Azerbaijan
Nestled at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Azerbaijan is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends ancient history with modern allure. Baku, the capital city, showcases a striking skyline adorned with futuristic architecture, including the iconic Flame Towers that illuminate the Caspian Sea. The UNESCO-listed Old City, or Icherisheher, is a journey through time with its narrow cobblestone streets, historic mosques, and the imposing Baku Fortress. The Heydar Aliyev Center, a masterpiece designed by Zaha Hadid, exemplifies contemporary architectural brilliance.
Azerbaijan’s diverse landscapes offer a wealth of natural wonders. The mud volcanoes of Gobustan, an ancient rock art site, provide a glimpse into prehistoric times. The Caucasus Mountains cradle charming villages like Lahij, known for its coppersmiths, and Sheki, home to the stunning Sheki Khan’s Palace. Naftalan, a unique spa town, beckons with therapeutic crude oil baths that have been part of local tradition for centuries. The Caspian Sea coastline invites relaxation, where resorts like Bilgah Beach offer a perfect blend of luxury and tranquillity.
The rich cultural tapestry of Azerbaijan is woven with festivals, music, and dance. The Novruz Bayram celebration marks the arrival of spring with lively street festivities and traditional performances. The Mugham Festival, dedicated to Azerbaijani classical music, resonates with soul-stirring melodies. Whether exploring ancient petroglyphs, savouring aromatic Azerbaijani cuisine, or revelling in the vibrant arts scene, Azerbaijan promises a unique and unforgettable journey for every traveller.
Essential Information
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Shoulder seasons of Spring and Autumn are the best for travelling around and avoiding the heat of the summer.
FLIGHT TIME
Around 6 hours on a direct flight, up to 9 hours if travelling indirect.
TIME ZONE
GMT/BST +3
CURRENCY
Manat
IDEAL FOR
A great mix of ancient and modern, and to visit the fabulous Baku – known as the Paris of the East.
HOW TO GET THERE
There are direct flights to Baku from the UK, but its more common to fly via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines.
LANGUAGE
Azerbaijani
IDEAL TO COMBINE WITH
It would be nice to include a stop in Istanbul en route to Azerbaijan.
Our Favourite Places in Azerbaijan
Suggested Itineraries
Azerbaijan & Nakhchivan Group Tour
14 day holiday
Baku, Qabala, Nakhchivan, Gobustan, Sheki, Lahij
This 11-day group tour offers an in-depth exploration of Azerbaijan, going beyond Baku’s modern façade to showcase the country’s lesser-visited regions. After discovering Baku’s Old Town, museums, fire temples and oil fields, the itinerary takes you inland to Ganja and Sheki, where historic architecture and authentic Azeri culture come to life. Stops in Qabala and Lahij provide insight into rural craftsmanship and traditional lifestyles, with scenic drives through the countryside punctuated by local experiences and meals. The trip includes a mix of city tours, archaeological sites, and cultural landmarks, offering a balanced and enriching itinerary.
A standout feature is a three-night stay in the remote Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, accessed by a domestic flight. Here, the tour visits historical sites such as Noah’s Tomb, the dramatic Alinja Fortress and the salt mines of Duzdagh, alongside museums and sacred landmarks. There’s time to enjoy the peaceful plateau of Batabat and the holy cave of Ashabi-Kahf before flying back to Baku. The final days include a trip to Gobustan’s ancient petroglyphs and mud volcanoes, plus a farewell lunch and final sightseeing stops before the return flight to the UK. This tour offers a rich cultural and geographical cross-section of Azerbaijan, including places many travellers never reach.
Land of Fire
8 day holiday
Baku, Ateshgah, Yanardag, Gabala, Mingachevir, Gobustan
This 8-day journey through Azerbaijan begins with time to relax in Baku, a capital city rich in contrasts—where modern skyscrapers rise alongside Soviet-era blocks and ornate 19th-century buildings. Highlights include the UNESCO-listed Icheri Sheher (Old Town), the medieval Shirvanshahs’ Palace, and excursions to the Absheron Peninsula to witness natural gas fires at Yanardag and visit the ancient fire-worshippers’ temple at Ateshgah. Travelling westwards, the route passes through Lahij, known for its traditional craftsmanship, and continues to Gabala, followed by a visit to Sheki—one of Azerbaijan’s most picturesque towns. Here, travellers explore the stunning 18th-century Khan’s Palace and the nearby village of Kish with its ancient church.
The tour then heads to Mingachevir for a boat trip on the Kur River before continuing to Ganja, Azerbaijan’s second city, home to the vibrant local bazaar, a 17th-century mosque, and the quirky ‘Bottle House’. A full-day excursion to Gobustan reveals extraordinary rock carvings and bubbling mud volcanoes, set in an otherworldly landscape. The final day in Baku includes visits to the History Museum and the striking Heydar Aliyev Centre designed by Zaha Hadid, with time for independent exploration. Throughout, travellers stay in boutique hotels and enjoy a varied itinerary combining cultural heritage, natural wonders, and immersive local experiences.
CALL US
We would be delighted to talk about your holiday arrangements over the phone. You can contact us between 8am and 10pm every day (outside of office hours may not be immediate).
01442 879787
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If you wish to send us your requirements by email using the link below, we’ll get back to you. Outside of office hours, we’ll reply to you as soon as we can.
VISIT US
Our office is open 9:30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday (excluding Bank Holidays). If you wish to make an appointment, please either call or send a message, although it’s not compulsory.
