma mosque, Alpaca farm (optional) and the  Zernava Suspension Bridge on route. 
• Visit Nohur Lake, a serene oasis nestled in the heart of Gabala, Azerbaijan, offering an awe-inspiring panorama of the majestic Caucasus Mountains  
• Optional wine tasting session
• Take an exhilarating ride on the cable car at Tufandag, where you will soar high above the treetops and valleys below. You will have scintillating views of the Caucasus Mountains from the summit. 

DAY 04: SHEKI, KISH VILLAGE (B/-/-)

• Sheki, the historical mountain town near the Georgian border is where we head today.
• On route, we stop at a small village where we'll enjoy a wine tasting session.  
• in Sheki, we visit the opulent Sheki Khan's Palace, which was built in the eighteenth century without the use of nails and features exquisite wall paintings. 
• We also visit the ancient Albanian temple situated in Kish village
• Archeological discoveries spanning over 2,500 years have been made in Sheki and its surroundings. There are a number of medieval baths, fortress-like caravanserais and mosques to explore.
• Sheki is a pleasure to explore, with its narrow alleys and quaint homes evoking a bygone era. 
• Explore the Sheki bazaar that's well-known for its endless stores selling spices and more. 
• The more than thirty types of Azeri sweets are a must-try, with the majority including nuts, dry fruits and spices. Sheki Halwa is the favorite! For lunch, we'll eat the unique clay pot-prepared and served local meal "Piti," which is exclusive to Sheki. Along with it, we also relish choban-salad (shepherd's salad), and soft drinks. 

DAY 05: CANDY CANE MOUNTAINS, KHINALIG, GUBA (B/-/-)

• We continue our journey to Guba (Quba), the mountainous region of Azerbaijan. 
• We drive through the Khizi region, admiring the landscapes of the famous Candy Cane Mountains along the way. 
• Next up is Gachresh (Qechresh), a stunning area of Azerbaijan encircled by mountains and lush vegetation. Stroll through the Gachresh Forest. We will eventually be able to see the historic, real-world Gachresh village streets and homes. 
•  We visit Shahdag Mountain Resort in Azerbaijan's Gusar region, nestled in the stunning Caucasus Mountains. Enjoy alpine lakes, canyons, and rich wildlife. Take a scenic cable car ride and experience seasonal activities like skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, and a thrilling roller coaster. 

DAY 06: BAKU OLD TOWN EXPLORATION (B/-/-)

• Set out on a sightseeing tour of Baku. A city inside a city, Baku's Old City (Icheri Shekher) is its medieval core and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is so much to explore, such as the Maiden's Tower and Shirvanshahs' Palace, as well as art galleries, theaters, and cafés. 
• Lster, admire the Heydar Aliyev Center's cutting-edge design and modern architecture. 
• With plenty of time in the evening, we will take a quick boat ride on the Caspian Sea to enjoy the cool breeze and lights of the city. You can unwind with refreshing drinks or traditional tea sets in addition to the stunning views of the city, and an on-boat photographer will help you capture your memories.

DAY 07: SEE YOU SOON

• The morning is free to spend as you like before transferring to the airport for your departure flight. Bid adieu and head out with happy memories.

To ensure you get the most out of your trip, why not come with us to GEORGIA? ASK FOR DETAILS

Start Date: Sunday, April 20, 2025

End Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025 

Pick-up & Drop-off at Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport (IATA: GYD, ICAO: UBBB)

Arrive no later than 10:00AM (airport pick-up @ 11:00AM) on Day 01 and book your departure flight after 5:00PM (airport drop @ 2:00PM) on Day 07. 

INR 48500 per person (for a single traveler)

INR 47500 per person (for two or more traveling together)

INR 47500 per person (for those who travelled with us before)

 *5% GST + TCS extra.  

Pay INR 10000 to Book Now. Balance to be paid 45 days before the trip start date. 

• These rates are for Indian Nationals only.
• Group Size: Minimum of 8 participants - Maximum of 18 participants (+) WANDERING SARATHY as your Trip Captain (if 8 or more participants join the trip). Please make sure that the trip has reached the minimum number of participants before you reserve your flight ticket.
• Even a single member can join this trip. If you're a single-member traveling alone, you'll be assigned to a room with another member of the same gender.
• Suitable for members between the age group of 18-55 years. Generally, we majorly have participants between 18-35 years.
• A stay at an additional cost may be arranged if you're arriving or departing a day earlier or later.

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation in boutique hotels on double/twin sharing basis
• Breakfast on all days at our hotel
• Group airport transfer by AC vehicle. If your flight arrival is at a different time, extra charges will be applicable.
• All internal transfers/sightseeing by an exclusive AC vehicle as per the itinerary 
• Entry tickets to the places of interest mentioned in the itinerary
• Cable car ride in Tufandag
• Tons of local experiences
• Services of a Local English Speaking Guide, where required
• Services of WANDERING SARATHY, the trip leader who acts as a facilitator and a story-teller

EXCLUSIONS

• International flight tickets (return ticket costs approx. 25k from Delhi)
• eVisa ($25 i.e., Rs.2070/- approx.) We extend assistance in applying for eVisa.
• Travel Insurance (approx. Rs.1000/-)
• Food/Snacks/Beverages other than mentioned above. A plenty of eating options available: Local & Indian (both Veg & Non Veg). No scarcity of vegetarian options.
• Activities like zip-lining, boating, paragliding, horse riding, ATV rides, etc. unless specified in the itinerary
• Camera charges
• 5% GST on the trip cost + applicable TCS
• Tipping tour guides and driver
• Any taxes/charges the local Government may levy, in future
• Additional costs arising due to mishaps, political unrest, natural calamities like – landslides, road blockage, etc. In such a case, extras will have to be paid on the spot by the participants directly.
• Personal expenses such as laundry, bottled water, soft drinks, incidentals, porter charges, medicines, etc.
• Any item not specified in the ‘Inclusions’

•  Secure Your Spot: Confirm your participation by paying INR 10000 to book your seat. The balance to be paid 30 days before the trip start date.
• Payment Options:
  • Write to us at unusualescapes@gmail.com for bank transfer details.
  • Pay via Google Pay at UPI ID: unusualescapes@aubank
• Spot Confirmation: Your spot will be confirmed once the booking fee is received.
• Replacement: If you find someone to replace you, there will be NO cancellation charges. In such cases, we’ll refund your full amount, including the booking fee. 
• Note: Booking fee is non-refundable unless replaced.