7 Days in Azerbaijan: The Ultimate Travel Itinerary

One week is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights of Azerbaijan—from the futuristic skyline of Baku to the ancient Silk Road city of Sheki and the lush mountains of Gabala.

Here is a perfectly paced 7-day itinerary that balances sightseeing, culture, and relaxation.

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Itinerary Overview

• Days 1-3: Baku & Absheron Peninsula (The Modern & Ancient Capital)
• Day 4: Baku → Sheki (The Silk Road Journey)
• Day 5: Sheki (Palaces & Caravanserais)
• Day 6: Sheki → Gabala → Baku (Mountains & Nature)
• Day 7: Baku (Last Minute Shopping & Departure)

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Day 1: Arrival & The Old City (Icherisheher)

Morning:

• Arrive at Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD).
• Take the Aero Express Bus (1.50 AZN) or Bolt (~12 AZN) to the city center.
• Check into your hotel (Recommended area: Fountain Square or Old City).

Afternoon:

• Enter the Old City (Icherisheher) through the Double Gates.
• Visit the Maiden Tower (Qız Qalası). Climb to the top for a view of the city.
  • Cost: 15 AZN
• Explore the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a masterpiece of medieval architecture.
  • Cost: 15 AZN
• Wander the narrow cobblestone streets, visit antique shops, and see the Miniature Book Museum (Free).

Evening:

• Dinner at a traditional restaurant in the Old City (Try Qaynana or Sehirli Tendir).
• Walk along the Baku Boulevard by the Caspian Sea.
• See the Flame Towers light show (starts around 8:00 PM).

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Day 2: Modern Baku & Cultural Icons

Morning:

• Visit the Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by Zaha Hadid. It's the symbol of modern Baku.
  • Cost: 15 AZN (Classic Car exhibition is extra ~10 AZN)
  • Photo Tip: The "I Love Baku" sign is in the park in front.

Afternoon:

• Take a taxi/Bolt to Highland Park (Dağüstü Park) for the best panoramic view of the city and Baku Bay.
• You can take the Funicular up or down (1 AZN).
• Walk down the stairs to the Carpet Museum on the Boulevard. The building looks like a rolled-up carpet!
  • Cost: 10 AZN

Evening:

• Stroll through Nizami Street (Torgovaya), the main pedestrian shopping street.
• Dinner at Fountain Square.
• Optional: Visit a jazz club (Baku has a famous jazz culture).

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Day 3: Day Trip to Gobustan & Mud Volcanoes

Morning:

• Take a tour or hire a driver to Gobustan National Park (60 km from Baku).
• See the ancient petroglyphs (rock carvings) dating back 40,000 years.
  • Cost: 10 AZN
• Visit the interactive museum on-site.

Afternoon:

• Drive to the nearby Mud Volcanoes. Azerbaijan has half of the world's mud volcanoes!
• Fun Fact: The mud is cold and believed to be good for the skin.
• On the way back, stop at Bibi-Heybat Mosque, a stunning recreation of a 13th-century mosque.

Evening:

• Return to Baku.
• Relax at a traditional Tea House (Çayxana) with jam and pakhlava.

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Day 4: The Silk Road to Sheki

Travel Time: ~4.5 - 5 hours

Morning:

• Depart Baku for Sheki (North-West Azerbaijan).
• Transport: Bus from Baku International Bus Terminal (~10 AZN) or private transfer/tour.
• Stop along the way: Diri Baba Mausoleum in Maraza and Juma Mosque in Shamakhi.

Afternoon:

• Arrive in Sheki, one of the oldest cities in the Caucasus.
• Check into a Caravanserai Hotel (Yes, you can sleep in an 18th-century Silk Road inn!).
• Visit the Sheki Khan's Palace. The stained glass (Shebeke) was made without glue or nails.
  • Cost: 9-10 AZN

Evening:

• Try the famous local dish: Sheki Piti (a rich lamb and chickpea stew cooked in clay pots).
• Dessert: Sheki Halva (a must-try sweet).

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Day 5: Exploring Sheki & Kish

Morning:

• Visit the Shebeke Workshop to see how the stained glass windows are made.
• Explore the Sheki Bazaar for spices and local crafts.

Afternoon:

• Take a short taxi ride (15 min) to the village of Kish.
• Visit the Albanian Church of Kish, one of the oldest churches in the Caucasus (1st-12th century).
  • Cost: 4-5 AZN

Evening:

• Free time to wander the quiet, green streets of Sheki.
• Dinner at a local restaurant with mountain views.

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Day 6: Gabala & Return to Baku

Travel Time: Sheki → Gabala (~1.5 hours), Gabala → Baku (~3.5 hours)

Morning:

• Drive to Gabala, known as the "Switzerland of Azerbaijan."
• Visit Nohur Lake. You can rent a boat or just enjoy the reflection of the mountains.

Afternoon:

• Go to Tufandag Mountain Resort.
• Take the cable car up the mountain for incredible views.
  • Cost: ~25 AZN
• Visit Yeddi Gozel (Seven Beauties) Waterfall. (Note: It involves some stairs!).

Late Afternoon:

• Depart for Baku.
• Arrive in Baku by evening.

Evening:

• Farewell dinner in Baku. Try a high-end restaurant like Chayki or Shirvanshah Museum Restaurant.

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Day 7: Departure

Morning:

• Last-minute souvenir shopping at Yasil Bazaar (Green Market). Buy saffron, tea, and caviar.
• Or visit 28 Mall or Port Baku Mall for international brands.

Afternoon:

• Head to the airport (allow 3 hours before flight).
• Tip: Use Bolt for a stress-free ride to the airport (~12-15 AZN).

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Estimated Budget (Per Person)

Budget Traveler: ~$350 - $400 USD

• Hostels, public transport, street food.

Mid-Range Traveler: ~$600 - $800 USD

• 3-4 star hotels, private transfers/tours, restaurant meals.

Luxury Traveler: ~$1200+ USD

• 5-star hotels, private driver, fine dining.

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Practical Tips for This Route

1. Transport: For the Sheki/Gabala leg, hiring a private driver or joining a 2-day tour is the most convenient option. Public buses are cheap but slower.
2. Cash: Carry cash (AZN) for Sheki and Gabala. Credit cards are accepted in hotels but not always in small restaurants or shops.
3. Dress Code: Comfortable walking shoes are a must for Gobustan and Sheki's cobblestones.
4. Weather: Sheki and Gabala are cooler than Baku. Bring a light jacket even in summer.

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Have a wonderful trip! This route covers the best diversity Azerbaijan has to offer. 🇦🇿