Day 1 I Baku - Quba - Khineliq

Upon arrival, leave Baku and travel north towards the city of Quba. En route, pass through the "Oil Rocks" facilities, related to the oil extraction activities along the western coast of the Caspian Sea. Explore the vibrant Quba city, visiting the active Bazaar, the characteristic Asian market, and hear the unique story of the significant Jewish community of "Mountain Jews" who lived harmoniously alongside the local population. Afternoon free time for lunch. Continue the journey to the beautiful village of Khineliq, one of the highest villages in Europe, set on the slopes of Mount Shahdag. Learn about the traditional life and customs of the local inhabitants, known as "Ketish," considered descendants of the Talmudic-era Jews. Hear their stories and leave time for a stroll through the village streets. Overnight stay and dinner in Khinalug.

Day 2 | Khineliq - Guba - Baku

Depart Khineliq in the morning. Meet local off-road vehicles and ascend to one of the highest villages in Europe, the picturesque village of Khineliq . Journey through breathtaking mountains and narrow valleys. Explore the Ketish village, experiencing the stunning views of the high Caucasus mountains. Learn about the unique life and traditions of the local residents, known as the descendants of the Talmudic-era Jews. Hear their stories and take some time to wander through the village streets. Continue the journey to the city of Guba, where you will visit the active local Bazaar, the typical Asian market, and hear the story of the significant and important Jewish community of "Mountain Jews" who lived harmoniously with the local population. Afternoon free time for lunch. In the afternoon, head to the "Bottle House," a unique attraction, and learn its special story. Explore other sites in the city and then return to Baku for one night.

Day 3 | Baku - Diri Baba - Shamakhi - Lahij - Gabala

After breakfast, head to the picturesque village of Deri Baba. Visit the mausoleum dedicated to the local holy figure, Sufi mystic Baba Hashim. Continue to the ancient city of Shamakhi, known for its historical significance and the former residence of the Shirvanshahs. Explore the Javad Khan Street, the city's main thoroughfare with various historical and architectural monuments. Head to the Lahij village, famous for its copperware and handicrafts. Visit local workshops, witness the traditional copperware craftsmanship, and take some time to stroll through the charming village. Proceed to the city of Gabala, known for its stunning landscapes and fresh mountain air. Check-in at a hotel in Gabala for an overnight stay and dinner.

Day 4 | Gabala - Sheki

Explore the scenic landscapes around Gabala, with a visit to Lake Goygol, a famous lake featured in Azerbaijani poetry and art. Take a leisurely stroll around the beautiful lake and enjoy hot tea sweetened with natural local honey. Depart for Sheki, renowned for its cultural heritage and historical significance. Visit the Sheki Khan's Summer Palace, a fascinating 18th-century building with a captivating blend of Persian-style paintings and delicate stained glass windows made from Shebeke, a unique form of craftsmanship. Explore the local handicrafts, including the Sheki knives and enjoy an authentic lunch. Continue to the Caravanserai, a historical monument from the 18th century that once served as an important Silk Road station. Check-in at a hotel in Sheki for an overnight stay and dinner.

Day 5 | Sheki - Kish - Ganja

In the morning, explore one of the ancient and famous cities in the Caucasus, Sheki, located 700 meters above sea level. Visit the Summer Palace of the Khan, an 18th-century structure with a fascinating blend of frescoes and windows made of delicate Shebeke craftsmanship. Learn about the intricate handwork still taught at the local arts center, which you will also visit. As befits a city on the Silk Road, take a journey on the splendid Caravanserai Sari, which hosted wealthy merchants on their way along the Silk Road, and taste the exquisite local Klayva, renowned throughout the country. Be impressed by the artistry of handmade crafts throughout the city. From Sheki, continue to the town of Kish, where you will switch to local taxis from the combined bus. Visit the Albanian Christian church in Kish, where you can explore the unique history of the region. Move on to Ganja, where you will visit the historical center, City Hall, and the Heydar Aliyev Square.

Stay overnight and enjoy dinner in Ganja.

Day 6 | Yanar Dagh - Ateshgah - Heydar Aliyev Center - Carpet Museum

This morning, we will explore the region of Azerbaijan known for its "eternal flame," where the locals, who consider themselves keepers of the sacred fire, named it Yanar Dagh. Our journey begins in the Absheron Peninsula, starting with a visit to the Zoroastrian temple, Ateshgah, located on a pocket of natural gas that supplied a "eternal" flame. This flame was revered by followers of the ancient Zoroastrian faith. We will then proceed to the continuing mountain, where, even today, flames emerge from the depths of the earth: Yanar Dagh. The mountain releases flames from a depth of about 3 meters below the thin layer of sandy and porous stone. After touring the area, we will return to the city center of Baku for a tour that will conclude our exploration of the country. We will visit the architectural wonder of the Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by the British/Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid. Here at the center, we will learn about art, architecture, and the fascinating figure considered the father of the modern Azerbaijani nation: Heydar Aliyev. From here, we may continue (if not too fatigued) to the Carpet Museum, an interesting place where we will explore one of the prominent features of Central Asian culture, followed by a visit to the city's shopping center. Accommodation and dinner in Baku.

Day 7 | Baku and its Sites

This morning, we will continue to discover the city that has earned two nicknames that may somewhat describe the captivating city of Baku: the "Paris of Asia" or the "Dubai of Europe." Our tour will begin with a breathtaking viewpoint of the city located on a hill near the Flame Towers, the Highland Park of Baku, where the Azerbaijani people pay tribute to their heroes, and a perpetually burning fire in their honor. From here, we will proceed to a tour of the old city of Baku, exploring the Maiden Tower, local caravanserais, and the impressive Caravanserai, built along the Silk Road to accommodate traders from around the ancient world, all next to local mosques and hammams. We will also visit the fascinating Miniature Museum of Baku, the Shirvanshah's Palace, another UNESCO preservation site in the city, and hear its story.

We'll have free time on Nizami Street, the city's main shopping street, and continue to the Green Bazaar, a closed oriental market where we will get to know some of the spices and local foods of the Azerbaijani locals. After the tours, we will return to the hotel and head out together for a rich dinner with the flavors and dances of the local Azerbaijani culture.

Day 8 | Baku 

This morning, according to flight hours, we will head to the airport for our return flight.