Ancient Caucasian Albania
Day 1 – Arrival to Baku
On arrival at Baku’s international airport you’ll be met by our representative for your transfer to the hotel. After check in there’ll be free time. Overnight in Baku.
Day 2 – Baku - Shamakhi – Gabala (B)
Azerbaijan has a long history, as demonstrated by places such as Shamakhi. It was once the capital of the Shirvan Empire and the base of the Shirvan Dynasty. These days Shamakhi is famous for its winemaking. Visiting this city you’ll have an opportunity to acquaint yourself with the Yeddi Gumbez mausoleum, whose imposing domes rise mysteriously above an almost silent valley. From here there are stunning views back to Shamakhi. Not far away, you’ll encounter the tombs of Diri Baba.
Equally atmospheric, the structures are built into the rock giving the appearance of an eagle’s nest. As we approach, only the front is visible; the other sides are disguised by the cliffs from which they were hewn, giving the impression that the tomb is suspended off the ground. The monument has two storeys: while the lower floor was probably for servants, the upper, reached by stairs, would have been the salon. Whether it is a sacred site or a place of burial is up for interpretation. Then drive to Gabala for overnight. Overnight in Gabala
Day 3 – Gabala (B)
Breakfast in the hotel. Start explore Gabala. The country’s most beautiful district is known as a tourism paradise. If it hadn’t been for the Gabala radar station, which affects the local beauty and nature, the place would be ideal from both environmental and health standpoints…The distance to Baku is 225 km. Gabala is located in the Haftaran-Alazan valley and surrounded by the Greater Caucasus. It sits on the right bank of the Damiraparan river 900 meters above sea level. Touching Lahij mountains on one side, Gabala is situated in the country’s north-west at the foot of the Shahdagh mountain.
In Gabala at the area of 16 hectares is located the largest amusement park under the open sky in Azerbaijan – Gabaland. Visitors are provided with family, kids and extreme kinds of attractions, ice arena, carting, sports fields, XD theatre, convenient parking, great food in restaurants and cafes. Overnight in Gabala.
Day 4 – Gabala Archeology Museum (B)
Breakfast in the hotel. Start explore ancient Gabala. The historical past of Qabala region was so rich as its nature and it has composed one of the brightest pages of Azerbaijan history. Menioning the name of this region, we at first remember the ancient Qabala city, which was a capital of ancient Caucasus Albania for 900 years (since the IV century of B.C. until the V century A.D.) and its extant great fortified walls. As a main politial, economic and trade center ancient Qabala city situated at 20 km distance to south-west from region center in northern-eastern part of current «Chukur Qabala» settlement on place of two rivers «Djorlu» and «Kara» separation, with its grandiosity is compared with such ancient and famous cities of the world as Babil, Troy, Pombay, Carthage.
As a result of many-years archaeological researches conducted here by such well-knowm Azerbaijan archaeologists as S. Qaziyev, Q. Ahmedov, I. Aliyev, F.Qadirov and others, there have been discovered referring to ancient epoch big buildings, remnants of fortified walls, material-cultural monuments related with production and workmanship. Overnight in Gabala.
Day 5 – Sheki Tour (B)
Breakfast in the hotel. Drive to Sheki city which is located in 75 km from Gabala (30 minutes’ drive)
An excursion to the oldest city in Azerbaijan is a real treat. In ancient times people sold silk here, making Sheki famous among merchants travelling the Great Silk Road. Present day Sheki is packed with sights including a good history museum. The jewel in Sheki’s crown, however, is Khan's Summer Palace with its wonderful façades built from brick, river stones and oak, decorated with floral motives. Inside, the palace impresses even more. Within its six rooms, there are beautiful frescoes painted by talented craftsman; some of them feature flowers, while others depict hunting or battle scenes.
In addition, two beautiful mirrored balconies, ornate decoration using rare colored Venetian glass and exquisite paintings featuring colorful depictions of birds and animals ensure this place does not disappoint the tourist. The first floor of this palace offers clues to Khan’s wealth and power as the murals on the walls of animals and hunting are usually thought of as symbols of nobility. In ancient times the palace was surrounded by beautiful gardens, though nowadays only two large trees survive
Continuing towards Sheki, we stop at Kish. Near the church you’ll find an ancient cemetery where, visible through a glass cupola, you’ll see numerous human remains. These bodies are impressively tall, appearing to be 2.5 meters or more. The Albanians who once resided here were giants with white skin and golden hair, very unlike the inhabitants of the modern Caucasian nations. Back to Gabala for overnight. Overnight in Gabala.
Day 6 – Gabala - Baku (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive back to Baku.
Excursion in Baku city
Highland Park/Alley of Martyrs: formerly The Kirov Park, is a cemetery and memorial in Baku, Azerbaijan dedicated to those killed by the Soviet Army during Black January and later to those killed in Nagorno-Karabakh War. It is located on a hill in the south of the city and offers views of the Caspian Sea
Flame Towers - is a trio of skyscrapers in Baku, Azerbaijan, including the tallest in the country. Towers symbolize the long history of fire worshippers that considered Azerbaijan as a birthplace for prophet Zoroaster. The buildings consist of 130 residential apartments over 33 floors, a hotel tower that consists of 250 rooms and 61 serviced apartments, and office blocks that provides a net 33,114 square meters of office space.
Crystal Hall is an indoor arena in Baku, Azerbaijan. Located on the coast of Baku near National Flag Square, construction of the arena began in August 2011 and finished in April 2012—in time for it to host its first major event, the 2012 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest.
At evening time our quests wait Baku night tour.
Baku most beautiful at evening time because of special lights.
Overnight in Baku.
Day 7 – Baku Old City Tour (B)
Today, we begin our discovery of the city of Baku, enjoying a sightseeing tour of Baku’s most absorbing sights. We’ll visit to the city’s main monumental, historical and architectural attractions before climbing to the city’s highest point at Upland Park for an impressive panorama of the Azeri capital and its bay. From there we’ll descend to the old city, known locally as Icheri sheher. This was all there was of Baku until the mid-19th century when, as a result of the oil boom, a growth spurt caused the city to spill beyond its defensive walls.
This tiny area measures just 22 square hectares and yet it contains so many significant sights, including the Shirvanshakhs Palace, the Maiden Tower and the Karavansaray, once the place of merchants’ rest. Today, just 1300 families call Icheri sheher, this city within a city, home. It’s a delightful place to take an evening stroll through the maze of streets to the gathering place of Fountains Square. There are also plenty of opportunities for shopping, should you wish. Overnight in Baku.
Day 8 – Baku (B)
After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight home.
